Curtis McCreary - The Turtle Club
Tell us about yourself/your business
Fine-dining beachfront restaurant with area sourced seafood plus steaks, scenic views, and gracious hospitality.
How long have you lived in Naples?
25 years
What's your favorite date night spot?
Molto Trattoria
What are your top three places to take out-of-towners?
Turtle Club, Captain Jack's airboat tours, and Salty Sam’s boat rentals.
What has been your most memorable dining experience in Naples?
The Grill Room! Our good friend Scott Niersty waiting on us, made it so unforgettable. Along with outstanding food and wine.
Are there any particular chefs or restaurateurs whose work you admire?
Peter Tierney has been my mentor for the past 18 years. He has guided me up the ladder and taken the time to show me all about food and hospitality.
Can you share a story about a restaurant you discovered recently that exceeded your expectations?
The Syren! Very unique waterfront dining. Open area and fun. Fresh seafood with an Asian flare.
Are there any hidden gem restaurants or lesser-known spots that you love to recommend to friends and colleagues?
London club! Hidden inside the Bella Serra hotel. Great food and service with a jazz bar.
What's your favorite special occasion restaurant and why?
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse because that is where my wife and I had our first date.
What's your favorite place to have a drink? What is your go-to drink of choice at this place?
Village Walk Bar and Grill for a Crown and Coke.
Marcello Palazzi - Campagna Hospitality Group
Tell us about yourself/your business.
I am the Director of Operations & Beverage Director for Campagna Hospitality Group that includes: Osteria Tulia, Bar Tulia 5th, The French, Bar Tulia Mercato, Rouge and Tulia Catering.
What's your favorite date night spot and why?
Bleu Provence - Great place with amazing atmosphere and top notch wine list.
What's your favorite special occasion restaurant and why?
E Veranda at Hotel Escalante because it's very cozy, romantic and European style
What's your favorite place to have a drink? What is your go-to drink of choice at this place?
The Warren - Naked and Famous.
What are your top three places to take out-of-towners?
Clam Pass Beach, Naples Princess Sunset Cruise, The Vine Room
Are there any particular chefs or restaurateurs whose work you admire?
Chef Vincenzo Betulia - I have known Vincenzo for over 14 years now and had the pleasure to work with him for 3 years and the commitment and level of professionalism its unmatched in town!
When you visit a restaurant, what aspects of the dining experience matter most to you?
Quality, originality and execution of food alongside service.
Can you share a story about a restaurant you discovered recently that exceeded your expectations? What made it stand out?
Le Colonial - The interior decor and the attention to detail from management team was outstanding.
What's your favorite pizza place?
My favorite Pizza in town is La Trattoria for sure!
What's your favorite place to grab dessert?
Gelato & Co - As a true Italian I love gelato and this place is the best in town hands down!
Where do you go for casual dining?
Trattoria Angela.
Kayla Pfeiffer - Bicyclette Bookshop
Tell us about yourself/your business.
Executive Chef-Partner at Bicyclette Cookshop.
What's your favorite date night spot and why?
Nat-Nat, they always have a great rotation of natural wines. Diego & Ming do a great job with the food as well.
What's your favorite special occasion restaurant and why?
The Bohemian, I know every time I go there I will leave happy. They have some of the most dangerous snacks like the chicken chicharrones.
What's your favorite place to have a drink?
I’m a big fan of a dirty gin martini, the Ritz undoubtedly has the best.
What are your top three places to take out-of-towners?
When I have people visiting there is a good chance they will have to come by Bicyclette Cookshop while I’m working. If there is an opportunity to play golf, I try to always fit that in. Then it would be to go to Jimmy P’s and grab some steaks & grill at home.
What has been your most memorable dining experience in Naples?
When I’m in the kitchen making food for others. Seeing the reactions on people’s faces, it’s a second of vulnerability when a dish is executed perfectly.
What's your favorite place for a healthy meal?
A Greek salad from Mykonos.
