The 13th Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic took place Nov. 11 and 12, shortly after Hurricane Nicole swept through the area. I attended Friday evening and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect night.

Here are some of the things I saw and tasted.

Chases on the Beach, via Facebook

Chases on the Beach, the New Smyrna Beach mainstay, sustained major damage in last week’s storm. Ironically, the bar and restaurant had closed at the end of October to undergo renovations. A post on its Facebook page said: “We are devastated as we look at the photos of what was once the deck. Since we still in the beginning of our remodel process, we will keep everyone updated on what the future looks like for Chases on the Beach.”

Though the name is unapostrophe’d, the restaurant at 3401 S. Atlantic Ave. is named for owner Chase Breiner. A hotel was previously on the site, and when I reviewed it in 1996 a manager told me that local laws restricted them to rebuilding only on the existing foundation. So it had various structures and shapes and included a swimming pool that was a focus of the beachfront deck. The food was good, though not destination worthy in itself. But paired with the location, the food got somewhat better. Especially after a few cold beers.

Speaking of renovations, Tornatore’s Ristorante in College Park has completed its redo. Also, owner Denny Tornatore has launched his new podcast, “Denny Tornatore Eats the World My Way.” New episodes drop every Tuesday morning so go to this link to find the latest.

Well, Thanksgiving is just creeping up on us, just like it’s some subtropical storm or something. It’s expected to make landfall next week, most likely on Thursday.

If you want to ensure there’s less cleanup to do than for Hurricane Nicole, consider having your Thanksgiving dinner at one of the many local restaurants that will be offering special menus on Nov. 24.

Check out our continuously updated Holiday Listings pages to find a meal that best suits you and your fellow feasters. You’ll want to pay especial attention to favorites like Tap Room at Dubsdread, Hemisphere and McCoy’s, as well as relative newcomers Four Flamingos, Sear + Sea Woodfire Grill, UnReserved Food Bazaar and Wine 4 Oysters.

Wherever you decide to go, be sure to make your reservations as soon as possible, and if your plans change, let the restaurant know so your space can be given to someone on the waiting list. And keep in mind that reservationism is not an exact science and that on holiday dining days you may have to wait even when you have a designated time slot.

And please be kind. Remember that the restaurant staff is working on the holiday instead of spending it at home, hunkered down.

Click here to see the full list and check back often – new restaurants are added as the information comes in.

Tropical Storm/Hurricane/Tropical Storm/Subtropical Storm Nicole has quite conveniently left the area just in time for the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, which begins this evening, Friday, Nov. 11, and continues Saturday evening. It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful weekend.

As in years past, the event will take place along the waterfront concourses and the causeway that connects the two hotels. However, this year there is an added event Saturday, a VIP Champagne and Dessert Tasting, that will take place on the 15th floor of the new Swan Reserve, which is where the photo at top was taken.

It’s a great view and will be perfect for watching the Epcot fireworks that will take place as the tasting ends.