Winefest's Gala Dinner: A Foodie's Heaven

[Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist]

If I was a bit disappointed in the food at the Florida Winefest's Showcase Wine and Food Tasting, I couldn't have been more delighted with the delicacies at the Winefest's Gala Dinner and Dance. The night began bayside at the Ritz Carlton with hors d'oeuvres including lamb chops and mini tempura fish sandwiches. That was only the beginning of a night that would gratify any foodie.

Once inside the ballroom, I was delighted to spy a beautiful lobster waiting for me at the table atop a round wedge of lettuce sitting on a spread akin to hummus. You might could say it was love at first sight, but unlike many loves, this one failed to disappoint. There were stations all around the ballroom where Ritz Carlton chefs from around the world showcased their specialties. If you're reading my foodies column, then I know you're likely to love food enough to want to know the menu, so I'm compelled to share it. Here goes;
*Malay-Spiced Wagyu Beef, Pineapple Compote, Pickled Cucmber, Satay Tamarind Sauce (my personal favorite)
Chef Geoffry Bone, Singapore
*Hazelnut Flour Dusted Soft Shell Crab, Snow Pea Shoots, Apple and Fennel Broth
Chef Frederick Morineau, Grand Cayman
*Mallard Duck Breast, Shitake Mushroom and Cilantro Salad with Soy Lavender Reduction
Chef Philippe Pinon, Coconut Grove
*Pine roasted Turbot, Crayfish, Quail Egg Ravioli, Chateau Chalon foam
Chef Leo Cernko, Moscow
*Diver Scallop, Spring Pea Risotto, Pea Shoots, Pancetta Truffle Vinaigrette
Chef Rob Wilson, Laguna Nigel
*Duet of Lamb: Confit Shoulder Ravioli, Sage Parma Loin, Eggplant Jam
Chef Chris Southwick, Sarasota
*Seared Tuna, Asian Cassoulet, Tamarind and Curry
Chef George Fistrovich, Key Biscayne
*Maple-Ancho Lacquered Prime Ribeye, Poblano Puree, Nopales Corn Relish, BBQ's Pepitas
Chef Joel Harrington, Dove Mountain

Need I say more?! I was in heaven. Or maybe it was more like the Garden of Eden, I was unable to resist a single temptation and indulged in all 9 courses. The selection of wines on the tables provided an array of select wines enabling diners to pair the wines appropriately with whatever food being savored at the moment. And to top it off, I was fortunate enough to be seated with nice and interesting people who willingly joined me in my enthusiasm for each course. What better way to get to know people than through the sharing of good food...unless it's on the dance floor. Which reminds me, the band (whose name I'm sorry not to know) played great dance music and had the dance floor rocking. I'm grateful to my dance partners for helping me to burn off a few of those calories. It was truly a night to remember. This is an event I would recommend to anyone.

[Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist]

If you're a fellow foodie, be sure and join the Foxy Foodies group on WQ Mag.