Taste of the Nation Chicago 2010

This year's Taste of the Nation Chicago event will take place on August 12 at the Aragon Ballroom with the theme "street food." As if this culinary trend couldn't get any hotter. This is one of the ONLY fundraisers for which 100 percent of proceeds go towards fighting hunger in our community and in America by benefiting vital Chicago organizations like the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Illinois Hunger Coalition and Near North Health Service Corporation. In addition to sampling delectable food and drink at this year's event, attendees will also be tempted by an incredible live and silent auction.

A who's who of Chicago chefs will be on-hand to dole out dishes to attendees at the event, taking place at the Aragon Ballroom. A snippet of who you can expect in attendance: Jimmy Bannos Jr. (The Purple Pig), Randy Zweiban (Province), Graham Elliot Bowles (graham elliot and forthcoming grahamwich), Justin Large (Big Star), Bill Kim (Urban Belly and Belly Shack), Mike Sheerin (Blackbird, Food & Wine Best New Chef) and much more. Not to mention, HotChocolate's Mindy Segal is this year's Chef Chair. Also, a number of "celebrity" mixologists — like Debbi Peek, Lynn House and Bridget Albert — will be mixing up "street"-inspired cocktails.

Cost is $95 for general admission (or $120 at the door) and $125 for VIP (or $250 at the door). It takes place from 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. for general admission and 7:00 p.m. - midnight for VIP. The money that we raise is vital to our beneficiary organizations, so we hope that we can count on you to share your strength and help us with your support. For more information on Taste of the Nation Chicago: http://strength.org/chicago/

Just got home from this year's event. I apologize for the length, but I am really annoyed. After much debate, I sprung for the VIP tickets for my mother and myself. In a nutshell: not worth it at all. The regular tix were arguably worthwhile, though given the reports from the Green City Market BBQ, I think that event was still probably a better bet at the same price point. This is not to say that the charity is not worthwhile - in fact, the only thing that's keeping me from being really angry is that it was for a good cause. I don't begrudge the kids the money. However, the extra $55 a ticket for VIP is not a small investment for me, and I hoped to get at least some return out of it, but there was none (in fact, as I'll describe, it was potentially even a loss).

First, the positives (other than the fact that it was a good cause). The various cocktails were of generally very high quality. Special mention to The Drawing Room's alcoholic horchata, In Fine Spirits' gin, coconut water, and lime, and...someone's "Earthy Pisco Sour" with prickly pear, lavender, and sage. The best food I tried.... [(Note: I didn't make it to every stand.) As a side note, there was no A/C in the Aragon, which meant that most places in the space were incredibly warm. The chefs and patrons were sweating up a storm, and at one point, my mother felt she might pass out from the heat, so made a beeline to sit on the stairs. Anyway, it was seriously unappetizingly hot - I know I was very hungry, hadn't eaten very much all day, and still could only stomach a bite of most things.]

Right, the best food. Cibo Matto's octopus was excellent. I really wanted to be able to tell Dale Levitski that his octopus was better, but it just wasn't. L2O's crab "ceviche" with jalapeno-aloe ice, shiso, and yuzu was very clean-tasting and refreshing. Branch 27's shrimp escabeche with elote "salsa" and UrbanBelly's shrimp/watermelon skewer were also great. I think those were pretty much the high points. If I think of any more, I'll add them. On the dessert front, 312 Chicago's peach/sage "Italian ice" with limoncello blueberries was tops for me. There were a lot of corn pudding-type desserts - I'm not sure which was the best, but they were all pretty good.

The negatives, food-wise: Bayless' tacos had WAY too much habanero salsa and blew out my tastebuds for half an hour. Girl and the Goat's goat chilaquiles had way less delicious goat flavor than anything from Zaragoza. The various molecular-gastronomy takes on caprese salad were all less than successful. Other great restaurants put out food that was not notably bad, but also not notably good.

The really negative: the VIP charade. Right from the start, logistically, there was no good demarcation for checking people in, so people were in the wrong lines. Then, after we entered and explored a bit, we asked three different staff members where the VIP lounge was. None of them knew. Two of them said that it was upstairs, to the left of the stage, but that it wouldn't be open until after 9. When we went up to check it out, there were several other people up there, thinking that it was the VIP lounge, and wondering what the deal was with that, so we were not the only people who were confused. We didn't find out where the actual VIP lounge was until almost 10 pm, when I went searching for the restroom. At that point, they told me that it was shutting down, and everyone was to go upstairs, so I still don't know what was in there.

