Provence Restaurant to Host TABLE Fund-Raiser on O

CARRBORO, N.C., Oct. 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In celebration of autumn, patrons of the Provence restaurant are exploring a variety of new and exciting dishes from Executive Chef and co-owner Baptist Knaven.

"Fall is always an inspiring time in the Provence kitchen," said Chef Knaven, whose latest culinary delights include such items as radicchio and roasted beet salad , lamb shank ossobuco , and local Asian pear tarte tatin .

"Equally inspiring in fall, and throughout the year," he added, "is the ongoing commitment of our community to help others in need."

One way in which Provence assists the less fortunate is through its support of TABLE, a local nonprofit organization that delivers emergency food-assistance to hungry elementary-school children in Carrboro and Chapel Hill.

"A key mission of the program," Chef Knaven explained, "is to unite students at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill with area residents and business people in a strategy of providing healthy meals to local youngsters in need."

FUND-RAISER FOR HUNGRY CHILDREN

On Sunday, Oct. 20, Provence will host TABLE's First Annual Empty Bowls Event. In exchange for a $30 donation, the fund-raiser, which runs from 4 to 7 p.m., will provide guests with a locally crafted pottery bowl and hearty soup dinner replete with bread, dessert and live live entertainment.

The Empty Bowls project is an international, grassroots effort to fight hunger. The money raised from such meals benefits local charities fighting hunger. Guests are invited to keep the bowls as a reminder of their efforts in supporting the program.

"TABLE is so appreciative of Provence for its help and involvement in our First Annual Empty Bowls Event," said Ashton Chatham, executive director of TABLE. "Chef Knaven and his staff have made it evident that they really care and want to make a lasting difference for TABLE and the community at large."

TABLE is the only local nonprofit organization focused exclusively on providing emergency food aid for hungry children in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Founded in 2007, the organization was created to unite University of North Carolina (UNC)-Chapel Hill students and community members in the assistance initiative. The group raises money and collects non-perishable foods for distribution to local children in need.

Tickets for the Oct. 20 fund-raiser may be purchased online at http://www.tablenc.org/empty-bowls/ , or the day of the event. Since space is limited, advance registration is suggested.

About Provence

Provence is a popular culinary destination specializing in regional French and Mediterranean cuisine, prepared under the direction of famed Executive Chef Baptist Knaven, an owner of the establishment.

For additional information about Provence, the restaurant may be reached at 919-967-5008, or visited online at http://provenceofcarrboro.com/ . Reservations also can be made online at OpenTable.com .

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