I attended an elegant Chef and Vintner Dinner at the home of hosts Marshall and Lori Hanno during the 8th Annual Southwest Florida Wine and Food Fest in late February.
Lori and Marshall Hanno
The cuisine was created by Executive Chef Nick Costanzo of Angelina’s Ristorante in Bonita Springs, and the wines were generously donated by attending vintners Juelle Fisher and daughter Cameron Fisher of Fisher Vineyards.
Vintner Juelle Fisher, Marshall Hanno, Chef Nick Costanzo, Lori Hanno and Vintner Cameron Fisher
Chef Costanzo served a six-course meal in the Hannos’ home equal to Michelin-starred restaurants. His selections included crispy seared black bass, cherry wood smoked duck breast, homemade coffee and candied ginger lamb sausage.
crispy seared black bass
The restaurant’s sommelier, Angela Robertson, expertly sliced off the glass tops of wine bottles with a saber—I’m not getting on her wrong side!
Angela Robertson
The big winners are the children of Southwest Florida, who will benefit from more than $750,000 raised during the two-day event. The dinners in private homes raised $200,000, and the Grand Tasting and Auction, held at the stunning beachfront Miromar Lakes Beach Clubhouse, raised $550,000.
Auctioneer Scott Robertson and Grand Tasting Emcee Randy Thomas fired up the crowd!
NBC2 Anchor Kellie Burns, Auctioneer Scott Robertson and Emcee Randy Thomas.
Thirty Flavors and Counting…
Kurt Bensmiller serves customers at Paciugo Gelato Cafe.
My favorite flavors include Irish coffee, black cherry swirl, dulce de leche and peanut butter. Try milkshakes, smoothies, and also soy-based gelato flavors, no sugar added offerings, and sorbets (I love mango). Their coffees, espressos, and cappuccinos with gelato are unique. Most items sell for less than $5, so it’s perfect for family visits. Paciugo Gelato Café, 23151 Village Shops Way, Suite 113, Coconut Point, Estero. 947-4473.
