June 2017 – Out and About in Sevierville

Mom’s Vintage Kitchen in Downtown Sevierville

June 29, 2017December 29, 2018outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

(This restaurant has moved to a new location. Check their Facebook page for updates. )

A new restaurant opened downtown on April 1st and I finally made it there. You are going to love this new place for breakfast and lunch. Take a look now at Mom’s Vintage Kitchen.

The restaurant is located on Bruce Street next to 20/20 Optical.

There will be a special each day. I hear that the chicken and dumplings special is most popular.

The vintage decor is charming and will take you back to another time. There are many different places to sit, both tables and stools.

My favorite sitting area may be the stools.

Christie Champ started as a baker at the Bee’s Knees. Then, she began selling bread and pastries at the Sevierville farmers market last year. When the building space became open, Champ began remodeling in March and Mom’s Vintage Kitchen was open by April 1st.

An employee, Alexis, is pictured left. Christie Champ is pictured right.

A menu board filled with wonderful possibilities.

Mom’s Vintage Kitchen specializes in fresh, home-made ‘in-house,’ gluten free products. They also do not cook with oil. In fact, the restaurant is one of the gluten free stops for the Knoxville and Sevierville areas.

There is a milk-shake bar and ice cream shop there. We love Mayfield’s brand!

Catering is available and they make custom cakes. I took the two pictures below from her menu. I like the ‘doctor’ cake on the left.

As if it couldn’t get any better…they are soon going to add gourmet coffee, espressos, lattes, and cappuccinos!

My friends have already had lunch here and share great reviews. For example, one friend, Tad Wynn, ate there today and gave the food two ‘thumbs up.’ He reports, ” My ham and Swiss sandwich was exceptional – fresh, homemade bread and plenty of ham! They have daily specials, also. I can’t wait to try the beef stew and chicken and dumpling.” Another friend, Sheley Rose, was very impressed with the food this week and wants us to go meet for lunch there next week. She said that she tried several cookies and lemon is her favorite.

We have a new place to go downtown now so don’t hesitate to visit this restaurant for breakfast or dinner. It will be a gluten free option for many. See you out and about in Sevierville.

Cherokee Country Club Executive Chef David Pinckney Returns to KaTom With the Best Menu Yet

June 28, 2017June 28, 2017outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

Always a crowd pleaser, Cherokee Country Club Executive Chef David Pinckney brought it again to the KaTom cooking demonstration Monday evening. His relaxed manner and elegant recipes make for an effortless, gourmet evening. Here is what we experienced during the cooking lesson on Monday, June 26th.

The first reason that people sign up for this class is chef name recognition. The second thing may be where he works, Cherokee Country Club, because we imagine the food is so good there! The third reason is the menu planned for the evening—and it didn’t disappoint. (Oops…I forgot to get a picture of just the chef so I’ll use the one above.)

The Menu

Gala apple salad with English Claret cheddar, mixed baby greens, apple cider vinaigrette, toasted walnuts and Benton’s 2 year country ham

Boursin chicken with herbed panko bread crumbs

Yukon gold potatoes and mushroom stock sauce

Chocolate Ganache with pecan crust and salted caramel sauce

Executive Chef David Pinckney leads the kitchen at Cherokee Country Club after working 25 years at the Orangery. (He started there in high school.) With that kind of professional pedigree, you can bet that he is one of the best chefs in East Tenneessee. When he comes to KaTom, always make sure you reserve a spot!

This time, I made some new friends at my table. Pictured right is Faye Andrews. I have met her several times and enjoy her perspectives on cooking, restuarants, and travel. She is a delight at these events. New friends, Vickie (pictured left) and Dan Lynch are from Morristown—and, coincedentally, live almost across the street from my sister Suzanne. They also enjoy these events. This is the second time that I have seen them so it was fun to meet them and share their table. Vickie’s sister, Janet Benett, sat beside me. She drove from Greeneville for the event and was a very nice table companion.

Benton’s two year country ham is ready for the salads.

These attendees are from Knoxville, Dandridge, and from out of state. They had great seats!

Preparations for the chocolate ganache.

I was so happy to see my colleague, Nancy Hayes (pictured left), and her daughter, Charlotte Tatum.

