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The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, Citizen Kane. Cinematic masterpieces that changed the game.
The location? Culver City—which has a lot more to offer than an easy set. A hotbed of culinary creativity nestled within the sprawling gastronomic landscape of Los Angeles, the annual gathering known as Taste of the Nation unfurled its culinary canvas, inviting passionate foodies to partake in a soirée of delectable delights all in the name of No Kid Hungry, a charitable organization steadfast in its mission to vanquish child hunger.
Sponsored by Citi Bank, Sysco, and the venerable Food Network, the event gathered a constellation of culinary stars into one intimate mini festival. Renowned establishments, like Angelini Osteria + Alimentari, B Sweet, Beachside Restaurant & Bar, CAMPHOR, Death & Co., Dog Haus, Durango Cantina, Girl and the Goat, Guerrilla Tacos, Jitlada, Kali, Kinn, Maple Block Meat Co., Milk Jar Cookies, Ms. Chi Cafe, Ospi, Playa Provisions, Pop's Bagels, Poppy + Rose, Qusqo, Ronan, Salt Restaurant and Bar, Santuari, SOCALO, Sugar Palm, The Attic, and Theía, each crafted a culinary opus that danced across the palates of eager attendees.
The presence of culinary maestros elevated the event to an unparalleled crescendo. Shirley Chung, the dauntless chef who took on "Tournament of Champions," unleashed her visionary fusion cuisine, weaving threads of tradition and innovation into a tapestry of tantalizing flavors. Adam Gertler, a charismatic contender from "Next Food Network Star," bestowed upon guests his gourmet hot dogs that redefined the boundaries of comfort food. And Stephanie Izzard, the culinary enchantress who fearlessly donned the mantle of "Iron Chef," transformed her culinary prowess into masterpieces that defied convention and beguiled even the most discerning palates.
Among the cornucopia of flavors that inundated the senses, a few stood out as personal favorites, etching indelible memories in the annals of my stomach. B Sweet's dairy-free Thai tea, a divine elixir that transported taste buds to the bustling streets of Bangkok, captured the essence of this cherished beverage with such fidelity that one could almost feel the balmy tropical breeze. Poppy + Rose's ethereal rendition of chicken and waffles emerged as a harmonious symphony of crispy, succulent poultry atop a pedestal of fluffy, butter-kissed waffles. The convergence of flavors in each morsel was nothing short of a revelation.
Theía, wowed attendees with the mythical creation of spanakopita—a gift from the gods if you will. Each bite of the flaky pastry revealed an ethereal filling of spinach and feta, whisking the senses away to sun-drenched Mediterranean shores. Meanwhile, Jason Francisco's Sugar Palm booth emerged as a sanctuary for the hungriest of hedonists. A four-course odyssey unfolded as Chef Francisco embarked attendees on a flavor journey, starting with some divinely rich bone marrow soup, then fig and goat cheese on a pita cloud, continuing with ambrosial nectar of sangria, and a triumphant finale of grilled octopus that seemed to capture the very essence of the sea.
One dish, shrouded in a veil of mystery with its elusive name (seriously, I can’t find this on their menu), captivated the senses and defied linguistic capture. Jitlada's enigmatic pink noodles, their vibrant hues and intoxicating aromas left an indelible mark on the mind, forever imprinted as a testament to the brilliance of Jazz Singsanong. Each strand of these bewitching noodles whispered tales of spice and Thai tradition, an ephemeral masterpiece that captivated all who dared to indulge.
In the midst of this unparalleled culinary spectacle, CoolHaus rocked the rainbow, celebrating Pride Month with their colorful ice cream sammies. Their ice cream was creamy, and the cookies didn’t chip my tooth in the process.
And how could I leave out Ms. Chi's mochi donuts? Like an ex you can’t quite forget, her black sesame sugar and peach glaze donuts were a whimsical creation that blurred the boundaries between cultures and tickled the senses with its pillowy-soft texture and playful flavors. This fusion of Japanese tradition and American ingenuity embodied the spirit of culinary exploration.
As the curtain descended on this grand spectacle, the true impact of Taste of the Nation reverberated through the halls of consciousness. Beyond the symphony of flavors, each dollar raised resonated as a symphony of hope for the future. Culver City's Taste of the Nation had not only titillated the senses but had also sown the seeds of change, nurturing a better tomorrow for our children.
It was an ode to the rich tapestry of flavors that define Los Angeles, a testament to the resilience and artistry of its culinary artisans. Taste of the Nation had unveiled the true essence of the city's diverse culinary scene, inviting all to embark on a never-ending quest for food that excites.
And a friendly reminder to thank your sanitation crew along with your chefs. They keep the place running.
To learn more about No Kid Hungry, visit the attached link.
P.S — This writer is only 16 and was NOT able to review any alcohol at the venue. Bummer.
Photo Credit: Katareena Roska. Shot on Fujifilm XT-200.
