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Unlimited tastings! Disney's Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic returns Nov. 14 and 15

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/30 .. food-and-wine-classic-returns-nov-14-and-15.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 5:58 GMT by Florida Today
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Foodies Delight: Unlimited Tastings at Swan & Dolphin Food Festival

The newest culinary spectacle on Florida’s southeast coast is already turning heads, and it’s not just for the food lovers in the crowd. The Swan & Dolphin Food Festival, held at the historic Swan & Dolphin Marina on the scenic waterfront of Delray Beach, has opened its doors to a weekend of endless tastings that promise to delight anyone with a passion for taste. The festival, which opened this past Friday, has been described by local food critics as “a culinary carnival” and “an unforgettable feast for the senses.” With its tagline—“Taste More, Pay Less”—the event is attracting a wide range of attendees, from gourmet connoisseurs to families eager to explore new flavors together.

Unlimited Tastings on a Rolling Schedule

The festival’s centerpiece is a “Unlimited Tastings” pass, sold for $39 per adult and $29 for kids under 12. Unlike traditional festivals that limit the number of samples, the pass allows visitors to sample every offering—from artisanal pastries and farm‑to‑table salads to barbecue, sushi, and dessert stations—without worrying about running out of options. The pass is valid for the entire two‑day weekend (Friday night through Sunday afternoon), giving patrons ample time to savor the variety on offer.

Tickets can be purchased online via the festival’s official website or at the on‑site box office. An early‑bird promotion promised a $5 discount for the first 500 tickets, and it appears the promotion is already filling up fast. “The early bird deal was a real draw,” noted festival director Laura Mitchell in an interview at the launch party. “We’ve sold about 40% of the 1,200 available passes just before the event started.”

Food Stations: A World of Flavor

The festival layout is divided into themed zones, each showcasing a specific culinary tradition:

1. The Farm & Table Lane – Features produce from local farms, offering tasting samples of heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a cheese tasting station featuring a rotating selection of dairy from neighboring communities. A highlight is the “Farm Fresh Bruschetta Bar,” where guests can build their own toppings with basil, sun‑dried tomatoes, and a choice of olive or walnut tapenade.

2. The Grill & Smoke Pit – A nod to Florida’s iconic barbecue, this zone houses five grill masters from cities across the state, including a Cajun‑spiced pork roast from New Orleans and a Kansas‑style smoked brisket from Tulsa. A live demonstration of smoking techniques by veteran pitmaster Tony Ramirez has been a crowd favorite.

3. Sushi & Seafood Corner – The waterfront’s seafood culture is represented here. Fresh sashimi, nigiri, and a variety of sushi rolls, including a “Tropical Tuna Roll” infused with mango and coconut, have attracted both seasoned sushi aficionados and novices alike. Local fisherman Dave Carter offers a “catch of the day” tasting that includes a raw lobster tail and a grilled snapper fillet.

4. Street Food Plaza – The festival has turned a corner of the marina into a vibrant street food marketplace. Vendors offer tacos, empanadas, pierogies, and the much‑anticipated “Fried Coconut Waffles” served with a drizzle of lime honey. A live DJ spinning Latin and Caribbean beats keeps the atmosphere lively and dance‑ready.

5. Dessert Haven – From artisanal gelato to a towering chocolate fountain, the dessert section is a sensory overload. The featured “Coconut‑Caramel Cheesecake” was praised for its rich texture and balanced flavor profile. A dessert pairing station allows guests to sample a variety of sweet wines and chocolate pairings with a guidance of the onsite sommelier, Maya Chen.

Special Events and Attractions

Beyond tastings, the Swan & Dolphin Food Festival includes a lineup of entertainment and educational opportunities:

• Chef Talk Sessions – Over the weekend, local celebrity chefs—such as Chef Marcus Lee of “La Vista” and Chef Sari Patel of “Spice Trail”—host two-hour “Chef Talk” seminars where they share insights into ingredient sourcing, menu planning, and recipe development. Tickets to these sessions can be purchased separately for $10 per slot.

• Kids’ Kitchen – Families are encouraged to bring children to the dedicated Kids’ Kitchen, where kids can learn how to make their own mini pizzas, decorate cupcakes, and create their own salsa under the guidance of local culinary instructors. The activity is free with the festival pass.

• Wine & Craft Beer Pairing – The “Sips & Bites” station offers guided tastings of local craft beers and wines from nearby vineyards. The event features a short presentation on the pairing of local brews with signature festival dishes.

• Live Music & Local Talent – The festival’s amphitheater hosts a series of live music performances. Local band “The Tidal Wave” performed an opening set, while jazz guitarist “Elena Ruiz” took the stage on Saturday evening, drawing a packed crowd. A dance troupe, “Floral Beat,” also performed a choreographed routine featuring local flowers as props.

Accessibility and Logistics

The Swan & Dolphin Marina’s main entrance is a stone’s throw from the beach and easily reachable via public transit. The festival offers two paid parking lots, each with 250 spaces, as well as a complimentary parking option for guests who arrive by bike or walk. A shuttle service is running from the downtown area to the marina every half hour between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and every hour on Sunday.

For visitors who need assistance, the festival’s team has a dedicated help desk staffed with multilingual volunteers. The event is also family-friendly, with stroller parking and a baby‑care area available upon request.

How to Get Involved

The festival’s online platform, which can be accessed via the official website, provides a comprehensive guide to all scheduled events, the full vendor list, and a FAQ section covering everything from dietary restrictions to on‑site accommodations. The site also hosts a community forum where attendees can leave reviews and share their favorite moments from the festival. For those who missed the event, a “Recap Video” playlist is available on the website, offering behind‑the‑scenes footage and interviews with chefs.

In a statement on the day of the festival, director Laura Mitchell expressed gratitude for the community’s support. “Seeing people from all walks of life come together to celebrate food is the reason we started this festival in the first place. It’s about sharing, learning, and, most importantly, enjoying the joy of eating,” she said.

Looking Ahead

While the Swan & Dolphin Food Festival is a one‑time event for this year, organizers are already planning for the next iteration. Rumors of an expanded lineup—including a “Vegetarian & Vegan Pavilion” and an “International Street Food Stage”—have already begun to circulate in the local press. Whether or not those rumors are confirmed, the success of this weekend’s unlimited tastings has set a high bar for culinary festivals across Florida.

For those who were lucky enough to attend, the festival was a taste‑bud explosion of flavor, education, and community spirit. The next edition, expected to open its gates in late summer, promises to build on this success and bring even more flavor to the Sunshine State.