The best way to sail away...

Sweet Liberty
880 12th Avenue South
Naples, Florida 34102

Phone: (239) 793-3525
http://www.sweetliberty.com/

Email: sailing@sweetliberty.com

If you really want to experience the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico, there is no better way then by boat. There are quite a few cruise companies here in Naples and I have tried them all. My favorite by far is the Sweet Liberty Catamaran Sailing cruises. The Sweet Liberty starts on the Gordon River where it is docked and passes through Port Royal, home to some of the most beautiful mansions and estates on the water. Forty minutes later you find yourself on the Gulf of Mexico with its crystal blue waters and abundant wildlife.

The Sweet Liberty is a stunning 53" sailing catamaran. There is a sense of serenity when you are sailing that just can't be captured as easily on a motorized cruise boat. The sound of the surf hitting the hull, the sharp occasional snap of the sails in the wind and the attentive crew makes this the most enjoyable cruise option in Naples. The boat offers plenty of deck space to move around in the south Florida sun and the center of the boat offers a covered area with seating ideal for drinks and a picnic lunch. Although the catamaran has a motor used on the Gordon River (or when there isn't enough wind), sailing the Gulf of Mexico is what makes this cruise so special.

The Sweet Liberty offers sunset cruises, sight seeing cruises, eco-tours, dolphin watch cruises and my favorite, a shelling cruise to Key Waden Island. When I have guests visiting me, I always try to get them on the Sweet Liberty for a shelling trip. Key Waden can only be reached by boat so is very primitive and private; you can't help but feel like a cast away on your own private island. Once on the island, you can choose to shell along the shore, take a swim or just be lazy on the beach with a good book. The boat actually lands right on the beach so getting on and off is easy. Also, the shelling trip includes a bag for collecting all your seaside treasures.

Feel free to bring a cooler on your cruises of choice, and yes, you can bring alcoholic beverages on board. On the sunset cruise I personally like to bring a picnic basket of wine, cheese, fruit and crackers which is the ideal way to toast another beautiful Naples sunset. Sodas, chips and bottled water are available for purchase on the boat, should you forget refreshments.

To make reservations, call (239) 793-3525 with a credit card. They use the credit card information as a deposit but won't charge it prior to the cruise unless you are in violation of their 24 hour cancellation policy. Once you check-in, you can choose to pay by any credit card or cash. Their website is a great way to get a schedule of the different cruises available before making your reservations.

So, if you are looking to get on the water, I highly recommend the Sweet Liberty to sail you away...

Bayshore Coffee Company is more than good coffee

Bayshore Coffee Company
2727 Bayshore Drive

Naples, FL 34112

Phone: (239) 775-5676

http://www.bayshorecoffee.com/

email: bayshorecoffeecompany@gmail.com

The Bayshore Coffee Company is one of the best coffee cafes in Naples because it offers more than just coffee. The place is designed to make you feel at home with comfortable tables, chairs, booths and even the typical "coffee sofa" in the corner. In addition to offering a light menu of salads, soups, sandwiches, baked goods, wines by the glass and bottled beer, Bayshore Coffee Company features a rotating gallery of local art from paintings to photography which is available for purchase. Their stage is used almost daily, except Sundays and some Tuesdays, for live entertainment and events.

One of my favorite features of this cafe is the saying and quotes painted on the walls that reflects it's friendly and relaxed atmosphere. In addition, the cafe invites patrons to leave their own mark by supplying markers in the restrooms for their own favorite quote or saying on the wall.

On Wednesday nights, the Open Mic night starting at 8:00 pm with local and visiting musicians is a "must do" here in Naples. You never know who will take the stage, from a 10 piece percussion group to a single songwriter with guitar trying out his newest material. Each Open Mic night is hosted by a regular performer at the coffee shop so the music never stops. Every age, experience level and type of music is invited to the stage by signing up in the host book; there isn't any house instruments but by asking around, someone is usually willing to lend you what you need. I would suggest you get there on time for a good seat and parking because Wednesday nights can get pretty busy.

If you want a smaller version of the Wednesday night experience, the cafe has started a Monday Night Songwriters Open Mic Night as well. In addition to the Open Mic nights, weekends offer a diverse calendar of musicians from live Jazz, Blues, Reggae or good old Rock-n-Roll (there may be a cover charge on the weekends). The Bayshore Coffee Company's website offers an easy to use calendar of events and you can sign-up for a weekly email blast highlighting the weeks entertainment.

Whether you want to attend a Yoga Clinic, use their complimentary high speed wireless internet, enjoy some live entertainment, view some local art, sing-your-heart-out at Open Mic, or just spend a couple of hours with friends over a cup of coffee, Bayshore Coffee Company can easily become a part of your Naples, Florida lifestyle.

The Search for the Perfect Shell & Cleaning

One of the great things about living in Naples is with all that beach you have to explore, you also have plenty of opportunities for shelling. When I first moved here, I collected all kinds of shells everytime I went to the beach. Over time, I became more selective with the shells I took home.

