I always make it a point to support charitable causes, but I'm afraid I can't recommend that we common folks attend Share Our Strength's Taste Of The Nation Tampa Bay event next month at the Marriott Waterside.
It's shocking, I know, but I have to call them as I see them. Yes, the event is usually one of the best among charitable gatherings. True, it has raised more than $850,000 locally since 1992. Sure, proceeds go to two great organizations: America's Second Harvest and the Beth-El Farmworker Ministry.
There is indeed much to love about the event, but unless you are accustomed to dining at places such as Mise En Place, Cafe BT, Pane Rustica, Il Terrazzo, SideBerns and Bern's, attending the Taste Of the Nation on May 27 could do irreparable harm to your appetite.
You see, those of us who have trained our taste buds to classify Golden Corral as fine cuisine would be taking a huge risk by going to the event. Not only will some of Tampa Bay's finest chefs cook for it, they'll be joined by veteran chef Carmen Gonzalez of Coral Gables.
I got a chance to sample some of the courses Carmen will serve up and I have to tell you, there is no going back to fast food after eating these dishes. It's already impacted my language. I know now fine cuisine is "presented," not "served up," and you really don't eat it, you indulge.
And after indulging in such dishes as Florida lobster and avocado terrine with Key Lime mayonnaise and aranitas, my craving for Taco Bell chalupas is all but gone. Once you've had Neiman ranch adobo marinated pork tenderloin with sweet plantain, chorizo and Laura Chenel goat cheese pinon pork demi, the desire to dive into a pair of Arby's Beef 'N Cheddar sandwiches gets lost.
Believe me, killing the internal call for KFC's kitchen fresh chicken is no easy feat. (Kitchen fresh? Ha!)
This columnist job has led me to other events where exquisite presentations were to rival Iron Chef, but I would walk away grateful for an iron stomach. More than once, I've gotten crazy looks from my wife when I walk in with a Big Mac value meal at 11.
You see, sometimes you can put too much frou-frou into your frou-frou. Carmen, however, gets it. Yes, one of her dishes requires a 21-word description, but it's good. It's real good. It's too good.
I'm going to have to go and ask for a raise - again - because I can't save money any more by going to the all-you-can-eat pizza joint. My cravings have been corrupted, my taste buds tainted. I'm just glad the kids weren't with me.
It is possible to fulfill a year's worth of fine dining desires at Taste Of The Nation, but this is a calculated risk. If you believe in fighting hunger and making a difference in our community, go. But if you don't want your blue collar hankerings converted into black tie tastes, stay home.
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YOU CAN'T DESCRIBE any restaurant that's been in existence for 100 years without using the word character. The word refers not only to the richness of the architecture but to the stories woven into a century of existence.
Such is the case with the Columbia Restaurant Group, which has a history of character and characters. And now, as the restaurant approaches its centennial in 2005, it is seeking stories that reflect the tradition for a book which will be compiled for the celebration. The restaurant wants to gather stories about all six of its restaurants, not just the famed Ybor City location.
If you have tales of a wedding or birthday celebration, stories about a celebrity sighting or memories of a touching romantic moment, contact the Columbia at 248-3000, ext. 28. The restaurant also has story cards you can fill out, and you can log on to the Web site: www.columbiarestaurant.com
The management also is using this unique system called mail. I'm told it works by writing a letter, putting it in an envelope with a stamp and sending it to Sherry Sacino, Centennial Producer, Columbia Restaurant Group, 2025 E Seventh Ave., Tampa, FL 33605.
I guess when you're recording history, you have to use some historic methods.
