Here’s an event that I know you’re going to love. Vibrant Rioja is teaming up with Oceanaire Seafood Room to present an evening of tapas and wine tasting. If you read my account of the recent Supper Club at Oceanaire that featured the wines of Rioja, you’ll know this is bound to be another winning combination.

The event is Thursday, May 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Oceanaire, Pointe Orlando, 9101 International Drive.

Now, this is going to be different from the standard wine and food pairing dinner. The folks at Oceanaire will set the place up with tapas stations, and guests will roam about to nibble and sip. Think of it as a sort of tapeo, or tapas bar-hop, except you don’t have to go outside.

Executive chef Jairo Mejio and his crew have put together a menu of tasty tapas to pair with the Riojas. You’ll find wine-braised chorizo with potatoes and smoked paprika paired with a CVNE Rosado 2011; pepper-crusted tenderloin with a Marcona-Manchego spread served withCalma Joven 2009 (my favorite from the Supper Club); and Medjool dates stuffed with Cabrales and wrapped in Serrano ham, drizzled with honey-sherry vinegar glaze (there’s not a thing about that description that doesn’t make me drool) paired with Beronia Reserva 2006, plus a couple more. 

Cost of the evening is $65 per person (that includes tax and gratuity). And don’t forget that Oceanaire offers complimentary valet parking at the front door. Reservations are recommended because there is a limited number of tickets available. Call the restaurant directly at 407-363-4801 to reserve. Hope to see you there.

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