Ah, the elusive kid-free evening — a time to unwind, pour a glass of your favorite wine, and indulge in some delectable snacks. Orlando's vibrant culinary scene offers a plethora of local delights that can elevate your wine night to a whole new level. Here’s a curated list of the best local snacks to pair with your wine, ensuring your evening is both relaxing and gastronomically delightful.
Here are 10 of my favorite local snacks for wine night
1. Artisanal Cheeses from La Femme du Fromage
Located in the East End Market, La Femme du Fromage is Orlando’s premier cheese shop, offering a curated selection of artisanal cheeses from around the world.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Brie with Chardonnay: The creamy texture of Brie complements the buttery notes of a well-oaked Chardonnay.
Aged Gouda with Cabernet Sauvignon: The nutty flavor of aged Gouda pairs beautifully with the boldness of a Cabernet.
2. Charcuterie from The Swine & Sons
Swine & Sons, located in Winter Park, is renowned for its handcrafted charcuterie and cured meats.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Prosciutto with Prosecco: The saltiness of prosciutto is balanced by the light, bubbly nature of Prosecco.
Salami with Sangiovese: The spiciness of salami pairs well with the acidity and cherry notes of Sangiovese.
3. Gourmet Popcorn from Peterbrooke Chocolatier
With locations in Winter Park and Dr. Phillips, Peterbrooke Chocolatier offers a variety of gourmet popcorn flavors, including their famous chocolate-covered popcorn.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Chocolate-Covered Popcorn with Merlot: The rich, fruity notes of Merlot complement the sweetness of the chocolate.
Savory Cheddar Popcorn with Sauvignon Blanc: The sharpness of cheddar is balanced by the crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc.
4. Fresh Bread and Dips from Olde Hearth Bread Company
Supplying many local eateries, Olde Hearth Bread Company offers artisanal breads that are perfect for dipping.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Ciabatta with Olive Tapenade and Pinot Noir: The earthy flavors of olive tapenade pair well with the red fruit notes of Pinot Noir.
Baguette with Brie and Rosé: A classic combination that’s light and satisfying.
5. Sushi Rolls from Gochi Sushi
Located in Winter Garden, Gochi is known for its classic rolls and stellar customer service.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Spicy Tuna Roll with Riesling: The sweetness of Riesling balances the heat of the spicy tuna.
California Roll with Chardonnay: The creamy avocado and crab pair nicely with a lightly oaked Chardonnay.
6. Empanadas from Black Rooster Taqueria
Located in the Mills 50 district, Black Rooster Taqueria offers delicious empanadas that make for a hearty snack.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Beef Empanada with Malbec: The robust flavors of a beef empanada are complemented by the dark fruit and spice of Malbec.
Chicken Empanada with Viognier: The floral and fruity notes of Viognier enhance the savory chicken filling.
I know! It's crazy, but honestly the macarons from Publix are the best in Orlando. Truly the whole bakery is amazing!
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Raspberry Macaron with Rosé: The berry flavors in both the macaron and the wine create a harmonious pairing.
Chocolate Macaron with Port: The richness of the chocolate is elevated by the sweet, fortified Port.
8. Truffle Fries from The Ravenous Pig
A gastropub located in Winter Park, The Ravenous Pig serves up some of the best truffle fries in town.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Truffle Fries with Champagne: The acidity and bubbles of Champagne cut through the richness of the truffle oil, creating a balanced and indulgent experience.
9. Flatbreads from Prato
Also situated on Park Avenue, Prato offers a variety of wood-fired flatbreads that are perfect for sharing.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Margherita Flatbread with Chianti: The acidity of Chianti complements the tomato and basil, while its tannins balance the mozzarella.
Sausage and Kale Flatbread with Zinfandel: The bold flavors of the sausage are matched by the spicy notes of Zinfandel.
10. Pastries from Light on the Sugar
Light on the Sugar is a family-owned bakery in Orlando, Florida, specializing in French pastries with Asian-inspired flavors such as matcha, ube, taro, and black sesame. Here are two wine pairings to complement their offerings:
Matcha Pastry with Moscato d'Asti: The earthy bitterness of matcha pairs well with the light sweetness and slight effervescence of Moscato d'Asti, a sweet Italian wine with flavors of peach and apricot.
Black Sesame Pastry with Tawny Port: The nutty, roasted flavors of black sesame are complemented by the caramel and nutty notes of a Tawny Port, a fortified wine that adds depth to the pastry's profile.
These pairings enhance the unique flavors of Light on the Sugar's pastries, offering a balanced and enjoyable tasting experience.
Orlando’s vibrant culinary scene offers a plethora of local snacks that can elevate your kid-free wine night. By exploring these local delicacies and pairing them with the right wines, you not only support local businesses but also create a memorable and indulgent experience. So, next time you find yourself with a free evening, consider these pairings for a delightful night in. Cheers!
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