Primo Culinary Team To Participate In Premier Fundraiser For Heart Of Florida United Way

ORLANDO, Fla., May 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The culinary team at one of Orlando's most popular restaurants will be tastefully making a difference in the philanthropic world when it presents a primo dish for the 24^th annual Heart of Florida United Way Chef's Gala in May.

The team of Chef Melissa Kelly of Primo at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes will showcase its talent by preparing a peekytoe crab salad on a gougere for attendees of the largest fundraiser that aids Central Floridians in education, income, health and basic needs programs. Lemon and smoked paprika aioli, shallots and root vegetable chips will go into the creative plate. More than 20 of the area's top chefs were asked to participate in the event, which annually raises around $300,000.

"Simplicity, seasonality and freshness are three of the key ingredients I always take into consideration when crafting new menu items for my restaurants," Kelly said. "When thinking about the United Way fundraiser and what my other esteemed colleagues were bringing to the table, this salad with elements from our onsite organic garden immediately came to mind as the masterpiece I wanted to represent Primo and JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. My team here has made me quite proud."

In addition to exquisite cuisine, the Chef's Gala features thoughtfully paired fine wines, live music and a silent auction with items ranging from restaurant dinners and fine wine to Fabu pottery and a luxury vacation in a French chateau. Tickets are available for $275 each for the grand evening that is planned from 6:45 to 10 p.m. May 21, 2016 at the Epcot World Showcase. For information, visit www.hfuw.org.

Primo is a fine-dining Italian restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine in a casual yet elegant setting. Led by Kelly, the restaurant boasts a selection of appetizers ranging from a farmer salad and seasonal bruschetta to wood-grilled jumbo asparagus and beef tartare alla puttanesca. The ever-changing menu boasts several pasta and seafood dishes in addition to a grilled prime New York strip steak. Delectable desserts round out a meal.

Primo is open 6-9:30 p.m. daily, with a late-night bar menu available. Make a reservation now through OpenTable at the eatery that's been reviewed as "worth the drive from just about anywhere."

About JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes at 4040 Central Florida Parkway in Orlando, FL is near Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and The Mall at Millenia as well as top Orlando restaurants, golf courses and entertainment venues. The resort hotel features 26 floors with 934 guest rooms, 64 suites and 34 meeting rooms totaling almost 125,000 square feet of flexible event spaces. Guests enjoy access to spa services and golfing at The Ritz Carlton as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center, outdoor swimming and on-site dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For information, visit www.GrandeLakes.com or call 1-407-206-2300.

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Media Contact
Karen A. Englund
Director of Sales and Marketing
1-407-393-4320
karen.englund@marriott.com

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SOURCE JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes