St. Augustine, FL (March 2002) - The award-winning 95 Cordova Restaurant located in the Four-Diamond, historical Casa Monica Hotel, recently opened two private wine rooms.   Located in the oldest city in the United States - St. Augustine, the Casa Monica has received numerous accolades since re-opening in 1999, including being named "The Most Romantic Hotel", "Best Restaurant in St. Augustine", won the "National Award for Historic Restoration in the State of Florida" and has appeared on the Travel Channel's "Great Hotels" show.

The Wine Rooms are decorated with lush fabrics, velvet drapes, rare artwork, banquettes, exotic lanterns and furnishings that transport diners to a world of fantasy where their every culinary wish is granted.    With walls lined with wines from 95 Cordova's extensive collection, the two Wine Rooms are the perfect setting for a romantic dinner, a corporate event or private parties for 20 people.
 

"We have always paid a lot of attention to wine in this restaurant and these rooms really celebrate the perfect union between wine and food," states Laine K. Blaker, food and beverage director.  "We have become a food and wine destination and these rooms are for our wine-loving customers so they have a special place to celebrate their special events." Since its opening, the 95 Cordova and Cobalt Lounge has skyrocketed to the top of the list of fine dining establishments in the area, earning rave reviews from critics and

Laine Blaker and Chef Rene Nyfeler

Most recently, Chef Nyfeler demonstrated his culinary talents and skills by cooking at the famed James Beard House in New York City and he will also appear on the Food Network's "The Best Of" show.  Diners may select the chef's six-course tasting menu which changes weekly featuring perfectly paired wines by the glass from 95 Cordova's outstanding wine list.  In addition, weekly multi-course wine dinners, highlighting wines from select vintners and specialty foods flown in from around the globe, round out the restaurant's offerings.

The Casa Monica Hotel originally built in 1888 by Franklin Smith and purchased several months after its opening by Henry Flagler, is known throughout the world as the social destination for the elite, politicians  and royalty alike.  Most recently, the Casa Monica Hotel welcomed King Don Juan de Carlo I and Queen Sophia of Spain, Florida Governor Jeb Bush and his wife, John Travolta, and Celebrity Chef and Talkshow Host Burt Wolf.

The Casa Monica Hotel features 138 rooms including 14 suites, many of them multi-level, featuring three bedrooms and 2,000 square feet of living space.  The luxurious amenities include: The 95 Gourmet Market, 12,000 square feet of meeting space which includes the outdoor Sultan's Pavilion, high-speed Internet access in all guestrooms and meeting rooms, an outdoor garden style heated pool/spa, the Serenta Beach Club, valet parking, a 24-hour fitness center and business center, full-time concierge and is within walking distance to shops, art galleries, museums, and restaurants.