Local and regional food artisans are gathering once again for a March 13 event set to benefit Tennessee’s largest culinary arts program.  The 3rd Annual “Tennessee Flavors” is set to be held at Nashville State Community College on White Bridge Road.  The public is encouraged to attend and sample some of the best food this premier food and beverage celebration has to offer.  Over 70 food and beverage companies are expected to participate.

The event is sponsored by Piedmont Natural Gas and will feature local chefs from all around the Middle Tennessee area as well as those from the Culinary Arts program at Nashville State.  New this year is the addition of the Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance (TFWA) which will bring many of the Tennessee wineries to an event that focuses on Tennessee products.

“As Nashville grows, so does it’s appetite for good food, good wine and unique spirits,” said Randy Rayburn, who co-chairs the event along with local businessman Bill Freeman.  “A majority of the Nashville State students are from Nashville, attend college here and go to work here after graduation.  This event provides the public the opportunity to support homegrown food products and a homegrown workforce.”

Stephen Francescon, community relations manager for Piedmont in Tennessee, noted that sponsoring the event was natural for their company. “This represents our second year to sponsor an incredible event that brings together chefs, wine makers and many other food and beverage products manufactured right here in Tennessee.  I was truly amazed last year to witness the participation of such a diverse group of restaurant and beverage companies providing samples of their products to over 700 attendees.”

Tickets for the March 13 event are available in advance and may be purchased online at www.tnflavors.org or by calling the Nashville State Foundation at 615-353-3743.  Tickets purchased the day of the event will be available at the door.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m.