This Summer, we’re celebrating our tightly-knit community of local purveyors, producers, chefs, and artisans across Southwest Florida. We are constantly inspired by our fellow small business owners, and we are thrilled to be working in collaboration with all our Friends & Neighbors to bring you a dinner series directly from the heart.
Darren Veilleux · Culinary Director · Rebecca’s & The Maddox
Chef Darren grew up in Winslow Maine. He studied culinary arts at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. One of his first jobs was at The Ocean House in Watch Hill, RI, where he worked with Chef Jacob Jasinski. After graduating he spent two years as a sous chef at Earth at Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport, Maine. Chef Jasinski then asked him to help open Sails Restaurant in downtown Naples. In just a few years, Chef Darren was given the opportunity to lead the Sails culinary team as Executive Chef. During his time there as Executive Chef the restaurant was awarded Best New Restaurant and Best Seafood Restaurant in Naples. Darren went on to achieve Best Chef in Naples in 2023. After five and a half years with Sails, Darren ventured to Bayshore Drive where he helped Rebecca Maddox open Rebecca's Wine Bar and Club and The Maddox.
Joey Minso · Sous Chef · Rebecca’s & The Maddox
Joey Minso was born in Frederick, Maryland in 2001 and lived in Erie, Pennsylvania until 2011 before moving to Naples, Florida. Joey began his culinary career at the age of 14 years old parked outside of the Naples beach brewery on the Porker BBQ food truck. Since then, he has worked at multiple country clubs in Naples including Grey Oaks, Kensington, and Naples lakes country club. Joey also assisted in the opening of Lowbrow Pizza and Beer and managed the kitchen of Industry Beer & Barbecue under mentorship from Chef Chris Jones. After high school, he sought new experiences and spent several months in the kitchen of The Wheatleigh, a Forbes five-star hotel located in Lenox, Massachusetts
After returning to Naples, he spent three years as sous chef at Naples Lakes country club. Now he resides as sous chef at Rebecca’s wine bar and the Maddox club on Bayshore under mentorship of Culinary Director Darren Veilleux.
Join us on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, as Darren & Joey join our very own Chef de Cuisine Sophia Kiasi for a truly collaborative dining experience in a celebration of seasonal freshness, individual inspiration, and — above all — the warm thrum of our vibrant SWFL community.
$150 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.
This event is 21+. Reservations are kindly required. Please note cancellation policy when booking.
Limited quantities of wine will be available for sale after the event.
Dietary restrictions or food allergies? We’ve got you covered. Give us a call and our team will happily assist in accommodations whenever possible.