SOLD OUT: Friends of the Vine – A Magical Evening

Join us  Thursday, November 9th, 6:30-10pm at Quantum Leap Winery as David Forrester, Edna Morris and the winery host a Friends of James Beard Dinner benefitting the James Beard Foundation (JBF). This special event, Friends of the Vine: A Magical Evening brings together an esteemed team of Central Florida chefs and makers to celebrate the camaraderie of Orlando’s culinary and wine community and their support of the James Beard Foundation.

The magic begins with a reception in the winery’s central tasting room and then will progress with a culinary exploration in the main winery with chef food stations perfectly paired with wine, created just for this special evening through a unique chef and master sommelier collaboration curated by the featured participants. Additionally, all guests will receive a limited edition Quantum Leap/JBF  Stölze wine glass to commemorate the event.

Featured Participants
Shannea “Nikki” Akins – Chef/Owner Nikki’s Place, Tonda Corrente – Chef/Owner La Femme du Fromage, Trina Gregory – Chef/Owner Se7en Bites, Stephen Grey – Exec. Chef Arthur’s Catering, Matt Hinckley – Chef/Owner Hinckley’s Fancy Meats, Lordfer Lalicon – Chef/Owner Kaya, Mark Leggett – Owner Arthur’s Catering,  Jamie McFadden – Exec. Chef/Founder Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine and Events, George Miliotes – Master Sommelier/Owner Wine Bar George

(Check out their full bios here)

Event Menu

Reception – Jamie McFadden, Cuisiniers
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by James Beard recipes
Ham and Cheese “deviled” eggs
Sweet Onion “Sandwiches”
Crispy Lamb Meatballs with Sauerkraut & Whipped Feta.

Paired with:
Sparkling Brut, North Coast, CA
Riesling, Columbia Valley, WA 2022
Teroldego, Clarksburg, CA 2018

Mark Leggett, Arthurs
Arthur’s OC Speakeasy
A unique experience that with unique oyster presentations, caviar in an ultra “cool” setting.

Paired with:
Grenache Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, CA 2022
Gorgo, Perlato Spumante Brut, Veneto IT

Nikki Akins, Nikki’s Place
Smothered pork in gravy accompanied by Hoppin’ John rice made with field peas and hog jowls and southern spices. Meld the flavors of the pork with classic corn bread topped with a pot liquor shot.
Paired with:
Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR 2020
Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, WA 2022

Jamie McFadden, Cuisiniers
Enter the chic world of Tinned Fish, designed to let you sample the delicacy of tinned fish and the varied garnishes that make them pop.
Experience Spanish pintxo’s of smoked mussels, small squids, octopus, anchovies, & plant-based seafood made with Enoki mushrooms
Paired with:
Rhone Varietal White Blend, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley, WA 2022
Pedaler’s Hard Cider

Lordfer Lalicon, Kaya
Adobo risotto with koshihikari rice, braised mushrooms and black truffle sauce and a bistek & pomme puree with soy marinated Japanese beef, potato puree and truffle caviar

Paired with:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, WA 2019
Malbec, Columbia Valley, WA 2020

Tonda Corrente, La Femme du Fromage &
Matt Hinckley, Hinckley’s Fancy Meats
Enjoy duck rillette with truffle gouda and cherry gastrique in a baked cheese crisp, or a country pate with smoked cheddar, house mustard & pickled veg on a crostini,  or bacon jam and Rogue River blue tart.  All surrounded by a glorious display of cheese and charcuterie curated by our talented duo.

Paired with:
Garda, White Blend, Veneto, IT 2022
Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA 2017
Cabernet Sauvignon, McNary Vineyard, Columbia Valley, 2021

Stephen Gray, Arthur’s
New American BBQ Duck served with Kimchee fried rice and pink pickled eggs

Pumpkin Cashew Curry (Vegetarian, Vegan and Gluten Free)
Spiced Pumpkin, Cashews, Coconut Milk, Red Onion, Ginger, Basmati Rice

Paired with:
Pinot Grigio, Veneto, IT 2022
Tempranillo, Columbia Valley, WA 2020

George Miliotes, Master Sommelier, Wine Bar George
Barrel Taste of Napa Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Trina Gregory, Se7enBites
Save room for dessert! A plated trio of fall delights – wine poached apple with garam masala whipped cheesecake; cardamom & anise chocolate tart; and shredded baklava with mulled wine and panna cotta

Paired with:
Mulled wine
Dog Watch, Port-style Wine, Central Coast, CA 2016

Tickets $175 pp + tax

Doors open at 6:30pm. Registration 6:30-7:00pm.

Casual seating will be available.

Complimentary valet parking is provided.

We look forward to hosting you for this Magical Evening!!!

Thank You To Our Sponsors For Your Generosity:

*Guests must be 21+ years old to attend

**Please note, no refunds for cancellations. However, you can transfer the ticket as long as you alert us at info@quantumleapwinery.com