TNFL News

Taste of the NFL Team Members Nominated for James Beard Awards

Wed, 02 May 2012 20:59:00 GMT

We are so proud of our Taste of the NFL team members who will be honored as part of the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards. Taking place Monday, May 7, 2012 in New York City, the annual awards represent the best of the best in the food and beverage industries. Taste of the NFL is proud of its many chefs who have been recognized over the years as well as our founder Wayne Kostroski who was the 2010 James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year.

This year Chef Tory McPhail, Commander’s Palace in New Orleans and Taste of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints’ chef representative, is up for Best Chef: South. McPhail has served as executive chef of Commander’s Palace since 2002 and has been instrumental in rebuilding the dining scene in New Orleans.

Another member of the Taste of the NFL team, Chef Sanford D’Amato of Sanford in Milwaukee and the Green Bay Packers’ chef representative, has a tie to this year’s awards. His colleague, Chef Justin Aprahamian, is nominated for Best Chef: Midwest.

In addition, Taste of the NFL’s 2012 Culinary Host Ted Allen is nominated in the categories of Media Personality/Host and Television Program as host of Chopped on Food Network.

Congratulations and good luck to all!

Fighting Hunger is Everyone's Business

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:42:00 GMT

Taste of the NFL partnered with the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness and funds for hunger relief in Indiana. The Chamber helped get the word out to its members through emails, newsletters and their website -- and through a special outreach effort of the Chamber's sales staff. The result? Corporate tables for Taste of the NFL 2012 sold out in record time! Taste of the NFL was pleased to welcome the Indy Chamber to its February 4 gala, including communications staffer Cara Klaer who reported on the event in this great video news story. Proceeds from the event benefit Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, a member of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.

NBC TODAY and Weekend TODAY Enjoy Taste of the NFL's 21st Annual Party with Purpose

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 GMT

See this clip from NBC’s TODAY show featuring Taste of the NFL chefs from the two Super Bowl teams cooking up their game-day favorites live from Super Bowl village in Indy. Stephen Lewandowski of Tribeca Grill (NYC) represents the New York Giants and Steve DiFillippo of Davio’s (Boston) represents the New England Patriots.

The hosts of TODAY and Weekend TODAY stopped by Taste of the NFL’s 21st Annual Party with a Purpose on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012. Check out this fun video of Ann Curry, Al Roker, Natalie Morales and Savannah Guthrie from our event!

Chef Spotlight: Sanford D'Amato - Green Bay Packers

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:38:00 GMT

We recently caught up with Green Bay Packers Taste of the NFL Chef representative Sanford D’Amato. Here's what he had to say about the upcoming Super Bowl XLVI and his involvement with Taste of the NFL.

Q: How long have you been with the Taste of the NFL?

A: This will be my 10th year.

Q: What are you preparing this year?

A: Wisconsin Duck Borscht with Duck Brats and Caraway Cream.

Q: What are you looking forward to in Indy?

A: I haven’t been to Indianapolis in 6 years so I’m looking forward to seeing how the city has grown and renewing relationships with all of the TNFL crew.

Q: Why do you participate in the Taste of the NFL?

A: My wife Angie and I have made a good living by feeding people at our restaurant. I’m never going to be able to cure cancer or complete a successful brain surgery, but I sure as heck can cook, so being able to raise funds to help feed people by using my cooking skills is completely rewarding.

Q: Who are you cheering for this year?

A: Is this a trick question? I was weaned on the Packers of Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr, but since the Packers are inconveniently taking a year off from the Super Bowl, I’ll have to reluctantly throw my support to the NFC Champion Giants.

Q: Why should someone come to the Taste of the NFL?

A: To be able to experience the food of 32 world-class chefs and commiserate with 32 legends of the NFL. It is the premier eat and meet experience at every Super Bowl- it becomes the perfect party as the funds raised from the chefs and players goes to the local food banks in the individual NFL cities and makes a real difference in the lives of millions of hungry people.

Thank YOU! The 21st annual Party with a Purpose® was a huge success!

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:09:00 GMT

More than 3,000 guests attended Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose on Saturday, Feb. 4, the eve of Super Bowl XLVI, to help raise money for food banks in NFL cities nationwide.

Special thanks to the individuals who helped make our event a success including National Honorary Chairperson Tony Dungy, Culinary Host Ted Allen, Miss America Laura Kaeppeler, Joey Faugno and Mauro Castano of TLC’s Cake Boss and Sara Evans as well as the generosity of our supportive sponsors.

