Celeb Chefs Party the Naples Way

While in town for the wine fest in January, James Beard winners and Michelin honorees met up for a late-night shindig at Bar Tulia.

If anywhere would make an ideal place to entertain renowned chefs from beyond our shores, Bar Tulia would be it—a crucible of young and fun flannel-clad bartenders at the top of their game. And since chefs are known for their camaraderie, no matter if they’ve just met or are lifelong friends, it’s no surprise Vincenzo Betulia, the gastropub’s owner and someone who wears his dedication to his craft (and his ambition) on his sleeve, spearheaded an effort to invite all of the Naples Winter Wine Festival’s 18 chefs for some after-hours revelry.

The culinary stars—15 of whom have James Beard Awards and eight of whom have Michelin stars—were in town to cook their hearts out for a series of dinners on Friday, Jan. 26, in an event that benefits Collier County children’s charities, so Betulia opened his doors when the last plates were washed to host them along with their teams. As they sipped his killer cocktails and sampled favorite munchies (such as the bucket o’ fried chicken, a pancetta- and ricotta-dotted pizza, and lamb sausage tagliatelle), everyone was able to talk shop and recharge for the festival’s live auction the next day—and get a taste of what a night on the town in Naples is really like.

Get the Hot Dishevery Wednesday and Friday online and monthly in the magazine. Subscribe to the Hot Dish e-newsletter here.