Mini sweet potato casseroles were one of the marvelous appetizers offered by Ruth's Chris at the news conference.
Having the news conference kicking off Knoxville Restaurant Week at Ruth’s Chris Steak House served as inspiration for Alan and me to sign up for our first Restaurant Week outing of 2012. We already have made our reservations to return to Ruth’s Chris on Monday, Feb. 27, with our friends Bill and Gay Lyons.
Knoxville Restaurant Week runs from Feb. 26 through March 2. During that time, many of our area’s best eateries offer special three-course dinners for either $35 or $25 depending on the restaurant and the menu. Of that amount, $5 from each meal goes to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.
This is just the second year for the promotion. Last year, money raised during Restaurant Week allowed Second Harvest to provide more than 120,000 meals to needy East Tennesseans. “This is a good reason to go out to eat,” said Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, who joked at the news conference that he personally considers a pizza buffet to be gourmet dining.
The idea for Knoxville Restaurant Week is for it to be a win-win-win, benefiting the restaurants at a typically slow time for them, the dining public which gets a great deal, and Second Harvest. In 2011, several of the restaurants sold out their tables during the week.
Thom Habecker offers a tasty libation. It's not every news conference where this happens! (We love this Moxley Carmichael client!)
Ruth’s Chris was one of those. “Knoxville Restaurant Week was a huge success for us last year,” said Paul Hohe, general manager of Ruth’s Chris. “We look forward to another success this year. The event will continue to raise awareness of Knoxville on the national culinary scene.”
Several other U.S. cities, including New York, Chicago and San Diego, have built restaurant weeks into hugely popular culinary events and significant tourist draws. Knoxville officials hope that happens here, as well.
“Knoxville is a dining out town,” said Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero in a news release. “We have wonderful, diverse restaurants that provide excellent dining experiences. Knoxville Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to sample our local fine dining and help a great cause.”
Last year more than 30 restaurants participated. Restaurants have until Friday, Feb. 10, to sign up to participate. If you are a restaurateur with an interest in doing so, please call (865) 521-0000 and ask for Susan.
To see the participating restaurants and the deals they are offering, visit the Restaurant Week website at www.knoxvillerestaurantweek.com. See you in the dining room!
Dale Thompson, left, chats with Paul Hohe, general manager of Ruth's Chris. Hohe was one of the original instigators of Knoxville Restaurant Week.
Teri Lux, left, of Second Harvest, with Susan Johnston and Roberto Ayala of Cocoa Moon, one of the participating eateries.
Crabmeat stuffed mushroons were another of the nibbles on hand.
Some folks actually had to work! Elaine Streno, executive director of Second Harvest, gives an interview to WATE.
Alan Carmichael, left, chats with Michael Grider and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right.
From left, Dale and Jill Thompson, Susan Martino and Donna Hottinger.
County Commissioner Ed Shouse with Elaine Streno
Jill Thompson samples the sweet potato casseroles offered by Nathan Barker. I'm telling you, these things were good!
Mayor Burchett and Mary Bogert, general manager of the Knoxville Convention Center
Alan with Dan Phillippi, general manager of WATE
Ahi tuna on cucumbers with a tiny slice of fresh ginger. Awesome.
Liz Lyons, left, with her mother, Gay Lyons. Gay writes the People and Parties column for the News Sentinel. (And is a foodie.)
On Teri's plate is yet another great appetizer from Ruth's Chris: beef tenderloin sliders.
Tami Hartmann, left, and Amanda Shell, both of Moxley Carmichael. Great job, ladies!
We can't wait until Restaurant Week when we will be among these happy diners at Ruth's Chris! Join us.
Great restaurants returning, and great new ones this year too. This is a real bargain and benefits Second Harvest as well.
Love to dine out — and love a great deal! What a winning combination this event is. And it is a delicious way to help Second Harvest. I will be hitting a few of my favorites — Ruth’s Chris, Connor’s, and new this year, NAMA. Yumm!
I think I will plan on going to Ruth Chris’s this weekend. Food looks so delicious.
Right, Alan and Tami! Fay: You will not be disappointed! You should plan some outings during Restaurant Week, too. Great deals and great food!
Thanks for Sharing! We hit the end of restaurant week in NYC last weekend. It was a great (delicious) way to sample a full course meal and wine without breaking the bank!
Restaurant Week is a great excuse to eat out—as if we needed one.
I dined at three of the Restaurant Week restaurants last year. Abuelo’s, Chez Liberty and La Costa. All three served outstanding menus with great value. This year I hope to get out three more times. Thank you for supporting this important event.
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