Taste of the NFL could not have chosen a more meaningful venue for this year’s event. Thank you to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana for giving our guests the opportunity to see firsthand the important role of a food bank within a community, while experiencing one of Super Bowl’s premier events.

Please click here to view more photos from this year's event.

If you missed our party, you can still contribute to the Kick Hunger Challenge until February 10th, 2012!

"Good Morning America" - New York vs Boston, Miss America and the Kick Hunger Challenge

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:03:00 GMT

In this Good Morning America video, Miss America judges Super Bowl sandwiches from celebrity chefs:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/super-bowl-recipe-rivals-york-boston-15505821

Thank you Indianapolis - Taste of the NFL is SOLD OUT. You can Still Help. Join the Kick Hunger Challenge!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 04:47:00 GMT

Taste of the NFL was on the Field at Lucas Oil Stadium for Super Bowl XLVI Media Day. Celebrities, Super Bowl team members and Indy notables helped promote the Kick Hunger Challenge and the Taste of the NFL's strolling food and wine event, coming up on February 4. Take a look!

21st Annual Taste of the NFL - IndyStyle TV

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:19:00 GMT

Get ready for Super Bowl XLVI with the 2012 Taste of the NFL Indianapolis. Chef Greg Hardesty of Recess and Room Four restaurants and former Colts player Ken Dilger. Greg and Ken talk about their involvement in Taste of the NFL and the upcoming Taste of the NFL “A Party With a Purpose®.” Brought to you by IndyStyle TV and WISH TV.

Player Spotlight: Morten Andersen, New Orleans Saints

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:44:00 GMT

While all eyes are on Indy for Super Bowl XLVI, next year’s Super Bowl will take place in New Orleans. We recently had the chance to talk with a new member of our roster, Morten Andersen who is a former kicker for the New Orleans Saints. He will appear alongside Tory McPhail of Commander’s Palace at the Saints’ station at this year’s event.

Q: What are you looking forward to in Indy?

A: Great food and great company with everyone for a great cause.

Q: Why do you participate in the Taste of the NFL?

A: Opportunity to network and help others at the same time. It is a win/win!

Q: Since the Saints are out of the Super Bowl this year, who are you cheering for?

A: I played for Giants in 2001 so I'm hoping that the Mara and Tisch families get the Lombardi Trophy.

Q: Why should someone come to the Taste of the NFL?

A: To make a difference in someone else’s life while having a great time with like-minded people.

Q: With the Super Bowl headed to New Orleans next year, what do you want people/fans to know about New Orleans? Why is this a good venue for Super Bowl?

A: The city is unique in that it is equipped to host large events. Frankly, it is used to it, and it is what it does best. Hotels, Superdome, restaurants, entertainment all centered around downtown makes it easy for fans to navigate. The addition of the allure of the French Quarter and the Mississippi River makes New Orleans the perfect host city for S.B.

The people of N.O understand that tourism is a vital component/ revenue stream for the city and they bring their passion and love for good food, drink, music and culture to everyone visiting.

Q: Where are your favorite spots to hang out?

A: Commander's Palace of course! Also, Irene's, Impastato’s Restaurant, Port O' Call, Vick's Bar and so many other great places too numerous to mention.

Gina Gallo promotes Taste of the NFL on Bloomington public radio's "What's the Juice"

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 01:31:00 GMT

"What's the Juice" is the nation's first and only "wine talk" radio show

Learn more about Taste of the NFL in a lively "What's the Juice" radio interview with premier sponsor and Taste of the NFL board member Gina Gallo. You'll enjoy Gina and host Brad Dunn's conversation about hunger in America, E. & J. Gallo's commitment to hunger relief and the selection of exciting Gallo wines for the annual Taste of the NFL gala. Gina also shares some history of the legendary E. & J. Gallo Winery, the details of her new line of signature wines, and how we can all make a difference in our own communities.

Listen to the interview here.

As a San Francisco 49ers fan, Gina reminds us to support hunger relief on behalf of our favorite NFL teams at www.KickHungerChallenge.com.

Chef Spotlight: Greg Hardesty, Indianapolis Colts

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:55:00 GMT

We recently caught up with Greg Hardesty of Recess and Room Four and chef representative for the Indianapolis Colts at Taste of the NFL. Here's what he had to say:

Q: How long have you been with Taste of the NFL?

