3K Followers About the event
Taste of Blount is Blount County's premier culinary celebration, bringing together the area's finest restaurants, caterers, gourmet grocers, and home chefs for an unforgettable evening of food, flavor, and community.
Guests will enjoy an incredible variety of tastings that showcase the creativity and talent of our local culinary scene, from savory specialties and comfort food favorites to decadent desserts and unique beverages. Throughout the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to discover new favorites, connect with local food creators, and celebrate the people and businesses that make Blount County a great place to dine.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the Chef's Table offers exclusive tastings, premium seating, and enhanced hospitality in a more intimate setting.
In addition to attendee voting and special culinary recognitions, Taste of Blount will feature the inaugural Momma Mel Award Competition, honoring the legacy of Melanie "Momma Mel" Effler and celebrating the traditions of home cooking that bring families and communities together.
Dates
Sep 15, 2026 · 6:00 PM - Sep 15, 2026 · 8:00 PM(GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
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Location
Parking instructions
Convenient parking is available at First Baptist Church and in the downtown parking garages. We recommend arriving early to allow ample time to park and make your way to the event.
Health & safety
The health and safety of our guests, vendors, and staff is a top priority. Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell and be mindful of those around you. Alcohol will be served at this event, and we encourage all guests to drink responsibly. For the safety and comfort of everyone, firearms and weapons are not permitted. Event staff reserve the right to address any concerns to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all.
Event highlights
Chef Cory Giaquinta
The Chef’s Table featured guest is Cory Giaquinta, the talent behind The Raven Steakhouse and Lounge in downtown Maryville. Known for bringing an elevated, fine dining experience to the local culinary scene, he is a Cityview Magazine “Top Chef” honoree who blends his Italian and Sicilian roots with modern techniques and refined presentation. With previous experience as executive chef at Bella, his work at The Raven showcases high-end steakhouse fare and continues to elevate Maryville’s growing reputation as a destination for upscale dining.
Applications
Interested in applying:
1 active application
Deadline:
Aug 28, 2026
Momma Mel Casserole Cookoff Competition
The Momma Mel Award honors the memory of Melonie "Momma Mel" Effler and celebrates the home cooks who bring family, friends, and communities together around the table.
As part of Taste of Blount, local home chefs are invited to showcase their favorite casserole recipe for a chance to earn the inaugural Momma Mel Award.
- Eligibility
- Open exclusively to non-professional home chefs who reside in Blount County, Tennessee.
- Professional chefs, restaurant owners, restaurant employees, caterers, food trucks, bakeries, and commercial food businesses are not eligible to participate.
- One entry per participant.
Competition Details - Entries must be a homemade casserole, either sweet or savory.
- Casseroles should be prepared in a standard 9" x 13" pan.
- Entries will be sampled and judged by the Taste of Blount Event Committee and members of the Effler family.
Participants
Interested in applying:
1 active application
Deadline:
Aug 28, 2026
You may choose to enter your food and/or beverages in the following categories that will be judged by the event attendees (People’s Choice Awards): best appetizer, best sandwich, best main dish, best dessert and best beverage.
All vendors and entrees will also be judged for best presentation (booth decoration and food) and best overall dish.
Vendors may pick one of their dishes to be judged in the Culinary Excellence Awards.
All vendors and entrees will also be judged for best presentation (booth decoration and food) and best overall dish.
Vendors may pick one of their dishes to be judged in the Culinary Excellence Awards.
Sponsor Applications
Interested in applying:
1 active application
Deadline:
Aug 21, 2026
Hosted by the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Taste of Blount is the only regional event that exclusively promotes our local restaurants, caterers and gourmet grocers in a setting that combines tasting a variety of foods and beverages, listening to great music on the Charles West stage, and hanging out with friends.
Of course, there would be no event without the support of our community partners, and it is my pleasure to invite you to be a sponsor of this treasured tasting event celebrating the culinary excellence in Blount County! We hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to have your company associated with this premier annual event.
Meet our Sponsor Applications!
Vulcan Materials Company
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Home Federal Bank
View sponsor website
Terms & Conditions
Thank you for supporting Taste of Blount. Please note that all ticket purchases are final and non-refundable. Tickets may be transferred to another guest if you are unable to attend. This is a rain or shine event, and the event will be held as scheduled regardless of weather. By completing your purchase, you agree to these terms and conditions.
Hosted by Blount Partnership
Joined Eventeny in October 2022
46 events
Maryville, Tennessee, United States 
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