We had a great view from our table as well. Sound and screen technology are excellent so you see and hear everything with no problem.

There was a moment of excitement when the brandy was ignited. It made quite the impression!

Mushroom stock sauce.

More colleagues from Catlettsburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge Primary Schools. Pictured are Denise Barnes, Sami Moore, Sherry Moore, and Rebecca Smock. It was their first demonstration at KaTom and they enjoyed it thoroughly.

This is an effective way to make salad dressing. I am going to try to make the apple cider vinaigrette tomorrow with my Cuisinart.

Preparing salads for service.

The Gala apple salad with English Claret cheddar, mixed baby greens, apple cider vinaigrette, toasted walnuts and Benton’s 2 year country ham. The perfect summer salad.

Boursin chicken with herbed panko bread crumbs served on top of Yukon gold potatoes and mushroom stock sauce. Divine!

Preparing the chocolate ganache for service. These were, by far, the largest blackberries that I have ever seen. They came from North Carolina.

You can probably tell by looking at the picture how rich, satisfying, and decadent this dessert was in each bite. One could never have a better dessert than this chocolate ganache with pecan crust and salted caramel sauce. We could have stopped with two bites…but no one did. It was one of the best desserts that I have ever had at a KaTom cooking event. We applauded the chef.

I enjoy the presentations by David Pinckney for several reasons. First, no matter what preconceived notions you may have about him because of where he works, Pinckney is very friendly and approachable. He is happy to answer any questions and stopped several times so I could take a picture. The executive chef is very comfortable in the kitchen and doesn’t worry if everything is perfect. He works in a ‘flow’ and it is relaxed, laid back, and well timed. Finally, his selections for KaTom demonstrations are rather elegant, but anyone who has some cooking experience could attempt these recipes. It is a nice combination of things and we hope that he returns soon.

If you are interested in KaTom cooking events then look them up on their Facebook page and click under the ‘events’ category. Here is a link. https://www.facebook.com/KaTomRestaurantSupply/

Or, just call them (865) 225-1559.

It is an enjoyable way to get out and about in Sevierville. Save me a seat at the table!

Robert Tino and Sugarland Cellars Release “Dance of the Fireflies” to Benefit Friends of the Smokies

June 26, 2017June 27, 2017outandaboutinsevierville4 Comments

Something special was happening at the Robert Tino Gallery on Saturday, June 24th and I knew that I had to see it. It was the release of the Dance of the Fireflies wine label on Sugarland Cellars summer wine. I dropped by after noon and this is what I saw at the gallery.

First, I always love walking into the Robert Tino Art Gallery. To say that it is beautiful inside and out would be an understatement.

The house that holds the gallery is lovely.

It is especially beautiful in the summer.

The release party was to be held from 10:00-3:00 p.m. There would be a tasting and specials on wine and art. It is a delightful collaboration.

I walked through the front door and immediately saw the new print framed and sitting on a table. I just now noticed this special frame and may have to go back and get it. Notice the front part of the frame. The whole thing is enchanting.

This table is perfection!

I wandered into the next room and was met by Holly Jones and David Elrod. Holly serves as Director of Community Outreach and Strategy for Friends of the Smokies. David is a manager for Sugarland Cellars. He explained how this summer wine comes from 3 grapes, the most interesting being a ‘Niagra’ grape. It is the same grape used to make Welches white grape juice. I noted that it was a semi-sweet wine with a nice taste of real grapes.

A taste allowed gallery customers try it before purchase. It was very good! Elrod explained that it is a white table wine; therefore, it needs to be consumed within ten to twelve months. It does not age well. Pair it with chicken, fish, pasta, or salad.

I asked the price and it only costs $20 a bottle—including the signature of the artist! I was not expecting such a reasonable price for a collectable bottle. The print is stunning and the wine completely surprised me so I bought one for a gift. Look how beautiful the label is above! The blue bottle is perfect.

Robert Tino explained that he has gone to the mountains, mainly Elkmont and Greenbrier, many times to see the fireflies. The idea of painting the fireflies became more clear to him as his considered what to paint for the wine label this summer. In all, this is the sixth label of the series for Sugarlands Cellars. There is a limited number though—only 1,000 bottles are available.

