I’ve always enjoyed the food and wine element of the annual Celebration Exotic Car Festival because they always do a classy presentation. This year, they’re trying something different: a seated dinner featuring Champagne Taittinger and ZD Wines. And the venue is the new Four Seasons Resort, which is just the sort of place you’d expect to see Lamborghinis, Ferraris and DeLoreans drive up to.
The dinner is Saturday, April 11, and begins at 7:30 p.m. with a Champagne reception with hors d’oeuvres on the resort’s terrace overlooking its pools and the lake beyond.
The eight-course dinner (yes, eight courses) will be in the Four Season’s ballroom (see below for the planned menu). While guests finish with dessert and Fonseca Bin 27 port, comedian and Saturday Night Live alum Joe Piscopo will entertain.
Tickets to the dinner are $275 per person through March 25 and then $350 if any remain (seating is limited). The Celebration Exotic Car Festival benefits a number of children’s charities, including Make A Wish, Give Kids the World and Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. You can read more about the festival and the full list of charities at the CEC website.
There’s a whole long weekend of events scheduled, including a track event at Daytona Beach, a concert featuring the Beach Boys at Hard Rock Live, and an exotic car rally. The festival usually has over 250 rare and exotic cars, including some that have been featured in movies over the years.
I love seeing the cars, but I love a good wine dinner, too, especially one that benefits such worthy charities. Go to the Celebration Exotic Car Festival website for ticket information and more details. I hope to see you there.
Here’s the menu that the folks have planned for April 11:
Seared Tuna Tataki, Chimichurri, Potato Crisp
Taittinger Champagne
Florida Spiny Lobster Bisque, Marjoram Foam
2013 ZD Chardonnay
Baby Field Greens, Belgian Endive, Cajun Walnuts, Paprika-Parmesan Twist, Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette
2013 ZD Rosa Lee Arneis
Pan Seared Halibut with Truffle Risotto
2013 ZD Pinot Noir
Open Faced Duck Confit Ravioli, Mango Relish, Ginger Cream
2013 ZD Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir
House Made Seasonal Granite
Pan Seared Angus Filet, Creamy Spinach, Citrus Fennel Slaw,
Black Trumpet & Green Peppercorn Sauce
Gourmet Bread Selection
2012 ZD Cabernet Sauvignon
Napoleon-Gianduja Chocolate Mousse, Caramelized Hazelnut Praline Crunch
Freshly Brewed Regular and Decaffeinated Coffee, Selection of Teas
