You heard me right.  It might be cold outside but you can head over to the Knoxville Zoo this Saturday for free admission.  They are requesting that you bring items for donation.  The charities and items they need are:

Mission of Hope: non-perishable food items, new toys, new clothing for children sizes 4-18
FISH Hospitality Pantry: non perishable food items
Young-Williams Animal Center: stuffed animals, sturdy dog and cat toys, blankets, towels
The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley: Purina brand puppy and kitten food
Knoxville Zoo–Mbeli Bai Gorilla Study Club Ebobo: new and used school supplies and materials
Knoxville Zoo Green Team: old cell phones, cell phone accessories, printer cartridges

And I have to say that this will be a worthwhile trip to the Zoo this weekend.  Not only will you be helping charities to help others, but you might also catch a glimpse of the new baby chimpanzee: George. Isn’t he cute?

And if that was not enough cuteness, George has more photos and some videos up at his very own blog (kudos to Knoxville Zoo for blogging).  Go watch George grow up at Chimp Family Chronicles. Now I understand why Michael Jackson loved his Bubbles.

Photo Credit: Chimp Family Chronicles

Thursday night I was delighted to attend this year’s Taste of Blount.  Coming from San Francisco, a city of predominantly non-chain restaurants, I was interested in sampling food from a variety of locally-owned and operated eateries.  This year saw representation from Aubrey’s Restaurant, Foothills Catering, Foothill’s Milling Company, Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine and Sushi Bar, Peerless Restaurant, Sweet Celebrations, The Miles Family 411 Restaurant, The Oaks Dining Room and Bar, The Palace Cafe and Uptown Catering, The Tomato Head and Vienna Coffee Company.  Major chains were also represented by Chili’s, Candy Bouquet, Domino’s, Honey Baked Ham, Lenny’s Subs, Marble Slab Creamery, McAllister’s Deli, Panera Bread, Food City and Aqua Clear Water Systems.

I arrived at the Broadway Parking Garage with my Dad shortly after the gates opened.  It was obvious which were the popular locations based on the massive lines that were already in place.  Dad and I decided to move through the left side first, until we reached the dessert booths, then backtrack and move over to the right side.  I kept track of everything, since I am such a big foodie, and because we would be voting on Favorite Food, Favorite Beverage and Best Presentation later on in the evening.

On to the food:

Aubrey’s

Aubrey’s offered Oven Roasted Prime Rib and Grilled Shrimp on what seemed to be a scoop of some risotto-type dish.  There was also supposed to be a Chocolate Turtle Cake, but we never saw it.  The rub on the Prime Rib was great and tasted like it involved some peppercorn.  It was also cook pretty close to perfect, so Aubrey’s gets bonus points for good taste and proper cooking for the masses (a sold out crowd of 500).  The Prime Rib was also my Dad’s choice for Favorite Food.

Dad enjoying Aubrey’s Prime Rib

The Miles Family 411 Restaurant

The 411 offered up diner delights - Fried Pickles, Fried Mushrooms and BBQ Pork Mini Sandwiches.  I skipped on the sandwiches, because of my pork allergy, but reveled in the just-right breading on the Fried Mushrooms.  The Fried Pickles were good, but an acquired taste for many people.  Dad and I both gave the Fried Mushrooms a thumbs up, but only I appreciated the Fried Pickles.

Foothills Catering

Foothills Catering showed to be a more sophisticated booth than many other the options available at the Taste of Blount.  Note to organizers, put them next to Foothills Milling Company or The Oaks next time.  I think they would be in like company and better appreciated.  Some of the people arriving to this booth after visiting Domino’s and the 411 seemed to be a bit disoriented by the Tropical Tuna Bites.  Besides the Tropical Tuna Bites, Foothills Catering provided us with Spiced Lamp Pita Points with a Mango Salsa and Asparagus wrapped in Parmesan Encrusted Phyllo Dough.  While I found all of these samples to be delectable, my Dad was put off by the seared tuna in the Tropical Tuna Bites and anything with asparagus.  He did mention that if you only ate the part inside of the phyllo dough, it was good.  I delighted in the Spice Lamb Pita Points with a Mango Salsa and it was my choice for Favorite Food.

 McAllister’s Deli

We chose not to eat at McAllister’s Deli because I have eaten their multiple times and I need to conserve my stomach space.  However, I am a sucker for their Famous Sweet Tea.  Dad and I both grabbed a cup of that nectar of the gods and it was a landslide winner for Dad’s Favorite Beverage.

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If you are looking for something to do tonight, why not head to downtown Maryville and enjoy the Taste of Blount County.  Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from the Chamber of Commerce.  Local restaurants will be represented, including Foothill’s Milling Company, Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine and Sushi Bar and The Miles Family 411 Restaurant.  Bringing a picky eater? The “chains” will be there as well: McAllister’s Deli, Panera Bread and Domino’s Pizza are just a few.  Hope to see you there!