The bar at the new Windows on the Park restaurant in the Holiday Inn World's Fair.
Our friend Nick Cazana has a new baby. It’s Windows on the Park, a gorgeous new bar and restaurant located in the Holiday Inn World’s Fair. Alan and I, along with our friends Dawn and Richard Ford, went to a soft opening there this past week. We easily can see ourselves spending some quality time there from now on. See what you think.
While some decor is yet to be completely installed, you already can get a clear vision of the look they are striving to achieve: hip, sleek, modern with a major focus on their greatest asset — the view of World’s Fair Park. I personally love the bar area. It’s frankly stunning. Credit for that goes to architect Faris Eid, whose firm, Design Innovation Architects, handled the project. In addition to Eid, Rik Norris, of his firm, was project architect, and Aimee Yarborough was interior designer.As soon as we arrived for the event, we ran into our friend Tim Young, who just had finished having dinner with his lovely teenage daughter, Katie. “Get the steaks!” Tim advised. “They are so tender, you can cut them with a butter knife!”
The Jonathan Keeney Trio performed in the bar during the preview event.
Monique Anderson enjoyed a frozen margarita in the bar prior to dinner.
Nick Cazana came into the bar to greet us. Here he is with Alan Carmichael.
Here's a peek into the restaurant during dinner service.
Tim Young and his daughter, Katie.
Jennifer Lawson, left, with Alan and Jennie Campbell Hitchcock
In addition to the restaurant, which seats 88, there is a lovely private dining room that seats 48 available. Nick Cazana's sons, Justin and Ryan, took over that room during the preview. Justin's table is in the foreground and Ryan's is in the corner behind it.
The stonework on one whole wall in the private dining room and used as highlights in the bar, is stunning. It is natural slate stacked stone in ash colors.
Chef Seth and Lisa Simmerman of Echo Bistro & Wine Bar were guests of their buddy Nick Cazana for the preview.
Michael Higdon, left, and Scott Bird as they were finishing dinner
I hope you like the logo that Moxley Carmichael designed for the new venue. Here it is on the dinner menu.
This signature appetizer is called Southern Fried Trio. It is fried green tomatoes, dill pickle chips and tobacco onions with spicy ranch dipping sauce and Tennessee chow chow. It was great for our table to share.
We loved the spinach artichoke dip with blackened shrimp, too.
Our third appetizer was bruschetta shiitake mushroom flatbread.
Culver and Linda Ullian Schmid were at an early seating.
As were Steve and Terri Long.
Warren Perry, left, and Mark Miller happily gave Windows on the Park a try.
This was my six-ounce Angus filet mignon served with a light Madiera sauce. It was fantastic.
Our friend Richard Ford, a steak purist, asked for his sauce on the side. He declared this ribeye to be among the best steaks he'd ever had. And that's saying something.
Another of the house specialties is pan-seared Smoky Mountain rainbow trout encrusted with almond and panko bread crumbs and finished with a light citrus cream sauce.
Alan and Richard with our server, Laurin Wilson, who had a great personality on a first night, which is always stressful.
Chef Tom Ortman was the hardest working man in Knoxville that night!
This picture doesn't do this yummy dessert justice. It's Mason jar chocolate chip bread pudding with Jack Daniels whiskey sauce, whipped cream and a chocolate straw.
Richard ordered the flourless chocolate torte. (He's not one to share!)
Here he is not sharing!
We went back to the bar for a nightcap and loved the sparkling view - even with the reflection of the inside lights in the window.
It looks like Dawn's chocolate martini is as big as her head -- but that's an optical illusion. (Unfortunately!)
The bartender, Eric, set up this shot for me!
We went back to Windows on the Park Saturday afternoon to take a few photos that may show off the venue a little better.
Here's the bar.
A pretty seating area in the bar
The awning is not here yet for the outdoor seating, but the furniture is in. I predict this will be a prime meeting spot.
Part of the private dining room
OK, that’s it, folks. We recommend you check this place out. Alan and I went there for lunch on Sunday and were impressed. More good news: you can park for free in the underground garage. Just bring your parking ticket and have it validated. Please post a comment here if you get a chance to go. One person who has been is our friend “The Urban Guy.” Click here to see his blog post about Windows on the Park.
My filet was very good, and Faris Eid did a great job on the bar. The stonework on the bar is a unique touch. I can see it being a great place for pre- and post-game gatherings this fall.
WOW Cynthia! Can’t wait to try this one! Normally I don’t have dessert
but I sure will have the one you did!! Yum yum!! Can’t wait!
Hey, Glo! Thanks for the comment. You will be doing yourself a favor to get that dessert! The chocolate martinis weren’t bad, either! The whole staff is very friendly, but those bartenders really aim to please — believe me!
Next time our GNO meet think we will go there – beautiful setting. thanks Fay Bailey
Fay: You should! I know you all will love it!
So excited about this new addition to the downtown Knoxville scene! From the decor to the food you photographed and shared, this should be a real hit — and not just with the downtown folks! We suburbanites have another reason to venture forth now! Also — great job with the logo — clean, smart, graphically pleasing!
Thanks, Rusha! I know you and Bert will like!
The food was good. Wish we had the dessert. That cake looks delicious!
Monique: I’m gonna try a frozen margarita like you had!
Enjoyed quick visit to the bar–look forward to a return trip.
The food was delicious and I love the contemporary design. Also, I’m so glad they arranged the lounge with the view overlooking the World’s Fair Park…..very nice place. Katie and I had a great evening there.
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