TASTE OF THE NATION, Los Angeles 6/14/2009

Nobu's black cod with butter lettuce, Katsuya's tuna churasi, the Bazaar's Jamon Iberico

Kim and I were extremely fortunately to be involved with a great cause this past weekend, Share our Strength's Taste of the Nation, Los Angeles 6/14/09. Dedicated to end childhood hunger in America, Share our Strength holds culinary benefits across the nation to raise funds for their mission. It was an unbelievable turnout and the food was amazing. It was like having an unlimited 50+ course tasting menu from some of the best restaurants of Los Angeles and all for a great cause.

There were so many great bites we couldn't possibly post them all, but these are just some of our favorites.

The Bazaar's spherical olives, making nitro margaritas, liquid mozzarella pippette.

Jose Andres The Bazaar was definitely the most "happening" booth with 4 different items and overall our favorite. Our first time experiencing molecular gastronomy, we came away impressed with how flavors can be manipulated in such creative ways. Spherical olives exploded in your mouth literally and figuratively. The liquid nitrogen margarita with foam salt was so smooth and almost sorbet like. The cured ham, jamon iberico, while not molecular at all was a great showcase and very flavorful. Finally, a burst of tomato and basil followed by a jet of smooth liquid mozzarella... so fun to eat!

Venice Beach Wine's fried goat cheese stuffed apricots and walnuts, Katsuya's tuna foie gras, Rivera's flower encrusted tortillas, Michael Mina's XIV sweet corn soup.

Best food on a stick was Venice Beach Wine's goat cheese stuffed apricots and walnuts--deep fried. Definitely one of the more unique renditions of a classic cheese appetizer. Hot soup on a hot day? Mina's XIV sweet corn soup was really delicious and a surprise crisp pork belly was at the bottom of each shot. Many taco dishes were served but John Sedlar's Rivera flower encrusted tortilla with shrimp and salsa was most unique.

Michael Mina, John Shook of Animal, Walter Manzke of Church & State, Suzanne Tracht of Jar.

Michael Mina made a fabulous lobster potpie demonstration and so many of the chefs where there to mingle and answer questions.

Thank you to all the chef's and organizers that helped to make Share of Strength's quest to end childhood hunger in America a bit closer to reality. Find out where the next Taste of the Nation will be and get involved with this great cause.

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