taste! Central Florida brings together the area’s top chefs, restaurants and drink experts to celebrate an unforgettable night of delicious meals, exceptional cocktails, live entertainment and fighting hunger for kids in Central Florida. This is an event that has been involved in both the Second Harvest Food Bank in Central Florida and the Union of Homelessness in Central Florida since 1989.
It all started, says Dan Samuels, director of a charity that has partnerships with a local group mentioned above with another organization.
“This was a model that was placed across the country where food banks and food-related charities were introducing great restaurants and food in their communities, and working to connect people to things we all love while raising money to break the hunger.”
A few years later, the Orlando-centric factions decided it was time to make this a local event. This prompted a friendly division from people who were hungry and tasteless! Central Florida was born.
Since then, this year has been a flashy and flashy event for Fete, featuring over 100 food and beverage partners, returning to its former home at Orlando World Centre Marriott on July 12th. That’s a record number.
For regular attendees with medium pay worthy of this promotion date, there is a newcomer product to sample. Ricky Ly, a member of StastyChomps.com’s second harvest committee, is excited.
“The smoked maid meat is there. It is recognised by the Michelin Guide and named Best BBQ in Florida by Texas Monthly Magazine. Here you will find Chuang Fu, which specializes in Sichuan cuisine and Nile Ethiopia.
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Food and Beverage Partners donate all their time and products to the cause. This is an impressive and generous movement during the summer, traditionally a slow industrial movement.
“They’re incredible,” says Samuels. They just show up and bring in an incredible set-up to show off the restaurant and truly experience it. As you step into your room, you don’t just look at the tables set with frayed dishes. The booth is beautiful.
Summer is tough even for families affected by food in Central Florida.
“It’s difficult to fix childhood hunger at this time of the year,” explains Samuels. “All of our programs are increasing to help children get two free meals during the school year when they need three free meals each day.
Taste last year! Central Florida has raised over $260,000 to feed local children. This year they want to raise more. Beyond events, engagement opportunities (and big wins!) can help fill your finances. Raffles, like instant wine cellars and liquor store lockers, can see guests literally walking around thousands of dollars worth of wine and spirit. Even the donation is right, but Samuels speculates that the value of the liquor runs for around $5,000 and the press time, guaranteed at $5,500, could easily wind it up to about $10,000.
Watch the guests leave with a small wallet like a wine ring toss with a bottle that can land the ring. The tree that gives it “cultivates” an envelope on its large, living tree. Participants are guaranteed to earn half the value of their donations.
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“There’s a lot of fun here beyond food and drinks,” he says, returning to perform on the big dance floor, including photo booths, roaming magicians, stilted pedestrians and paradigm party bands.
There are 23 fully local restaurants participating (names like The Moderne, Tabla Indian Cuisine, Great Southern Box Company Hall & Bar & Bar, as well as restaurants and chefs from major hotels and brands.
“It’s not your typical date night,” says Samuels. “It’s an experience. I look forward to it every year.”
Find me on Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram @Amydroo, or Osfoodie Instagram account @orlando.foodie. Email: amthompson@orlandosentinel.com, For more food fun, join Let’s Eat and Orlando Facebook Group.
If you’re going
taste! Central Florida 2025 will be held on July 12th from 6pm to 11pm at 8701 World Center Drive in Orlando and Orlando World Center Marriott. General admission tickets cost $200 per person. To learn more or to purchase online, visit taintecfl.org.
