Taste of the Nation

From the perspective of someone there for the food: 4 stars
Entering the hall, we were floored at just how big the place was. Even having already looked at the list of participating businesses, the whole thing was way larger than we had expected. We randomly chose to start by heading left and began our tasting feast. Over the next three hours, we ended up sampling at least something from about ³⁄₅ of the booths. As one would expect, we didn’t love everything, but there was plenty of good food, and we discovered/​sampled a number of restaurants we want to visit for a full meal. Some, however, left us perplexed. Sea World, for example, served chicken and brisket unlike anything they normally serve in the park. The same with Universal Studios and their pork belly sliders with chocolate covered bacon. A few of the restaurants told us that their items were designed especially for the event. I would have preferred something more reflective of what I can expect were I to visit the restaurant.
The only real complaint we had about the food was the duration. 35 – 40 businesses, many with multiple plates. If you want to try to get something from close to everywhere, you have to rush. Lines weren’t too bad, but some booths were running out of food at 8:30−9pm. There’s just not enough time to sample everything you probably want to, and with such a «small» venue, you don’t burn off much of the food walking around. We had Corporate VIP tickets, and were allowed to arrive and enter early (I believe it was an hour early). My mother who had a normal ticket was able to sample far fewer items due to the amount of time before food started running out.
We didn’t pay full price for the event, but my wife mentioned that she would have felt very disappointed had we paid for two full-​price tickets given how short of a timespan we had.
From the perspective of someone who was interested in charity: 3 stars
Walking in from the parking garage, there were lots of signs about the No Kid Hungry charity, and how much good each ticket sale was doing. That all disappeared once we walked into the main hall. Inside there was the auction, and the donation tree, but little else to remind you of why you were here.
Speaking of which… there’s no shortage of irony in the fact that this event to raise money to keep kids from going hungry was centered around immense numbers of people eating fancy foods that starving kids will likely never get to have. This irony is compounded by the sheer amount of wasted food being left on tables or thrown out. I get that not everyone is going to like every dish, and won’t want to eat the whole sample — but the amount of wasted food at an event to raise money for starving children was kind of appalling. The same goes for the amount of non-​recyclable plates, glasses, and forks.
I’m glad my money went to good use — I just wish the event hadn’t wasted so much of that money.

This was truly a taste of Orlando– Great food and drinks from all my favorite spots plus some new ones I had never heard of. It was so cool to interact with the chefs and staff of the restaurants to hear their favorite items, how they prepared what I am tasting or hearing tips for my next trip to their restaurant.
The set up of the room was fabulous. Not too loud but definitely felt exciting and swanky.
I wish the portions could have been a little bigger but I appreciated that places brought their A game– had my share of steak and lobster once I found the right vendors.
Pours on drinks were not overly generous. I would have like a full glass of wine rather than lots of little tastes but I appreciate that there one was out of control as I sometimes find at an open bar.

A great fundraising event (benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida), not to be missed next year. Great variety of foods, and definitely more offerings than one could eat. I have to say I especially liked the Spanish Octopus (Capa at Four Season) and the delicious, tender (could cut it with a plastic fork!) Crusted Sirloin Steak with Truffle Mashed Potatoes (Capital Grille)!! Wow. Tons of nice desserts (although one chocolate covered key lime pastry had such a hard chocolate shell that I couldn’t break through it and had to turn it over to get to the yummy key lime filling — unfortunately the name of the restaurant did not stick in my mind), but I have the give top kudos to Symphony Pastries! The pastries themselves were some of the best I’ve ever had and the pastry chef was great recommending favorites, and even suggesting the order to best eat several selected pastries (as well as which ones were best eaten with your fingers!) — great end to the evening!

A foodie event who fundraises for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida in an effort to end childhood hunger will ALWAYS get five starts from me! SO many tables of delicious food, drink, desserts and auction items… all supporting underserved families and individuals in our community. Brilliant! So hard to choose a favorite dish or drink…

