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.
And it was at the top of the Swan Reserve that I attended a media tasting last week for a preview of some of the dishes that will be served. You’re definitely going to want to seek out the Rosa Mexicano booth. That’s the upscale Mexican restaurant out of New York that will be opening in the Dolphin after the first of the year, and if what I tasted is any indication, the food is going to be first rate.
Rosa was a tableside guacamole pioneer and they seem to have perfected the popular dip, wonderfully chunky and perfectly seasoned. Pair that with the Pork Carnitas de Cazuela and you’re just going to want to keep getting back in line for more.
Speaking of lines, Shula’s Steak House always attracts a crowd at the Classic and that’s sure to continue this weekend when it will serve Roasted Linz Heritage Black Angus Beef Tenderloin with roasted organic mushrooms, pearl onion and sauce foyot (a take on bearnaise).
Amare, the signature restaurant at the Reserve, will be serving Chargrilled Chicken Souvlaki with crispy potatoes, tabbouleh and spiced hummus.
You’ll also find good stuff from Todd English’s bluezoo, Il Mulino, the Swan and Dolphin pastry kitchens and at specialty kiosks such as Chinatown, Smokin’ D’s BBQ and the ever popular Beer Garden.
Check out more information at the Food & Wine Classic website. The online ticket sales have ended but you will be able to purchase tickets to the main tastings at the gate.
