Taste of the Nation Miami 2010 at Turnberry Isle

Tuna oshi from China Grill.

​The band played Latin tunes, the auctions -- both silent and loud -- earned thousands for Feeding South Florida -- and the food -- oh the food.

The Taste of the Nation Miami on Thursday night at Fairmont Turnberry Isle drew thousands of hungry well dressed patrons to a festive grand ballroom. They ate everything from ropa vieja de pato (the Cuban dish but with duck!) to pork bellies in mango sauce. There was the usual macaroni with truffles too.

Ropa vieja de pato from Asia de Cuba.

​Wines, champagne and mint juleps made from a honey-infused bourbon turned the posh Aventura resort into a slightly older version of a South Beach club. Tickets, which costs in the three figures, sold well. And if you wanted to buy a Cadillac, they had one of those on display too. Now that's a party.

Sous Chef Hector Lopez of Joe's Stone Crab.

​Thousands of dollars were raised for Share Our Strength, heir to the Daily Food Bank. More thousands of kids will be fed as a result of the Big Turnberry Feed.

Only problem with the scene was the volume, which was so high in many places that at conversation was impossible. Note for next year: turn down the tunes.