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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.

The bartenders got right to work mixing up unique cocktails!
Chefs setting up for the big event.
Guests checked out the raffle options.
Guests checked out the raffle options.
The bartenders got right to work mixing up unique cocktails!
The bartenders got right to work mixing up unique cocktails!
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A “Redhead in a Bluecoat” gin cocktail.
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Aldine Restaurant served baby carrots with fresh chickpeas and green goddess dressing.
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R2L Restaurant’s chili braised short rib had a hint of spice.
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The chefs from Buddakan displaying their moo shu pancakes with braised short rib.
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“All about that beef”! Red Owl Tavern’s short ribs on top of truffle polenta and pickled veggies was AMAZING!
A new take on the Bloody Mary, Jerry's Bar served up a "Bloody Jerry" topped with shrimp, a pickle, a pepper and more!
A new take on the Bloody Mary, Jerry’s Bar served up a “Bloody Jerry” topped with shrimp, a pickle, a pepper and more!
Jessica Lopez & Brian Plunkett enjoying samples from Philly's best restaurants.
Where Magazine’s Jessica Lopez and Brian Plunkett enjoying samples from Philly’s best restaurants.
Free Will Brewing Co. had two beers to sample - Mango Wheat & The Kragle IPA.
Free Will Brewing Co. had two beers to sample – Mango Wheat & The Kragle IPA. Everyone was raving about the mango wheat!
Blue Duck Sandwich Company's colorful Hawaiian Spear Fish Crudo for sushi lovers.
Blue Duck Sandwich Company’s colorful Hawaiian Spear Fish Crudo for sushi lovers.
Duck rillette from Russet.
A unique duck rillette from Russet.
The Farm and Fisherman's beet cheesecake with lemon cream and pistachio was an unexpected delicious combo.
The Farm and Fisherman’s beet cheesecake with lemon cream and pistachio was an unexpected delicious combo.
The Grand Lux Cafe is coming to King of Prussia this June!
The Grand Lux Cafe is coming to King of Prussia this June!
Grand Lux's Asian nacho and short rib grilled cheese slider were a savory, tasty snack.
Grand Lux’s Asian nacho and short rib grilled cheese slider were a savory, tasty snack.
A fresh take on the reuben sandwich - reuben arancini from The Avenue Delicatessen.
A fresh take on the reuben sandwich – reuben arancini from The Avenue Delicatessen.
Alex Holley from Fox29 News welcome everyone to the event.
Alex Holley from Fox29 News and Brian Adoff from Taste of the Nation welcomed everyone to the event.
Brian Adoff, Linda Huss and Morgan Obidowski from Taste of the Nation with Alex Holley, Fox29 News.
Brian Adoff, Linda Huss and Morgan Obidowski from Taste of the Nation with Alex Holley, Fox29 News.
Don't forget about dessert! Lemon cheesecake mousse from Taproom on 19th.
Don’t forget about dessert! Lemon cheesecake mousse from Taproom on 19th.
The Shake Shack reps Philly with their burger "Love" logo.
The Shake Shack reps Philly with their burger “Love” logo.
Oatmeal creme pie ice-cream from Shake Shack tasted like a delicious mix of an oatmeal cookie, pie and ice-cream.
Oatmeal creme pie ice-cream from Shake Shack tasted like a delicious mix of an oatmeal cookie, pie and ice-cream.
American Deluxe band jamming out for the crowd.
American Deluxe band jamming out for the crowd.