The beach crowds have thinned, just in time to enjoy the warm Gulf water and longer days. And what could be better than topping off a magical summer day with a sunset picnic at, say, the Naples Pier or Sanibel Island? Here’s how to pack for the tastiest results.
Antipasto: From bruschettas and olive salads (more than 20 medleys on offer) to balsamic-glazed carrots and stuffed peppadews, there’s a plethora of nibbles at DeRomo’s Gourmet Market (Bonita Springs, 325-3583). Grab freshly baked bread and nifty single-serve wine goblets as well. The tiny, almost-hidden Dolce & Salato (Naples, 300-0444) focuses on imported Italian cold cuts and can prepare a tray with prosciutto, speck, Pecorino, Parmesan, olives and fruit. Throw in a hot baguette or two, and buon appetito.
Sides: At Nature’s Garden (Naples, 643-4959), a healthful emporium, opt for “angel eggs,” the shop’s endearing name for organic deviled eggs—or the roasted-veggie, chickpea or beet salads. The just-opened Earth Origins Market (Fort Myers, 210-3256) has similar appeal, also serving organic produce in standards like potato salad and coleslaw, plus fun stuff incorporating quinoa, kale, wheatberries and more.
Seafood: Even though stone crab season is over, Captain & Krewe (Naples, 263-1976) has hundreds of pounds of flash-frozen claws to tide cravings until fishing resumes. Smoked salmon spread, seafood dips and ceviche starring Gulf favorites are whipped up daily. Merrick Seafood’s (Cape Coral, 542-8080) seasoned shrimp with house-made cocktail sauce, among others, also hit the spot.
Meat: The emphasis on from-scratch food couldn’t be felt more than at Crave Market (Fort Myers, 466-4663). While there’s a little bit of everything, the house-cured meats, turkey wings and “wicked” sandwiches are too good to pass up. Jimmy P’s Butcher Shop & Deli (Naples, 643-6328) is on fire with its brand-new Charred restaurant next door, but an upgraded smoker at the original is adding sizzle to the hot sliced wagyu brisket and pastrami by the pound.
Dessert: Locals have sworn by the sweet endings at European American Bakery Café (Fort Myers, 225-0450)—the cupcakes, cookies and cakes are enough to make the most die-hard low-carbers surrender. Wynn’s Market (Naples, 261-7157) has a similar cult following. Don’t miss the rich, nut-less truffle brownies and Key lime pie. For that quintessential taste of Florida, people also flock to Randy’s Fishmarket (Naples, 593-5555), now with a second location in Bonita Springs
(949-6001), and the new Fish Crazy (Naples, 260-1070).
Beer: If Gov. Scott upholds his promise to the state’s microbreweries, by July 1 taprooms should be selling 64-ounce growlers. Pick up a few from places like Fort Myers Brewing Company (313-6576) and Naples Beach Brewery (304-8795)—or make your own suds.
Wine: Naples Wine Collection (513-0095) bills itself as a concierge retailer, which means racks are lined with unique bottles and the store will often deliver. En route to the beach? Tony’s Off Third (Naples, 262-7999), Sukie’s Wine Shop (Naples, 228-5823) and Among the Flowers (Sanibel Island, 312-4085) are minutes from the sand.
Baskets: The Good Life (Naples, 514-4663), a family-owned cookware store, carries deluxe insulated backpacks—sold alone or filled with plates, flatware and glasses. For classic wicker, if Williams-Sonoma at Waterside Shops (Naples, 514-2213) or Bell Tower Shops (Fort Myers, 415-4222) doesn’t have one in stock, they’ll ship it to you.
