Taste of the Nation Napa Valley

In cities all across the country, there is a unique collaboration underway to end childhood hunger. Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation brings together the nation’s culinary leaders and an army of dedicated volunteers to create spectacular benefits highlighting local top chefs, wineries, and mixologists.

Remarkably, 100% of the proceeds go directly to Share Our Strength’s efforts, thanks to the time and talent of chefs, sponsors and guests.

For supporters of Taste of the Nation, it is a fantastic opportunity to mingle with well-known as well as up-and-coming culinary figures in the local community, all while helping to raise money for a very worthwhile cause. After all, who better to address this important issue than those who dedicate their passions to food?

I was so excited to have the opportunity to attend Taste of the Nation Napa Valley, thanks to Foodbuzz. It was a lovely event, on a gorgeous summer evening in Napa. Truth be told, I had expected and hoped for a larger turnout, but the more relaxed atmosphere went well with the tranquil surroundings. It was also nice to have a better chance to really talk to and get to know the sponsors of the event.

Taste of the Nation Napa Valley was held at the Silverado Resort, tucked away in a charming piece of the property called The Grove. As you approached the venue, the sound of music and the tinkling of china drew you into the hauntingly beautiful grove of oak trees.

What truly set this event apart for me was the enthusiasm of the restaurants, wineries, and mixologists. The Napa Valley Taste seemed to have a good number of participating sponsors that are new to the culinary scene, and it was especially exciting to chat with this enthusiastic group of culinary entrepreneurs. Their passion for good food was infectious.

2007 Jana Winery Rose, Scott Harvey Wines

One of the first tables I happened upon was for Scott Harvey Wines, featuring wines from Napa Valley and Amador County. The Amador County wines are produced under the Scott Harvey label, while their varietals from Napa Valley are labeled under Jana Winery, named for Scott Harvey’s beloved wife. Their award winning 2007

Natalie Bullion, Astrale e Terra Winery

Jana Winery Rose (pictured above) was the first wine to hit my lips that evening, and it truly set the tone for a lovely evening ahead. The pale pink rose was delicate and celebratory, and the essence of summer emerged through tones of peaches and strawberry. It was the perfect first taste that punctuated the cool summer breezes of the wine country afternoon.

At the same table, we met the charming Natalie Bullion (photo on left) of Astrale e Terra Winery, where Scott Harvey is consulting winemaker. This boutique winery along Napa’s Silverado Trail focuses on small but fine production.

An excellent example is their 2004 Estate Syrah, of which only 374 cases were produced. Using the fruit from their Estate vineyard on Atlas Peak, this Syrah has bold flavors of luscious plums and the ripest cherries, and a succulent finish.

The Syrah went perfectly with the Duck Confit with Sour Cherries presented by Chef Craig Difonzo (pictured below), the Chef de Cuisine of Cantinetta Piero at Hotel Luca in Yountville. Rich morsels of duck confit were wrapped in tender sheets of pasta, their flavors brightened by the sour cherries. Absolutely divine.

Duck Confit with Sour Cherries, Cantinetta Piero

As we ambled around, there were more delicious bites left and right. The hardest part was pacing ourselves.

Creations from Chef Tyler Stone (left) and House of Fish (right)

Who can say no to a large hunk of shiny ham?

Irresistable bites from Bardessono Restaurant & Bar.

Salmon Tartare, Carpe Diem Wine Bar

There were definitely some memorable standouts. We were warmly welcomed by the energetic family behind the newly opened Carpe Diem Wine Bar with their stunning offering of Chef Scott Kendall’s Salmon Tartare (pictured above), prepared with diced cucumber and jicama, grapefruit, and served on crunchy, homemade wonton crisps. The salmon could not be any more fresh; caught just that morning, the ceviche style preparation was flawless, and let me tell you, it was life altering for my salmon-wary husband. It was unlike any salmon he had ever tasted before, and I credit the freshness of the ingredients, as well as the love and passion behind Carpe Diem. This month-old wine bar is a newcomer to Napa’s ever growing restaurant scene, and I can not wait to visit them and explore their other offerings.

My other favorite taste of the night came from these two ladies:

La Strada Italian Cuisine

What a surprise! Brenda Martinez of La Strada Italian Cuisine was operating one of the most understated tables at the event. There were no vibrant displays of colorful food, or eye-catching print ads, and I nearly walked by their table had they not called out their offering of Chicken Marsala and Polenta. Almost secretly shrouded within their foil covered chafing dishes were the most succulent and flavorful bites of chicken marsala, which they served over pillows of some of the best polenta I have ever had. And this is how I know it was one of the best bites of the evening: my already stuffed husband, after sneaking a little bite of my generously portioned taste, proceeded to ask for his own steamy, creamy bowl. We both ate every last bit. I’m salivating, just thinking about it again.

