On Sunday, April 28, I found myself at Taste of the Nation, Share Our Strength‘s benefit for the “No Kid Hungry” campaign. The fundraiser benefits organizations such as The Food Trust and Philabundance, who are working to end hunger in our communities, and featured incredible chefs and mixologists from across the city. Familiar names and faces dotted the room, including Chef Chair David Katz of Creekstone Farms (back in the kitchen for this special event!), Honorary Chef Chair and Top Chef winner Kevin Sbraga of Sbraga and Mixology Chair Phoebe Esmon of Emmanuelle.
Walking into Hotel Monaco, I was greeted by a crowd of wonderful smells, lively chefs and local food-lovers. With food- and drink-filled tables lining the walls of a huge banquet hall, I had no other choice but to start tasting! We arrived before the program began, so there was plenty of time to explore. Although it was almost impossible to pick favorites, mine included:
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Chopped Liver on Toast from Zahav
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Davio’s Penne with Bolognese
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El Camino Real’s Tuna Tacos
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Crab and Shrimp with Salmon Roe from Serrano
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Vernick’s Tuna Poke
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Chilled Cucumber Soup with Smoked Salmon and Pumpernickel Crumbs from Brauhaus Schmitz
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Scallop Crudo with parsley kimchi & beet pickled turnips from Fork Restaurant
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Buffalo Trace Bourbon Old Fashioned by Phoebe Esmon of Emmanuelle
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Blood and Sand by Sara Arment of Franklin Mortgage and Investment
Let’s talk about the drinks. With offerings from classic cocktails to Belgian beer, every taste was satisfied here. Old fashioneds are my new obsession and Phoebe Esmon of Emmanuelle’s version only deepened that love.
I don’t have enough words to describe each taste I had—everything was absolutely delicious! Vernick’s Tuna Poke was my first bite of the evening, and the candied tamarind put it over the top. I was totally stunned by Serrano’s offering. The complex flavors and subtle “pop” of the Salmon Roe were just perfect. And Brauhaus Schmitz’s Chilled Cucumber Soup was surprising and addictive. In fact, I could use another serving right now …
Throughout the evening guests had the chance to participate in raffles and a silent auction. Items included gift cards to top restaurants and access to special events. During the program the chef chairs, representatives from Share our Strength as well as other involved organizations and emcees Mike Jerrick of Fox 29 and Marc Summers spoke about ending child hunger and raffled off some great prizes.
Due to generous sponsors, event attendees and volunteers Share our Strength raised over $46,000 to combat child hunger! This event was a huge success, and that’s not just my taste buds talking.
Photographs credited to Chelsea Sproul.
