Epicurean Fundraiser – Cow’s n Cab’s

I had the pleasure to attend Cows ‘n Cabs fundraiser in Winter Park last evening. Cows n Cabs is a fundraiser to benefit non-profit charities within the Central Florida area. Cows ‘n Cabs showcased some of the top Chefs/Restaurants from Orlando whose delicious creations were complimented with a variety of wines and craft beers.

The theme was “Western” featuring live entertainment including a band, live auction, and raffle with all the proceeds benefiting Coalition for the Homeless, Community Outreach and the Winter Park Y Scholarship Fund.

Adam Gertler, the host of Food Network’s primetime series, Kid in a Candy Store made a special appearance too. Corporate Sponsorship was provided by Sparker Wealth Management and Presenting Sponsors were 4R Smokehouse, ABC Wine, and Shine Event Management, LLC.

Here are some photographs I was able to sneak in with all the hustle and bustle.

The Crooked Spoon – Cocoa & Coffee Crusted Flank Steak on a Bed of Goat Cheese Stone Ground Grits, dressed with a Port Demi-Glace. Hints of Cinnamon, herbs, and fruit; it was a popular winner, hands down.

Wine Pairing: Conservancy Petite Syrah.

The Ravenous Pig – Porcini Rubbed Mishima Ranch Eye Round with Mushroom Polenta Cake.

Wine Pairing: Groth Cabernet Sauvignon.

4 Rivers Smokehouse & The Meat House: Steak & Chicken Shish Kabobs served with Grilled Vegetables on a Venezuelan Arepa’s topped with Guasacaca Sauce, accompanied by a Smoked Jalapeno. Huge chunks of succulent meat cooked to perfection. 4 Rivers Smokehouse has perhaps taken their standard to an even higher plane. Amazing demonstration and finger licking food!!

Wine Pairing: Block 77 Zinfandel & Jackie Merlot.

4 Rivers Sweet Shop – Red Velvet Whoopie Pies, Mountain Dew Dorito Cupcakes, 4R Chocolate Chip Cookies, Autumn Harvest Shots, Cheerwine Cupcakes & 4R Brownies. Enough variety to please just about any palate.

Wine Pairings: Graham’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port.

K Restaurant – Ricotta Gnoochi with Braised Beef Neck Bologonese & Pecorino Cheese. Melting in your mouth goodness. One of my personal favorites. (By the time, I got around to K, I only managed to taste the dish, hence couldn’t take a photo worth displaying.)

Wine Pairing: Cline Pinot Noir.

Pizzeria Valdiano – Handmade Meatballs dipped in Marinara Sauce served with Garlic Knots. Located in Winter Park, Pizzeria Valdiano is a new addition to the culinary events held in Orlando (though not new to the restaurant scene).

Wine Pairing: Falesco Vitiano Rosso.

Pembrooke Chocolates – Chocolate covered  Bacon were amongst their various offerings. Need I say more?

Wine Pairing: Tattinger Brut la Francaise.

Cocina 214 – Pescado Rico: Mahi Mahi with Spinach, Roasted Poblano Tequila Cream Sauce. After tasting their smoky sauce, I think it’s time to pay the restaurant a visit.

Wine Pairing: Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay.

Sweet Traditions – An array of pastries and bread. Another crowd pleaser.

Wine Pairing: Nadia & Costarossa.

Fin.esse Restaurant – Sugar Cane Chicken with Agave Tamarind Glaze on Black Bean, Sweet Corn, Pineapple & Mango Hash.

Wine Pairing: Newton Red Label, Chardonnay.

Citrus Restaurant – Blue Corn Fish Tacos; Pan Seared Market Fish, Habanero Slaw, Black Bean & Corn Salsa. One of Urban Life Restaurant Management Group’s restaurant; Citrus always aims to please.

Wine Pairing: Coppola Diamond Pinot Noir.

My apologies as I was unable to take pictures of Emeril’s, Cress, and Luma. Their indiviual offerings were:

Emeril’s Tchoup Chop – Braised Beef Cheek and Kabocha Ravioli with Buttered Apple Sage Glace.

Wine Pairing: The Prisoner.

Cress Restaurant – Darling Downs; Waygu Beef hanging tender, Jerk spices, Jeannine’s Peppercorn Cookie, Smoked Onion. Wine Pairing: Conservancy Petite Syrah.

Cress is located in Deland, I have yet to make a trip there.

Luma on the Park – Prato Meatballs: Meatballs over Anson Mills Grits with Cherry Mostardo, finished with Ricotta Salata & Chives. Wine Pairing: Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon.

 

 

This was a wonderful opportunity to taste and experience the finest, Orlando has to offer in the culinary arena. Delicious samples beautifully and meticulously presented by the best chefs in town, free flowing wide range of craft beers and wine; all in all a great way to spend your Saturday night.

 

I for one would personally like to thank each and every member in front & behind the scenes to make this event such a success!!

 

The patrons fortunate enough to attend this event, do pay the restaurants a visit to enjoy the entire experience of what these phenomenal Chefs do best. For the rest of us, below are the addresses for most of the mentioned restaurants. Stop by at your leisure, you just might be blown away with the level of excellence and passion Orlando has to offer in the culinary world.

 

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