We've uncorked a delightful bouquet of conversation and education as our Communications Director, Becky Salaun, sits down with our very own Wine Director and Certified Sommelier, Melissa Hemmingway, and Joseph Elwell, Assistant General Manager. We trace Melissa's journey from her first sip of wine to becoming the heartbeat of our flourishing wine culture at Bonita Bay Club. We celebrate her mastery and passion as she guides us through the world of wine, from the beloved Napa Cabs to emerging grape-producing areas such as France’s Languedoc region.

Not to be missed, Melissa shares tales from her educational trips to the vineyards of Chile and Argentina. Hear how these experiences influence our members' wine preferences and the stories behind the wines on our rotating list. Melissa’s anecdotes from her travels in Italy, Sicily, and Napa Valley are enlightening and inspiring. She also unwraps her love for Pinot Noir and how her adventurous palate is constantly searching for new wines to introduce to the Club.

As we wrap up, we shine a light on the underrated Malbec wine and discuss the evolution of our wine list. You can learn about our BBC Wine Lovers Facebook page, a thriving platform for all wine enthusiasts. We also share a sneak peek of future wine events and dinners that our members can eagerly anticipate. All this, along with a spirited discussion on the most awaited wines of 2023 and exciting plans for future podcasts. So, raise a glass and join us at Bonita Bay Club on this captivating voyage into the world of wine. Cheers!

Ever wondered what the secret is to a truly outstanding meal? The answer is simpler than you might think - it starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a dedication to crafting meals from scratch. Hosted by our CEO and General Manager Fred Fung, join us in an enticing conversation with Richard Brumm, Director of Culinary Operations, and Joseph Elwell, Assistant General Manager, as we dive into the mouthwatering world of our Scratch Kitchen and uncover the journey that fresh food takes from farm to table at the Bonita Bay Club.

Our guests share their passion for culinary perfection and reveal the challenges and rewards of sourcing the finest seafood and meat from around the globe. We discuss everything from the dry aging process of beef to the delicate art of flavor profiling. But we don't stop there - we also talk about the club's unique use of American Wagyu beef and homemade pepperoni unlike any you've tried before. We even tackle the often-overlooked aspect of food presentation, reminding us all that the perfect dining experience starts with the eyes.

But a scratch kitchen isn't just about food. In our conversation, we delved into the day-to-day operations, including the often misunderstood aspects of allergen consciousness and the hurdles of staff retention in such a demanding environment. We even touch on the financial implications of running a scratch kitchen, revealing how it can lead to better financial health for the club. It's a peek behind the curtain into a world where every meal is a culinary masterpiece, and every ingredient tells a story. So, grab your headphones and prepare for a tantalizing journey into the heart of Bonita Bay Club's Scratch Kitchens.

Click Here to view the list from Chef Brumm

Have you ever wondered how a weather phenomenon like El Nino impacts a stunning golf course in sunny Florida? Join our Director of Communications, Becky Salaun, as she discusses this with our director of golf course operations, Hal Akins, and Dustin Free, our senior superintendent for the  Bay Island and Marsh courses. They share firsthand experiences dealing with the challenges of golf course maintenance, from managing water levels to maintaining the beauty of the greens. 

Moving onto the nitty-gritty of golf course management, we reveal the hurdles our team overcame at the club, from the decision to strip and re-grass 14 greens to managing a damaged pump station.  We also touch upon how weather conditions, particularly a hot and dry summer affect our greens.  Last but not least, we take you behind the scenes of our Golf Course Maintenance team with Dustin and Hal. They share their dedication and the hard work that goes into managing the courses, offering a glimpse into the passion that fuels our Club. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone keen on understanding golf course management and maintenance.

Have you ever been intrigued by the sport of croquet? Picture yourself engaging in a strategic game that is inclusive, accessible, and suitable for all ages. This episode invites you into the world of croquet with fascinating insights from devoted enthusiasts. Paula Scheb, director of sports, introduces Michael Kolowich, a club member, and Sherif Abdelwahab, a professional croquet player. Hear Michael's captivating journey from a curious observer to a passionate player and get a glimpse into Sherif's successful career and the sport's rising popularity among the youth.

As we journey further, we shed light on the humble teaching style of our croquet coach, Sherif, and the influential role of Rich Dell in introducing Sherif to our club. Experience the camaraderie and friendship on the croquet lawns and the welcoming community at the Bonita Bay Club. We assure you it's not just about hitting balls through hoops but a game that encourages strategic thinking, inclusion, and, most importantly, fun. So, why not venture into croquet? After all, you never know where hitting a ball with a mallet could lead you.

Join us as we uncover the intriguing metamorphosis of converting an old Sales Center Into Seasonal Employee Housing with our guests Fred Fung, Joseph Elwell, Richard Brumm, and Peggy Taylor. We promise a riveting conversation that will provide a glimpse into the history of the building, the existential need for this type of housing, and the labyrinth of the H2B visa process. Learn with us as Joseph talks about the fascinating tale of the building's journey since its purchase by Bonita Bay Club in 2019. Richard and Peggy add depth to the conversation by shedding light on the necessity of an affordable housing system for international seasonal staff, as well as the project's logistical obstacles and financial aspects.

Have you ever wondered about the intricacies of obtaining visas for employees? Or about the financial implications and timeline of a major renovation project? This is the episode for you. Peggy will guide us through the complex process of visa procurement and share some insightful experiences from the Bonita Bay Club. Richard will give us a peek into how they have successfully cultivated a team of returning employees who embody the ethos of the hospitality organization. We also get a chance to delve into the financial costs associated with the transformation and the anticipated timeline for the facility's launch as an employee housing center. So sit back, relax, and join us on this enlightening journey of discovery and learning. Let's together dig deeper into the multifaceted issue of housing for international seasonal staff, its effects on the local community, and the broader implications of this proposed change.

Can you picture a place where tennis, camaraderie, and transformative experiences beautifully intertwine? Welcome to the world of the FGCU Collegiate Open at Bonita Bay Club. In this dialogue-rich episode, Paula Scheb, CJ Weber, Sam Munze, and club member Debba Pearce pull back the curtain on the collegiate tennis scene and the unique interaction between Bonita Bay members and participating athletes. They shed light on the tournament's format, the sheer magnitude of support from members, and the awe-inspiring experience it provides to the college student athletes. Not to mention the scholarship-backed support for the FGCU women's tennis team and the spirited cheering for all competing teams. 

But what happens when a sport transcends geographical boundaries? College tennis has evolved into an international phenomenon. This episode brings you one step closer to understanding why. Through Sam's shared experiences, we delve into the tournament's entertaining atmosphere and how Bonita Bay members morph into surrogate parents for these athletes from all over the globe. We also delve into some heartwarming stories that highlight the extraordinary bonds formed between members and student athletes, as shared by Debba Pearce, CJ Weber, and Sam Munze. 

Have you ever wondered about the rigorous preparation process that student-athletes go through? CJ Weber is here to enlighten us. From nutrition to fostering team spirit, the narrative covers all. Taking us further, the conversation underlines the potential learning opportunities for the club members from these young, diligent athletes. The episode finally touches upon the expectations set by the coaches for their players and the pivotal role it plays in building a robust team bond. So, sit back and join us as we unravel the intricacies of collegiate tennis and its profound impact on the community at Bonita Bay.

Ever wonder how a premier club like Bonita Bay maintains constant communication with its members? As we navigate through the digital age, traditional methods like print and emails are merged with modern platforms like digital signs, our website, and chiefly, our state-of-the-art app. Becky Salaun, Jonathan Fossani, Kaylee Zuedima, and Jayne Rinne, offer insights into how we've enhanced our communication strategies at the club, using our app as a conduit. Unique features like an email feed to a QR code for amenities access allow us to keep our members updated and engaged, right at their fingertips. 

As we continue to innovate, we are thrilled about podcasting as a new medium to reach out to our members. Highlighting future plans, we discuss how podcasts will be used to share club news, historical tidbits, and upcoming events. We also invite our members to be part of this exciting journey, encouraging them to share their suggestions on topics they would like us to cover. Come, join us, and be a part of the evolution of communication at Bonita Bay Club.