January 29, 2014 | Posted in:Brunch, Special Events

 

Opulent chandeliers grace La Coquina, which overlooks the beautiful grounds of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.

Opulent chandeliers grace La Coquina, which overlooks the beautiful grounds of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is pulling out all of the stops for it’s 30th anniversary celebration, including bringing back Orlando’s most beloved brunch at La Coquina on Sunday, February 2nd from 10:30 AM to 2:00PM. The beautiful space remains unchanged and has been used for weddings and private events since the popular brunches ceased in 2012.  I had the pleasure of sitting down with Executive Chef Kenneth Juran, who headed up La Coquina for 20 years, along with Sunshine Baker of Cravel Local.

Four types of American caviar will be featured at the Coquina Encore Brunch on 2/2/2014.

Four types of American caviar will be featured at the Coquina Encore Brunch on 2/2/2014.

During our tour of the facility we were shown the spacious kitchen where guests will start their decadent brunch by choosing from an expansive fresh seafood display including chilled shellfish and four distinct American caviar, which will have the traditional accompaniments of blini and a shallot crème fraiche.

Dover Sole With Lemon Herb Butter

Dover Sole With Lemon Herb Butter

The La Coquina culinary team will present numerous staffed food stations inside of the kitchen featuring cheeses and antipasti, seasonal fruits and various cold salads. Diners will also be able to select from many popular 1984 themed, prepared to order entrees. A sampling of the impressive entree menu includes Dover Sole With Lemon Herb Butter, Parsley Crusted Rack of Lamb with Mint Pesto and perfectly done Beef Wellingtons. Sous Chef Tournant, Kyle Anderson, presented each for us to sample and discussed his enjoyment of having the classic and elaborate entrees on the anniversary menu.  Ms. Baker does a lovely job of describing the classic dishes and preparations here.

Parsley Crusted Rack of Lamb with Mint Pesto

Parsley Crusted Rack of Lamb with Mint Pesto

 

Classic Beef Wellington.

Classic Beef Wellington.

While enjoying the elaborate brunch, one should remember to save room for dessert! The dessert display planned by Executive Pastry Chef, Steven Rujak, will be something of dreams- with an expansive showcase of handmade chocolates, chocolate dipped berries, French macaroons, mini tarts and many unique pastries. We sampled several and there is no way to pick a favorite.

Passion Fruit tarts, French macaroons and pastries made by the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress pastry team.

Passion Fruit tarts, French macaroons and pastries made by the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress pastry team.

Decadent chocolate confections made by the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress pastry team.

Decadent chocolate confections made by the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress pastry team.

After your brunch, linger and take in the recent renovations throughout the property. Allow some time to stroll the picturesque walking paths and consider taking advantage of one of the many anniversary weekend specials offered by The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, including room discounts and the Hemingway’s 30th Anniversary Dinner.

A private beach overlooking Lake Windsong. Enjoy a chaise or engage in a game of volleyball!

A private beach overlooking Lake Windsong. Enjoy a chaise or engage in a game of volleyball!

January 31 – February 2, 2014
Enjoy two nights in a deluxe guestroom with a $100 food and beverage credit for use during your stay at the resort’s award-winning restaurants including Cascade American Bistro, Hemingway’s, or the encore Sunday Brunch at La Coquina on February 2, 2014.
Rates start at $396.  Use special offer code 1984.
Hemingway’s 30th Anniversary Grand Three-Course Dinner
Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1, 2014
$84 per couple (plus tax and gratuity)
Retro Menu Highlights: Coconut Shrimp, Lobster Crusted Sea Bass, Baked Alaska Style Key Lime Pie, Duo Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Open for dinner at 6 p.m. nightly
Call to make reservations: 407.239. 3854 or make reservations online.
Guests of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress may take full advantage of all of the amenities the property offers, including the Pitch & Putt!

Guests of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress may take full advantage of all of the amenities the property offers, including the Pitch & Putt!

If you cannot stay the evening prior to the La Coquina 30th Anniversary Encore Sunday brunch, there is also a 30th Anniversary Grand Experience Getaway with room rates starting at $198.40 per night to include a $30 food and beverage credit, based on availability and valid through December 20, 2014.  Use special offer code RTRO.
Seating for the La Coquina Encore brunch is currently accepting wait-list reservations only at (407) 239-3830.  There is limited seating available for the Hemingway’s 30th Anniversary Dinner, which can be made by calling: 407.239. 3854 or you may make reservations online. Read about my experience detailing the wonderful food at Hemingway’s here.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon pool-side or in one of the many secluded enclaves. A festive beverage is just a push button away!

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon pool-side or in one of the many secluded enclaves. A festive beverage is just a push button away!

La Coquina 30th Anniversary Encore Sunday Brunch – currently taking wait-list reservations at (407) 239-3830.

The one-time return of an award-winning classic
Sunday, February 2, 2014
$69 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
Retro Menu Highlights: Florida Greens,  Local Tomato Gazpacho, Truffled Pasta Pouch, Terrine of Goat Cheese, Seafood Bar, Beef Wellington, Parsley Crusted Rack of Lamb, Whole Roasted Dover Sole, Breast of Pheasant with Ravioli, Shrimp Scampi on Herb Breaded Tomatoes, Belgian Waffles with Devonshire Cream, Traditional Eggs Benedict, Array of Display of Cakes, Tortes, Petite Fours & Chocolate Truffles
Live entertainment; resort attire preferred
Open for seating 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Disclosure: I was a guest in connection with a media preview tasting at La Coquina. No other form of compensation was received and the opinions in this post are my own. Cheers!

La Coquina on Urbanspoon

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Hello, I'm Lisa Wilk! I'm a freelance food, wine and travel writer, photographer and presenter based out of Orlando, FL. While covering local restaurants and food events in the #1 tourist destination in the US, I find endless cooking inspiration when dining out. You'll often find me in the kitchen putting my own spin on those elevated chef creations to enjoy at home and when entertaining. I have a love and enthusiasm for wine, wine education and wine pairing. Find me about town teaching and demystifying wine as part of the popular @TheTastyTrio in the popular Wine, Cheese and Chocolate Perfectly Paired program series I've co-developed. Taste, Cook and Sip along with me on Twitter and Instagram at @TasteCookSip and @WineChix! Cheers!

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  1. Taste Cook Sip | Top 5 Friday - […] Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Celebrates 30 Years With Hemingway’s Grand Three-Course Dinner And… […]

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