The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic celebrated its eighth year October 27 – 28, the largest event to date featuring more than 60 food and beverage stations and 11 educational seminars taught by members of the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team.
Guests delighted in numerous opportunities to sip and savor along the resort’s causeway, private lake and private beach while enjoying live entertainment.
Delectable culinary offerings headlined the two-night event, featuring cuisine from the resort’s own award-winning restaurants: Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula’s Steak House, Todd English’s bluezoo, Kimonos and more, with wine and spirits samplings from around the globe.
Introduced in 2017
For the first time at the event, a seminar was presented by a Master Sommelier. Matthew Citriglia showcased several rare vintage wines from the Piedmont region. Also new this year was Bubbles Lounge, a secluded, whimsically themed area showcasing sparkling beverages including Champagne and sparkling wine.
Bubbles Lounge joined the event’s other themed areas: Carnival Corner, Chinatown and a Beer Garden.
Featured Food
Highlights of this year’s menus included:
• Ricotta gnocchi with wild mushrooms, baby spinach and fennel sausage from Il Mulino Trattoria
• Oven-roasted beef ribeye with mashed potatoes and sauce bordelaise from Shula’s Steakhouse
• Seared Yellowfin Tuna salad from Todd English’s bluezoo
The resort’s Executive Chef Robert Ciborowski presented specialty barbecue offerings and World Champion Pastry Chef Laurent Branlard showcased a variety of decadent desserts.
Seminars and Brunch
Hands-on educational seminars taught by the resort’s award-winning food and beverage team included: wine blending, Italian wines, Argentinian wines, Champagne, beer, Riesling, craft cocktails, pasta making, sushi and sake and wine and cheese pairing.
The indulgence extended into Sunday morning with the Sunday Bubbles Brunch with J Vineyards and Winery at Il Mulino New York Trattoria, featuring sushi and trattoria-inspired dishes.
With 18 restaurants and lounges, a distinguished culinary and beverage team and unmatched customer service, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort continually receives national recognition for its food and beverage program. The culinary team has had the honor of presenting multiple dinners at the distinguished James Beard House. The resort boasts more than 70 certified wine sommeliers and 1,400 wine selections, including organic and rare vintages. The resort’s restaurants are annual winners of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence including Shula’s Steak House, a multiple-time recipient of the exclusive Best of Award of Excellence.
Foodies do not have to wait until next year’s Food & Wine Classic to experience some of the great dishes at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. The resort’s 18 different dining venues are open to guests and locals year-round. For more information or reservation information, visit www.swandolphin.com.
