Norman Love Confections is taking its popular chocolate classes on the road with a Friday, June 26 Chocolate and Wine Tasting at The French Press at Cape Harbour Marina in Cape Coral. The class will begin at 6 p.m. with canapés and sparkling wine provided by Fathoms Restaurant and Bar. Norman Love and Ryan Love will share information about matching wine and chocolate, as they describe the unique characteristics of the featured chocolates. Pairings will include raw chocolate, confections and a chocolate dessert, each served with a specially selected red wine.

Class size is limited; registration is $95 plus tax per person. To reserve a spot, call Valeria Zanella Voisin at 239-542-0707 or 239-542-0212. The French Press is located at 5789 Cape Harbour Drive #101 in Cape Coral.

“We are excited about expanding our relationship with The French Press, which has been carrying our confections for several months,” said Norman Love. “This evening is a wonderful opportunity to see some of our Cape Coral clients and to meet some new friends during a fun evening.”

The French Press offers Norman Love Confections boxed chocolates, 12 flavors by the piece, the BLACK line of single-origin dark chocolates, chocolate bars and barks, and other specialties.

Norman Love Confections continues its chocolate classes on alternate Wednesday evenings through September at its Fort Myers chocolate salon. Classes range from molded candies and layered cakes to dessert shooters and truffles. Visit www.NormanLoveConfections.com, or call Lisa Mariani at 239-561-7215 for class times and availability.

Norman Love Confections creates and distributes handcrafted artisanal chocolates from its Fort Myers corporate headquarters that encompasses both production and retail operations. Chocolates, gift baskets, sipping chocolate and Love’s book, “Artistry in Chocolate, A Story of Love,” also can be ordered online at www.normanloveconfections.com.

The award-winning Fort Myers-based chocolatier has been lauded more than a dozen times by a leading consumer ratings magazine, including recognition six times for producing the best ultra-premium chocolates in the nation. Forbes.com included Norman Love Confections BLACK line on its list of the nation’s top 10 truffles; The Huffington Post listed it among the six best U.S. destinations in its Chocolate Lover’s Travel Guide; and USA Today named Love as one of its top 10 entrepreneurs for 2014.

Norman Love Confections has Chocolate Salons in Fort Myers, Estero and Naples, and Artisan Gelato by Norman Love is next door to the Fort Myers salon, off Daniels Parkway east of I-75. In addition, Norman Love Confections chocolates and desserts are offered on 18 Princess Cruises’ ships through the “Chocolate Journeys” partnership.

The French Press is an award-winning European-style bakery café offering fine coffee, delectable treats and a much-needed antidote to the pace of modern life. It is located at beautiful Cape Harbour Marina, the only waterfront shopping destination in Southwest Florida offering art galleries, a luxury spa and salon, and extraordinary boutiques.

Fathoms and The French Press present great eats, cool times for all ages

During the lazy days of summer, beautiful Cape Harbour Marina is the place to kick back, enjoy a cold beverage or creamy gelato and meet with friends for live music. Fathoms Restaurant & Bar and The French Press will once again bring the food, fun and some very special events to the only waterfront shopping destination in Southwest Florida offering award-winning art galleries, a luxury spa and salon and extraordinary boutiques.

From 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, June 5, enjoy another of Fathoms’ popular Full Moon Parties, and cheer “Viva la France!” as Chefs Ben Voisin and Fabrice Deletrain serve up inventive, casual cuisine with a French accent. Popular local musician Robb Brooks of the Chasing Dallas band brings the tunes.

Up to 16 lucky diners will enjoy an intimate six-course dinner at a special Fathoms Chef’s Table event on Thursday, June 18. Cost is $85 per person, including exquisite wine pairings. For reservations while they last, call (239) 542-0123.

June 25 is Ladies Night, with a dinner of three courses each paired with a very special wine, all for just $25. Call (239) 542-0123 to reserve your spot.  

From June 1 until September 28, Fathoms and The French Press will close on Mondays, but residents and visitors to Cape Harbour will find a packed schedule of fun events through the week. Live music with your favorite local bands happens every Tuesday from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday is half-price pizza night at Fathoms from 5 to 10 p.m. and Open Mic night happens at The French Press from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Members of Fathoms’ kitchen staff will have a chance to shine as they whip up comfort food to share from their native Mexico for Rico Taco Thursdays. Authentic tacos and a margarita will be just $9.99 all day long.  

Fridays in June are automotive enthusiast heaven at Cape Harbour. Park your vintage ride, hot rod, muscle car or drag racer and pop up the hood to show off to the appreciative crowd. Or just take in the shine off all that chrome while you enjoy a beverage, live music and conversation with the proud car owners.

A DJ is on hand every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. to set the weekend groove, with Yappy Hour happening the last Saturday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. Bring your pooch along and support Gulf Coast Humane Society. 

The French Press is now a proud Norman Love Confections retail partner. Stop in for a gourmet coffee and pastry and take a special token of affection to the chocolate lover in your life.

A special breakfast is served Saturdays and Sundays at The French Press featuring scrambled eggs, two sausages, bacon, toast and delicious fresh coffee from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. for $7.95. Add orange juice for a buck. Sundays are fun days at Fathoms with Bloody Mary specials from 11 to 4 p.m. 

Finally, mark your calendar for the Great American Picnic at Cape Harbour happening this Fourth of July! 

Even more great events await at vibrant Cape Harbour this summer. Visit www.thefrenchpressfl.com and fathomsrestaurant.com for info.

The Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) will be breaking out ugly ties at their monthly Yappy Hour.  The monthly events will celebrate with an ugly tie contest for participates to enjoy.    All dogs and their handlers are invited to join in on the fun on May 30, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Cape Harbour, located at 5785 Cape Harbour Dr.  in Cape Coral.  

A fun gift bag full of dog goodies will be the prize for the winner of the ugly tie contest and a raffle for a dog item gift basket will be available to win.  T-shirts will also be available for sale and attendees can meet and visit with GCHS adoptable dogs looking for their forever home.

New vendors,  Busters Happy Tails, premium daycare & boarding services, and Healing Pawsablilities canine training and massage will be joining the event this month.   Fathoms Restaurant and Bar, with The French Press Café will provide beer, wine, and a DJ for entertainment during the event.  Proceeds from beverage sales, raffle items and a portion of sales from the Cape Harbour’s Fetch Dog Boutique & Bakery will also benefit GCHS. 

Gulf Coast Humane Society, located at 2010 Arcadia Street in Fort Myers, was established as the first non-profit animal welfare organization in southwest Florida in 1947.  The 501(c)(3) mission is to rescue, provide safe refuge and compassionate care, and find forever homes for abandoned and neglected animals in the area.  GCHS only takes in owner surrendered and transfers from other shelters and rescue groups with a high success rate of adoptions.  Their veterinary clinic is open to the public and offers a full array of affordable services six days a week. For more information about the events with the Gulf Coast Humane Society call 239-332-0364 or visit their website www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.

Fathoms and The French Press present a month to say “mmmm” about

In May Southwest Florida gets a little more mellow. The tourists have gone home, leaving residents the perfect opportunity to scope out new delights, like the array of fun and tasty happenings at beautiful Cape Harbour Marina.

In honor of the new laidback vibe, the month of May has agreed to begin on a Friday, and Fathoms is the perfect place to congregate with friends, with happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m. Then from 6 to 10 p.m. enjoy creative cuisine inflected with a Spanish accent and dance the night away at Fathoms’ Full Moon party. It’s a phenomenon that only happens once a month!

Cinco de Mayo brings a Mexican flavor to Cape Harbour, and puts a spotlight on some of Fathoms’ special kitchen staff. For lunch or dinner find out what makes Yadira and Santiago’s pork tamales world famous. Javier has a favorite pinto bean and chorizo dip he’d like to share with you. Caesar’s chicken enchiladas will tempt you with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, queso fresco and a tart-savory tomatillo sauce. As Mexico united to defeat the French at the Battle of Puebla, Fathom’s kitchen has united to develop a fantastic marinated chicken legs recipe served with yellow rice and a pinto bean mole sauce.

Every Wednesday, enjoy local singer songwriters in a casual atmosphere at The French Press’ Open Mic Night from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, Fathoms offers the perfect indulgence for all the moms, with Mother’s Day brunch specials, including fresh pastries, eggs benedict and a smoked Scottish salmon plate. From 1 to 10 p.m., treat Mom to all the choices on the regular menu, plus specials like Black Angus beef wellington with black truffle hollandaise; grilled spiny lobster tail with homemade tagliatelle pasta, wild mushrooms, asparagus tips and a coconut curry sauce; pan roasted Chilean sea bass and herb roasted pork loin. Make a special memory by helping Mom take a selfie with her Over the Top bloody Mary.

