Taste! Central Florida has been around since 1989. It had a different name back then, but the mission was the same: raising money to positively impact children and families facing food insecurity.
On Aug. 28, this foodie favorite returns to the Orlando World Center Marriott for an elegant, four-and-a-half-hour gala featuring food, drinks, entertainment and more.
Co-chair Nicole Spooner joined the team back in 2015, when it was still known as Taste of the Nation, part of a national initiative.
“A few years later, the local team decided to branch off and create Taste! Central Florida, allowing 100% of the proceeds raised to remain right here in our community,” Spooner says.
Since its founding, the event has raised more than $5 million. That’s more than 20 million meals provided to children experiencing hunger across Central Florida. Last year alone, Taste! Central Florida netted $285,000. This year, they hope to beat it. And with the largest number of participating partners in the event’s history — 72 food, 54 beverage at press time — they’ve got very good odds.
“What makes that especially meaningful to me is not simply the number of participants, but the tremendous variety we have worked hard to bring together for our guests,” Spooner said.
Beautiful handheld bites are the hallmark of Taste! Central Florida, which last year raised $285,000 to combat hunger in the Central Florida community. (Courtesy Taste! Central Florida)
“We want everyone who attends Taste! Central Florida to find something they are excited to try. Whether someone is vegan, vegetarian or pescatarian, or simply loves exploring different cuisines, there is an incredible range of options. Guests will find Italian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, seafood, barbecue, beef, charcuterie and so much more, along with desserts and a growing selection of nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages. We have really tried to create an experience where there is something for everyone.”
It is a product of community, with everyone from restaurant staff to brewers and distillers donating their time and talent.
More than 300 volunteers come together for Taste!, “with ticketholders playing a critical role in making this event one of the leading fundraisers for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.”
Guests enjoy wines at the Cooper’s Hawk setup at last year’s Taste! Central Florida, where there are myriad options for wine and cocktails. (Courtesy Taste! Central Florida)
On the entertainment side, American singer, entrepreneur and reality television star (not to mention lil’ sister of Toni Braxton), Trina Braxton will be joining the party in conjunction with Wild Fork Foods, making lobster rolls for the guests.
The Beer Garden Passport Revenue Enhancer will allow revelers to visit all vendors in the two beer gardens and one surprise booth, collect stickers from each and enter to win either a fully stocked beer cart cooler or fully stocked beer fridge.
And on stage, the Paradigm Party Band will be helping attendees work off at least some of the calories.
“We’re especially proud of the number of locally owned businesses joining us this year,” Spooner says.
Newcomers in this category include Boca, The Chapman, Chuan Fu, Coro, JJ’s Scratch Kitchen, Kappo Tsan and TBG (Two Black Guys), among others, along with new partners Dick’s Last Resort, Superica and Geier’s Sausage.
“[Locally owned restaurants total] 33,” says Spooner.
Make sure you save room for dessert at Taste! Central Florida, which is challenging if it’s not front of mind. (Courtesy Taste! Central Florida)
This includes the Michelin-starred Ômo by Jont, recommended venues like Coro and six locally owned beverage partners.
Newcomers in the glass include Boondocks Whiskey, Bottle Logic Brewing, Gin & Juice by Dr. Dre and Snoop, locally owned GLDN SVN Mocktails, Mother Kombucha, P1 Vodka, THC Margaritas and Zymarium Meadery, among many others.
“It makes for an incredible night out with friends, colleagues and loved ones,” Spooner notes. “Guests can participate in everything from the wine toss to our Wine Door, where they purchase keys for the chance to open the winning door and take home approximately 150 bottles of wine that evening. We also have our Liquor Locker, with the opportunity to win thousands of dollars’ worth of spirits to create a fully stocked home bar, along with one of the largest silent auctions I have ever been part of.”
Find me on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter or Instagram @amydroo or on the OSFoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more foodie fun, join the Let’s Eat, Orlando Facebook group.
Taste! Central Florida
The event will take place from 6:30-11 p.m. on Aug. 28, at the Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive in Orlando. Tickets are $200 per person and can be purchased online at TasteCFL.org. A complete list of food and beverage partners can be found at TasteCFL.org/participants. Proceeds raised support Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida.