On Friday April 10, 2015, The Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association held its annual Bacchus Bash to benefit hospitality education through the CFHLA Foundation. This event was held at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets®. More than 20,000 people enjoyed this street party activity, which earned over $120,000 to provide scholarships and grants to area hospitality students and schools.
Guests enjoyed a night of food, fun, and continuous live entertainment throughout the outlet mall, along with a fabulous silent auction of over 200 items.
More than 40 local hotels and restaurants participated in Bacchus Bash, offering samples of their best food and drinks, and competed for various awards including:
Best Original Drink – CFHLA F&B Council – Prickly Pear Margarita
Best Menu Item – Alfond Inn at Rollins College – Chef Bill’s Award Winning Roasted Pig
Best Dessert Item – JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes – Chocolate Praline Crunch
Best Presentation Original Drink – CFHLA Vacation Rental Council – Cinnamon Toast Crunch Shot
Best Presentation Menu Item – DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld – Guadalajara Burrito Bowls and Ruckus Juice
Best Presentation Dessert Item – JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes – Chocolate Praline Crunch
Most Creative Booth – DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld
Most Interactive Booth – CLC World Resorts & Hotels
CFHLA would like to offer a special thank you to this year’s Bacchus Bash Leadership Team,Chairman John Parkinson, General Manager of the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort; Vice Chairs Stephanie Banks, General Manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown; Bill Friedrich, General Manager of the Embassy Suites Orlando International Drive South/Convention Center; Rod O’Connor, General Manager of the Avanti Resort Orlando; and Louis Robbins.