A: This will be my sixth year.

Q: What is your most memorable moment from participating in Taste of the NFL?

A: My first year participating was also the year the Colts won the Super Bowl. It was obviously a great weekend and the fact that I even got to rock with Styx at the TNFL event was pretty cool. ("Grand Illusion" was the first album I ever bought.)

Q: What do you want visitors to know about Indy?

A: Indy is a great young city that continues to grow and become more vibrant. Besides downtown, look for the cool pockets of the city like Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, Mass Ave and Lafayette Corridor. This is where all the history and neighborhood joints are located.

Q: What is it like to cook for 3,000 guests?

A: It’s a lot like cooking for 75 or 80 guests. It’s all about preparation and execution.

Q: Sorry, about your Colts. Will you still watch on game day?

A: Football. Friends. Beer. Fried Food.......yeah, I'll be tuned in.

Q: What will you be eating on game day?

A. See previous answer.

Q. Why should someone come to the Taste of the NFL?

A: It’s the best and easiest money you'll ever spend. When you walk in and see the set-up and feel the energy, you have no choice but relax and enjoy. I have yet to see a chef, player, volunteer or TNFL staffer who wasn't completely and totally invested in the evening. It’s a group of people celebrating their talents and passions together, all for the good of our friends and neighbors who are in need. It is truly a magical event.

Please click here to see Greg's interview on FOX 59 Morning: http://www.fox59.com/news/morningnews/

2x Olympic Gold Medalist LaShawn Merritt to Attend Taste of the NFL

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:26:00 GMT

Taste of the NFL announces that 2008 2x Olympic Gold Medalist LaShawn Merritt will attend the 21st Annual Party with a Purpose® on February 4, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN.

Merritt is a USA Track & Field sprinter, Team NIKE athlete and reining world champion of the 400M race after winning a Gold Medal at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. One of the fastest men in the world, Merritt holds the #1 World-Leading time in the 400M for 2011.

Merritt is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He spent one year as a college athlete at East Carolina University and signed an endorsement contract with Nike during his first season of indoor track, elevating him to compete professionally above the NCAA level against the world’s top athletes.

Prior to the 400M final at the 2007 World Championships in Athletics in Osaka, Merritt stated his intent to beat all-comers. He achieved his first sub-44 second run, finishing in 43.96, and beat 2000 Olympic champion, Angelo Taylor, to the line. However, this was not enough to beat the reigning World and Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner, who was half a second ahead. Nevertheless, the silver medal was Merritt's first at a global championship event.

Merritt's Olympics success during the 2008 season was distinguished by a considerable rivalry with Wariner, who had won the 400M at every major global championship since 2004. Merritt went on to win the gold medal in the 400M at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. A close race between Merritt and Wariner was expected, though it ultimately ended in a rout. The 0.99 second margin between Merritt's first-place finish and Wariner's second-place finish was the largest in an Olympic 400 m final. His time of 43.75, a new personal best, made him the fifth fastest 400M runner on the all-time lists. He teamed up with Wariner, Angelo Taylor and 400M bronze medalist David Neville for the men's 4×400M relay. The team defeated the Olympic record mark which had stood since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics by running a time of 2:55.39, the second fastest in the history of the event.

In April 2010, Merritt’s career took an unexpected turn. At the height of his Olympic success and a flawless 2009 season, Merritt accepted a 2-year ban from track and field, but used his time wisely to do nothing but train and stay healthy in preparation for his return.

In September 2011, Merritt was cleared to compete as his ban was lifted. This also meant he would be able to defend his gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. At the 2011 World Championship games, Merritt set a world leading time of 44.35 in only his second race back to track and field. He went on to win the silver medal at the World Championship which was similar to his 2007 season in which he won silver at World then went on to win gold at the following 2008 Olympics.

Merritt is currently training for the 2012 Outdoor track and field season and the 2012 Summer Olympic Games to be held in London, England.

For more information on LaShawn Merritt, visit http://LaShawnMerrittUSA.com and follow him on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/LaShawnMerritt

Newly Crowned Miss America to Appear at 2012 Taste of the NFL

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:47:00 GMT

Taste of the NFL announces the newly crowned Miss America will appear at its 21st annual Super Bowl event on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. Marking one of her first public appearances in her new reign, Miss America Laura Kaeppeler will be onsite at “The Party with a Purpose®” to meet guests, pose for photos and sign autographs. The annual strolling food and wine event brings together chefs and NFL players representing each NFL team for a night of food, football and fun with proceeds benefitting food banks in NFL cities nationwide.

