Mark Your Calendar: Taste of the Nation

It's not every day you'll find the area's best restaurants all under one roof offering samples of food. But when Share Our Strength hosts its 19th annual Taste of the Nation on April 11, more than 50 top restaurants and wineries will gather to fight childhood hunger at the Marriott Wardman Park.

Participants range from the upscale (Restaurant Eve, 1789 and Equinox) to the informal (Cafe Saint-Ex, Hank's Oyster Bar and Andale), and include newcomers like Zengo, Acadiana and OYA.

In addition to the food and wine tastings, the evening promises live and silent auctions offering vacation and spa packages, shopping sprees, entertainment packages, rare wines and more, and a chef cook-off competition.

A VIP section will feature dedicated seating, a full bar and food from some of D.C.’s top chefs, including Robert Wiedmaier of Marcel’s. VIP guests will also receive gift bags.

VIP guests can preview the event from 6 to 7 p.m., while general admission is from 7 to 10 p.m. General admission tickets are $75 ($50 tax deductible), and VIP tickets are $200 ($150 tax deductible). Call 1-877-26Taste or visit www.strength.org.