Upscale Caviar and Champagne bistro/bar to open on Naples’ Fifth Avenue
Osetra, opening later this month, is Fifth Avenue South’s new star. Caterer/chef Anthony Chinaglia, who previously owned the creative Mister Five Restaurant on Airport-Pulling Road, and partner/mixologist Milos Simovic bring bling, excitement and fine champagne to liven up the avenue till 2 a.m. These talented young guys have crafted an elegantly refreshing white, black and silver bistro experience to delight the senses.
Sample the finest Petrossian caviars and top Champagnes while musicians play nearby. The oyster bar’s bivalves are drawn from around the world, and the sushi comes direct from Japan. Look for Chef Chinaglia’s elegant light cuisine, from English toast points with black truffle pate to Kobe beef carpaccio, crab martinis and lobster bisque. Prominent artists’ live art demonstrations will kick things up a notch. 469 Fifth Ave. S, Naples, 331-8136, OsetraNaples.com
Wine tastings and more at Whole Foods and Morgan House
Come to Whole Foods every Saturday in August from 3:00-5:00 for free tastings of select wines from around the world. The schedule is: Aug. 13 – Chile, Aug. 20 – Germany and Aug. 27 – Argentina.
Tapas more your style? Then sign up for the $10 sparkling cocktails and Spanish tapas cooking class on Thursday, August 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn how to make sparkling cocktails with mixologist Joe Pais, and tasty tapas with Rebecca Oros. Pre-registration is required: Call 552-5100. 9101 Strada Place, Naples, wholefoodsmarket.com/naples
Fort Myers’ Morgan House Restaurant features a wine tasting with tapas on August 16th, from 6 to 8 pm, with Chef Corry Blanton’s take on tapas, the small plates of Spanish-inspired cuisines. Relax in the warm, welcoming wine room. Chef Corry’s regular menu items are delicious and nicely priced. 33 Patio de Leon, Fort Myers, 337-3377, morganhouserestaurant.com
Restaurant Closings
Flavor Tree Restaurant, the popular mom-and-pop Park Shore and Moorings breakfast and lunch favorite, suddenly closed this month. There are no plans yet for another restaurant at this location.
VIVI Ristorante in the Naples Coastland Mall recently closed without notice.
Let’s broaden our choices of great Southwest Florida restaurants together. Post your hints and experiences below or e-mail me at Diningscene@live.com