Vail chefs unite to fight hunger

Taste of the Nation is Share Our Strength's premier culinary benefit dedicated to the mission of ending childhood hunger. In 2009, more than 45 Taste of the Nation events will be held across the U.S. and Canada to raise the critical funds. This year's goal for the Vail Valley event is to raise $30,000, which will be donated to Eagle County programs that ensure our local children do not grow up hungry. The local beneficiaries are Salvation Army Vail and Colorado Anti-Hunger Network.

Paul Ferzacca and Laura Hagan coordinated the first Taste of the Nation Vail Valley last summer, in August 2008. Joining Ferzacca in this year's Taste of the Nation Vail Valley event are Armando Navarro, Larkspur Restaurant, Kelly Liken of Restaurant Kelly Liken, Kevin Nelson, Terra Bistro, and Jeremy Kittelson, Restaurant Avondale. The five chefs will treat guests to an amazing and unique five course meal (paired with wines from around the world).

The event will be held at the Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa on Thursday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person (or a table of 10 for $1,000), and 100 percent of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the cause.

In addition to the time, talent, and passion of the chefs, supporting national sponsors include: American Express, Sysco, Food Network, Brown-Forman, and S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. Local sponsors include Avon Bakery and Deli, Vail Daily, First Bank of Vail & Avon, and Alpine Bank.

“It's our professional responsibility as restaurateurs to expand out of our kitchens and into the community that serves us. It is critical to take care of our own,” Liken said.

“Larkspur and Avondale are huge proponents of Share Our Strength, taking part in the Great American Dine-Out and the Great American Bake Sale each year,” said Jeremy Kittelson. “We are excited to host the Taste of the Nation to give directly back to the Vail Valley, to the people who are the backbone of the local hospitality and tourism industry, on which we all depend.”

Poverty is complex, feeding a child is not. To purchase tickets for this event, visit TasteOfTheNation.org (click Vail) or call 877-26TASTE.

Sue Barham is the marketing director for Larkspur Restaurant and Restaurant Avondale.

Taste of the Nation
What: Share Our Strength's premier culinary benefit dedicated to the mission of ending childhood hunger

When: Thursday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.

Where: Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa.

Cost: Tickets are $125 per person (or a table of 10 for $1,000), and 100 percent of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the cause.