Featured Event of the Month
If you’ve never been to TASTE, the local food and drink festival hosted by our friends at Durham Magazine and Chapel Hill Magazine, this is the year to go.
Just as the Durham restaurant scene has grown so much over the past few years, so too, has TASTE the event. 2017 is their biggest year yet, with not just one, but TWO Grand Taste Experiences (keep reading for a chance to win tickets to the regional event!), and several intimate dinners and classes planned.
The four-day festival starts on April 20, 2017 with the popular Grand Taste Experience at the Durham Armory where over 30 of the Triangle’s best chefs/restaurants, artisans and beverage purveyors provide guests with the most delicious samples you can imagine.
I love having the chance to sample and see so much culinary talent under one roof, such as Andrea Reusing from The Durham Hotel, Mike Lee from M Sushi, John May from Piedmont, and Ricky Moore from Saltbox Seafood. I always make sure to allow for plenty of time to pace myself so I can stop by every single table and try what each chef has carefully prepared and presented.
Live music on the stage adds to the spirited and social ambiance…who doesn’t love the chance to gather over great food in this city? My favorite part is mingling with other local foodies and trying to decide which tables are the night’s favorites (never an easy choice).
The next few days of the festival are followed by smaller classes on interesting topics like cider, whole hog barbecue, and wine vs. beer. There is even a tacos and tequila night planned at Dos Perros and a jazz brunch at NanaSteak.
On Saturday (April 22) afternoon, for the first time, there will be a second Grand Taste Event! This one will include well-known chefs, restaurants and purveyors beyond the Triangle region. So, if you’re ready to explore more of what our savory state has to offer, this is a fantastic introduction. Better yet, how about the chance to win a pair of tickets to this event?
Bites of Bull City has teamed up to give one lucky reader a pair of tickets to the Regional Grand Taste Event on April 22, 2017 from 12-2:30 p.m. at The Durham Armory. You can earn up to eight entries via the methods below. (Contest ends Saturday, March 11th.) Good luck and happy eating!
If you didn’t win, don’t worry, you can still save 10% on ANY of Taste’s 2017 events with coupon code “bites”
Jamie Nunnelly says
Oh my goodness, how can I possibly pick my favorite chef in NC? I can’t even pick just one in Durham! We are very blessed to have so many great chefs in this state. It is one of the reasons I love living here. -the former Tar Heel Eater
Heidi S says
Nice way to start the morning!
Molly says
I really think Ashley Christensen stands out. Yes, she might be on most people’s list, but it’s for a reason – her food is very good!
AC says
Too many to choose from! I love so many
Rafael Lopez says
At the moment my favorite chef in North Carolina has to be Chef Katie Button from Curate in Asheville. Out of all the Spanish restaurants in the country, i believe she makes some of the most authentic Spanish tapas. My father an i visited about a year ago and were completely blown away. Not only by the food, but by the selection of wine, sherry and beer on the menu.
Carrie M says
There are so many great chefs! We love Mateo so my personal favorite would be Matthew Kelly.
Sara says
Let’s go with Ashley Christiansen!
By the way I was so sad I couldn’t make your last food tour. Hope you have another one soon!
Tammy says
Vimala Rajendran.
Holly Krohn says
Without a doubt Aaron Benjamin, I cannot live without Giocciolina!!
Kelly @ Trial and Eater says
Too many good chef’s to pick a favorite! But I’d love to meet even more to add to my list at Taste!
Lisa Roman says
Wow…there are way too many chefs in NC to name just one. I feel extremely lucky to be able to try out so many delicious restaurants!
olivia says
Ashley Christiansen
Carolina Kammel says
Have you been to a Snappea dinner? I absolutely love Jacob Bohem’s concepts at his dinners and it’s an experience when you get to eat his food!
Barbara says
Not helpful for your survey (sorry): my favorite NC chef is my husband.
Chris says
Scott Howell has long been a favorite!
Kelly Cohen-Mazurowski says
scott howell!
Holly says
I like Scott Howell of Nana’s, Bar Virgile, and Nana’s Steak fame.
Niki says
Really love Vivian Howard, of The Chef and the Farmer.
Jinky Rosselli says
Alley26 chef and also Jacob Bohem
Angela Regan says
Thanks for the ticket giveaway, I like the blog