Blue Streak’s top 10 Knoxville restaurants; Agree?

Have you ever seen a happier face? This is my husband and business partner, Alan Carmichael, indulging his famous sweet tooth at one of the restaurants on The Blue Streak's top ten list. Read on to find out which one! See if you agree.

Have you ever seen a happier face? This is my husband and business partner, Alan Carmichael, indulging his famous sweet tooth and clowning around at one of the restaurants on The Blue Streak's top ten list. Read on to find out which one! See if you agree.

We at Moxley Carmichael are restaurant people. We eat out all the time. We eat out for business, we eat out for pleasure. We eat out for lunch and dinner and brunch.

Because of these habits, Alan and I often get asked for restaurant recommendations or we are asked, “What are your favorite restaurants?” So, I’ve taken a stab at picking The Blue Streak’s current 10 favorite restaurants, within a few parameters.

  • They must be locally owned;
  • They must be located in Knoxville;
  • They must be a sit-down restaurant where a meeting can take place.

The locally owned rule leaves out several restaurants we love and patronize regularly. Chuy’s, which hired us to help them open in this market, is one of them. So is Bonefish Grill in Bearden, which also was a client of ours. And Tupelo Honey and Salsarita’s. We also can regularly be found at Bravo! Cucina Italiana and Ruth’s Chris and Fleming’s.

I’m also not saying these top 10 are the best restaurants in town. But I am saying they are The Blue Streak’s favorites. The reasons for each one’s selection will differ and I’ll try to explain my choices. I hope you will add your own in the comments section. Here goes.

No. 10: Nama at 506 S. Gay Street

Alan with his utensil of choice at Nama.

Alan with his utensil of choice at Nama.

The food at Nama is flat-out great! The wait staff is generally friendly and knowledgeable and the decor is sleek and sophisticated. And you can’t beat the location. Nama is right across Gay Street from our office and two blocks from our condo. It’s right next door to Regal Riviera Cinema and just down the street from both the Tennessee and Bijou theaters.

The really good thing is that Nama has an extensive sushi bar with both sushi and sashimi offerings, but it also has cooked food, called “Hot Nama” on the menu. So you can go with a mixed group of people — including those who don’t care for traditional sushi. The bar is great, too, with a nice wine list and awesome martinis. Check out their website for specials including half-priced rolls on Monday and Thursday.

My only small complaint is that I hate the miso soup — and it’s the only soup they have. I wish they had tom yum soup or egg drop or won ton.

Crunchy shrimp at Nama

Crunchy shrimp at Nama

My favorite item at Nama: sweet-chili ahi tuna and noodles.

My favorite item at Nama: sweet-chili ahi tuna and noodles.

Alan's favorite: Asian bbq salmon

Alan's favorite: Asian bbq salmon

The plants in the entryway give Nama a modern Asian feel.

The plants in the entryway give Nama a modern Asian feel.

No. 9: Chez Guevara, 8025 Kingston Pike

We met our friends Tim Young, left, and Jeff Cupp there for dinner last Saturday. I love the big cacti out front.

We met our friends Tim Young, left, and Jeff Cupp there for dinner last Saturday. I love the big cacti out front.

Unbelievably, this restaurant does not have a website! Maybe it doesn’t need one. Lots of folks have been going there for more than 30 years, since it was part of the small La Paz chain. It’s always packed. If you are going on a weekend night, you’d best get there before 6 — as we did this past Saturday — if you want to avoid a long wait. It is located in the Suburban Shopping Center, where Trader Joes and Toys “R” Us are located.

The food, which is more of a California Mexican style, is consistently fabulous, maybe a little on the spicy side, which is how I like it. The margaritas are tart and pack a wallop, as they should. And the decor is just so eclectic and hilarious that it’s almost worth the trip just for that. Heavy on velvet paintings, Elvis pictures and kitschy souvenirs, it will always provide a conversation starter.

Only down side is there is not much of a wine selection. But thank goodness they have pinot grigio!

