Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation Los Angeles

This year, more than any other year I've taught in South Los Angeles, I've never had so many students come to school hungry. My 2nd grade students were coming in cranky and tired and I had no idea why until I asked them. One of my girls broke down crying saying all she had for dinner were potato chips. It hit me and it hit me hard this year, there are way too many kids growing up hungry. 85% of our student population is on reduced/free lunches here at my school. A large percentage of those students actually rely on their two meals at school and usually go home hungry with little or nothing to eat at home. I've never told Dylan this, but I'd bring extra apples and oranges or our delicious dinner leftovers to school because I know I would have a little one run in with a hungry stomach. We've got some major battles to fight for our youth.

I love everything about Share our Strength and their commitment to ending childhood hunger. It was great seeing our community of eaters, volunteers, chefs and restaurant owners come together to support Share Our Strength at this year's Taste of the Nation Los Angeles.






Susan Feniger and Cochinita Pibil Tostaditas


Horseradish Dusted Braised Short Rib on Smoked Potatoes and Quinn Hatfield


Crème Fraîche Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote


Marcel Vigneron and Thai Shrimp Skewers with POM Spherification


Marinated Hamachi with Cucumber Vinegar, Avocado, Granny Smith Apple and Crispy Chocolate Hazelnut with Chocolate Mousse



Chilled Porcini Soup with Mirabelle Coulis, Foie Gras Chantilly/Espuma and Macedoine Salad, Uni Dressing, Maine Lobster


Albacore Onion




Shortrib Tortelli “Caramelles” with Sweet Corn, Chanterelles, Summer Truffle


Carne Deshebrada with Fresh Guacamole, Chipotle Sauce and Mole Poblano Con Pollo


Cochinita Pibil


Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho


Grilled Pork Sliders,Onion Bacon Jam, Violet Mustard


Charred Beef with Grated Radish


Duck and Fennel Sausage with Grape Apple Slaw


Braised Octopus


Braised and Grilled Piedmontese Beef Cheeks with Lime Hoisin Glaze, Summer Corn Foam, Micro Cilantro


Leffe Blonde


St. Germain Champagne Cocktail


Devon Espinosa


Michael Voltaggio

Giving back never tasted and felt so good. See everyone next year!