Taste of the Nation Los Angeles: What a Way to End Childhood Hunger!

After months of planning, attending meetings, brainstorming ideas on different ways to market this great event, the day we have all been waiting for has finally come!

It was a beautiful day in Culver City, perfect day for our event. When I arrived to Media Park, there was already a line formed waiting to get in. After I got my exclusive committee member badge (haha), I headed over to the AMEX VIP tent to meet the other committee members that I would be working with. It was great to see the new layout in place, which I personally think is a lot better than last year's. This year I was assigned to taking care of the AMEX VIP which, unfortunately, had me outside of the event most of the time. But, it was still great to do my part to take care of the VIPs and pitch in wherever I could. We all took breaks so that all of us got a chance to briefly go inside and enjoy the amazing food.

View from VIP tent before doors opened

Since I was never inside for too long, I literally took pictures and ate. I never ate so fast in my life! I ate so fast that I almost threw up. But, I held it down like a champ (that's what she said? - haha). Since I was too busy stuffing my face with these heavenly morsels, which then put me in a euphoric yet slightly nauseated state, I did not have the time or mental capacity to write down or memorize the dishes that I so ravenously consumed. So, with that said, let's play the "Name That Dish" game! I do know a few of the dishes below (olive oil cake, banh mi, miso marinated black cod, etc.), but I don't know all the compoments in the dish. If anyone can tell me what the dishes are, I'd be ever so grateful!

AOC/Lucques/Tavern

Hatfield's

Mar'Sel

Simon L.A.

BLD

M Cafe

Nobu L.A.

XIV by Michael Mina

St. Germaine

Border Grill/Ciudad

Inside the VIP Tent: The Bazaar by Jose Andres

Media Park was packed with people but comfortable enough for those who wanted a break from roaming from one booth to another to sit down and relax on the grass. It was great to see friends, fellow food bloggers and colleagues support this wonderful cause by attending this great event. Time flew by for me and I wish the event lasted a bit longer, but everyone seemed to have a great time.

Left to Right: Chef Tony Esnault (Patina), Chef Michael Voltaggio (Dining Room at the Langham Pasadena), Chef Marcel Vigneron (Bar 210), Chef Ludo Lefebvre (Ludobites), Chef Kerry Simon (Simon L.A.)

The party continued at the chef's after party at the Culver Hotel. Dan Wilcox graciously came over from the main event to continue to DJ for us and played some great music which definitely got the crowd going. The friendly and accomodating staff members of the Culver Hotel were passing out appetizers for everyone to enjoy. And whlie enjoying the bite-size snacks, everyone was celebrating the end to a successful event by making use of the open bar. Everyone from the chefs to the committee members to the AMEX VIPs seemed like they were having a blast. Although I am a bit sad that the event is over, I can truly say that I learned a great deal from my fellow committee members and cannot wait to do it again. I enjoyed every moment of it, even the stressful times were well worth it. We kept our eye on the goal and never forgot the real reason for doing all of this - the KIDS! I can't wait to get started for 2011 TOTNLA!