Overnight packages and event-only tickets are now on sale for the sixth-annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31.

A Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic causeway ticket offers guests unlimited tastings at more than 40 stations featuring culinary selections from the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and wine from more than 30 wineries amidst a festive backdrop of live entertainment on the hotel’s scenic causeway. Upgraded ticket options allow guests to enjoy access to a beer garden featuring a wide selection of craft beers and Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine. The event also includes hands-on experiences with the hotel’s chefs and certified beverage experts in a variety of food and beverage seminars.

• Package One, starting at $359, includes overnight accommodations and tickets to the outdoor festival for two
• Package Two, starting at $385, includes overnight accommodations, tickets to the outdoor festival and upgraded beer garden access for two
• Package Three, starting at $435, includes overnight accommodations, tickets to the outdoor festival, upgraded beer garden access and an interactive seminar experience for two

Individual ticket options are also available and can be purchased here:

• Advance-purchase, event-only tickets to enjoy unlimited tastings on the causeway are $105 per person
• Upgraded tickets, including unlimited tastings on the causeway and access to the beer garden, are $125 per person
• Beverage seminars are $45 per person, per class with the purchase of a causeway ticket
• Pasta making, sushi and sake, and cheese seminars are $60 per person, per class with the purchase of a causeway ticket

Several overnight and multiple-night package options are available for the sixth-annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic and can be booked by phone at 1-888-828-8850.

Photo Credits: Swan and Dolphin

The 30th Annual Taste of Winter Park will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market! More than 45 of the area’s top chefs, bakers, caterers and confectioners are expected to participate this year.

“Each year the Taste of Winter Park attracts residents and tourists alike to experience a unique pairing of fine food, drink and live music on a fun evening in downtown Winter Park,” said Patrick Chapin, President/CEO for the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

Participating restaurants include:  

• 4 Rivers Smokehouse
• Barnie’s CoffeeKitchen
• Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine
• Bungalow 23 Culinary Cocktail Mixers
• Carmel Kitchen
• Krispy Kreme
• Marlow’s Tavern
• TR Fire Grill will be serving:
• Dry Aged Pork Ribeye with Jalapeno Cheddar Polenta with a Cherry Pinot Noir Sauce
• Beef Short Rib Risotto with Port Wine Reduction
• Smoke Chicken Mac & Cheese

And more, full list of participating restaurants here!

Restaurants will compete for bragging rights in seven categories including best entrée, appetizer/side dish, Tickets are available for $40 in advance for Winter Park Chamber members, $45 for non-members and $45 for everyone at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce located at 151 West Lyman Avenue, by calling (407) 644-8281 or online at www.winterpark.org. Stay up-to-date with event details at www.facebook.com/tasteofwinterpark or @WinterParkTaste on Twitter.

Photo Credits: TR Fire Grill and Winter Park Chamber

Pinterest is littered with countless images of six-tier wedding cakes and dozens of Frozen cakes with 3D Olafs. I’ve always found myself asking how its done and the technique behind these intricate cakes. I recently came across an incredible comprehensive guide that is sure to take readers from ameature to “Cake Boss” status after some time in the kitchen.

Artisan Cake Company’s Visual Guide To Cake Decorating by Elizabeth Marek features delicious recipes and modern, basic techniques for successfully creating cake masterpieces. Marek’s book provides detailed instructions on creating beautiful, successful and creative cake designs using color theory and design principles with dozens upon dozens of examples.

Featuring a wide range of topics including:

• Cake and Frosting Recipes
• Marshmallow Fondant (I know, how cool is that?)
• Metallic Finishings (gotta love a glittering cake)
• Swiss Meringue Buttercream Recipe
• Textures and Finishes
• Modeled Figures (maybe you can make that Olaf afterall!)
• Sugar Flowers
• Science of Structure

These beautiful, detailed pages are filled with practical tutorials on sugar flowers, figure modeling techniques, cake sculpting and cake structure suitable for beginners and professionals alike. Marek’s book is a must have for your kitchen – she is master in her trade, bringing true artistry to her confections.

