Braly: Taste returns revived

photo Creole-style red bean burritos are on the menu in Concord, N.H. These burritos use the flavors of the Gulf coast to offer a hint of Mardi Gras in a healthy, easy to make meal. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

After a year's hiatus, the Kidney Foundation's former Taste of Chattanooga is back with a new name and new format. Now known simply as Taste, the gastronomic fundraiser will take place 5-10 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at Warehouse Row. With Warehouse Row's new look, I can't imagine a more exciting place to hold this great event, where guests can sample foods from restaurants around Chattanooga under one roof.

Taste of Chattanooga was a favorite event for culinary enthusiasts for more than 20 years until its demise. Taste represents a step in a new direction featuring multiple facets of Chattanooga culture, said the Kidney Foundation's Jennifer McGlohon in a news release.

For $30, ticketholders will be treated to free samples of local cuisine from many of Chattanooga's finest restaurants, plus one drink ticket to be used for beer, wine or nonalcoholic beverages. Liquor also will be available at a cash bar.

Taste will focus on showcasing specialty food items from locally owned and operated restaurants. There will be a wide array of flavors ranging from Indian to Thai to Southern barbecue. Among the restaurants that have secured a place at Taste to date are:

* Blacksmith's Bistro

* Sushi Nabe

* The Curry Pot

* The Honest Pint

* Hair of the Dog Pub

* Terminal Brewhouse

* Chattanooga Brewing Co.

* Petunia's Silver Jalapeno

* Joe Friday's

* Greenlife

* Velo Coffee

* Sweet Basil

* 212 Market

* Bluewater Grille

* Porter's Steakhouse

* Market Street Tavern

* La Altena

* The Big Table

* Mount Vernon Restaurant

* Link 41


Wow! What an impressive lineup. And just think: You'll get a taste of every one under one roof.

To make it all the more exciting, there will be a chef's competition among several of the city's favorite culinary wizards: John Lopopolo (Mount Vernon Restaurant), James Wade (212 Market), Aaron Long (Market Street Tavern), Blackwell Smith (Blacksmith's Bistro) and John Palacio (Porter's Steakhouse).

In addition to the culinary arts, other forms of art will have a place in Taste. There will be entertainers from Chattanooga's music scene as well as the visual and fashion arts from Chattanooga boutiques on display.

Taste coincides with National Kidney Health Month, so come out and support the Kidney Foundation in a tasty, visually appealing way. Planners have outdone themselves to ensure a memorable evening. Tickets are limited, so get yours now at www.taste chatt.com.


As long as we're on the subject of restaurants, here's some news about a favorite Broad Street eatery, Soups On. It's now under new ownership and is serving breakfast for those of you craving a made-from-scratch morning meal. Owner Brent Youngblood said he feels the home cooking that attracts lunch customers is also attracting breakfast diners.

"We're trying some new menu items that we believe are unique, such as barbecue omelets and biscuits," he said. Hmm ... barbecue omelets. I love barbecue, so I'll bet the omelets are great. Can't wait to give one a try. And I'll bet the barbecue is great on biscuits, too.

Soup's On, 3103 Broad St., is open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The prices are right in line, too, with the highest-priced item -- the meat lovers omelet -- priced at just $5.75.

E-mail Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com.

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