Take the Pledge

The No Kid Hungry Pledge, that is! I took the pledge (which is free!) on Thursday night at the Share our Strength Taste of the Nation event, an evening that brought together chefs from all over the Boston area to raise money for hungry families.

Though the atmosphere was festive, reminders of why we were all there were posted throughout. The statistics on hunger in Massachusetts were astounding and served as a good reminder how lucky I have it.

89 million meals a year skipped in Eastern MA alone. . . hard to imagine.

While the focus was kept on the need that Share our Strength fills, the event also provided plenty of fun, food, and celebrity sightings. One of the highlights of the evening was meeting Top Chef superstar Tiffani Faison, who could not have been friendlier. Talking with her was like hanging out with a fun friend.

As you would imagine the food was plentiful, and I took about 100 photos. Here are just a few. . .

Glorious goujeres with fig jam, salami, goat cheese from The Blue Room

Homemade PB&J Hobnobs from Craigie on Main – hobnobs are big in Ireland, and Craigie nailed them.

Ashmont Grill went the extra mile, with Future Chefs students serving up their tasty bites.

Sustainable seafood from Whole Foods River Street

Fresh artisan bread and rolls from Iggy’s

Asparagus Veloute, the way it is supposed to be made, from 606 Congress Chef Richard Garcia who is incredibly nice and also happens to have an incredibly interesting and impressive bio

Salt cod on crisp potato from Rialto

And the best of Rialto and one of the best of Boston, Top Chef Masters’ Jody Adams

Baklava from Athan’s, one of my favorite cafés in my old neighborhood

One of my favorite dishes, caramel-y beer braised pork with a horseradish custard from Lucca

Then there was the Gargoyle’s table. Hell’s Kitchen contestant, Jason Santos was serving up something quite different than the rest.

We were instructed first to eat a flower that ended up being a natural Novocain, numbing our mouths before we ate a lychee sorbet.

It was painful! And my tongue was numb for quite awhile. No bueno. I am not sure numbing guests’ mouths at a food event is a good idea.

My favorite moments of the night were spent in the VIP room. Champagne from Nicolas Feuillate was flowing, and trays of food were brought to us.

Tuna tartare from Abby Park

Oysters from both the East and West coasts were shucked by the folks from Neptune Oyster.

I was lucky to attend the event as press, but I would absolutely recommend Taste of the Nation for a spectacular night out to benefit a cause we can all get behind. It is the perfect place to sample food from restaurants all over the Boston area, sip on cocktails and wine, and mingle with friends. I can’t wait until next year!