Naples Feels Different | Waxin’s Review 🍽️ | Super Bowl Plans? 🏈 | Upcoming Must-Attend Events!

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Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Thank you so much for the extraordinary response last week. I asked for your feedback on Season 2024-2025, and you delivered a decisive verdict along with a lot of thoughtful commentary. Check out the last section of this newsletter for some of my favorite comments.

Season is in full swing in Naples, Florida, and some of the most anticipated events are just on the horizon. Readers have asked me to incorporate more notice when talking about upcoming events, so I’ve tried to do that in this newsletter for the first time. Check out my new 'Looking Ahead' section in this issue.

Also, check out my review of the newly-opened Waxin’s below. I had the pleasure of visiting with good friends last weekend, and it was quite the culinary adventure.

Enjoy!

P.S. Check out The Naples Florida Review’s entire archive by CLICKING HERE. 

Table of Contents

• Waxin’s: Forget the Meatballs From Ikea and Experi …

• Top Events this Week & Looking Ahead

• Looking Ahead at February: Best of South Florida

Waxin’s: Forget the Meatballs From Ikea and Experience Real Swedish Cuisine

Fine dining does not need to be overwrought and overcomplicated. It takes boldness to work with fresh ingredients you truly understand and present a traditional dish in an unfussy way that honors its sometimes-humble history. And it really takes guts to open a giant Swedish/American restaurant in one of the most restaurant-dense areas of Naples, especially when most of the population knows very little about Swedish cuisine.

I admire people with guts, which is why I was excited to join a group of five women at the newly opened Waxin’s in Mercato this past Saturday. Aside from one seasoned Swedish food enthusiast, none of us had much experience with Nordic cuisine, and I had no idea what to expect.

Waxin’s interior was enormous, but strangely intimate. Our group was told that some of the décor has not yet arrived, but the dark walls and unfussy light fixtures create a cool, laid-back vibe. The restaurant has multiple seating areas, broken up by a large central bar in the middle of the restaurant. Diners were enjoying meals or waiting for tables at high tops in the front of the restaurant, while the main dining area was mostly occupied by low-slung tables with comfortable chairs.

The clean, uncluttered, sophisticated feeling of the space stands out from other Naples restaurants. Waxin’s has nailed the feeling that The Warren was going for when they opened in December of 2023: a large, dark space that is somehow strangely intimate with nooks and corners that make it easy to talk and socialize. In the case of The Warren, super high ceilings result in a cavernous feel and the noise can be overwhelming. Waxin’s escaped that pitfall with lower ceilings and better differentiated seating areas. I was impressed.

Waxin’s menu is designed for lovers of Swedish cuisine and the people who love them. This is to say that half of the menu is traditional Swedish dishes, and half of the menu would be perfect for the cautious American diner who finds themselves at Waxin’s on a first date. There is a wide range of appetizers and main courses that will look familiar to any diner who might happen by, but that wasn’t why we were there. We had a certified lover of Swedish cuisine in our midst and we were going to go the traditional route.

Our intrepid, very global, group of six women sat at a rectangular table in a quiet corner of the restaurant that was separated from the main seating area by a massive wine fridge on one side. Around the table, the six of us originally hail from Honduras, New Jersey, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, and Massachusetts. Luckily, our Czech friend has been married to a Swede for a long time and loves the food. Fortunately, she bravely volunteered to be our culinary tour guide. “My husband is jealous I came here with you guys first,” she smiled, perusing the menu.

This isn’t the first time we’ve all dined together and we usually take the approach of sharing as many dishes as we can around the table. Our evening at Waxin’s was no exception, and we ordered Toast Skagen and Swedish-style Caviar from the appetizers, and Cod (“the Swedish way”), Wallenbergare, and – of course – Swedish Meatballs.