Tim always orders the black and blue nachos.

Tim always orders the black and blue nachos.

I had grilled fish tacos. They were filled with jalapenos, which really woke up my taste buds.

I had grilled fish tacos. They were filled with jalapenos, which really woke up my taste buds.

Alan always orders chicken quesadillas and asks them to leave off the jalapenos. (Wimp!)

Alan always orders chicken quesadillas and asks them to leave off the jalapenos. (Wimp!)

Jeff got Cuban quesadillas.

Jeff got Cuban quesadillas.

Here are Jeff and Tim digging in.

Here are Jeff and Tim digging in.

Here's an example of the decor! Ha.

Here's an example of the decor! Ha.

We ran into our buddies Kristi Ogle, left, and Deane Conley in the bar, which is our favorite place to eat at Chez Guevara, by the way.

We ran into our buddies Kristi Ogle, left, and Deane Conley in the bar, which is our favorite place to sit at Chez Guevara, by the way.

Chez Guevara definitely has a sense of humor. They placed these signs out front. "Detox" points to a yoga studio next door. "Retox" points to Chez Guevara!

Chez Guevara definitely has a sense of humor. They placed these signs out front. "Detox" points to a yoga studio next door. "Retox" points to Chez Guevara!

No. 8: The Tomato Head on Market Square.

Alan grabbing a quick lunch -- his favorite pizza, "Number 9."

Alan grabbing a quick lunch -- his favorite pizza, "Number 9."

You are not going to find any food remotely like The Tomato Head’s anywhere else. It’s vegetarian friendly and made from scratch with a bias for locally sourced ingredients. The wait staff is a little “crunchy granola” which is exactly as they should be. And every last one of them is friendly and helpful. They know the menu and the food inside out and can describe it for you in detail and answer questions. They make sandwich and burrito specials every day — but don’t get attached to the specials because they never repeat them! We love their Sunday brunch, where they have a waffle bar and an also-never-repeated enchilada special.

But the most frequent time you will find me there is at lunch. They serve a fabulous and fast lunch. At lunch, you must order from the counter and the food is then delivered to your table, but in the evening they have regular table service. My guess is that this arrangement allows them to get lunch on the table more quickly.

My only small disappointment is that they do not serve mixed drinks, only wine and beer. Sometimes we have to choose another brunch spot if we are with friends who want Bloody Marys with their Sunday noonish repast.

The Number 9 features turkey and spinach. It is no longer on the list, but if you ask for it, they still will make it for you (and Alan).

The Number 9 features turkey, spinach and red onions. It is no longer on the menu, but if you ask for it, they still will make it for you (and Alan).

My go-to lunch order is a small (yes, that's a small!) Southwestern chicken salad with Southwestern vinaigrette.

My go-to lunch order is a small (yes, that's a small!) Southwestern chicken salad with Southwestern vinaigrette.

Number 7: Naples, 5500 Kingston Pike

Alan is addicted to steak Chianti at Naples. He orders it every time and raves about it every time!

Alan is addicted to steak Chianti at Naples. He orders it every time and raves about it every time!

My husband, a Knoxville native, has been going to Naples for nearly 50 years! It used to be known as Alberti’s. Then and now, Naples personifies a good ole neighborhood, red-checked tablecloth, Italian restaurant. Owned by Bob and Becky Luper, it is super, super casual, super family-friendly and super consistent. The menu features classic Italian dishes as well as fresh daily specials to keep things interesting. The wine list is superb. And, thanks to a Cruvinet, a temperature-controlled wine dispensing system, great wines by-the-glass also are available.

Very often, I order the fruitti di mare, a fabulous dish featuring all kinds of shellfish and fish in a red sauce served over pasta. It no longer is on the menu, but is still available if you know to ask. Another old favorite they will stillย  make, although it also is not on the menu, is pane basillica, a small pizza crust dressed with chopped fresh tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh basil. Yum, yum.

I can’t think of a single thing I would change about Naples. We see other diners we know every time we go in there. It’s like old home night. A classic Knoxville eatery.

