The Second Harvest Taste in the Garden event on October 24th was a beautiful reminder of what makes our Tallahassee community so special. Set against the enchanted, evening backdrop of Tallahassee Nurseries under their twinkling string lights, this gathering was filled with food, friends, and a “feel good” shared purpose—to support Second Harvest of the Big Bend in their mission to provide essential meals to our neighbors in need.
With our area and neighboring counties rocked by hurricanes and tornadoes this year, the community has felt these hardships, and Second Harvest has been there every step of the way, providing food to those who need it most. Their work is vital, and to see the community rally around them in such a significant way was truly heart warming.
Now in its second year, Taste in the Garden has become one of Tallahassee’s signature events, bringing locals together to support Second Harvest. This year, over $130,000 was raised, thanks to the generosity of the event sponsors, ticket sales, and raffle participants. With only 400 tickets sold, the event felt intimate, yet impactful, as guests explored the sparkling pathways of Tallahassee Nurseries. Tents were spread throughout the garden, each featuring delicious bites from some of our favorite local establishments, making for a night that was as delicious as it was meaningful.
Tallahassee Foodies was thrilled to join forces once again, volunteering my time to promote the event and sharing our annual donation of $15,420 to support Second Harvest’s work (this donation is $2,000 more than last year putting us at over $41,000 raised total), thanks to the incredible support of our Tallahassee Foodies community. We hope to grow this contribution even further each year, and we’re grateful for everyone who has been part of making this a reality. It’s not just about numbers but about standing behind an organization that does so much for the Big Bend, especially in challenging times. Seeing our community come together in such a powerful way to support a cause so close to our hearts was nothing short of inspiring.
The evening itself was truly magical. Tallahassee Nurseries provided the perfect setting, with vibrant florals, lush greenery, and twinkling string lights creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It felt like stepping into a festive garden oasis. Local restaurants were scattered throughout the nursery, each offering tastings of their menu favorites, allowing guests to indulge in some of the best flavors our city has to offer. Il Lusso went above and beyond, providing not only two bars, but also crafting the Welcome Cocktail, a refreshing mix of guava, lemon and rosemary featuring Social House Vodka. Their Italian Margarita, created by Bar Manager Steven, was also a crowd-pleaser, and the perfect companion for an evening of mingling under the stars.
Admittedly, I was so wrapped up in conversations with friends and fellow foodies that I didn’t manage to sample all the incredible dishes offered—something I will remedy next year! The experience reminded me of the compassion of our community, as well as the incredible talent behind our local food scene.
Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and supported Second Harvest’s mission. This event wasn’t just about great food and drinks; it was about coming together to make a difference. We’re already looking forward to next year, where we hope to gather once again, surpass our fundraising goals, and continue uplifting our community, one delicious bite at a time.
