Tennessee Food Delights (Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga: hotel, movie theater, live)

[LauraC]

Okay, fill in the blank---

If you visit Tennessee, you must try (what food? what food dish? what dessert?).

I don't just want to hear from long-time Tennessee people, I also want to hear from recent relocators and visitors.

[mbmouse]

Honestly LauraC, that is my personal downfall with East TN (Knoxville to Tri-Cities). I have yet to find that great, non-chain restaurant that has wonderful food. There is one little place in Church Hill called Gooseberries, that does have great lunches and serves it nice but other than that, I have no suggestions.
If you find one while you are here, PLEASE let me know. I am very curious to hear what others have to say on this one.

[maryn]

there is a great restaurant in Monteagle called High Point. Gourmet food, great atmosphere, a little expensive for the area but worth it! they have a website, if you want to look. there are 2 really good restaurants in the art district in Chattanooga but i forgot the name (one is a italian)! but i'm sure if you asked around the City, some one would know where to send you.

[BUP41800]

I had a wonderful fried green tomato sandwich at a delightful bistro in Jonesborough (sorry, can't remember the name of the place).

[GrannyLois]

Jonesborough has 'Main Street Cafe' which is WONDERFUL, and Cranberry Thistle which is tiny, quaint, and has excellent food.

Johnson City has 'Down Home' - serves Mexican food and live music or open mike. Pretty cool place.

Kingsport and Johnson City both have all the chains including 'Salsaritos' = best Mexican restaurant, and a colorful place called 'Cootie Brown's'.

And the place where you must eat: Ridgewood Barbeque = between Johnson City and Bristol - off the highway - ask for directions from a gas station near by. Everyone knows Ridgewood.

[Tek_Freek]

When we were in Crossville in July we found a place named Vegas Steakhouse. I had a steak and my wife had fish. Both were excellent.

We also ate at a Mexican restaurant that was next to a movie theater. Can't remember the name (Cooksvillers - do you know?) and I had a burro that was covered in a white sauce. Wish I could get it here! Good marguaritas too. I did a Google on Crossville restaurants and I think it is the El Tequila. Get that dish! I think the name was something like El National. Hate when I can't remember stuff...

Stay away, far away, from the Pizza Hut. How can anyone mess up pizza?????

We ate at an excellent restaurant in Johnson City on that trip, but I can't remember the name. The only thing I really remember about that city was the worst hotel I've ever stayed in. Beautiful city, wonderful people, hotel from Hell. I'll ask my wife when she gets home. She's better at remembering these things.

[homes4uintn]

There is a restraunt called Hamby's over near Tazewell Pike in Knoxville. They serve the BEST pizza you'd ever want. Not much of a restraunt to look at, but to hang out and take the stress out of a workday, nothing beat it. Back room has a pool table, a few video games, board games, and dart board.

[LauraC]

Oh no! I wasn't looking for a restaurant. I just want to know if Tennessee is famous for a particular dish or dessert or the way something is prepared.

Then, you know, you eat your way through the state trying to find who makes it the best.

I had great ribs in Memphis a few years ago.

Do you have street fairs with food vendors? That's when you usuaually see something the state or region is known for. Where I live now, it's crab cakes.

[LauraC]

[quote=Tek_Freek;91158]
Stay away, far away, from the Pizza Hut. How can anyone mess up pizza?????

They violate the first rule of the 10 Rules of Pizza - It's gotta drip.

[mbmouse]

As far as what have seen as the "TN dish" would have to be "fried pies" they seem to be at every festival and the "old timers" I have met all claim to have the best recipe. I don't particularly care for them as I like my fruit unfried. But maybe that was what you were looking for? "Greens" is another thing that is popular here as a side dish.