Taste of HOME Gainesville

by webmaster

April 24, 2012

So You Think You Can Dance?

Taste of HOME Gainesville: A Taste of America

Recipe for the evening of June 3: three battling chefs, one secret ingredient and a dash of excitement. For best flavor, mix well in a race against time for the coveted title of Iron Chef Gainesville.

Mark your calendars for the third annual Taste of HOME, which showcases delicious samples from local restaurants and caterers, as well as the entertaining Iron Chef competition. The event benefits three area children’s charities.

Held once again at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, Taste of HOME 2012 features the theme, “A Taste of America.” The cuisine and décor will reflect major cities like Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco, Key West and New York City. Organizers expect as many as 35 area restaurants and caterers serving a variety of foods – from sushi to steak, from yogurt to cake, and everything in between.

While there are many fantastic fundraisers in Gainesville that involve food, Taste of HOME offers a relaxed, fun atmosphere, making it one of the most unique charity events in Gainesville.

“You eat tons of food, but it’s more casual,” said Erica Castano, owner of A Personal Elf and a member of the HOME Board of Advisors. “I definitely enjoy Taste of HOME because you can just relax, walk around and enjoy yourself.”

That’s the whole idea, according to HOME’s associate publisher Megan DeGance. “We want it to be a party that you would feel at home in,” she said, “ You can just eat, drink, relax and enjoy the Iron Chef competition.”

Taste of HOME features the return of Iron Chef Gainesville. In kitchens built by Quality DesignWorks, the presenting sponsor for the competition, last year’s champion Chef Briton Dumas, of Embers Wood Grill, will face off against two challengers to see who can create the best three-course meal using a secret ingredient unveiled that evening.

“I enjoy the food, but my favorite part has to be watching the high level of competition between the chefs displaying their passion for what they do,” said Bryan Nazworth, president of Quality DesignWorks. “As a sponsor, it’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our business while showing our support for such great causes. The Child Advocacy Center, Children’s Home Society and Tyler’s Hope are all amazing organizations that do a lot of good throughout our community.”

The three charities are close to the heart of HOME publisher Scott Costello. Several years ago when Costello wanted to give back to the community, he decided to start an event that would cover three important points – it had to benefit area children, it had to involve food and it had to have a relaxed atmosphere.

The first Taste of HOME was a great success, so in 2011 the idea was expanded to add the Iron Chef Gainesville competition. Last year’s event raised $36,000 for the three benefitting charities; this year the goal is to top $50,000.

The event is truly a team effort between the staff at HOME, the participating restaurants and the organizations that benefit.

“We’re so excited,” said Ryan Todd, manager of Embers. “We’ve had some great experiences being involved with some of the planning behind the scenes. We’re a small community business; it only makes sense to be involved in that whole scene.”

“The charities are very involved in the actual planning, from inception to completion,” adds Castano. “I think it speaks volumes as to how it benefits them because they’re taking time from their workday to make sure the event is a successful one.”

As if supporting three worthwhile causes wasn’t enough, Taste of HOME gives local residents a great opportunity to sample food from dozens of restaurants they might not have tried otherwise. With vendors ranging from simple takeout to fine dining, there is a little something for everyone.

“Sometimes here in Gainesville we get the stigma that we’re just chains, that there’s no real cuisine,” Todd said. “This is an event that disproves that fact. We have some very talented people working the food and wine business in Gainesville.”

Tickets are $75 per person until May 1 and can be purchased at the Taste of HOME website. Whether you’re a seasoned event veteran or have never been to a Gainesville fundraiser before, it’s a party to attend.

“Come out and find your new favorite restaurant in town,” Todd said. “And support these charities—they are some of the best we have in our community.”