As I told you in an earlier article, on Saturday, March 20, I'm hosting an event in conjunction with the Central Florida Home & Garden Show at the North Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center. I'm once again showcasing some terrific chefs on the cooking stage on Friday and Sunday, but Saturday night, from 6-9, we have something really special going on.

It's the Homeowners for Haiti food and wine event to raise funds to send structures, known as Little Haiti Houses, to the earthquake ravaged country. Here's what we'll have going on: Chefs from Cala Bella, A Land Remembered, Jack's Place and Everglades will be cooking up such items as Focaccia-Crusted Lamb Chops, Tropical Crab Cakes with Mango Salsa, Tobias-Braised Short Ribs, Pan-Seared Diver Scallops, and Chocolate Sabayon for dessert. In addition, we'll be pouring wines from Rodney Strong and Opici.

The cost is $25 per person, or about how much you'd pay for just one of the above entrees -- without wine. Here you'll be able to enjoy them all in a casual, walk-around garden setting constructed especially for the event. And thanks to the generous donations of Rosen Hotels and Southern Wine & Spirits and Opici Wines, every cent will go to the effort in Haiti. (One of the Little Haiti Houses will be set up at the Home & Garden Show.)

Also, the $25 ticket gets you into the Home & Garden Show (a $10 value itself). It's a great bargain.

I hope you'll consider supporting the cause by purchasing a ticket or 10, even if you're unable to attend yourself (perhaps you know someone who appreciates good food and wine to whom you could give the tickets). We'll also have entertainment, and I'll have each of the chefs on the stage to demonstrate the dishes and tell you how to prepare them at home -- we'll even get you the recipes.

Follow this link to a Web page where you can purchase tickets. Find the "Rosen Hotels' Homeowners for Haiti" selection and fill in the number of tickets you wish to purchase. Tickets are printed on your printer.

And here are the full details of the menu:

March 20, 2010
Rosen Hotels’ Homeowners for Haiti
Food and Wine Tasting Hosted by Scott Joseph

Menu

Everglade’s

Focaccia crusted Lamb with Minted Béarnaise & Roasted Asparagus

Jack’s Place

Tropical Crab Cakes with Fresh Mango Salsa

A Land Remembered

Tobias Braised Short Ribs
Served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Cala Bella

Orecchiette ai Cappesante
Pan Seared Diver Scallops, Fire Roasted Tomatoes
Kalamata Olives, Fresh Spinach and Lobster Butter


Mini Chocolate Sabayon in shot glasses