Marietta may not seem like the most diverse locale in the world, but the Marietta Morning Rotary Club's annual Taste of the World International Dinner will be the only place you can eat a dinner of Bulgarian sauerkraut and pork and West African jollaf rice and peanut soup, complimented by a hibiscus beverage and sponge cake from Panama. The annual event, held at the Marietta Shrine Club, provides a glimpse - and taste - of cultures from all around the globe.

The 18th annual Taste of the World International Dinner will take place on Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Marietta Shrine Club. Event organizer and Rotarian Khadine Ritter, describes the evening as a “feast for the senses.”  This event not only provides a night out with amazing food, but promotes diversity and internationalism here in the Mid-Ohio Valley. It is quite impressive to see how many parts of the world are represented right here in our own backyard.

The dinner includes traditional dishes from over 15 different countries. The authenticity of the food makes this event unique: chefs are either a native of their representative country or first-generation. In addition to the dishes provided from the various countries, many of the chefs dress in traditional garb and entertainment is provided by an international performer or group of performers. There is also a silent auction held during the event to bid on different cultural related items.

Proceeds from event benefit the Marietta Morning Rotary Club's literacy efforts: the Marietta College Summer Reading Camp, the Reading Room at the Boys and Girls Club, and the Dictionary Project which provides a brand new dictionary to every third-grader in Washington County. The overall experience benefits the community by promoting diversity, peace, and cultural exchanges.

Contact a Rotarian for tickets. Tickets are $40 each (10 years old and under are no charge).