An array of South Palm Beach and Broward County’s chefs and restaurants will gather for Share Our Strength’s “Taste of the Nation,” a culinary benefit, to offer their specialties and to cook up support for the nationwide fight against childhood hunger in America.
The event is planned for June 2 at the Broward County Convention Center from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. A VIP reception begins at 6 p.m. and includes early admission with access to chefs, a vintner’s reception, a catered dining area, gift bags and exclusive wines.
Taste of the Nation will raise critical funds needed to support Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger in America. Local beneficiaries are the South Florida Hunger Coalition; Florence Fuller Child Development Centers, Inc., Boca Raton; and Feeding South Florida. The event has raised more than $2 million over the past 19 years
The 2011 edition of the event is a celebration of the “Taste of the Nation’s” 20th anniversary. It will recognize its “Platinum Chefs,” the local chefs who have shown commitment to Share Our Strength, long-term participation in “Taste of the Nation,” and dedication to the goal of eliminating childhood hunger in the area. There will be more than 45 of the area’s chefs and restaurants participating, as well as a variety of wines and spirits poured to complement the cuisine.
“We are very excited to feature an abundance of delicious dishes in a fantastic party atmosphere and a truly spectacular live auction,” says chairwoman Kelly Murphy. “Importantly, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we will also honor our platinum chefs. They have been extremely big hearted and generous with their time and talents over the years, some almost since the inception of the event. ”
Among the supporters who will be honored are Oliver Saucy, Café Maxx; Christopher Nealon, Aruba Beach Café; Bryce Statham, Blue Moon Fish Co.; Allen Susser, Chef Allen’s Burger Bar and Chef Allen’s To Go at the Fort Lauderdale Airport; Angelo Elia, Casa D’Angelo; Dean James Max, 3030 Ocean; Andre Bienvenu, Joe’s Stone Crab; Johnny Vinczencz, Johnny V’s; Ralph Pagano, STK at the Gansevoort; and Joe Cascio, Joe’s Riverside Grille.”
In addition, the event will feature live and silent auctions with once in a lifetime items, including rare and boutique wine packages, wine dinners and exotic vacations. “Hell’s Kitchen” star and “Taste of the Nation” Platinum Chef Ralph Pagano will be the master of ceremonies and auctioneer.
Share Our Strength’s “Taste of the Nation” Fort Lauderdale is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network, Brown-Forman and S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water; and is locally sponsored by Lincoln, Whole Foods Market and others.
General admission tickets are $90. The VIP reception, offering a pre-event party with an opportunity to meet the chefs and savor hors d’oeuvres, champagne and upscale wines, reserved seating and a gift bag, is available at $200 per person. For tickets and information visit http://www.strengthflorida.org.
