Each year In Manchester, NH, food eateries and mixologists join together to end childhood hunger through an organization called Share Our Strength. Throughout the country, annual events called Taste of the Nation offer patrons the opportunity to enjoy food, beverages and good company while contributing to a great cause, and we are lucky enough to have an event like this hosted right here in Manchester, NH.

The Taste of the Nation event offers over 50 chefs from local restaurants as well as 30 vintners, spirits and beer purveyors. Once you are checked into this all-inclusive event, you and yours can taste your way through all of the available cuisines, choosing to taste any or all of the available and tasty offerings. My favorites last year were The Common Man, the Bedford Village Inn, Firefly American Bistro and Bar, Jacques Fine European Pastries, Shorty’s Mexican Roadhouse, and Mint Bistro. And Martignetti Companies provided the featured wines and spirits from around the country. Beyond trying cuisine from local restaurants you’ve been meaning to try, this is also the perfect opportunity to try a new wine or a new vineyard.

The Taste of the Nation is one of my favorite events in New Hampshire. Where else can you go out to eat at all these delicious restaurants in one night? Oh, and by the way, eat a light lunch because you get full fast with all these yummy tastings!

There are two ticket levels – general and VIP – and the VIP level offers premiere access to the event, including a VIP-only reception to kick off the evening. I highly encourage you to consider going VIP – it is worth the few additional dollars!

I have eagerly attended this event for the past two years and am looking forward to joining my favorite local establishments on April 20, 2011 for this culinary extravaganza!