Forks & Corks draws hungry, thirsty crowd

  • Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Staff at Legends Steakhouse put out full plates as samples during Forks & Corks in Murphy on June 1.
    Randy Foster/editor@cherokeescout.com Staff at Legends Steakhouse put out full plates as samples during Forks & Corks in Murphy on June 1.
  • Wally Avett/Contributing Photographer The hands of instructor Lee Crews cradle two carved wooden spoons and one of his self-made knives, which he provides free for use by his students.
    Wally Avett/Contributing Photographer The hands of instructor Lee Crews cradle two carved wooden spoons and one of his self-made knives, which he provides free for use by his students.

    Murphy – Forks & Corks: Local Savor 2023 was held June 1 at The Hackney Warehouse downtown.

    The event gives the community a chance to experience offerings from local restaurants, caterers, breweries and wineries. Tickets were $30 each. Just 300 tickets were offered this year, with attendance by reservation only. Participants could vote for their favorites, and Sage was announced as the winner the next day.

    Other participants included Red Brick Deli, Hoppy Trout, Ferncrest Winery, The Crown Restaurant, Grapevine Distributors, Legends Steakhouse, Julie’s Place, Smoky Mountain BBQ, and Buck Bald Brewing.

    The lines were out the door for the two servings. Sherry Raines, executive director of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, said the event is a break-even affair, with the main focus being exposure of local food and beverages to a broader audience.

    Participating venues invest significantly to provide samples and staff for the event, she said.