Here is Alan's steak Chianti.

Here is Alan's steak Chianti.

I got steamed mussels on this particular night.

I got steamed mussels on this particular night.

We almost always split a slice of spumoni - a kind of Neopolitan ice cream creation feature stripes of chocolate, cherry and pistachio ice cream.

We almost always split a slice of spumoni - a kind of Neopolitan ice cream creation featuring stripes of chocolate, cherry and pistachio ice cream.

Repeatedly, in contest after contest and year after year, Naples gets voted "most romantic" restaurant in Knoxville. I think it's the cozy ambiance.

Repeatedly, in contest after contest and year after year, Naples gets voted "most romantic" restaurant in Knoxville. I think it's the cozy ambiance.

Number 6: The Stir Fry Cafe, 7240 Kingston Pike

The veggie egg roll, Alan's favorite, at The Stir Fry Cafe

The veggie egg roll, Alan's favorite, at The Stir Fry Cafe

We have been going to The Stir Fry Cafe, located in The Gallery Shopping Center, for more than 20 years. It used to be my all-time favorite restaurant when we lived a little closer to it. I liked it so much that I recall one week eating there five different times. Now that’s liking a place! Alan and I were such good customers that when the former founder and owner, Kenny Saio, passed away years ago, Alan was one of the speakers at his funeral. (I knew I wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without breaking down.)

Why do we like it so much? The food is fresh and unique. Asian and Thai, mostly. And the staff treats you like family. You can eat at the bar, which we sometimes do, at a tall table, at a traditional table, in a booth, or (my favorite) outside on the patio. If you go there on Saturday, you will find half-price sushi and $10 off bottles of wine. Or watch the restaurant’s Facebook page (click here) for other specials.

The Stir Fry Cafe is just so much darn fun.

Our friends Jerry Harnish, center, and Dr. Duree Snapp joined us at one of our favorite tables on the patio of The Stir Fry Cafe. Jerry is fire chief for Rural/Metro. Duree is a veterinarian.

Our friends Jerry Harnish, center, and Dr. Duree Snapp joined us at one of our favorite tables on the patio of The Stir Fry Cafe. Jerry is fire chief for Rural/Metro. Duree is a veterinarian.

Moo goo gai pan is Alan's most frequent selection at Stir Fry.

Moo goo gai pan is Alan's most frequent selection at Stir Fry.

Jerry is a vegetarian and I've never seen him order anything but home style bean curd. Stir Fry is very vegetarian friendly.

Jerry is a vegetarian and I've never seen him order anything but home style bean curd. Stir Fry is very vegetarian friendly.

It was sesame chicken for Duree.

It was sesame chicken for Duree.

Bangkok rolls for me.

Bangkok rolls for me. Fresh and light.

Number 5: Cru Bistro and Wine Bar Downtown, 141 S. Gay Street

Citrus chicken pasta, Alan's recent dinner order at Cru Bistro and Wine Bar downtown.

Citrus chicken pasta, Alan's recent dinner order at Cru Bistro and Wine Bar downtown.

Cru, which also has a location way out west in Turkey Creek, has been part of the revitalization of the historic 100 block of Gay Street. One of the best things about Cru is its menu — it is huge and diverse. You can bring a group to Cru, and everyone will find something they want, from steaks to pasta to salads and personal pizzas. And, guess what. If they don’t find something they like on Cru’s big menu, they can order off the menu of the sister restaurant next door, the fabulous Shuck. Both eateries are owned by the same folks.

You also have a choice of atmosphere because Cru is divided into two rooms and each has its own vibe. I prefer the room with the bar. It is more lively and you have more interaction with the bartender and wait staff as they pick up and deliver drinks to the other patrons. But the other dining room can accommodate larger parties, so sometimes it is the best option.

