TorontoTaste: Pairing Cuisine and Compassion

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from Second Harvest press release: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2011/13/c5137.html

Foodies come together in support of a common goal - to fight hunger in Toronto
TORONTO, June 13, 2011 /CNW/ - Yesterday evening, food and beverage enthusiasts and professionals from across the city came together to support Second Harvest at their largest annual fundraiser - Toronto Taste! 

Held both indoors and outdoors at the Royal Ontario Museum, 1,500 guests were welcomed to indulge their senses through sampling an array of gourmet food and beverage prepared by 60 of the city's top chefs and 30 beverage purveyors. The event was hosted by Bob Blumer, creator and host of Food Network Canada's Glutton for Punishment and Surreal Gourmet and was presented by The Daniels Corporation for the 16th consecutive year.

Toronto Taste attracted culinary personalities from across the country, including, Food Network Canada personalities Celebrity Chef Roger Mooking (Everyday Exotic), Michael Smith (Chef at Home, Chef at Large, Chef Abroad) and Mark McEwan (Top Chef Canada, The Heat). Dishes were also prepared by acclaimed chefs such as J.P. Challet (Ici Bistro), Scott Conant (24 Hour Restaurant Battle, Scarpetta), Donna Dooher (Mildred's Temple Kitchen), Dufflet Rosenberg (Dufflet Pastries), Chris McDonald (Cava), Rob Gentile (Buca), David Lee (Nota Bene) and many more talented chefs and beverage purveyors.

In addition to ticket sales, funds were raised through a variety of auctions [silent, fine wine and live] and a raffle draw that yielded the opportunity to win a Fiat 500 Sport, donated by Chrysler Canada. In total, approximately $300,000 was raised, which will enable Second Harvest to provide 600,000 healthy meals for Torontonians in need.

The Toronto Taste online auction runs until June 22nd. Browse and bid on exciting items by visiting www.torontotaste.ca.

photos from last night

Top: grazing at the Dufflet table, trying to choose between Coconut Dacquoise, Vanilla Verrine and Small Indulgences Chocolate Nutt-E.

Bottom: Dufflet Rosenberg is a master taster, seen sampling the doughnut with a ricotta filling and candied orange from Panagea Restaurant. Delish!

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