Ritz-Carlton's terrific dining deal, July 4th eats, French feasts, wine fest news, more
Channeling Bill Hader’s brilliant Stefon character from SNL, this week’s news has all the bells and whistles from a terrific deal in July that doesn’t require eating at 5 p.m. to fun foodie events celebrating two countries’ independence.
There’s also an announcement about the famous top toque for the Naples Winter Wine Festival’s 25th anniversary and other charitable activities at local restaurants.
A reminder: Prices do not include tax, tip or beverages unless otherwise noted.
Fancy for $35
From July 7 to July 31, The Ritz-Carlton resorts in Naples offer what sounds like summer’s best dinner deal: a "dining passport." For $35, score three courses at four restaurants. At the beach property, there’s Dusk, the sushi spot; Nolita, for Italian; and Sofra, modern Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. At Tiburón, the golf resort, the Latin American-influenced Ria is participating.
Why is this a great deal? There are ample choices, and it runs until closing time. Reservations are recommended and a dedicated website with more info is at linktr.ee/diningpassport. Bring cash for the valet.
(For Dusk, Nolita and Sofra: 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, North Naples; 239-598-3300; Ria is at 2600 Tiburón Drive; 239-593-2000; ritzcarltonnaples.com)
Nolita review: Does Naples really need another Italian restaurant?
Dusk review: Supersized sushi with sides of fries and pizza? JLB on an icon
July 4 food, fireworks, cocktails
Bicyclette Cookshop collaborates with Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge on a July 4 party. It’s a tad complicated, but here it goes: North Naples starts at 2 p.m. with a suckling pig plate, a Riviera Gin cocktail, giveaways and a raffle. Part two means a 15-minute drive to Bonita for hot dogs, a cocktail, a concert in the park, plus a drone and fireworks show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $85, and a portion of proceeds support the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
(Bicyclette Cookshop: 819 Vanderbilt Beach Road; 239-514-3333; bicyclettecookshop.com. Chartreuse Cocktail Lounge: 27313 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs; 239-949-2776; chartreuselounge.com)
Also on July 4, The Hamptons Social at Mercato serves very pretty blue frozés all day.
(9114 Strada Place at Mercato; 239-202 2038; thehamptonsocial.com)
Bastille Day feasts
On July 14, Bleu Provence hosts a Bastille Day celebration with live music from 5 p.m. to close. Le menu du jour features a $40 three-course prix-fixe with rabbit rillette, coq au vin, and crepes Suzette. A la carte is also an option. Reservations are highly recommended.
(1234 Eighth St. S., Naples; 239-261-8239; bleuprovencenaples.com)
Also on July 14, The French Brasserie hosts a five-appellation wine pairing dinner for $165 per person. Courses include an amuse, crab lasagna, lobster, veal tenderloin and frasier gateau (strawberry cake) as the finale. Reservations required.
(365 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 239-315-4019; thefrenchnaples.com)
Top wine spots: 23 Naples, Fort Myers, Marco, Bonita restaurants among best in world
Wine festival's top toque
The Naples Children & Education Foundation (NCEF) named the legendary Angelo Auriana its 'Chef de Cuisine' for the Naples Winter Wine Festival's 25th anniversary. The weekend runs from Jan. 24-26, 2025, mainly at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón. Auriana is known for The Factory Kitchen and Brera Ristorante in Los Angeles, plus Brera Osteria at The Venetian in Las Vegas. In 2024, the Festival raised a record $33 million, benefiting Collier County’s less fortunate kids because not a cent of our taxes do. Tickets per twosome start at $17,000.
At the chains
All Culver’s outposts celebrate the fast-food giant’s 40th anniversary with a July-exclusive “Berry Happy Birthday Concrete Mixer” made of vanilla custard, blueberries, and whipped cream and topped with a birthday cake pop. Other promotions include free sprinkles for frozen custard on July 11 and BOGO shakes and malts on July 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. On July 18, a portion of sales are donated to a local non-profit selected by the franchisee.
(Multiple locations; culvers.com)
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This month, Hooters collects school supplies and backpacks to benefit the Christmas in July Foundation of Collier County. The organization helps students who are homeless or at risk of being homeless with backpacks, school supplies, and clothing. Patrons are encouraged to bring school supplies and backpacks or sponsor a filled backpack for $25. In 2023, Naples Hooters presented a $10,000 donation plus 296 backpacks filled with school supplies to the Foundation.
(3625 Gateway Lane, Naples; 239-677-4180; hootersflorida.com)
This story was updated: the most recent NWWF ran in January 2024. Send scoops, restaurant deals, and foodie events by Friday at 5 p.m. for editorial consideration to [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Best summer deals: Ritz-Carlton's dinner, July 4th eats, foodie events