Etoile's Compressed Watermelon, paired with Domaine Chandon Reserve Chardonnay Brut

One of the more innovative tastes were Etoile’s Compressed Watermelon, with Smoked Paprika Mascarpone, Watercress and Lime. The compression heightened the flavors of the watermelon, and combined with the smoked paprika mascarpone, it gave the taste buds a lot to think about! The bites were meant to be enjoyed with the Domaine Chandon Reserve Chardonnay Brut, which really enhanced the refreshing yet creaminess of the appetizer. The sparkling wine by Domaine Chandon had all the qualities I love in a bubbly: creaminess, coupled with flavors of lemon, pear, and crisp green apple. It was a joy!

St. Clement Bale Lane Sauvignon Blanc, lovely with Hana Japanese Restaurant's Spicy Tuna Hand Roll (Temaki)

I fell in love with a 2009 St. Clement Bale Lane Sauvignon Blanc. While St. Clement is well known for their Oroppas, Tiffany Buchanan, their Wine Club Coordinator, pointed out this lovely white wine. I was greeted by the aroma of intense guava and pineapple, and my first taste had me thirsting for more. This Sauvignon Blanc transported me to a quiet Hawaiian island, perfumed by tropical flowers. It was a vacation in a bottle.

Like most Sauvignon Blancs, this one pairs well with sushi, so how serendipitous for Hana Japanese Restaurant’s table to be located next door. Their Spicy Tuna Hand Rolls (pictured above) went exceedingly well with it!

Okay, it’s time to move on to something sweet. You can imagine how happy I was to see this cheerful table:

Let’s look a little closer…

Pink Champagne Cupcakes and The Sky is Falling! Cupcakes, by Sift

The ladies of Sift: a cupcakery

Sift: a cupcakery should have won an award (if they were giving out awards) for best dressed table. Everything, from the cake pedestals, to the layered tablecloths, to the fresh flowers, and of course, the sinful bites of miniature cupcakes, was beautifully coordinated.

Their delicate Pink Champagne Cupcakes were dusted with a fine edible glitter, and I was pleased to find that the moist raspberry cake had a lovely spongy texture, and was frosted with a not-too-overwhelmingly sweet champagne frosting. I almost didn’t feel guilty eating it!

Now, what do you need if you’re having a Sift Cupcake?

Well, a cup of coffee, of course!

Equator Coffees

Equator Coffees was nearly life-altering. If you don’t believe me, suffice it to say that this family of avid coffee drinkers (two cups of coffee a day are a must, at least one with breakfast, and one in the afternoon) has decided, after tasting Equator Coffees, that we will cancel our subscription to a very well-known coffee roaster (I won’t name who, but I trust that you’ve heard of them) and begin purchasing from the San Rafael-based Equator Coffees. Their artisanal coffees are served at prominent restaurants and bakeries such as French Laundry, Bouchon, Citizen Cake, Jardinière, and La Boulange. Those accolades aside, both their hot Ethiopia Amaro Gayo and their iced Mocha Java were beautiful blends of bold earthiness and smokey roasts that I love in a good coffee.

Coranzonsito, by Manny Hinojosa and Bacardi

All good things must come to an end, but before I do, one final beverage. Celebrity mixologist, Manny Hinojosa, was behind the Bacardi table, and he whipped up a glass of this Coranzonsito. This fantastic cocktail of Bacardi 8, El Corazon, and grapefruit juice was refreshing and festive, and it fit well with the exhilarating atmosphere of the event. I have included the recipe below.

As I sipped my Coranzonsito, the live auction for the benefit was underway, and you could sense the contentment and merriment of the crowd. Taste of the Nation Napa Valley was the ultimate in wine country charm –  gorgeous surroundings, passion for fresh food and wine, and the desire to contribute to a higher cause made for a most memorable evening.

Coranzonsito

By Manny Hinojosa

Makes 1 drink

• 1 1/2 oz Bacardi 8
• 1 oz Beverage Artistry El Corazon
• 1/4 oz Falernum
• 1 oz Ruby grapefruit juice
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Egg white
• Fresh basil

In a mixing glass, combine Bacardi 8, El Corazon, Falernum, fresh ruby red grapefruit juice, egg white and fresh basil. Shake and serve over the rocks. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf. Cheers!