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Tim Aten at home at Florida Weekly, now you know




Turco Taco opened this week in the classic A-frame landmark in Naples that was home to Dairy Queen for nearly 50 years. TIM ATEN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Turco Taco opened this week in the classic A-frame landmark in Naples that was home to Dairy Queen for nearly 50 years. TIM ATEN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

In the spirit of Independence Day next week, I’m celebrating my personal independence with a reboot of my longtime column.

After appearing in a Naples daily newspaper for 13 years, my column has found a new home in Florida Weekly’s Naples edition. The weekly column, “Tim Aten Knows,” will continue to keep readers in the know. Accept no substitutions.

This is the place to find out first about local developments breaking ground and restaurants opening and closing. I’ll continue to answer your questions about what you’re wondering about in our local community.

I want to thank the hundreds of supporters who reached out in the last month with words of encouragement for me and my work. Your support means a great deal. I’m blessed to have another opportunity to serve you.

It’s a brave new day with a fresh outlook. Tell your family and friends that “Tim Aten Knows” is here, and it’s free.

Happy Independence Day!

New tacos in town

Gourmet tacos at the new Turco Taco in Naples include options for grilled mahi, chicken in chipotle crema, vegetables and marinated pork and steak. TURCO TACO / COURTESY PHOTO

Gourmet tacos at the new Turco Taco in Naples include options for grilled mahi, chicken in chipotle crema, vegetables and marinated pork and steak. TURCO TACO / COURTESY PHOTO

Turco Taco has its soft opening this week and plans its grand opening party Saturday in a longtime local landmark — the classic A-frame that was home to Dairy Queen for about 50 years and most recently All American Shake Shop and Schnapper’s Hots in Naples.

Turco Taco’s mission is to create smiles one taco at a time, said owner Yavuz “Oz” Ozturk. The new restaurant’s simple menu offers a healthier take on Mexican-style street food. Meats are freshly hand-sliced, and masa is pressed to order for tortillas.

Gourmet tacos ($3.75 to $4.50) feature options for grilled mahi, chicken in chipotle crema, vegetables and marinated pork and steak. The carne asada taco includes a soft corn tortilla stuffed with marinated steak, guacamole, radish, onion, molcajete salsa and cilantro. Guests may also build their own tacos with choices of tortillas, fillings, salsas, veggies and cheese.

Five different gourmet quesadillas ($7.75 to $8.50) also are available as well as four varieties of organic salads ($7.50) focusing on hearts of palm, sweet potato, mango and quinoa.

The new Scoops Ice Cream & Acai Bowls in North Naples features 40 flavors of premium homemade ice cream. TIM ATEN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

The new Scoops Ice Cream & Acai Bowls in North Naples features 40 flavors of premium homemade ice cream. TIM ATEN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Beverages include drinks and fresh juices as well as craft beers on draft, bottled beers and glasses of wine. Churros with chocolate and Mexican paleta ice cream pops are featured for dessert.

One of the coolest parts of the new business is that patrons are welcomed inside into the area under the redpeaked roof that used to be behind the takeout windows of the old DQ. Planters have been added along the front outside to create a garden setting for patio dining on the northeast corner of U.S. 41 and Fourth Avenue North.

During the opening party Saturday, tacos and draft beers are $3, quesadillas are $5, and churros are complimentary, Mr. Ozturk said.

Turco Taco, 410 9th St. N., is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. For more information call 331-4527 or go to TheTurcoTaco.com

Fresh scoop

Cracker-encrusted black grouper with thyme roasted fingerling potatoes and fresh corn and Napa cabbage slaw is an entrée at KC American Bistro, which recently launched its second location in Estero. TIM ATEN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Cracker-encrusted black grouper with thyme roasted fingerling potatoes and fresh corn and Napa cabbage slaw is an entrée at KC American Bistro, which recently launched its second location in Estero. TIM ATEN / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Perfectly timed to cool off an extrahot summer, Scoops Ice Cream & Acai Bowls launched Monday in Pebblebrooke Center on Collier Boulevard in North Naples.

Co-owners Brandy and Zach Mersch have worked since April 1 to convert the space of a former Verizon Wireless retail store into their new family business. The couple saw a need for the ice cream shop in the neighborhood where they live with their three young children.

“We were kind of sick of driving for ice cream,” Zach Mersch said. “We really wanted a place where we could bring the community together. That’s why we opened these doors. We have community style seating for that reason.”

The Merschs hand-picked Scoops’ 40 flavors of premium homemade ice cream from more than twice as many options created by longtime Love Boat Ice Cream in Fort Myers. Flavors at Scoops range from the required chocolate and vanilla to the unexpected: salted caramel bacon, apple pie, chocolate brownie batter and even Elvis — banana ice cream with peanut butter ripple and chocolate chunks.

