Whatcha doing for dinner next Wednesday?

Because if you’re planning on eating out, you should really, really consider taking part in A Taste For Life.

Here’s how it works – go for dinner on April 16th at one of many participating restaurants. The restaurant will donate 20% of your bill to Fife House, a hospice that offers care and support to people living with HIV/AIDS. Volunteers will also be on hand at the participating restaurants to answer questions and to accept any further donations diners wish to make.

Started in Ottawa in 1999 to benefit Bruce House, Fife House’s counterpart in the nation’s capital, this annual event has now spread to 13 cities and towns with all proceeds going to a designated AIDS service organization in those communities.

Here in Toronto, the number of participating restaurants has grown from 20 in 2001 to 45 establishments this year, and in 2007, A Taste For Life raised $68,000 for Fife House, which helped to support 425 clients.

Fife House is recognized as an innovative, client-focused provider of secure and affordable supportive housing and support services for persons living with HIV/AIDS and currently provides 75% of all such housing services for persons living with HIV/AIDS in Toronto.

Participating restaurants range in style and price, from pastry café Clafouti on Queen West to the high-end Tundra in the Hilton Hotel. Most places are mid-range restaurants that are an affordable night out, and offer a variety of cuisines from pub grub to Indian, Thai and Italian. Geographically, the majority of participating restaurants are centred on the Church & Wellesley area, but many other downtown neighbourhoods also have restaurants taking part, from Boho on Roncesvalles, Mitzi’s Sister in Parkdale and a number of places along the Danforth.

A Taste For Life is always a busy night, so reservations are definitely recommended, particularly if your group is large. And if next Wednesday isn’t looking so great, schedule-wise, donations can also be made to Fife House without taking part in the event, or you can check out the other A Taste For Life events on the 23rd of April in regions like Ottawa, York, Simcoe County or London.

For more information on A Taste For Life and participating venues, please visit their website.