Wild mushroom pizza with pesto at Cru

Wild mushroom pizza with pesto at Cru

Cru also is open late at night, which can sometimes be a challenge with other restaurants. Cru is open until midnight Monday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Even on Sunday it is open until 10 p.m. Manager Joan Marshall says they hope to develop an after hours following among other hospitality workers. Speaking as someone who has taken guests to the Knoxville Symphony Pops concerts on Saturday nights and been told it’s “last call” when arriving at other downtown locations for a drink after the show, I am grateful to have a nice place that stays open late.

Our friends and fellow downtown dwellers Bill and Gay Lyons joined us for dinner at Cru last Sunday.

Our friends and fellow downtown dwellers Bill and Gay Lyons joined us for dinner at Cru last Sunday.

Bill had the seared petit filet with blue cheese crumbles.

Bill had the seared petit filet with blue cheese crumbles.

Gay had the grilled salmon with blue crab butter and broccolini.

Gay had the grilled salmon with blue crab butter and broccolini.

Cru has some good wine choices. We loved this 2011 blend made from zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon and syrah grapes.

Cru has some good wine choices. We loved this 2011 blend made from zinfandel, cabernet sauvignon and syrah grapes.

The white chocolate raspberry cheesecake satisfied Alan and Bill's dessert cravings.

The white chocolate raspberry cheesecake satisfied Alan and Bill's dessert cravings.

Number 4: Chesapeake’s, 600 Union Avenue

This Maryland seafood salad is my go-to lunch order at Chesapeake's.

This Maryland seafood salad is my go-to lunch order at Chesapeake's.

For us at Moxley Carmichael, Chesapeake’s is the new Regas. Regas used to be practically our company cafeteria. Now Chesapeake’s is. It is a perfect place for a business lunch: the food is high quality and consistent; there is ample free parking for those driving into downtown from elsewhere; downtowners can walk to it; you can make reservations; the staff is friendly and professional; they appreciate “regulars” and, if you are one, they go above and beyond to take care of you and your guests.

Chesapeake’s also is a great place to meet a business associate (or friend) for drinks after work. They have great $5 appetizers in the bar and on the patio and the bartenders are friendly and attentive. The wine list is good and the martinis are tops. We also enjoy their Sunday brunch, which features a Bloody Mary bar with every kind of condiment you can imagine for the popular wake-me-up.

It’s funny, but just like at Regas, the decor at Chesapeake’s is a little stale and out-of-date. But instead of that being irritating, it’s actually kind of comfortable and reassuring. I’m fine if they don’t change it.

Fresh seafood is flown in every day and the specials change daily. This is the grilled salmon on a recent lunchtime visit.

Fresh seafood is flown in every day and the specials change daily. This is the grilled salmon on a recent lunchtime visit.

This is my favorite booth in the bar. On this day, I was meeting my friend Carolyn Neil, CEO of Elder Advocates. And that's Jim Xxxxx, one of the best bartenders of all time.

This is my favorite booth in the bar. On this day, I was meeting my friend Carolyn Neil, CEO of Elder Advocates. And that's Jim Burgin, one of the best bartenders of all time.

Number 3: Shuck, 135 S. Gay Street

This is The Tower and it is my favorite thing to order: shrimp, lump crab, pico de gallo, avocado, romaine, honey chipotle dressing.

This is The Tower and it is my favorite thing to order: shrimp, lump crab, pico de gallo, avocado, romaine, honey chipotle dressing.

Another big player in the exciting development of the 100 block of Gay Street is Shuck, owned by the same folks who own Cru and Nama. Shuck always has a great selection of oysters on the half shell, of course, and a lot of other great — and very creative — seafood dishes as well. It is a tiny place, but filled with fun. Sit at the bar if you’d like to watch the oyster shucking process or sit in a cozy booth if you want more privacy and intimacy.

Shuck will be opening a second spot in the Bearden space formerly occupied by Chez Liberty. But that’s a much larger space and I don’t see how they will be able to pull off the feeling that you are really a part of the action, which is what happens in the downtown location. The place is so small that the bartenders and servers almost can’t help but get involved in conversations with the customers. And the food is creative and flawless, as I think you will see from these pictures.

