Celebrate Fiesta Fest 2024 In Naples

September 15th kicked off the annual celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month around the United States. Many festivities are being held around Southwest Florida including a big one Friday. Here is how to celebrate Fiesta Fest 2024 in Naples.

This is the 8th annual Fiesta Fest put on by Felipe's Taqueria. It is shaping up to be a great, family friendly party to celebrate and highlight the many colorful and creative aspects of Hispanic culture. It also gives back to the community.

You can't have a party without music and this event has lots of it. Enjoy live music from singer-songwriter Martiza Cedeno, Venezuelan singer-songwriter Nestor Larreal, and comedian and impressionist Rafael Leidenz.

There will also be lots of dancing. Food is a big part of any festival and it's an important part of Hispanic culture, so you can be sure there will be lots of it here.

Fiesta Fest is a party with a purpose. The purpose is to support the educational programs of the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee. 25% of the proceeds from the fiesta will be donated to the center.

“Fiesta Fest at Felipe’s Taqueria is more than just a celebration of great food—it's a testament to what we can achieve when we come together as a community," said Dawn Montecalvo, CEO of Guadalupe Center. "Through collaboration and generosity, we are building a cycle of prosperity that empowers the next generation to reach their full potential."

Fiesta Fest Naples is Friday, September 20, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Felipe's Park Shore Plaza location. It's 4255 Tamiami Trail North. Have fun and celebrate Fiesta Fest 2024 in Naples.

Southwest Florida's annual Sizzle Dining event kicked off September 5th and continues to lure hungry diners into restaurants from Marco to Sanibel Island. I've been doing my part to support the cause. Here is a peek at my Sizzle Dining stop at Taberna Ole in Fort Myers

This regional dining event is intended to support local restaurants during what is traditionally the slowest time of the year for them. To lure diners, more than 100 restaurants all over Southwest Florida are offering pre-fix menus ranging from $19 to $59 for two, three and four-course meals.

So far, I've had lunch at Bicyclette Cookshop in Naples, and I still think about that dessert. Photos and more info here. Also, Stones Throw in Cape Coral. Those photos and menu info are here.

I'm trying to visit as many places as possible for Sizzle Dining, the latest being Taberna Ole in Fort Myers. The Spanish restaurant is in an obscure strip mall on US 41 between Crystal and College Parkway. They recently brought in a new chef, and I wanted to see what had changed.

The 3-course menu was $29, however, there were several item selections that came with an upcharge.

Sizzle Dining runs through September 25th. Not only is it an affordable way to try a new restaurant or visit an old favorite, but you also help a charity in the process. $1 of each meal sold is donated to Blessings in a Backpack which helps feed food insecure children.

Wine was not part of the Sizzle Dining menu at Taberna Ole. However, some restaurants include special cocktails and beverages to their menu as an upcharge. Since the menu was Spanish, we naturally ordered wine from the country too.

Croquetas are a house specialty at Taberna Ole but they are not on the Sizzle Dining menu. We could not dine here without having some. Bonus.

These dates were big and sweet. They had some chorizo inside and were wrapped with Iberico pork pancetta. On the plate was a drizzle of honey and balsamic glaze. It was a table favorite at Taberna Ole.

This is a menu signature. The octopus is cut paper thin and is seasoned with paprika. Arugula is in the middle fir a pop of color and flavor.

This was a comfort dish. Thin slices of organic chicken smothered in a savory red wine and cream sauce, topped with mushrooms.

One of the things that makes this rich cheesecake so different is that it is served warm.

This is the perfect dessert to follow a big meal. The crema on top was light, airy and ethereal. Underneath was refreshing orange sherbert.