If one glass of wine makes your day, imagine what hundreds from around the world could do? Now surround yourself with wine enthusiasts and talented chefs and you’re set for an evening of great tastes and good cheer.
If this scene is what you desire, there’s one event you certainly need to focus on — Symphony of the America’s Wines of the World. OK, we’ll admit, there are other great ones around South Florida, but this one is one of our favorites — and we were just able to experience it this past weekend.
Taking place at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 on Friday, November 14, 2014, over 350 food and wine enthusiasts, supporters of the Symphony of the Americas and event sponsors came together for this year’s event, now in its 19th year. The event included a Vintner’s Tasting Tour, a VIP reception with Darioush Khaledi, of Darioush Winery, a 5-course dinner; and a silent and live auction — all to support the Symphony of the Americas.
Every year, the who’s who in the wine world gather together to clink glasses, to enjoy gourmet cuisine and honor 3 important names in the industry. This year, the honorees included: Chef Honoree – Chef Marco Vico of Cafe Vico; Vintner Honoree – Darioush Khaledi of Khaledi Wines; and Special Honoree – Lyn Farmer.
The evening began with a VIP reception, where guests savored glasses of bubbly and the featured wine of the event, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Darioush. While mingling amongst the crowd and sipping on glasses of wine, guests were introduced to Darioush Khaledi, the vintner honoree of the evening, while enjoying tempting gourmet bites from Chef Oliver Saucy of Cafe Maxx (Pompano Beach).
For those who had been to this event before, knew that this was only the beginning (this really brings together 3 events in 1 – so pacing yourself was a must do) — and there were many taste sensations awaiting them. After the reception, guests made their way into the reception area, adjacent to the main dining room, where wine makers, curious guests, ambitious culinary students and volunteers awaited. On the outskirts, there were bottles of wine waiting to fill your glass and culinary students from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, who were ready to show off their goods. In the middle a silent auction was held.
As part of the event, a student competition was held and 4 students participated. Each prepared a selected bite and offered it to the guests — in return, each guest was asked to drop their coin (or vote) next to their favorite dish. In the end, Chef Emily Anna Darville took the crown — and a scholarship for the win.
While some guests only took part in the tasting portion of the event, we were lucky to have tickets to the sit-down dinner — and the foodgasmic tastes continued. Once we spotted our table, we were drawn to the bottles of wine at our table — a bottle of Darioush Chardonnay; one from Blackbird Vineyards; and a third from Mira Vineyards. No complaints here.
Our 5-course dinner brought together a team of talented chefs — Per Jacobson (Vienna Café and Wine Bar); Angelo Elia (Casa d’Angelo); Marco Vico (Café Vico); and Gregory McGowan (Hyatt Regency Pier 66). From Watercress and Pickled Red Onions with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette to Medallions of Beef grilled over wild mushrooms & shaved white truffle cheese risotto to a Spiced Pumpkin Mousse Dome — we were spoiled with plate after plate of deliciousness.
Better yet, was the live auction that took place — with wine experiences being raffled off that are hard to come by. Think – a VIP tour of Darioush, Garden Lunch & Culture of Wine experience; a VIP California Tasting Tour; 12 Bottles of 2000 Bordeaux; and more. This truly is a magical event, and one that stands out from the rest. It’s elegant and welcoming — and brings together a stellar line-up of wines, talented chefs and a supportive crowd that is as passionate about supporting Symphony of the Americas, as they are about great food and wine.
As Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat [we think “and drink” needs to be added in here] are always the best people.”
Although the event has passed this year, it is an annual event so there will be more opportunities to experience it. Our advice is to mark your calendars now, and visit their site next September/October for more details on the 2015 event.