Tino began the collaboration with Sugarland Cellars in 2012. In all, Holly said that it has contributed over $100,00 to the Friends of the Smokies through the years. A percentage of each sale adds up.

This is Ginger, a Tino fan from Knoxville with family roots in the King’s Branch Road area. She bought two prints to take home. I may have to go back and get the one on the right for myself!

I got confused for a moment about terminology, but David Elrod explained how ‘cellars’ indicates wine, while ‘distilleries’ create other spirits. Sugarland Cellars is located in Gatlinburg. The address is 1133 Parkway in Gatlinburg.

Artist, Robert Tino, signs a bottle of Sugarland Cellars wine with a gold marker.

You can see his signature on my bottle above. The gold signature complements the gold text on the label. It is exquisite.

Because it is a collectible, one must be careful not to throw the bottle in the trash just by habit when it is finished. That would be unfortunate!

I was excited to buy a signed bottle of Sugarland Cellars “Dance of the Fireflies” wine with a signature by artist Robert Tino. That is the least that I can do to be a Friend of the Smokies! After the year that they have had, we need to go the extra mile.

There are so many beautiful things to see at the gallery. I must return soon.

Remember that there are only a limited number of bottles. Get yours soon!

It was a great way to get out and about in Sevierville while helping Friends of the Smokies.

Downtown Sevierville Farmers Market: June 23, 2017

June 25, 2017June 25, 2017outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

Fortunately, tropical storm Cindy posed little problem for the downtown Sevierville farmers market on Friday. Other than a strong breeze at times, the weather was great and the sun was shining. Here is how my visit went at the market.

The downtown landscaping is beautiful! They are really doing a good job and it is a sight for the eyes.

It is always a pleasure to see this flower seller at the market.

These soaps smelled so good! They also had infused olive oils.

I love these sunglasses! You can see your reflection in them too.

Artist, Chuck Ottolini, and helpers, are shopping for fresh produce.

There was a crowd around Henderson’s produce tent. They always have good things. I often stop at their store during the summer.

Wondering where to begin!

The pastry booth has a variety of things. The caramel brownie pictured above is very rich and could be shared among 4 people. She sold out of bagels before I arrived at the booth; however, it is good to see brisk sales in the farmers market.

Alex Johnson buying produce to take home.

Sevierville Commons members, Jim McGill, and Sophia Conerly, are happy to see a busy market day.

You can buy pretty little bouquets for the table at the Sevierville farmers market.

This reminded me of the wonderful pineapples in the Dominican Republic a few weeks ago.

I finally ordered a lemonade from the hot dog vendor booth. I had wanted one for a year. You can order lemonade with sugar or Splenda. He had an interesting technique of shaking it with the entire lemon in the container. I am going to try that at home some time.

It was one of the best lemonades that I have ever had. I’ll get a large next time. So good!

A gust of wind caught a couple of tents on the east side and caused several moments of excitement. People rushed to help so it was OK. Maybe it was the last of tropical storm Cindy passing through the market on her way up the coast.

I enjoyed talking to these vendors, a husband and wife who used to live in Florida, but retired here to the Wears Valley area.

Ernie was an executive chef in West Palm Beach, Florida. He worked as a dietary manager in diverse settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, and restaurants. At first, post-retirement, they were traveling in a motor home. Soon, they found a real estate agent and moved to the Walden’s Creek area. When I asked about retirement and the products that you see on the table, Ernie replied that he wasn’t ready to quit everything yet. He said that cooking was never a job to him. In fact, he always felt a satisfaction seeing someone smile after eating something that he had prepared. This couple was so friendly. Ask him some recipe questions the next time you visit the market!

