Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon

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My head is still spinning from all the excitement at #FWCon last weekend. The Food and Wine Conference was held in Orlando at the most gorgeous resort I’ve ever stayed in — the Rosen Shingle Creek. It was like a tropical oasis right in the middle of land-locked Orlando. I can’t thank Isabel and her team enough for putting together such an incredible event. I loved the intimacy of our sessions, the amount of genuine face time we had with various sponsors and speakers, and of course all the yummy food! 

It was a true girls’ getaway for me and Taylor — we got to be roomies! We met at BlogHer Food and it was awesome to get to hang out with her again. I got to see lots of other bloggers I first met at BlogHer Food too: Brianne, Katie, AmeeLiz, Kim, and Christine. We had lots more time to spend together at #FWCon, especially because this conference was so much smaller and there weren’t so many outside events we had to go to. We were all together, all weekend! 🙂 I also got to see two ladies I first met wayyy back when almost 3 years ago at Food Blog Forum, Terri and Katie! I met SO many other amazing bloggers and learned lots. 

Here are a few of my favorite moments from the weekend…

Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
Hanging out with Taylor and Amee and one huge Idaho Potato at the Welcome Reception.

 

Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
Christine and I getting our first taste of Gallo Family Vineyard’s new Riesling
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
Our keynote address was given by these two FAB women! Next Food Network Star’s Emily Ellyn and Masterchef winner, Whitney Miller.
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
Cheers to new friends!! Enjoying a mimosa during the morning break with Rachel from A Southern Fairytale
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
YUMMY strawberry cookies from Parksdale Farms. We couldn’t stay away! (Christina, Emily, Amee, Myself, Taylor)
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
The night begins with good drinks and good friends. Melanie & Alison from Stonyfield, Taylor, Terri and myself enjoying a drink at Mi Casa Tequila before dinner.
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
The Sunday Supper Family!
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
Amy and I were a liiiittle too zealous about the Sunday Supper group being together in the same room. Too much fun!
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
Cheers to having a real, live in-person Sunday Supper! After the conference was over, those of us who stayed Sunday night all went out to dinner at Taverna Opa.
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
Of course, no night at Taverna Opa is complete without dancing on tables and napkins strewn all over the floor.

What’s a food bloggers conference without FOOD?! We were spoiled with delicious food and wine throughout the weekend. 

Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
My favorite bite from Friday night’s dinner: Manchego lollipops stuffed with dates and mangos
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
What an incredible spread of desserts at Friday night’s dinner. A towering tree of macaroons, cheesecake parfaits, pastries, decadent chocolates, and more…
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
Five yummy wines from Gallo Family Vineyard to pair with Saturday night’s pairing dinner
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Saturday night’s dinner to go along with the Gallo Family wine. Top left: porcini mushroom risotto; top right: grilled tuscan veggie skewers; right middle: tomato-basil linguini with garlic, campari tomatoes, brie cheese, and imported grans padana cheese; bottom right: braised chicken tenderloin with caramelized onions and Gallo Family Vineyards cabernet sauce; bottom left: the Dixie Crystals dessert contest winners – bittersweet balsamic strawberry swirl brownies and raspberry brownies with white chocolate chambord icing.
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
We had this beautiful strawberry salad at lunch on Sunday. One of the best things I ate all weekend! The dressing…YUM!
Recapping the Weekend at #FWCon
Appetizers galore at Taverna Opa. Top left: spanikopita; top right: traditional Greek salad; bottom right: grape leaves; bottom left: crispy calamari. There was also hummus and tzaztiki with lots of fresh pita and lamb meatballs. 

 

Now I’m hungry.

#FWCon was such a memorable weekend. If I could go to conferences like this one every weekend, I totally would. Can’t wait for next year’s!

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Hello! I’m Shaina – a Delray Beach, Florida resident, foodie, and lifestyle blogger. I love exploring South Florida and beyond, and sharing everything from my favorite restaurants, products and more with you! See more by following along on Instagram:  @takeabiteoutofboca

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