Curated Experiences is exclusive programming hosted by The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. In one perfectly planned weekend, guests at Grande Lakes Orlando can enjoy the ultimate mix of relaxation and inspiration, along with master classes, guided workshops, immersive demonstrations and more led by an array of award-winning chefs, inemakers, jewelers, and artists.
For more info, visit: https://web.cvent.com/event/6f101a43-ce81-475f-81a7-695736c1b76e/summary
Complete Curated Experience Weekend
Friday – Sunday
$750 per person
Overnight accommodations not included, price is for Curated Experiences event only.
For scenes from the 2nd Curated Experiences Weekend check out our previous blog here: https://tastychomps.com/2021/05/the-ritz-carlton-and-jw-marriott-orlando-grande-lakes-resort-hosts-second-curated-experiences-weekend-with-two-time-james-beard-award-winning-chef-melissa-kelly.html
Curated Experiences – Itinerary
Wheels, Watches, Whiskey & Wine Reception
7:00pm-9:30pm | Friday, November 5
A casual Friday kickoff welcomes guests to Wheels, Watches, Whiskey & Wine. Guests will indulge in a Taste of Grande Lakes featuring an array of small plates from the resort’s on-site award-winning restaurants. Makers will invite guests to amble among the wine and whiskey carts to taste and learn. Exotic Cars Display to fire the imagination and fuel the conversation, and fine jewelry makers will display their exquisite creations. (Curated Experiences Weekend Guests Only)
Exotic Cars Display
7:00pm-9:30pm | Friday, November 5
6:00pm-9:00pm | Saturday, November 6
A display of both vintage and contemporary vehicles including modern exotics, vintage luxury brands and other rare and unique examples. Names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche and others will be on display. Representatives, owners and others who work in the automotive field will be onsite to educate guests on the history and performance of each vehicle.
Rise & Stretch
8:00am-9:00am | Saturday, November 6
8:00am-9:00am | Sunday, November 7
Morning yoga session to start the day followed by a refreshing power smoothie. The Ritz-Carlton Spa enables guests to experience elements of nature and emerge refreshed, relaxed and revitalized. Between or post-treatment, relax in the outdoor lap pool or enjoy a healthy meal at Vitale, a Spa Café. Signature therapies, including massages and body treatments, incorporate CBD and herbs from the resort’s organic garden, honey from its resident bees, citrus from local orchards and other homegrown ingredients.
Meet the Watchmakers
9:00am – 10:00am Flow Throughout | Saturday, November 6
A boutique display of 30-50 vintage and contemporary timepieces will be on display presented by experts in the field who will introduce these interesting timepieces in a fun and educational manor allowing for those who may not be watch collectors to appreciate the craftsmanship and elegance of each piece. Included in the display will be some rare and unique timepieces many collectors may have not seen before.
Champagne & Sparkle
9:00am-10:00am Flow Throughout | Saturday, November 6
PRESENTED BY THE MALL AT MILLENIA
Enjoy a presentation by Personal Stylist Marianne Ilunga showcasing a variety of sparkles from The Mall at Millenia’s world class fine jewelry and fashion brands. Learn how to layer classic jewels with contemporary, or go from minimalist to bling and see how accessories enhance any look! Sit back, relax and enjoy a sparkling Champagne toast to complete the experience!
Fly Casting Demo
8:00am – 9:30am | Saturday, November 6
Captain Mark Benson and a representative from G. Loomis will lead the G. Loomis Fly Fishing Experience at the resort’s casting pond, where guests can cast dry and wet flies and learn all about essential gear. Mark Benson, a native of Central Florida, caught his first fish at the age of four, and he’s been hooked on the sport ever since. It’s Captain Mark’s job to transport guests away from the luxurious setting of the resort and let them experience genuine nature.
Guided Kayak Tour
8:00am – 9:30am | Saturday, November 6
Explore the incredible ecological surroundings of Grande Lakes with a guided two-hour tour of Shingle Creek. Paddle through Old Florida’s Shingle Creek on your own canoe, led by a Florida Master Naturalist, to learn about the history of the creek and its inhabitants.
Chef Art Smith Cooking Demo
10:00am-11:30am | Saturday, November 6
No matter how far his travels have taken him – from being Oprah’s personal chef to opening four incredible restaurants across the country – Celebrity Chef Art Smith calls Florida home. Now, Chef Art has returned to share his farm fresh Florida dishes with you.