That's how my Mom and I can up with the shelling phrase "a perfect." A perfect shell is one that is whole, has little to no erosion or defects. Although you can find some really interesting shells along the beach that are far from perfect, the perfect shells are more challenging to locate.

One of my favorite things to find along the beach is shell hash. Shells hash is a mound of shells dumped together by the tide. You can literally shift through hundreds of shells in one place, often finding the elusive perfect.

Cleaning: When you get shells home as a memento of your day at the beach, it's important that you take the time to clean them properly. Otherwise, your shells will create an unattractive stink.

Here's two helpful hints on cleaning shells from the beach:

1. Boiling: Boiling is a great technique to use if you have colorful shells. It cleans the shell while maintaining the color quality. Just place your shells in a pot and cover them with fresh water. You will want to have enough water in the pot to allow for evaporation. Place the pot on the stove and bring to a rolling boil. Keep the water boiling for 15 minutes, then turn off stove. Allow the pot to cool before draining water and removing shells. Please be advised that the water and boiling may have a stink, but once your done it will go away.
2. 50/50 Water & Bleach soak: This technique is great for white shells or shells with little color. Also, this is a popular technique when cleaning Sand Dollar shells. Take a rubber container and fill it with 50% water and 50% bleach. Place shells in liquid and allow to soak. The length of time will depend on the number of shells and the thickness of the shells. For example, in the case of a conch shell, you can leave it soaking overnight; with sand dollars you probably only want them to soak for 3-4 hours. Please be advised that if you soak thinner shells for too long, they may become brittle and fall apart.

After cleaning, you can rub your shells with mineral or baby oil to make them shine.

Please never collect live shells. Live shells will have animals still living in them. When you do this, you remove an element from the ecosystem of the beach which can have a negitive affect. Plus, many living shells are a food source for other wildlife on the beach which is necessary for their survival.

The Real McCaw is the real thing

The Real McCaw

3275 Bayshore Drive
Naples, Fl 34112

Reservations: (239) 732-1188

http://therealmccawnaples.com/

I promised you one of my favorite restauarnts in Naples, so here it is...

I drove by this restaurant for months before I decided to give it a try, but once I did, it became one of my favorites here in Naples. The outside of the building just hints at the wonderful experience you'll have inside.

Ambiance:

As you step inside the Real McCaw you feel like you have entered a Tropical Oasis. Brightly painted in pinks, yellows and blues; this restaurant features tropical plants everywhere. There is a rugged wooden bar which can be enjoyed both inside and outside, a charming mix-and-match seating including wicker peacock chairs, big tropical prints scattered through-out and a genuine friendly atmosphere.

The formal dining area is located in a little cottage in the back with hand painted dinnerware, crisp white linen and windows overlooking the beautiful landscaping. There is a little stage area where live entertainment can be enjoyed every week (even in summer) and a water feature with a bridge connecting you to the dining cottage.

As the name states, the restaurant has a real McCaw bird which makes an appearance in the dining room occasionally on the arm of one of the friendly staff. This is one of the few restaurants in town that really captures the Southwest Florida state-of-mind with tropical fruity drinks, flip flops on every ones feet and great company.

Food:

Sometimes the atmosphere of a place doesn't always live-up to the dining experience, but at the Real McCaw, this tropical atmosphere is definitely reflected in the Caribbean influenced menu. Every dish I've tried has a fresh, savory taste with a twist that is unique to this restaurant.

The Bar/Lunch menu includes standards like Coconut Shrimp, Calypso Calamari and Chicken Wings. However, you should definitely try some of there unique options of Mini Jerk Pork Sandwiches topped with green apple relish, Yucca Relleno with seasoned beef and chili corn sauce, or Paradise Chicken Roti wrap with curry chicken and peach-ginger chutney. The Bar/Lunch menu pricing ranges starts at about $7.00 so is pretty reasonable.

The Dinner Menu served in the cottage offers a great mix of choices. Dinners are served with warm corn fritters and strawberry butter that just melts in your mouth. You'll be tempted to ask for seconds, and I wouldn't blame you, but make sure you leave room for the many epicurean delights their dinner menu provides.

The diverse appetizers menu covers the globe from Trinidadian Crab Cakes, a Thai influenced Lemon Grass Grilled Shrimp with coconut served over a beet salad or a French Style Escargot. A popular appetizer is the Ahi Tuna Tetaki which offers a mix of Asian and Island influences. No matter which appetizer you choose, they are all really enjoyable. Appetizers range in price from $8.00 to $11.50; soups/salads from $6.00 to $9.95.