Here is a fish taco at Shuck. You can get at least five different kinds.

Here is a fish taco at Shuck. You can get at least five different kinds.

Crab cakes

Crab cakes

This is a fantastic offering called "Oysters Four Ways."

This is a fantastic offering called "Oysters Four Ways."

From the top, at 12 o’clock and then clockwise: Greek (cucumber-olive relish, cherry tomatoes, and lemon); shooter (Bloody Mary mix, celery, lemon, chives, Tabasco); champagne (caviar, chives, lemon, cocktail sauce, house mignonette); and chimi (fresh jalapeno, lime, cilantro, chimichurri sauce).

Here's a closer look at that champagne version. Yum.

Here's a closer look at that champagne version. Yum.

Alan loves the key lime pie.

Alan loves the key lime pie.

Here's a look at the cozy bar.

Here's a look at the cozy bar.

Number 2: Knox Mason, 131 S. Gay Street

I'm guessing this is the most popular menu item at Knox Mason because everyone who has it raves about it: roasted Springer Mountain chicken breast, Anson Mills farro risotto, Granger County tomato broth and Farm Market vegetable relish. Folks rave about how tender it is.

I'm guessing this is the most popular menu item at Knox Mason because everyone who has it raves about it: roasted Springer Mountain chicken breast, Anson Mills farro risotto, Granger County tomato broth and Farm Market vegetable relish. Folks are amazed by how tender it is.

Knox Mason is located in the former location of Harold’s Delicatessen, later Harry’s Restaurant. The food: upscale Southern. Knox Mason is pricey. It is tiny. It has a very limited menu and a very limited wine list. But as far as quality and creativity go, it’s probably the best restaurant in Knoxville right now. As much on the menu as possible is locally sourced.

Chef Matt Gallaher is a young guy, but he has worked at Blackberry Farm and in the Tennessee Governor’s Residence. I have recommended Knox Mason to some of the biggest food snobs I know and they all have thanked me later. A few items on the menu to give you an idea of what we are dealing with here: braised pork belly and Anson Mills polenta with Bentonโ€™s bacon, black-eyed peas and marinated Grainger County tomatoes; crisp North Carolina

San Marzano tomato soup with grilled bread

San Marzano tomato soup with grilled bread

redfish, Carolina Gold rice with crayfish and lemon, and roasted fennel puree; Georgia quail stuffed with Swaggertyโ€™s Sausage, Carolina Gold fried rice, Kentucky soy and Coca-Cola glaze, with spicy peanut sauce. Get the idea? Highly, highly creative. And beautifully executed.

If there is one thing that is a little irritating about Knox Mason, it is that they will not take reservations. (Honestly, they don’t have to.) The one exception is if you have a party of six or a few more, they will take a reservation for you at either 6 or 8 p.m. We have been known to actually recruit an extra couple to join our original party of four just so we could get a reservation. Just get there before 6 and you should be OK.

Small, cramped and always full.

Small, cramped and nearly always full.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but you must, must order the pork rinds! I told this to Joan Snoderly, a first-time visitor at the table next to us, and when she tasted them, she couldn't thank me enough.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but you must, must order the pork rinds! I told this to Joan Snoderly, a first-time visitor at the table next to us, and when she tasted them, she couldn't thank me enough.

This is Chef Matt Gallaher, the mastermind behind the food at Knox Mason.

This is Chef Matt Gallaher, the mastermind behind the food at Knox Mason.

Number 1: Bistro at the Bijou, 807 S. Gay Street

Grilled tuna with feta and roasted tomatoes. My order.

Grilled tuna with feta and roasted tomatoes. My order.

The Bistro, with its big naked portrait of “Miss Lil” over the bar, feels as much like home to us as our own kitchen. We go there when we are too tired to cook. We have business meetings there, if we are meeting with someone else from downtown so that parking is not an issue. We go there with friends before concerts, plays and other activities. Sometimes we go just to sit at the bar, have a drink and listen to jazz. Sometimes we sit at the bar, have a drink and then go home and make dinner ourselves. (We think drinks taste better when someone makes them for us!)

