You can read about the past two years HERE and HERE. I pulled up some pictures from those past years too, as well as the 2011 event, which was pre-blog.
2011 Taste of the Nation Hotlist:
2012 Taste of the Nation Hotlist:
2013 Taste of the Nation Hotlist:
...and then the 2014 Taste of the Nation HotList!
I wore an old dress that I bought for my younger sister's wedding rehearsal dinner in 2011. An oldie, but I think it still works..here's a picture from that event back in 2011.
The event started at 7 pm, and featured small bites from many different restaurants (including restaurants that haven't even opened yet!)
Here's more information from the event website:
Honorary Chef Chair Tim McKee invites you to the Guthrie Theater on June 23 to sample the Twin Cities' hottest food and drink trends at Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation Minneapolis HOTlist. Chefs will offer portions of their very best dishes for you to sample, and bartenders will shake up unique cocktails and pour fine wine and beer for your enjoyment. Whose cuisine will reign supreme? Cast your vote for your favorite dish of the night to decide.
We're thrilled to feature an incredible lineup of local restaurants committed to Share Our Strength's vision of ending childhood hunger. HOTlist 2014 will again feature a silent auction filled with delightful packages and unique experiences. You can also enjoy great music, dancing, and scenic views of the Mississippi river.
Your ticket includes all food, a full beverage program featuring beer, wine, cocktails & non-alcoholic beverages, and great entertainment. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on unique and one-of-a-kind items in the evening's silent auction and more.
We had a great evening hanging out with the few friends that also attended this year (such as the below couple!)
We enjoyed tasting all the awesome dishes...
...and we imbibed in a few cocktails from local mixologists as well.
Eventually, we found ourselves reviewing all the silent auction items. If you recall, last year, I won the wardrobe consultation with A la Mode Wardrobe Consulting, which I absolutely loved (read more about it HERE and HERE) so I was hoping to have good luck again this time around.
Luck was on our side.
We did end up winning some really great items, such as an immersion blender! Yay!
It was a nice event, and I am sure we will go back next year. It is fun and for a good cause. And I always love the view from the Guthrie!
However, I do have one small complaint. A lot of the restaurants were running out of food by 8:15! The event was supposed to go from 7-10. We arrived at 7:15, and didn't even get to try all the restaurants because they were out of food by the time we made our way around. I hope that next year they plan a little better for the crowds!
