With so much being offered at Universal Orlando Resort – from three incredible theme parks to the exciting part atmosphere of CityWalk – it can be hard to keep track of everything that the theme parks have to offer. Often times, experiences can be missed by guests, and even locals, who missed the memo! With events held within the parks, on CityWalk, and even in select Universal Orlando Resort Hotels, it’s no surprise that some of Universal’s best food festivals fly under the radar for many guests.
On October 18th, from 6:30pm – 9pm, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel will be hosting a food festival open to the general public – meaning you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy this event! – that brings the culture of Italia into our backyard right in here in Orlando.
“Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with Italian charm, delicious food and wines. Experience the essence of la dolce vita – the sweet life – as you stroll through the stunning Harbor Piazza sampling an array of wines and savoring delectable Italian-inspired cuisine. Enjoy live music by The Buzzcatz, dancing and a lively atmosphere for the perfect date night or fun night out with friends.“
This event is marked as 21+, as a significant portion of the offerings will be wine and other alcoholic beverages, but even for those who prefer to keep their event dry, the menu of food offerings at Harbor Nights La Dolce Vita is a mouthwatering spread of the best appetizers, delicacies, and traditional dishes that Italy has to offer.
- ITALIAN GIARDINIERA FARMER’S MARKET SALAD BAR | Romaine lettuce, lolla rosa, frisée, baby arugula, heirloom tomato, mixed olives, hot house cucumbers, shredded carrot, shaved Parmesan, cheddar cheese, croutons, and housemade balsamic, ranch, citrus vinaigrette and Caesar dressings.
- SWEET PEA ARANCINI | Orzo, oven-dried tomato, arugula, toasted almond, Grana Padano cheese.
- RICOTTA CAVATELLI PASTA | Italian meatballs with creamy red or vodka cream sauce.
- OCEAN BASS | Seared corvina, beluga lentil and cannellini beans cassoulet, citrus gremolata.
- BAKED ARTICHOKE | Artichoke bottom stuffed with spinach and herb grissini, romesco Alfredo.
- FREE-RANGE CHICKEN THIGH | Preserved lemon, roasted garlic, roasted marble potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, baby fennel, Calabrian chicken jus.
- TRIPLE CHOCOLATE GELATO.
- SALTED CARAMEL GELATO.
- LEMON SORBET.
- MINI ITALIAN CANNOLIS.
- CHOCOLATE FLOURLESS PISTACHIO CAKE.
- RASPBERRY BUTTERMILK PANA COTTA | Citrus crumble.
As mentioned, a variety of wines are also available, including Lunetta Prosecco, Caposaldo Pinot Grigio, Beni de Batasiolo Gavi, Stella Rosa Berry Moscato, and countless more.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro beer, various soft drinks, and bottled water are also included with the price of Harbor Nights admission, and cocktails are available for separate purchase inside Trattoria del Porto – but with so much for the offering within Harbor Nights, there’s no such thing as an empty glass!
Guests can also upgrade to a VIP ticket to access elevated table service and six courses of exclusive and expertly crafted food prepared by the Portofino’s chefs, as well as expanded wine selection not offered at standard Harbor Nights wine stations throughout the event.
Guests with a VIP ticket will be able to sample all of the standard fare of the event, as well as the VIP menu listed below:
- AMUSE | Imported Italian meat and cheese, pickled vegetables, toasted focaccia. Paired with Banfi Centine Rosé.
- WEDGE SALAD | Gem romaine, roasted roma tomato, Parmesan cheese, apricot and citrus dressing. Paired with Kettmeir Alto Adige Pinot Bianco.
- YUKON POTATO GNOCCHI | Roasted garlic, sautéed spinach, basil. Paired with Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva.
- SEARED WHITE SEA BASS | Stewed beluga lentil, charred shishito pepper, Florida citrus gremolata, fried basil. Paired with Michele Chiarlo 2023 Rovereto Gavi Del Comune.
- BAROLA BRAISED BEEF STUFATO | Italian slow braised beef with potato, micro greens. Paired with Giovanni Rosso Langhe Nebbiolo.
- DESSERT | Mini Italian cannoli, chocolate flourless pistachio cake and raspberry buttermilk panna cotta with citrus crumble.
With this expanded menu and full-service take on the standard Harbor Nights event, the VIP experience is certain to be the epitome of decadence as guests sample the best that the Loews Portofino Bay has to offer.
Tickets can run from 85-900 dollars (plus fees and taxes) for this event depending on the purchase, with standard admission being offered for a total of 98.57. Guests looking for the elevated experience of a VIP ticket can find their tickets for 144.02, and groups of ten can reserve a table for 1,024.75, which grants the entire party general admission and a private table close to the live entertainment for the duration of the event.
Tickets can be purchased [here], and are selling fast!
