Atlanta's Taste of the Nation

More than 50 top chefs from the Atlanta area will participate in Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation Atlanta, locally presented by Pulte Homes, on Wednesday, May 6, at the Georgia Aquarium. Celebrating its 21st anniversary, Taste of the Nation is applauded as the first-ever culinary benefit in the nation and a model for successful fundraisers throughout the country. One of many Taste of the Nation events held across the nation, the Atlanta event has raised more than $6 million since its inception and furthers Share Our Strength's dedication to ending childhood hunger in America.

This gourmet food and wine event will feature specialty food samplings, live, silent and beverage auctions, wine tastings and live entertainment.

Pano Karatassos, founder of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, started Atlanta's Taste of the Nation event in 1988 and has chaired the event each year since. He will also be joined this year by George McKerrow, President/CEO of Ted's Montana Grill, Laurent Tourondel, executive chef and partner of BLT Restaurants, will serve as honorary chef. Music icon Kenny Rogers and his wife Wanda will serve as honorary chairpersons.

In addition to sampling elegant food and wine, guests also will enjoy live entertainment. A live auction will feature a variety of items, including chef dinners, a pig roast for 50 people and a trip to South Beach in Miami including a hotel stay at The Mandarin Hotel in Miami Beach and dinner for two to Asia De Cuba and dinner for two at The Blue Door at The Delano Hotel. Sponsored by Bloomingdale's, the silent auction will feature unique wines, spa packages and other luxurious items.

Taste of the Nation is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network, Brown-Forman and S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. Taste of the Nation Atlanta is locally presented by Pulte Homes. One hundred percent of ticket sales help ensure no kid in America grows up hungry.

Tickets for Taste of the Nation Atlanta cost $250 per person for General Admission and $350 per person for VIP Admission. A VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m. with general admission to the event beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.atlantataste.org or by calling 770.436.5151.