It’s time for another Gulfshore Playhouse alert. My husband, Bob, and I, along with a packed house—were thrilled by the opening night showing of the Playhouse’s newest production, The Game’s Afoot, by Ken Ludwig. This is, without a doubt, a must-see show. The play is laugh-out-loud funny from beginning to end, as the audience proved over and over. Cody Nickell, Gulfshore Playhouse’s own artistic associate, along with the entire equity cast, provided a truly entertaining evening and all were rewarded with a robust standing ovation. You must go—and get your tickets soon. At last check, tickets were going fast.
- The Game’s Afoot runs through March 16.
- For more information, call 866-811-4111 or visit gulfshoreplayhouse.org.
Just when you think there cannot be one more fabulous restaurant here in paradise, along comes Avenue5, the truly spectacular addition to Fifth Avenue South. The new dining venue is adjacent to the wonderful Inn on Fifth and takes the place of McCabe’s Irish Pub. Bob and I were pleased to be among the first to enjoy the elegant, transformed restaurant.
Everything about Avenue5 is wonderful—the decor, the bar, the food and the service. The walls housing the collection of wines—from what I am told, the largest selection of wine in the area—are absolutely amazing. From the moment Bob and I sat down next to those huge glass walls looking out on Fifth Avenue South, to the moment we departed, the experience was delightful. Even the delicious bread served with three types of butter was fantastic (I HAD to try a piece … or two); the salads were the freshest and tasty, and our entrées were well-executed and scrumptious—we opted for Scottish salmon and black grouper. Other entrées on the menu were char-broiled vegetables (yes, as an entrée—what a smart addition to any menu), lobster, seafood risotto, heritage Berkshire pork chop, rack of lamb, bone-in tenderloin of beef and 30-day aged cowboy steak, to list a few.
- To see more of the delectable offerings at Avenue5 … or to make a reservation online, visit Avenue5naples.com.
- To phone for reservations, call 239-403-7170.
While we were dining, the owner of the Inn on Fifth and Avenue5, Phil McCabe, took a moment to sit down to chat. He told us of the great lengths he undertook to make certain that Avenue5 would be the first-rate restaurant he wanted it to be—from bringing designers to Naples from New York, to working with electricians and sound experts to make sure that the decor fabulous and that diners would be able to hear each other talk while enjoying the fine-dining experience. It is obvious he succeeded. Avenue5 is open for lunch and for dinner, and will eventually be open for breakfast.
Following the recent renovation and expansion to the fabulous Inn on Fifth and the completion of this sleek, chic restaurant, I cannot wait to see what else Phil McCabe might have up his sleeve to enhance our Naples experience.
And I love the tagline on the business cards of both Avenue5 and the Inn on Fifth, which sums up this destination perfectly: “authenticallynaplesdistinctivelydowntown.” Too cool.
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