Maryville, Tenn. – On a late summer’s eve, an eager crowd gathered to enjoy some of the best food in Blount County as a record 32 area restaurants, food trucks and caterers participated in the 22nd annual Taste of Blount hosted by the Blount Partnership at the Theater in the Park in Maryville, Tenn.
The crowd was treated with the appearance of celebrity chef Christian Gill who has parlayed his success in the restaurant business into becoming one of the fiercest competitors on Food Network. He’s beaten Bobby Flay, taken top prize on Guy’s Grocery Summer Games and been crowned champion on Giada’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Challenge.
“Community events like this, along with the support of local sponsors, are essential to showing the vibrancy of this area,” said Blount Partnership President Bryan Daniels. “The friendly competition among the vendors is great and Taste of Blount shows off the wide variety of places we have to eat here.”
Attendees voted for winners in seven categories while culinary experts handed out the Culinary Excellence Awards.
Taking home top honors in the People’s Choice division for best sandwich for the sixth consecutive year was REO Cheesewagon. Doubling up for best beverage and presentation was Sugar Mama Cotton Candy Co. and Single Barrel Events. The Abbey took home the best main course award while Between the Slices won best dessert for the second straight year. Pellissippi State Culinary Institute won best overall for the second straight year.
The Culinary Excellence Awards were judged by six culinary experts – celebrity chef Christian Gill, Kaysey Sanford, Sherri McCall, Ed Mitchell, and Mandee & Eric McNew – who put their professional taste buds to the test and anointed winners in five categories. Vendors were asked to submit one food item for the judges to determine which topped their chart.
Winning best sandwich for the second straight year was Waterfront Bar & Grill. A&R Texas BBQ won for top appetizer and newcomer Yassin’s Falafel House took the honor for best main course. Between the Slices won best dessert and for the second consecutive year, Sugar Mama Cotton Candy Co. and Single Barrel Events took home the best beverage award.
The event was sponsored by HDI, UT Federal Credit Union, Nemec Abbott Foundation, Sunbelt Rentals, ICC International, Tennessee Orthodontic Studios, Hilton, Harvest Thyme, Simmons Bank, Newell Brands, CBBC Bank, Vulcan Materials, RT Lodge, Peaceful Side Brewery, Senior Care Partners of East Tennessee, Coca-Cola and Green Meadow Wine & Spirits.
2024 Taste of Blount People’s Choice Winners
Best Appetizer: Blackhorse Pub and Brewery
Best Sandwich: REO Cheesewagon
Best Beverage: Sugar Mama Cotton Candy Co. and Single Barrel Events
Best Main Course: The Abbey
Best Dessert: Between the Slices
Best Presentation: Sugar Mama Cotton Candy Co. and Single Barrel Events
Best Overall: Pellissippi State Culinary Institute
2024 Taste of Blount Culinary Excellence Award Winners
Best Appetizer: A&R Texas BBQ
Best Sandwich: Waterfront Bar & Grill
Best Beverage: Sugar Mama Cotton Candy Co. and Single Barrel Events
Best Main Course: Yassin’s Falafel House
Best Dessert: Between the Slices