PROVIDING THE SPREAD
These are the food providers confirmed for Taste tonight.• Blue Orleans• Bluewater Grille• Chelsea's on Thornton• Crave Bakery & Cafe• Culinard chef Andrea Cagle• Famous Nater's World Famous• Fuji Steak & Sushi• LeMont's Catering• Milk & Honey Gelato• On The List Catering• Petunia's Silver Jalapeno• Porter's Steakhouse• Public House• St. John's Meeting Place• Sitar Indian Cuisine• Southern Burger Co.• Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe• Whole Foods Market
If you were so inclined, you could spend the better part of the next month trying out a different area restaurant each night to see what the chefs have to offer. Or you can sample the specialties of nearly 20 places in one night at Taste.
This fundraiser for the Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. today, March 7, at Stratton Hall, 3146 Broad St.
This is the third year for the fundraiser since undergoing a renovation from Taste of Chattanooga, says Jennifer McGlohon, executive director of the Kidney Foundation.
It's the organization's second largest annual fundraiser, she says, noting that an estimated 500 tickets will be sold. "We limit the tickets to 500 participants to keep the evening very intimate," she says.
Guests will enjoy unlimited samplings of local cuisine from locally owned and operated restaurants, caterers and other food providers, such as Andrea Cagle, the Culinard chef who helped prepare meals for President Barack Obama's second inauguration. Complimentary wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages will be served. Liquor will be available at a cash bar.
A highlight of the annual event is the chefs competition, in which some of the city's top culinary talents compete to create a gourmet dish using a secret ingredient revealed that night. Taking part in the contest, scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m., are Nathan Flynt, LeMont Johnson and John Palacio. The winner will be selected by a panel of judges.
The evening is not just about cuisine, though. Culture and couture are also among the offerings. Local entertainers Woodford Sessions, an alternative singer/songwriter duo, and Function, a funk/soul band, will perform.
Visual art will be on display, and strolling models will showcase fashions from Chattanooga boutiques.
"All proceeds will benefit patient service and public education programs to local patients suffering from kidney disease," McGlohon says.
Tickets are $40. To purchase, call 423-265-4397 or visit www.showclix.com/event/3742691.
Contact staff writer Karen Nazor Hill at khill@times freepress.com or 423-757-6396. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/karennazorhill. Subscribe to her posts on Facebook at http://www .facebook.com/karennazor hill.