On a warm Saturday evening, I had the pleasure of attending The Romantic Table, a special fine dining event at Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club in Hernando, Florida. This elegant evening, presented by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Rhonda Temple Evans, promised an unforgettable experience, complete with a carefully curated menu and expertly paired drinks.
The setting inside the Garden Room was intimate and inviting, creating the perfect ambiance for an exquisite meal. Chef Rhonda, who also has training in mixology, meticulously planned the entire menu—including the drink pairings—to enhance every course. Her passion for the culinary arts shone through as she guided us through the evening’s flavors.
The meal began with an appetizer of grapefruit, beets, and honey. This was a completely new culinary experience for me, as I had never tried beets before. I quickly learned that beets are not for me—their earthy flavor, reminiscent of a potato with a teaspoon of soil, overpowered the citrusy grapefruit. While it was certainly edible and interesting, I discovered that beets are an acquired taste I have yet to acquire.
Next came the lobster bisque. I don’t eat lobster, so I chose to skip this course, but those who tried it noted that while it had good flavor, the threads of lobster were sparse and hard to find.
The entrée was Marry Me Chicken, served over fine pasta. The true star of this dish was the sauce, which made the pasta absolutely scrumptious. The chicken itself was tender and moist, but I felt it lacked the wow factor that would have elevated it to an unforgettable dish.
The highlight of the evening, however, was the dessert: a decadent red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, encrusted with chopped pecans. The texture was divine—like eating a rich cheesecake with just the right amount of cake in between. It was, without a doubt, the most delicious dessert I have ever had.
To perfectly complement this indulgence, Chef Rhonda paired it with a chocolate martini. Served in a chilled martini glass elegantly swirled with chocolate, this drink was as beautiful as it was delicious. The combination of the chocolate martini with the red velvet cake was a match made in heaven, ending the evening on a truly luxurious note.
Overall, The Romantic Table was a delightful experience, combining an elegant setting, carefully crafted flavors, and a touch of culinary adventure. While not every dish suited my personal taste, the attention to detail and quality of the meal made for a memorable evening. If you’re looking for a special night out with expertly paired food and drinks, this Citrus Hills Culinary experience event at Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club is well worth attending.
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