Tennessee

The Dogwood at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN, 3/24/24

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grounds – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886

The day you check out you still get breakfast if you want, as check out is not till noon.  They also offered to let us come for lunch or pack one to go which we declined.  However, when picking up our car they had 2 box lunches for us.  I failed to photograph the contents but the rental car person was more than happy to make use of them.  I did  get a photo of the content menu for your interest.  The Farm offers lots of activities included hiking guided or self-done, fly fishing, clay target shooting, horseback rides, wine/liquor tastings, a range of spa and wellness treatments/classes, farm animals tour, farm tour, cooking classes.  All provided for an additional fee and added gratuity and tax.   The staff are all exceptionally nice and happy to help and the facility and grounds are immaculately maintained.  There is also a gift shop and a bar (noon-10pm) in the Main House, but make sure to bring your platinum credit card – just kidding a gold one would probably do. Continue reading →

The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN, 3/23/24

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event space across from The Barn – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886

This evening we didn’t have to wait in the bar and again were seated in the windowed room, not in the main barn.  It was brighter and quieter but more sterile.  It was a chilly night so we had the car pick us up and drop us at The Barn.  They alert the driver when you are served dessert so they are ready when you depart.  On the menu only the soup changed all else was the same and the dessert menu was exactly as it was yesterday.  It seemed to me that since they require you to stay at least 3 days they should change more of the items, particularly since some of them repeat even more days.  Service tonight was a little quicker and that did help but the look in the wine cellar was not offered again and Chef Cassidee Dabney did not make contact with any of the guests that I saw but she was in the kitchen every night  She’s the one at the front wearing glasses.  All the servers were friendly and happy.  This place has been responsible for many fine chefs who move on to their own restaurants, J C Holdway comes to mind but no photos of their past chefs were on the wall nor mention of them anywhere seemed odd.   It is a beautiful setting and the food is way superior in the Barn than the Dogwood but it’s a food-filled vacation. Continue reading →

The Dogwood at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN, 3/23/24

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grounds – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886

The Dogwood Restaurant was in the Main House at Blackberry Farm.  On the 4200 acres are livestock, crops, fishing area and on and on.  It’s always fun to see the animals grazing but the crops were pretty dormant yet.  The cooler temperatures moved all of the people indoors for eating today vs. yesterday.  The staff seemed to work in pairs and everybody is happy and pleasant.  They seemed to be willing to customize a fair amount on your order which was nice but overall the larger portions at the Dogwood are less exciting flavor experiences.  If you had to choose where to have dinner, this would be the place for less adventurous people and all the children, as persons under 10 are not allowed in The Barn. Continue reading →

The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN, 3/22/24

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The Barn – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886

Do be aware that Blackberry Mountain is owned by the same company but a different location and dining at The Barn is only for people staying the the Farm.   The Barn was a large place with lowered lighting.  There was a reception/check-in room where they take your coats and take you to the bar to wait for your table.  On the way you pass by the open dessert kitchen and then the large open main kitchen and finally the bar.  If those seats are taken there’s another room with what looked like a demonstration kitchen (due to the long counter and screens mounted above) with tables, couches and a large fireplace.  In the main seating area there are both booths and tables of various sizes and then on the other side of the non-functioning fireplace are more tables in what appeared to be a converted porch.  The walls here were all windows as opposed to the old wood and high ceiling of the main room.  Carpet ran throughout and there was music in the background.  White cloths cover and tables which are also set with an exquisite napkin elaborately embroidered with “BF”.  One large chandelier hangs  in the barn with small lamps and other fixtures adding a bit more light.  Servers are everywhere and all anxious to make sure you enjoy your meal.  The menu changes many items every other day.   Continue reading →

The Dogwood at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN, 3/22/24

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main house – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886

When you stay at Blackberry Farm 3 meals a day are included in your room charge.  Dinner can be at The Barn with reservations otherwise meals are served at The Dogwood restaurant in the Main House. Room service or carry out meals are also available for a fee.  At the Dogwood you just show up between the hours given you at check-in and they will take you to a table in one of several room.  First you pass through the bar area then there is a large dining room, another smaller dining room beyond and outdoor tables.  The tables are various sizes and some have banquettes as part of the setup.  There are no table clothes but plenty of extra pillows it you need them.  Art was on the walls and no music was in the background.  Lots of windows to the outside made everywhere a brightly lit table.  Each table was always set with salt and pepper grinders and at breakfast butter and dark jam.  Flatware was in the napkin at lunch and on the tabletop at breakfast.  A large fireplace was at one end of the room that was also open in the room on the other side.   At breakfast the Chef’s Selection, griddle cakes and sweet roll change daily but otherwise it stays the same.  On weekends they offer different items.  At lunch there were some repeats but lots of new items each day.  We didn’t have dinner but a separate dessert menu is available at lunch and dinner.  The bar is also available for drinks and both meals we had had separate drink menus. Continue reading →

