Derby, Mint Julep Contest, and Restaurant Update..

It looks like the field of horses for the Derby is really wide at this point. But currently the odds are favoring Eskendereya 3-1, Lookin at Lucky 9-2, and Sidneys Candy 9-2. More on this later; I'll keep you posted.

Speaking of odds, I had my very first Mint Julep last night. I'm not saying where I had it but it was really good. I never pictured myself as a bourbon drinker. Mint and a little simple syrup makes it taste much better (to me). We have more contenders for Best Mint Julep now; they are:
Carrabba's Italian Grill
First Street Draught House
Foothill's Brewing Co.
Jimmy's Seafood & Oyster Bar
Meridian Restaurant
NOMA
The Old Fourth Street Filling Station
Village Tavern on Hanes Mall Blvd.
Get out and order a Mint Julep, then come to the blog and vote. Click on the picture of the Mint Julep and it'll take you straight to the ballot where you'll vote for your favorite. One vote per email address...don't forget!


The restaurants are still signing up! Jimmy's Seafood & Oyster Bar will once again grace us with their presence. They always do a wonderful job with the seafood at Taste of the Town. Our friend Kenya Thorton (who happens to work here at Family Services and at Jimmy's) will probably be at the booth once again this year. We really look forward to what they have in store! Many thanks to Jimmy's. And go check out their Mint Julep!

Yesterday I was excited to hear Foothills Brewing Co. would also be at Taste of the Town! They have been so devoted and have done such a wonderful job at this event. We can't thank them enough! They're a contender in the Mint Julep contest as well!

I also just added First Street Draught House to the restaurants coming May 1st and to the Mint Julep contest list! First Street has terrific food and is one of the places in town I've been going to forever. Always great quality and terrific service. I can't wait to see them at Taste!

We're feverishly working on the live auction! Austin Caviness has agreed to be our auctioneer again this year. We always love having Austin on stage...what a natural! We have already put together an NBA package and a NASCAR package with many more great things in the works!

Tickets are currently on sale at Lowes Foods locations, at their Customer Service desk for $25. You can also stop by Family Services to get tickets or go to our website, www.fsifamily.org or straight to www.brownpapertickets.com. Tickets are $30 at the door, kids 6-12 are $10 and under 6 are free.