Last night we grazed at Orlando’s Taste of the Nation, if you’ve never been to this event you MUST go next year! As food lovers, there’s nothing better than walking into a massive room filled with culinary delights to sample at your leisure.
Thirty five leading chefs and restaurants, including TWO James Beard Foundation Award semi-​finalists, served up fabulous plates during last night’s event. Even better, all proceeds benefit Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger. Just $ 50 provides a week of nutritious meals to 34 homeless children, so each ticket purchased made a significant impact! Local beneficiaries include Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida and Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
After hours of sampling dishes from the area’s finest Chefs, we rolled ourselves out of the Marriott. Here’s a few of our favorite dishes from the night, can’t wait to visit these Chefs in restaurant!
Café Tu Tu Tango: Korean Marinated Confit of Chicken with Grilled Buttermilk Cornbread and Sambar Butter. Hello delicious, making a reservation here asap.
Capa at Four Seasons Resort Orlando: Braised Spanish Octopus, Marinated in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Thyme and Chili. I passed on the eight legged creature, but my husband is still raving about the dish.
The Capital Grille: Kona Crusted Sirloin with Truffle Mashed Potatoes. Capital Grille, you can do no wrong. If you missed our steakhouse review, click here.
Crimson Tavern at Orlando Airport Marriott: Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, Fig, Vinegar, Spiced Figs, Chervil. Airport food? Skip the peanuts next time and head upstairs to the Crimson Tavern, even if just for dessert.
Empress Sissi Cake & Pastry Specialties: Crème Brulee Cheesecake. Creamy, sugary goodness mixed into a melty cheesecake. Empress Sissi, who are you and where can we taste more of your fabulous desserts?!
LongHorn Steakhouse: «Slow & Low» Braised Short Ribs, Horseradish Whipped Potato, Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms, Port Wine Braising Liquid and Petit Herbs. Fabulous! PS: have you tasted their new Peak Season menu?
Orlando World Center Marriott: Red Velvet Donuts with Chocolate Chili Melted Chocolate. Wishing I could have these for breakfast. Every morning.
Sea World Orlando: Sustainable Ahi Tuna and Halibut, cold-​infused with Citrus Vodka and Coconut Rum over a Wakame Salad. The dry ice presentation was a feast for the eyes too! See below for a snapshot of their preparation.
Sushi Pop Restaurant: Gangnam Style Roll (Haha) Salmon Tartare topped with Local White Fish, Yang Yum Jung Sauce and Waterkist Farm Sprouts. Our search for Orlando’s best sushi is over, you win Sushi Pop! Where have you been hiding all this time?
Cue the food hangover, glad it’s Sunday so we can sit on the sofa in sweatpants. Thank you Orlando Taste of the Nation for the invitation, we thoroughly enjoyed the evening! If you missed out this year, make plans to be there in 2015!

I’m starring this event up, the 2014 ToTN was at Orlando World Center Marriott, which was very easy to navigate and park. This event was HUGE, we did not get around to sample every item, because there were over 35 places to sample multiple plates and beverages. A tummy can only hold so much. I recommend fasting for a day! ;)
So many top Orlando chefs came out and brought their «A» game, delicious food, desserts, craft cocktails, craft beer, wines… and all for a great cause– fighting to end childhood hunger. The price of one ticket will provide 1500 meals, so you can feel great about what you are doing and supporting this great cause. Each of the chefs, restaurants and beverage sponsors involved is doing the same– supporting a great cause.
This year, my favorites included the Old Fashioned from Siro Urban Italian Kitchen, the Sushi from Sushi Pop, Kevin Fonzo from K Restaurant’s pastrami, Cuisiner’s Ahi Tuna, the nitrogen-​made ice cream from Three 2 Oh, which was made right in front of you… and that is just the start of the list. A full list of the restaurants is here:
Plan to put 2015 ToTN on your calendar, such a great night!

Good Gravy what an event! How could it not be when it’s supporting such a fabulous cause: a culinary fundraising event to end childhood hunger!
This is a true showcase of the vast talent and creativity of Central Florida’s leading chefs and restaurants!
Held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, this was the perfect backdrop for the evenings festivities. It was grand and gorgeous in the ball room. When you entered you signed up for the auction on your mobile (great touch!) and were welcomes with the tables upon tables of awesome items you could bid on from private dinners to a bike to lavish vacations.
Surrounding the entire area were top restaurants stacked with chef’s, bevvies and tons of community members; a great recipe for a fantastic evening.
The food highlights were the Smoked Duck from JW Marriott, Malfatti & Street Tacos from Orlando World Center Marriott and the Short Rib from A Land Remembered. The dessert setups were overwhelming in such a fabulous way to. Props to Wizard Connection for having dope setups for everyone throughout the entire event. The dessert ride… Check out my video here:
— A RIDE OF DESSERTS!!!
The drink highlights were Tito’s setup for sure and at the Orlando World Center Marriott setup they were serving these refreshing Gin cocktails with fresh honey and local herbs, delicious!
Such a lovely evening. Chatting with the business owners, chefs and all the community peeps who attended was the highlight for me, however having a full belly while doing it was a nice touch =)
Hats off to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida for rockin’ this event!