The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN, 3/21/24

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The Barn – 1471 W Millers Cove Rd, Walland, TN 37886

Blackberry Farm covers 4200 acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, in Tennessee.  For over 80 years it has been the resort offering “decadent cuisine and pleasurable pastimes.”  When Florida and Dave Lasier discovered the setting for their dream home, she snagged her stocking on a blackberry bush and thus the name of the Farm.   In 1976 Kreis and Sandy Beall set about protecting and preserving the land with three other local families.  The Beall family wanted to share the area and opened a 6 room country inn which their son Sam took to another level in 2000, greatly expanding the footprint.  He expanded the wine cellar and opened The Barn and Dogwood restaurants for culinary experiences. The Barn has become renowned for food, much of it grown on the property, and the only way to experience it is to stay in one of the many rooms or cottages.  I understood that some of the people who own property nearby are allowed to dine there, so maybe that would be your preferred choice, either way you have to have a reservation.  The menu changes every other day and there are vegetarian options.   A huge wine list is available, but many of the selections date back several years, and a full bar is in the barn.  The menu is 4 courses, including dessert and there are at least 4 choices for each course.  The Barn is a huge red building that is too far to walk to so they provide car service or you can drive yourself in a golf cart. Continue reading →

Love That BBQ, Knoxville, 4/15/22

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exterior – 1901 Maryville Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920

Love That BBQ is a family run, small casual place serving housemade barbecue and sides.  It looks to be in an abandoned gas station with the restaurant inside and a number of huge smokers under the awnings where pumps would have been.  You order at the counter and then pick up when ready.  They had seating inside but most seemed to pick up bags to go.  It was heavily patronized by the workers in the area, as seen by the number of labeled trucks in the parking lot.  Inside the large tables were covered with oilcloth and the walls and shelves held lots of photos and memoriabilia.  Christian music played fairly loudly in the background.  The counter person turned out to be the one who does the smoking and he wasn’t particularly friendly or helpful at first.  He got more chatty after there was a break in the stream of customers.  However, he didn’t bother to tell us that ribs come with hushpuppies and let us order a side of them.  He said he’d been cooking barbecue for 40 years and in this location for 12 years.  It is not worth driving out of your way for. Continue reading →

J.C. Holdway (second visit), Knoxville, 4/14/22

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entrance – 501 Union Ave SW, Knoxville, TN 37902

Back for our second visit to J. C. Holdway and it was a busier night at the corner restaurant.  The fairly large place goes fairly far back with tables in various places with an L-shaped bar taking up the first room.  On the way to the back portion we passed a couple cooking areas.  Exposed ducts run across the ceiling opposite the older wood floors.  Bench seating is along some walls and the tables are nicely sized bare wood set with large well starched towel shaped napkins. Lights are lowered but much light comes through the many windows before sundown, music is in the background and it was a bit noisy.  Service was once again very friendly but pacing was quite a bit slower probably due to the crowd and several large groups. Continue reading →

The Front Porch, Powell, TN, 4/14/22

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building – 1509 W Emory Rd, Powell, TN 37849

The Front Porch is in a 1910 house that was where the development of Powell, TN started – with a lumber company.  The Elkins family bought it 2013 and restored it in honor of its historical significance to Powell.  It now serves lunch and early dinner with southern comfort food and sells handcrafted decor on the second floor, as well as many of the decorations in the dining area.  Tables are scattered around the downstairs rooms and there are several more on the wrap-around porch.  No item on the menu is more than $20 and there is a parking lot out back.  Good smells greet you when you enter and there is a counter that sells some items to-go.  Staff were efficient and very friendly.  The food was generous and tasty.  It’s worth a visit. Continue reading →

J.C. Holdway, Knoxville, 4/13/22

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exterior – entrance – 501 Union Ave SW, Knoxville, TN 37902

