Boca Bacchanal: A Dazzling Toast to History and Charitable Spirit in a Land-Marked Mansion
The celebratory clink of champagne glasses, impeccably attired guests sauntering through elegant courtyards, the crisp hand of table linen, the aroma of fine cuisine simmering to perfection and satisfying taste when it’s done.
A Feast for All the Senses
Elevating the traditional South Florida food festival to new heights, the Boca Bacchanal Grand Tasting, held on April 6 Boca Raton’s historic Addison, was not only a gathering for lovers of haute cuisine but a feast for all the senses. The event easily conjured up visions of the pomp and pageantry of bygone days and similar gatherings held in the majestic Palm Beach homes designed by renowned society architect Addison Mizner, who designed and originally owned the Addison in the early 1900s. Now in its 22nd year, the current Bacchanal celebration coincided with the centennial of the city of Boca Raton and the Addison.
Hundreds of guests filled the historic venue, modeled after Spanish painter El Greco’s home in Spain, for what has become one of the area’s most esteemed food and wine events. They strolled and socialized, while choosing sips from among 200 world-class wines, champagnes, spirits and craft beers. Exquisite bites—and often far more generous portions—of gourmet fare were offered by many of the area’s highly rated restaurants, chefs and gourmet food purveyors, as well as the Addison kitchen itself.
Elegant, colorful tropical attire was de rigueur, as befits the esteemed setting, bringing an elevated mood and fashion flair to a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Mary Csar, executive director of the Boca Raton Historical Society, notes that the Tasting is always:
“An unparalleled experience of culinary excellence and exquisite wines.”
Mary Csar, Executive Director of the Boca Raton Historical Society
And this year was no exception.
Sipping & Sampling in an Unsurpassed Setting
For several hours, guests chatted and meandered through sampling stations grouped throughout the Addison’s elegant rooms. With one section devoted almost exclusively to fine wines, devotees could easily sip, sample, compare and make notes about their favorites. The lush and ample courtyard, a colorful garden oasis centered by a massive carved fountain, offered a dramatic setting for sitting and sampling culinary treats.
Cuisine literally represented a trip around the world, pointing up the true gastronomic melting pot South Florida has become. Traditional American fare also was well represented.
Cuisine that had Guests Coming Back for More
As guests entered, they were greeted front and center by an always-busy Farmer’s Table Restaurant chef grilling made-to-order lambchops that could be called nothing less than amazing. Flanking this, attendees who craved variety on a plate could sample from an enormous charcuterie station overflowing with all matter of gourmet cheeses, meats, salads, dipping sauces and much more, courtesy of Boars Head and local supporter Publix.
Other highlights included tempting tuna tartare dispensed with flair by Eddie V, and crispy Maryland crab cakes cooked to perfection from Cloch Bar. Sunset Sushi, Kasumi and Sushi by Bou offered artistically presented Japanese specialties with both traditional and modern flair, while AlleyCat presented their raw fish on seaweed crisps as a novel take.
Guests could not seem to get enough of Novecento’s Argentine rib roast with mashed potatoes and chives. A standout for its whimsical presentation was All Things Caviar, which dispensed one of their finest selections liberally sprinkled on chicken nuggets for an upscale-downscale treat.
Not to be overlooked, desserts included a smorgasbord of mini-cupcakes from Daniela Borquez’s J & D Cakes, winner of the Food Network’s Cake Wars. Guests lined up and lined up again for locally made Ice Cream Club treats, available in a host of both traditional and novel flavors.
Art, Auction and a Sprinkling of Reality TV
When not actively engaged with the abundant food and drink, guests bid on exciting silent auction items that occupied an entire room and ranged from designer apparel and handmade jewelry to fine wine collections and luxury vacations. Also on tap was a striking immersive art installation by ArtNest and a live DJ who kept guests moving, summoning many to the dance floor as the afternoon progressed. Bringing a note of celebrity was Food God Jonathan Cheban of reality television fame, who created a fanciful cake tower to mark the 100th anniversaries presented during the event.
The warmth of the community, with neighbor connecting to neighbor and blend of creativity, commitment and local business support was unmistakable and a longtime tradition ensuring the success of the event. After all, every year, philanthropy is a shared ingredient in all culinary offerings.
A Far-Reaching Mission: Keeping History Alive
Funds raised through the gala benefit the Raton History Museum and Boca Raton Historical Society. Together they keep the history of the town alive by collecting, preserving and presenting information and artifacts from the past and the city’s continuous evolution.
The Grand Tasting caps off Boca Bacchanal’s a series of exclusive Vintner Dinners staged in magnificent private residences and historic venues throughout Boca Raton. These pair offerings of internationally acclaimed vintners with an extraordinary five-course menu curated and prepared by renowned chefs.