AIDS ACTION AND SOUTH END CHEFS TANTALIZE TASTE BUDS 12TH ANNUAL TASTE OF THE SOUTH END

By: Diego Sanchez

Showcases Samplings from Celebrated South End Chefs

BOSTON, Jan. 25, 2007 How often do you long to try a hot, new South End restaurant but find it impossible to get a reservation? AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts brings you an evening to savor the diverse culinary creations of the most celebrated chefs from more than 40 of the South End’s finest restaurants all in one night -- all under one roof! On Tuesday, March 13, 2007, 6:30 9 p.m., AIDS Action will host Taste of the South End. Proceeds from this 12th annual event will benefit AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts.

The event will be held at the Boston Center for the Arts Cyclorama at 539 Tremont Street in Boston.  [General Admission Tickets are $95; visit www.aac.org/taste or call (617) 450-1526].  Evening highlights will include a raffle and silent auction that includes unique, eclectic food and wine-related items.

“AIDS Action is thrilled to present an event that highlights the South End’s profusion of world-class restaurants and chefs, all on one extraordinary night,” said Rebecca Haag, Executive Director, AIDS Action Committee. “Most importantly, this event helps us raise funds to continue our mission to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS by preventing new infections and optimizing the health of those already infected. AIDS Action is fortunate to have the generosity and support of the participating restaurateurs, chefs and event sponsors who make possible the distinctive, enthusiastically anticipated Taste of the South End.”
New in 2007, foodies have a special opportunity to purchase VIP Level tickets to the Taste of the South End FOR $200, granting special access to an early, private chefs’ reception and post-event reception.  Sign up at www.aac.org/taste.

“The Taste of the South End is THE premier food event in our neighborhood and it brings together all of the South End chefs for the AIDS Action Committee. It is a fine way to both raise money for a wonderful organization that does vital work in our community and also have fun saying hello to friends, neighbors and colleagues. I would not miss this event for the world,” said participating chef Gordon Hamersley.
A partial list of 2007 participating restaurants include: 209 Boston, 33 Restaurant & Lounge, Addis Red Sea, Aquitaine Bar à Vin Bistrot, Avila, B&G Oysters, The Butcher Shop, Columbus Café, Finale, Flash's Cocktails, Flour Bakery + Café, Hamersley's Bistro, Icarus, Laurel, Masa, Mela, Metropolis Café, Mistral, Pho Republic, PICCO, Red Fez, South End Formaggio, Stella, Stix, Toro, Tremont 647, Union Bar and Grill and Whole Foods Market.

For ticket information, visit www.aac.org/taste or call 617-450-1526.

AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts, Inc., (AAC), New England’s first and largest AIDS organization, is dedicated to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS by preventing new infections and optimizing the health of those already infected.  AAC provides free confidential services to men and women already living with HIV/AIDS, as well as conducts extensive educational and prevention outreach to those at risk of infection.  AAC runs the only statewide AIDS Hotline (1.800.235.2331), Hepatitis Hotline (1.888.443.4372) and Pharmacy Access Hotline (1.800.988.5209).  All Hotlines offer support in Spanish and in English.  Free and confidential HIV testing and counseling is available at AAC’s downtown Boston location and at its MALE Center in Boston’s South End neighborhood. AAC also advocates for effective science-based prevention programs.  More information is available at www.aac.org.