Why restaurant hop when you can taste it all in one spot?

Savor, sample and stroll this September as the Culinary Showcase returns to the Fair Barn in Pinehurst from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14.

At Moore County's most anticipated food event, enjoy the food, local chefs, live entertainment, beverages and more.

The Culinary Showcase is an experience like no other with samples from Moore County's favorite restaurants, caterers and resorts from white linen to checkered cloth.

Participating facilities include the Carolina Dining Room of the Pinehurst Resort, Cold Stone Creamery, The Country Club of Whispering Pines, The Darling House Pub & Grill, Elliott's on Linden, Henry's Gelato, One Fifty West at The Jefferson Inn, Little River Golf & Resort, The Magnolia Inn, Mid Pines Golf and Resort, Pine Needles Resort, Moore Delights, Panera Bread and Rhett's Personal Chef & Catering.

"I am so proud of the high caliber of restaurants and chefs we are featuring this year," said Patrick J. Coughlin, president and CEO of the Moore County Chamber of Commerce. "The Culinary Showcase isn't just about eating -- it's about the entire taste experience."

Chefs participating in the event will also be competing for The Culinary Cup (Best in Show), Best Entre, Best Appetizer, Best Dessert Awards, Best Presentation and People's Choice. The 2007 Culinary Cup Champion is Nathan Gibbs, currently with the Carolina Dining Room, previously with the 1895 Grill at the Holly Inn.

In addition to showcasing the culinary arts talents, the Culinary Showcase supports the Sandhills Community College Culinary Arts program by presenting two scholarships to two students during the evening's festivities.

"This scholarship will allow our local students to further enhance their education locally," said Coughlin.

Sample these creations for one entry price of $50 per ticket, which includes all food and drink. Live Jazz will be performed by Jerry D, and a raffle to win a trip valued at $1,500 to a culinary location of the recipient's choosing or an escorted tour through Yadkin Valley to visit various wineries and lunch for two.

The Culinary Showcase is made possible through a partnership with UNC Pembroke. Sponsors include Aberdeen Coca-Cola, Alsco, Coastal Federal Credit Union, Crescent State Bank, First Bank, Four Oaks Bank, Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc, Harris Wholesale, Hobbs, Upchurch & Associates, PA, Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte, McBrayer Chrysler Dodge Jeep, McGill Associates, Panera Bread, Penick Village, Phillips Ford, Pinehurst Magazine, PineStraw Magazine, Progress Energy, Prudential Gouger, O'Neal & Saunders Real Estate, RBC Centura, Star 102.5, The Pilot, Time Warner Cable, Village Printers, Whistle Stop Press, Inc., 550 WIOZ, WLHC FM Life 103.1 and W.O.W. Pets.

Tickets are limited and are currently on sale at the Chamber building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or at The Country Bookshop, Southern Pines. They can also be purchased at www.moorecountychamber.com.

For more information, call (910) 692-3926.