The only Swedish meatballs I’ve ever eaten were at IKEA, but there is something about the style of the food that reminded me of dishes that my proudly French Canadian grandparents would serve. This is food for sharing and gathering as a family. It is also the kind of cold weather cuisine that is meant to warm and sustain you. The ingredients are simple and honest, and I was looking forward to seeing how Waxin’s approached it. Let me be totally transparent: I was worried they would take something simple and traditional, and torture it to death with intricate plating and microgreens.

When the caviar arrived it reminded me more of the look and feel of the tiny roe you encounter in sushi restaurants dusted on top of a roll. It was impossibly small and iridescent yellow. The crème fraîche, capers and onions were familiar, but the bright, briny taste of the caviar was really something special. The Toast Skagen with creamy lemon dill shrimp was surprisingly light and flavorful and easy to share.

The cod was delicate and flaky. The plating was simple but elegant with the fish served on top of mashed potatoes and crisp peas. The Wallenbergare was a hearty dish of ground veal steak, brown butter, green peas, lingonberries, potato purée. It was filling, delicious and familiar. The dish was somehow reminiscent of those wonderful flavors that a great meatloaf or shepherd’s pie (or as my grandmother called it, Pâté Chinois) possess. The Swedish meatballs were wonderful, and the heaviness of the meat and potatoes was offset well by the bright, slightly bitter taste of the lingonberries and the freshness of the pickles that accompanied it.

We finished off the meal with a simple roll cake. It reminded me of my grandmother’s strawberry shortcake…and how she might have done it if she were a chef instead of a nurse. The drinks – our table tried the Nordic Mule and Hot Shot – were well received and the service was prompt but unrushed throughout the meal.

Our global consortium of diners was pleased with our voyage through the traditional side of Waxin’s menu, and all of us – despite our varied upbringings and palates – left full and satisfied. I recommend that you check them out soon and that you order something you’ve never tried before.

Waxin’s is open from Sunday–Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Thursday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Friday–Saturday from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM (DJ and dancing coming soon). Check out their website here.

Top Events this Week & Looking Ahead

Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 6:15pm - 8:30pm, Corkscrew Night Tour

Where? Meet at Visitor’s Center: 375 Sanctuary Road W, Naples FL 34120

Limited tickets available here. Other dates available. 

The Audubon Corkscrew Sanctuary is a must-see destination in Naples for outdoor enthusiasts, bird watchers, and families. One of the most unique experiences that the Sanctuary offers is their Night Tour, which is led by a naturalist, providing participants with an opportunity to experience the swamp’s nocturnal wildlife and soundscape.

The night tour consists of a 2.25-hour walk covering approximately 2 miles along the sanctuary’s boardwalk. Along the way, you can encounter sounds from insects, owls, and alligators, as well as other nocturnal species. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Friday February 7^th @ 4pm to Sunday February 9^th @ 6pm, Everglades Seafood Festival

Where? 102 Copeland Avenue, Everglades City, FL

Friday: 4:00pm-10pm

Saturday: 10am-10:30pm

Sunday: 8:45am-6pm

Tickets? Friday is Family Night, and you can gain free entry by donating canned food. (What a great idea!)

Saturday is a $10 minimum donation per person at the door.

Sunday is a $10 minimum donation per person at the door.

Free admission for all days is available to residents of Everglades City, Chokoloskee, and Copeland, as well as children 17 and under.

There are lots of seafood festivals in Southwest Florida, but most are an unremarkable collection of vendors that travel from town to town. Not the Everglades Seafood Festival!

The Everglades Seafood Festival is a truly unique and local event. Founded in 1970, the Everglades Seafood Festival draws tens of thousands of visitors to Everglades City each February. The event is hosted by the Florida Stone Crabbers Association (FLSCA), and the festival not only celebrates the region’s rich seafood industry but also supports the local community.