About the Author

Elizabeth Marekhas an AAS degree in graphic arts and worked in advertising before studying Pastry Arts at the Oregon Culinary Institute in Portland Oregon. In 2009, she founded Artisan Cake Company. Artisan Cake Company cakes have been featured in Portland Bride and Groom, Cake Central Magazine, and Crave Magazine. Her 3D and sculpted cakes have been featured on various websites and she’s also appeared on the Food Network show “Outrageous Wedding Cakes”.

Snag your copy on Amazon, happy decorating!

Photos reprinted with permission from Race Point Publishing (2014)

Imagine for one second endless hand-seasoned barbecued meats, bountiful vegetables and mason jars stuffed with candied bacon. Well, this dream is a reality at American Q where they serve up a variety of meats and cocktails, all carefully curated by Chef Justin Leo. The team here is so particular about what they serve, Chef Leo even makes his own ketchup, that’s right no Heinz at the Q! And coming soon you can take home a bottle of his very own BBQ sauce.

We were recently treated to double digit coursed meal. Oh yeah. From the bacon steak to caramel cheesecake we enjoyed a boatload of mouthwatering food. As an added bonus we were served creative cocktails and a whiskey tasting!

Here’s what we tasted and thoroughly enjoyed at American Q:

• Maple Bourbon Bacon Steak: House cured slab bacon marinated in bourbon and maple syrup

• Swine Candy: Smoked bacon roasted with molasses and spice ’til crunchy

• House Made Tater Tots: Topped with bacon salt and served with a side of made-from-scratch ketchup.
• Cherry Maple Manhattan: Bacon infused 1792 Ridgemont Reserve, cherry liqueur, maple syrup and Angostura bitters. Beware, it’s strong! But,this drink is the perfect twist on a Manhattan.
• Salted Caramel Cheesecake: Vanilla cheesecake with salted caramel drizzle and a perfect graham cracker crust. Regardless of your appetite at the end of your meal, this cheesecake should end up on your table. I could eat the caramel drizzle by the spoonful!

Tableside Carvings: Enjoy unlimited salads and appetizers served from the bed of their ’51 Ford pickup truck. Then, feast on these juicy meats! The keep coming until you say STOP!

• Confit of Smoked Turkey Leg

• Bacon Wrapped Boneless Chicken Thighs
• House-made Sausages
• Smoked Pork Shoulder with Spiced Onions
• Picanha of Beef: My absolute favorite from the meat parade! A Brazilian take on barbecue, seasoned boldly with a crust that locks in the meat’s flavor and tenderness.
• Cold Smoked & Grilled Turkey Thigh with Turkey Chorizo Stuffing
• Carolina Style Flank Steak: A long, flat delicious cut of meat. Make sure this slice ends up on your plate!
• Brisket of Beef with Texas Bark
• Vegetable Brochette – The perfect end after a night of consuming protein. Take your pick of grilled peppers, onions and other crisp veggies.

Between the Cowboy Carvers, Chef Leo’s creations and of course a seemingly endless supply of meat, you’re sure to enjoy your night at American Q!

PS: Check out these weekday options for more American Q goodness!

Meatless Mondays

Every Monday, American Q “goes green” with enhanced vegetarian offerings. Take advantage of the restaurant’s Flatbed Buffet for $19.95; enjoy signature, vegetarian-style eats like Smoked Tofu Chili, Veggie-Friendly Soup, Baked Potato Bar, Full Salad Bar, Baked Beans, Mac ‘n Cheese and Spinach Gratin, as well as endless table-side carvings of Grilled Cauliflower Steak.

Prime Rib Tuesdays

During Prime Rib Tuesdays, purchase the Flatbed Buffet and enjoy all-you-can-eat Smoked Prime Rib with Cajun onions, straight from the rodízio, for no additional charge.

Swine & Spirits

On Wednesdays, purchase the Flatbed Buffet, unwind with a complimentary beverage and savor American Q’s take on the whole roasted pig. Choose from two ways to indulge: purchase the Flatbed Buffet for the regular price, and in addition to the usual tableside carvings, enjoy unlimited servings of their Tangerine and Whiskey-Brined Suckling Pig, along with a complimentary featured spirit that will change weekly.