🍤 Parking Lot Mayhem, Shrimp & Grits Redemption | Pickleball Takes Over Naples | Cutting Boards Got Grilled | Is Naples Still... Naples?

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Friends & Neighbors,

The snowbirds are officially heading north — and while the traffic is easing and brunch waits are getting shorter, there’s still plenty happening here in Naples.

This week’s newsletter covers a little bit of everything:
• A stop at The Rooster (finally), where the shrimp and grits were better than expected — and the parking lot was somehow worse.
• A look ahead at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, bringing thousands of players and fans to East Naples (and yes, our sponsor has a lodging deal for them).
• A recap of last week’s poll, where cutting boards and nautical rope decor took some heat.
• And a new poll that’s already sparking debate — is Naples evolving, or are we watching it slowly turn into Fort Lauderdale?

Plus: your top events for the week ahead, including Travis Tritt, jazz night at Artis, and a Saturday pig roast that looks like a good time.

Even in late April, Naples never fully slows down. The pace just gets more manageable — and the views get a little clearer — once all the car carriers head out.

P.S. I want to hear from you. Please check in with your ideas and thoughts at:
📩 [email protected]
🔗 You can view the full archive here

Table of Contents

• 🍳 Review: The Rooster Is Serving Up Seriously Goo …

•  🏓 The U.S. Open of Pickleball Is in Town — and I …

• Top Events This Week

• 🗳️ Last Week’s Poll: Which Naples restaurant vibe …

• 🏗️ This Week’s Poll: Is Naples still Naples?

🍳 Review: The Rooster Is Serving Up Seriously Good Shrimp & Grits — Parking Lot Be Damned

I’d heard about The Rooster for a while before I actually attempted it with my entire brood in tow. We probably didn’t pick the smartest time: Saturday morning after Little League at Fleischmann Park. That’s brunch prime time, and The Rooster definitely draws a crowd. Since it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, more people seem to know about it — but it’s still totally doable.

The waiting area? It’s the parking lot, literally. They’ve carved out a little corner so you're not waiting between tailpipes. The lot itself? Definitely built in the ‘80s for compact cars and quieter times — so yeah, it’s a bit of a disaster. But once you're in, you're in.

It’s a strip-mall diner with a loyal following and a laid-back, local vibe.

We got seated in about 20 minutes at 11:00 AM, which felt like a win. Inside, the space is simple and comfortable. No gimmicks, no crazy wallpaper — just clean lines, friendly staff, and a straightforward menu.

We started with the biscuits, which came out hot and fluffy with jam and butter. I’m picky about biscuits, and these were the real deal. Everyone at the table — even the kids — gave them a thumbs up.

Speaking of my hangry little leaguers — there’s no official kids’ menu — but we patched one together with a side waffle and mac and cheese. It worked. That said, I do think a three-item kids’ section would go a long way.

I’d heard people rave about the shrimp and grits at The Rooster, and as someone who went to law school at Tulane, and lived in New Orleans (yes, for the location – mom & dad know by now), I was bracing for disappointment. But The Rooster delivered. The grits were creamy, the shrimp had a good sear, and while the dish had a few more toppings than I’m used to, it all came together in the end. Really solid execution.

My husband Manny ordered the chicken and waffles, which took a little longer than expected to come out (let’s call it a relaxed pace), but once it hit the table, the breading on the chicken was perfect and the flavor delivered.

Yes, Guy Fieri came through. But no, it’s not mobbed — not now, anyway. The snowbirds are flying north, and locals are reclaiming brunch.

👉 The Rooster | 600 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL
🕗 Open daily for breakfast and lunch
📞 (239) 228-5973 | theroosternaples.com

 🏓 The U.S. Open of Pickleball Is in Town — and I Have Thoughts

I’ve never picked up a pickleball paddle in my life.

I grew up playing tennis. I was that kid — the promising one who felt burned out before much college ball. Like a lot of tennis kids, I was told to steer clear of anything that might “mess up my strokes.” That included squash and racquetball - and later - pickleball. (Yes, I’m dating myself... I think it was “Platform Tennis” or something back then?)

But now that I am back playing regular tennis for fun — and sometimes just for cardio — I find myself curious. Especially now that the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships are happening right here in Naples this weekend.

And whether you’ve played a hundred matches or never once picked up a paddle, it’s hard not to be impressed.

🎾 Quick Event Rundown:

The Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships run April 26 to May , 2025, at East Naples Community Park, which has over 60 courts and is considered the mecca of the sport.

More than 3,000 players from around the world come to compete — from amateurs to top-ranked pros — and more than 40,000 spectators are expected throughout the week. It’s the biggest pickleball party of the year, with music, food trucks, drinks, and full-on championship energy.

👉 Event Info, Schedule & Tickets

You’ll find pro matches, clinics, and enough dink strategy to make your head spin — or convert you.

And if you’re one of the players or just tagging along to watch with a drink in hand…

🏡 Need a Place to Stay?

Playing in the tournament? Cheering from the sidelines? Just need a clean, relaxing place to stay away from the crowds? I have to plug my sponsor here…

Our sponsor, Naples Florida Rentals, is offering 10% off for U.S. Open fans and players who book directly.

📞 Call Dana at (239) 397-0929 and mention The Naples Florida Review to claim your discount.

Whether you're into pickleball or not, this is one of those weeks when Naples really shines.

Top Events This Week

Ok, we’ve covered the big Pickleball tourney…but wait…there’s more! 

