EventWatch: Star Chefs Galore at Taste of the Nation

On April 6th at her Acme Chophouse, Traci Des Jardins will host Share Our Strength's 17th annual Taste of the Nation, and the industry's heavy-hitters—and some television personalities—will be out in force. General admission tickets cost $250, but 100% of the proceeds go directly to Share Our Strength. Dinner will be prepared by Des Jardins and her merry band of Next Iron Chef contestants: Michael Symon (Cleveland's Lola/Lolita), Chris Cosentino (Incanto), and Gavin Kaysen (NYC's Café Boulud), with Elizabeth Falkner handling dessert. Also, a veritable cornucopia of chefs and sommeliers from local big names (Absinthe, Coi, A16, Spruce et al.) will put on the hors d'oeuvres reception and wine program, respectively. On the other side of the house, Tyler Florence will reclaim his mantle as Master of Ceremonies. Here's the complete run-down on the event:

DATE: Sunday, April 6, 2008
TIME: 5:30pm Hors D'oeuvres, 6:30pm Dinner
WHERE: Traci Des Jardin's Acme Chophouse
TICKETS: VIP - $300, General Admission - $250

We are very excited to announce the amazing line-up of chefs for this year's event. They include Michael Symon (Cleveland's Lola/Lolita), SF's own Traci Des Jardins (Acme Chophouse/Jardiniere/Mijita), Chris Cosentino (Incanto), and Gavin Kaysen (NYC's Café Boulud). Preparing the dessert course again this year is Elizabeth Falkner of Citizen Cake and Orson. Host Chef Thom Fox has graciously opened his Acme Chophouse kitchen again, and Tyler Florence returns as Master of Ceremonies.

Kicking off the event will be an hors d'oeuvres reception featuring an array of the Bay Area's best chefs & restaurants.
- Nate Appleman, A16/SPQR
- Stuart Brioza, Rubicon
- Paul Arenstam, Americano at the Hotel Vitale
- Jamie Lauren, Absinthe
- Michael Miller, Trevese
- Mark Sullivan, Spruce
- Jason Tallent, Globe
- Scott Youkilis, Maverick

Also, just added to this event is an unequaled wine program led by some of the country's most illustrious sommeliers:
- Eugenio Jardim (Jardiniere)
- Christie Dufault (Quince)
- Paul Einbund (Coi)
- Shelley Lindgren (A16/SPQR),
- John Mark (Citizen Cake)
- Larry Stone (Rubicon Estate)
Join the uncommon pairing of these wine superstars for an unforgettable evening of tasting (and bidding on) some of the world's most coveted vintages.

Bid on unmatched food & wine experiences in exciting silent and live auctions. Best of all, Fight Hunger in San Francisco and throughout the US with your generous contribution. 100% of your ticket purchase goes directly to Share Our Strength.