Taste of the Nation slates gourmet gala for spring

   Taste of the Nation–Princeton will host its annual gourmet gala on Monday, April 23, 2007, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Westin Forrestal Princeton in Forrestal Village in Plainsboro.
   More than 30 chefs from Central New Jersey’s leading restaurants will showcase their specialties, accompanied by a selection of fine wines. The event, now in its 15th year, benefits Mercer County groups organized to fight hunger.
   Tickets to the event are available online at www.princetontaste.org and can be purchased as holiday gifts if ordered by Dec. 18. Also, tickets can be ordered by calling (609) 924-FOOD. Tickets are $85 if booked in advance and $95 at the door.
   Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation, presented by American Express and Jenn-Air, is the nation’s finest culinary benefit supporting the effort to end childhood hunger in America. Every spring, thousands of community leaders — from chefs and restaurateurs to public relations professionals and accountants — donate their time, talent and cuisine to create more than 60 events throughout the United States and Canada.
   Locally, proceeds go to Homefront; Isles Inc.; Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.