It has been a double whammy for the 21st annual Taste of the Nation, a longtime, traditionally sold-out culinary fundraiser on Saturday on Market
Street at DC Ranch in north Scottsdale. Second, consumers don’t have so many dollars these days. So, in an unprecedented move, Taste organizers reduced ticket prices twice. For the past three years, general admission was $150. This year, it began at $125, plus a VIP package at $175. Recently, an online coupon offer dropped general admission tickets to $75. “Annual event needs your support” was the plea posted on the group’s Web page last week (tastearizona.org),noting that demand for emergency food is up 50 percent compared with last year and “ticket sales have been difficult.” The site has since been changed. “Of course, we hope people will be able to contribute full ticket price to such a great charity,” said Cameron Cobb, marketing director for Taste of the Nation Arizona. “But in case they can’t, they can still come and support us.” And he’s piling on pricey, boutique toppings such as plump fava beans, grilled spring onions, La Quercia and Bielliese salumi, white anchovies and Black Mesa goat cheese drizzled in various oils including varieties from Queen Creek. Details: Share Our Strength Taste of the Nation, Saturday, 7-10 p.m. (VIP package, 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.), Market Street at DC Ranch, 20645 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale, . For the general admission discount, use the code REPUBLIC.
Carey Sweet writes about dining news in the Northeast Valley. Reach her at careycareysweet.com.