— Email questions and news tips to TimAtenKnows@floridaweekly.com. Follow @TimAtenKnows on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

— Email questions and news tips to TimAtenKnows@floridaweekly.com. Follow @TimAtenKnows on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

In addition to ice cream cones and cups, Scoops offers sundae bowls, shakes and floats. Ice cream can also be topped with a variety of candies, nuts, fruits and cookie crumbles, as well as drizzled with sweet and gooey delights.

Besides ice cream creations, Scoops has organic acai bowls consisting of acai berries blended with other fruits and coconut milk, then topped with more fruit, granola, coconut shreds, honey and other items.

Scoops, 15215 Collier Blvd., unit 318, is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For more information go to ScoopsOfNaples.com.

Doubling down

A fine-dining restaurant with roots in North Naples recently debuted at University Village Shops near Florida Gulf Coast University in Estero.

The second, larger location of KC American Bistro opened May 24 across from Tacos & Tequila Cantina in the dining-centric center off Ben Hill Griffin Parkway. Chef-owner Keith Casey has operated his original KC for 10 years in The Pavilion shopping center in North Naples.

Mr. Casey uses seasonal ingredients to create a menu of American cuisine representing regions throughout the country. Retaining some core offerings, he updates his menu daily.

“For now, we have the exact same menu. Maybe one or two items are different,” he said.

Entrees include slow-braised short rib, sautéed scallops, molasses-glazed duck breast, cracker-encrusted black grouper, marinated lamb chops, chargrilled filet mignon and a hoisin-glazed pork chop.

Initially a dinner-only restaurant, Mr. Casey may launch lunch service at his new restaurant this summer. “When I see that the business will support it, then we’ll do it,” he said.

The new KC American Bistro, 19810 Village Center Drive, Suite 145, is open for dinner 5 to 9 p.m. every day. For more info call 237-2133 or go to KCAmericanBistro.com. ¦

67 responses to “Tim Aten at home at Florida Weekly, now you know”

  1. Ben MacGowen says:

    What’s the story with Popeyes on 951@ Golden Gate?

    • Tim Aten says:

      Popeyes is still awaiting its certificate of occupancy and hopes to open in mid-July, its district manager told me today. The restaurant cannot order food or train staff until the CO is granted.

  2. Toni says:

    Thanks Tim! Your column is especially important to those who escape to the north in the summer months and don’t have the opportunity to pass by new openings or otherwise read about them. No one covers the scene like you do! Thx

  3. Deborah M Maclean says:

    Very happy you’ve found a new home.

  4. Bud G says:

    What is the story with the potential Starbucks near Wiggins Pass where the Lucky’s will open soon? They were cleaning up the site and now nothing.

    • Tim Aten says:

      I’ll try to find out, Bud. Unfortunately, Benderson Development, the owner/manager of Gateway Shoppes at North Bay, does not share a lot of info.

      • June Fletcher says:

        While you’re at it, Tim, please try to find out when Lucky’s will open at that location. It’s been “coming soon” an awfully long time.

        • Tim Aten says:

          Lucky’s told me this spring that what they call their “Bonita Springs” store (even though it’s obviously in North Naples) is not opening until early 2020, but I don’t believe it because it appears to be nearly completed. I will continue to pursue it, June. Thanks for asking.

  5. June pittman says:

    All the very best to you, I appreciate you keeping me up to date in the Restaurant world..

  6. Kathleen Monachino says:

    Love your columns Tim. ♥️

  7. TB Rech says:

    Yay! So glad you’ll still be keeping us informed. .

  8. Kimberly says:

    Thank you for all you do and share ! Thrilled that you found a new home for your column !!!

  9. Dianne says:

    My husband and I eat out a lot and I always look for your column so I know what’s new what’s gone!

  10. Lee-Ann says:

    So happy to see you’re back! And now I don’t even have to pay for your great restaurant news and information! Glad you found a new home.

  11. Becky says:

    I wondered where you went. Nice to find you again.

  12. Anne says:

    The Naples Daily News lost a staple of their paper – I so enjoyed reading what was happening in the local restaurant scene! Glad you’ve found a new venue so we can still read about it! Good luck!!

  13. Janette Zarembski says:

    So excited you’re back! Your column was our favorite at Naples Daily News as we love the restaurant scene here! Congratulations!!!

  14. Mary Lou Reeves says:

    What is happening with the former Bill’s Steakhouse in Naples?

    • Tim Aten says:

      Not sure that anything is happening yet with the old Bill’s Steak & Seafood. Please let me know if you see or hear something there. Thanks!

      • John "Mac" McDermott says:

        On Bill’s I heard there’s some code violations that have to be dealt with first!

        Mac.

