Welcome to the Naples Current!

Hi, I’m Carolyn — and welcome to the very first edition of The Naples Current!

If this is your first time here, I’m so glad you found us. And if you’ve been reading my restaurant reviews, event picks, and local stories over the past year—thank you for sticking with me.

Some of you may know me from The Naples Florida Review, which I wrote until late May. I’ve since parted ways to launch something truly local and independent—something that reflects my voice, my experiences, and my deep love for this community.

I live in Park Shore, and I’ve called Naples home for the past decade—though I’ve been visiting since the late ’80s. Over the years, I’ve lived all over town and watched it grow and evolve. These days, I spend my time doing what so many of you enjoy, too: checking out new restaurants, supporting small businesses, and exploring the places that make Naples special.

Every place I write about, I’ve personally visited. Every recommendation I share, I stand behind. I promise you real reporting from a real year-around local, and genuine enthusiasm—for the town I live in and love.

So whether you’re looking for a hidden gem on the water, a new happy hour, or a family-friendly event this weekend, I hope you’ll find something to love in these pages. Most of all, I hope you’ll write back. This community of readers is what makes the newsletter special.

You’ll see me and the food I’m talking about in every newsletter. And, there’s even more to see on our Instagram page. (Look, we’re just getting started. Don’t judge, just send suggestions…please!)

You can always reach me at [email protected]—with tips, ideas, restaurant suggestions, or just to say hi.

Thanks for reading. See you around town.

Thanks,
Carolyn Dion-Cervoni
Writer, local resident, founder of The Naples Current

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Review: Blackbird Modern Asian

Blackbird Takes Flight — Tomahawk Tuesday Field Report

Last Tuesday, our rag-tag gaggle of couples descended on Blackbird Modern Asian with a 6:30 p.m. reservation and the naïve confidence of people who think they’ve out-smarted the dinner rush. We had not. Two impossibly pleasant hostesses greeted us with the dreaded, “It’ll be just a bit of a wait.” Silver lining: prime time to snoop around the bar.

Same Bar, New Vibe

If you ever chowed down on Bang Bang Shrimp at the old Bonefish Grill (raises hand), the footprint is somewhat familiar—but the mood has gone full Miami Aspirational. Think burgundy velvet banquettes, upside-down paper parasols overhead, and a giant faux cherry tree that must keep a busser employed solely for dusting duty. The bar was three-deep with lingering with happy-hour die-hards—understandable, because Blackbird’s deal is a stunner:

• All-day Monday

• Tue–Sun, 4–6 p.m.

• 50 % off cocktails, wines by the glass, and beer

Cocktail Corner

The drinks lean delightfully fussy (this is a compliment). Looking around the bar, the top pick was certainly The Blackbird—Skyy Vodka, Amaro Lucano, chai, cold brew, vanilla cream, activated charcoal, and a chocolate fortune cookie. Yes, it’s extra; no, I’m not sorry. Other cleverly named options—Crazy Rich Asian, Mulan “Mule”, Pho King Good, Cobra Kai—were enjoyed around our table, and were Naples-standard at $16-$18.

Starters That Slap

Once seated, we did what any responsible adults who hired a Tuesday babysitter would do: ordered aggressively! .

• Mongolian Brisket Bao Buns

• Short Rib & Bone Marrow Dumplings

• Chinese BBQ Sticky Beef Short Ribs ⭐

All three impressed, but the sticky short ribs were the table’s consensus standout—fall-apart tender with just enough char to remind you fire was involved.

The Main Event(s)

1. Wagyu Tomahawk Tuesday — a 32-ounce Australian wagyu tomahawk ($99) that arrives pre-sliced, perfectly pink, and shimmering with charred edges. The Flintstones could never.

2. Crispy Peking Duck — served with the full pancake-scallion-hoisin entourage. As a former NYC duck snob, I’m happy to report the skin crackled like good gossip.

Dessert: Bottle-Service Energy

I’m normally a one-bite-and-done dessert person, but Blackbird doesn’t ask politely. They send out a Chocolate Flaming Snake (Year of the Snake, naturally) and a share-plate draped in sparklers and dry ice—basically nightclub theatrics minus the $500 vodka. Everything was balanced, not cloying, and yes, the Instagram reel is already up.

The Verdict

Blackbird nails the collision of vacation glam and local comfort. Service is smooth, the kitchen has real chops, and Happy Hour is downright dangerous. If you’re plotting your first visit, aim for Tomahawk Tuesday and slide in before 6 p.m. for half-price cocktails—just don’t assume your reservation time is gospel. I’ll be back soon, probably with a larger crew and an even looser definition of “sharing.”

See you under the cherry tree. 🥂

— Carolyn

Have you tried Blackbird yet? Hit reply or tag @thenaplescurrent on Instagram with your hot takes. Bonus points for tomahawk selfies.

The Essentials

🌊 The Weekend Wave: 5 Events to Check Out

…and why I’d go!

Welcome to the Weekend Wave! Each week, we’ll deliver our top five events for the weekend—plus, a quick note on why I’d go.

