Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Photos 2011 – Great Food, Todd English and More!

We had the pleasure of being invited to the 2nd Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic this past weekend. The event is over for 2011, but I'd highly recommend booking your trip around the 2012 dates once announced!

We had heard about the event last year, and I'd really wanted to go – the hotel package was an extremely good value – but we were still in California for the Disneyland's Halloween celebration. This year's hotel package was not quite as generous as 2010, but was still a wonderful value for those attending. (The rates started at $255 for two guests, which included two Causeway passes – a value of nearly $150 once tax and fees are included). There were also beverage seminars available for an additional fee.

Before I start, I just wanted to say that this was the best food event I can remember attending. The most similar would be Party for the Senses, which I've been to three times (including last year's event). For the price of $65 plus tax at the Food & Wine Classic, guests were served incredible food dishes along with wine, beer and even flavored moonshine! And while I knew that Chef Todd English would be greeting guests, it was fun to see him actually serving lobster rolls at his booth. It did rain for about a half hour, which caused booths to close – but I didn't hear any complaints, everyone seemed in a great mood once they got back to eating and drinking. 

The day was slightly overcast and comfortable as we walked along the Boardwalk to the Swan and Dolphin:

 

 

 

We had the privilege of being in the VIP tent, though I didn't realize that until later (and we still spent most of our time outside of it until after the event officially ended).

 

 

 

We checked in, receiving our wine glass and plate. Tables for guests to sit or stand at were set up outside of the Swan and Dolphin resorts. The line for Shula's was getting long, but it soon split off into two lines. The crowds at each station were very manageable all night. I was told that Friday is much less busy than Saturday – so that is something to think about for next year!

 

 

Our first sample was Carved New York Strip and Creamed Spinach from Shula's Steakhouse. Wow! This was a huge sample, delicious – and I especially enjoyed the spinach (I'm not usually a fan of it).

A side note – the Food & Wine Classic also sold individual tickets for those who didn't want to buy an all-inclusive band. Each ticket was $2.00, and the Shula's Steakhouse dish took 5 tickets. There were 10 food stations and 26 beverage stations, so tickets could add up quickly! 

 

 

 

Cib's Smoke Ship had Carolina Style Pulled Pork with Southern Style Coleslaw, Parker House Roll, and Fried Pickels with Ranch Dressing. Jeff tasted everything – I don't like seafood or pork, but I enjoyed the fried pickle chips. They were light and had a very mild pickle taste. Jeff really enjoyed the entree, and said that it's something he'd buy in a restaurant setting. Nearly everything we tried was excellent across the board. I was also impressed with the size of the portions!