The 15th Annual Wine & Culinary Celebration, held at the Museum of Discovery and Science on April 16, 2010,
raised nearly $110, 000 to benefit the Museum. Chaired by Marjie Wilson and Kerry Ferguson, the event was a
resounding success. Over 1,200 guests enjoyed tantalizing cuisine, music and a bountiful silent auction.
This event was made possible by Bank of America. The exclusive beverage sponsor was Southern Wine and Spirits,
Print Dynamics was the printing sponsor and media partners included Gold Coast Magazine and Lite 101.5.
The elegant VIP Lounge was sponsored by Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort.
This year’s event featured a progressive sequence of wine and food pairings selected to delight, educate
and entertain guests. Over 30 of South Florida’s top restaurants and chefs were represented, as well as
nearly 200 wines from around the world. A new addition to this year’s event was the spectacular Chef Spotlight.
Chef Paula DaSilva of 3030 Ocean, Chef Sean McDonald of ilios @ Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and
Chef Johnny Vinczencz of Johnny V’s gave enticing cooking demonstrations on stage in front of enthusiastic guests.
VIP guests started the evening off with a private Martini Reception and a wine tasting led by certified wine
specialist and Sommelier, Sandra Wauquier. Then it was off to the Grand Tasting where executive chefs served
up their best, each competing for the People’s Choice Award. This year’s winner was Café Maxx with their
yellowfin tuna sashimi pizza. Also a crowd favorite, Vienna Cafe earned their spot as the 1st Runner Up,
with YOLO Restaurant just a few votes behind in the 2nd runner up position.
Highlighting the evening were some of South Florida’s top restaurants such as 3030 Ocean, A Thierry’s Catering &
Event Design, Big City Tavern, Cafe Maxx, Cafe Vico, Casa D'Angelo, Christina Wan's, Cookies by Design, Coral
Ridge Yacht Club, CrepeMaker, Inc., Grateful Palate, Hey Cupcake, Himmarshee Bar and Grill, Hugh’s Catering,
ilios@ Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Johnny V’s, Lola’s on Harrison, Morton's The Steak House, Pier Top,
Sette Bello, Smith & Jones, Solita, Sublime, The Ambry, The Capital Grille, Mancini's, Vienna Café, Seasons 52,
The Melting Pot, Trulucks, Vienna Cafe, We Take the Cake, Whole Food's Market and YOLO Restaurant.
After the Grand Tasting, VIP guests made their way to the Museum’s Grand Atrium where the chic Hilton Fort
Lauderdale Beach Resort VIP Lounge was located. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort provided VIP guests
with their signature Slider Action Station, with Crab, Meatball and BBQ Chicken Sliders.
For those who desired something sweet, individual sabayon dessert spoons with guests’ choice of fresh berries
were bruléed to order. In addition to a wine bar, a specialty cocktail station featured Caipirinhas, a Brazilian
specialty made with Leblon Cachaça, muddled limes, simple syrup and soda. VIP guests danced to the sounds provided
by DJ Fabian Giannattasio, a regular on the South Beach club circuit. The VIP Lounge experience is an expression of
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort’s signature, personalized service.