1. 🧘‍♀️ Tranquility: Mind, Body & Soul Sessions at Naples Grande
Dates: June 21–22
Location: Naples Grande Beach Resort
🎟️ Get Tickets
A weekend-long wellness experience featuring yoga, Pilates, Reiki, nutrition talks, vendors, and entertainment—all designed to restore your energy and balance.
Why I’d go: Because “rest” doesn’t have to mean “boring.” I live near the Naples Grande and it’s one of my favorite places for a reset.

Don’t forget that there’s a free golf cart service for Beach Pass holders at the Clam Pass Parking Lot behind the Grande!

2. 🎶 Sugarshack Weekend Music Series
Dates: June 20–22
Location: Sugarshack, Bonita Springs
I love the fact that Bonita is the site of a new food revolution. Sugarshack is a great new place to check out. A full weekend of live music in one of Southwest Florida’s most iconic backyard-style music venues.
Lineup:
• June 20 @ 7pm: Guavatron (Jam/Rock)
• June 21 @ 1pm: Sideshow Bob (Covers)
• June 21 @ 7pm: John Salaway and the Regulators (Rock)
• June 22 @ 1pm: Claire Liparulo (Singer-Songwriter)
• June 22 @ 6pm: Jah Movement (Reggae)
Why I’d go: Sugarshack is one of the coolest spots for live music in Southwest Florida—and this lineup has something for every vibe.

3. 🎻 Music Makers Chamber Concert at Artis—Naples
Date: Saturday, June 22
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Artis—Naples
🎟️ More Info
An intimate chamber concert featuring rising young talent performing a variety of classical works inside one of Naples' most beloved venues.
Why I’d go: Because seeing young talent thrive is always worth the trip—and Artis never disappoints.

4. 🐅 Phenomenal Animal at Stan’s Idle Hour
Date: Sunday, June 22
Time: 1:00–6:30 PM
Location: Stan’s Idle Hour, Goodland
Phenomenal Animal brings the energy to Stan’s this Sunday Funday—your second-to-last chance to experience the magic before the venue closes for the summer.
Why I’d go: Stan’s is a scene, and it won’t be back until October. Go while you still can—and catch one of the best live acts around.

5. 🍻 Grouper Fest Weekend 2 at FMBrew
Dates: June 20–22
Location: Fort Myers Brewing Co
🎟️ Event Link
Three days of live music, rotating food trucks, and craft brews at Fort Myers Brewing Co. New bands and vendors every day.
Why I’d go: Great beer, food trucks, and music every night—it’s the ultimate summer kickoff.

🔭 Looking Ahead

Mark your calendar—here are two standout events coming up next week:

☕ Wandering Goat Summer Series: Riptide Brewing Stop
Date: Thursday June 26
Time: 4:30–7:30 PM
Location: Riptide Brewing, Bonita Springs
Grumpy Goat Coffee’s summer tasting series continues with a pop-up at Riptide Brewing. Sample their signature coffee alongside craft beer, artisan bites, and sweet treats from local favorites like Pansardo, Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies, and Olde Naples Chocolate.
Why I’d go: Coffee + craft beer + local bites = an easy yes. Plus, it’s a fun way to discover new favorite spots in Bonita.

🦀 Sleuthing the Lagoon – Rookery Bay
Date: Friday, June 27
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: Rookery Bay Research Reserve
Grades: 7–10 | Cost: $75 (Scholarships available)
🎟️ Register here
Ever wonder what it’s like to be an animal living in an estuary? Experience their unique habitat by surveying fish with ancient techniques, scooping crabs and worms from the sand, and observing birds wading through the water.
Why I’d go: Hands-on science, real wildlife, and a chance to get outside and explore one of the coolest ecosystems in Southwest Florida.

Review: Beeline Ales & Spirits

A Buzz-Worthy New Arrival at Mercato 🐝

Beeline Cocktail Lounge

A couple weeks ago, I followed the buzz (pun absolutely intended) to Beeline, the brand-new cocktail lounge that recently opened at Mercato—and I wasn’t alone. Our end-of-the-school-year parent posse showed up in full force, ready to toast survival and brace for summer. We took over most of the interior, which gave me a solid excuse to scope the space.

Like its across-town cousin Blackbird Modern Asian, Beeline is leaning hard into the Miami Vibe Starter Kit™: moody lighting, velvet furniture, open floor plan—and yes, another decorative tree indoors. (At this rate, we need a category in the newsletter just for “Fake Trees I’ve Met in Naples.”)

Beeline’s setup is great for groups: plenty of seating options, a long bar, and a rotating menu of clever cocktails (and mocktails) to sip through. A few of our favorites:

• Crushin’ On You

• Coco Rita

• Bee’s Knees

The drinks were solid, the staff handled our chaos with grace, and the overall vibe was modern, cool, and comfortable.

One Thing to Note: No Food

Not even a peanut. Beeline is strictly a drink destination, so plan to eat before—or have a backup reservation nearby. (Luckily, Mercato is packed with options.)

All in all? A great new spot to kick off a night or grab a stylish drink with friends. I’ll definitely be back—and I hope to see you there.

📍 Check out the menu here.

— Carolyn

🤝 New Here, But Game for Anything

I may be new to the scene—but I’m not shy. If you’re a local business, event organizer, chef, artist, or just someone doing something cool in Naples, I’d love to hear from you.

Interested in partnering, collaborating, or getting featured?
Shoot me a note: [email protected]

Let’s make something great together.