Starting May 23, Cape Harbour brings back its popular Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Peruse fresh, seasonal produce, local honey, jams and jellies, potted plants, handmade soaps, homemade breads and desserts and more.

Even Fido deserves a night out. The monthly Yappy Hour happens Saturday, May 30 from 6 to 8 p.m to support the Gulf Coast Humane Society, with a DJ setting the party mood from 6 to 8 p.m.

Even more great events await in the mellow month of May.

FORT MYERS, FL. – April 20, 2015 – The Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) will be breaking out the sombreros for an early Cinco de Mayo at their monthly Yappy Hour.  The Saturday evening event will be going to the dogs and they can’t wait to get the fiesta started.  All dogs and their handlers are invited to join in on the fun on April 25, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Cape Harbour, located at 5785 Cape Harbour Dr.  in Cape Coral. 

A fun gift bag full of dog goodies will be available for raffle and T-shirts will also be available for sale. Attendees can meet and visit with adoptable dogs from GCHS looking for their forever home. Fathoms Restaurant and Bar, with The French Press Café will provide beer, wine, and a DJ for entertainment during the event.  Proceeds from beverage sales and a portion of sales from the Cape Harbour’s Fetch Dog Boutique & Bakery will also benefit GCHS.

Gulf Coast Humane Society, located at 2010 Arcadia Street in Fort Myers, was established as the first non-profit animal welfare organization in southwest Florida in 1947.  The 501(c)(3) mission is to rescue, provide safe refuge and compassionate care, and find forever homes for abandoned and neglected animals in the area.  GCHS only takes in owner surrendered and transfers from other shelters and rescue groups with a high success rate of adoptions.  Their veterinary clinic is open to the public and offers a full array of affordable services six days a week. For more information about the events with the Gulf Coast Humane Society call 239-332-0364 or visit www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.

We're excited to announce our new House Blend Coffee created and roasted specifically for The French Press by Stan's Gourmet Coffee.

We have three different blends:

World Blend - a hand selected blend of premium coffees from around the world. It has a fruity profile with hints of sweetness, also finishes with a lingering richness. 

Morning Thunder - a full to heavy bodied blend with a rich profile and a full city roast. Clean, winy balanced finish.

Decaf Colombian - decaffeinated Colombian is roasted dark with light surface oil. Decaffeinated Colombian is a great choice for those who want consistently great tasting coffee without caffeine.

FORT MYERS, FL. – March 24, 2015 – The Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) will be celebrating Easter early at the monthly Cape Harbour Yappy Hour.  All dogs and their owners are invited to join in on the fun on March 28, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Easter Baskets will be available for raffle and Easter Eggs with fun surprise items inside will be available with a donation to GCHS. T-shirts will also be available for sale. Attendees can meet and visit with adoptable dogs from GCHS looking for their forever home. Fathoms Restaurant and Bar, with The French Press Café will provide beer, wine, and a DJ for entertainment during the event.  Proceeds from beverage sales and a portion of sales from the Cape Harbour’s Fetch Dog Boutique & Bakery will also benefit GCHS. 

Gulf Coast Humane Society, located at 2010 Arcadia Street in Fort Myers, was established as the first non-profit animal welfare organization in southwest Florida in 1947.  The 501(c)(3) mission is to rescue, provide safe refuge and compassionate care, and find forever homes for abandoned and neglected animals in the area.  GCHS only takes in owner surrendered and transfers from other shelters and rescue groups with a high success rate of adoptions.  Their veterinary clinic is open to the public and offers a full array of affordable services six days a week. For more information about the events with the Gulf Coast Humane Society call 239-332-0364 or visit www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.

From a luau-themed Full Moon Party to watercolor painting, Fathoms and The French Press offer something for everyone

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2015) — Fathoms Restaurant and Bar and The French Press are pleased to announce their exciting March event lineups. The modern casual eatery and the European-style bakery café are again bringing lots of food, fun, art and entertainment to scenic Cape Harbour Marina that everyone can enjoy.