Kaeppeler was crowned Miss America on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the 91st Annual Miss America Pageant in Las Vegas. A native of Kenosha, Wisc., Kaeppeler is the first woman representing Wisconsin to win Miss America since 1973. She performed an operatic aria to “Il Bacio” for competition. Kaeppler is a 2010 graduate of Carthage College in Kenosha with a degree in Music and an emphasis in Vocal Performance with plans to pursue a master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology. In addition to owning a private music studio, she is the founder of “Circles of Support - Mentoring Teens of Incarcerated Parents.”

"Miss America is always one of the most popular people in the room wherever she goes so we couldn’t be happier that Laura will be in Indianapolis to meet guests at our event and join our mission to kick hunger in America," said Wayne Kostroski, founder of Taste of the NFL. "We are grateful to the Miss America Organization for its support of Taste of the NFL through the years, providing a national platform to discuss the hunger issue and rally others to offer their support.”

Player Spotlight: Andy Russell, Pittsburgh Steelers

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:05:00 GMT

We recently caught up with Taste of the NFL Player representative, Andy Russell. Here's what he had to say:

Q: How long have you been with Taste of the NFL?
A: 15 years

Q: What is your most memorable moment?
A: Seeing the faces of the young people who have been given meals.

Q: What are you looking forward to in Indy?
A: Seeing all the chefs and players at the wonderful Taste of the NFL—a party with a purpose.

Q: Why do you participate in the Taste of the NFL?
A: I believe we have to give back to the community, and I feel the Taste of the NFL’s mission, “to stop hunger in America,” is extraordinarily important.

Q: Who are you cheering for this year?
A: Obviously, as an ex-Steeler I will be cheering for them if they make it to the Super Bowl. If not, I wish both teams good luck. Most importantly, I will be cheering for the Taste of the NFL and its mission to eliminate hunger in America

Q: Why should someone come to the Taste of the NFL?
A: Because it’s a very important charitable effort, not to mention a fantastic party with terrific food, good music, and lots of fun.

Gallo Partners with Taste of the NFL and Indianapolis Restaurants to Support Hunger Relief

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 02:36:00 GMT

Five January Wine Dinners Featuring Taste of the NFL Representatives Chef Greg Hardesty and Ken Dilger Will Benefit Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana.

E.&J. Gallo Winery (Gallo), a longtime supporter of Taste of the NFL and its hunger relief efforts, is hosting a series of gourmet dinners this January at various Indianapolis restaurants to raise awareness and support for hunger relief. Each of the dinners will feature a four-course menu paired with Gallo wines for $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. The proceeds from each dinner will benefit Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. In attendance at each of the dinners will be Taste of the NFL representatives chef Greg Hardesty of Recess and Room Four and former Indianapolis Colts player Ken Dilger. Reservations for each dinner are limited to 40 participants. For more information on menus and to make reservations, please call the participating restaurants.

The five participating restaurants are all part of Gallo’s “Wine-By-The-Glass” program which includes more than 15,000 restaurants nationwide that support Taste of the NFL throughout the year. The dinner series expands the local impact of Taste of NFL’s presence in Indianapolis leading up to Super Bowl XLVI and the Taste of the NFL’s 21st annual “Party with a Purpose®”, which will take place on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Gleaner’s Food Bank of Indiana.

2012 Dinner Series Schedule:

• Thursday, Jan. 5 – Oceanaire at 6 p.m. - 30 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46204. Reservations required. For more information, call 317-955-2277

• Tuesday, Jan. 10 - R Bistro at 6 p.m. - 888 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. 46204. Reservations required. For more information, call 317-423-0312.

• Wednesday, Jan. 18 - Lorenzo’s at 6 p.m. - 15 E. Maryland St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46204. Reservations required. For more information, call 317-635-3096.

• Tuesday, Jan. 24 - Adobo Grill at 6 p.m. - 110 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46204. Reservations required. For more information, call 317-822-9990.

• Tuesday, Jan. 31 - Makers Mark Restaurant (Live Casino) at 6 p.m. - 4200 N. Michigan Rd., Shelbyville, Ind. 46176. Reservations required. For more information, call 877-421-8282.