Being a food writer(ish) comes with its privileges. My darling, thoughtful, and generous friend, Dez, got me a pass for Taste of the Nation in Boston a couple of weeks ago. The irony of this event is that attendees glut themselves to an extreme rarely seen outside of a Roman vomitorium in an effort to bring awareness to and alleviate childhood hunger.

Irony (and attending guilt) aside, it was a flawlessly executed event, with over 100 Boston restaurants, wineries, and food purveyors offering their fare for attendees to nibble (read: gorge) on. And, the best part is the proceeds go to Share Our Strength and combat childhood hunger.

Now, before you start to do the math in your head… non-profit + charitable event + restaurant sponsors = bland fare that tastes like leftovers, just know that every restaurant we sampled pulled out all the stops. There was an 8 foot long oyster bar from Neptune’s, choice Rosemary pate from EVOO, a mesmerizing deconstructed tiramisu from L’Espalier, and, our unanimous favorite, Truffle soup with potato foam and bee pollen from Gargoyle’s on the Square. I haven’t eaten so well since… well, probably Iceland, but this had the notable advantage of being state-side and working for the benefit of hungry children.

Neptune's Oyster Bar... PURRRRR

Just as an FYI, Taste of the Nation is not limited to Boston and holds events all over the country. Check out their schedule here to see when they’re coming to your area.

Below are a few choice photos from the event….

Smoked gouda empanada covered in Mexican chocolate sauce from Masa in the South End.

Fat, juicy, salty, and briny... just the way I like them.

Rosemary pate from EVOO, topped with Concord Grape jelly and a pickle.

Homemade sausages and pates from Sel de la Terre, my new favorite restaurant in Boston.

Our unanimous favorite - truffle soup with potato foam and bee pollen from Gargoyle's On the Square

 And for dessert…. 

Tons of cannolis….

Cupcakes….

And a deconstructed tiramisu from L’Espalier…

I can’t wait to go back next year!