by LARRY HALL
PALM COAST, Florida – Recently, Katherine and I had the opportunity to attend the Hammock Beach Food & Wine Classic, and we were simply gobsmacked.
Interestingly, most food and wine events carry the title festival, meaning a joyful time of communal celebration. And that certainly describes this event. But Hammock Beach chose a different word: Classic.
The traditional definition of classic is “excellence that has stood the test of time.” Although this event is only in its fourth year, being a classic does not necessarily mean being old. Something relatively new can quickly earn that distinction if it develops lasting influence, recognition and appeal.
The Hammock Beach Food & Wine Classic certainly seems to be headed in that direction.
Yes, tickets are sold for the event, but I doubt the revenue generated comes close to covering the cost of putting on an evening of this magnitude. And perhaps that is part of what makes it special.
As I reflect on that afternoon and evening, I am reminded of one of America’s greatest classic celebrations: Thanksgiving.
Grandma was never obligated to spend all day in the kitchen, set the table and clean up after everyone had gone home. She did it because she wanted to celebrate and give thanks with friends and family.
The Hammock Beach event felt a lot like going to Grandma’s for Thanksgiving.
There were no drink tickets. No long food lines. Instead, guests were encouraged to sample a little of everything and then go back for more of whatever caught their fancy.
And no, folks, they weren’t serving Two Buck Chuck. Over 100 wines were featured.
My wife, Katherine, has a particular fondness for champagne. As you can see in the photo below, she gladly returned for another glass of Perrier-Jouët, which the server was happy to pour.
As a self-professed wine snob, my favorite wines of the evening came down to a toss-up between Caymus and Stag’s Leap ARTEMIS.
And for those looking for something a little stronger, there was plenty to choose from. Tequila, bourbon and craft beer were all available for the asking.
STAR of the SHOW
Moving on to the star of the show, that would have to be Hammock Beach’s own Executive Chef Patrick O’Connor.
The Food & Wine Classic provides Chef Pat with an opportunity to showcase some of the culinary creations served throughout Hammock Beach’s restaurants. And there was certainly no shortage of tempting options.
One selection that immediately filled the air with thoughts of a backyard barbecue was the Hanging Pork Rib Roast, served with apple chutney and followed by a Cherry Cheesecake Tart for dessert.
Also hot off the grill were Paella Skewers featuring chicken, chorizo and onion, served with Saffron Calasparra Rice.
Seafood anyone?
Stix Authentic Sushi Bar was on hand with a Tuna Poke Roll and Roasted Salmon Roll. But my Southern roots were showing when I arrived at the Atlantic Grille’s Argentine Red Shrimp with Boursin Polenta.
Sorry, Chef Pat, but to me, this was simply good old-fashioned shrimp and grits.
And it was outstanding.
As nightfall arrived, the party continued with desserts, dancing and, of course, more wine.
Although only in its fourth year, the Hammock Beach Food & Wine Classic has certainly earned its Classic title.
What began as a gathering centered around food and wine has continued to evolve, bringing together acclaimed vintners, distinctive wines and the culinary talent of Hammock Beach for a weekend worth savoring.
But more than anything, the Hammock Beach Food & Wine Classic is a celebration. It is a time to appreciate the good things in life and to gather with friends and members of the community.
Perhaps most importantly, it’s Hammock Beach’s way of saying thank you for your friendship and support.
Tickets are already on sale for the 2027 Hammock Beach Food & Wine Classic, to be held September 18, 2027.
And if you want to experience more of what Hammock Beach has to offer, consider attending the Constellation Furyk & Friends Golf Tournament, October 5–11. It is a great opportunity to get a taste of the resort’s hospitality, culinary offerings and the many experiences that make Hammock Beach special.
After all, every classic has to start somewhere.
(Larry Hall, a Jacksonville, Florida-based golf writer, is a member of Golf Heritage Society, Golf Writers Association of America, Historical Writers of America, International Network of Golf and Golf Travel Writers of America. He can be reached at: bgtriptips@gmail.com)
Photo Credits: Katherine Hall
