(Fort Myers, Fla. – Oct. 11, 2010) — Angelina’s Ristorante will host a signature vintner dinner at 7 p.m. on Oct. 20 featuring wines by Staglin Family Vineyard to officially kick off the 2011 Southwest Florida Wine & Food Festival season. Staglin was selected to be the signature vintner of the fundraising event, to be held Feb. 25 – 26, 2011 in private homes and at the Grand Tasting and Auction at Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club.
The evening will begin with a reception from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. hosted by the Wine & Food Fest Trustees. At 7 p.m., Angelina’s will serve a four-course dinner featuring a menu planned to complement four exclusive Staglin vintages:
- First Course: Sliced cured Coppa, topped with Mostarda di Cremona, whipped Gorganzola, and arugula paired with Staglin, Chardonnay, ‘Salus,’ Napa Valley, 2007
- Second Course: Seared Striped Bass atop King Crab ravioli, served with a petite radish slaw, and finished with an herbed crab brood paired with Staglin Family Vineyard, Estate Chardonnay, 2008
- Third Course: Braised organic Veal Cheeks, with olive oil grilled polenta and an array of stewed baby vegetables paired with Staglin, Cabernet Sauvignon, ‘Salus,’Napa Valley, 2006
- Fourth Course: Seared Wagyu ‘N. Y.’ Strip with Foie Gras, fried Morels, and creamed Zellwood corn paired with Staglin Family Vineyard, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006
Master sommelier Andrew McNamara, currently head sommelier for Premier Beverage, will be on hand to pour during the dinner. A lifelong wine lover, McNamara is one of less than 200 worldwide who have achieved master sommelier status, which requires years of study and passing several examinations. When he passed the final test, he also became only the 10th person in the world to earn the Krug Cup which honors individuals who pass the master sommelier exam on their first attempt and with the highest score. His career in wine has included stints at Arthurs Wine Shop in Charlotte, North Carolina, The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., and the Professional Culinary Institute in Orlando, Fla.
“The signature vintner dinner at Angelina’s is always a fun event and the perfect way to kick off our planning and preparations for the full festival,”says Dr. Steve Machiz, chairman of the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Festival’s organizing charity, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. “We expect a sellout crowd and can’t wait to taste how the talented team pairs the selected Staglin wines with the restaurant’s cuisine.”
The dinner costs $119 per person and reservations can be made by calling Angelina’s at 239-390-3187. Angelina’s Ristorante is located at 24041 S. Tamiami Trail in Bonita Springs.
About the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest
The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest is a signature event of the SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides funding to local charities serving local children. One of Southwest Florida’s most successful fundraising events, it raised more than $700,000 in 2009 and more than $930,000 in 2010. For more information, visit swflwinefest.org or call 239-278-3900.
