Taste of the Nation June 12

According to the sponsors of Taste of the Nation, an estimated 1 in 10 children in Minnesota live in poverty, with 1 in 3 children qualifing for free or reduced price lunches. That's why Taste of the Nation hopes its HOTlist event on June 12 will help promote awareness about childhood hunger and raise critical funds for hunger relief.

Chefs from several well-known restaurants will be participating (Restaurant Max, Chambers Kitchen, Café Ena, Gardens of Salonica, Corner Table, Rinata, and Crave Restaurant) and the event will also feature a live mixology competition between Andrew Engebretsen from Bradstreet Craftshouse and Johnny Michaels from La Belle Vie. Engebretsen and Michaels will mix three drinks, the final one based on a "mystery basket" of ingredients, a la Iron Chef, where they will have to invent a cocktail on the spot. One lucky audience memeber will be asked to join the panel of judges--and it won't be you unless you attend!

The event will take place on June 12, 2009 at the Hotel Minneapolis, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. 100% of ticket proceeds ($38 General Admission and $48 VIP) go towards fighting hunger, and can be purchased by calling 1-877-26-Taste or visiting www.tasteofthenation.org/minneapolis.