J.C. Holdway is named after Chef Joseph Lenn’s late uncle, Joe Holdway, who sought quality food adventures throughout his life.  Now Chef Lenn hopes to provide that sort of dining experience to his customers, and that he does.  His professional career has certainly readied him to meet the challenge.  A Knoxville native, he so enjoyed cooking for friends and family that he decided to attend culinary school, after which he went to work as an intern at Blackberry Farm and then the Peninsula Grill followed by working with Sean Brock to open the Capitol Grill in Nashville. An urge to return to east Tennessee took him back to Blackberry Farm where he became executive chef of the Barn restaurant and received the James Beard Award for the Best Chef Southwest in 2013.  He opened his own place in 2016 in downtown Knoxville using primarily wood-fire techniques.  Lenn’s attempt to provide an outstanding experience to guests succeeds so well that we cancelled out next evening’s reservation in order to dine with him again.  Strong recommendation for this wonderful place and look for another chronicle of luscious dishes on this site in a couple days. Continue reading →

Cruze Farm Ice Cream, Knoxville, 4/13/22

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exterior – 445 S Gay St #3, Knoxville, TN 37902

Cruze Farm Ice Cream is made with milk and churned buttermilk from Earl and Cheri Cruze’s farm’s hormone-free Jersey cows.  The farm was established in 1980 and their not-homogenized milk is sold at some local markets.  In 1992 the family branched out to open a scoop shop  selling hand dipped ice cream churned from their products at a Target.   It closed after 8 years and the family concentrated on their milk business.  When their daughter Colleen joined her goal was to sell all the surplus milk and an ice cream store was the best way to do that.  In 2016 Colleen and her husband opened a store on Union and one on Gay Street in 2017 with plans for more.  They serve only soft-serve ice cream and mix it with multiple other ingredients and flavors.  We tried a Sassy Cow which contained sweet cream dipped in chocolate and drizzled with caramel and then sprinkled with salt.  A half order if called a ‘calf’ and a whole one is a ‘cow.’  It came in a cup and the chocolate sauce froze into a crisp layer.  Underneath the ice cream was smooth but tasteless.  It was all about the texture and not the taste.  I’d stick with their milk products – they sound fun. Continue reading →

Pete’s Restaurant, Knoxville, 4/13/22

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building – 540 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902

Pete’s Restaurant has been around since 1986 in downtown Knoxville. Owners Pete and Rita Natour serve quality home-cooked food and customer service at breakfast and lunch.  It’s a long place with lots of windows to the street.  The wall is filled with booth seating and a row of small tables is opposite.  The tables are covered with an oilcloth and set with silver wrapped in a paper napkin.  There are also some counter seats in front of the kitchen. Service was totally efficient and friendly.  Pete was in front helping with everything, including cooking, but not too busy to have a friendly word.  It was pleasant place to sit and while the food was fresh and prepared to order it was very ordinary. Continue reading →

Oliver Royale, Knoxville, 4/12/22

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exterior – 5 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902

Oliver Royale is one of the two restaurants in the historic boutique Oliver Hotel. They serve new American cusine with a focus on seasonal and regional products in the more upscale and smaller of the 2 settings.  There is an entrance from the Market Square as well as within the hotel.  The building dates back to 1876 but has been very updated to include a bench seating along the walls with tables in the middle for the first 2/3’s of the place and a u-shaped bar with stools for the last third.  Windows to the street, faint music in the background, lowered lighting, acid washed mirrors on the walls, sound panels lining the ceiling, and a enormous skylight make up the room.. The small bare wood tables are set fairly close and there are a few tables available on a front outside patio section.  It’s nicely done but comes off a bit sterile.  Service was friendly but the pacing that started out so fast slowed way down as the evening wore on.  The food was mixed.  There is also an old ‘speak-easy’ in the hotel if you want more drinks afterward. Continue reading →

Kilwins Knoxville, Knoxville, 4/12/22

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exterior – 408 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902

Kilwins has been in operation since 1947 and is now open in downtown Knoxville.  They sell 32 flavors of ice cream made from original recipes.  Waffle cones are available and also waffle bowls.  When you enter the long shop the front is filled with candies, caramel apples, fudges and other packaged sweets.  The ice cream is further in the back along with some stools and counters where you can sit inside and enjoy your treats.  The first time we visited they were making the waffles for the cones and cups as well as dipping Granny Smith apples in caramel.  The smell was heavenly and made you want to induldge.  We tried the Tennessee River Mud which is vanilla ice cream  mixed with chocolate chips and caramel and a praline pecan ice cream.  The praline pecan won the flavor contest, hands down, but both had excellent density and smoothness to the ice cream.  We tried the waffle bowl and it was a totally ingenious way to combine an often problematic yet very tasty cone.  The bowl was inside a plastic one so you could crack it up and eat with the tasty ice cream.  Get in there and try it.  I did try one of the caramel pecan candies but the pecans were on their way to rancid so be cautioned on the candies. Continue reading →

