This weekend is the big event I look forward to all year: The Latin Food & Wine Festival, hosted by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. It’s a two-night affair held at Cranes Roost Lake in Altamonte Springs on Friday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 19.

I’m especially excited about Friday evening’s “Savor the Night” event because I’ll be back for my third year as emcee. “Savor” is a more intimate gathering — 400 to 600 guests — with several restaurant, wine and spirits vendors offering tastes and samples. Among the restaurants that will be participating Friday are The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Cuba Libre, Pio Pio, Cocina 214, Mi Tomatina, and Mitchell’s Fish Market. 

Savor the Night also features a silent auction, and there are always some good deals to be had. And there’s always good music from master DJ Memo.

Savor the Night is Friday, Oct. 18, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $85 for HCCMO members, $95 for nonmembers or $130 for couples. You can purchase tickets at this link.

Saturday is the Grand Tasting, from 4 to 10 p.m. Admission is free but food and beverages are sold from the participating vendors; costs are $1 to $7. A little less intimate with perhaps 20,000 attendees, the Grand Tasting also features Latin dancers, guitarists, a mariachi band and other fun things. 

Both nights are a lot of fun, and I’m honored to once again be a part of it. For more information, visit the Latin Food & Wine Festival website.

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