        • Tim Aten says:

          Exactly, Mac, but I heard last week that the issues there have been resolved. I will try to find out if a new tenant is coming soon.

      • Linda Henderson says:

        I heard that Cafe Luna was going to occupy Bill’s Seafood restaurant since they closed their North Naples location. Not sure if that was just a rumor.

        Being a snowbird, one of my main reasons for subscribing digitally to The Naples News was to read your column on Mondays and Wednesdays. How disappointed my husband and I were when I stopped seeing your column. We are thrilled we will be able to keep up with all that’s happening in Naples, our winter home. Good luck

  15. Ann C says:

    So happy that your column is back!! Best wishes at Florida Weekly and I look forward to reading each week.

  16. John T says:

    Hats off to “Naples, Florida Weekly” for recognizing Tim Aten, as a community staple. Good move on putting him back in print after he left that daily paper. Tim, it’s good to see your ink back on paper in the Naples area. Now I don’t have to pay for a lot of other useless ink and paper just to read your column.

  17. Tara Linn says:

    Good to see you!

  18. Kay says:

    Boy am I ever glad to see your excellent column again. NDN didn’t know what they were losing when they dropped you. Thank you for all your research on what’s new and what’s leaving our area. On that note, do you know what is going in berween Outback and Hobby Lobby at 41 and Triangle? I heard it was supposed to be a “fine dining” restaurant.

    • Tim Aten says:

      Thanks, Kay. I have inquired about the Triangle Plaza space but have yet to hear back from Stock Development. The two-unit building was being built on spec so tenants were not initially signed. The unit nearest Outback is designed for a restaurant with patio dining near the lake. I hope to be able to share news about future tenants there soon.

  19. Karolynn Miller says:

    We didn’t like the direction the NDN had taken on, so we dropped the paper 2 yrs ago. Your column is the only thing we have missed. This is simply great! Thank you, congratulations, and God bless.

  20. Diane Bonney says:

    As the owner of MTW Rewards, your information has been invaluable. I was so disappointed when you left Naples News but so happy to see your presence online and now at Florida Weekly. Keep up the good work.

  21. Monica says:

    Congratulations, Tim! What a relief that we can continue getting the inside scoop on “everything Naples”. Can you tell us when the new Lucky’s on Wiggins Pass is slated to open? Thanks!

    • Tim Aten says:

      Thanks, Monica. Lucky’s Market is still claiming that its store on Wiggins Pass Road won’t open until early 2020, but I’m hoping to find out soon that it could open earlier.

  22. Luanne says:

    Glad I found you! I love reading your restaurant articles and learning what’s new out there! We are part timers in Naples and always look forward to our dining experiences down there!

  23. Katy and Bob Olson says:

    Places are opening and closing so fast in Naples it’s difficult to keep up. Your column was always the perfect round up of happenings. We missed seeing your column but congratulate you on finding Florida Weekly. We will continue to be ‘In the Know’

  24. Maria P says:

    Thank you for you and best of luck! Any news on when the County’s going to get OK for Popeyes to open their 2 mo delayed doors???

    • Tim Aten says:

      Thanks, Maria. Not sure what the delay is all about but Popeyes still doesn’t have an opening date. I’ll keep checking on it.

  25. Scott Marcotte says:

    So glad you’re back

  26. Dennis says:

    HI Tim,

    The old EB’s Restaurant at Davis and 41; it had a for sale sign for many years. That sign came down about 6 months ago and ever since a shiny “Dave’s Barbeque” truck has been permanently parked facing the street. Is that a sign of things to come to that restaurant location? What do you know?

    Thanks for picking up where you left off. Glad to have you back “in town”!

    • Tim Aten says:

      Thank you, Dennis. Famous Dave’s has denied it’s going into the old EB’s restaurant space, but I need to look more closely into why that truck has been parked there for so long. Thanks for asking.

  27. Ed Kant says:

    Tim,

    It is so good to have you back. I have tried to keep up with you on your Facebook page, but I got behind. Now that you have a new “home” it will be good to stay in touch.

    Keep up all you do.

    Best wishes for continued success.

  28. Paul Harwood says:

    Welcome back Tim, I’m glad you are back in business, thanks for your emails with up to date restaurant info in the Naples area…

  29. Kippi Schank says:

    I m so happy to find you!! I really missed your columns and I did just cancel my NDN subscription after being a customer since 1984. It’s sad to see what they did to our LOCAL paper! I just hope you continue to write the great columns and give us the info we love to read about!! Congrats!!

  30. Christine Reed says:

    What is happening at Executive Dr. and Valewood off of Immocolee?

  31. Joe Toole @ Marriott TownePlace Suites says:

    Hey Tim, you did a wonderful piece when our hotel was only a rendering. We are now open and love for you to get in touch If you think there might be a nice story here. I do!

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