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