The 2nd Annual Cows ‘N Cabs event was held in Winter Park, FL last month and was part of The Winter Park Food & Wine Classic. This food-and-wine walk around raises money for charities, with 100 percent of proceeds from ticket sales and auction items to benefit the Community Food & Outreach Center and Coalition for the Homeless.
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The event featured live entertainment and a silent auction, with more than 16 restaurants serving bite sized plates to guests and more than 100 wines and 60 craft beers available to experience. The hosts for the evening include a chef-studded line up of personalities from the Food Network’s “The Next Food Network Star” including Nikki Martin and Orlando-based Emily Ellyn, along with Food Network’s “Chopped” winner Giorgio Rapicavoli.
The night was filled with more food, wine, and beer that I could have consumed in 4 hours. I wish this could be an all day event, but I did my best to taste as much as I could. You can enjoy so much before all of the tastings of wine and craft beers fills you up, leaving less room for food. In the end it was a great event to attend and one that I recommend for anyone to go to next year. Not only is there great food, but it supports great causes and local charities.
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The event hosts: from “The Next Food Network Star”, Nikki Martin (left) and Emily Ellyn (right), with Food Network’s “Chopped” winner Giorgio Rapicavoli (middle).
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A seafood display from Deep Blu Seafood Grill featured Florida Stone Crab and live liquid nitrogen action. The dish was Florida Stone Crab and Mustard Aioli with Nitrogen Moscato Sorbet and raspberry caviar.
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4 Rivers Smokehouse sliced up a big Steamship Round for their sandwiches topped with gravy.
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Taps Winter Park – Tuna Crudo and Meatball Bruschetta
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Hawker’s Street Fare – Chinese BBQ pork and roasted duck
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Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine – Adana Kebab, char-grilled lamb and chicken
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The Crooked Spoon Food Truck – Hanger Steak Barbacoa with sweet corn spoon bread and Key Lime Chimichurri
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My favorite dish of the evening was the Roasted Pumpkin Soup Shooters. The soup was a hearty puree of roasted pumpkin and had a real good kick of spice. A pleasing blend of spicy, savory, and sweet that I really enjoyed. I could have had at least 7 of these, but only consumed one.
The Ancient Olive and The Spice & Tea Exchange
(top) Roasted Pumpkin Soup Shooters – spiced roasted pumpkin soup with spicy olive oil drizzle, pepitos & kale microgreens.
(bottom) Harvest Salad – field greens, apples, pears, candied pecans, blue cheese with choose of dressing
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Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park – milk chocolate covered bacon and dark chocolate covered bacon
You remember these from the summer, I was posting lots of photos of the milk chocolate covered bacon!
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So much wine and craft beer, so little time. Needless to say there was an abundance of beers to taste, with a collection of over 100 wines that would please a wine lover’s palate. They served full glasses of wine and beer, not just samples.
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Live band playing a mix of music
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Chef-owner John Rivers of 4 Rivers Smokehouse was honored on stage for his efforts during the event weekend.
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Event hosts from “The Next Food Network Star”, Emily Ellyn and Nikki Martin.
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Emily Ellyn, Nikki Martin, Pennisu and Scott Richardson
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My photo with event hosts: Emily Ellyn, Julius Mayo Jr., and Nikki Martin
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The party continued at Cocina 214 with the official After Party. There was a 30-minute autograph session from celebrity hosts Emily Ellyn, Nikki Martin, and Giorgio Rapicavoli. There was a WPFWC-inspired bar menu available, with 10% all of sales benefiting the Classic’s beneficiary. Attendees got a chance to chat with the event hosts and get a personalized signed poster from all three. A fun after party and closer to the Winter Park Food & Wine Classic weekend.
2nd Annual Cows ‘N Cabs
Saturday, October 27, 2012
www.wpfoodandwineclassic.com
Words and photos by Julius Mayo Jr.
Content and photos © Droolius.com 2012
