TASTE OF THE NATION, Los Angeles 6/14/2009
Kim and I were extremely fortunately to be involved with a great cause this past weekend, Share our Strength’s Taste of the Nation, Los Angeles 6/14/09. Dedicated to end childhood hunger in America, Share our Strength holds culinary benefits across the nation to raise funds for their mission. It was an unbelievable turnout and the food was amazing. It was like having an unlimited 50+ course tasting menu from some of the best restaurants of Los Angeles and all for a great cause.
There were so many great bites we couldn’t possibly post them all, but these are just some of our favorites.

The Bazaar’s spherical olives, making nitro margaritas, liquid mozzarella pippette.
Jose Andres The Bazaar was definitely the most “happening” booth with 4 different items and overall our favorite. Our first time experiencing molecular gastronomy, we came away impressed with how flavors can be manipulated in such creative ways. Spherical olives exploded in your mouth literally and figuratively. The liquid nitrogen margarita with foam salt was so smooth and almost sorbet like. The cured ham, jamon iberico, while not molecular at all was a great showcase and very flavorful. Finally, a burst of tomato and basil followed by a jet of smooth liquid mozzarella… so fun to eat!

Venice Beach Wine’s fried goat cheese stuffed apricots and walnuts, Katsuya’s tuna foie gras, Rivera’s flower encrusted tortillas, Michael Mina’s XIV sweet corn soup.

Michael Mina, John Shook of Animal, Walter Manzke of Church & State, Suzanne Tracht of Jar.