What's hot, cool this week: 2 deals, Bollywood brunch, boozy BOGO, collaboration

Late Naples resident Donna Summer scored early in 1979 with the song “Hot Stuff.”

This week's news reminds me of that song because our first hot headliner features a terrific nonprofit partnering with a cool restaurant group in Naples.

Remember Nelly's "Hot in Herre"? While he suggests removing your clothes, we prefer a later song lyric, “I need you to get up on the dance floor.”

Why? An Indian restaurant in East Naples offers something beyond good food late this month.

And despite my Elaine Benes-like moves, it’s super fun.

Elsewhere, there are deals, faux food holidays, and more to distract you from the sweltering weather.

Some like it hot

The Claw Bar and Syren in Naples are collaborating with Taste of Immokalee, a program for Collier County high school students under Taste the Impact, a local nonprofit addressing career development and entrepreneurship.

Crafted with ingredients from Immokalee, both restaurants feature the organization’s hot sauces in dishes and on the table indefinitely. Students have cooked with the restaurants’ chefs, too. Sales go toward paid internships for students in the program.

“The products are amazing, and the flavors are great. We love working with this organization which gives these kids a leg up on their futures,” said Peter Tierney, a co-owner of both restaurants. He also mentioned that many employees drive from Immokalee to work daily.

Visit the students’ success page at tasteofimmokalee.com for inspiration.

(221 Ninth Street S.; 239-231-3912; theclawbar.com and 909 10th St. S., Naples; 239-610-1559; syrenoysterbar.com)

Shake your groove thing

The most fun this middle-aged, not-so-coordinated reporter experienced this year is I Love Curry’s low-impact Bollywood dance class. On July 28, the restaurant hosts another session at 11:30 a.m. followed by a buffet lunch prepared by Chef Digambar Sahu; $49 plus tax scores both. Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes you can move in, not flip-flops. Reserve your spot via Eventbrite under “Bollywood Dance & Dine” or email [email protected] or call 239-687-6640.

Can’t make it? On July 20 from 4 to 8 p.m., I Love Curry hosts a $25 cash-only buffet dinner party. Kids under 5 eat free. Beverages and tax are not included. Vegan dishes are also available.

(2740 Bayshore Drive; 239-331-4200; ilovecurry124.com)

Deals

On Saturday nights through September, pay the retail price of a bottle of wine from Naples Wine Collection and drink it over dinner at the adjacent The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar without paying the corkage fee.

(2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road at Galleria Shoppes; 239-513-0095; thecavenaples.com)

At Shula's through Sept. 5, lunch offers a $28 two-course prix fixe. Entrée options are limited to a steak sandwich or Caesar salad with chicken or shrimp. Key Lime pie is dessert.

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

Interesting new vendor at Bonita tasting series

Grumpy Goat Coffee’s Wandering Goat next freebie tasting event at Riptide Brewing Co. is July 25 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Carla Delgado’s Eat Up Delivered Meals, whose food is prepared with Kosher and organic ingredients, is new to the series. Other vendors include Pansardo Italian Food Specialties, Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies, Flèche Healthy Treats and Olde Naples Chocolate.

(Riptide is at 28120 Hunters Ridge Blvd., Bonita Springs; grumpygoat.com)

Booze & food faux holidays

National Tequila Day is July 24, and Felipe’s is offering BOGOs on “Key Lime Rocks” and frozen margaritas at its two Naples locations.

(2220 Logan Blvd. N.; 239-323-6619 and 4255 Tamiami Trail N.; 239-302-1444; felipestaqueria.com)

National Cheesecake Day is officially July 30. On July 29, The Cheesecake Factory launches its new 1,300-calorie-per-slice “Triple Berry Bliss Cheesecake,” donating 25 cents to Feeding America for every order sold that day.

(2090 Tamiami Trail N., Naples; 239-435-1580; thecheesecakefactory.com)

Is life really like a box of chocolates?

In this case, maybe. Norman Love Confections' shops are previewing holiday chocolates with complimentary tastings through July. Random boxes for purchase hide what the company is calling “tokens of love.” If the box you buy has a token, you’ll also score a 25-piece “Signature Collection” gift box valued at $60 but priced $48 through the end of the month. As Forrest Gump said, "You never know what you're gonna get."

(Multiple locations; normanloveconfections.com)

Gone but not forgotten: Naples Daily News readers share favorite restaurants they miss

Wine pairing series

At Capital Grille until September, “The Generous Pour” series focuses on California, specifically Sonoma, Mendocino and Santa Barbara. Prices start at $45 with the purchase of a dinner entrée and include selections from Copain, Matanzas Creek, Brewer-Clifton and others.

(9005 Mercato Drive; 239-254-0640; thecapitalgrille.com)

Send news, scoops and deals for editorial consideration to [email protected] by Friday at 5 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Restaurants, food & wine: Deals, boozy BOGO, Bollywood brunch, more