2012 Taste of the Nation Orlando

Last year I had the priviledge of attending Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation, which benefits the fight against childhood hunger. It’s a wonderful event that benefits a great cause. Guests get to sample dishes from some of the best restaurants in the Orlando area. It’s an all-you-can-eat-and-drink feast featuring a variety of different cuisines. Guests could also participate in live and silent auctions.

I was so excited that my friend Erica invited me to attend this year as well. It’s one of my favorite evenings of the year.

Taste of the Nation brings this event to multiple cities across the country. Here in Orlando it was held at the World Center Marriott. Erica and I started out with a strategy: hit up all the main courses and then go back for desserts. However, by the time desserts rolled around, I needed to be rolled out. I had to be very choosey with what I wanted to fill my belly with by the end.

Below are some snapshots of my eats from the evening with the restaurant and dish when I could remember.

Sausage and roasted corn and black eyed peas from World Center Marriott

Crab ceviche from Fulton’s Crab House

Gnocchi with pulled pork ragu from Portobello

Lamb, potato and tzatziki from Taverna Opa

Pumpkin ravioli from Wolfgang Puck

Pork taco from Sushi Pop

Sushi Pop

Bubble gum sorbet with Pop Rocks from Sushi Pop

Beef carpaccio

Stuffed red peppers

Steak with fried onions and baked beans from World Center Marriott

Beef short rib ravioli with truffle butter, cream and peas from World Center Marriott

Pork tenderloin with coleslaw

Chicken and lamb koftas from Bosphorous

Steak and mashed potatoes from The Capital Grille

Poached lobster and salsa from Spencer’s Steaks and Chops

Short ribs and ahi tuna from Roy’s

Bacon pate from K Restaurant

Roasted eggplant

Steak, hush puppy and sweet potato

Lobster risotto

Steak over creamed spinach and baguette with a mini cupcake from Del Frisco’s

Display at Universal Orlando booth

Bananas Fosters

I highly encourage you to check out this event if it is coming to a city near you or to be on the lookout for next year’s event. I have a long list of new restaurants I want to try, and I’m so thankful to Erica for inviting me. I truly thought I’d never be hungry again!

What is the best charity event you have been to?