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<p>The American Culinary Federation (ACF) is a national organization of 20,000 members and over 200 chapters. Their membership is made up of professional chefs, food industry-related people and maybe a food blogger or two. Their mission is mainly educational and to provide professional certification (e.g., Master Chef)  in the culinary arts. The local ACF chapter is [&hellip;]</p>

<p>After touring Pine Island Botanicals farm, my companion and I really worked up an appetite. We decided, upon local recommendation, to eat at Olde Fish House Marina just up the road in Matlacha, FL. Their fish shop had some great looking seafood at &#8220;reasonable&#8221; prices. In my book, a half-full fish case is a good sign. [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Pine Island Botanicals (PIB) is a farm on Pine Island, FL.  They grow many things using Hydroponics and more traditional methods. They also raise poultry. The owners, Michael and Christina, are interesting. One of them was in the fashion industry for many years, finally working at the clothier Chico&#8217;s which is what brought him to the area. [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Bratta&#8217;s Ristorante is a restaurant in Fort Myers, FL. They serve Lunch and Dinner. In addition, they have some very nice special offers. The restaurant is sort of a bar/restaurant hybrid, mostly because the size of the bar area tends to eclipse the dining area. There is also a very nice sitting area with overstuffed [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Heavenly Biscuits is a restaurant on Fort Myers Beach, FL. They serve breakfast and lunch. They have been open for about 12 years, and have been under new ownership for the past 12 months. Of the 34 food items on the menu there are 2 &#8220;healthy alternatives&#8221;. That is understandable as that is not why [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Beach Road Wine Bar and Bistro is the eponymously-named wine bar and bistro on Beach Road in Englewood, FL. I was called out of town for my day job and was hungry after work. Beach Road Wine Bar and Bistro really fit the bill. They have a unique kitchen which is really a food truck [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Origami is an Asian restaurant in Fort Myers, FL. It serves a mix of Japanese and Korean cuisine. Historically, although things have changed, the Japanese have eschewed beef, while the Koreans chewed it! It shows in their cooking styles. The bar area is nice and the sushi bar is really cool. Loved all those polka [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a member educational institution of The State University System of Florida. It is located in Lee County, FL. Last Year, Florida celebrated it&#8217;s 500th Anniversary. The point of reference for this event was the initial arrival in Florida of the Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon. He named Florida after la flor, or flower, in [&hellip;]</p>

<p>The 3rd International Food Festival is an annual event held at the mixed-use commercial/residential development called Mercato in Naples, FL. Although international is not a misnomer, the event highlights food-related businesses in this development. It was a beautiful day that day in Naples and I thought an outdoor event would be fun. The event was [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Dinner With Artists is a series of events sponsored by the Naples Art Association. Dinner with Artists brings together a chef (culinary artist) with a visual artist. I love these events. Besides learning about the featured artists&#8217; craft, the food is wonderful. The initial Dinner with Artists was documented in a previous Post. The artist that [&hellip;]</p>

<p>La Bazenne is a French restaurant on 5th Avenue S. in downtown Naples, FL. The original La Bazenne opened almost 40 years ago on the resort island of Ile de Re in France. La Bazenne is named for the baskets laborers used to carry Sea Salt that the island is famous for. The owners and [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Sanibel Island, FL is an island in Southwest Florida. There is a iconic Lighthouse on the island that was built at the end of the 19th century. Every Sunday, from November through April, they have a Farmers&#8217; Market that runs from 8 A.M.- 1 P.M. The farmers&#8217; market is located right behind Sanibel City Hall. They [&hellip;]</p>

<p>The Naples Wine Collection (NWC)    is a wine merchant in Naples, FL. They have been in business close to one year. They are associated with The Naples Winter Wine Festival, the largest children&#8217;s wine charity in The United States. This, in part, allows them almost unprecedented local access to vintners and their wines. That evening&#8217;s tasting was part [&hellip;]</p>

<p>AZN is an Asian-themed restaurant in the mixed residential-commercial space, Mercato, in Naples, FL. They also have a sister restaurant in Charlotte, NC. They have a very nice indoor bar and outdoor dining area. My dining companion (DC) and I were there for happy hour which runs daily from 3-6 P.M. They have a number [&hellip;]</p>

<p>I frequently blog about food and food-related events in Naples, FL. I published an e-book almost 3 years ago documenting various attractions in Naples, FL, both scenic and lifestyle. For those unfamiliar with the area, it may help to give readers a better frame of reference. I have decided to make the fruits of my [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Wyld&#8217;s Cafe is a restaurant in Bonita Springs, FL. They have a nice indoor dining space in addition to an interesting Menu. I was there with a group of people so I am able to talk about Wyld&#8217;s offerings more than usual. Sourdough Bread  was brought to the table, not bad. A number or appetizers [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Alliance for the Arts is the official designated arts organization in Lee County, FL. It&#8217;s mission is to &#8220;facilitate and nurture the arts in Lee County&#8221;.  One of the many things they do is sponsor charity events. BBQ, Bands and Brew was a charity event to benefit Builders Care. This group provides home repair and renovation [&hellip;]</p>

<p>Bleu Provence is a restaurant located near downtown Naples, FL in Crayton Cove. Bleu Provence has been a blog topic in a previous Post. This was a wine tasting and these events are well worth attending. In the summer months, they are sometimes at no cost to the participants. This day my dining companion (DC) [&hellip;]</p>

<p>The Real Seafood Co. is a restaurant in North Naples, FL and is located in The Shoppes at Vanderbilt. Their Happy Hour Menu is served daily from 4 to 7 P.M. in either their patio area or in their Raw Bar. My dining companion (DC) and I shared a number of items off the happy [&hellip;]</p>

<p>GirlTalkTV is an online magazine from Southwest Florida that addresses interests and concerns of women. The TV portion comes from video links the site provides. That evening they were sponsoring a Fashion and Trunk show at The Hilton Naples. The event was held to benefit The Garden of Hope and Courage. The garden&#8217;s purpose is [&hellip;]</p>