The "afterparty" was a joke. They brought up some of the leftover alcohol from downstairs, but there was no semblance of an actual bar with a selection of drinks available, and there was no food, other than the dregs of some desserts (the pastry section was on the balcony). The iced tea that they were serving up there (that they had been serving all night) was delicious, though. (Also, to negate the value of the "VIP" ticket even more, they were absolutely not checking wristbands at that point).

We left slightly before 11. I had seen some people with the goody bags that had been advertised, and asked them where they'd come from and went looking, but never turned them up (I had seen the "VIP bag" stash on the way in, and looked there, but then was told by some staffer - who was carrying three bags - that they'd be available for us on the way out). On the way out, we ran into another staffer who asked how things had been, and we asked about the goody bags. She told us "Oh, they're all gone. It was 'while supplies last.'" We asked, "Even the VIP ones?" (since most VIPs were still upstairs) and she said yes. That "while supplies last" nonsense was not in the original text regarding VIP tickets. So basically, we paid $55 extra for nothing at all, and perhaps for something less than what the regular ticketholders got, as they all probably received bags as they were ushered out.

Most of the problems could have been solved by better communication and organization by the staff and volunteers. It is really a good cause, so I hope they change their game plan for next year, and make the VIP ticket provide something of more value than the regular ticket.

I was there last night too. No VIP ticket thankfully (sorry Pam, that sounds awful), but if you want to know just how well the GCM bbq event is run, check out this event. I was in line at 6:50 (event runs from 7-10pm), but did not get in until 7:30 . . . 40 minutes waiting in line and 30 minutes after a short timed event had started. And there were well over 150 people behind me in line. The system was chaotic once you got to the supposed check-in point, with little distinction as far as where to go depending upon whether you had will-call, paper tickets or VIP entry. At the GCM event, once the gates opened, everyone who had been in line early was ready to roll - not so at this event. Sadly, there was no security whatsoever ensuring people had purchased tickets/wristbands and I wouldn't be shocked if people who didn't pay to attend were let in.

What could be worse? Actually Pam, there was A/C . . . otherwise it would have been well over 120 degrees in there. It just must have been set real high because everyone, especially the chefs, was sweating. It was awful - even at the GCM bbq, at least there was fresh air. My accomplishment of the night was locating a fan in the dessert lounge where I could cool off for a couple of minutes. But the above two issues will sadly ensure that I never return to this event, and that's too bad because it's a wonderful cause.

As for the food, my friend and I were in a bit of a foul mood but managed to enjoy some of the food. Hot Chocolate's house-made brats with house-made fixin's were excellent, as were Old Town Social's house-made Chicago dogs. I also liked L20, and although I loved Rick Bayless' cochinita pibil, my friend had the same complaint about the habanero salsa being too spicy and dominating.

David Burke's 40-day dry aged beef was excellent, although not as good as might be found at the restaurant, which makes sense given the surroundings and ability to prepare the food, Hub 51's tuna/rice dish was pretty damn good, and I can't remember who had the lamb meatball with pureed lentils but that was probably my favorite bite.

As for desserts, loved the hoosier cream pie shake from Hoosier Mama, the funky caramel corn from Angel Food Bakery, and the pocket cherry pie from Mado. There was a great dessert from Vie but I can't remember it well.

As for the gift bag Pam, if it's anything like what my friend and I received, I wouldn't worry. But if you're still feeling sad, let me know and you can have the star gift in the bag - the package of Bay's English Muffins. I know, it's charity . . . but don't promote the gift bag if it's worth only a buck.

BR wrote:As for the gift bag Pam, if it's anything like what my friend and I received, I wouldn't worry. But if you're still feeling sad, let me know and you can have the star gift in the bag - the package of Bay's English Muffins. I know, it's charity . . . but don't promote the gift bag if it's worth only a buck.

While I do love Bays, I'll let you keep yours this time. If that's the case regarding the bags, though, I couldn't agree with your last sentence more.

