Osprey Tavern Orlando Celebrates One Year with Wine – and Interesting Cuisine
I have been interested in visiting Osprey Tavern Orlando since it opened, so it was fitting I attended their one year anniversary event. Nestled in everyone’s happy place Baldwin Park, walking into this place is like stepping into a time machine. The word “class” just overwhelmed me.
A view of the tavern dining area.
Osprey Tavern Orlando teamed up with Paul Hobbs Winery for this one-time event, with a pairing menu based on the selections. Upon arrival, we were treated to a few glasses of Sonoma Coast chardonnay while we mingled with staff and fellow guests. The 2014 Crossbarn chardonnay followed us into our first few dishes: a beef tartare appetizer, and the hamachi dish. This stood out as one of my favorites: light, sweet and savory.
Ajowan Hamachi: athena melon, feta panna cotta, watermelon.
Following the hamachi came the Smoked Salmon Terrine. The salmon came served thick, which is a nice change from just the small slices we are used to. Served with beet, trout roe, and a bagel crumble, it was a fun twist on your typical Japanese Bagel roll.
Smoked Salmon Terrine: leek, beet, smoked trout roe, bagel crumble.
The wines switched up as we ate. We moved to another Chardonnay, from the Russian River Valley, and finally into the red zone: beginning with a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.
The next dish is, perhaps, most worth mentioning. I was iffy about it at first, for sure – I have never eaten quail. That would never stop me trying it, yet I never expected to actually enjoy it. Surprisingly, stuffed with a chicken chorizo and over a corn patty, I couldn’t get enough. Not as gamey as one would expect, and perfectly paired with the Pinot Noir.
Texas Quail: chicken chorizo verde, hominy, zellwood corn choclo.
A Cabernet Sauvignon was served with the venison dish, along with a palate-cleansing yogurt & peach treat.
The perfect palate cleanser: a spoonful of yogurt and peaches.
Dessert was served with an extremely tasty Napa Valley Cabernet Franc – easily my favorite of the night, as it was so different than a Sauvignon.
I was pleased with the risky menu items – it truly is nice to switch it up sometimes, and Osprey Tavern Orlando has proven it isn’t afraid to shake things up. Serving said items alongside a vineyard’s worth of wine is a surefire way to please all your guests – as you can see below. I am looking forward to visiting again to try their popular brunch menu.
