Archive for November, 2009

Sportsradio 770 AM’s Miller & Moulton are the voice of Southwest Florida Sports and every month they pull up a barstool and discuss topics that are being talked about at local bars. This month they let us know just how we are likely to change the way we eat and drink if the Cubs wind up in Collier County. FACT: Outside of the immediate Chicago-area, the two-county region with the highest percentage of former Chicago residents in the country,… is Lee and Collier Counties.

Yabba Island Grill Hosted a Stone Crab Festival Saturday November 28 that benefited the Children’s Museum of Naples through the Culinary Concepts community based charitable organization known as the ‘Karma Club’. A local charity, great weather, the ambiance of Fifth Avenue, those great Yabba Drinks and Stone Crab Claws for $2 bucks makes this a best bet weekend every November.

Sway Lounge the upscale dance club on US 41 East of Fifth Avenue in Naples officially closed their doors after last call on Saturday November 28th. Landlords were forced to lock the doors for back rent, and although Sway was at onetime the premier night club in SW Florida, they couldn’t pay rent with a two night business. Yabba Grill’s late night weekend is the favorite 5th Avenue and Downtown dance party and especially visitors to Naples. The opening of Blue Martini in Mercato has also attracted bar business to north Naples.

99 XMAS Ball

December 4, 2009 Germain Arena Estero Doors Open @ 5 PM
This year’s annual 99X-Mas Ball boasts a huge lineup with six bands that will light up Germain arena Friday Night December 4. Puddle of Mudd headlines the show but the concert will also feature Sevendust, Sick Puppies, Flyleaf, Hailstorm and Skindred and this year ticket prices are better than ever with prices starting at just $20! The doors open @ 5 and floor tickets are still available and only $50. Visit www.99xonline.com or call for tickets now 1-800-745-3000.

MASTERS ART FESTIVAL

Gulf Coast Town Center

Benefits the Harry Chapin Food Bank

SATURDAY DECEMBER 5

10 AM – 6 PM

SUNDAY DECEMBER 6
11 AM – 5 PM

Nearly 75 artists and artisans will line Main Street at Gulf Coast Town Center Saturday December 5 and Sunday December 6 to display and sell art of all types and at all price levels. Every artist and vendor will contribute a portion of sales to the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

For over two centuries, The Bahamas has celebrated the festival of Junkanoo and the party continues with Kalik beer. Brewed from the finest selected malt, hops and pure water by the Commonwealth Brewery of Nassau, Kalik has received four Monde Selection Gold Medals by the International Institute for Quality Selections in Brussels, Belgium.

GIFT CARDS MAKE THE HOLIDAY BETTER FROM BOTH SIDES

The 2009 Hospitality season is nearly upon us.  Weather you believe it starts around Thanksgiving or it has already started, those of us in the “Biz” are grateful for its…

The Saturday November 21 launch of V Lounge has all of Southwest Florida buzzing. The real shocker was that nearly the entire staff of Sway was in place and making the party the hottest invite in town. Scott D’Antuano recruited and reunited with VIP Mike Messina to sway the staff to the all new Vision Nightclub 2.0.

“The Party You’ve Been Waiting For’ and the V Lounge makes Vision the place to be…Check out this Beverage Underground feature story….

Shoppers and Diners Have More Options this Holiday Season at Gulf Coast Town Center as business thrives despite sluggish economy.

Everybody has heard about the nightlife at Gulf Coast Town Center, and the recent 1 an entertainment shutdown, but the Gulf Coast Town Center restaurants and hospitality employees are getting a boost from new retail stores this December. It’s all about the shopping at GCTC but at the same time Gulf Coast Town Center continues to have the most to offer locals and visitors from families to singles and from toddlers to seniors.

Are recent statistics that competition and sales of Vodka in the $10-20 price point an indicator that perhaps the Goose is ready to ‘jump the shark’?

From Vodka to Varietal Wines, sales are shifting as consumers and retailers are finding quality alternatives to higher profile and higher priced luxury brands. Both new and even some old brands of Vodka are benefiting while those that were associated with the old economy may be taking a bigger hit than expected. One of the hottest brands,is Constellation’s Brands Svedka which is