ETA: I also agree that the line was ridiculous and not well-managed - we would have been in much the same boat if we hadn't cut in front to the middle doors because that's where the VIP check-in seemed to be. Couldn't they have allowed people to print and/or pick up actual tickets in advance?

We were a first-time sponsor of last nights Taste the Nation Chicago event. While we can certainly understand some of the issues that happened last night caused some discontent we hope that everyone enjoyed the food and drinks that the chefs and restaurants provided for this wonderful cause which directly helps our local food banks and charities.

We too are disappointed that some of last nights guests didn't receive their goody bags. We spent a lot of time and effort to choose a special item to place in the goody bag for this event. If you are interested we would be happy to send one to you and anyone else who didn't receive one directly. The item is a wine "apron" that has four wine slippers that fit onto the bottom of a stemmed wine glass to keep the wine drips from staining furniture and also personalize the glasses with a small icon. It's cute, unique, functional and something we thought everyone would enjoy.

We have already discussed this error with the event coordinator and they are aware of the problem. We will also pass along your other comments so that they can learn from the issues and make next years event even better.

As a new business that takes social responsibility seriously, PoshPorts wants to support organizations with missions that we believe are important. We hope that you will continue to support Share Our Strength as they help feed the hungry in America.

all the best,
Sue Reddel

Chief Ambassador
PoshPorts, Inc.

I had a very nice time at the event last night (even as a prior engagement forced me to leave at 8 PM), but I agree with some of the sentiments regarding the food and the organization of the event.

I was early enough to get through the line quickly and as a result was able to hit most of the favorites before any lines formed and, even more importantly, before the room temperature became difficult to deal with. The set up wasn't great for getting people through the check in process. In fact, it was poor, but it can be improved for next time. I also think that there were many attendees that felt above waiting in line as I saw many trying to enter through the center doors. Even being rude to security to do so in front of people who had been waiting in line for 15-30 minutes.

The food, in my opinion, did not beat the GCM event (as an aside, are there more $100+ food events this summer?). Some favorites included Sepia's steamed bun, L20's "ceviche", Cibo Matto's octopus, Hoosier Mama's pie shake, Blackbird's corn panna cotta with blis elixer, and Lula's watermelon salad. I feel items that were cooked were at a vast disadvantage given the starting temp of the room and got worse as the night went on. Cold dishes went best. Drinks were better. Bayless's salsa also numbed my lips and mouth for the better part of a half hour. For those people who don't love spicy food, this must have killed them.

I felt really lucky to be able to attend and even luckier to get in quickly, eat what i wanted to with little hassle or wait, and get out in time (for my event, but also to not be stuck in the heat/crowd.)

Hi everyone:
As the organizer of Taste of the Nation Chicago, I wanted to offer both thanks and an explanation for the issues brought up here.

First of all - thanks to everyone who attended. We anticipate that it was our largest gathering yet in our 20 years of holding Taste of the Nation Chicago. We dropped our price point to $95 this year to ensure that that foodies of all means would be able to attend, enjoy and support the cause of ending childhood hunger. At that price point, we feel it was a great value. Not only were there 60 chefs and 25 mixologists (and in our opinion, the best gathering of both) but there was also number of amenities that we were pleased to offer to our foodie friends - among them great craft beers, wines and delicious non-alcoholic beverages.

To address the issues: First the air conditioning. Please know that the air conditioning was set to it's very highest level for two days prior ot the event. With 1000+ people inside, and a very high temperature outside, we were simply outmatched. We investigated bringing supplemental A/C into the event, but we were told time and time again by a variety
of vendors that it was not possible. I want to thank everyone for their patience with the heat.

2nd, the VIP price point. We believe that $150 for an event of this nature, plus the extra amenities we endeavored to provide, to be well worth the price point. We offer the VIP ticket to give our attendees an opportunity to support our work at a higher investment. For the VIP lounge, wayfinding signage was posted throughout and the VIP lounge was open beginning at 7pm with complimentary champagne and a wide array of cocktails, plus ample seating. I apologize that there are some on this forum that were not able to locate it because of the crowd, but rest assured it was there and that many enjoyed it. The addition of free valet parking (a $20 value) and an invitation to the chef after party rounded out the amenitites. The Chef's After Party had both a full service bar with two bartenders and two beer stations. We were pleased to have a number of chefs join us for that.