In addition, be sure to visit both establishments’ vendor tables at Taste of the Cape, Sunday March 1 at Four Freedoms Park from noon to 6 p.m. Bigger and better than ever, this community event celebrates culinary arts and music and features great food from more than 20 local restaurants. Visit tasteofcapecoral.com for all the details. 

And don’t miss the always popular Water and Wheels Show at Cape Harbour from Friday, March 13 through Sunday, March 15.

Select Fathoms Restaurant & Bar Events

On Friday, March 6, catch the spirit of aloha at another of Fathoms’ famous Full Moon Parties, this time with a Hawaiian theme. Come dressed to impress in your favorite Hawaiian shirt or traditional muumuu and enjoy a live music and dancing show from Tuika’s Polynesian Island Magic. Starting at 5:30 p.m., guests will be received in true island spirit with a Hawaiian lei welcome and will enjoy live music until the hula and fire dance show begins at 7:30. Guests and employees will have the opportunity to win a $50 prize in an island dress contest. Special culinary creations will be included, and mai tais, blue Hawaiians and pina coladas will be offered, making it a proper luau good enough for a young Elvis. Koloa Dark Rum will be featured, crafted from pure Hawaiian cane sugar on the island of Kaua’i. Reservations are required by calling (239) 542-0123, and a 48-hour cancellation policy will be in effect. The $10 admission includes a special cocktail.  

On Tuesday, March 17, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Fathoms, with food and drink specials from 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays bring the hot rod and classic car show from 4 to 8, and live music from 6 to 10 p.m.. On Saturday, March 28, bring your four-legged friend for Yappy Hour to benefit Gulf Coast Humane Society from 6 to 8 p.m.

Select French Press events

From 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, enjoy a reading and book signing by Beth Carter, author of “Thursdays at Coconuts” and three children’s books.

The Meet the Artist series continues on March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. with acrylic and oil painter Mickie Timmons from Harbour View Gallery and enjoy live music. Wine, cheese platters and art will be available for purchase.

From 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, watercolorist Shirley Hales will guide our guests through the process of painting a festive margarita glass to take home and display. A fee of $15 includes all materials, coffee and chef’s selection of pastries. RSVP by calling (239) 542-0212.

FORT MYERS, FL. – February 23, 2015 – The Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) will be celebrating with an early start to St. Patrick’s Day.  All dogs and their owners are invited to wear green to the Cape Coral Yappy Hour St. Patty’s Day Pawty.  Cape Harbour will host the event on Feb. 28    from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. 

Fathoms Restaurant and Bar, with The French Press Café will be providing beer and wine for the event, along with a DJ for entertainment.  Proceeds from beverage sales during the evening will benefit GCHS.  Cape Harbour’s Fetch Dog Boutique & Bakery will also be joining in on the Yappy Hour fun by donating a percentage of their sales for the event to GCHS.  Adoptable dogs will also be at the event to meet potential new families.  T-shirts and Blinky Rings will also be available for sale.

Gulf Coast Humane Society, located at 2010 Arcadia Street in Fort Myers, was established as the first non-profit animal welfare organization in southwest Florida in 1947.  The 501(c)(3) mission is to rescue, provide safe refuge and compassionate care, and find forever homes for abandoned and neglected animals in the area.  GCHS only takes in owner surrendered and transfers from other shelters and rescue groups with a high success rate of adoptions.  Their veterinary clinic is open to the public and offers a full array of affordable services six days a week. For more information about the events with the Gulf Coast Humane Society call 239-332-0364 or visit www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, this European-style bakery café invites you to be a “Mug Monger!” Bring your favorite mug, and we’ll fill it for you once for free! When you leave, it stays. On Valentine’s Day, plan to fall in love with a special Cupid gelato flavor. And on Tuesday, Feb.  17 try a Mardi Gras cupcake and receive some festive beads.

In association with its neighbor, Harbour View Gallery, The French Press presents another in its Evenings at The French Press series on Saturday, Feb. 21. From 6 to 8 p.m., enjoy live music and a conversation with managing gallery member, mixed-media artist Deborah Kerr-Conley. Wine, cheese and charcuterie will be available for purchase, as well as some great art.

From 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, Harbour View Managing Member Jeanne Schwerkoske will lead abasic photography class. Learn the terminology, tips and camera features that will help you take better pictures.