Tell us about yourself/your business
We’re a husband and wife duo—Scott Frielich, owner of Blackbird Modern Asian, and Melissa Frielich, founder of Essentials, our digital marketing and branding agency. Melissa also serves as Blackbird’s Director of Marketing, so it’s truly a family-built brand. Essentials specializes in hospitality marketing, and from the very beginning, we’ve worked together to shape Blackbird’s identity—from branding and content creation to strategy and storytelling. It’s a partnership that blends creativity, passion, and a deep love for the restaurant industry.
What's your favorite date night spot and why?
Since we’re new to the neighborhood, we’ve been having fun exploring all that Naples has to offer. So far, we’re loving Del Mar, Osteria, The Vine Room, and Staff Only—but there are so many amazing spots, it’s hard to choose just one!
What are your top three places to take out-of-towners?
First stop is always the beach—there’s nothing like a Gulf Coast sunset to make someone fall in love with Naples. Then we love taking guests on a boat ride up the Intracoastal to really soak in the beauty of the area from the water. And of course, we wrap the day with dinner at Blackbird. Great food, killer cocktails, and a vibe that always impresses.
When you visit a restaurant, what aspects of the dining experience matter most to you?
It’s all about the full experience, the energy, the service, and the little details that show intention. From the moment you walk in, you should feel welcomed and transported. We look for a well-balanced atmosphere: great lighting, thoughtful music, a warm team, and of course, food that tells a story. Presentation and flavor matter, but it’s the way it all comes together that leaves a lasting impression.
Can you share a story about a restaurant you discovered recently that exceeded your expectations? What made it stand out?
We recently discovered an incredible Greek Mediterranean restaurant right here in Naples, and it completely blew us away. From the moment we sat down, it felt like we were transported to the coast of Greece. The authenticity of the cuisine was unmatched, fresh whole fish, vibrant flavors, and perfectly executed mainland dishes. What impressed us was their wine list, over 300 selections, thoughtfully curated to complement every dish. It wasn’t just a dinner, it was an experience that stayed with us long after the last bite. A true gem that we’ll be bringing all our foodie friends back to.
Are there any hidden gem restaurants or lesser-known spots that you love to recommend to friends and colleagues?
One of our favorite hidden gems is Wolfmoon, a cozy spot that specializes in fresh croissants and specialty coffee. It’s truly a labor of love, and you can taste that passion in every bite. Everything is made with intention, from the perfectly flaky pastries to the beautifully balanced coffee. It’s the kind of place that feels like it was designed just for people who genuinely appreciate the art of real food. We love sending friends there because it always feels like sharing a little secret.