Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation^® is the nation’s premier culinary benefit, featuring top chefs and mixologists — all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America.  Taste of the Nation 2011 events are being held in 34 cities across America. This year’s Taste of the Nation Arizona charity event will be held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess on Friday May 13th, 2011.  100% of the ticket sales will benefit local charities including St Mary’s food bank and the Association of Arizona Food Banks.  Tickets are $100 for general admission and $200 for VIP, which should go a long way to raising money for the hungry in Arizona.  And believe me, there are a lot of people in need of help these days.  Arizona was one of the hardest hit states in the recent economic downturn, which would be more aptly described as a meltdown here in Arizona.

So what can guests expect?  Here is an excerpt from Taste the Nation Arizona’s website:   “The evening will begin with a cocktail competition in which 15 mixologists will square off, featuring recipes representative of various cities from throughout the nation. Guests will have an opportunity to sample these liquid creations and vote for their favorite cocktails. Guests will then enjoy a seated meal prepared tableside by some of Phoenix and Scottsdale’s most talented chefs. Each table will sample a different menu from a different restaurant. Each table of ten guests will be treated to a five course dinner with wine and specialty cocktail pairings prepared exclusively for their table by one of the featured chefs. As each chef will showcase cuisine from a different part of the country, guests will enjoy a true “Taste of the Nation.” Participating restaurants include: Brittlebush Bar & Grill, Bourbon Steak, Deseo, elements, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, La Hacienda, L’Auberge de Sedona, Province, 5th and Wine, Talavera, T. Cook’s, Smart Kitchen, Chef Aaron May, Fred’s at Barney’s and Nourish. Don’t miss the chance to bid in our exceptional silent and live auction featuring one-of-a-kind trips, wine, culinary experiences, tickets to events and cultural centers, beautiful jewelry, art, and more.”

Taste of the Nation – Arizona General Admission 5:30 – 9:30 PM – $100
Guests are invited to join Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation at 5:30PM for the cocktail party and mixology competition. Taste cocktails made from 15 local mixologists and vote for your favorite! The seated, five-course dinner, paired with fine wines and spirits, will begin at 6:30PM. All guests will receive a gift bag. Tickets will be $125 at the door.

Taste of the Nation – Arizona VIP Admission 5:00 – 9:30 PM – $200
VIP guests gain exclusive access to the cocktail party and mixology competition at 5PM, 30 minutes before General Admission guests arrive. VIPs may request to be seated at the table of restaurant of their choice, based on availability, whereas General Admission guests won’t know which cuisine they’ll enjoy until they enter the dining room on Friday evening. VIPs will also receive an extra-swanky gift bag, in recognition of their generous contribution. Ticket will be available at the door for $225.

Get your tickets HERE