Napa Restaurant Brings a Bite of California Wine Country to @HyattOrlando in Central Florida!

Located on the coveted International Drive, most traveled road between Disney World and Universal, residing in the Hyatt Regency Orlando Hotel,  Napa restaurant brings some of Northern California’s most tantalizing tastes to Central Florida. Recently we had the pleasure of dining at Napa to taste their new spring menu. A menu comprised of organic, sustainable farm-to-fork selections complemented by wall-to-wall wine selections from Napa Valley and around the world.

Armed with an eclectic wine list and extensive selection for both and white and red wine flights, Napa aims to please the novice drinker to serious oenophiles.

Chef de Cuisine – Jared Gross, Pennsylvania Culinary Institute graduate, inspired by his memorable trip to Napa creates masterful cuisine with farm-to-fork flavors reminiscent of California’s famed wine country. Complimented by wall-to-wall wine selections, this modern American restaurant serves Chef Jared’s signature dishes such as the piquant Cioppino and more.

These mouth-watering photographs are courtesy of the talented Bokeh Studio.

Can’t make up your mind, try the Taste of the Valley: Five Small Bites Prepared Daily To Be Shared By All At The Table. Fresh and local ingredients, impeccable presentation, how could you not fall in love? And best of all, all the flavors highlighted, pair beautifully with most wines.

Festival of Winter Beets: Beet Tartar, Candy Cane Beet, Turtle Creek Goat Cheese, Candied Walnut Crumbs, Kumquat, Arugula, Blood Orange Emulsion. It was love at first sight! This stunning salad with sweet and earthy beets was as sublime as it’s appearance. (I do have a soft spot for beets and paired with goat cheese, it’s always a winning combination).

Cioppino: Maine Lobster, Mussels, Calamari, Blue Crab, Florida Rock Shrimp, Mahi Mahi, Fennel, Sofrito, Spicy Tomato Broth, Paprika Rouille. Chef Jared’s signature dish delivers with flawless brilliance. An undeniable San Francisco original, Chef Jared transform’s this fisherman’s stew into a luxurious and piquant soup featuring Florida’s seafood delicacies.

 

 

Whole Fried Yellowtail Snapper: Whole Yellowtail Snapper, Wild Rice and Edamame Salad, Grilled Lemon Butter. Oh My! be warned – this one is for sharing!! a whole snapper fried to perfection dressed with subtle grilled lemon butter – you can see why this is one of Chef Jared’s favorites…..

Meyer Ranch Natural Beef Filet: Fingerling Potato Hash, Crispy Bone Marrow, Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic, Barolo Wine Sauce. The filet mignon is the ultimate symbol of refined indulgence, add bone marrow, fingerling potatoes, and kissed with a luscious wine-enriched sauce – this one is a feast for any meat lover.

Grilled Squash and Bell Pepper Au Gratin and Orange Blossom Honey Glazed Butternut Squash sides both were on the lighter side with vibrant flavors.  (A welcome relief compared to the rich and oozing with fat dishes I have tasted at other restaurants). The butternut squash was roasted beautifully maintaining it’s texture – sweet and savory.

 

Our grand meal ended on a super sweet note with a sampling of: Pistachio Olive Oil Gateau: Grenadine Poached Rhubarb, Tangy Mascarpone Cream, Chocolate Negresco: Amaretto Dark Chocolate Mousse, Coffee Meringue, Dry Sherry Crunch, Praline Gelato, and House Made Sorbet and Gelato Sampler.

The dark chocolate mousse punched up a notch with amaretto was rich and voluptuous. A semi-sweet number appeasing chocolate aficionados. Both the sorbet and gelatos were made in-house. Having your own pastry chef is certainly the icing at Napa. The olive oil gateau was moist and delicate, paired with silky mascarpone and poached rhubarb – it boasted spring flavors splendidly.

Knowledgeable and friendly staff, flawless presentation, thoughtful flavors, and attention to detail are one of the many reasons to fall in love with Napa restaurant. Include a private room that can accommodate 20 people and conveniently serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner – Napa aims to gratify your inner foodie? Have you made your reservation yet?

And for foodies who are eager to “immerse”  into the world of wine or wine aficionados eager to taste fine wines,  Fiorenzo Italian Steakhouse hosts a wine dinner with a four-course menu each month. For more details, click here.

 

About Author