We were recently invited to attend a Farm-to-Fork dinner at Marchand’s located inside the historic Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club in St. Petersburg.
This dinner included a 6-course chef tasting along with wine pairings that showcased seasonal dishes prepared with the freshest and naturally raised meats, fish and produce from 12 local farms in our area:
Mitchells Natural Produce
Glory Road Farms
Pure Florida Apiary
Worden Farm
Geraldson Farms
Seeleys Ark
Pasture Prime Family Farm
Hunsader Farm
3 Boy Farm
Jones Potato Farm
Watercress Farm
Eco Farms
We were excited to attend this exclusive small group media dinner that celebrated seasonal locally-grown ingredients. Let me also just say, this was the first time I really took a dive and decided to try seafood. I was so proud of myself and I actually really enjoyed the flounder! It was cooked to perfection.
A little about Marchand’s and Vinoy Renaissance first because I feel they deserve their own little history and explanations.
From the time it opened at the dawn of 1925, to its current incarnation as one of St. Petersburg’s most spectacular waterfront resorts, Vinoy is a timeless treasure that still impresses with its lofty pedigree, along with an ability to survive decades of neglect, winds of change and painstaking renewal. For 88 years, The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, has been – and always will be – a place to relax, play, indulge, and savor the good life.
As for dining, Marchand’s features award-wining classic American and comfort cuisine, fresh seafood, meats and pasta. Offering innovative twists and local ingredients whenever possible, the menus are as tantalizing to read as they are to sample. The private dining rooms are more secluded, allowing for each plate to be savored in a setting that range from laid-back to luxurious. There is a full Bloody Mary bar, unlimited mimosas and bottomless Bellini’s. Not to mention, live music at brunch!
As Vinoy’s Executive Chef, Chef Heimann hosts extravagant gatherings with an imaginative culinary style that has become a Vinoy trademark.
As for our amazing dinner, I am going to let the pictures do the talking and then I will share the menu with you.
Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club Marchand’s Farm-to-Fork Dinner Menu and Wine Pairings
Florida avocado, crisp prosciutto, pickled radish, duck egg, rocket greens, buttermilk dressing
o Chardonnay – Hahn SLH Estate, California
Spiny lobster cake, celery seed, chipotle- lemon grass remoulade
o Sauvignon Blanc – Starmont, California
Braised veal cheeks, cabernet linguini, escarole, bronzed sweet onion, pecorino
o Malbec – Trivento Amado Sur, Mendoza Argentina
Lake meadow’s game hen, orange-honey crust, charred cabbage, saison beignet
o Jai Alai IPA – Cigar City Brewing, Tampa
Fried flounder, corn spoon bread, andouille stuffed peppers, jalapeno butter
o Key West Sunset Ale – Florida Brewing, Melbourne
Dessert duo
Plant City strawberry cannoli & banana cream pie
o Prosecco – Mionetto, Italy
Enjoy fine dining as it was meant to be at Marchand’s Bar & Grill. Leaded arched windows overlook panoramic waterfront vistas, and the hand-painted ceiling and walls set a refined mood. Marchand’s is a place you can just walk in and enjoy a nice dinner. You don’t even have to be a guest of the resort to visit this amazing restaurant. Please check it out and see for yourself.
For more information:
Marchand’s Bar & Grill
501 5th Avenue NE St. Petersburg, Florida 33701 USA
The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club
501 5th Avenue NE St. Petersburg Florida 33701 USA
1-727-894-1000
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