Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando has begun featuring special rum pairing dinners several times a year, tying in perfectly with their Caribbean theme and lush waterfall setting. Rum is the islands’ drink of choice, historically made in the Caribbean and Latin America from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses, or directly from sugarcane juice, by a process of fermentation and distillation. The distillate, a clear liquid, is then usually aged in oak barrels.
The evening begins with a reception with light hors d’oeuvres such as pork belly sliders, a swaddle of refreshing rum punch, and live entertainment on Amatista Cookhouse’s outdoor terrace overlooking cascading waterfalls – before heading inside for a five-course dinner.
The hotel’s mixologist guides guests through each pour, which are paired with each dinner course, introduced by Amatista’s executive chef.
Most recently, the dinner featured the special Facundo, part of Bacardi family on the “premium” end, and named after founder Don Facundo Bacardi Massom, who founded Bacardi in 1862 in Santiago, Cuba.
Here’s a Look Inside the Facundo Rum Pairing Dinner at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
First Course
Octopus Salpicon
Yukon Potato Croquette, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Black Garlic-Lime Aioli.
Featuring FACUNDO NEO
Daiquiri #3
Second Course
Bronzed Florida Snapper
Saffron Farro Risotto, Braised Fennel, Romanesco, Pancetta, Watercress Vin Blanc.
Featuring FACUNDO NEO and FACUNDO Eximo
1944 Mai Tai
Third Course
Mojo Pork Cheek Tacos
Slow Roasted Mojo Pork, Pickled Radishes, Cotija Cheese, Ají Amarillo-Corn Coulis, Avocado, Corn Tortilla.
Featuring FACUNDO Exquisito
Last Typhoon – a Strong Water Tavern favorite!
Fourth Course
Bone Marrow with Beef Tenderloin Tartare*
Poblano-Caper Emulsion, Jicama, Dry Cured Egg, Horseradish Cheddar, Grilled Cuban Bread.
Featuring FACUNDO Paraíso
Served Neat
Fifth Course
Pineapple and Chocolate “Trifle”
Compressed Pineapple Cubes, Coffee-Chocolate Sauce, Banana Whipped Cream, Roasted Coconut Soil, Torn Rum Cake.
Featuring BACARDÍ Reserva Limitada
Iced Latte
The next Rum Dinner is set for Saturday, Sept. 21 and will feature Plantation Rum, including reception, five-course dinner with rum pairings, afterglow event and parking. Tickets are available at https://sapphirefalls.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=1141005.
Facundo Rums – Tasting Notes
