Dr. Robin admits he has sweet teeth right away from the gate. But that’s not why he adopts jelly beans from the jelly beans in his wine-tasting presentation.
That’s because jelly berry beans, famous for their potency and enormous taste, taste exactly the same as what they intended to mimic, from cappuccino and buttered popcorn to chili mangoes and chocolate puddings.
And on April 26th, guests at the interactive tasting experience at the Orlando Science Center’s Science and Wine Event will learn how small changes in what we eat can completely or even worse turn the wine in your glass.
“Very often, experts will tell people to eat and drink what they like. That’s not really important as long as you enjoy it together, but certain foods can emphasize or undermine the flavor of the wine, so you may be missing out on what you like even if you pair it.”
For example, he points out that he is a combination of fatty foods and tannic wine. It is a popular lesson with students at Rosen Hospitality Management of Hospitality Management, many of which do not enjoy the astringency of such varieties.
“Then I give them a nice, juicy lamb chop. They will chew and taste the wine again, and it’s like, ‘Oh, amazing! This wine is really good!”
The jellyberry experiment works on multiple levels, he says.
“First, it tells us what we taste. We really only taste five things in our palate.
But part of it is smell, and “and a lot of people don’t recognize it.”
I’ve known my back almost since the first day. Native South African families have produced wine for four generations. Fairview wines in South Africa’s Western Cape region are famous for their goat roaming lines. The world loves good puns, but this is true.
“The goats actually roam the wineries and farms,” laughs Buck.
Of course, there are no goats at the Science Center (maybe he tastes in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and such guests may be welcomed!), but you’ll be back on your back and at hand to demonstrate how the aroma affects the perception of flavor and how different flavors dramatically change the taste of the wine in your glass.
Science and Wine at Orlando Science Centre is an evening of fine wines and gourmet cuisine (including Chuang Fu, Black Rooster Taqueria, Kelly’s homemade ice cream and more!). The annual fundraiser supports their efforts while providing guests with the opportunity to taste wines from around the world.
General admission: $135 per person. OSC Member: $110. For more information, please visit osc.org/wine.
Korea x Philippines East Feast
Join the Michelin Commando team, join the James Beard Award finalists and Orlando Sentinel Restaurant of the Year Kaya (618 N. Thornton Avenue, Orlando) and take part in the legendary collaboration dinner to celebrate the 2025 James Beard finalists Danny Lee and Scott Drewno (Fried Collective/Ange/Egg Egg You). Filipino cuisine in the cold range of Mills 50 Restaurant.
On May 1st, Kayashev Lordfer Lalicon, along with Lee and Drewno, will showcase an equal multi-course experience of tradition and creativity, celebrating heritage and pushing boundaries into an exciting new space. It is storytelling through food and culture that reaches its peak (of course) at karaoke on the patio of Kaya’s Kira Bayani Bar.
Lee, a well-known chef in Washington, DC, first made waves with Mandoo, the first full-service Korean venue to open in 2006 with his mother. $150 per person plus taxes and gratuities. Book at tock or kayaorlando.com.
Derby de Mayo
Leave it to the good people at the Forward/Slash Distillery (650 S. Capen Ave. in Winter Park) to combine two classic sobriety holidays into killer weekend events.
On May 3rd, hit Killer Mint Juleps (try Peach One) and all the Derby Day Flares that can be handled (yes, that is, you get a big hat, a bold bowtie and drift) for the third Kentucky Derby Party from 2pm to 11pm on the deck. Forward/Slash brings Churchill Downs energy with its best attire contest.
Would you like to run to a margarita instead of a rose?
On May 4th, juleps will be placed, picking up Mexican-style spirits from 2pm to 8pm for the Forward/Slash annual Cinco de Mayo release party, and the release of a brand new Reposa Domezcal, Seniza Delvare. Also: Cinco de Mayo-style cocktails, bottles for sale, and Villia Tacos from Jui Yo Mexican, drinkforwardslash.com
The ultimate garden party
Tickets are currently on sale at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s 4th Annual Ultimate Garden Party, announced by the Glenda G. Morgan Charitable Foundation, and will be held on May 17th at Signia, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, from 1 to 5pm.
All the tickets and tables purchased will help fund the relief efforts of one of the eight Central Florida people facing hunger (including one in six). Second Harvest distributes 300,000 meals per day, 300,000 meals per day across Orange, Osceola, Lake, Marion, Seminole, Volsia and Brevard Counties. This party with purpose is just one way to help a cause.
Dresses that will impress you with an afternoon filled with live entertainment and hors d’oeuvres, casino fun and craft cocktails while shopping for a collection of vendors at the trunk show (merchants donate 25% of their sales to their second harvest). Returning Wesh 2 will be hosted by Michele Imperato and Jesse Pagan.
General admission is $150 and VIP is $250. The latter includes free valet parking, VIP seats and VIP Swag bags. There is a limited opportunity to win the event’s ultimate prize for an additional $75 donation. This includes fun experiences, entertainment, accessories, household items and more.
Plus, upgrade to VIP until April 30th and enjoy a $25 off with the promo code UGP25. Tickets and details: blog.feedhopenow.org/events/ultimate-garden-party-april-ticket-sale.
Do you want to reach out to me? Find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo or the Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com. Join Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook Group for more foodie fun.
