What's New and Hot

Retail

For serious shoppers tired of having to take road trips to Miami or northward to satisfy retail cravings, their wish has been granted. A surge in new shopping centers and stores has brought the goods to them, saving time and travel—and, of course, upping the style quotient of our ever-fabulous Gulfshore residents.

Oscar de la Renta and Bruno Cucinelli boutiques
Location: Marissa Collections, 1167 Third St. S., Naples
What’s the buzz: Marissa’s reigns over the local fashion market with its new Oscar de la Renta and Bruno Cucinelli in-store boutiques, which offer the area’s largest selection of the designers.
Be the first to try: A one-on-one style consultation with designer Michael Kors when he comes to town Friday, Nov. 14.
Names to look for: Tamara Comolli, Rena Lange and Monique Lhuillier.

New stores at Waterside Shops
Location: 5415 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
What’s the buzz: Waterside unleashes a slew of new luxury retailers, including Van Cleef & Arpels, De Beers, Salvatore Ferragamo, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, St. John, Basler and the much-anticipated Nordstrom.
Don’t miss this: Insiders say the Café Bistro at Nordstrom serves up a killer white chocolate bread pudding.
Be the first to try: The 1,100-square-foot Basler boutique is the first ever in the United States, so get the first glimpse when its doors open in December.

Tiffany & Co.
Location: Waterside Shops, 5415 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
What’s the buzz: Just in time for the holidays (or just because), Tiffany’s unveils its new Metro collection of bangles and rings with pavé-set aquamarine, pink sapphire, diamonds or iolite.
Be the first to try: Wowing your party guests with one (or more) of the legendary jeweler’s vibrant yellow quartz, amethyst or citrine cocktail rings.

Saks Fifth Avenue expansion
Location: Waterside Shops, 5415 Tamiami Trail N., Naples
What’s the buzz: There’s now an extra 20,000 square feet of shopping goodness at Saks, thanks to a storewide renovation project that now houses new collections for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and expanded cosmetics, fine jewelry and men’s shoe departments.
Be the first to try: The skincare and cosmetics boutique Chantecaille is offering complimentary facials valued at $400 each to new customers interested in learning more about the holistic, eco-friendly line.

The Village on Venetian Bay facelift
Location: 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples239.261.6100
What’s the buzz: A $5 million renovation project that is updating the 20-year-old shopping center
throughout, with new tile, railings, light fixtures and paint.
Don’t miss this: A building on the north side of the village is disappearing to make way for an open area, interactive fountain and children’s play area that will be perfect for live entertainment.
Be the first to try: The first event planned after the project is complete will be Grand Illuminations on Dec. 3, featuring the lighting of the Christmas tree, a visit from Santa Claus and music.

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio
Location: Collection at Vanderbilt, 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 121, Naples
What’s the buzz: A new, full-service cosmetic studio offering a "try-before-you-buy" philosophy, so you’ll never go home with the wrong products.
Don’t miss this: Stop in to schedule a free makeover or steam facial.
Name to look for: Kori Gowan, a model and actress—and the studio’s owner.

Mercato
Location: U.S. 41 and Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples
Details: The newest live-work-play development in Naples is scheduled to open a variety of retail stores in the coming months, including Coldwater Creek, Sur La Table, Z Gallerie and Books-A-Million.
What’s the buzz: The project combines condos, 350,000 square feet of main street-style shops, 10 restaurants and 100,000 square feet of high-end office space. It recently celebrated the openings of Whole Foods Market and The Capital Grille.
Don’t miss this: Ongoing construction of the Strada residential community.

Dining
Restaurants come and go along the Gulfshore as often as, well, the change of Season. This Season brings the addition of some fabulous one-of-a-kind local restaurants and anticipated national chains, featuring impressive menus and extensive wine lists. We hope you packed your appetite…

The Capital Grille
Location: 9005 Mercato Drive, Naples
What’s the buzz: Fine aged steaks, fresh seafood and nearly 400 wines
Don’t miss this: Kona crusted dry-aged sirloin with caramelized shallot butter
Be the first to try: Your own private wine locker to ensure your favorite vintage is always available.
Names to look for: Well-known Naples residents may be found "hanging around"—portraits include Barron G. Collier and Marjory Stoneman Douglas.

