SWFL Eats
RESTAURANT REVIEWS AND DINING NEWS
Thu Aug 10 2023
When first moving to Naples from New York City in the summer of 2015, I couldn’t believe how hot and humid August got.
A then-new acquaintance warned me that September’s weather is no picnic either, which got me thinking about this week’s newsletter.
Et voila: Three ideas to elevate le picnic and make it a party.
Paradise Beach Excursions brings special occasions to Marco Island’s beaches, often by boat. How it works? Tell proprietor (and my across-the-canal neighbor) Kathy Romano (yes, she is related to Ray, a cousin on her husband’s side) the restaurant you want plus when and exactly where you want it set up. She navigates the logistics and details from décor to cleanup. While Kathy alleviates the stress of planning, the onus of beach parking is all up to you. Call 239-398-8345 or visit paradisesocialexcursions.com for details.
Prefer a land-based experience? The Continental had me at the first course with salmon rillettes, pate and other nibbles served in a picnic basket. Three more courses follow, all elegant interpretations of traditional picnic fare served family-style and paired with various vintages of Veuve Clicquot, one of few vegan-organic Champagnes out there. Your seating? A tres chic sun-blocking tented cabana. $200 per person. (1205 Third St. S., Naples; 239-659-0007; damicoscontinental.com)
DIYing it? Head to Old World Market for Mediterranean and other European cheese, charcuterie and the brightest green olives plus racks of old-world wines with selections from various regions, including Macedonia, Greece and Sicily. The charming co-owner and wine expert Moe Dimitrov is from Bulgaria; use his guidance for great pairing ideas. Another tip: Don’t even try to resist just-baked baklava for dessert. (2800 Davis Blvd., Naples; 239-692-3020)
Meet Moe Dimitrov at Old World Market in Naples.
Diana Biederman/Naples Daily News
La Playa Club's duck-topped waffle is fantastic.
Diana Biederman/Naples Daily News
As a member’s guest for brunch at La Playa Club, Chef Jeff Latham’s kitchen’s riff on chicken and waffles swapped fried chicken for a perfectly prepared duck wing and leg topping pecan waffles and warm syrup. I am spoiled for life. The club’s restaurant is on the second floor overlooking the beach; peer over the balcony for a glimpse of sister restaurant Baleen which recently re-opened to the public following damage from Hurricane Ian and has its own terrific kitchen team. Baleen is participating in Sizzle Dining (more on that to come in a few weeks); it tops the always-budget-conscious JLB’s list of places to go on her own dime, even with the mandatory valet charge. (9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples; 239-598-5707; laplayaresort.com)