More than two dozen people experienced the tastes of Japan as authentic dishes were served out to them, fresh from the kitchen of Salerno's Seaside Function Facility and created by chef Renee Walsh.

WCTV's Walsh shared her culinary skills and Japanese heritage for Taste Japan, the 11th annual dinner held by Massachusetts Children's Relief, organized by Sally Morrison. The proceeds of the dinner will benefit Turning Point Resource Center for the Homeless and Nearly Homeless, Wareham High School's Best Buddies, and Trey Miranda.

“I had a Japanese lady tell me it was the most authentic Japanese food she had in this area!” Walsh exclaimed to those who walked through the kitchen doors after the dinner.

The dish that she was looking forward to making the most also turned out to be the one that caused her the most grief. The wrong kind of noodles were purchased for the yakisoba, a traditional noodle dish. Walsh lamented, but didn't slow her roll.

The first round of the night included tempura and sushi, then yakitori and yakisoba dishes, and ended with jelly rolls, green tea cookies and Japanese cheesecake. The dishes were paired with wines and beer to compliment the flavors.

“We had a lot of drama,” said Morrision. “[Walsh] made the best with what she could do.”

Morrison worked her magic and got Walsh to come out and say happy birthday to Kathy Harunk, a teacher at John W. Decas Elementary School. Walsh, who is shy and reserved, hurried back to the kitchen with her head down as she received applause from the dinner guests.

Pastor David Shaw was at the dinner, and though he isn't a fan of sushi, he ended up saying that it was “kind of good.” The comment was humble, considering the fact that he ate the sushi on his wife's plate as well.

Morrison announced winners of the silent auction after dessert. Superintendent Dr. Kimberly Shaver-Hood was among them, and she took home a basket full of beers and wine.