40 restaurants, countless chefs, (nearly) unlimited food, beer, wine, cooking demonstrations, silent auction, what more can you pack into a 3 hour period? That’s exactly what happened this past weekend in Culver City at Taste of the Nation. The premier food event that benefits Share our Strengths campaign to make sure no kid grows up hungry.
The well organized event featured some of the finest restaurants in Los Angeles. Akasha, Bistro LQ, Comme CA, Border Grill, Hatfield’s, Lucques, Mozza, Rivera, and the Foundry just to name a few. Some notable wineries in attendance were Star Lane, Zaza Mesa, La Fond, La Fenetre, Paul M Young, and Santa Barbara Winery. Beer for the day was provided by Stella with drinks from Pom, Pellegrino, and Intelligentsia.
But let’s get on to the food! Favorites included Brian Moyers’ shortrib tortelli “caramelles” with sweet corn, chantrelles and summer truffle from BLT steak. The FIG dog with bacon habenero marmalade, cheesy comte fondue and, of course, fritos. Quinn Hatfield of Hatfield’s had an amazing horseradish dusted braised short rib severed on succulent smoked potatoes. Susan Feniger’s Burmese melon salad was a nice reprise from meat in the late spring heat. Mina and Fretz’s braised Piedmontese beef cheeks from XIV were sensational. Somewhat surprised, Mozza brought a dessert, but this was the best panna cotta you’ve ever had. Grace/BLD’s grilled pork sliders were MIA by 3pm, and they had sadly already closed up shop.
KCRW’s Dan Wilcox provided the music for the afternoon, along with a cooking demo my Chef Michael Voltaggio, with his brand new TOTNLA tattoo. Both a silent and live auction took place, with items like hotel rooms, wine packages, private fitness training and a private party with the Ludo fried chicken truck bringing in even more money for Share our Strength. It’s a wonderful event, and I recommend checking it out. It’s one of the better planned food events I’ve attended. Full flickr photoset here. Here’s a small sampling of all that was tried. There were a few that we missed, but we just couldn’t sample any more.
Our first bite of the day is a huge FIG dog. Topped with bacon habanero marmalade, cheesy comte fondue and last but not least, fritos.
Braised artichoke with buretta cheese and jamon Iberico from Joe Miller. (Joe's/Bar Pintxo)
There has to be at least one miso black cod at every food event, Nobu brought his.
One of the better burger joints in LA, 25 Degrees' slider with bacon. Love that charred bun.
The ubiquitous chef with tattooed arms. Eva's charred beef with a grated radish. The beef was tasty, but the radish was funky and over powered the meat.
Gelato from Joel Gutman and Gail Silverton was the perfect Intermezzo.
Simple, elegent, and delicious. Rivera's tortillas flor de calabaza with indian butter.
The brasied beef cheek from XIV was flawless, cooked perfectly, amazing flavor. Really makes me want to finally check out XIV.
These 'caramelles' from BLT Steak were spectacular. Add that to the list to check out.
Michaelk Fiorelli of Mar'sel prepared a great bbq beef bahn mi with house pickled veggies and a chili aioli. Served alongside a California avocado salad.
One of the favorites from the day, Hatfield's short rib on smoked potatoes. I want more of this.
The panna cotta from Mozza melted in your mouth. This isn't the kind of dessert you want to share.
The BBQ pork buns with Wisconsin pleasant ridge cheese from Ford's Filling Station.
Chef Ben Ford's lamb sliders inspired me to make my own. The perfect summer dish.
People enjoy the food and music while they rest in the shade.
Upcoming events include Napa, Miami, Philly, Portland, and more. Check out a full list here. If you’d like to carry on the cause all year, contact any one of these fine organizations below to find out how you can help!
California Associate of Food Banks
California Food Policy Advocates
Center for Community & Family Services
Los Angeles Coalition to End Hunger and Homlessness
Los Angeles Regional Food Back
St Joseph Center
15. June 2010 at 11:14 am
i agree, this was definitely a very well-run event and the food was top notch. Loved XIVs beef cheeks, Bottega Louie’s foie, BLT’s tortelli and NVG’s corn agnolotti.