Taste of the Nation 2015: A Great Success


Orlando's Taste of the Nation® for No Kid Hungry celebrated its 26th year by raising $277,160 to support the childhood feeding programs of Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, statewide organization Florida Impact and national beneficiary Share Our Strength.

The 26th annual Orlando's Taste of the Nation® (Info) was Saturday, August 8, 2015 6:45 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Orlando World Center Marriott (8701 World Center Dr., Orlando).

44 restaurants showcased tasting portions of signature dishes, accompanied by fine wines, craft beers and specialty cocktails.

ALL OUR TASTE OF THE NATION PHOTOS:
  1. Taste of the Nation 2015: Lineage Coffee featured by Highball and Harvest
  2. Taste of the Nation 2015: 9 Treats
  3. Taste of the Nation 2015: 7 Treats
  4. Taste of the Nation 2015: 23 Chefs and ServersFull disclosure: The Daily City was given two free tickets to this event. 
Forty-three of the area’s most distinguished chefs along with two dozen craft brewers, wine purveyors and spirit vendors came together at the Orlando World Center Marriott on Aug. 8 to tantalize more than 2,700 guests with sips and samples to help ensure no child grows up hungry in our city and across America.

Guest enjoyed live music provided by DJ Jeff Townsend and an exciting silent auction featuring signed memorabilia, stays at upscale hotels, dining experiences, rounds of golf on area courses, and exotic adventures and getaways.

The event’s popular Instant Wine Cellar game awarded more than 200 bottles of wine valued at more than $3,100 to the person who purchased the winning key that opened the locked wine door.

The Giving Tree, a pick-your-prize restaurant gift card raffle, rewarded dozens of participants with a taste of Orlando’s most popular restaurants. Each participant walked away with a restaurant gift card ranging from $50 to $250 in value.

“Our event represents an annual celebration of our community’s culinary excellence and, more importantly, a significant opportunity to change lives,” said Michele Byington, co-chair for Orlando’s Taste of the Nation. “We are so appreciative and thankful to the chefs, sponsors, volunteers and guests who support this alliance focused on increasing awareness, raising funds, and providing access to programs that are helping end childhood hunger in our community and throughout our country.”

The funds generated by Orlando’s Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry this year will help Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida provide shelter and services to more than 150 children and their families each night and serve more than 250,000 nutritious meals in the coming year.

“Coalition for the Homeless is extremely grateful for the dedicated committee, chefs and donors, and all who came together again this year at Taste of the Nation to help our neighbors in need,” said Brent A. Trotter, President/CEO of Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.