Save the Date: Taste of the Nation Returns May 22

Let's get serious for a second. As much fun as it is to write about fun recipe experiments, fun meals with friends and newfound favorite restaurants, the sobering fact is that there are millions of people out there who are starving, especially children. Childhood hunger is an epidemic; I believe it's a cause we -- especially foodies and food bloggers -- need to support.

So mark your calendars for May 22, when Taste of the Nation comes to the Montage Laguna Beach. A bit of TOTN background: Each spring and summer, the nation's hottest chefs and mixologists donate their time, talent and passion at nearly 40 events across the United States and Canada, with one goal in mind: to raise the critical funds needed to end childhood hunger. Since 1988, Taste of the Nation events has raised more than $73 million, and this year's event is no exception: 100% of proceeds of The Montage Laguna's TOTN event go to Share Our Strength's "No Kid Hungry" campaign.

The Montage Laguna Beach

Photo Credit: Montage Laguna Beach

What can you expect at the event? Seven celebrity chefs will be preparing fresh farm-to-table delicacies to further Share Our Strength’s dream of ending childhood hunger by 2015. Each chef will be paired with local farms and wineries to showcase the ultimate Orange County farm-to-table experience. The A-list group of chefs includes:

• Chef Scott Conant: Scarpetta Beverly Hills & Food Network judge and host
• Chef Richard Ruskell: Executive Pastry Chef at Montage Beverly Hills, Food Network “Challenge” winner and star of upcoming Food Network “Last Cake Standing”
• Chef Mark Peel: Campanile, Los Angeles & Food Network “Top Chef Masters”
• Chef Joachim Splichal: Patina, Los Angeles
• Chef Craig Strong: Studio, Montage Laguna Beach’s Signature Restaurant
• Chef Alex Stratta: Alex, Las Vegas
• Chef Alan Wong: Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Honolulu

You'll not only get to watch the chefs' work and taste their creations, the purchase of an upgraded package gives you the chance to mix and mingle with them after-hours. All the while you'll be sipping signature cocktails, enjoying live music and basking in the picturesque backdrop of the Pacific ocean.

Ticket packages include:
Package #1: Celebrity Chef Tasting 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $150 per person or at the door for $175 per person.

Package #2: VIP “Meet the Chefs” Reception 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Complete the night with VIP treatment and a sunset toast. Enjoy the Celebrity Chef Tasting followed by an after party to mingle with the chefs. Valet parking and post-event gifts are included. Tickets purchased in advance are $250 per person and $275 at the door.

Purchase tickets here. Can't attend? Make a donation to help strengthen Share Our Strength's efforts to end childhood hunger in America.

Taste of the Nation Laguna Beach
Montage Laguna Beach
30801 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651