On the evening of Thursday, April 11, from 5 to 8 p.m., Stratton Hall will explode with the flavors of Chattanooga as the doors open for Taste, an event that benefits the many works of the Kidney Foundation of Chattanooga.
This year, restaurants that have been favorites for years, as well as new ones that you may not have gotten a taste of yet, will gather in the hall, showcasing some of their best menu items for all to sample. They include:
Anne Braly» 1885 Grill
» Chattanooga Whiskey Co.
» Chelsea's on Thornton
» Chuy's
» Clumpies Ice Cream
» Cupcake Kitchen
» Drake's
» Einstein Bros. Bagels
» Frios Pops
» Frothy Monkey
» Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint
» J.W. Kelly Bourbon
» Lass & Lions Tennessee Craft Vodka
» Mad Priest Coffee (VIP area only)
» Miller's Ale House
» Mission BBQ (VIP area only)
» Niedlov's (VIP area only)
» Nothing Bundt Cakes
» Olive Chattanooga (VIP area only)
» Parkway Pourhouse
» Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant
» Red Lobster
» Rolling J's
» Scottie's on the River
» The Feed Co. Table & Tavern
» Tremont Tavern
» Whitebird (VIP area only)
Parkway Pourhouse is new to Taste this year, having opened on Riverfront Parkway in late summer 2018, but it's a strong commitment to community that has not only the Pourhouse, but also Feed Company, 1885 Grill and Tremont Tavern participating. All four restaurants are owned in part by the same group of restaurateurs.
"Events like Taste give us an opportunity to showcase our products as well as give back to the community," says Pourhouse owner George Lewallen.
The VIP Experience was a hit last year and sold out quickly this year, but there are tickets available for general admission, which includes all the samples you want, along with a ticket for an adult beverage (additional tickets may be purchased), a souvenir item, live music and a silent auction.
All money from the event stays local. Last year, Taste raised more than $25,000 that was used to help those living with kidney disease with their daily needs, including transportation, utilities, rent and medications, says Kirbee DeMatteo, development director at the Kidney Foundation.
"We are the only local kidney-related organization offering direct patient assistance to those in the end stages of kidney disease or who have received a kidney transplant," she says. "Patients with this disease have had their life flipped upside down, and our organization is here to bridge a gap on their basic needs."
Monies raised will also go into a special fund to help provide kidney patients with school supplies, diapers, formula, mental health counseling - any number of needs a patient may face.
Tickets for Taste 2019 are $45 per person and may be bought at the door or in advance at tastechatt.com.
Email Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com.