D’Andrews Bakery & Cafe, Nashville, 4/17/21

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exterior

D’Andrews Bakery and Cafe in downtown Nashville was opened by David Andrews after studying his craft in NYC. It offers pastries, breads, coffees and sandwiches.  Everything in the restaurant is house made, even the meats are roasted and seasoned there and the mayo, etc is also made there.  Pastries are in the counter, and they will heat them for you.  There is a patio out front and some tables inside for dining.  Lots of folks got items to go.  Masks are required to enter and the line forms by the pastry counter.  It is well lit and you can watch Andrews making hot items on the stove behind.  Staff was friendly and helpful and the food was fantastic. Continue reading →

Bastion, Nashville, 4/16/21

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exterior

Bastion is a little different during Covid.  They are a 24 seat restaurant with dining Wed through Sat and a special small bar for restaurant guests however that is currently not open so dining is in the well spaced big bar and there is no chef counter.  I suspect that the set up will change as Covid becomes more under control.  Either way it is a comfortable place to sit and eat tasty food while listening to actual records being played.  Chef Josh Habiger serves a selection of seasonal, creative dishes in a casual atmosphere.  The ‘big bar’ area has a long bar counter and some tables, all well spaced.  Exposed duct work, brick walls, hanging lights and lots of art make it a visually interesting place to be.  The staff all worked together to give a fun and interactional dinner. We chose to have their wine pairings with the tasting. Continue reading →

Manny’s House of Pizza, Nashville, 4/16/21

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exterior

Manny’s House of Pizza is in the historic Arcade Building in downtown Nashville.  As you walk up don’t be surprised to see a line out the door but be assured it moves quickly and as you wait you can watch Manny toss the pizza dough and spread the tomato sauce.  Born in Sicily, Manny started in a Brooklyn pizzeria where he learned the skills needed to open his shop in the mid-80’s down in Nashville.  (His brother has a shop in Brentwood).  You can also get calzones, pastas, subs and pastas there but the majority in line with me were just getting a slice.  They are open weekday from 11 am to 4 pm.  When we went it was cash only. Continue reading →

Arnold’s Country Kitchen, Nashville, 4/16/21

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exterior

Arnold’s is an institution in Nashville.  Opened in 1982 by Jack and Rose Arnold, now their children run the place.  It has received acclaim from many publications like Southern Living, SAVEUR, and Bon Apetit and been featured on Diners, Drive in and Dives.  They received the James Beard Award in 2009.   It is a cafeteria style restaurant but don’t let that mislead you.   Food is made in house and in real southern style with fresh ingredients.  Their most popular order is meat and 3 sides.  The roast beef is a signature offering but the vegetables are well regarded.  We got there early to avoid the line but there is a parking lot adjacent to the building if you drive.  Presently they are only at 50% capacity due to Covid and there are less tables available. Cutlery is plastic, napkins are in a dispenser and salt and pepper are in packets as are other condiments.  They now have a bar where you can get cocktails or other alcoholic beverages but it didn’t appear to be open yet.  Servers on the line were helpful and friendly and well masked. Continue reading →

Catbird Seat, Nashville, 4/15/21

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entrance

We last visited the Catbird Seat in Sept of 2017 and they have changed teams since.  Chef Brian Baxter now leads the u-shaped kitchen of 22 lucky people who scored a seat at the serving bar.  His last cooking positions were at Husk and Bastion.  A ‘chef’s table’ has been added which is a booth for a party of 3-4 in the back corner of the room, but the counter does not get all 22 seats filled due to Covid restrictions.  When you arrive you see a wood door next to the Catbird sign but it is locked.  You can not enter until it is the exact time of your reservation.  Up the short flight of stairs is a ‘speak-easy’ bar that is a fun place to have a cocktail while you wait. Staff will come for you and then you can enter that door and ride in the elevator, complete with a bench, to the large room that houses the restaurant.  All diners are served a 10-12 course tasting and when you make your reservation you can request an extended tasting.  Pairings are available but you don’t have to decide on beverages until you arrive. We ordered the extended tasting and bought our own bottle of red wine and a glass of white to begin with.  Older rock music played in the background. Continue reading →

The Patterson House, Nashville, 4/15/21

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entrance

The Patterson House is a dark, cozy seated cocktail bar in Nashville.  Classic and modern cocktails are supplemented by a small food menu.  In fact it was Nashville’s first craft cocktail bar.  Opening in 2009 it pioneered fresh-squeezed juices and twice filtered ice.  A real speak-easy vibe.  We had evening reservations for the Catbird Seat which is next door and knew there was a bar in the building but this looked more like someone’s home.  It most assuredly is not.  Tons of people were in and out with most not going to the adjacent restaurant.  You enter into a waiting area that is curtained off from the bar.  A huge 30 foot bar sits in the center of the bar room with booths and tables lining the walls.  Lots of old fashioned chandeliers provide the low lighting.  They also serve beer, wine and snacks.  Service was friendly but not too fast.  They did coordinate with the restaurant to call you when they were ready to seat you.   I would easily go again. Continue reading →

