Bonita Springs/Naples
 

Going down tomorrow afternoon for an anniversary weekend, staying at Hyatt's new resort, Coconut Point in Bonita Springs. <BR><BR>Have taken lots of good information from previous posts on Naples dining and shopping, (thanks Patrick) and am so looking forward to a little power shopping. <BR><BR>Don't know much about dining opportunities in Bonita Springs. My parents used to spend winters in Bonita Beach, but I remember only one funky old beach bar/hamburger joint with so-so food, but knock out view. It's been ages and development has been rampant there, so are there now good restaurants in BS, and is there anything new on the Naples scene? Anything exciting going on over the weekend?

Well, Olive, not sure how recent of posts of mine you've seen, but a few of the newer ones:<BR>Aqua Grill at Waterside Shops in Pelican Bay.<BR>Not so new, but great: Roy's at the Colonnade in Bonita Bay. South Bay there is also very nice.<BR>Very new: Chops in Bonita -- I think at Colonnade (?), I haven't been there, but the new version of Chops on 5th Avenue, one of my favorites.<BR>Not sure of anything special this weekend. Get a Naples Daily News and look at the Friday "Showcase" supplement for entertainment news.<BR>I'd join you for a drink, but I'm heading up to Sarasota for the weekend, leaving tomorrow myself and won't be back till late Monday.<BR>

Thanks for the additional info Patrick, I'd looked at recent archived posts, but did not have Chops in Bonita. Casual as well?<BR><BR>We're leaving around 4--if you spot a dark blue little Z3 heading south as you head north, honk and wave. :&gt; Enjoy your weekend in Sarasota. Upper 70's predicted here this weekend.

Hey, does that mean you're from Sarasota? We're going for four shows at the Asolo over the weekend. Any ideas of anyplace other than Patrick's downtown that serves food after theatre? Sarasota really closes early even on weekends.<BR>Yes, Chops is "casual elegant" but that of course means almost anything goes in Florida. It's only been open a couple of weeks.<BR>And please be sure to post back especially about the new Hyatt, and let me know where you ate.

No...we are in Tampa, Patrick. Think you've been to DH's hotel here, Hyatt Westshore a couple of times, if I remember correctly, and eaten in Armanis? <BR><BR>Sarasota is Sal's stomping grounds--she has good advice on the latest "in" dining spots. Send out an SOS. You know there's a new Ritz now, yes? Don't know if that dining room has the reputation some of their others have--haven't heard much about it yet.<BR><BR>Will let you know about Coconut Point. I believe I can give an unbiased review despite my husband's affiliation...doesn't much matter to me what others' occupancy rate is!! :&gt; I'm anxious to see the new property and am delighted we now have a place to stay down there.

Of course, I knew that, just getting old I guess. Haven't been to Tampa in ages!<BR>Thanks for the suggestion. I've been so busy posting things for other people I forgot to ask about Sarasota. Have just posted a last minute request.

Patrick, as you can see, last minute is normally the way I operate as well. <BR><BR>I just e-mailed Sal alerting her to your request, and hopefully she'll be able to help you out. I know she hasn't been on this board much recently, nor have I. Again, have a great weekend. Sorry to have missed you! We'll be looking for a Sarasota trip report on your return.

Olive, in the possible event you log back on today before you go -- this morning they were setting up a Peter Max exhibit on 5th AVenue at the Gallery on 5th, # 680. Peter Max will also be there Saturday night from 6 to 9 and Sunday from noon to 3. Not sure if you are into that, but a pretty good event for Naples. Other than the Mullet Festival in Goodland (I suggest you pass) not much special going on this weekend, surprisingly. But have fun!

OliveOyl: four of us had an absolutely wonderful meal at Armani's in November--pass the word to your husband. And Patrick: what is a mullet festival?

Glad you asked, Audrey. You know what a mullet is right? A fish that swims in schools along the surface of the water. They taste pretty bad and used to be ground up for fertilizer or something. Sometimes they are smoked and then they are palatable.<BR>The events of the Mullet Festival in the sleepy little fishing village of Goodland include:<BR>a fish cleaning contest.<BR>a fashion show (one can only imagine).<BR>a party at the town chickee (a sort of gazebo with palm thatched roof).<BR>a live music jamboree featuring the Wally Wally Alibi Band.<BR>Miccosukee and Seminole food booths featuring alligator tail and frogs' legs.<BR>and of course, the highlight, the crowning of the Buzzard Lope Queen -- if you have to ask, you don't want to know.<BR>This festival used to take place in one day. But it is just so jam-packed with exciting things to do, that now they stretch it out over three days.