COST: $65

EVENT DETAILS:

Rosen Centre in Orlando is celebrating the art of the vine and award-winning cuisine with the "Rosen Centre Vine and Dine," a wine pairing dinner series with an International flair. The 2008 six-part series explores a different region with each dinner, featuring specialty cuisine perfectly paired with that region's best-suited wines. The fourth of the 2008 dinner series, "Savor the Flavors of Tuscany," is Friday, July 25 at 7:00 pm in the hotel's Everglades restaurant private dining room.

The evening begins while welcoming a glass of Borgo Magredo Prosecco Spumante N/V (Veneto). Eggplant Companata, a sweet and sour eggplant relish, tops the menu, paired with Falchini Vernaccia di San Gimignano “Vigna a Solatio” DOCG 2006 (100% Vernaccia) which is of straw color, with a light aroma of green apple. A fresh, dry, balanced, and fruity wine.

Lobster in spicy tomato sauce over linguini, Lobster Fra Diavolo, is also on the menu. This plate it paired with Lungarotti Rubesco Rosso Di Torgiano DOC 2004 (Sangiovese/Canaiolo blend). The nose is spicy, with clear notes of pepper, sweet tobacco, and subtle notes of red and violet jam. This wine is of good concentration and perfectly balanced acidity; mature and harmonious tannins with a long and fruity finish.

Fennel sorbet is next on the menu.

Following the sorbet is lamb shank with artichoke saffron risotto. The braised lamb shank is paired with Vignamaggio Gherardino Chianti Classico DOCG 2004 (100% Sangiovese). The Vignamaggio Gheradino Chianti is a ruby red wine, with faint notes of red currants, cherries and berries. The palate is succulent, confident with an attractive finish.

Torta della nonna caps off the dinner. This ricotta cheese torte with lemon is combined with Volpi Moscato “Moscadoro” Piemonte DOC 2006 (100% White Muscato). The wine is intense and fragrant with a delicate aroma of Moscato and a very elegant bouquet reminiscent of orange-blossom, peach and honey. While pleasantly sweet, aromatic, and round, it gives a creamy sensation on the palate.

Each of the on-going series dinners will feature a different region and an array of wines with a five-course, prix fixe menu. The dinner is $65.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity). Space is limited to 30 diners. Located at 9840 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819. For reservations, call 407 996-9840, ext. 3602. For more information, visit www.evergladesrestaurant.com or www.rosencentre.com.

WEBSITE: www.evergladesrestaurant....