As I walked back to my car through the arcade, I realized that I missed the ‘make-and-take’ sessions by the Sevierville Commons Arts Council that we had enjoyed since last year. They had received a grant that enabled them to offer the sessions during the farmers market. The grant has since been used and there are no remaining funds at this time; however, a business or organization could help sponsor some ‘make-it-and-take-it’ sessions in the future. If you are interested then contact the Sevierville Commons Arts Council at their website. Here is a link https://www.seviervillecommonsartscouncil.org

The ‘make-and-take’ sessions by the Sevierville Commons Arts Council were wildly popular with young and old. Families and children loved to do them. I found myself doing several, like the ‘church doll’ that I gave my niece yesterday. It was great fun to have someone at the sessions coaching you through the process and then being able to take it home as your own. Fingers crossed that they come back soon. In the meantime, I will try to visit some art galleries and stores downtown. Support your local artists! They are helping with the Renaissance of downtown now.

This is a good shortcut to the courthouse and the parking lot across from the bank.

See you next Friday at the downtown farmers market when we are out and about in Sevierville.

An Art Happening Featuring David Freeman: June 22, 2017

June 24, 2017June 24, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

It was a ‘full house’ by the time that I arrived to the Sevierville Commons Art Council Art Happening on Thursday evening. It was the largest crowd yet and quite an event. Here is what I saw at the Art Happening downtown.

David Freeman is a freelance artist and commissioned in portraiture. This talent is quite evident in the portrait of Lee Murray, pictured above. Freeman estimated that it took over 120 hours to finish this portrait. I admit that portraits are my favorite. I have spent time in the Prado Museum looking at works by Goya, Velazquez, and El Greco so I was fascinated by this local example.

I stood close it the portrait and marveled at the rings on the hand that sparkled and the skin tone looked so real. You can see the ring shining from where you are now online reading this post. Amazing!

Freeman told me that it is difficult painting hands because of the angles and softness. The skin tone in the painting was translucent, with an almost 3D effect. I held my hand against the painting and it had almost the same tones. The artist also enjoys painting nature, water, and horses in particular. Here is a link to his website. http://www.davidfreemanartist.com

This was one of Freeman’s first paintings. It was done for a little boy. This painting is on masonite with a leather background,on a wooden frame. It is exquisite.

Charlie Johnson and his daughter, Stefani Johnson, enjoying the Art Happening.

Works by Freeman displayed on the walls of Courthouse Donuts/Dyers Downtown.

Deborah Sams and Sophia Conerly supporting the Sevierville Commons Art Council event.

Marchella Yanguzazova, Daria Jamison, and Camille Spires attending the Art Happening.

Melinda Derrick and a long-time friend, artist Mary Phillips.

An interesting lesson—Freeman took his drawing of Elvis and demonstrated how to enlarge it using a grid. You can use this technique to enlarge any drawing.

Here is the process, and the final result. It was very interesting!

Freeman’s daughter, Julie Mullins, and featured artist for July, David Freeman.

Do you remember this actor? Great drawing!

Mary Ruden, and friend, talking with Sevier Commons Arts Council President and Events Chair, Laurel Kiewitt.

Featured singer for the July 2017 Art Happening was Lynn Rose.

I was able to capture a picture of five artists featured in past Art Happenings by the Sevierville Commons Arts Council (from left to right): Andrea Wilson, Crystal Lynn Sharp, David Freeman, Jill Greene, and Mary Ruden. What a wealth of talent we have in our county.

I loved the table centerpieces featuring paint brushes and flowers. So appropriate!

The refreshments were perfect for a July evening and gracefully served.

Courthouse Donuts outdid themselves for catering the event. The Caprese bites in the first picture above were most popular. The dip in the middle picture had a nice jalapeño heat—but not too much. The chicken salad on cucumber slices were wonderful. I am going to try to make these some time for my friends.

It was a busy evening downtown for the Thursday Art Happening. I took a last look through with window on my way out. Nice reflection of the courthouse through the window. Elvis, in the background, approves!

See you out and about in Sevierville…

A Trip to Blackberry Farm

June 23, 2017outandaboutinsevierville2 Comments

It is not in Sevierville, but Blackberry Farm is such a special place that it deserves a blog story. My friends and I have wanted to go there for a long time; consequently, it is on many a ‘bucket list.’ I finally got my chance to visit last month. Let me take you for a visit to Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee.

Blackberry Farm is a Relais & Chateaux resort near Townsend, Tennessee, in the Walland community. Essentially, it is a luxury retreat with gourmet food and a deep wine list. This survey ranks it 15 in the United States. I would suggest that it is even higher.

http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/b-Relais_Chateaux_Hotels/

How did I get so lucky to go to Blackberry Farm?

