The tastes and smells of Beaufort County’s finest restaurants will be on exhibit at the Turnage Theatre next Thursday as “Taste the Good Life” returns to Washington.

Organized through a partnership between the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, the Washington Harbor District Alliance and venue hosts Arts of the Pamlico, this year’s event promises to bring together some of Beaufort County’s greatest culinary minds under one roof.

“This event started several years ago as an event to highlight restaurants and other businesses in the area,” Chamber director Catherine Glover said. “Restaurants provide samples of some of the things they serve. Some of them make something special for that night and some just serve things in hopes of getting them to come back to their restaurants.”

Originally started in 2013, “Taste the Good Life” has been a crowd-pleaser during its six-year existence. After taking a break in 2017, the event returns this year with a new venue and anticipation of a more intimate evening, with only 150 tickets being sold. This marks a decrease from the 300 sold at earlier events.

“People can talk one-on-one more with the restaurant and business owners,” Glover explained.

Participating restaurants for this year’s event include The Meeting Place, Spoon River, Grub Brothers, Carryout by Chrislyn, The Bank Bistro, Patty Cakes, Special Affairs Catering, Petals and Produce, Raised in a Barn Farm, Rachel K’s Bakery, Wine and Words and Gourmet and Elmwood 1820. Tarboro Brewing Company and the Wine Crate will provide beer and wine samples. AOP will also have a cash bar during the event, offering that organization a chance to benefit, as well.

“It’s sort of a three-fold fundraiser,” Glover said. “It really benefits all three organizations in some way or another.”

While the event will help the organizations achieve their fundraising goals for the year, Glover says it also aligns with the Chamber’s mission of supporting local businesses.

“Anytime we can promote any businesses, we want to,” Glover said.

Tickets for the event are $30 each and can be purchased at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce. The first 100 ticketholders to arrive the night of the event will receive a commemorative glass as a souvenir. Opportunities to vendors to participate in the event are still available.

For more information on upcoming Chamber events, click to www.wbcchamber.com or call 252-946-9168.