Taste of the Nation-June 24

We used to eat out a lot more, but these days, if we go out it's for an early bird special to one of a handful of trusted places. One local restaurant is great...the owner (who we've known for years and loves kids) once held our son and cooed at him while we ate. Everyone left happy that day. That said, if the little guy hasn't napped or is generally cranky, all bets are off because he just won't 10 minutes in a high chair. And in a current fit of cooking, we've been eating in a lot more than usual these days...just to offset the cost of going to the farmers' market ;-)

Which brings me to this fundraising event this coming Sunday, June 24th, from 1-5 PM in Culver City that intrigues me. Taste of the Nation is an annual event to raise money to end childhood hunger in America. This is so many great things all wrapped into one...great food in small quantities (i.e., more to taste), funds go to a good cause, it's an excuse to eat outdoors, and a lot of restaurants we won't be able to go to for a few years will be there. It's not cheap, but as I said, it's a fundraiser. They say "100% of ticket sales benefits the fight to end childhood hunger." Besides, if all goes well, we'll get to try tastey bits from various restaurants (list here) which would charge nearly the same amount for just one meal. If you'd like to minimize your cost, buy tickets in advance and use the discount code KCRW for 15% off.

- VIP: $150 (in advance or at event)
VIP Package includes:
* Valet parking
* Access to HD Buttercup Luxury Lounge featuring premium food, wine and service
* VIP gift bag
* Reserved front of the stage seating for cook-off and live auction

- General Admission: $95 in advance, $105 at the event
- Children 6-15: $25
- Children under 6: Free!

15% discount code: KCRW

Locally, the money raised will be distributed to the following Los Angeles organizations in recognition of their exemplary efforts:
- The Chrysalis Center
- Los Angeles Coalition to End Hunger & Homelessness
- St. Joseph's Center
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
- California Food Policy Advocates
- The Garden School Foundation

Event Information:
Sunday, June 24 2007
Media Park
Corner of Venice Blvd. & Culver Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232