Family dinner is sacred in our family. No matter where we are, what we’re doing, we make it a priority to sit down together and eat as a family. When I was in law school, this meant coming home, cooking (or bringing home our twice-weekly Cafe Rio takeout), sitting down and eating together, then hitting the books after bedtime until I could finish my homework, or could no longer keep my eyes open, and then I’d read with my eyes closed somehow. We also have our dinner traditions. We talk about our highlight, our favorite part of the day, and our low-light. Now that Isabella is old enough, she likes to list a bunch of highlights, she has a top-ten reel. 
Sometimes, although very rarely, we miss family dinner. Date night is one excusable absence. After adding kids to our family, it has been SO hard to get away for date night. Thanks to my parents, who are the BEST grandparents, we were finally able to sneak one in. So we missed family dinner. Which is a shame because I had a top 320 highlight reel that I could have shared over dinner that night. Thanks to my sister and No Kid Hungry, we were treated to some of my favorite things. A night out with Seth, food, a good cause, and the Strumbellas. 
Everything about the night was dreamy. The highlights started from the moment we left the house. My first thought was “free arms! No bags! No babies!” Then there was, “No stains on my dress! No wrappers in my pockets! A bra that DOESN’T unclip!” Then, “I’m out of the house without the kids! I’m out of the house without the kids! I’m out of the house without the kids!” Played on loop. And that’s how the highlight reel begins.
Seth’s highlight reel, is jammed stuck on Tacology. Their carnitas taco with a spritz of lime was worthy of a few return visits. Which happened. 
Between the real bra and the electric ambiance of Soho Studios, the night just became better and better. It was incredible to see so many vendors, chefs, musicians, and photographers come together, donating their time and effort to end childhood hunger in America. Some of the most talented people in South Florida making the most delicious food I have ever had the privilege of eating.
KYU’s pork lettuce wraps made lettuce look sexy. Seriously, how does that even happen? Ono Poke Shop tuna poke bowls were so satisfying but somehow made me feel like I was floating. And let’s just say that I’m not super proud of the things I’d do for another Meat Market slider. There were so many other local spots donating their time that you MUST try IMMEDIATELY, Bourbon Steak Miami, Wynwood Kitchen and Bar, Malibu Farm, Beaker and Gray, Finka Table and Tap, Artisan Beach House, Edge Steak and Bar and the list goes on and on. If you’re not local, fly in for a food tour. It’ll be worth it.
Can you spot my face? Someone sipped on something with my face on it. Neat, right?
What goes great with a husband and some extra tacos but some great music. I was in absolute heaven to be just a few feet away from the people responsible for the music that Isabella and I jam to every day. The Strumbellas were so approachable, so down-to-earth, and almost completely unaware that they’re a huge deal now. Seriously, Isabella would’ve been so thrilled to see them, she’s still a little jealous. We’ve sung Spirits a million times since to make up for it. She’s got “‘gum’ in [her] head and it won’t go,” she sings. Case in point for not playing with her gum, I tell her.
You guys, the above REALLY happened. We’re all best friends now. We’re spending next Easter together in Canada, they just don’t know it yet. We’re still working out the details.
Not only does No Kid Hungry know how to throw a great party, they know how to throw a great after-party. I snacked on Unicorn Dreams cotton candy by Secret Sauce, played the longest game of Jenga that towered over my head, and enjoyed the street art and scenery at R House Wynwood.
I did, however, mistake the giant volley-ball beer-pong trash bins for actual trash cans. I probably should have walked away but I was wracked with guilt when I realized what I had done, so I took my trash out. I’m 67% sure only less-than five people noticed. 
Every night that I sit with my family around the dinner table, although I share the highlight of my day, a constant highlight is that my children are not hungry. I was not hungry as a child. My father wasn’t as fortunate. He would constantly tell us when we were young that we didn’t know what “starving” really felt like. He’s right, I’m privileged enough to never truly know that feeling. My heart breaks for the children that do and I think of them often as I look at Isabella and Kate and appreciate the fact that my girls don’t have to worry about whether or not they get to eat. One-hundred percent of the proceeds of Taste of the Nation went to the cause. I am so honored to have become associated with No Kid Hungry, head over to their page and find out what you can do to make sure kids don’t have to go hungry.
Also, I’m pretty proud of Susan Marinello for her work capturing the music and food so I never forget it. Let’s be real, I won’t. Ever. Don’t lick the pictures, it won’t taste the same.
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