Taste of the Nation: This Sunday in Culver City

This Sunday from 1 - 4 pm the annual Taste of the Nation fundraiser returns to Media Park in Culver City to raise money for Share our Strength, the charity devoted to ending childhood hunger.  100% of all money raised will go to local Los Angeles food banks, which have seen increased demand during the long recession.  46 restaurants will be participating, including newcomers such as A-Frame and Lexington Social House and classics such as Michael's and Patina.

This year Taste of the Nation will also be featuring local bars, mixologists and craft brewers.  Julian Cox, who gained renown for his cocktail program at Rivera, will be showcasing some of the drinks from his most recent project Sotto.  The Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel will be featuring Plymouth Gin cocktails and this is the first year that there will be a Craft Beer Tent which will feature brews from the Bruery and Eagle Rock Brewery among others.

Among the high profile chefs participating are Michael Voltaggio, Top Chef winner and chef/owner of the forthcoming restaurant ink, and this year's Food & Wine Best New Chef Ricardo Zarate, who will be showcasing dishes from his soon to open restaurant Picca.

For the sweet tooths in the crowd, Waylynn Lucas will be representing Fōnuts, her new doughnut concept. Lucas was the pastry chef at Patina and the Bazaar as well as for the whole SLS hotel, so if her past treats are anything to go by, these will be a hot ticket.

Tickets for the event are $25 for children 12-18 years old and $100 for adults ($125 at the door).  You can purchase tickets here - just click on the large "purchase tickets" link on the Taste of the Nation blog.  VIP tickets have already sold out, so I recommend you purchase your admission tickets quickly, before the entire event is sold out.

Taste of the Nation at Culver City Media Park: 9070 Venice Blvd, Culver City
Sunday June 12th, from 1-4 pm
http://tasteofthenationla.org/blog/