The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts “An Evening of Rhythm,” featuring music by Senegalese musician Aiyb Dieng and his Rhythm Band on Feb. 14. Accompanying Dieng’s Senegalese tunes, guests will be treated to a fabulous menu created by chef Rita Bhaduri-Sterk, owner of Saute Catering. I’ve attended two similar events at the Center, and they are well worth it for the music and the cuisine.

 

The interior of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers.
 

Guests will be greeted at 6 p.m. with a sparkling Kir Royale and will sample Senegal peanut bisque with curried crème fraiche and Moroccan baby lamb chops with minted pomegranate glaze, among other creations. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. with grilled prawn and avocado salad, followed by yassa chicken aux ratatouille farci with shallot lemon sauce, fluffy couscous and baby vegetables. The chef’s dessert finale is roasted banana caramel crème brulee with a peanut praline
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Meanwhile, Aiyb Dieng and friends present an intimate evening of world music. Dieng has played with Herbie Hancock, Masabumi Kikuchi, Mick Jagger, Yoko Ono, Bob Marley, Pharoah Sanders, Ginger Baker, Bootsy Collins, and Don Cherry; he’s played at Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall in New York. Plus, the Rhythm Band blends Indian and Middle Eastern influences to create the group’s cross-cultural jazz fusion.
 

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers.
 

A silent auction opens at 6 p.m. and concludes after dessert and coffee. The Center is located in Fort Myers’ River District at  2301 First St. Tickets are $175 per person. Call (239) 333-1933 for reservations. 

 

Texas Tony's BBQ Shack, a large family-style restaurant, opened on the East Trail at the former location of  Fitzgerald's and Shoney's. Tony’s excels at authentic Texas barbecue, which is known for its beef tenderloin and beef brisket rather than pork—Texas is beef country, after all. Perfecting Texas barbecue requires applying a rub, plus both long and slow smoking, and Texas Tony’s gets it right. The beef brisket and tenderloin hold their own against many spots in Texas.

 

The inside of Texas Tony's in Naples

I spent several years in Texas, driving around the state sampling many barbecue joints, and Texas Tony’s makes me homesick for the Lone Star State. They also make delicious pulled pork. Try a Shiner Bock beer, sausage links, and $1.99 sides that include macaroni and cheese, collard greens, pinto beans, cornbread, Texas toast and coleslaw. 4519 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, (239) 732-TEXAS (8392).

 

 

The NewsStand C.A.F.E opened across from NCH/North Collier Hospital, offering an eclectic variety of tasty comfort foods. Chef Julius Minarik hails from Slovakia, and his menu features classics like Wiener schnitzel, roast duck and grilled pork medallions. Other offerings include lasagna Toscana, beef bourguignon, escargot, Greek hummus-and-feta-cheese platter, and Maryland blue crab cakes. Prices are easy on the wallet, too, ranging from $8.50 for Thai chicken strips to $17.50 for southern Spanish paella.
 

 

The interior of the NewsStand C.A.F.E. in Naples

It’s a popular spot for lunch and dinner, drawing from the nearby hospital staff and Colliers Reserve residents. It also offers catering, takeout and local delivery. Start with the rich rustic Minnesota wild rice soup with caramelized onion, pieces of hickory smoked ham and celery. I recommend the baked half duck ($20), with traditional red cabbage and large dumplings, cooked perfectly with crisp skin and tender meat, or the pan-seared sole with thyme rice ($10.50). Leave room for dessert, because each offering is $4.50 each and they are generous portions. My favorites are the fresh berry cobbler with a big scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream, and the caramelized cappuccino crème brulée. 11121 Health Park Blvd., Naples, 598-4551

 

 

Wharf Tavern Restaurant & Clam Bar opened last month at the Naples Boat Club, offering a selection of New England seafood and Italian dishes. Surprising combination? Not for owners Deidre and Henry Diodati, who hail from Massachusetts and have owned the L’Osteria at Naples Village Walk for many years.

 

The Wharf Tavern at the Naples Boat Club

This secluded spot is at the former site of Cafe La Mer & Bistro, Turner’s Lobster House and Sea Grille and Raw Bar. Menu highlights include the daily-made quahog chowder ($5), clams casino ($9), mussels Dijonaise ($9), and a large bowl of bouillabaisse ($28). There’s a variety of lobster dinners, from traditional shore dinner to lazy man’s lobster, all at market price. There’s also salmon Florentine ($23), chicken marsala ($23), and shrimp  scampi ($24), if you want a taste of Italy. 909 10th Street S., Naples, (239) 331-4053. www.wharftavernnaples.com.