D.C. Proves Nation Very Tasty
D.C.'s 2007 Taste of the Nation to support "Share Our Strength" was held last night at the Washington Hilton Hotel to raise funds to combat childhood hunger in our region. The event featured over 70 restaurants, chefs, and distributors from the D.C. metro area who all came out to support the cause and glad hand with their fans. An estimate of a whopping 1200 people showed up for good food, drinks, company, and a noble cause. The event truly turned any food lover into Charlie Bucket with a Wonka bar: eyes wide open, mouth salivating, and excitement overflowing. Despite this enthusiasm, there was no way to hit even half the stations, no matter how hard one tried.
Guests were able to feast on everything from Tandoori Salmon with Yucca Couscous from Farrah Olivia, to Curry Chicken and Tropical Fruit skewers presented by the students of L'Academie de Cuisine. to Pork, Bacon and Black Pepper burgers from David Greggory—which had one of the longest lines all night. Other items that enticed the throngs include Skirt Steak and Foie Gras Burgers from the Ritz Carlton as well as Lobster Sausage with Courvoisier Aioli from PS-7's. Is your mouth watering yet?
To wash all of this down, guests could head up to one of the many wine distributors, including Roanoke, Elite, and Bacchus, or indulge themselves at the Jack Daniel's or Hennessey stations. The Piper Heidseck table appeared to be a favorite starting place for everyone, but we preferred to wet our palates with a preview of this season's upcoming Rosés. The South African winery of Avondale boasted a fuller style rosé made from Cabernet that presented itself as a fabulous food-friendly wine. Another deliciously smooth wine was the Willamette Valley´s Panther Creek Pinot Noir, which was found at the Roanoke table.
Besides all the delectable food and drink there was also a silent and live auction. Items up for bid included gym memberships, spa treatments, dinners for two at various restaurants, appointments with personal chefs, business class airline tickets, wine, and hotel stays, just to name a few. The honorary Chef Chair, Barton Seaver, conducted the live auction. (How did he do?) Seaver, a D.C. native, was recently nominated as a Rising Star by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. He left Café Saint-Ex in March of 2007 to open Hook Restaurant in Georgetown.
Thanks to the event's generous corporate sponsors, 100% of the ticket proceeds will be invested back into our community. This year—a record fundraiser for D.C.—was a resounding success, raising over $150,000 to aide hungry children in the local area. All we have to say to that is "Cheers to you D.C.!"