On Tuesday, April 29th, over 800 food loving philanthropists took came together at Cruiseport Boston for the Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation premier culinary tasting event to benefit the No Kid Hungry campaign to end child hunger.
Jenny Johnson, producer and co-host of NESN’s Dining Playbook greeted guests and encouraged them to eat up for the great cause since the funds raised will help further the organizations efforts to provide crucial community services like school breakfasts and healthy cooking lessons through Cooking Matters.
Guests enjoyed tastings from over 60 of Boston’s hottest restaurants and mixologists, with plenty of wine and beer tastings as well. Honorary chefs included Jody Adams of Rialto and Trade, Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery and Myers + Chang, Gordon Hamersley of Hamersley’s Bistro, Andy Husbands of Tremont 647, and Tony Maws of Craigie on Main, and Kirkland Tap & Trotter.
VIP guests enjoyed early access and a separate tasting area. While the delicious champagne and Neptune Oysters were definitely the VIP area highlight, our favorites ended up being out on the general admission floor and the food trucks outside of the venue.
Be sure to come with a big appetite because you will certainly be stuffed by the time you leave. While some of the best names in Boston restaurants such as L’Espalier, Craigie on Main, Eastern Standard, and Clio were volunteering their time and foodstuffs, we actually enjoyed some of the lesser known restaurants offerings the best.
Don’t let the name fool you – Trina’s Starlight Lounge of Somerville served up a crowd favorite “Duck Duck Mousse” bite sized sandwich right next to the best BBQ in town Sweet Cheeks brisket sandwich. Hungry Mother of Cambridge was justly located in the food fight winners lounge as their skewered and fried cheesy and meaty combination balls were the station we visited a second and third time. Providence-based Gracie’s really stepped it up with their delicious cured salmon with pickled ramp.
Overall, Taste of the Nation Boston was foodie heaven even if at times I felt guilty for my gluttony at an event to end children’s hunger. The only downside? Feeling wildly overdressed throughout the evening since most guests did not follow the events suggested cocktail attire.
Happy Tasting,
Jenicka
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