1. 🎷 Houston Person All That Jazz with the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra

📅 Date: Wednesday, April 23 | 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Artis—Naples @ 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108
Have I mentioned that I play the trombone? Well, I’ve got a soft spot for jazz and there are still tickets for the 8:30 PM performance of soul jazz legend Houston Person, who will join the Naples Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra this Wednesday. A must for jazz fans who want to hear one of the genre’s most expressive saxophonists (who worked with greats like Etta James) up close. From what I can tell 6:30 PM is sold out…but still hope for 8:30!
👉 More info & tickets

2. ☕ Grumpy Goat Coffee Sips & Bites Tasting Event

📅 Date: Thursday, April 24 | 🕓 Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Grumpy Goat Coffee Roastery @ 28280 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Here’s a cool event from just up the road: it’s a free, extended, “happy hour” at Grumpy Goat’s roastery featuring artisan bites from Pansardo, Kristi’s Key Lime Cookies, Olde Naples Chocolate, Chubby Mermaid Brewing (somewhere I’ve been dying to try – I’m a sucker for a well-named spot) & more. Come sip, snack, and meet a local coffee roaster.
👉Check out the event here! 

3. 🎸 Travis Tritt at Hertz Arena

📅 Date: Friday, April 25 | 🕗 Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Hertz Arena
Country music is big in Southwest Florida and Hertz Arena is a venue that’s just-big-enough to have a wonderful but intimate concert experience. Country legend Travis Tritt brings decades of hits and Southern swagger to Estero this weekend and there are still tickets. If you’ve got a soft spot for “Here’s a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares),” this is your night.
👉 Tickets & info

4. 🐖 Pig Roast at Kaleidoscope Beer Company

📅 Date: Saturday, April 26 | 🕛 Time: 12:00 PM
📍 Location: Kaleidoscope Beer Company @ 987 3rd Avenue North, Naples, Florida 34102, United States
I’m just back from Puerto Rico (and my husband Manny’s brother and wife do an amazing pig roast every year) – so this event caught my eye! A traditional pig roast paired with Kaleidoscope’s craft brews with smoky bites and a laid-back community vibe? It’s a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
👉 Event details

5. 🍓 Third Street South Farmers Market

📅 Date: Saturday, April 26 | 🕢 Time: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Location: Third Street South Farmers Market @ 1207 3rd St S, Naples, FL 34102
Snowbirds are flocking north, so it’s time to return to your favorite iconic open-air market filled with fresh local produce, seafood, flowers, and pastries. This is perfect timing!
👉 Market info

6. 😂 William Lee Martin at Off the Hook Comedy Club

📅 Dates: April 25–27 | 🕖 Time: Various Showtimes
📍 Location: Off The Hook Comedy Club @ 2500 Vanderbilt Beach, Naples FL 34109
Texas comic William Lee Martin brings hilarious Southern storytelling with a little sass and a lot of heart. Great date night material.
👉 Tickets

🗳️ Last Week’s Poll: Which Naples restaurant vibe are you secretly sick of?

We asked, you answered — and the results were... deliciously judgmental.

Leading the way with 20.75% of the vote was:

“Rustic but make it expensive” — everything served on a cutting board

I’m a lover of all things charcuterie, but I completely appreciate how the trend has become overblown…to say the least. (Needless to say, I think Rebecca’s made the right decision adding more variety to their menu.)

Collectively, we are apparently one 10‑pound stump‑cut plating item short of revolt!

L.P. wrote:

“Tired of restaurants trying to be something they are not!”

Here’s how the rest of the responses stacked up:
• Nautical chic and rope decor — 18.87% (💧 we get it… we’re near water but not Key West)
• Foams, smokes, and spheres — 18.87% (aka The Science Experiment Special)
• “I’m not sick of anything — Naples forever ✨” — 16.98% (and we love you for that)

B.M. wrote:

“I think there is a place for all of it in Naples! More restaurant diversity is never a bad thing, in my opinion.”

• Huge plates, tiny food — 15.09%
• Out-of-town flavors that somehow still taste bland — 13.21%

Not sure what this reveals about me, but my answer would have been “huge plates, tiny food.” I love reasonable portions. Seriously. But some of the plating on these giant saucers with five dots of sauce? Pass. 

🏗️ This Week’s Poll: Is Naples still Naples?

The Four Seasons is changing the look of Gulf Shore. Rosewood’s moving in next to Lowdermilk like it owns the place.

And whether you call it progress or a beachfront identity crisis, there’s no denying it — the skyline is changing.

Some say Naples is turning into Fort Lauderdale. Others say it turned the corner years ago. A few are already dreaming of rooftop lounges with “coastal luxe” mocktails.

So this week, I want to know where you land on all this vertical ambition:

Which statement best reflects how you feel about Naples and the high-rise boom?

👉 Vote now. Bonus points if your commentary includes the phrase “Miami 2.0.”
📩 And forward this to a friend who hates what they did to Gulfshore — they’ll want in on this one.

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Why It Matters

Naples isn’t just a postcard-perfect town—it’s a living, breathing place full of people who care about good food, vibrant events, and where this city is heading. Whether it’s how we brunch, the sports we play, or the skyline we build—what we choose to show up for shapes what Naples becomes next.

So whether you're team “Naples forever” or feeling a little skeptical about Miami 2.0, your voice, your taste, and your time matter here.

Thanks for being part of the conversation.

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

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