October 22, 2013 | Posted in:Special Events, Wine Tasting
Wine and food lovers flocked to Harbor Nights La Dolce Vita on Friday, October 18th located in the waterfront piazza of the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel and resort.
The resort just underwent renovations and provided a beautiful backdrop to the festive event which features food and wine from the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel restaurants.
Each gourmet food station is situated near wines that pair well with the cuisine being featured. The quarterly event is very popular with locals and visitors alike, the addition of extra tables was welcome. There was plenty of space to set your wine glass down to enjoy your small plates.
Mama Della’s Ristorante served Sauteed Gnocchi, Bay Shrimp and Broccolini Stufato with Parmesan Cheese, a fresh and delicious dish.
Splendidos Bar and Grill featured their Andalusia Seaside Famous Paella with Seafood, Chicken, Chorizo, Olive and Saffron.
Trattoria del Porto served up a fall favorite of Butternut Pumpkin Ravioli with a Beef Brisket Ragout
Those seeking sweets were thrilled with the creamy and delicious Dolce of Cacao gelee, Mascarpone cream with soaked ameretti cookies in coffee infusion. Also popular was the triple chocolate and espresso gelatos.
The wines always shine, with the warmer weather the chilled whites were refreshing, but as the sun set and the evening breeze stirred, the bolder reds filled my glass. Pictured above were my favorites and all paired wonderfully with the food. Check out my ratings on Vivino.
Hand rolled cigars were assembled by talented artisans in just a minute or two for guests to enjoy. The medium Dominican cigar offered nice body while the milder had a pleasantly sweeter tobacco.
Live music was appreciated by all who attended, the New York Minute Band featured male and female lead singers who sang everything from classics, jazzy slow dances, party favorites and current hits. Songs ranged from Etta James to Beyonce, Smokey Robinson to Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars. The crowd was on their feet, dancing and singing along at the end of the night.
Also featured was extremely talented singer-guitarist and entertaining flamenco dancer, check out this video snippet of them in action. Since several Spanish wines were featured, this was a nice nod to the Spanish wine regions. Other entertainment included live opera from the main balcony overlooking the piazza, I have the perfectly in-tune three tenor snippets here and here. To close out the evening, a tenor and soprano duo sang to a standing ovation.
The next Harbor Nights is geared to kick off the holiday season and reserved VIP tickets are on sale online here. Check back for full details and information on The Holiday Harbor Nights on Friday, November 29, 2013– a lovely time of year to be on the piazza!
Harbor Nights La Dolce Vita
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando
5601 Universal Boulevard
Orlando, FL 32819-7880
Phone: (407) 503-1200
Email: portofinoconcierge@loewshotels.com
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Lisa Wilk
Hello, I'm Lisa Wilk! I'm a freelance food, wine and travel writer, photographer and presenter based out of Orlando, FL. While covering local restaurants and food events in the #1 tourist destination in the US, I find endless cooking inspiration when dining out. You'll often find me in the kitchen putting my own spin on those elevated chef creations to enjoy at home and when entertaining. I have a love and enthusiasm for wine, wine education and wine pairing. Find me about town teaching and demystifying wine as part of the popular @TheTastyTrio in the popular Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Perfectly Paired program series I've co-developed. Taste, Cook and Sip along with me on Twitter and Instagram at @TasteCookSip and @WineChix! Cheers!
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- Taste Cook Sip | Italy for $45? Friday night’s Harbor Nights event brings Wine, Food & Music to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel piazza - […] in a picture filled preview of what Friday’s Harbor Nights event will entail, please read my full write up on…
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