Participating eateries announced for 6th annual event and inaugural festival

From February 28- March 4, Knoxville diners will be treated to a special week of great meals for a great cause. Three-course meals will be offered at a special fixed price of $30 or $40 at the participating local restaurants. Additionally, new participating restaurants will offer a percentage of Restaurant Week sales to Second Harvest instead of a fixed menu.

Knoxville ‘foodies’ can now make reservations at their favorite dining spots. Guests are encouraged to make reservations early, as popular restaurants fill quickly.

“I hear from people who look forward to Restaurant Week all year. You can’t beat the fine dining cuisine at great fixed prices,” said Elaine Streno, executive director of Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. “Last year, Restaurant Week raised more than 49,000 meals for more the needy in East Tennessee. Since its first year in 2011, Knoxville Restaurant Week has helped provide meals to more than 250,000 East Tennesseans.  I am grateful for everyone who participates- from our sponsors and restaurants to the diners.”

Restaurant Week fans will be glad to know that past favorites, including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Fleming’s, The Melting Pot, and Naples are returning with sumptuous new specialty menus. There are also new participating restaurants, including Nothing Bundt Cakes and The Coop Cafe.

Diners can visit www.secondharvestetn.org for the full list of participating restaurants and visit their websites. To make a reservation or learn about the special menu for Restaurant week, restaurants should be contacted directly.

Kicking of Restaurant Week will be the first East Tennessee Food Festival sponsored by US Foods.

Over 20 restaurants will be at the Knoxville Convention Center on Feb 28th offering samples of their greatest creations. Restaurants will participate in categories of their choice including, fine dining, casual dining, ethnic dining, and desserts.  Winners for each category will be determined by the public. During the Food Festival, four local chefs will compete in a timed event on center stage. The heat will be on as the chefs prepare a meal from the pre-selected pantry provided by US FOODS and a secret ingredient provided by Second Harvest.

Come hear the sizzle, see the slicing and dicing, and get a taste of the pressure!  For more information or to purchase your ticket go to www.secondharvestetn.org. General admission is only $25. All proceeds will benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.

Sponsors for Knoxville Restaurant Week include, more than 20 leading Knoxville restaurants, US Foods, Pilot Flying J, and The Knoxville News Sentinel.

Knoxville Restaurants may still register to participate by calling Blaire Hall at 865-243-8212 or email blaire@secondharvestetn.org.