Family Style Dishes. -LA SALIERE / COURTESY PHOTO
La Saliere brings Italian style – via Monaco – to The Bevy
With roots firmly established in Italy and still more thriving in Monte Carlo, La Saliere now finds fertile ground for its Italian cuisine and hospitality in Naples.
There are upwards of 200 Italian restaurants in Collier County, but like any cuisine, each offers its own interpretation, ranging from takeout pizza joints to elegant white-tablecloth establishments.
In this case, diners can expect to partake in dishes that have stood the test of time. The restaurant’s history dates back to 1720, when Ristorante Sibilla opened in Tivoli, Italy. More than three centuries later, it remains open.
The owners decided to open a second location in 1982, this time in Monte Carlo. La Saliere pays homage to an artistic masterpiece of a salt cellar by Benvenuto Cellini, with Cybele and Neptune representing the Earth and the Sea.
Lasagna. -LA SALIERE / COURTESY PHOTO
Restaurateur Stefano Frittella – who also owns Vergina, BiCE, Caffe Milano and La Trattoria – bought The Bevy a few years ago from the Hoffmann Family of Companies. This year, he changed the concept.
La Saliere brings with it the cuisine of Chef Sabato Toscano, the executive chef of the Monte Carlo restaurant for more than 30 years.
“We are thrilled to bring the essence of Monte Carlo to Southwest Florida,” says Mr. Toscano, who remains in Monte Carlo but maintains close contact with the Naples culinary team.
The restaurant, which melds Mediterranean elegance with the classic aesthetic of an Italian villa, will give diners the feeling of dining in a lush garden. A soaring archway leads guests into a softly lit space designed for leisurely dining and romance.
The menu offers plates to share, handmade pastas, oval-shaped pizzas, handmade meatballs, steak, seafood, and classic fare such as osso buco, grilled octopus and veal ragu. An extensive wine list showcases Italian vineyards and signature cocktails add a Mediterranean flair. 360 12th Ave. South; 239-331-3133; lasaliere.co.
Help fill Empty Bowls
The 20th annual Empty Bowls Naples event is set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 17, at Cambier Park.
A donation of $40 is requested for advance tickets but they will also be available the day of the event.
Maltagliati Veal Ragù. -LA SALIERE / COURTESY PHOTO
Those who attend purchase bowls made by local artisans and can enjoy soup and bread served by area restaurants.
The money raised is used to award grants to organizations that help address food insecurities. Since 2018, the non-profit organization distributed$1.28 million to groups such as Baker Senior Center, Meals of Hope, St. Matthew’s House and Midwest Food Bank Florida.
Despite Naples’ reputation as a wealthy enclave, there are thousands of people who don’t have enough to eat every day. The Collier Community Foundation estimates that number is roughly 44,430 people, or 11.7% of the population. 239-591-8848; emptybowlsnaples.com.
Silver Oak wine dinner
Giuseppe and the Lion will host a Silver Oak wine dinner at 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11. The seven-course, seven-wine meal is $199 per person.
The menu includes seared scallops, cream of mushroom soup, herb-crusted rack of lamb and chocolate lava cake. The event is limited to 24 people. 1585 Pine Ridge Road; 239-592-0050; giuseppeandlion.com.
Brunching in Bonita
Artichoke and Company invites devotees of Sunday brunch to head to the Bonita Springs event venue from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays. There they will find a bottomless buffet, bloody Mary and mimosa bar, omelet bar, seafood, carved meats, traditional breakfast favorites and desserts. It’s $26.96 per person plus tax and gratuity. 11920 Saradrienne Lane, Bonita Springs; 239-263-6979; artichokeandcompany.com.
Dining and Cooking