And we love Saturday and Sunday brunch there. If we have weekend guests, we almost always take them to brunch at the Bistro.

To say that the food there is locally sourced is an understatement. In the summer, most of the vegetables come from owner Martha Boggs’ own Holston

Zucchini lasagna

Zucchini lasagna

Hills vegetable garden. And Martha does the cooking herself during brunch. She makes up the menu, which changes seasonally. Everything is homey but still creative. You just can’t go wrong.

I love the sense of humor the place has and the versatility. For instance, there’s a “Lipitor burger” on the menu: two 8 oz. patties, four strips of bacon and two slices of cheese. (That’s a POUND of hamburger, folks!) And the “Cool Hand Luke:” a 10-egg omelet (“Just tell us what you want in it!”) served with grits or potatoes. But they’ll also make any dish with tofu instead of meat, making it one of the most vegetarian friendly eateries around.

There’s live music toward the end of the week. Happy hours from 3 to 6 p.m. And a great downtown vibe. If you go, you’ll probably see us there.

12-ounce bone-in grass fed ribeye with garlic butter and green beans.

12-ounce bone-in grass fed ribeye with garlic butter and green beans.

Our buddies Dawn and Richard Ford love the Bistro almost as much as we do.

Our buddies Dawn and Richard Ford love the Bistro almost as much as we do.

Chocolate cake. Yep, that's what Alan was eating at the top of this blog post.

Chocolate cake. Yep, that's what Alan was eating at the top of this blog post.

Alan and Bistro proprietor Martha Boggs last week.

Alan and Bistro proprietor Martha Boggs last week.

OK. There you have it. The Blue Streak’s favorites. Of course there are some other great places that we love, as well. I enjoy Bistro by the Tracks. That’s where Jim Haslam always chooses to go when I have lunch with him. The Orangery is fun. That’s where Mary Ellen Brewington picks when I meet her for lunch. Cocoa Moon is where we often find Tim Young and Jeff Cupp, and we enjoy the fact that you can eat Asian or Mexican there. When we want barbecue, we head to Sweet P’s Barbeque and Soul House owned by our friend Chris Ford. And everyone we know loves Foothills Milling Company, but it’s in Maryville, so we don’t get there too often.

Do you agree with our picks? What are your favorite restaurants in Knoxville? We are lucky to have so many good ones.

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30 Responses to Blue Streak’s top 10 Knoxville restaurants; Agree?

  1. Graham McNeil, on July 31st, 2013 at 9:20 am said:

    Great selection. Feels like New York in Knoxville. We are becoming a “grown-up” city slowly but positively! Thanks for your review. I love the Blue Streak!

  2. Cynthia Moxley, on July 31st, 2013 at 9:23 am said:

    Thanks, Graham! I do think we have a lot of good places to eat and hang out. And, getting better all the time! We are lucky, aren’t we?

  3. Graham McNeil, on July 31st, 2013 at 9:31 am said:

    I do agree! Unlike many other cities Knoxville just seems to get better with age. We are finally embracing our heritage rather than demolishing it!

  4. Monique Anderson, on July 31st, 2013 at 9:54 am said:

    Cynthia: Let’s go to Dazzo’s together. Bruce and I frequent it often and enjoy many of their entrees.

    We too love the restaurants mentioned in your article!!!

  5. Cynthia Moxley, on July 31st, 2013 at 9:55 am said:

    Let’s do, Monique!

  6. The Tomato Head, on July 31st, 2013 at 10:31 am said:

    Thank you for the review. We’re glad to see Alan with his #9. The bar keeps being raised higher and higher when it comes to foodie life in Knoxville. Let’s keep this momentum up!

    The Tomato Head

  7. Gene Rump, on July 31st, 2013 at 10:36 am said:

    Hey Cynthia,
    We agree. .,thanks for reminding us of a few we’ve missed! I would add Dead End, Hard Knox Pizza and,,.RouxBarb. G.

