The 9th Annual Boca Bacchanal & Auction Celebrating "The Era of the Mango Gang Chefs!"

I am happy to report the 9th Annual Boca Bacchanal and Auction has drawn to a close! It was a fabulous evening of food, wine and fun while raising money for the Heritage Programs of the Boca Raton Historical Society. Our theme was The Era of the Mango Gang Chefs, and celebrated some of Florida's most innovative culinary personalities who have really changed the face of Florida cuisine over the past 20 years. Fabulous wines from world-renowned vintners paired beautifully with the cuisine!

As Chairs of the event, Steve and I spent months planning all the details: from native Florida species from Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, colorful tropical decor beautifully created by Boca by Design and Atlas Party Rental, sexy salsa dancers from Dance South Florida not to mention our fabulous DJ Will Power who kept us dancing into the wee hours. It was very rewarding to see it all come together!

Oliver the Owl from Busch Wildlife Sanctuary & Taittinger Rosé Champagne!

The evening kicked off with a fabulous reception complete with a Silent Auction, native Florida wildlife and dishes from four of our Chefs, complete with wine pairings.
I thought I would share our reception menu with you!

Douglas Rodriguez, De Rodriguez Cuba & Ola at Sanctuary, Miami Beach, FL

Maine Lobster Ceviche marinated with Yuzu, Kafir Lime & Coconut Sorbet
Champagne Taittinger Brut La Francaise, Reims NV

Champagne Taittinger Prestige Brut Rosé, Reims NV

Seared Diver Scallops with Morels from Chef Robbin Haas

Robbin Haas, Gulf Coast Kitchen at the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Bistro Cinq

Seared Diver Scallop with Morels, English Peas, Pea Tendril Salad, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Yuzu

2008 Fess Parker Viognier, Santa Barbara, CA

2007 Fess Parker Ashley's Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills

2007 Fess Parker Big Easy, Santa Barbara County

Oliver Saucy, Darrel & Oliver's Cafe Maxx, Pompano Beach, FL

Duck Confit Pot Stickers with Orange Chili Sauce

2007 Maison Louis Jadot Meursault, Beaune

2007 Maison Louis Jadot Chassagne Montrachet, Beaune

2009 Maison Louis Jadot Pommard, Beaune

Cindy Hutson, Ortanique on the Mile, Coral Gables, FL

Blue Mountain Coffee and Cocoa Encrusted Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Slow Cooked Sweet Corn Polenta & Chipotle Agave Glaze and Micro Green Salad

2008 Spring Mountain Vineyard Estate Bottled Sauvignon Blanc, Spring Mountain District

2006 Spring Mountain Vineyard Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District

2005 Spring Mountain Vineyard "Elivette," Spring Mountain District

As you can see, our evening was off to a great start! I think I will save the four course dinner menu for "Part 2" of this post and give you a little time to digest. Stay tuned for more deliciousness from the 9th Annual Boca Bacchanal & Auction!

Cheers,