I attended a Southern Food Writer’s Conference last May, which included a dinner at Blackberry Farm. Cynthia Moxley wrote about it in her blog, The Blue Streak, last year and I knew that I had to go. There were about 95 food writers in attendance for this special dinner, but believe me—Blackberry Farm was up to the task. I have never seen anything like it.

The goal was excellence.

It was a good idea to charter two buses because we were able to relax and arrive at dinner at one time. Ladies wear dress pants, skirts, or dresses. Men wear jackets. Notice the waiters walking toward us with a tray of champagne. Delightful!

I took my friend Janice Sorrell. I knew that we would have a great time.

I got a chance to talk to this author, Adrian Miller. His book is pictured above and details stories about African Americans who have cooked in the White House kitchen for U.S. Presidents. I have ordered it on Amazon. His lecture was one of the best that we heard during the conference.

Southern Food Writers waiting to enter Bramble Hall.

First, the staff encouraged us to take a tour of the wine cellar. We proceeded underground to what seemed to be half a football field long storage area for wine and spirits. It boggled the mind!

Even the coolers were elegant.

A long hallway with wine aging gracefully.

According to a sommelier at the Old City Wine Bar, Blackberry Farm spares no expense for their collection. The goal is to have one of the best cellars in the country. It is magnificent.

Pesto stuffed baby carrots.

Clams served on dill and dry ice. Can you see the mist?

A Kentucky professor, originally from Madrid, recognized some Spanish wines in this room and assured me that they were of the highest quality. Too bad that this room was locked!

This appetizer was served on a small terrarium.

Our dining room inside Bramble Hall and a view through the tall windows.

I slipped out and saw the preparation for service. The unison of the wait staff was mesmerizing. They enterred and left the dining area with military precision. They were in step, all arms were moving together.

The menu was perfection.

Mary Celeste Beall, owner of Blackberry Farm, addresses the Southern Food Writers.

Blackberry Farm field greens, ramps, shoots, and hickory syrup. It was wonderful.

Beef ribeye cap with smoked beet puree, greens, and horseradish bernaise sauce.

Andy Chabot, Blackberry Farm Sommelier, addresses the group. His selections were perfection.

Strawberries and cream with vanilla olive oil. Unbelievably good.

Beautiful wood burl decor.

The bathroom had cloth towels to dry your hands. Cloth towels. I loved the concert posters over the sinks.

After dinner, we fairly floated to the bus and relaxed all the way back to Knoxville. It was almost like a dream…but it really happened. Janice and I agreed that it was the best meal that we had ever had. It was, indeed, perfection.

A toast to excellence at Blackberry Farm.

Charlotte’s Creative: A New Arts Center in Downtown Sevierville

June 20, 2017January 2, 2021outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

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(This business is no longer located downtown Sevierville).

If you are interested in opening a business in downtown Sevierville then I recommend that you make haste because spaces are filling up quickly—which is great news! Several art galleries and a restaurant are taking shape. I visited an art space last Friday after the farmer’s market and can’t wait to go back. Let me take you to Charlotte’s Creative on Bruce Street.

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I saw mention of Charlotte’s Creative grand opening on Facebook so I knew that I could nt miss it. It is almost across from Sims Barber Shop on Bruce Street. It is very near the Sevier County Heritage Museum. Here is a link to her Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/Charlottes-Bruce-Street-Creative-318553705267269/

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Charlotte’s Creative is beautiful inside! The front section is like a combination shop/gallery. Love the rugs! Everything is arranged beautifully!

Artist, Charlotte Wear, and a friend, are ready for the grand opening event on Bruce Street.

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Books for sale by a local author.

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The violins are beckoning!

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Charlotte Wear has taken classes from the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, as well as the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The artist has finally created her dream space in downtown Sevierville. In this space, there will be a shop, a teaching area, a working area, and maybe a performance area. She will teach classes with diverse kinds of media. Her goal is to teach at least classes 3 days a week using metal, glass, textiles, or clay, and more. My friend and I are trying to decide which class to take first.

