Now in its 16th year, the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic is a highly anticipated annual event for Florida foodies. Like last year, the event also serves as a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides special programs and services for veterans who served in the military and incurred a physical or mental injury, illness or wound during or after Sept. 11, 2001.
On Nov 14-15, Food & Wine Classic guests had the opportunity to sample approximately 50 food dishes (a new record for the event!) and hundreds of beverages ranging from wine to beer to cider to spirits. The chefs prepared an almost entirely new menu this year, and I took at least one bite of nearly everything! As for the drinks, I barely made a dent in the offerings but certainly found some favorites. Here are my top 15 food and drinks, in no particular order:
Wagyu Short Rib – The slow braised Wagyu beef short rib with celery root foam and shallot marmalade was melt-in-your mouth perfection. Chef Michael Mina’s gluten-free dish is from one of the newest restaurants on the property, Bourbon Steak at The Dolphin.
Pineapple Upside Down Cake – Nothing says iconic Disney dessert like Dole Whip. This delicious dessert featured funnel cake topped with pineapple Dole Whip and sous vide pineapple chunks topped with a Luxardo Maraschino cherry. I wanted to keep eating it but forced myself to stop to save room for the many more samples that were to come.
High Noon Lucky One Lemonade – These canned vodka drink were available in four flavors (blueberry, raspberry, peach and original), and they were all winners. One can is only 100 calories and 4.5% alcohol by volume, making it a great option for a sweet, light non-carbonated adult beverage.
“No-Neck” Nachos – Umm, I didn’t know nachos could have necks, but I do know these were some of the best dang nachos I ever had. Maybe it was because I’m a sucker for pickled red onions and they were piled high. Or perhaps it was the pleasant puffy crunch of the corn chips that cradled the generous hunks of slow-cooked Heritage Breed pork and chipotle aioli. I don’t normally get excited about nachos, but these were next-level.
Chocolate Cassis Mousse – Soft creamy chocolate in an edible hard chocolate bowl. Need I say more?
Caribe Mimosa – I’ve been big fan of Caribe Pineapple hard cider for years, but I had never tried the Mimosa cider. Wow, it is just as fabulous! This 6.9% alcohol by volume drink blends blood orange with pineapple.
Corn Griddle Cake – The panfried corn griddle cake from Garden Grove was surprisingly good, and definitely my favorite vegetarian dish of the night. This gluten-free dish was topped with stewed black beans, poblano peppers, papaya and aji amarillo.
Asian Fried Spareribs – This show-stopper from Todd English’s Bluezoo was worth getting a messy mouth and fingers. The ribs paired exceptionally well with the accompaniments of Okinawa sweet potato puree, crispy slaw, lime chili glaze and edamame.
Lyre’s Classico – This one’s for the mocktail lovers and abstainers! Lyre’s Classico is a non-alcoholic sparkling wine that tastes just like Prosecco. It offers a crisp, tart flavor with notes of green apple, pear and peach.
Miniature Brie Tart – These were the crowd favorite among the spread of small bites on display in the Bubble Room. The tempting little tarts were filled with Brie, poached pear, roasted Georgia pecans and fig caviar.
Blue Crab Roll – This small sushi serving was as eye-appealing as it was tasty. The blue crab, pickled cucumber, avocado, yuzu scallion cream and black tobiko was a refreshing flavor combination.
Elote Corn Ribs – Rosa Mexicano’s corn-on-the-cob slices were slathered in spicy queso fresco and epazote aioli, making an awesome little app.
Arancini de Sicilia – This breaded arborio rice cone came with eggplant caponata and pomodoro sauce. I loved the elegant presentation and satisfying filling.
Korean Corn Dog – I’m not a big hot dog fan and I rarely eat them. Maybe I’ve just been eating the wrong hot dogs because this turkey dog with cheddar and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos hit!
Key Lime Pomegranate Tart – I always gravitate to chocolate desserts first, but Key lime pie is a close second for me. This tart was as pretty as it was pleasing to my palate. It goes great with sparkling wine!
