Mardi Gras Celebration – February 25, 2025
Twenty-five (25) members and guests celebrated Mardi Gras at Pho 80 Restaurant in North Naples. Chef/Owner Quyen treated us to a delicious, seven-course dinner that was served family style. DJ Bobby Picone serenaded us with French music throughout the evening. The theme of the event was the 1992 award-winning French film, “Indochine”, with a lively Costume Contest that capped out the fun soirée.
Défilé de Mode et Déjeuner (Fashion Show/Fund Raiser) – March 12, 2025
For our 31st Annual Défilé de Mode et Déjeuner (Fashion Show/Fund Raiser), thirty-two (32) members and guests were treated to a delicious French lunch & dessert at the stunning Imperial Golf Club in North Naples, for which we thank Benefactor Mary Burchell for hosting us. Seven members modeled the beautiful fashions of Dillard’s Department Store Naples, with lively commentary provided by Gen. Mgr. Lisa Sangster.
Assemblée Générale – April 12, 2025
On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Assemblée Générale/Annual Business Meeting was held at The French Brasserie Rustique in Olde Naples, preceded by a 2-course luncheon consisting of delicious French dishes. Denyse Jenkins was re-elected President. Dave Boland was elected to the Board of Directors.
End-of-Season Picnic/Dinner – May 10, 2025
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, eighteen (18) members and guests dined in the beautiful Pelican Bay Beach setting at Marker 36 Restaurant, for our End-of-Season Picnic/Dinner. Many thanks to Kevin McDermott and Bruce & Judith Godfrey for hosting this annual event.
La Table Française/French Speaking Table – June 21, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, thirteen (13) members and guests enjoyed the delicious cuisine of The French Brasserie Rustique in Olde Naples at La Table Française, at which we shared lively conversation in French. Our Business Partner Lise Ramirez, owner of La Belle Provence, explained and demonstrated many aspects of her region, La Provence. She brought and shared with our members many examples of fabrics, soaps, and various items of the region. We enjoyed it very much, and we thank her for her detailed presentation.
Célébration du 14 juillet – “la Fête Nationale” (Bastille Day/French Independence Day)
On the evening of July 14, 2025, 18 members and guests celebrated “la Fête Nationale” (Bastille Day/French Independence Day) at Bistro La Baguette in East Naples, with a delicious 3-course dinner, ending with “Omelette Norvégienne” (Baked Alaska). Owner/Manager Valerie Maillard led us in a rousing chorus of “La Marsellaise” (national anthem of France).
La Table Française/French Speaking Table – August 27, 2025
On the evening of Wednesday, August 27, 2025, twelve (12) members and guests enjoyed Chef Anthony’s delicious cuisine at Café Normandie in Naples at La Table Française, at which we shared lively conversation at one table en français and another table en anglais.
We welcome new members Elaine Murphy and Barbara Barker.
Hostess Sandie was “très gentille”, and explained all of the choices on the French menu.
It was a very successful, outgoing, and pleasant time together … hopefully we will meet with more members at next month’s event.
La Causerie – October 18, 2025
On October 18, 2025, we welcomed 16 members and guests at our luncheon at Bistro La Baguette. Several members shared with us about their trip to France this summer. Our Treasurer, Gene Jenkins, gave us a very noteworthy and instructive talk about “Nationale 7”, which is equivalent of Route 66 in the U.S. … it was the beginning of the words, “gastronomy” and “tourism” combined in France. Valerie was the best hostess, and the “Bouchée à la Reine” was delightful.
Beaujolais Nouveau Dégustation & Fund Raiser – November 22, 2025
On November 22, 2025, 32 members and guests enjoyed Beaujolais Nouveau wine choices and chacuterie boards at the lovely home of our member, Deborah Salvatore, in Bonita Springs. There was enthusiastic bidding on the beautiful gifts for the Raffle Table for our annual fund raiser.
Dîner de Noël – December 4, 2025
31 members and guests celebrated our annual Dîner de Noël at Chez Guy Parisian Bistro, where we were treated to a delicious 3-course meal exclusively offered by Chef Guy. We had a lively time with our Gift Exchange and caroling Christmas songs in French. It was a memorable evening of reminiscence and “bonheur”.
