bI’my:Mary Jo Shore

Taste of the Nation

The Fairmont Turnberry Isle resort was filled with the aromas and sounds of searing, sizzling, sautéing and grilling last Thursday as 40 of the hottest chefs from top Miami restaurants showcased popular menu samplings for the 24th annual Taste of the Nation, South Florida’s premier culinary benefit Share Our Strength, which seeks to end childhood hunger.

Over 500 supporters crowded the resort, breaking promises to personal trainers, cardiologists, nutritionists and then some, to delight in dishes such as steak and truffle mash from Gotham Steak, pork belly topped with chicharrón (hmmmm, a chicharron WITH a chicharron) from Bourbon Steak, Trio on the Bay’s delicious shrimp cake, shrimp & grits from The Forge, lobster tacos from Joe’s Stone Crab, pate from DB Bistro, Carpaccio from Steak 954, and a memorable popcorn milkshake by the Tudor House at the Dream Hotel (which will have its grand opening this Saturday).

The special evening – themed “Don’t Ignore the Signs” after Share Our Strength’s national campaign – was emceed by Celebrity Chef Ralph Pagano, and Emmy Award-winning TV anchors Laurie Jennings and Calvin Hughes of WPLG Miami, who alongside longtime event chair Allen Susser of Burger Bar by Chef Allen, and  Andre Bienvenu of Joe’s Stone Crab, donated their time with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger.

In a heated Creekstone Farms-presented cooking competition, Chef Philip Brock of Cascata Grille at Fairmont Turnberry Isle won the faceoff against Paula DaSilva of 1500° with a rolled herbed and soy flank steak served over tomato and roasted corn.  The event raised an unprecedented $80,000 for Share our Strength.