BARRY COURTER: Lisa, I'm noticing a trend of late. Last week we talked about free food at a Mocs game - they had their largest crowd of the season for the blackout game last Monday, and we deserve full credit, by the way - and this week, one of the events that caught my eye also involves food. Taste - An Evening of Flavors is Thursday at Warehouse Row.

LISA DENTON: There's so much to eat at Taste that I don't even mind the $30 ticket price. Twenty restaurants have signed on to participate, and the ticket grants unlimited samplings (plus one free drink and a souvenir wine glass). I mean, you can't have too many souvenir wine glasses.

BARRY: Two more and I could host a dinner for 12. My ears really perked up when you mentioned unlimited samples. There are some changes for this year's Taste. It replaces A Taste of Chattanooga, which had been around for 23 years. The venue is different, but the beneficiary is still the Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area.

LISA: I have fond memories of Taste of Chattanooga. It was an all-day affair, but I'd usually go for lunch. They'd have music playing and restaurants serving up their specialties. This year, it's just an evening event, from 5 to 10. Also unlike previous years, you won't have to spend tokens as you go. And that's one change I like. Pay once, and eat all you want. Hmmm, we do seem to be especially keen on unlimited food.

BARRY: Looking over the list of vendors, there will be Thai, Indian, vegetarian, Mexican, sushi, pizza and more from a good variety of local favorites. This is a really good way to sample some foods and restaurants that are maybe outside your normal menu.

LISA: Admission is $5 more if you pay at the door. Even then, trying all the goods would come out to just $1.75 per restaurant. And that's a pretty sweet deal. For advance tickets, call 267-1127 or visit www.TasteChatt.com.