April is a terrific month to celebrate local culture and cuisine at Central Florida food and wine festivals.

The Beard in Baldwin Food and Wine Festival

Award winning chef, author, teacher and television personality James Beard had a favourite herb.

Was it (a) parsley (b) thyme (c) tarragon or (d) sage?

(c) tarragon – The culinary legend loved using this herb to flavour a variety of sauces, soups and entrees.

The Beard in Baldwin Food and Wine Festival happening on Saturday April 14 at Baldwin Park in Orlando is an invitation to celebrate the culinary arts. Event proceeds support the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Program which assists young talented chefs-in-the-making with their studies in culinary arts, baking and pastry, hospitality management, agriculture and other subjects.

One of the most popular Central Florida food and wine festivals, this event includes numerous top restaurants that come together to share international dishes all complemented by wine, local brews and craft cocktails. VIP Chefs will be in the house! Norman Van Aken, owner of Norman’s at the Ritz Carlton and a James Beard semi-finalist for “Best Chef in America” will be guest emcee.

Central Florida Food and Wine Festivals Continue with Festa Italiana!

Who is credited as having introduced pasta to America?

Is it (a) Thomas Jefferson (b) John Adams (c) Amerigo Vespucci or (d) Christopher Columbus?

It’s (a) Thomas Jefferson – From 1785 to 1789 Jefferson was Minister to France, and during this time, he travelled to Naples where he was introduced to pasta for the first time. Upon his return to America, he brought back “maccherini” and also a pasta making machine.

Food enthusiasts can savour the flavours of Italy at Festa Italiana held in Centennial Park in historic Ybor City district of Tampa on April 7 and 8.

The fun kicks off with “Wines of Italy” on April 5 which includes fine cuisine and the opportunity to taste over 80 wines of Italy and California. Then it’s two days of delicious Italian food prepared by Tampa Bay top restaurants and catering groups as well as entertainment including a talent contest, wine making competition, and stage performances by top talent such as Joe Piscopo, Sal Valentinetti and Franco Corso.

Post Food and Wine Relaxation

After an afternoon Central Florida food and wine festivals, come back to your home away from home at Mission Inn Resort &amp: Club.

Revitalize with a challenging game of golf on El Campeón, rated #1 Top Florida Golf Course in 2015 by Golf Advisor.

Lob a few on one of the resort tennis courts, enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool, or hike around the Trails of the Conquistadors. Relax and unwind with a visit to Spa Marbella where you can choose from a marvelous menu of therapeutic treatments. Then kick back in a comfortable setting overlooking Plaza de la Fontana and enjoy fresh flavours and innovative offerings at El Conquistador.

Your stay at Mission Inn Resort offers not only remarkable recreation and repast, but opportunities to celebrate international cooking and customs with fabulous Central Florida food and wine festivals.