Dry Aging: Perfume and Process with John Tesar
10:00am-11:30am | Saturday, November 6
Take an in depth look at the John Tesar signature dry aging method that has made Knife & Spoon so successful and taste the difference. John Tesar was called “the single most talented cook I ever worked with” by Anthony Bourdain. He has garnered praise from Food & Wine and The New York Times, has appeared on The Today Show and The Early Show, and is a two-time contestant on Bravo’s ”Top Chef.”
Italian Cooking Demo
10:00am-11:30am | Saturday, November 6
Experience contemporary, fine Italian cuisine inspired by the original Primo, a world-class restaurant in a 19th century Victorian house in coastal Maine. With a “homegrown” concept, we emphasize the freshest local ingredients to create imaginative and dazzling recipes. Our primo chefs will present the art of pasta and pizza-making
Art Smith’s Picnic Luncheon
12:00pm – 1:30pm | Saturday, November 6
Enjoy Southern favorites such as Chef Art’s signature fried chicken, shrimp and grits and legendary Shine Cake. Delicious ingredients are Florida farm sourced and served at the peak of freshness.
The Art of Chocolate
2:00pm-3:30pm | Saturday, November 6
The Art of Chocolate with World Champion Ice Carver/Chocolate Sculptor Victor Dagatan. Chef Victor Dagatan ice carving skills have brought him accolades from around the world including 2014 Silver Medalist in the Cultural Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. He is also tasked on the resort with creating large chocolate showpieces, fruit and vegetable carvings, and crafting anything out of edible sugar.
Jordan Wine Learning Time
2:00pm – 3:30pm | Saturday, November 6
Since the 1970s, Jordan Winery has focused on just three things: chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and hospitality. Second-generation vintner John Jordan believes that wine should not overpower the food at your table, but act as the bridge that connects all the little details of a memorable meal. The winery’s commitment to long-lived wines of balance, culinarycentered hospitality, land conservation and social responsibility means there are many more layers to Jordan beyond your glass. www.jordanwinery.com
Whiskey Tasting
2:00pm – 3:30pm | Saturday, November 6
Iron Smoke Whiskey tasting, Taste Cask Strength whiskey as well as their award-winning natural elixirs. Forbes Magazine’s review states, “A must-try for those who are delving into bourbon but have a hard time with the sweetness found in most expressions.” Rocker/Musician Tommy Brunett (formerly of Modern English), came up with the concept of combining two great American past times: great bourbon/whiskey making with an added subtle hint of Applewood BBQ’s smoked goodness.
Poolside Demo at The Ritz-Carlton
2:00pm – 3:30pm | Saturday, November 6
Soaking in the sun at Bleu, a poolside restaurant and bar serving refreshing food, drinks, and cocktails. Order classic pool fare like burgers, tacos, and creative salads or opt for a spirited concoction, including signature frozen drinks, ice cold brews and buckets, and invigorating non-alcoholic beverages. Nosh on sides, like chips & salsa, fries, or fresh fruits, or treat yourself to sweet dessert with wine.
Celebrity Chef Dinner with Wine Pairing
6:00pm -8:30pm | Saturday, November 6
Cocktail Hour, Hors D Oeuvres 6:00pm – 6:45pm
Four Course Dinner 6:45pm-8:30pm
Prepare yourself for an amazing culinary experience. This landmark dinner is the delicious result of three acclaimed celebrity chefs, each bringing their own talents to the plate. During the five-course meal, select fine wines will be paired with each course. This evening’s menu is reflective of the incredible culinary innovation brought to you by our celebrity chefs.
Sister Hazel Concert
8:30pm – 9:30pm | Saturday, November 6
American alternative rock band combining elements of folk, jangle pop, post-grunge, and south-of-the-Mason-Dixon-Line classic rock, Sister Hazel’s earworm melodies, tight harmonies, and upbeat aesthetic helped make the Gainesville, Florida-based group a fixture on the alternative charts in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Sister Hazel is best known for their hit songs, “All for You”, “Change Your Mind” and “Happy.”
Farewell Brunch
9:00am – 11:00am | Sunday, November 7
A La Carte Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton Lobby Lounge with delights from the sunshine state. The food is truly artisanal and inspired, using the profusion of local available resources and promoting sustainable agriculture.