Take the short ride out to Everglades City and experience live music from top bands, try fresh seafood—including Florida’s famous stone crab— and browse unique crafts from local artisans. The event is family friendly, and includes carnival rides. You can feel good that the festival’s proceeds help fund youth programs, sports equipment, and community projects. For more details, visit StoneCrabbers.com.

Friday February 7^th @ 8pm, Lynyrd Skynyrd

Where? Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Tickets start at $46. Available Here.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood Florida is a much shorter drive away than you realize. Spend $46 on a ticket and take the short 1.5-hour drive to the other coast, and check out Lynyrd Skynyrd this Friday.

Originally formed in Jacksonville, Florida, the band remains a cultural icon with a multi-generational fan base. While former members like Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, and Allen Collins helped shape the group's signature Southern rock sound, the current lineup—led by Johnny Van Zant— continues to tour and perform. It’s an easy, cheap Friday night date you’ll remember.

Saturday February 8th, 10am to 4pm, Ferrari Club of Naples Cars on Fifth

Where? 5^th Avenue South 

Tickets: Online ticket sales have closed, but tickets will be available at the event. Adult general admission is $40 and children 4-15 are $10. (Under 4? Come and see what happens. Just kidding - I imagine it is free.)

Is there anything more “Naples” than Cars on Fifth? On any given afternoon, you can drive down Fifth Avenue and catch a glimpse of mint condition Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Porsches and Corvettes. 

One day each year, however, Fifth Avenue is closed to traffic, allowing visitors to walk among high-end Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, Porsches, and Corvettes—vehicles even more impressive than the ones you see daily. 

Most importantly, Cars on Fifth is Saint Matthew’s House’s biggest event each year, and far too many people don’t know enough about the important role they play in the community. Saint Matthew’s is a non-profit whose mission is to help people struggling with homelessness, addiction, and food insecurity. 

If you can’t make it to Cars on Fifth, consider supporting the Saint Matthew’s Food Pantry. The food pantry’s greatest need is from May through July, when school is out and the burden is greater on local families. Their Amazon Wish List is available here.

Sunday February 9 @ 12pm, Edison Festival of Light Junior Run

Where? Intersection of First Street & Lee Street

Cost: $5

Want your kids to take an afternoon nap this Sunday? Sign them up for the Edison Festival of Light Junior Run, and make a day out of it by visiting the excellent Edison & Ford Winter Estates after. 

Sunday, February 9^th for Super Bowl (kickoff is 6:30PM), Super Bowl Sunday @ The Mini Bar & The Alley

Where? The Mini Bar & The Alley

The Mini Bar and The Alley in Naples are hosting a Super Bowl Sunday event featuring game-day specials and a burger eating contest. 

The Mini Bar & The Alley promise a casual downtown take on Super Bowl, where you can enjoy $3 beers and $10 Tito’s cocktails while watching the game on their big screens. One of the highlights of the event is The Mini Monster Challenge, where you can get a free meal if you finish a Mini Monster burger - including all sides and condiments - within 15 minutes. Impress (or disgust) your date/friends! The event takes place on Sunday, February 9th, starting at kickoff. 

Looking Ahead at February: Best of South Florida

You convinced me! One of the most common pieces of feedback I’ve gotten in recent months is that it’s hard to plan ahead when all of the events in each newsletter take place before the next issue of The Naples Florida Review is available. 

In this issue we’ll look ahead at some key events in the remainder of February. Let me know if you find this section helpful. 

Today, February 4^th to April 25^th, Natural Selections: Art Exhibition at Rookery Bay

Where? 300 Tower Road Naples, Florida 34113

Through April 25^th, Rookery Bay & United Arts Collier will be presenting their annual photography exhibition “Natural Selections.” Rookery Bay is a true local gem and a wonderful local resource to support. The annual art show includes work featuring Florida’s flora and fauna, and you might be surprised at some of the landscapes you experience.  

March 6^th to March 9th, Various Times, Disney on Ice Presents Frozen & Encanto

Where? Hertz Arena in Estero

Tickets available here. 

