Participating eateries announced for 6th annual event
The first annual East Tennessee Food Festival presented by US FOODS took place on February 28th and raised thousands of meals for those in need. Over 20 restaurants offered samplings from their menus to over 300 event attendees. The Food Festival kicked off the 6th Annual Restaurant Week to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.
Event attendees voted for their favorite dish in four categories. Fine dining, casual dining, ethnic dining, and desserts. Winners of each category included Citico’s Restaurant and Club for Fine Dining, Season’s Innovative Bar and Grille for Casual Dining, Pelancho’s Mexican Grill for Ethnic Dining, and Goodness to Go for Desserts. A chef’s competition took place during the event and the winning chef, determined by a panel of judges, was Chef Jeff DeAlejandro of Aubrey’s Restaurant group.
This week, from February 29- 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.
Make your reservation today! Have a great meal for yourself and provide 15 meals for East Tennesseans in need.
