Knoxville, Tennessee. This wonderful city could be referred to by some as the Memphis of the East when it comes to food selection. Or maybe not. However, when one moves to Knoxville to become a Tennessee Vol, there are a few staple food items that you must eat before you say bon-voyage to the checkered orange-and-white county.
1. Cafe 4's Macaroni and Cheese
It's not secret that "Mac and Cheese" is a college staple. But if you're feeling in the mood for a pasta not made from a box, Cafe 4's gourmet macaroni and cheese blows Kraft out of the water. With bread crumbs on top and thick, swirly pasta noodles covered in the ultimate blend of real cheese sauce, Cafe 4's Macaroni and Cheese is borderline legendary.
2. French Market Crêperie's Monte Cristo Crêpe
French Market is a little French cafe located downtown off of Gay Street near the movie theater. If you've never had a crêpe in your life, this restaurant is a must. However, if you are in the mood for something new, they make a fantastic Monte Cristo crêpe. Inside the warm, pancake-like crust is ham and cheese, topped with a nice strawberry jelly and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Although it sounds like an unlikely combination, this savory crêpe could be described as life changing.
3. Cosmo's Caffè/Gourmet Market's Nutella Stuffed French Toast
Cosmo's Caffè/Gourmet Market is located about five minutes down Kingston Pike from the UT campus. It's a hit for the locals and a treasure for the newbies who make their way through its doors. If you stop in, you can't make a wrong choice when it comes to the menu. But if you're feeling a little adventurous, order the Nutella Stuffed French Toast. It will make your taste buds sing.
4. Archer's Barbeque
This is where the whole "Memphis of the East" comes in. Memphis natives will brag on their barbeque for ages if you let them, and it seems that Knoxville natives will do the same when it comes to Archer's. Also located on Kingston Pike, Archer's offers sweet southern barbeque that won't let itself be forgotten.
5. Plum Tree Chinese Restaurant
In a little cottage off Kingston Pike sits the ever elusive Plumb Tree Chinese Restaurant. Don't be thrown off my the shady demeanor of the house before you walk through its doors. This is another one of those "I'm feeling adventurous" destinations. The food will not disappoint.
6. Naples Italian Restaurant
One cannot leave Knoxville without having a meal at this Italian eatery. People have described this food as heavenly and refuse to stop talking about it once they have left the table. Although I have not listed a specific food item, there is solid reasoning for this. You can't go wrong with anything you order.
7. Tomato Head Pizza
Tomato Head is a restaurant native to Knoxville. Located off Kingtson Pike and seated next to Cafe 4 downtown in Market Square, Tomato Head offers both quality and trendy food options. It is often one of the first destinations new faces stop by when the come to Knoxville for the first time. Understandably so. Tomato Head has amazing pizza. With fresh ingredients and a wide variety of pizzas to choose from, Tomato Head has at times become the number one option when looking for a place to eat on a Friday night.
8. Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop: The I-40 Pie
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop wins. Located again on Kingston Pike (conveniently placed next to Anthropology), Buttermilk offers the best pies in Knoxville hands down. When you walk through the doors, the smell of freshly baked goodies fills your head and the experience itself is one to brag about. For a first time pie eater, go with the I-40. The hip name fits the pie perfectly because anyone who drives down I-40 needs to stop in and try a bite. So for you dessert fans and simply people who need a little extra joy in their life, stop by Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop. You won't regret it.
