My Blog - a.k.a. Don's Take On Naples and Bonita Springs Florida

New restaurants are very welcome - especially these days when so many of the classics have disappeared from the Naples scene. You need to drive to the new fashionable Mercato development at Vanderbilt Beach Rd and US-41 to experience a fresh new restaurant with great atmosphere, moderate pricing, and incredible dishes inspired from across Asia. AZN is tucked away deeped inside the shops and restaurants of Mercato.  Once you arrive, you enter a beautiful contemporary environment softened by lots of wood, bamboo and fabrics draped from the ceilings and walls.

Margaret, Nick and I dined there last week and can't wait to return.  They offer a wonderfully diverse menu with something sure to please everyone. Margaret and I started with the pork-filled dumplings (potstickers) which were delicious.  I had a mixed green salad with ginger dressing as the next course. AZN has a fantastic sushi menu where Nick had no problem of selecting a large combination platter with sushi rolls and nigiri which was presented in a substantial sized wooden boat. Nick said it was some of the best sushi in Southwest Florida. Margaret and I opted for more cooked entrees.  She had the Steamed Salmon with Ginger and Scallion and I chose one of the house specialties - the Seven Flavor Basil Beef.  Margaret thoroughly enjoyed her salmon which she commented was prepared perfectly. My beef dinner was a spectacular fusion of flavors, spice, and the right level of "heat" to engulf the taste buds but not send me running for water to put out the fire in my mouth!

Although the three of us were completely full and quite satisfied with our meals, we had to experience the signature dessert - a large apple covered with caramel and dark chocoate, rolled with some nuts and drizzled with white chocolate. This was thankfully sliced into about 10-12 pieces allowing everyone to enjoy.

You've got to try this new restaurant. It is very high on my list of recommendations to Naples and Bonita Springs visitors and those of us that live here year round. Enjoy!

AZN
9118 Strada Pl
Naples, FL 34108-2683
(239) 593-8818
www.aznrestaurant.com

I love surprises and that is what A Table Apart was.  The location has had several incarnations, but hopefully this one with enjoy a long life.  The restaurant has been tastefully remodeled from previously being a sports bar and an Italian deli before that.  The real story is not the decor, but the wonderful menu introducing an eclectic mix of French, Asian, and Hawaiian.  I have been there twice for lunch and really enjoyed both entrees.  They have an amazing club sandwich with avocado, bacon and grilled chicken on a French roll with pesto.  The Ruben sandwich is one of the tastiest in Southwest Florida.  Our server, Tyler, was very attentive, friendly and helpful in explaining the menu.  I haven't been to the restaurant for dinner yet, but I hear from friends it is quite good.

Located at 4295 Bonita Beach Road in Bonita Springs - between US-41 and the Gulf.  You can visit there website and explore their menu at www.atableapart.com.

This restaurant is simply the BEST!  My neighbor Margaret treated us to an amazing dinner.  We have been to Chop's in Bonita Springs several times and it never ceases to please and amaze.  I really think this is my absolute favorite restaurant in Southwest Florida.  The steaks are fantastic and always prepared to match your order.  The sides are delicious and easily shared.  The desserts are yummy and worth saving room for!  And to top it off, the service is excellent and consistent! 

On our recent outing this month, I enjoyed a tender filet mignon with peppercorns and a cabernet sauce -- yes it was as good as it sounds!  Margaret had the grilled sea bass which looked wonderful and was delightful, Nick had a glazed sea bass with an amazing presentation, and Robert partook of the grilled tuna.  Everyone was completely enthralled with their meals and drinks!  Chop's Bonita Springs is part of a family of restaurants that include Chop's City Grill on Fifth Avenue in downtown Naples, Pazzo! Italian Cafe, Yabba Island Grill (both in Naples), and Blue Water Bistro at Coconut Point in Estero.  You can learn more and make reservations at their www.gr8food.net website.  They also offer a The Club Card to earn points on with each dining occasion.  Visit Chop's soon -- you won't be disappointed!

