Your Thursday at a glance:
- Weather: High of 40.
- What to know: Free mail-order COVID-19 tests are now available and the process is super easy. Here’s what Chattanoogans need to know.
- What’s inspiring: The Betty White Challenge has helped local animal shelters raise thousands of dollars in donations.
- What’s coming: Chattanooga could have three finalists for a new police chief by the end of this week.
Good morning, Chattanooga!
I’ve been doing well this month. I’ve only eaten out twice (Good Dog and the Jamaican Jerk Shack), but with my birthday coming up this weekend, I plan to gift myself a tour of some great to-go food.
I’m starting a little early today with Lil Mama’s Vegan Meatball hoagie and boba from Tai Chi. And on Sunday, I’m making use of my BOGO First Watch birthday coupon for a waffle breakfast and will round out the day with Pad See Ew and potstickers from Alex’s Thai Food and some Publix cake (that I still need to order.)
I could go on for a while about all of my favorite meals in Chattanooga (the veggie plate from Public House, noodles from Bitter Alibi, the plant-based burger at State of Confusion, pupusas from Pupuseria Marelyn and more) because there is just so much good food in this city.
For the next week, we’re accepting your nominations for one very important and very delicious question:
What was the best meal you ate at a Chattanooga restaurant in 2021?
Now for some recent stories (all about food and drinks, of course):
FARE EXCHANGE: Speaking of gifts and food, this week’s Fare Exchange is looking for which Chattanooga foods make for the best gifts and offers recipes for a chicken casserole, herbed olive oil dip and cornbread salad.
KEEPING CHATTANOOGA CAFFEINATED: (Be)Caffeinated is opening its fourth Chattanooga location.
DIY IKEA: The first time I tried Ikea food, I couldn’t stop talking about how good the mustard was, but most people tend to talk about the meatballs. Here’s how to make your own IKEA-inspired Swedish meatballs.
-Tierra Hayes, thayes@timesfreepress.com
P.S. We can’t do this work without the support of our subscribers. You can join our Times Free Press community and subscribe here today.