  8. Cynthia Moxley, on July 31st, 2013 at 10:40 am said:

    We agree with you, Tomato Head friends! Thanks for continuing to make Number 9 – Alan would be crushed if he couldn’t get it!

  9. Gay Lyons, on July 31st, 2013 at 11:33 am said:

    The Blue Streak has good taste! I agree with your list, but I must disagree with one of your dislikes. I love the miso soup at Nama. One of my favorite light lunches there is a bowl of miso and a plate of warm, salted edamame. I never get tired of any of these 10 places. I have favorite selections at each (e.g. the Sonoma Quesadilla at Chez Guevara, the crudo with pink grapefruit at Cru, etc.), but I try not to get in a rut. At our visit to Cru with you & Alan last Sunday, I ordered the grilled salmon just because I hadn’t had it–and, of course, because it came with broccolini, which I love. We are so fortunate that so many of these favorites are within walking distance, but I would add another Bearden favorite to your list–Holly’s Eventful Dining, where I have lots of lunch meetings.

  10. Cynthia Moxley, on July 31st, 2013 at 11:52 am said:

    Thanks, Gene and Gay, for those other suggestions. That’s why I should have said these are the Blue Streak’s favorite restaurants TODAY! (Never gonna like that miso, though, Gay! Ha.)

  11. Jack Rose, on July 31st, 2013 at 12:09 pm said:

    Mox, nice job! And long overdue. Nice food photos, too. Sara and I don’t get downtown enough, but when we do, we always kick ourselves for not doing it more.

    So what about your top three breakfast spots? And your three favorite bars?

    Jack

  12. Desola, on July 31st, 2013 at 12:25 pm said:

    Excellent list. I have eaten at every one of those except Shuck (I am vegetarian). My favorite part about living downtown is being able to walk to these amazing restaurants and sit on the patio with my dogs. The French Market is another favorite of mine that you left out. Pretty amazing crepes!

  13. Dawn Ford, on July 31st, 2013 at 12:39 pm said:

    Thanks for letting us share your adventure! you know we can be counted on when it come to eating. I love all the restaurants you listed in the blog although Bistro by the Tracks would make my locally owned list and I don’t think there’s a Knoxville restaurant that can beat Foothills Milling Company. And of course I agree best barbecue is at Sweet P’s!

  14. Cynthia Moxley, on July 31st, 2013 at 12:49 pm said:

    Jack: Thanks. Yes, seven of the top ten are located downtown, which makes me very proud. Bars? Now that’s a great idea! Breakfast, not so much. Ha.

    Desola: I agree about how nice it is to see all the happy dogs on the downtown patios! I have heard good things about the French Market. But last I checked, they didn’t serve wine, which is a requirement at dinner for me. And they don’t have mimosas or Bloody Marys at brunch. But I might try them for lunch.

    Dawn: As always, thanks for your help with our research for the blog post!

  15. Rusha Sams, on July 31st, 2013 at 1:00 pm said:

    Love this blog! We agree, at least on the restaurants we’ve tried. Still haven’t been to Knox Mason, but someday . . .
    We still call Chez Guevara by its old name La Paz, and we’re with Alan: great chicken quesadillas, no Japs!
    You can find us at Naples on any of the bargain nights — what’s not to love about $4.99 spaghetti!
    And as for Shuck — get the Tower every time!
    You’ve just about covered all the good spots, except maybe Lakeside Tavern. Ah, the view!

  16. Cynthia Moxley, on July 31st, 2013 at 1:15 pm said:

    Hey, Rusha! I agree about the view at Lakeside Tavern. And I like the food, too. It’s just a little far for us. (We are spoiled!)

  17. Gay Lyons, on July 31st, 2013 at 4:34 pm said:

    Cynthia–French Market will let you bring your own wine. It is quite pleasant to sit on their patio watching the activity on Gay Street, sipping wine, & eating my favorite kind of crepe–buckwheat.

