The Daily Times

You might have heard the buzz around town for weeks now about The Relish Magazine Cooking show being presented by The Daily Times.

There have been stories in the newspaper, ads, plenty of photos, a visit by the featured chef and a special tab section. It will feature Relish Magazine chef Jon Ashton, who promises you will not only learn a few helpful hints in the kitchen but you’ll come away having laughed the night away.

Tonight’s the night.

The event starts off from 4 to 7 p.m. with an expo in the grand foyer of the Clayton Center for the Arts on the campus of Maryville College. Several local businesses will have booths that introduce themselves and their products to this community. Then from 7 to 9 p.m., Ashton will take the stage of the Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre where he will use his culinary expertise to both educate and entertain.

Evelyn Sandlin, Daily Times advertising director, was still getting calls Wednesday about the show. “We have been delighted with the number of people who wanted to be a part of this,” she said. “We didn’t have very many people say they couldn’t.”

“Tickets sales are near 800,” added Carl Esposito, publisher of The Daily Times. He said there will be valet parking tonight, a cash bar and $5,000 in door prizes that will be given away. Items include cabinets, a dinette set, oven, refrigerator, several gift baskets and more.

This is the first-ever such event for The Daily Times, but not the last. There are plans under way to do this cooking show again next year. Esposito said despite the hard work, it’s been a blast.

“I have been part of these types of things before,” the publisher said. “I think this is going to be as big a success as I’ve been associated with.”

Ashton came to town weeks ago to meet the sponsors and get a look around. He has fallen in love with these Smoky Mountains, Sandlin said. The trip here is one of his first to the Deep South. He is originally from England.

Ashton couldn’t be more happy with the venue, Blount County’s Clayton Center for the Arts. Both Esposito and Sandlin were with him when he made his visit.

“He sent his corporate office an email as soon as he saw it,” Esposito said. “He told them if they have any prospects for future shows to send them here.”

Special entertainment

In addition to the special touches like the valet parking and lots of prize giveaways, there will be entertainment including members of the Appalachian Ballet, who will perform scenes from “The Nutcracker.” There will be music as well. Brian Tuggle, owner of Personal Care Choices, will serve as emcee.

Some local teenagers have even asked to be involved. Members of the Richard Williams Jr. Leadership Development Academy will be helping in several capacities. “They have said they will do anything we ask them to do,” Sandlin said.

Sponsors who have helped The Daily Times make this night possible are Lowe’s, Food City, the Clayton Center for the Arts, Grand Furniture and Blount Memorial Hospital.

Relish Magazine appears in The Daily Times on the first Wednesday of each month.

Ashton will deliver a high-energy show, no doubt about that. He’s even learned a few East Tennessee phrases sure to be included in the night of food and fun.

All that’s left to do is sit back and enjoy the show. From talk about town, the excitement has been building.

“We will find out soon enough,” Esposito said.

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