Thank you for joining us for an extraordinary evening of delicious dining to benefit Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger.

The evening began with a cocktail competition in which Arizona’s hottest mixologists squared off, featuring recipes representative of various cities throughout the nation. Guests sampled these liquid creations and voted for their favorite cocktails. Guests enjoyed a seated meal prepared tableside by some of Phoenix and Scottsdale’s most talented chefs. Each table of ten guests sampled a different five-course menu from a different restaurant, as the meal was prepared tableside by one of the featured chefs, with wine and specialty cocktail pairings accompanying each course. As each chef showcased cuisine from a different part of the country, guests enjoyed a true “Taste of the Nation.” Participating restaurants included 5th and Wine, Bistro 24, Bourbon Steak, Deseo, Enchantment Resort, Graze Desert Grille at Zona Hotel & Suites Scottsdale, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar DC Ranch, the Herb Box, La Hacienda, Nourish, Province, and Sassi. Attendees participated 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.

Please contact Christine Matsuda Smith cmatsuda@strength.org or call 213-493-4550 if you are interested in sponsoring a table for 2013.

Local beneficiaries include St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance and the Association of Arizona Food Banks.

Please note: No one under the age of 21, including children in strollers accompanied by their parents, will be admitted to Taste of the Nation. Please bring valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver’s license or passport for proof of age.

VIP guests gain exclusive access to the cocktail party and mixology competition at 6:00 PM, 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.