  18. Cynthia Moxley, on July 31st, 2013 at 4:36 pm said:

    Gay, thanks for info. Did not know that. Will try it.

  19. The Food Hound, on July 31st, 2013 at 5:12 pm said:

    Love this list!! I have convinced myself that there is NO good Italian food in Knoxville, but I will have to try Naples now. Dying to try Shuck, and it’s now at the top of my list for an upcoming date night! LOVE that you had Tomato Head- I can’t get enough of their warm bacon salad. I also love that you have Nama- they really do have great sushi, and that’s coming from someone who used to live in Hawaii and eat some pretty authentic stuff ๐Ÿ™‚ I agree with Gay that French Market is awesome and would be on my top 10 list. My #1 wasn’t actually on your list at all… The Northshore Brasserie. We are in Ftn City so we don’t often go out there, but we always have a fabulous meal, and their brunch is my favorite in Knoxville. I really, really want to love Bistro at the Bijou, but my 3 meals there have been just ‘ok,’ although other people at our table have ordered stellar things, so I guess I just need someone to order for me, HA! Love this list!

  20. Cynthia Moxley, on July 31st, 2013 at 5:16 pm said:

    Thank you for your thoughts, Food Hound. I like the Northshore Brasserie, as well. It’s just so far away that we very rarely get there. When our friends from PetSafe want to meet for lunch, we often go there because it is kind of halfway. And I enjoy the food and the ambiance. I hope you like Naples when you try it. And Shuck, as well.

  21. The Modern Gal, on July 31st, 2013 at 8:05 pm said:

    My husband saw your list before I did, so he quizzed me on what I thought it would contain. My first guess was the Bistro ๐Ÿ™‚ I think I got 6 out of 10!

    We debated and discussed our own list and came up with this, in no particular order: Tomato Head, Nama, Naples, Hard Knox, Crown and Goose, Northshore Brasserie, Sunspot, Rouxbarb, Chandler’s and Wok ‘N’ Roll (that last one was all my husband, although I do like to indulge in greasy Chinese from time to time).

    Foothills Milling is the top of our list when you expand to the whole metro area, and I have to cast my BBQ vote for M&M — they do the best job of smokin’ their meat!

  22. Gay Lyons, on July 31st, 2013 at 8:52 pm said:

    Oh how could I have forgotten Northshore Brasserie?–love, love, love. I wish it were closer. Field trip!

  23. Matthew Hardenbergh, on August 1st, 2013 at 7:10 am said:

    Thanks for tackling the Knoxville food scene and rating your favorites. You are quite the food connoisseur, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!

    Cheers!

  24. Cynthia Moxley, on August 1st, 2013 at 8:52 am said:

    Thanks, Matthew. Truthfully, we need to eat at home more! Oh, well. . .

  25. Sara Rose, on August 3rd, 2013 at 10:45 am said:

    Mox, There are several restaurants on your list that I have yet to try. You have just created my “to-do list!” Yum!

  26. Cynthia Moxley, on August 5th, 2013 at 12:49 am said:

    Hard to believe, knowing the foodie that you are! Call us and we will go with you!

  27. Cynthia Moxley, on August 7th, 2013 at 6:49 am said:

    Modern Gal: Love your list! Never been to Hard Knox, Chandler’s, Wok ‘N’ Roll or M&M. But now they are on my to-do list. Yum. Impressed that you were able to guess six of my 10!

  28. Kelly Robinson, on August 8th, 2013 at 12:51 pm said:

    Nice list, and many of my favorites are included, with The Bistro being the most notable exception. The only one I can’t really get on board with is Naples. I almost think it’s liked for nostalgic purposes more than for excellent food. I’ve taken people there who have never been, and they find the menu dated and the food mediocre. I didn’t know that I could still get the Fruitti di Mare — I was disappointed that it was gone. Too bad I didn’t know it was on the secret menu.

  29. rl reeves jr, on January 2nd, 2014 at 9:55 pm said:

    Wright’s Cafeteria is worth a trip

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