Regarding the goody bags - we had ample available, and are investigating how we were not able to meet with demand. The goody bag stations, like many other parts of the event, were managed by volunteers; this is how we keep our event costs so low so that we can hold to our promise of "100% of ticket sales support Share Our Strength's effort to end childhood hunger". Our volunteers I know did their best. I offer my sincere apologies to anyone who did not receive a bag; if you would feel a make-good is warranted, I'd be happy to speak with you at: abatcke@strength.org. In terms of the values of the bags, we are proud to say that the general admission bags we valued at over $20 and the VIP bags were valued at more than $30, which is unheard of in terms of goody bags at Chicago events, where so many are just coupons and collateral.

I want to thank everyone again for the support at the event and look forward to seeing everyone next year!

Many thanks,
Anna Batcke
Midwest Field Manager, Share Our Strength

Anna,

I appreciate you taking the time to respond, and I think Share Our Strength is a great cause, but I'm still not convinced that this event will be any more desirable in the future.

First, being in line several minutes before the event begins, and not being allowed in until 30 minutes after the event starts (about a 40 minute wait in total), is a major problem. At the Green City Market bbq, they have volunteers walking the waiting line and collecting tickets, thus ensuring that everyone gets into the event at the stated starting time. Why not have a couple of volunteers walking the waiting line with a list of will call names and collecting tickets/checking names and providing wrist bands? The waiting time would not have been such a huge issue had this not been a timed event and had some food not been left on a table sitting, waiting for attendees who could not even get into the event timely for no good reason.

Moreover, once you reached the point of entry, the situation was chaotic . . . with no recognizable lines, and people simply pushing to get in. As I mentioned above, I'm sure there were people who entered and were not checked off and I wouldn't doubt if people entered who had not paid.

As for the goody bags, I don't really care one way or the other because I didn't attend the event for that reason, but I wouldn't brag them as being worth $20 any more than I'd say the Entertainment Book is worth thousands of dollars. In my bag, I received two discount certificates to brunch at Hub 51 and Sunda, an edition of Time Out Chicago, the aforementioned wine glass base covers/wraps and a box of Bay's english muffins. Quite frankly, the coupons were probably the most valuable part of the bag. Sorry to be negative here, and I must say that I wasn't expecting anything much, but check out what the annual Food & Wine Entertaining Showcase event hands out and you'll see what I mean - it's not great, but it's far better. Now I know this event does a great job of ensuring that all proceeds go to charity, so all I'm saying is that I wouldn't promote the gift bags as a memorable add-on.

That being said, I think the event would have been a huge hit had the temperature in the room been below 100 degrees and if the entry system had been handled better.

Thanks for your reply - we'll take all of your suggestions under advisement, as we constantly in search of ways to improve the event. I regret that you had a poor experience at the door. 99% of the people at the door had pre-purchased tickets, so it was difficult to prioritize entry based on pre-purchase. We'll do everything we can to improve the experience for next year. Again, this event is volunteer-driven, so though we do our best every year, we're grateful for feedback that can improve the event for future years.

I'm sorry you received an incomplete goody bag. The VIP goody bags included:
Stella Artois glassware
Pirate's Booty cheese snacks
A Kind Bar (assorted flavors)
A bottle of Acqua Panna water
The latest issue of Time Out Chicago
A sample from Rare Tea Cellar
Gift certificates to Sunda and Hub 51
A Pom Wonderful Hot Pad and recipes
A Taste of the Nation Tote
A wine apron and wine charms from PoshPorts

All in all, the feedback on the contents from these bags has been very positive.

Again, thank you for taking the time to communicate your suggestions.

A who's who of Chicago chefs and mixologists will join some 2,000 food enthusiasts and tastemakers for an evening of dining, drinking and raising money for a cause tomorrow.

Taste of the Nation in Chicago is returning to Navy Pier for its third year, celebrating its 25th anniversary and bringing out an impressive gathering of names, including Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat; Mindy Segal of Mindy's Hot Chocolate; Sarah Gruenberg of Cafe Spiaggia; Adam Seger of Adam Seger LLC; and Charles Joly of the Aviary.

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/ ... -navy-pier

FYI - the article is from yesterday; the event is tonight.

BR wrote:FYI - the article is from yesterday; the event is tonight.

Whoops. Good catch. Thanks.