Page 9 - Life-in-Naples-Magazine-AugSeptOct-FullSpreads

BILL BARNETT

ormally I can sit down and write my article for Life in I wonder what it will be like on the roads this summer as we drive
Naples with little difficulty, but this one is a challenge. from Naples in a few weeks for our summer vacation in Western New
NBecause this article has to cover August, September and York, Buffalo Bill’s territory 35 miles south of Buffalo in a small town
October and with all that’s going on around us it’s a challenge! named Angola. It borders the shores of Lake Erie and my wife Chris
Sometimes it’s just nice to sit down on the couch, put your has lots of family there including her sister and a ton of nieces and
comfy slippers on, and just write a feel good article and that’s what nephews of all different ages, so it’s never boring there. My healthy
I’m going to attempt to do because with all the craziness going on diet, at least part of it disappears. It’s cookouts galore, fresh corn
around us it’s just something that in my opinion is needed. for me almost every day, and on those long summer days finishing
Locally season is for sure over. My restaurant friends who just the day at our local frozen custard stand that has been there for at
wrapped up one of the best seasons ever are a little bit wary of least 40 years. It opens in May and closes October 1st! The other
what this summer is going to bring great enjoyment I have is walking in
but remain optimistic as always. My Evangola State Park everyday rain
feeling is the newcomers that have or shine, and going to my all-time
made Naples their permanent home favorite grocery store, Wegmans.
over the last few years will stay here We are indeed This year driving to New York will
rather than travel and will support be a different experience for us as we
our local businesses. I am constantly fortunate to still have sadly lost our Bully Zsa-Zsa, and our
asked what my favorite restaurants Persian cat Maggie last December. We
are, where is a good place for breakfast, Mom & Pop still have our Maine Coon cat Ava, she
and do I have any recommendations is now the Queen of the house and
for Sunday brunch. I can only give restaurants in Naples. will be our lone traveler in the car with
my opinion on all the above and am us. I wonder, will there be less traffic
constantly amazed about the quantity because of gas and food prices or will
and quality of our Naples dining it be the same? I’ll let you know in the
establishments. Fall when my next article comes out.
I’ll start with what I consider the I have served on the Board of The
best meal for the price, and this includes breakfast, lunch and dinner Shelter for Abused Women & Children for the past two years and
and it’s a place that my wife and I dine at when it’s been a long I am honored to say that I have been elected by my peers to serve as
day and neither of us want to cook. It’s Mel’s Diner on the North Board Chair starting July 1st. It is one of the finest organizations I
Trail (US 41). The menu is large, choices are many and the portions have ever served for and they are truly Super Stars for our community.
generous. For those of us that are familiar with the Blue Zones I only hope I can do them proud.
Project, which is all about healthy choices and healthy eating, Mel’s As usual I’m out of space, not words! Have a great safe Summer
has a Blue Zones menu to choose from. We are indeed fortunate to and Fall and we can only hope that next Season will be as good as
still have Mom & Pop restaurants in Naples. There are far too many this one was and that turmoil will have calmed down sooner than
for me to name, but here are just a scant few of them. Pastrami later.
Dan's fabulous tacos and awesome fresh pastrami sandwiches, open
for lunch only. If you’re a chili lover, try Skyline Chili. Regina’s Former Mayor,
Ice Cream on Fifth Avenue South has been a landmark in Naples Bill Barnett
for many years. Their flavors are abundant and delicious. Andre’s
Steakhouse has been here for over 20 years. Andre worked for Peter I’ll respond to e-mail @ mayornaples@gmail.com
Luger Steak House many years ago in Brooklyn, New York. It is
still one of the best steakhouses in the world. One thing is certain, Remember: GO BILLS!
there is a place to dine in Naples, Florida for every budget and many
family friendly ones.

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