DURHAM - The food bell rings but with a crystal bell on May 26, 2007 at the Taste of Durham Festival. The Community Chest, Inc. (TCC) nonprofit organization produces the third Taste of Durham Festival in a new, larger location at the Imperial Center with ambiance, accessibility, and ample space to create the ultimate platform to support and enrich the community. The Taste of Durham Festival creates a welcome mat for anyone seeking a quality place that transports you to a good place, great food, live music, and a slice of the good life infused with an international twist. Art and cultural themes and opportunities to celebrate the good life are woven into festival activities.

Established restaurants, new eateries, and catering businesses will serve up treats that defy conventional notions of festival food. The menu reflects the communities bustling culinary scene and growing internationalism. Festival goers can take a tour of the East with the pan-Asian delights of Grasshopper; taste India cuisine with spice and curry; and enjoy sushi from George's Garage; ribs from Texas Roadhouse and Chicago-style rib tips from Da Gibbsky Windy City Grill; Scallops and nonna's pizza from Bocci Trattoria & Pizzeria; a fondue experience from The Melting Pot; luxury food from Cafˇ Bistro at Nordstrom; authentic Italian dishes from Pomodoro Italian Kitchen, sweets and chocolate decadence from Cold Stone Creamery, CNT's Italian Ice, Bull City Bakery & Victoria's Sweets; authentic Cajun eats from Cajun Charlie's; traditional Cuban dishes from Carmen's Cuban Cafˇ & Lounge; Mediterranean dishes from Parizade; specially glazed dishes from Honey Baked Ham, Johnny Carino's favorites, home cooking from Dream Dinners and more mouth-watering dishes from other restaurants to be announced. There's something here for foodies, the casual diner, and adventurous pallets. A special treatis presented by Earth Fare who will take you on a journey to the fantastic world of wine, chocolate, and cheese.

Each year the TCC designates spaces for a cross-selection of various types and styles of restaurants, caterers, and food-related companies to create an eclectic variety of food sampling with cultural and international themes. The goal is to bring a balance of the well-known Durham restaurants and invite independent eateries, chains, and up and coming establishments with great food. Everyone counts is a motto which TCC integrates into many aspect of the festival programming. The invitations are based on quality, variety, reputation, professionalism, creative cuisine, and just plain good food! The format is designed for direct result marketing and opportunity to generate revenue and/or recoup costs for festival fees and setup for participants. This system is also designed to support economic development during competitive times. The festival format is unlike anything in the Triangle. The selection of food sampling offers opportunities to savor the gourmet, home-style, and international food samples from area food establishments while experiencing the good life with other festival activities.

The festival is outdoors surrounding Winchester Place. The one-day event, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., is a buffet for the senses, with choice dishes from restaurants, an array of eclectic bands and musicians, dancers, international wine and beer tasting, chef demonstrations, and special activities such an ice sculpture contest, a Mardi Gras Parade, and so much more!

This signature quality-driven festival offers a unique venue to showcase international and cultural entertainment, art and cultural experiences, venues for artist and musicians, activities for children, and a unique mix of interactive entertainment. The eclectic music lineup features known and emerging artists and a variety of music and international entertainment experiences with a contemporary approach.

The Taste of Durham Festival is "lifestyle"-driven with food and entertainment infused with a contemporary and international flare. Art and cultural themes are woven into all aspects of the festival format. This high-profile event offers a direct way to reach diverse groups of people from various communities.

Festivals within a Festival: Restaurant Food Sampling, Performance Stages: Main, Performance Showcase, Taste of Jazz & Blues, International Dance Demonstrations, International Wine Tasting Pavilion, International Beer Tasting Garden, Chef Demonstrations: Foodnetwork Style Staging, Ice Carving Competition, Taste of New Orleans' Mardi Gras, Kids Corner, Art is Alive: Interactive Showcase of Art and Cultural Exploration, Vendor & Exhibitor Displays, and more.

Essentials

Date: May 26th, 2007, Saturday Website: www.tasteofdurham.org New Location: Imperial Center, All Outdoors, surrounding Winchester Place, 4309 Emperor Blvd., Durham, NC 27703 (Page Rd Exit 282 off Interstate 40 near Sheraton Imperial Hotel)

General Admission: $4 advance & $6 at festival. Free admission for children under 12 Time: 11am to 7pm

Tickets available online and sold at Triangle area Harris Teeter locations and Morgan Imports Coins for food and beverages sold separately

Contact: Kimberly Ruskan 919-401-2926