On a late summer evening, an eager crowd gathered to enjoy some of the best food in Blount County as 24 area restaurants, food trucks, and caterers participated in the 24th annual Taste of Blount hosted by the Blount Partnership at the Theater in the Park in Maryville.
Novella Jones won the inaugural Momma Mel Award, given in memory of local celebrity chef Momma Mel, who conducted a cooking demonstration at the 2025 event. Contestants were asked to submit a favorite casserole for judging.
“Taste of Blount is so much more than a celebration of great food. It’s a celebration of the people, businesses, and community spirit that make Blount County such a special place,” said Blount Partnership President and CEO Bryan Daniels. “It brings our restaurants, chefs, businesses, and residents together in one place, showcasing the incredible talent and hospitality throughout our community. Events like Taste of Blount remind us that a strong community is built around shared experiences.”
Featured chefs Cory Giaquinta, Tim Miles, and David Schwartz represent the creativity, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit driving Blount County’s culinary evolution. Giaquinta has helped elevate downtown Maryville’s dining scene through Bella and Raven Steakhouse, blending classic traditions with modern techniques, refined presentation, and a commitment to high-quality ingredients. His work has contributed to Maryville’s growing reputation as a destination for upscale dining experiences.
At Foothills Milling Company, Miles and Schwartz carry forward one of Blount County’s most celebrated dining institutions. Foothills Milling has built its reputation on gourmet cuisine, fine dining excellence, and strong partnerships with local farms and producers, showcasing the region’s agricultural heritage while delivering a sophisticated culinary experience.
Together, these chefs exemplify the strength and diversity of Blount County’s food culture. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and local sourcing helps attract visitors, support local agriculture, and inspire the next generation of chefs and hospitality professionals.
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 the fourth consecutive year was Between the Slices in the dessert category. Clean Eatz Café earned double honors, winning both Best Main Course and Best Sandwich. Likewise, Prisma Health Blount Memorial Hospital won awards for Best Appetizer and Best Presentation. Winning Best Overall was first-time attendee Pinchy’s Lobster & Raw Bar.
The Culinary Excellence Awards were judged by seven culinary experts: Patrick Effler, Kaysey Sanford, Jared Anderson, Ed Mitchell, Bruce Applegate, Greg McClain, and Kevin Stoltenberg, who put their professional taste buds to the test and selected winners in five categories. Vendors were asked to submit one food item for evaluation.
Culinary awards went to Novella Jones for her French toast casserole, winner of the Momma Mel Award, presented in honor of Melonie Effler, known as Momma Mel, who passed away in April. Winning Best Appetizer was Hatcher’s On Target BBQ. Clean Eatz won Best Sandwich for its Southwest Bison Wrap. Single Barrel Events won Best Beverage. Jim & Nick’s Community BBQ took home top honors in the Main Course category, and Between the Slices won Best Dessert for its Pecan Praline Cheesecake.
The event was sponsored by UT Federal Credit Union, Earl R. Whaley & Co., ICC International, Vulcan Materials Company, CBBC Bank, Accident Fund, Home Federal Bank, Johnson Architecture, Simmons Bank, Sunbelt Rentals, PrintFX, Company Distilling, Coca-Cola, Peaceful Side Brewery, and Green Meadow Wine & Spirits.
2026 Taste of Blount People’s Choice Winners
Best Appetizer: Prisma Health Blount Memorial Hospital
Best Sandwich: Clean Eatz Cafe
Best Beverage: First Watch
Best Main Course: Clean Eatz Cafe
Best Dessert: Between the Slices
Best Presentation: Prisma Health Blount Memorial Hospital
Best Overall: Pinchy’s Lobster & Raw Bar
2026 Taste of Blount Culinary Excellence Award Winners
Momma Mel Award: Novella Jones
Best Appetizer: Hatcher’s On Target BBQ
Best Sandwich: Clean Eatz
Best Beverage: Single Barrel Events
Best Main Course: Jim & Nick’s Community BBQ
Best Dessert: Between the Slices