Sazerac, steak & s'mores dinner, 2 new light bite spots in Naples, & more restaurant news
What happens when this reporter discovers that the master pastry chef responsible for deliciousness at her favorite Miami cafe has opened his own spot in Naples?
That's our headline story this week because my curiosity is piqued, and it’s topping my must-visit list.
Pasticceria prego
Replacing Regina’s Ice Cream Pavillion, pastry chef Marco Berardi’s Bontà Bakery opened its doors on Feb. 21. He grew up in Rome and, earlier in his career, worked at Miami’s fantastic Rosetta Bakery as executive pastry chef at its numerous locations. He held the same title at that city’s Cibo.
True story: During my last South Beach visit in late 2019, I visited Rosetta’s Collins Avenue outposts for three days straight, indulging in to-die-for savory sandwiches and sweet treats. It was that good; worth waiting in line and then for a seat.
You may have to queue up, too; the space is smallish, with six high-tops inside and 12 seats outside. Grab and go ― or better yet ― park yourself on a nearby bench aligning the avenue just in case you want to bring more goodies home.
Hours: daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
(824 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 239-234-6631; bontabakery.com)
Spa fare
Feeling peckish after some pampering at Woodhouse Spa? Consider a light bite at its new neighbor, Beyond Juicery + Eatery, which officially debuted Feb. 24, marking a Florida first for this Michigan-based chain.
On the health-focused menu are salads, wraps, smoothies and pressed juices. The franchise owner is Steve LaFontaine, a former hedgie from New York City who moved to Naples seven years ago and grew up in Michigan.
“They're happy to have an alternative healthy food source in the area rather than having to go to the same places over and over again,” he told us. He’s also proud of the team he’s got in place. LaFontaine’s personal favorite is a Southwest Chicken Caesar salad wrap.
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Catering available.
(2055 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-374-2634; beyondjuiceryeatery.com)
Artful dining
Collaboration queen Siobhan Cleveland hosts artist James Nowak at The Real Macaw. The temporary pop-up gallery with paintings for purchase debuts on March 1 as part of the Bayshore Arts District's "First Fridays" art walk and runs through March 17.
(3275 Bayshore Drive, Naples; 239-732-1188; therealmacaw.com)
Gluten-free for a cause
On March 6, The 239 at Mercato hosts Help A Diabetic Child (HADC), donating 10% of its proceeds to the organization that distributes medical supplies to kids and college-age students with Type 1 Diabetes whose parents struggle paying for treatment.
Owner Steve Sinchek said, “They approached us given we are a 100% GF menu or can be upon request.”
(9108 Strada Place; 239-631-1902; the239naples.com)
Sazerac, steak, s'mores
On March 7 at 6:30 p.m., Shula’s Steakhouse hosts a four-course Sazerac Bourbon pairing dinner priced $180 per person before tax and tip. Ask for Courtney when calling the exclusive reservation hotline.
(5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-659-3176; shulasnaples.com)
Send your scoops and food news for editorial consideration to [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Sazerac, steak & s'mores special dinner plus new light bites in Naples