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Paige McClure attending the grand opening of Charlotte’s Creative.

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A gallery wall.

Entertainer, Sam Lewis, played music for the evening event. Charlotte told me that she had heard him play at Barley’s in Knoxville and enjoyed his music very much. Sam Lewis has opened for Leon Russell and played with Chris Stapleton. That sounds like a good pedigree to me!

You can hear Lewis’ music on these CDs. Here is a link to his Facebook page. You can see that he has a busy schedule!

https://www.facebook.com/samlewistunes/

Artists and family attend the grand opening evening event.

These earrings are beautiful. Must shop here soon when I have more time. You can always use another set of earrings!

Charlotte Wear introduces singer, Sam Lewis to a full house.

Remember that name—Sam Lewis. He is a rising star.

As I went to my car to go to a cookout, I noticed that there were many cars parked downtown. Some were at Charlotte’s Creative.

Others were arriving to get a good seat for the movie, “9 to 5” with Dolly Parton.

Things are busy on Fridays now in downtown Sevierville—and that is a very good thing. Get out and enjoy!

See you at Charlotte’s Creative for a class some time when we are out and about in Sevierville.

Farmers Market + Celebrity Canine Visit+ New Art Opening + Visit to United Way Office= A Lively Day Downtown: Friday, June 17, 2017

June 19, 2017June 19, 2017outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

You may remember my previous story about a visit last Friday from Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund and his brother Oakley. I was just walking to the famers market and there they were! Mayor Waters came out to welcome them to the city. I texted Anita that I would be a few minutes late.

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The dogs and their owners spent the week in Sevier County and then did a book signing in Knoxville on Saturday. Such cute pups and well behaved!

Next, I met Anita at Courthouse Donuts for coffee, but there was there was not much time to chat. By 11:30, time was passing quickly for the market closes at 1:00. We were off to the market.

First stop, the ‘make-it-and take-it’ booth, sponsored by the Sevierville Commons Arts Council.

I tried my hand at screen printing a t-shirt. I chose hot pink animal paws on a white T-shirt. There was also a jewelry making table and more. It was free and very busy.

People created a design on their shirt then let it dry while they shopped. This was the last “make-it-and-take-it” opportunity for the year. Council members obtained grants to provide the sessions this summer. If you are a business and would like to help them provide more sessions this summer, just contact the Sevierville Commons Art Council. Here is a link to their website and contact info: https://www.seviervillecommonsartscouncil.org

These kids loved the ‘make-it-and-take-it’ booths at the farmers market. Look at the necklaces that they made! I admired them and wished that I had time to make one too. Their mother and I do HIIT classes together at NFC.

We saw our friend, Gina Davis. She had bought a basil plant because some kind of wildlife has been eating the basil at her home.

My favorite things at the farmers market!

A downtown worker taking a break and walking through the market.

I like this vendor from Grainger County. Always friendly.

Sophia Conerly, member of the Sevierville Commons Association talking with Jim McGill, Membership Co-Ordinator for the Chamber of Commerce.

I saw a lot of Methodists downtown last Friday!

More shoppers enjoying the market.

No music in the gazebo last week. Only the sound of a chain saw working it’s magic.

I missed the chain saw artist at work, but hope to catch him again in the future. These bears are adorable!

There is a new creative space on Bruce Street and it is good! Stay tuned to my next blog story for more about Charlotte’s Creative Space, by local artist, Charlotte Wear.

Jim McGill, Chamber of Commerce Membership Co-Ordinator, is happy to see busy vendors and shoppers downtown.

The plants downtown have never been more beautiful!

A new restaurant is going into the Fox Building and it is going to be exciting. There will be a back patio, as seen in the drawing posted in this window. This is one of the best restaurants in Market Square in Knoxville, but there is a usually a long wait for a table. It is coming to our town soon. Stay tuned for more info!

I noticed a new corporate office downtown.

On the way to another store, Melinda and I ran into Amy Harper, Executive Director of the United Way of Sevier County. Amy asked if we wanted to come up to see their office. And what a nice space it is!

I loved her view of the courthouse. She often sees people/tourists/visitors taking pictures at the Dolly Parton statue and has the perfect view from her window. Wonderful natural light coming in through the windows.

