Taste out, do good

Taste of the Nation Charlotte, an annual event that works to combat hunger in the area and nationally, is April 17 this year and benefits national hunger relief group Share Our Strength, Second Harvest Food Bank and the Community Culinary School of Charlotte. All proceeds from ticket sales go toward ending childhood hunger. About 25 places serve up tastings, wines and other drinks – plus Stefan Huebner mixing cocktails – are offered, and there’s live music and both silent and live auctions. VIP tickets get you into the preview hour for $100; tickets to the regular event (7-10 p.m.) are $85. Participating restaurants include BLT Steak, Brixx, Cantina 1511, Chima, e2, Ember Grille, Enso, Gallery, Harper’s, Mama Ricotta’s, Mimosa Grill, Napa on Providence, Queen City Q, Savannah Red, Upstream, Village Tavern, Vivace and Wolfgang Puck’s. Wells Fargo Center Atrium, 301 S. Tryon St. (free parking after 7 at the Two Wells Fargo Center deck). Tickets: www.charlottetasteofthenation.com.