Merchants Restaurant, Nashville, 4/15/21

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exterior

Merchants Restaurant is in an historic building in downtown Nashville.  The 3 story building has a casual bistro and bar on the first floor, a steak house on the second level and private dining on the third story.  In 1988 Ed Stolman opened the restaurant as an upscale dining establishment.  In 2010 on the brink of closing again, Benjamin and Max Goldberg assumed control and started to make changes, but never closed. This 19th century building (1872) started as a 3 story pharmacy but has hosted a restaurant for 125 years now.  We ate lunch on the large street level floor which has 2 rooms divided by a large u-shaped bar.  Dark painted wood floors are well worn and complimented by black booths/chairs and the dark wood bar.  Brick is on many of the walls and there are lots of windows out to the street.  Oscillating fans hang from the ceiling, the tables and bar are topped with white marble, music is in the background and there is some wonderful old tile on some of the floor.  Booths are divided by plastic partitions for Covid 19 and the staff is well masked. Service was super friendly and not rushed. Continue reading →

Henrietta Red, Nashville, 4/14/21

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sign at door

Henrietta Red is the dream of Nashville born Julia Sullivan with a focus on fresh, simple ingredients and a variety of raw oysters and seafood.  The name is in honor of her grandparent’s low-country hospitality.  It is a fairly large place with widely spaced tables over 2 rooms and an overall modern feel.  The entry room contains the large bar as well as a few tables in a less lit space.  The second room has more lights, lots of windows, sound panels in the ceiling, the opening into the kitchen, a large center table for service and the oyster shucking area.  There is a wood fired oven in the kitchen and a patio for seating.  The menu has a number of smaller plates, larger main course plates – but all seemed fine to split.  Our friendly server was helpful in making selections and willing to bring out in a spaced format to create our own tasting of sorts.  Overall the food was delicious and full of wonderful flavors with good attention to textures and fun compositions. Continue reading →

Capitol Grille, Nashville, 4/14/21

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exterior of hotel (dining area along second floor windows)

The Capitol Grille is the restaurant in the Hermitage Hotel in downtown Nashville that originally opened as the Grille Room in 1910, serving traditional southern cooking.  Not associated with the chain of a similar name it is currently is being renovated and so is operating in the hotel lobby.  The hotel has partnered with Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who has restaurants in NYC, Paris, Shanghai and others to direct the food service once it re-opens in the fall.   The main dining room is on the street level and is currently closed so seating is on the second level enclosed terrace of the hotel, overlooking the 6th street entrance.  The present room has carpeting, coved painted ceilings, double clothed tables with coordinating napkins and music in the background.  They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Tables were well spaced and service was friendly but not especially polished. Continue reading →

The Catbird Seat, Nashville, 9/14/17

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IMG_1041
entrance is lower left blond wood door

The Catbird Seat seats just 22 people in the evening for a tasting menu.  Reservations are a must and that will give you the time  when you are to arrive.  The building has a club on the upstairs level but there is one blond wood door below where a small reception room with an elevator is located.  The hostess will escort you to the restaurant in the order you arrive for your appointed time.  Seating is at a U-shaped bar around the kitchen.  Our night they did not seat those who arrived at the same time at adjacent seats so people on either side will be ahead of or behind you in receiving the set menu.  People were of various ages and pretty friendly as were the 4 chefs.  Chef Ryan Poli was in there cooking as well as presenting and explaining courses.  His brother Matthew Poli serves as Beverage Director and has assembled a nice wine list to chose from as well as offering pairings.   Continue reading →

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Nashville, 9/14/17

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IMG_0739
entrance

Hattie B’s is a well known place for Hot Chicken in Nashville and you can tell that by the line to get in.  You can count on 45 minutes or more if you get there much after they open.  The line is a mix of tourists and locals and the bakery next door was benefitting from some of the hungrier people who just couldn’t wait any longer.  The line leads to the counter where you order and pick up your drinks and get a number for your order to display at the table.  There are numerous combinations of chicken and 6 levels of heat for you to chose from from, no heat to “shut the cluck up!!!”.  Each order comes with some sides and then you can add more for $1 each.  They have several tap beers as well as cans but I saw no wine.  A cool pitcher of beer was just perfect after waiting in the warm sun and went well with the spicy meat.   Continue reading →