The entrees menu offers fish, duck, lamb, pork, chicken and beef entree choices. Now, I'm not a big fan of Pork entrees but the fire roasted jerk seasoned Medallions of Pork Tenderloin served over a Guava Cream sauce is just amazing. I have never had a more tender pork dinner that offered a layering of spicy-sweet in each mouth full. The Caribbean Duck with Tamarind Rum sauce is both crispy and moist, just like duck should be served. A friend of mine literally closed his eyes in pleasure after every bite. The Braised Lamb Shank is slow roasted in a Pomegranate Demi Glaze that is so flavorful your mouth will water for days afterwards just remembering it. In addition to these staples, there is a rotation of different dinner specials to try. The entrees range in price from $19.00 to $28.00.

If you can, leave room for dessert. They have an authentic key lime pie that's a tangy, sweet, creamy delight. Probably one of the best available in Naples. I've also had a cheesecake carmel masterpiece that I shared with my fellow diners with serious reluctance. They rotate the dessert menu so you don't always know what sweet experience is offered nightly. However, I'm pleased to say it appeared to me that all desserts were made on premises and was fresh. Desserts range from $7.00 up.

Bar:

The Real McCaw offers speciality drinks, cold drafts, bottle beer and a great wine list. I am a big fan of their margaritas which fits in perfectly with the feel of the place. The drinks are priced about average for Naples and they do have happy hour pricing during the week. There is a regular clientele that can be found at the bar, the conversation is often lively and good natured. You can take a seat at one of the bar tables for a little privacy among friends or pull up a stool at the bar to be part of the conversation.

Service:

I'm not easily impressed when it comes to service. Largely because I have nine years experience as a server, bartender or hostess combined. So, if I tell you the service is good, I mean it. It will be rare that I offer an exceptional rating when it comes to service and unfortunately, it is more common you'll get a fair to poor rating from me.

At the Real McCaw I can honestly say that the service is exceptional from bar to dining room. I think part of this success has to do with the fact that there is not a large turn-around in staff which means they are knowledgeable about the menu, drinks and have the opportunity of getting to know their regular customers. The staff is friendly, clean and genuinely seems to take pride in their performance.

The owner/manager is often on hand to make sure everyone is happy and enjoying themselves. Every time I've gone there for dinner, the owner has made an appearance at our table to unobtrusively check on us. This personal attention to the details offered from the bartenders to servers to owner makes the Real McCaw service a rare gem.

Quick Overview:

The Real McCaw is a unique, independently owned restaurant that offers a fun atmosphere, great food and equally great service. The Bar/Lunch menu offers affordable options for dining. The Dinner menu is a little pricey but you will feel it was money well spent. The drink pricing is about average for Naples but they do offer weekly happy hours with discounted drinks. Weekly live entertainment is offered year round, so it can offer a fun place to go for nightlife. Overall, this is one of the best restaurants in Naples.

Hospitality Guru

I have this early memory that typifies why I am a "Hospitality Guru."

I am standing on a chair at our 1970's formica counter in our kitchen. Both of my parents are in the kitchen with me and talking about the party for that night. In front of me I have different cold cuts piled on wax paper from the deli. There is a salty-aged-cheese scent in my nose, my fingertips are glazed in a fat that makes them slippery, and I am pretty happy, childhood content.

I have a round service tray infront of me with iceberg lettuce arranged neatly. I am rolling cold cut slices into little tubes and placing them along the edge. Once I'm done, my Dad will place carved tomatoes and olives around the platter as garnish. In the center will be a bowl of mayo and mustard. I'm about six years old.

I can't remember a time when I didn't know how to put together a professional looking cold cut tray, or know how to host an event, or how to cater food & drink at a party. You see, some families "entertain" in their home for the night or day. My family entertained in their home for days, weeks and sometimes months at a time, three meals a day for as many as 33 people. As far back as I can remember our summers were filled with entertaining our city friends and their kids at the lakehouse, holidays where we had 30 plus people for dinner and we even hosted a wedding for 200 people without any staff.

I am a Hospitality Guru because I have been doing it my entire life. I am a Hospitality Guru because I am good at it.

I mention my guru status because it will be important to understanding this blog. My Naples tips are going to be from my first-hand experience...and I am not easily impressed. I will not suggest a place or service unless I have had consistent positive experiences, not just one good meal on one specific night. Being a Hospitality Guru means you have a radar that leads you to other great Hospitality Gurus. I want to share this Naples knowledge with you.

Tomorrow I will start with my favorite restaurant in town. It's got an amazing ambiance, the food is melt-in-your-mouth good and the tropical drinks are strong.

See you then,
Marianne

It's a first...

When you reach the age of 37, the number of "first's" in your life hits a serious decline. Most things become mundane, routine, the status quo, so to speak.

However, here I am doing a first...

First time blogging...
First time posting...
First step towards a dream (but we'll discuss that at another time).

Anyway, everyday I am going to get on here and offer you a new tip on Naples, Florida. These tips will include places to eat, favorite beaches, answers on relocation, the local government, places to see, things to do and more. I hope locals, snowbirds and travelers will make this blog a resource for getting the best out of Naples.

Wish me luck on this first and check back soon.

Sincerely,
Marianne