M Waterfront Grille
Location: 4300 Gulf Shore Blvd N., Naples
What’s the buzz: The former Maxwell’s on the Bay was renovated and reopened in October as M Waterfront Grille in the Village on Venetian Bay.
Don’t miss this: An expanded lounge with a tapas-style menu, plus an open dining room featuring innovative continental cuisine.
Names to look for: M’s chef, Brian Roland, was previously at Crü in Fort Myers.

The Edison Restaurant & Bar
Location: 3583 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers
What’s the buzz: Replaced the former Syl’s Chicago Grill in May, taking over the prominent building along McGregor Boulevard overlooking the Fort Myers Country Club golf course.
Don’t miss this: Catch your favorite games in the Chandelier Bar, or enjoy live entertainment.
Be the first to try: "Edison’s Comfort Specialties" including Yankee pot roast, McGregor home-style meatloaf and old-fashioned chicken pot pie.
Names to look for: Thomas Edison—the restaurant is an ode to the inventor, decorated in photos and memorabilia from the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

Icabod’s Wicked Good Food and Drink
Location: 13851 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers
What’s the buzz: Opening early November, it’s taking over the former Dwyer’s Irish pub.
Don’t miss this: Check out the first floor family-friendly restaurant or the second-floor pub with music and sports TVs.
Be the first to try: Burgers, salads, porterhouse steaks and lobster.
Names to look for: We’re not sure who Icabod is, but we’ll keep an eye out …

SeaSalt
Location: 1186 Third St. S., Naples
What’s the buzz: Owned by the creators of Teatro Goldoni on K Street in Washington D.C., a restaurant honored by Esquire as one of the best new restaurants in 2000.
Don’t miss this: SeaSalt will feature innovative seafood and more than 500 wines.
Be the first to try: The market with fresh fish and gourmet products.
Names to look for: Owners Chef Fabrizio Aielli, his wife, Ingrid, and their partner, Lili Montes.

Angelina’s
Location: 24041 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs
Details: Reservations recommended; (239) 390-3187; www.angelinasofbonitasprings.com
What’s the buzz: Wine tower featuring 3,200 bottles, about 500 different wines.
Don’t miss this: Executive Chef Nick Costanzo’s periodic multi-course wine dinners.
Be the first to try: Chef’s tribute to his grandmother—Napoli Fusilli "Della Nonna," hand-rolled pasta with calabrese ragout and pecorino Romano cheese.
Names to look for: The two Angelas— restaurant namesake and co-owner Angela Smith, and Culinary Institute of America-trained sommelier Angela Robertson.

The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
Location: 8990 Fontana Del Sol Way, Naples
What’s the buzz: The Keg opened in August in the former Sanibel Steakhouse location at The Collection at Vanderbilt.
Don’t miss this: A great mix of high dining selections, such as filet mignon, at middle price points.
Be the first to try: Can’t decide between steak and seafood? You don’t have to with the Sirloin Oscar, a grilled sirloin topped with shrimp, scallops, asparagus and Béarnaise sauce.

Bacchus
Location: 13499 S. U.S. 41, #111, Fort Myers
What’s the buzz: The original Bacchus has returned to Bell Tower Shops with an updated theme of "Krafty Kuisine and Swanky Wine."
Don’t miss this: Catch a concert on a projector screen while dining Sunday nights from 6-10 p.m. Featured artists have included Elton John, Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash.
Be the first to try: New Zealand elk chop with caramelized shallots, arugula and tomatoes.
Names to look for: The restaurant’s creator and chef, Shannon Yates.

Art
The Gulfshore is home to some of the country’s most artistic minds, and chances are, if they don’t live here, their work will appear on display in one of the region’s many galleries or art festivals. Sculpture, photography, painting or pottery, you’ll find it on the Gulfshore, no matter your taste.

Art Walk
Location: 11 historic River District art galleries and venues
Details: the first Friday of each month
What’s the buzz: An art show and a party, including live music and refreshments between stops in downtown Fort Myers.
Don’t miss this: the new HOWL gallery, a combination art gallery/boutique/high-end tattoo studio. Plus, a free trolley service with stops near the art venues and free parking nearby makes Art Walk super accessible.

Landscape Before Dying
Location: Bob Rauschenberg Gallery, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers
Details: On display through Dec. 6
What’s the buzz: Artist Mamie Holst puts a creative spin on her experience with chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome by channeling it into grayscale, abstract landscapes.
The background: Holst now lives and works in Fort Myers after a successful career in New York City, where her solo exhibition in 2003 was named one of the top 10 shows in the world by Artforum International Magazine.