Last year I was on the Planning Committee for Taste of the Nation New York City but I opted out this year as I will be out of town for the big event and since my role is to recruit and coordinate volunteers, I didn't think I would be of much use organizing people from across the country. I feel guilty, but from what I hear from my friends on the committee, it's going to be an incredible night.

If you would rather help out at the event rather than just eat your way through it (and even as a volunteer, there's plenty of snacking opportunity), they are still in need of volunteers for May 13th-14th. Please email TasteVolunteer@gmail.com to get involved.

Presented by American Express, Taste of the Nation NYC 2008 will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at the Roseland Ballroom, 239 West 52nd Street from 7:30 - 10:30 pm with a VIP reception starting at 6:30pm.

Tickets for the Taste of the Nation NYC 2008 are $275 for General Admission and $375 for VIP. Virtual Table packages are also available. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.newyorktaste.org, calling 1-877-26 TASTE (268-2783), or at the event (depending upon availability).

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation NYC 2008 Participating Restaurants:

Abboccato
Aquavit
Artie's Delicatessen
Artisanal
Asia de Cuba
August
Blue Hill
Blue Smoke
Brasserie Les Halles
Buddakan
Casa Mono
China Grill
Craftsteak
David Burke at Bloomingdale’s
davidburke & donatella
Dévi
Eleven Madison Park
Esca
Felidia
Gramercy Tavern
Hill Country
Hudson Cafeteria
Japonias
Jean-Georges
Kittichai
Kobe Club
Landmarc
Mai House
Marseille
Morimoto
Oceana
Ono at Hotel Gansevoort
P*ONG
Picholine
Porter House
Pure Food and Wine
Rickshaw Dumpling Bar
Riingo
Savoy
South Gate
SushiSamba
Tabla
Tailor
The Mermaid Inn
The Modern
The Monkey Bar
The Stanton Social
Toloache
Tribeca Grill
Union Square Cafe
Vong

The event will also feature DeBragga.com, Rick’s Picks, Vermont Butter & Cheese and Wine Cellar Sorbets.