Feeding family, neighbors is priority for Isles of Capri restaurant owner before and after Hurricane Ian

Osteria Capri's chef-owner AJ Black knows his priorities: family, neighbors then business.

From Sanibel friends riding out the storm in East Naples to residents in the condos across the street from his Italian restaurant, Black helped anyone in need of food on Isles of Capri before and after Hurricane Ian hit this tiny peninsula comprising canal-side homes in South Naples.

Following a night of non-stop rain and power going out at 4 a.m. on Sept. 28, elevated storm surge started around 8:30 a.m. despite being "low tide" status. Water levels in Capri's canals crept atop many residents' docks by 11 a.m.

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Three streets nearest Collier Boulevard flooded quickly, became deadly

Three streets nearest Collier Boulevard — San Juan, Samar and Panay Avenues — flooded quickly and became deadly. The battery from a car left in a garage on Samar Avenue ignited during the flooding, setting the house on fire.

Black was at Samar Avenue feeding the firefighters and providing premium Italian bottled water even though his Italian restaurant on Capri Boulevard —  the community's only thoroughfare — would soon be deluged with water. 

And no matter how much Black and his team prepped Osteria Capri, staying until the water was rising, it was no match when tidal water from Johnson Bay surged into the restaurant for 45 minutes, smashing its large picture window, a breathtaking setting for special occasions and celebrations often reserved months in advance. 

The water began receding at 6 p.m.

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On Sept. 29, Black's wife Jelena, who helms front-of-house at Osteria Capri, and their young daughters were there to support Black as glass pebbles surrounded the structure. Inside floorboards were warped.

Storm clean-up included removing water-slogged tables and chairs so the floor could be taken apart. Wines and glassware were also destroyed. 

Outside, the top half of Osteria Capri's sign disappeared as did a gate post to the nearby mini beach. Black's "Eden Garden" of fresh herbs used in his recipes was gone.

Black opened Osteria Capri in October 2020 after closing Il Tesoro on Sanibel Island during the pandemic. The restaurant was most recently The Blue Heron.