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Haven's Florida Chefs Dinner
Haven's Florida Chefs Dinner with Constellation Brands
$400 per person (seats will be sold in groups of two)
Attire: Dressy Casual
*Complimentary valet parking at Haven
The return of our celebrated collaboration dinner is packed with some of the most exciting chefs from around the Sunshine State. Enjoy multiple courses of decadent, savory, and sweet dishes expertly paired with wines handpicked by our event host Blake Wood, Director of Vineyard Operations for Constellation Brands. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a culinary lineup of talented, award-winning chefs and wineries, all in one location. This year’s event will be held in the cozy surroundings of Haven. Check out this spectacular collection of our state’s most talented chefs and their restaurants below!
Guest Chefs
Pushkar Marathe - Stage, Palm Beach Gardens
Michael Schwartz - Michael's Genuine, Miami
Chris Edwards - 1921 Mount Dora, Mount Dora
Michael Collantes - Soseki Modern Omakase, Winter Park
Brenda Villacorta - Sucré Table, Tampa
*Please note that due to the format of this dinner; allergies and dietary substitutions cannot be accommodated. Menu items are subject to availability and may change without notice. Guest chef lineup may change.
The Laxer Family Foundation is a charitable foundation that provides the opportunity to raise money through events that foster a more inclusive and cooperative youth culture while cultivating the advancement of the next generation of culinary leaders through scholarships. Since 1997, Bern’s Winefest has been the main fundraising event for the Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship. Through the James Beard Foundation selection process, funds are awarded to individuals from the state of Florida in one of three disciplines: Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or Viticulture. A portion of the proceeds raised through this event will go directly to the Bern Laxer Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information about our organization, please visit our website; laxerfamilyfoundation.org.
Menu
Passed Reception
Blindfold Blanc de Noir 2021
Caviar Tostada – white sturgeon roe, mantequilla beans, avocado, marigold
Foie Gras Tea Sandwich – preserved cucumber, yuzu cream cheese
Lamb Heart Carpaccio – peppercorn, dried grape, provolone stagionato cantina fusco
~Chef Chad Johnson~
First Course
My Favorite Neighbor Blanc 2021
21 Day Dry-Aged Bluefin Tuna Progression – fried potato, black garlic ponzu
~Chef Michael Collantes~
Second Course
Lingua Franca Estate Chardonnay 2019
Fresh Porcini Mushroom – roman gnocchi, black truffle, gruyere cheese, chives
~Chef Pushkar Marathe~
Third Course
Robert Mondavi Reserve Pinot Noir 2016
Duo of Charlie Exum’s Chicken – buckeye creek farm grits, medjool date-mushroom bordelaise
~Chef Chris Edwards~
Fourth Course
Robert Mondavi Reserve To Kalon Vineyard,
Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Grilled Prime New York Strip -melted leeks, soft heritage egg, warm bone marrow vinaigrette, anchovy, parsley
~Chef Michael Schwartz~
Dessert
To Kalon Vineyard H.W.C. Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Chocolate Cremeux - cassis, devil's food cake, blackberry chambord marmalade, red wine ganache
~Chef Brenda Villacorta~
Blake Wood
Director, Napa Vineyard Operations, To Kalon Vineyard
As Director of Vineyard Operations at To Kalon Vineyard for Constellation Brands, Blake provides leadership and expertise to the viticulture team while guiding the vision, strategy and execution of operations that optimize vineyard outcomes each vintage.
Born and raised in Napa, CA, Blake’s passion for wine and viticulture began at an early age. He attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in both Agriculture Business and Wine and Viticulture before moving back to Napa to begin his career. He credits the dynamic and multi-disciplined nature of viticulture, along with the endless opportunities to learn as reasons for his strong passion for the field.
At the start of his career, Blake spent five years as a Viticulturist at Premiere Viticultural Services, where he gained significant experience consulting for numerous premium growers, vineyard management companies and wineries across the North Coast. In 2011, he joined Clark Vineyard Management, where he focused on premium mountain and hillside vineyards.
In 2013, Blake became Vineyard Manager at Beckstoffer Vineyards, where he managed all aspects of viticulture and vineyard operations for the Beckstoffer Heritage Vineyards of Napa County, including: To Kalon, Dr. Crane, Las Piedras, Bourn, Missouri Hopper and Georges III. In his 9-year tenure, Blake collaborated with numerous winemaking teams to produce more than 30 wines that have been awarded 100 points by wine critics. He also made it his mission to extend the life of treasured vineyards, utilizing regenerative agriculture techniques.
In 2022, Blake joined Constellation Brands as Director of Vineyard Operations, To Kalon Vineyard. In this role, Blake finds success from his deep knowledge of Napa Valley vineyards, rooted in viticulture techniques learned and developed through apprenticeship and collaboration. He notes the exciting period of evolution for the historic vineyard. Notably, Blake led the team that in December of 2022 achieved organic certification for the vineyard by CCOF.
Outside of work, Blake enjoys spending time with family and friends. To Blake, a good day is one spent outdoors followed by a home cooked meal and a glass of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