Can you share a story about a restaurant you discovered recently that exceeded your expectations? What made it stand out?
Supper Club by Old Vines. Zach does a great job with describing the wines & the food is always delicious.
When you visit a restaurant, what aspects of the dining experience matter most to you?
Service, hospitality! It’s hard for me to even get to the food part without the service being good.
Rick Giannasi - Del Mar
Tell us about yourself/your business.
General manager/operating partner Del Mar Naples.
What's your favorite date night spot and why?
Celebration Park for the variety of food from the different food trucks, the nice big outside bar overlooking water.
What's your favorite special occasion restaurant and why?
Ocean Prime. You always feel special there.
What's your favorite place to have a drink? What is your go-to drink of choice at this place?
Del Mar, Naples. 5th Avenue Margarita packs a punch and is delicious!
What are your top three places to take out-of-towners?
Naples beaches, San Julian Tacos, East Naples Park for pickleball.
What has been your most memorable dining experience in Naples?
Christmas on 5th. Outdoor Street dining weekend.
Are there any particular chefs or restaurateurs whose work you admire?
Chef Vladimir Trivunovic of Ocean Prime for creative features And consistent food. Chef Vincenzo Betulia for his constant innovation.
Can you share a story about a restaurant you discovered recently that exceeded your expectations?
Del Mar. Naples! Always looking to exceed expectations and deliver an overall great experience. Even though I may be biased :)
Are there any hidden gem restaurants or lesser-known spots that you love to recommend to friends and colleagues?
The Med on Bayshore Drive. Charming local spot off the beaten path.
What's your favorite place for a healthy meal?
Home.
What's your favorite place to enjoy a steak?
Ocean Prime or The Continental.
Where do you go for casual dining?
Vergina on 5th. La Trattoria.
Gabriele Candela - Nolita at the Ritz-Carlton Naples
Tell us about yourself/your business
Pizza Chef Nolita Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Naples.
What are your top three places to take out-of-towners?
The beach, of course, Alligator experience and Sunsets by Gumbo Limbo
Are there any particular chefs or restaurateurs whose work you admire?
Vincenzo Capuano, the grand master Pizza Chef.
Can you share a story about a restaurant you discovered recently that exceeded your expectations? What made it stand out?
Bonta Bakery on 5th Avenue. A lot of Italian specialties and lots to discover.
Are there any hidden gem restaurants or lesser-known spots that you love to recommend to friends and colleagues?
Sofra, the Eastern Mediterranean restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Naples. Very unique food, some great flavors to savor and Lebanese wines to pair with food.
When you visit a restaurant, what aspects of the dining experience matter most to you?
Food quality, service and consistency.
What's your favorite place to grab dessert?
Gelato at 5th Avenue.
What's your favorite place to enjoy a steak?
The Grill at The Ritz-Carlton Naples.
Eric Gaboury - Warren Naples
Tell us about yourself/your business.
I'm the Assistant General Manager at Warren Naples, with my focus mainly on operations and beverage. We currently have a collection of over 700 spirits, mostly whiskey, with new additions being added regularly.
What's your favorite date night spot and why?
Bicyclette is my favorite spot right now. Fun and easy-to-share menu, amazing food from small plates to entrees. Great cocktail and wine selections, all in an approachable setting.
When you visit a restaurant, what aspects of the dining experience matter most to you?
Ambiance is huge for me, lighting, music, and decor should fit the style and character of the setting.
Are there any hidden gem restaurants or lesser-known spots that you love to recommend to friends and colleagues?
Rebecca's, perfect place for a glass of wine and a few shareables. It's a really comfortable spot, with a menu that is light and indulgent without ever being too much.
Yacht Club Subs, the staff is always friendly and having a good time. They also make really great subs.
District, really cool concept with their different venues delivering a unique setting and experience.
Where do you go for casual dining?
Namba, tiny unassuming spot, you might have to wait for a table, but it's worth it. Food is amazing, service is quick, usually get through 8-10 plates including dessert in under an hour.