Event Details
Join Chef Co-Chairs Jacques Pepin and Pedro Garzon at the 20th annual Taste of the Nation New Haven.
The Grand Ballroom of the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale will be transformed into a colorful tropical paradise, filled with food and wine from around the world, on April 23rd as Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation New Haven opens it doors at 5:30 p.m.
Sponsored nationally by American Express, Sysco, Food Network and S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water, restaurants from greater New Haven and Fairfield counties have been invited to spotlight their specialties, while local winemakers and beverage connoisseurs will pour their finest libations.
“We’re really trying to create a cool, chic, interactive atmosphere,” said co-chair for the third year, Kathy O’Boyle, “Sally Scott and her team of talented interior designers have plans for an outrageous VIP area and our silent auction is taking great shape. So many local vendors and volunteers working hard to bring this all to fruition.”
For the first time in its 20 year history, the event has partnered with the New Haven Public Schools Food Service and Yale Dining Services as a way to work together to end childhood hunger on the local level. Timothy Cipriano, Executive Director for the schools and known as the “Local Food Dude” explains why, “This is my first year involved with this event and my reason is that the money raised goes towards ending childhood hunger in Connecticut. As a “Lunch Lady”, my passion is feeding children and offering them access to delicious healthy meals with a local flavor. It seemed like a no brainer… a way for me to continue to get my message out and to make a difference in my own community.”
One of the evening’s most anticipated guests is Master Chef and shoreline resident, Jacques Pepin. Known worldwide, Monsieur Pepin is not only the Honorary Chef Chair for the evening, but he will also attend, participate in a Champagne Reception for VIP ticket holders, along with an autograph session for the general public who purchase his new book, More Fast Food My Way, at the event. All proceeds from the sale of these books will go directly to Taste of the Nation New Haven, and benefit local charities including Connecticut Food Bank, Christian Community Action and End Hunger Connecticut!
Purchase tickets online at www.strength.org.
Date:
Thursday, April 23, 2009
5:30-8:00 PM
Tickets:
General Admission $75
VIP $125 includes private bartender, reserved seating and more!
Location:
Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale
155 Temple Street
New Haven, CT, 06510
Parking:
The New Haven Parking Authority is offering a reduced rate of $3 to park in the Temple Street Garage from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the Taste of the Nation New Haven event. Vouchers will be available at the registration tables inside the Omni Hotel.
