Sazerac, steak & s'mores dinner, 2 new light bite spots in Naples, & more restaurant news

What happens when this reporter discovers that the master pastry chef responsible for deliciousness at her favorite Miami cafe has opened his own spot in Naples?

That's our headline story this week because my curiosity is piqued, and it’s topping my must-visit list.

Pasticceria prego

Replacing Regina’s Ice Cream Pavillion, pastry chef Marco Berardi’s Bontà Bakery opened its doors on Feb. 21. He grew up in Rome and, earlier in his career, worked at Miami’s fantastic Rosetta Bakery as executive pastry chef at its numerous locations. He held the same title at that city’s Cibo.

True story: During my last South Beach visit in late 2019, I visited Rosetta’s Collins Avenue outposts for three days straight, indulging in to-die-for savory sandwiches and sweet treats. It was that good; worth waiting in line and then for a seat.

Bontà Bakery's sandwiches on just-baked foccacia.
Bontà Bakery's sandwiches on just-baked foccacia.

You may have to queue up, too; the space is smallish, with six high-tops inside and 12 seats outside. Grab and go ― or better yet ― park yourself on a nearby bench aligning the avenue just in case you want to bring more goodies home.

Hours: daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

(824 Fifth Ave. S., Naples; 239-234-6631; bontabakery.com)

Spa fare

Feeling peckish after some pampering at Woodhouse Spa? Consider a light bite at its new neighbor, Beyond Juicery + Eatery, which officially debuted Feb. 24, marking a Florida first for this Michigan-based chain.

Beyond Beyond Juicery + Eatery opened Feb. 24.
Beyond Beyond Juicery + Eatery opened Feb. 24.

On the health-focused menu are salads, wraps, smoothies and pressed juices. The franchise owner is Steve LaFontaine, a former hedgie from New York City who moved to Naples seven years ago and grew up in Michigan.

“They're happy to have an alternative healthy food source in the area rather than having to go to the same places over and over again,” he told us. He’s also proud of the team he’s got in place. LaFontaine’s personal favorite is a Southwest Chicken Caesar salad wrap.

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Catering available.

(2055 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-374-2634; beyondjuiceryeatery.com)

Artful dining

Collaboration queen Siobhan Cleveland hosts artist James Nowak at The Real Macaw. The temporary pop-up gallery with paintings for purchase debuts on March 1 as part of the Bayshore Arts District's "First Fridays" art walk and runs through March 17.

Artist James Nowak hangs his work at The Real Macaw.
Artist James Nowak hangs his work at The Real Macaw.

(3275 Bayshore Drive, Naples; 239-732-1188; therealmacaw.com)

Gluten-free for a cause

On March 6, The 239 at Mercato hosts Help A Diabetic Child (HADC), donating 10% of its proceeds to the organization that distributes medical supplies to kids and college-age students with Type 1 Diabetes whose parents struggle paying for treatment.

Owner Steve Sinchek said, “They approached us given we are a 100% GF menu or can be upon request.”

The 239's "Green Goddess" deviled eggs with candied bacon.
The 239's "Green Goddess" deviled eggs with candied bacon.

(9108 Strada Place; 239-631-1902; the239naples.com)

Sazerac, steak, s'mores

On March 7 at 6:30 p.m., Shula’s Steakhouse hosts a four-course Sazerac Bourbon pairing dinner priced $180 per person before tax and tip. Ask for Courtney when calling the exclusive reservation hotline.

Shula's at the Hilton is a Naples classic
Shula's at the Hilton is a Naples classic

(5111 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-659-3176; shulasnaples.com)

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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Sazerac, steak & s'mores special dinner plus new light bites in Naples