Taste of the Nation heads to Miami

 It was the big follow-up to the Ft. Lauderdale Taste of the Nations presented by Share Our Strength. SOS is a national organization that works hard to make sure no kid in America grows up hungry. Taste of the Nation is a spectacular dinner/auction that takes place in different locations all over the country, bringing together local and big name Chefs for a great cause. The Miami TOTN was held at the beautiful Fairmont Hotel in North Miami Beach. My dad and I ate our way through the event (no joke), samples of truffle macaroni and cheese with pulled pork was provided by the chefs at Preston’s. Wild Alaskan Halibut Ceviche with Aji Amarillo, lime and cilantro (featured by Bourbon Steak) was another of our favorites of the night. The most interesting dish came from “The Restaurant” (that’s the name of the restaurant). They served a Mango Infused Ravioli. I got a chance to speak to the pastry chef, Noah French (great last name for pastry chef). He said it’s a form of molecular gastronomy, as these little gelatin balls are injected with mango and then put in to a chemical bath which helps retain its shape. As soon as the “ravioli” hits your mouth it bursts open with an explosion of mango flavor!

Mango Infused Ravioli challenged the senses

We also saw some familiar faces such as the talented Chef Doug Rodriguez  of  D. Rodriguez Cuba who served amazing pork sliders.

 Jeremy and Chef Rodriguez of D. Rodriguez Cuba

James Beard award winning Chef Allen Susser was there too, as he was the Chef Chairman of the event. His two restaurants, the new Taste (Gastropub) and the world famous Chef Allen’s were represented.

Jeremy and event Chef Chairperson, Chef Allen Susser

The Meat Market (where we shot our first Cookisode) also had a booth, they served a Braised Lamb stuffed inside a Sweet Phylo Dough (very Mediterranean), which was absolutely delicious.

Meat Market's Braised Lamb stuffed inside a Sweet Phylo Dough

We ate some incredible desserts like layered mousse made by the Fairmont pastry chef’s to fruit tarts by Whole Food’s. One dish that stood out was lobster PB&J. You read right, delicious lobster meat placed between a PB&J sandwich on toasted bread, very creative, but not my thing! The night continued with an auction hosted by Chef and TV personality Ralph Pagano.

Chef Ralph Pagano and Jeremy

I’ll take this opportunity to tell you what an awesome guy he is and that on September 13th, Chef Pagano and I will be judging the American Pizza Championship for the United States Pizza Team in Orlando, FL. (more on that later)! Again this was a fantastic night filled with great food and talented chefs all for a very important cause. I wish to thank event coordinator Sari Vatski for inviting JeremyCooks to attend Taste of the Nations.

 Jeremy and Taste of the Nation coordinator Sari Vatske

Now I ask all of you who are reading to roll up your sleeves and cook up your own way to help end childhood hunger. ......Keep on Cooking!