MTI Tour of Kitchens to whet appetites

You've heard of the Tour of Homes?

How about the Tour of Kitchens?

The Manatee Technical Institute Foundation's third annual Tour of Kitchens is 2-7 p.m. Feb. 26 and will include six attractive homes on Riverview Boulevard, where folks can sample delicious dishes prepared by renowned local chefs in each kitchen.

Among our town's participating restaurants are Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Euphemia Haye, Ortygia Restaurant, Pier 22, Riverhouse Reef & Grill and SOMA Diner.

Select wines will also be served.

The tour will conclude at the Manatee River Garden Club with coffee and dessert.

Not to be outdone by the restaurant chefs, gourmet desserts will be prepared by MTI's culinary arts students. Among the delectables, they'll include caramel-pecan fragipane galette, chocolate raspberry cheesecake, cherries jubilee with vanilla-bean ice cream, coconut macaroons, hazelnut mousse swans, mocha petite gateaux and tiramisu.

Complimentary trolley service will be provided from the Manatee River Garden Club to all stops on the tour.

Funds raised will help students with educational expenses to be able to compete nationally.

Tickets are $55 and must be purchased by Feb. 20 for mail delivery or by 3 p.m. Feb. 24 for pick up at MTI Main Campus. To purchase tickets, contact Heather Humphrey at mti@manateeschools.net. Or call 751-7900, ext 2245.

For more details, visit www.manateetechnicalinstitute.org.