By Peter Covino
Entertainment Editor

It was already the only place in the world where you could experience the old-world charm of St. Augustine, the island feel of Key West and the swamps of the Everglades — all at the same time.

Now you can enjoy a getaway to Gaylord Palms Resort and dine and wine as well with the Cork & Fork Club.

In what is the only dining club of its kind in Osceola County, according to Gaylord officials, the Cork & Fork Club is a great place to meet and mingle and enjoy the food from the resort's outstanding restaurants.

The club was something the resort's restaurant managers wanted to do to say “thank you” to the hotel's diners and guests, Jeff Abbaticchio, director of public relations said.

“We’re so proud of the diverse culinary talent here at the Gaylord Palms; we want to showcase it and show it off,” Lynn Kasten, director of food and beverages, said. “We want people to come out here, have some great food and wine, and have a great time – what better way than by joining the Cork & Fork Club.”

The resort held its first dining club event last week and attracted about 100 guests, a good number for a first-time event, he said.

Membership in the club features many benefits, including a complimentary stay at the hotel.

It was that free night stay at the hotel that prompted Tampa couple George and Yvette Niemann to purchase the annual $240 per couple annual pass. Individual memberships also are available for $150.

“We love coming here,” George Niemann said. “It's like being outside. We love the service, attention and food.”

Abbaticchio said the club was created for area residents who could take advantage of club benefits on a regular basis.

In addition to the night stay at the resort, club members get a 20 percent discount at all of the resort’s food and beverage outlets (including special dining events); a waived corkage fee (no charge if you bring your own wine to the restaurants, a $25 value); a $50 voucher toward any 50-minute or longer service at Relache Spa; complimentary valet parking while dining or attending a Cork & Fork event; and invitations to free wine tastings and food experiences.

Membership also feature access to a private culinary concierge to assist with dining reservations, help with menu planning for special occasions at home and advice with wine and food pairings.

The initial event was at Castillo de San Marcos Fort in the St. Augustine atrium.

Diners sampled gourmet items from each of the resort's restaurants including black angus filet/lobster from Old Hickory Steakhouse; hamachi sashimi (yellowtail sushi) from Sora; Valencia paella from Villa de Flora; jumbo lump crab cake, Sunset Sam's; a seafood martini (fire-grilled tiger shrimp, pan-seared sea scallops over creamy mashed potatoes), also Sunset Sam's; and more.

A dessert station featured tequila Key lime tarts, piña colada shooters, green tea cheesecake, tiramisu and strawberry shortcake. A variety of red and white wines also were included.

Other 2010 club dining events are:

• Island Hops Dinner, Friday, Oct. 8 ($54 includes all you can drink).

• Back Pack Through the Mediterranean Wine Dinner, Friday, Oct. 22, at Villa de Flora, $55 per person.

• So-Raw! A celebration of sushi pairing, Friday, Oct. 22, at Villa de Flora, $55.

• How to Create the Perfect Holiday Feast, Oct. 30, at Villa de Flora — $65 per person, $110 per couple.

• Grand pairings champagne dinner, featuring Schramsberg Winery, Saturday, Nov. 6, at Old Hickory Steakhouse, $85.

• Michael Honig Wine Dinner, Sunday, Nov. 7, at Sunset Sam's, $65.

• So-Raw! sushi rolling class, Friday, Nov. 12, at Sora, $35.

• Thanksgiving Day brunch, Thursday, Nov. 25, at Villa de Flora, $52.

• Christmas Eve brunch, Friday, Dec. 24, at Villa de Flora, $52.

• New Year's Eve Dinner, Friday, Dec. 31, at Villa de Flora, $52.

Cork & Fork members receive a 20 percent discount on the events, plus complimentary valet parking. For reservations at any of the dining events or information on membership in the club, call the culinary concierge at 407-586-0708.