Nestled along the winding banks of the Tennessee River, Knoxville is known for its hospitality and scenic beauty. Beyond its lush greenery and historical landmarks lies a culinary scene as diverse as the city itself. Here, in the heart of the Volunteer State, food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a celebration of tradition and community.
Whether you’re strolling through the bustling streets of Market Square or venturing into the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, you’ll find an abundance of eateries offering a tantalizing array of dishes to tempt your palate.
1. Cheese Board with Artisan Cheeses
Kick off your culinary adventure with a sensory delight – a cheese board featuring an exquisite selection of artisanal cheeses. This cheese board – a common menu dish offered at most Farragut restaurants– features aged cheddar, creamy brie, and tangy blue cheese. It is accompanied by toasted baguette slices, mostarda, and local honey, making each bite a revelation of flavor, texture, and craftsmanship.
This delectable appetizer sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience at Elkmont Station – a Knoxville restaurant that pays homage to the historic “Elkmont Special” railroad and its connection to the Great Smoky Mountains. You can join them in celebrating this rich heritage with their handcrafted menu that features the following dishes.
2. Short Rib Gnocchi
For a hearty and comforting dish that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine with a Southern twist, look no further than short rib gnocchi. Imagine tender pieces of braised beef short rib nestled atop pillowy ricotta gnocchi, bathed in a rich and aromatic tomato ragout. Each forkful is a symphony of flavors, with the robustness of the beef complemented by the delicate sweetness of the tomato sauce.
As you savor each bite, you’ll appreciate the care and attention to detail that goes into crafting this culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re a fan of Italian classics or simply seeking a dish that warms the soul, short rib gnocchi is a must-try on your culinary journey through Knoxville.
3. Coq au Vin
Transport your taste buds to the French countryside with a timeless classic – Coq au Vin. You’ll indulge in tender chicken thigh cooked to perfection in a rich and velvety red wine sauce. Accompanied by carrots, wild mushrooms, and creamy pommes puree, each bite is a symphony of flavors that dances across your palate.
Whether you’re a seasoned gourmand or a culinary adventurer, Coq au Vin offers a taste of France in the heart of Knoxville, inviting you to savor the simple pleasures of good food and good company.
4. Braised Lamb Shank
Elevate your dining experience with the luxurious flavors of braised lamb shank. Imagine succulent lamb shank slow-cooked to perfection, its tender meat falling effortlessly off the bone. Paired with creamy polenta, mushroom bordelaise, and a zesty mint gremolata, each bite is a symphony of flavors that lingers on the palate long after the meal is finished. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a taste of indulgence, braised lamb shank promises to delight and satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
5. Cacio e Pepe
Prepare to be transported to the bustling streets of Rome with a classic Italian favorite – Cacio e Pepe. Handmade spaghetti pasta cooked to al dente perfection, tossed in a luscious sauce of aged parmesan and freshly ground black pepper. This dish exemplifies the beauty of simplicity, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through with each satisfying bite. Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or simply craving a taste of Italy, Cacio e Pepe is a culinary delight not to be missed during your visit to Knoxville.
6. Low Country Bouillabaisse
This hearty dish is a fusion of French culinary tradition and Southern coastal flavors, creating a seafood lover’s dream come true. Imagine diving into a bowl brimming with fingerling potatoes, hominy, plump mussels, succulent scallops, and delicate white fish, all swimming in a fragrant, aromatic broth.
Each spoonful will transport you to the shores of the Low Country, where the bounty of the sea meets the warmth of Southern hospitality. Whether you’re a longtime fan of bouillabaisse or experiencing it for the first time, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression.
7. Pappardelle Bolognese
Handmade pappardelle pasta, cooked to perfection, serves as the canvas for a rich and hearty meat sauce made from ground short rib, mirepoix, and aged parmesan. Each forkful offers savory flavors and comforting textures reminiscent of a home-cooked meal in the heart of Bologna.
As you savor the robustness of the sauce and the silkiness of the pasta, you’ll find yourself transported to the bustling streets of Italy, where food is not just sustenance but a celebration of life itself. Pappardelle Bolognese is a testament to the timeless appeal of Italian cuisine and a must-try for any pasta enthusiast visiting Knoxville.
8. Ribeye Steak Frites
Indulge in a juicy ribeye steak, cooked to your desired level of doneness and served alongside parmesan truffle fingerling frites and broiled asparagus. This classic dish offers the perfect marriage of savory flavors and satisfying textures, making it a favorite among steak lovers everywhere.
With each bite, you’ll experience the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the steak, the crispiness of the frites, and the earthy aroma of truffle, creating a culinary experience that is truly unforgettable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a taste of luxury, Ribeye Steak Frites is sure to leave you feeling satiated and satisfied.
9. Wedge Salad
For a refreshing palate cleanser, indulge in a crisp wedge salad. Picture a mound of Boston bibb lettuce topped with roasted grape tomatoes, crispy country ham, and generous sprinkles of bleu cheese crumbles. Drizzled with a balsamic reduction and garnished with pickled red onions, this salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
Each bite offers a refreshing burst of freshness, complemented by the tanginess of the bleu cheese and the sweetness of the balsamic reduction. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a side dish, Wedge Salad is the perfect accompaniment to any meal, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and ready for the next course.
10. Southern Peach Salad
End your culinary journey through Knoxville on a sweet note with a Southern Peach Salad. This refreshing salad features a bed of baby greens, topped with pickled peaches, bleu cheese crumbles, roasted peppers, and pecan praline.
Drizzled with a tangy bleu vinaigrette, each bite is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors reminiscent of lazy summer days in the South. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, Southern Peach Salad is sure to leave a lasting impression, capturing the essence of Southern hospitality in every bite.
Conclusion
From the sensory delight of a cheese board featuring artisanal cheeses to the comforting embrace of short-rib gnocchi, each dish tells a story of dedication, craftsmanship, and passion. Whether you’re transported to the French countryside with Coq au Vin or indulging in the luxurious flavors of braised lamb shank, every bite is a testament to Knoxville’s commitment to culinary excellence. Your taste buds will thank you for the adventure.
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