Taste of the Taste

I was invited to a PR event for Taste of the Taste - an effort to get the word out about Taste of the Nation.  Taste of the Nation is part of Share our Strength and No Kid Hungry which started 27 years ago in a collaborative effort to help hungry children.  The impact has made a difference by offering food and meals to children not only during the school year but in the summer.  Some of the beneficiaries are Partners for Hunger-free Oregon, the Oregon Food Bank, St Vincent de Paul Society and Klamath/Lake Counties Food Bank.

The focus of the event was to give social media enthusiasts and bloggers a chance to have a taste and to inspire others reading our social media outlets to purchase tickets to the event at McMenamins Crystal Hotel & Ballroom on April 29th.  Tickets are $85 ($150 for  VIP admission).  I reviewed the line up and it looks pretty amazing.  Here are more details: http://ce.strength.org/events/taste-nation-portland-or

Tonight I was able to sample food, wine and spirits, which will be present at Taste of the Nation.

Kim & I starting with a toast of Moet & Chandon 

Even the Chefs were posting

Chapter 24 Wines - Fire & Flood

Irving Street Kitchen 

Lardo

Bull Run Distillery - American Whiskey

Pamplin Family Winery

Renata - Rabbit Terrine

Boke Bowl

Potato Latkes with Lox, Dill

(Other beverages served were Newton Wines & Volcanic Mineral Refresher)

Best drink of the night was the American Whiskey by Bull Run Distillery - smooth and refreshing.  Just to note I don't usually drink whiskey ever but I have to say I was impressed.  Delish dish was Boke Bowl's Crawfish & Pork in Spicy Black Bean Sauce over Rice Tots.  The flavor with added spice and texture was wonderful.  My next favorite food served was Irving Street Kitchen's Green Garlic with Parmesan and Smoked Halibut Soup.  The color of the soup was appealing which only was exponential in taste.

I had a great time, talking food and wine with bloggers.  Met some really great people and was given some great restaurant recommendations.  Brunch - Sweedeedee and Broder, best bakery - Mt Tabor Bakery.  I will have to add these to the list of places to go.  The best part was spending time with Kim (outside of running and in normal clothes with make-up...who knew we could clean up so good).  We even have something in the works for a tasting and tour of Bull Run Distillery.

The concept was a great way to get the word out about the event and to help raise not only awareness but funds to support those in need in our community.  I look forward to seeing you at the event!