"Taste of Florida" Dinner Sponsored by NOVA Restaurant

Florida inspired tablescape designed by Anna LaBeau.

Florida inspired tablescape designed by Anna LaBeau.

What an exciting evening it was for our dinner party guests who experienced a marvelous "Taste of Florida" menu designed by Executive Chef Val Domingo of NOVA Orlando Restaurant! Accompanied by his wonderful wife in the kitchen, Chef Val wowed our TDPP guests with a 4-course meal using only ingredients sourced in the Sunshine State.

The NOVA Refresher: Tin Cup Whiskey, Watermelon Puree, Fresh Squeezed Lime

The NOVA Refresher: Tin Cup Whiskey, Watermelon Puree, Fresh Squeezed Lime

As the guests arrived at our host's beautiful craftsman style home in Thornton Park, everyone gathered in the living room for cocktails & hors d'oeuvres.

Cherry Tomato Bruschetta: Basil Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Burrata, Olde Hearth Toasted Challah, Balsamic Gastrique

Cherry Tomato Bruschetta: Basil Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, Burrata, Olde Hearth Toasted Challah, Balsamic Gastrique

Guests enjoying cocktail hour.

Guests enjoying cocktail hour.

After some light bites and swooning over the mid-century modern flair throughout the home, everyone moved to the dining room to get to know each other a little better. The second course, a Peach & Ginger Bisque, was silky smooth and absolutely delicious.

Summer Peach & Ginger Bisque: Carmelized Organic Peaches, Dakin Dairy Cream, Pea Tendril Garnish

Summer Peach & Ginger Bisque: Carmelized Organic Peaches, Dakin Dairy Cream, Pea Tendril Garnish

Chef Val preparing the main course.

Chef Val preparing the main course.

So many connections were made and laughter filled the air as everyone around the table talked about their careers, hobbies and why they love Orlando. Time flew by as the main course was served; a gorgeous Florida Red Grouper! A crisp white wine pairing was also prepared by NOVA's General Manager/Partner, Westley Lynn.

Cast Iron Seared Florida Red Grouper, Lemongrass Ginger Risotto, Sugar Top Farms Braised Kale, Coconut Lime Buerre Blanc

Cast Iron Seared Florida Red Grouper, Lemongrass Ginger Risotto, Sugar Top Farms Braised Kale, Coconut Lime Buerre Blanc

With just enough room left for dessert, guests indulged in a traditional blueberry cobbler topped with homemade vanilla ice cream, complete with a hot, French pressed cup of Credo coffee!

Tom West Blueberry Cobbler topped with House-made Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream

Tom West Blueberry Cobbler topped with House-made Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream

We are thankful for our coffee sponsor and continued partnership with Downtown Credo.

We are thankful for our coffee sponsor and continued partnership with Downtown Credo.

Huge thanks to Chef Val Domingo and NOVA Restaurant for partnering with TDPP! The food was AMAZING and everyone had a wonderful evening!

 

Photos by Anna LaBeau