ORLANDO (April 10, 2013)- Food and wine that capture the fusion of free-spirited nature with the stylish sophistication of the Pacific Northwest are the inspiration behind a tasty trip along the Oregon Trail during the next Vine & Dine event at the Rosen Centre and its award-winning Everglades restaurant. This latest exclusive, one-of-a-kind dining experience begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 26.
Everglades Head Chef Fred Vlachos will create a unique, five-course “Oregon’s Town & Country Affair” inspired by the scenic Dundee Hills wine country of the Beaver State and the contemporary style that defines its most populous city, Portland. Each course will be paired with wines that include famous Pinot Gris and Pinot Noirs from the best of Oregon’s 300 or so wineries such as Chehalem, Lange Estate (Wine & Spirits magazine 2012 Winery of the Year) and Shea Vineyards, which are blessed with grapes similar to those grown in the Alsace and Burgundy regions of France because of the region’s similar soil and climate.
For more information, visit www.rosencentre.com or call (800) 800-9840.
Chef Fred will start off the evening with an elegant King Prawn salad accented by Raspberry and Cardamom coulis, followed by a traditionally rustic Morel Chicken Pot Pie. The intermezzo is a plum sorbet that sets the stage for Venison Steak with Oregon Black Porter Sauce. The main course will be accompanied by Shea Vineyard Estate 2009 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, voted seventh on Wine Spectator magazines “Top 100 of 2012.” Concluding the experience is a beautiful Pear Tarte Tatin, which takes the French dessert classic made with apples and gives it a true Oregon twist using pears and hazelnuts.
“Oregon’s Town & Country Affair” will be followed by two more Vine & Dine events in coming months. “It’s All a Blend” on Friday, May 17 will showcase blended wines and fusion food. Then on Friday, June 28, Chef Fred will create a wine-and-dinner pairing of the century, of sorts: “Robert Mondavi’s 100th Birthday” honors the wine icon’s best wines and favorite dishes.
Each Vine & Dine event begins with a reception in Everglades Bar featuring a welcome wine or unique wine cocktail. The group then adjourns to Everglades restaurant – offering a comfortable, yet refined setting that evokes the natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere of the Florida Everglades – for a multi-course gourmet dinner highlighted by fresh, seasonal ingredients and wines expertly selected to complement the cuisine.
During dinner, guests may engage in casual conversation about wines with an experienced wine maker or knowledgeable sommelier chosen for each event. Guests can also enter to win exciting raffle prizes, such as bottles of wine, wine-related items or hotel stays. An intimate dining experience, each Vine & Dine event is limited to no more than 40 guests, ensuring personal attention for each attendee.
The cost of each Vine & Dine dinner is $75 per person, plus tax and 20 percent gratuity. Diners may make their evenings even more special by spending the night in a deluxe guest room for a special rate. As with all Everglades dining experiences, valet parking is complimentary. For Vine & Dine reservations and more details, call 407-996-8560. For more information, visit www.evergladesrestaurant.com or www.rosencentre.com.
Vine & Dine dinners can be customized for private group events. The Everglades restaurant’s extensive wine list, which features an array of wines from all regions, winemaking styles and price points, allows the culinary team to work with event and meeting planners to arrange unique experiences within any budget. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of organic wines from wineries that share the hotel’s passion for protecting the environment and creating quality products in a sustainable manner.
Rosen Centre has received Meetings & Conventions’ prestigious Gold Platter Award, which is given to select properties throughout the nation that demonstrate creative and culinary excellence. Just minutes away from the Orlando International Airport and the area’s most popular theme parks and attractions, Rosen Centre is located at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. For more information, visit www.rosencentre.com or call (800) 800-9840.
Photos from past Vine and Dine event:
“Food for Thought” Event – May 18
with Renowned Master Sommelier Showcasing Wines from Justin & Landmark Vineyard
Mixed Greens with Black Quinoa, Kamut, Barley, Butternut Squash and Citrus Vinaigrette paired with a Justin 2010 Chardonnay. Quinoa is considered a complete protein, containing all nine amino acids plus antioxidants which aid in brain and neuronal function. Kamut is also a high energy grain, while barley is known as a blood glucose stabilizer and lowers bad cholesterol levels.
The second course features Tea Smoked Salmon served with a 2009 Landmark Grand Detour Pinot Noir. Salmon is known for its high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acids and helps lower the chance of dementia and stroke.
Herbes de Provence Sorbet
Grilled Venison with Blueberry Balsamic Sauce, Onion Marmalade, Charred Strawberries and Grilled Sweet Potatoes paired with a Justin 2008 Savant. Strawberries are proven to boost memory recall while blueberries are high in antioxidants and protect the brain from free radicals. Berries can boost short term memory and reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Flan & Chocolate Mousse with Cointreau. Dark chocolate is high in antioxidants and can enhance focus and concentration. It is rich in flavonoids that improve blood flow to the brain and therefore cognitive ability. And, studies show that drinking wine reduces the risk of heart disease and certain cancers, and slows the progress of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The flavonoids and resveratrol act as antioxidants to reduce the effects of free radicals. Red wines contain higher concentrations of resveratrol than whites.