Splendid Arts & Entertainment in SW Florida!  
The season is gearing up in Southwest Florida and that means the arts & entertainment opportunities abound in Naples and Fort Myers. If you have never been to the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts, you should make it a priority this season.   Performances include the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, Broadway productions, The Nutcracker, lecture series and great pop and rock entertainers like the Doobie Brothers and Liza Minnelli.   And to the North, a wonderful evening can be enjoyed at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center. Highlights include Wicked, Sweeney Todd, and An Evening with Tom Brokaw. For an exceptional value with dinner and show included, try a performance at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort

Myers. This year they are presenting Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Singin’ In The Rain, and All Shook Up.  

Local Theatre Thrives in Naples
As a realtor it is very important to not only understand the real estate market, but all that the community has to offer.  This year I've had the opportunity to attend several performances of The Naples Players at the Sugden Community Theatre on Fifth Avenue in downtown Naples.  Most recently I saw their production of the musical "The Secret Garden" which was just amazing.  The large ensemble cast was flawless and the orchestra was brilliant.  I had seen this show three times on Broadway and this production was true to the original and very well done.  We have some truly talented people that make community theatre a thrilling experience in Southwest Florida.

When in Naples, check the The Naples Players website to see if you can make one of their performances.  You likely won't be disappointed!  The ticket prices are generally around $30 or $35 ... so, it leave money in your wallet to also enjoy dinner downtown before or after the theatre.  Enjoy!

What a great combination ... excellence and consistency!  We have dined at the Bay House in North Naples several times now.  It is a very charming restaurant on the back bay with great views.  The decor is nautical with lots of beautiful wood and large windows to enjoy the scenery.  The real story is the wonderful food and great service.  We took our neighbor Margaret to the restaurant (she has treated us there before as well) and enjoyed a 3-course meal priced at only $25.  I had the roasted beets salad, followed by delicious filet mignon, and a decadent chocolate souffle.  Margaret's entree was sea scallops which looked amazing and she thoroughly enjoyed.  Nick had tilefish - which he had never heard of before but was very happy to be introduced to it now!  Several martinis were involved in the evening, including a chocolate martini for Nick as his dessert.  Our server, Nia, provided exceptional service, was very attentive, and a made the evening all the better.

The Bay House is located in North Naples, tucked away off US-41.  The address is 799 Walkerbilt Rd and the phone number is (239) 591-3837 to call for reservations. 

Wow!  The most amazing Sea Bass ever!!  If you are a seafood lover (and who isn't), then head to U.S.S. Nemo in Naples on your next dinner outing.  Nemo's Signature Dish - the MISO BROILED SEA BASS - is life changing.  Well, that may be an overstatement, but is the best sea bass I've ever eaten.  The fish melts into your mouth with the citrus-ginger butter sauce exploding with flavor.  There are Indian influenced menu items like nan breads and a tandoori chicken appetizer that were absolutely delicious.  Our friend Margaret, also a seafood lover, was quite impressed with the ADMIRAL TSO' S GROUPER AND SHRIMP she ordered.  It's the second time we've been there, and certainly won't be the last.  It is the place to go for fresh seafood!

U.S.S. Nemo is located at 3745 Tamiami Trail North, in Naples (in the Parkshore Plaza.)  The phone: 239-261-6366.  Enjoy!

I have to tell you what a pleasant surprise Pazzo! Italian Cafe was.  My friends Kay and Johnny suggested Pazzo! for a get together recently on one of their visits here from Ohio.  The restaurant is one of the family of restaurants that include Chops City Grill (my absolute favorite restaurant), Blue Water Bistro, and Yabba.  The food was amazing including appetizers of meatballs, bruschetta and caprese salad were delights.  My Rigatoni Arrabbiatta with pulled beef and spicy sauce were the best I've had.  All the entrees looked amazing and my dinner companions were in heaven.  It was a wonderful atmosphere, great food, and our waiter, Jimmy, was excellent!  I highly recommend Pazzo! on your next trip to Fifth Avenue South in Naples.

Pazzo! Italian Cafe, 853 5th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102.  Phone is (239) 434-8494.

I had the opportunity to dine at Ruth's Chris Steak House this past week.  My mom was visiting from Michigan and along with my neighbor Margaret and partner Nick, we made a reservation for dinner at the fairly new location in the Coconut Point Mall in Estero.  There is also a new location in the Coastland Center Mall in Naples. 

I made the reservation on their website www.ruthschris.com which was quite easy.  I was impressed with the call from the restaurant to confirm they received the reservation.  When we arrived we were welcomed and seated at our very comfortable booth in the well appointed dining room.  The menu is available online which gave me a chance to think about what to order and what we should try. 

