I LOVE Eastern TENNESSEE! (Knoxville, Chattanooga: condos, house, transfer)

[jmarkey]

We're pretty landlocked. I think the odds of fresh seafood are slim. It's good stuff though, I agree. (Will NOT think of Maine lobster, will NOT think of Maine lobster. AAAARRRRGGHH!)

I'm not sure what you mean by chain. When I think of chain restaurants I think of Shoney's, Applebee's, etc. The coporation that owns The Copper Cellar does own other TN restaurants (Chesapeake's is good, too), and Parkside Tavern has another location in Lenoir City, but I don't think of them as chain restaurants. Naples is family owned, as are some of the others I threw out. I think PF Chang's is a chain, though. Might have been wrong on that one.

Though Mimi's is a chain (it originated in California I think) they have terrific breakfast chow. Definately worth trying.

The Mellow Mushroom has good pizza. I'm dying for a family owned grinder place. (Grinder=sub)

If you're not sure about a restaurant, go at lunchtime and try something on the lunch special menu. It'll be a lot cheaper than getting dinner and finding you don't like it.

I love food, too. But now that the kids are grown and gone, I hate to cook. I got a neat notepad that says "Any pan is no stick when it's no cook". That's my motto.

[hiknapster]

JMarkey just said "grinder!" Oh my Gawd!!!!!!!!!!! You're from New England? I didn't realize that! I'm from Mass!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sorry if you have told me this before. I read so many posts that I get everyone confused.

Actually, I'm a great cook. HOWEVER, I cannot duplicate a clam fritter. I have tried everything. Even got a recipe from Yankee magazine. I really need clam fritters!

I DO get Maine lobsters from Kroger's. Still it is not as good as sitting at a restaurant on the coast!

I would love a great downeast clambake! And some Ipswich clams! Oh, and Indian pudding!

I didn't realize that these items are not prevalent throughout the country. Who knew?

Then again, I'm on a diet, and probably shouldn't be eating any of it.

[jmarkey]

Where in Mass?

I'm from Connecticut

[hiknapster]

Ct/Mass line. Southbridge, Oxford, Thompson, CT.

[jmarkey]

Holy Cow!!

We moved here from Killingly, next town down from Putnam!!

[hiknapster]

You didn't live in Florida first? Well, that's unusual!

I actually found a mom and pop grinder (sub) place in Orlando. And a killer one in Bonita Springs, FL. Had the best New England Clam Chowder (chowdah) I have ever had. Haven't seen anything close to this here, yet.

I'm going to bed, but we have to talk!

[jmarkey]

I guess grinders are a thing of the past for now.

But barbecue makes up for it. Good Stuff.

I haven't done the PM thing on here yet, but if you have get in touch with me and we'll get together.

[insanesmooch]

[quote=jmarkey;196395]I guess grinders are a thing of the past for now.


Bellacino's is a chain restaurant that makes grinders. May not be exactly what you are looking for since it is a chain store. There are several in TN.

[jmarkey]

Thanks!

I see there's one in Knoxville. I'll try it out this weekend.

[mbmouse]

OK, you too are bringing back WAY to many memories!!! hahahha (originally from CT) I saw "grinder" and my mouth started to water! hahahahha
Yes, that is one of my pitfalls to TN too...very few good locally owned restaurants. My hubby and I did find a chain (I think it is a chain) that was fantastic! The Chop House, they have one in Kingsport and one in Pigeon forge, not sure about Knoxville, but GREAT food! Good chefs.
I agree about the lobster but I found getting 3 lobsters at the grocery store here (which is less than 2 at the restaurants) and eating them at home is yummy and fun, plus you don't feel like you want just one more bite, like I always felt in the restaurants hahahhahahha