I’m posting this for the fellow parents who are looking to plan ahead. Have you tried out Disney on Ice yet? I haven’t, but I think my Florida-born kids might get a kick out of this form of Disney magic.  

Fifth Avenue South:

• February 13, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Evening on Fifth

  Where? Fifth Avenue South, Naples FL, 34102
  Check out Fifth Avenue beneath the stars and the twinkling lights while you listen to local live musicians and explore local dining and shops. I’ve always found the periodic “Evenings on Fifth” to be a great time to explore downtown with friends and visitors.  

• February 14, 2025, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, Valentine’s Day Edition: Evening on Fifth
  Where? Fifth Avenue South, Naples FL, 34102 
  A special Valentine's Day edition featuring live music, dining, and shopping along Fifth Avenue South. You don’t need a date to attend – just grab a friend and people watch! 

Third Street South:

Every Saturday in February 2025, from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, Third Street South Farmers Market

Where? Third Street South
The Third Street Farmers Market has been around since 1994, and it features nearly 60 vendors offering a variety of goods, including fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. I personally enjoy the Bahamian Conch Salad from King of Conch Salads and the local smoked fish dip - when available - from Mike’s Bait House. 

Poll Results and Feedback: Naples Seems Slower This Season

In last week’s issue, I asked if you’ve experienced a notable slowdown in Naples this season. The idea for the poll came from a low rumbling I’ve heard since Thanksgiving amongst friends in the hospitality and hotel industries. I wanted to hear about your firsthand, personal thoughts and you guys did not disappoint!  

Drum roll, please…

So, the majority of readers believe it’s slower than usual this season. 

The best part of the poll, however – as usual – were your comments. Check them out below. 

Voted Yes:

“I think Naples is a bit slower because of the end of Covid and some of those people, including Californians, have moved back to their original homes. (It's still crazy busy here, but I notice a difference from the past few years.) I fear that all those people from Pacific Palisades will come here looking for the weather (and sunsets) they so enjoy, now that they are homeless. So that would make our crowds increase again. Even worse, I fear they will vote for the same ridiculousness that keeps getting them into trouble in CA! ” T.N.

“Real Estate sales are 23% below average in number of properties sold…” J.C.

“Traffic is very busy, but no one seems to patronizing the businesses.” W.E.

Note: The above comment is one that I’ve heard a lot!

“Restaurants have grown too expensive. ” RY

“I've heard that Canadians have been stymied by changes in immigration and a strong US dollar. Could that be the case?”

Note: Could be. As of early February 2025, the Canadian dollar (CAD) has weakened significantly against the U.S. dollar (USD), reaching its lowest level since 2003. The exchange rate has risen to approximately 1.4599 CAD per USD, meaning 1 USD costs about 1.46 CAD.

“We are down in sales by 35% for January” - Sweet Liberty 

“What a blessing it is for us full-timers!” - Helena

Voted No:

“No way! Traffic is worse for starters! Secondly though, I have a rental property just off 5th Ave that accepts weekly rentals. I am having the busiest season yet since buying it in 2021. I am booked solid Jan-May and I had more than half of October, Nov & Dec rented, too. That's never happened before. Typically I rent out Jan-April and anything above that is just a bonus. ” K.E.

And…a thank you:

“I truly wish someone would do this for the North FL area. I always look forward to reading your newsletter. You can tell you love your city and put a lot of work into sharing that love with your readers.”  - Taylor

Note: Thank you, Taylor. That’s one of the nicest things anyone has said about this effort.

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Why It Matters

Every meal we share, every event we celebrate, and every story we tell in Naples builds strong bonds among us. Your thoughts and voices help our community grow and shine. We truly appreciate your support and trust. When we stand together, our neighborhood becomes a place filled with friendship, warmth, and memories.

Carolyn Cervoni
Editor-in-Chief
Naples, Florida
The Naples Florida Review

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