I am a filet mignon lover, so my order was easy.  I also requested some au poivre sauce.  The filet was amazing ... probably the best I've had in Southwest Florida.  The side dishes are incredible and enough to easily share among 3-4 people.  Try the sweet potato casserole - it's very sweet and creamy ... almost candy like.  We also had roasted tomatoes topped with parmesan cheese which was very tasty.  The salads were delicious with homemade dressings.  Margaret had their chopped salad which looked wonderful ... and she confirmed it was. 

I have been to other premium steak houses across the country and I have to say -- Ruth's Chris is the best.  We will definitely dine there again ... soon!

Community Involvement Is An Important Role To Play!
As one of over 1 million Realtors in this country, I am proud of the commitment and ongoing involvement we have nationally and within our local communities to support some very needy and worthwhile organizations.

On a national basis, ERA Franchise Systems LLC proudly celebrated the 30th anniversary of its partnership with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). As MDA's only corporate sponsor from the real estate industry, ERA Real Estate presented MDA with a check for $2 million at the 2007 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on Labor Day.

Locally, the Bonita Springs/Estero Association of Realtors has helped fund and support many wonderful causes including the new Bonita Springs YCMA, the Tots Lot for the new Estero Community Park, and the Bonita Springs Assistance Office which has helped thousands of area residents at a time of crisis. In addition, the Association of Realtors has changed our annual banquet for installation of new officers into a fund raising event benefiting Habitat for Humanity. As the saying goes ... "it takes a village" and this one is ours!

  ... for August 28, 2007

Current Conditions
I am constantly amazed at the amount of e-mail I receive as a REALTOR. On any given day I must get at least 40-50 e-mails from other agents with new listings, price drops, or notifications of short sales or pre-foreclosures. There is still a large imbalance of sellers trying to actually sell their homes and those staying on market hoping to get values from the boom 2 years ago. Those really hoping to sell their homes have “gotten real” about home values and dropped their prices to pre-boom days still providing modest gains. I continue to receive e-mails with price changes with words like: “reduced $75,000”; “lowest priced home in development”; and “price dropped $45,000”. One home priced in the mid-300’s, started out priced $105,000 higher – and it still hasn’t sold.

Yesterday I was reading the Fort Myers News-Press and saw some interesting statistics. For June 2007, existing home sales were 558 and the median home sales price was $253,900. The trend has shown a relatively small decline for the last year. However, by comparison to September of 2005, the number of existing home sales is down 48% and similarly, the median home sales price is down 12%!

Back in late 2005, homes were selling in days rather than months and sellers were getting close to their asking prices – and sometimes over asking price as buyers engaged in bidding wars. Now, as days-on-market soars for most active homes, the realization is sinking in for some sellers that price adjustments are needed if they are truly interested in selling their property. This is a very encouraging sign.

The Silver Lining
As a REALTOR, I am privy to the real-time statistics available to me through my local Multiple Listing Service or MLS. To further demonstrate the market conditions here in SW Florida, there are currently 16,922 active on market residential homes listed in the MLS. The MarketWatch graphic here shows that for yesterday alone there have been only 15 homes sold, while 144 new homes were listed and a whopping 180 homes had price changes. The price changes are a good indicator that sellers are indeed “getting real” about the market.

So it appears buyers are still hesitant, but there are extraordinary deals to be had and an amazing inventory of homes to choose from. It may be time to start thinking about getting the home you’ve always dreamed of or that snowbird getaway to winter in paradise. 

Hi All!  I just returned from a week in New York City.  While I really enjoy traveling and NYC is amazing, it's great to be back home.  Obviously, New York has some of the busiest airports in the world ... and it makes me really appreciate the wonderful airport we have right here in Southwest Florida International Airport.  The ease of access to our airport, the parking, ticket counter service and security screening are significantly more organized and sane!  I know we have a smaller airport -- and that's OK. 

The out-of-state traveling also makes you appreciate the space we have to enjoy the outdoors.  I know season can be congested and driving can be aggravating for some.   I really feel I am escaping to paradise when I return home from a trip.  If Dorothy lived in Southwest Florida, she would have never gone over the rainbow!