Taste! Central Florida 2017 to Offer Local Tastes to Benefit Local Community on August 19th at the Orlando World Center Marriott

Hi everyone!

Taste! Central Florida will be held at the Orlando World Center Marriott on Saturday, August 19th, 2017 from 6:45 p.m.-10:00 p.m. This yearly event was formerly called Taste of the Nation, but it is back with a new name AND a new local focus with all proceeds going to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. 40+ restaurants and 20+ beverage vendors will be participating in the event, not only from Walt Disney World property (including STK, Raglan Road, Paddlefish and Satu’li Canteen), Universal Studios and SeaWorld, but many other local restaurants and beverage companies. I am delighted to be an ambassador for the event this year. Taste! Central Florida tickets cost $150.00 and allow for an evening of tasting portions along with fine wines, craft beers and cocktails. Check out also the Golden Ticket Game in case you plan to dine at any of the restaurants on the list. You may win two tickets to the event!

Taste! Central Florida will be one of the biggest fundraisers this year for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. 498,000 individuals turn to Second Harvest’s food pantries and meal service programs to feed themselves and their family each year, so the hundreds of volunteers and generosity of the Orlando World Center Marriott (donating space) and chefs, restaurants, everyone donating resources and time – it’s just really about the community coming together to help kids and families in Central Florida through the next year.

Photo credit: Rachel V Photography

For the ticket price, guests receive over 3 hours of food and beverages. Restaurants that I haven’t mentioned above include 4 Rivers Smokehouse and The Coop; the new Ace Cafe Orlando; Yak & Yeti at Walt Disney World; Plancha at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando and Seasons 52. It’s a who’s who of some of the finest restaurants in the community, and you can see the full list here. Participating beverage companies are also listed there, and include Crooked Can Brewing Company, Orlando Brewing and Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. There is also a silent auction, Giving Tree Raffle and Instant Wine Cellar game. More information on those can be found here.

Paddlefish sample at media event

Photo Credit: Rachel V. Photography

If you are a foodie and either live in Central Florida or plan to be here on August 19th, you will be able to try so many of the best restaurants that Central Florida has to offer and help benefit the community at the same time at Taste! Central Florida. Information not only tickets, but on all the restaurants, beverage companies, beneficiaries and more can be found there.

We talk about Taste! Central Florida on our Mousesteps Weekly YouTube Show #236, it starts at 6:19 and is a couple of minutes long.

113 million more meals a year are needed to fill the hunger gap in our community.