Unlimited tastings! Disney's Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic returns Nov. 10 and 11
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is not the only food game at Disney, at least not on Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11. The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic tempts foodies with a genuinely massive array of tastings, conveniently concentrated to avoid the theme park shuffle between stations at the “other” festival.
In the heart of Disney magic, the Swan and Dolphin boasts more than 20 restaurants and lounges. The hotel also enjoys the culinary excellence of world-class chefs such as celebrity chef, restaurateur and author Todd English, James Beard Award chef and inductee into the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who in Food and Beverage in America.”
For the food and wine extravaganza, the chefs and sommeliers pull out all the stops for two evenings of gastronomical celebrations that include unlimited tastings of dishes such as Roasted Linz Heritage Black Angus beef tenderloin; Kimono Rolls with ahi tuna, yellowtail and sustainable salmon; Polpetti (tomato-braised lamb and beef meatballs); Middle Eastern Shakshuka; grilled Florida oysters; Tarpon Springs Greek Salad and 70% single origin Peruvian chocolate mousse.
The wine selections feature both a domestic and worldwide array, from California to Oregon and Argentina to New Zealand. The event also includes plenty of sake and a beer garden where guests can sample brews including local and seasonal favorites.
The food and drink are exceptional, as are the musical groups playing at the Dolphin clamshell fountain stage both evenings. Evolution: Motown, for example, charts a course from the early days of the genre to today’s most celebrated sounds of soul, while 501 Blues plays the best blues, soul and classic rock from the past four decades. For concert-style dance pop music that is epic, it is indeed EPIC, a band expert at uniting the music from the past with the tunes of the present.
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While the Classic is the signature event for the weekend, it is only part of the show. At 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, the Grand Tasting precedes the main event, which runs 5:30 to 9 p.m. both evenings. The Grand Tasting is a master sommelier-led experience that includes a champagne reception, three flights of elite wines and Chef’s Table menu pairings from executive chef Dan Herman.
Also on Saturday, from 8:30 to 10 p.m., is the VIP Champagne & Dessert Party, held at The Vue, the 15th floor ballroom of the Swan Reserve, the newest addition to the Swan and Dolphin complex. Here, guests will enjoy champagne, sparkling wines and desserts while taking in spectacular views of Walt Disney World right around fireworks time.
For gourmets interested in honing skills, before the main event are seminars on wine blending, pasta making, craft cocktails, styles and flavor profiles of beers, food and wine, Italian style, and a program on champagne and sparkling wines led by certified sommelier Olivier Zambaux, who grew up in Sainte Menehould, birthplace of Dom Perignon.
Main event tickets are $185, and can be purchased at swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com. Discounted room rates are available for attendees.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Celebrate food at Disney's Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
