'Girl dinner' is hitting Naples with a Lebanese twist
The viral TikTok trend ― essentially a meal made up of whatever snacks and small bites your heart desires ― has officially entered the mainstream. Merriam-Webster defines "girl dinner" as "a light meal of sacks or easy-to-prepare foods." Think popcorn, pickles, fruit, cheese, crackers, deviled eggs, and whatever else you're craving.
Heyday Cookshop is bringing the concept to the table with a two-day "girl dinner" pop-up Aug. 23 and 24, teaming up with Cedars Cafe chef Toni Elkhouri for a menu designed for grazing, sharing, and most importantly, eating whatever sounds good.
Elkhouri is known for modern Lebanese cuisine, incorporating sustainable practices while honoring historical culinary traditions.
Welcome to Heyday Cookshop, chef Kayla Pfeiffer's second brick-and-mortar restaurant. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Chef Kayla Pfeiffer's "Pub Sub" dish encapsulates the iconic flavor of a Publix deli sandwich in a bite-sized appetizer. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Almost every seat at Heyday has a view of the huge open kitchen. Guests have the opportunity to watch Pfeiffer and resident chefs in their element. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Meet Chef Kayla's take on asparagus. The fresh produce is paired with a whipped bottarga (fish roe) and a potato crisp. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Heyday's bar and hi-fi listening room provides guests with a brand new dining experience. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Heyday's staple menu is an ode to Southwest Florida, using local ingredients to tell stories. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)The chicken schnitzel with rocket pesto is every dill pickle-lover's dream. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)The stereo system is the star of the show at Heyday. Records are carefully selected and spun depending on the mood Pfeiffer and the team want to curate. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)The Wagyu strip steak is tender and full of savory flavor. It's paired with celery root-blue cheese gratin to give it an earthy touch. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Pfeiffer, left, runs her kitchen during a preview dinner at Heyday Cookshop on April 24, 2026. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Make sure to save room for dessert at Heyday. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Heyday's green tea spuma with frozen Florida strawberry and lavender cake is a light and refreshing dessert that doesn't add any heaviness at the end of the meal. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Heyday features a breezy outdoor patio where guests can enjoy their meal while still experiencing the restaurant's curated playlists. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)When guest chefs start their residencies at Heyday, they'll have the opportunity to select the music that plays during dinner time. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Heyday's motto is "Let's have a good time!" (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Heyday's outdoor patio is covered and features pull-down shades, keeping diners cool while they enjoy their meals. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)The outdoor patio at Heyday provides a different dining experience than an inside meal, but still gives guests the curated community and music-driven vibe Pfeiffer hoped to share. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Heyday's vibe is playful, yet mature. Every choice inside the restaurant is intentional, from the curated core menu to design choices. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Heyday's large open kitchen is a focal point of the restaurant. Pfeiffer wants guests to see exactly where their food is coming from. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)The hi-fi listening area includes comfy couches and tables to set drinks on while guests enjoy the ambience. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Even the water glasses at Heyday are full of personality. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)The low-lit bar and hi-fi listening area is the perfect place to unwind at Heyday. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)Heyday Cookshop's debut indicates a broader shift in the Naples restaurant scene, signaling locals, critics, and tourists to pay attention to Southwest Florida. (Kendall Little, Naples Daily News)
The pop-up features 15 menu items, ranging from small plates such as Lebanese cheese rolls served with garlic sauces to dips like mushroom hummus. Heartier options include preserved lemon chicken and sticky harissa wings.
The star of the menu might be "She's Complicated," a dressed-up burger topped with pomegranate ketchup, banana peppers, curry mustard, tahini remoulade, balsamic onions, goat cheese, and crispy bacon.
Having trouble choosing? The $39 "Girl Dinner Experience" takes the guesswork out of it with one dip, two "Hot Girl Plates," and one sweet ― all designed to be grazed on and shared as you please.
And, of course, no girl dinner is complete without dessert. Choose between "Znood El Sit," made with crispy phyllo rolls, sweet cream, orange blossom syrup, and pistachio, or the "Tahini Brownie Situation," a warm dark chocolate brownie with tahini caramel, flaky salt, and vanilla ice cream.
Despite the name, there's no girls-only rule here. Boys are welcome to join in on the good food, good vibes, and very unserious approach to dinner.
Reservations are available online at HeydayCookshop.com.
Kendall Little is the food & dining reporter for Naples Daily News. Questions, comments, or tips? Email [email protected].
Please support local community journalism and stay informed about Southwest Florida news by subscribing to The News-Press and Naples Daily News; download the free News-Press or Naples Daily News app, and sign up for daily briefing email newsletter, food & dining and growth & development newsletters here and here.
