Philadelphia’s Taste of the Nation – Linking Kids With Healthy Meals
By Jill Beckel
Photos by Dana J. Prophet
Do you enjoy sampling gourmet food? How about unique cocktails? Then you would have loved this year’s Philadelphia’s Taste of the Nation event at Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Fifty of Philly’s best chefs and bartenders gathered on Sunday, May 3rd for the Philadelphia Taste of the Nation – an unforgettable and tasty charity event benefiting No Kid Hungry.
Linda Huss, co-chair of the event, described the event as, “Philadelphia’s Taste of the Nation is more than just a chance to eat and drink — though that part is pretty great. It’s the opportunity to give back and connect children in need to healthy meals. It’s a fantastic night out for a deserving cause.”
Unfortunately, 1 in 5 kids will face hunger this year. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger today by ensuring that kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast and families learn the skills they need to shop and cook on a budget.
The Food Trust’s booth gave out more information about what they do for Philadelphians. They strive to make healthy food available to everyone by “ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food.” They work to teach nutrition in schools, manage farmers’ markets in communities that lack access to affordable produce, work with corner store owners to increase healthy food offerings and more.
The event included delicious food, drinks, desserts and more. There were raffles for all sorts of prizes like hotel stays, dinners and trips. American Deluxe band kept the party going throughout the event.
Tables with gourmet foods lined the entire room making it look and smell amazing. I was “all about that beef” the whole night. From short ribs to brisket to roast beef, there were so many beef options for meat lovers. The Red Owl Tavern short ribs were amazingly tender and tasty. Don’t worry vegetarians; you were still represented as well with several fresh salads, a unique beet cheesecake from The Farm and Fisherman, strawberry gazpacho from Lacroix at the Rittenhouse and more. The Grand Lux Café, opening in King of Prussia in June, wowed with short rib grilled cheese sliders and Asian nachos. For dessert, the Shake Shack served a sweet oatmeal creme pie ice-cream that tasted just like a slice of heaven and the Taproom on 19th offered a smooth lemon mousse cheesecake that hit the spot!
No one went thirsty either with the wide selection of specialty cocktails, wine and beer. Jesse Cornell from Vesper mixed up deliciously refreshing “Redhead in a Bluecoat” gin cocktails. Free Will Brewing Co. served up a crisp mango wheat beer that’s perfect for warmer months. There was also a tasty selection of white and red wine.
Guests left smiling with full bellies knowing that they had helped out a great cause.