Apparently, one out of every six kids in SoFla goes without proper nutrition. This is wrong - especially since the other five kids are fat - which is why you should pony up the $100 to $250 it takes to attend this year's Taste of the Nation. TotN is an opportunity to gourmandize like only an economically secure and extremely hungry American can, feasting on choice tidbits from 3030 Ocean, Blue Moon, Casa d'Angelo, Chima, Chops, Johnny V, and dozens of others - as well as a wide selection of fine wines and boozy concoctions from master mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim. All proceeds go to reputable local and national charities (Daily Bread Food Bank, Million Meals Committee, Florence Fuller Child Development Center), so you can dine with the knowledge that you're doing something nice for the kids. Along with the food comes a silent auction, in which all comers are invited to bid on such strange and wonderful items as eyelashes from Bubbles & Beauties, fabulous dinners, gift baskets, and a tour of the Jack Daniels distillery.

Taste of The Nation takes place at the Broward Convention Center, at 1950 Eisenhower Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale, and runs from 6 to 10 p.m. For more info, visit strengthsouthflorida.org.
Thu., June 25, 6 p.m., 2009