Amy Harper and Emily Whaley in the United Way office. Emily just chaired the Night at the Derby fundraiser last April. Make sure you go next year!

In the meantime, get ready for Drums on Dam, part 2 !

I barely had time to do everything on my agenda so next week I will plan on arriving much earlier to the downtown Sevierville farmers market. It was a busy Friday while we were out and about in Sevierville. See you there!

A Celebrity Visit of the Canine Variety: Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund!

June 17, 2017outandaboutinseviervilleLeave a comment

I was en route to the downtown Sevierville farmers market this morning when I ran across a celebrity. Make that two. When I happened upon them, I quickly grabbed my camera and joined the crowd. Look who visited Sevierville today!

I was lucky to cross paths with Kelly DeBord on the way to the market. We were chatting when she asked if I was going to the special event. I didn’t know of any special event, but 10 steps later we happened upon it. A celebrity was visiting the Sevier County courthouse, particularly the Dolly statue. It was a celebrity of the canine variety. Immediately, we recognized Crusoe, the Celebrity Dachshund!

Crusoe and his half brother, Oakley, will be in Knoxville tomorrow for a book signing at Barnes and Noble on Kingston Pike. They have spent several days in our area as well on a tour of the Smokies. I was very excited because I have noticed their videos on Facebook for quite a while and have shared them with my friends.

Here is the link to their Facebook page. Go there to see several videos of their trip to the Smokies!

https://www.facebook.com/crusoedachshund/

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After a few minutes, I saw Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters walk up and welcome the dogs and their owners to the city. Several city and tourism officials were also in attendance.

Did you know that Mayor Waters owns dachshunds himself? He has them too!

The owners, from Canada, asked the mayor if he would like to hold Crusoe. Fortunately, Mayor Waters has experience in this area. You have to be careful because dachshund’s backs are fragile. See the Mountain Press covering the story as it happens!

Oakley is a patient pooch.

This is a great picture of Mayor Waters and Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund with the Dolly Parton statue.

But they weren’t finished. After the picture with the mayor, I noticed a costume change. Do you see what is happening here?

Voila— a star is born!

Go to the official website to browse and shop for merchandise. http://www.celebritydachshund.com/store/

I found the dogs to be very calm and patient. The owner said that they know the routine and liver treats are expected. Also, they travel well. This is Oakley’s first trip. Welcome to the Great Smoky Mountains!

Talk about good timing! On my walk to the farmers market, I was able to meet two celebrities of the canine variety. You NEVER know who you may run into when you are out and about in Sevierville…

Click below to go to Crusoe’s website. (Copied from the link.)

Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund at Dolly Parton Statue.

10 hrs ·

“Hey look, I’m Dolly Parton – er, Dolly Pawton?”

~ Crusoe

Barbara Tenney and Randall Jolley Cooking Demonstration at KaTom

June 5, 2017June 4, 2017outandaboutinsevierville1 Comment

I have been so busy that I am just now finding time to write this story about the cooking class by Barbara Tenney, my culinary hero. She was joined in the KaTom kitchen by Randall Jolley for a meal to remember. Look at what we enjoyed that evening.

Randall Jolley’s expertise is clearly strong in the grilling department. He showed us how to use one of KaTom’s best outdoor grills. I was amazed that it only uses charcoal; yet, Randall can get the temperature within 5 degrees of where he needs it.

I had never seen a Primo grill and was quite impressed.

Even better, this grill is made in America.

Voila!

Not sure how I missed getting a picture of the Twice Baked Potato Casserole, but it was unbelievably good.

The Settlers Beans were actually a complete meal. I’ll make this recipe in the coming weeks.

We enjoy watching the action from the overhead screen. You won’t miss a thing.

That was really a lot of food! I was glad that my friend brought 2 to-go boxes.

The piece-de-resistance was the banana pudding. Divine!

The crowd was mainly from Morristown and Dandridge that evening. As it turns out, Randall Jolley is from Mo’town himself. And his wife, Lisa. In a ‘it is a small world’ moment, I met Lisa Jolley at the end of the event. Turns out that she was my younger sister Diane’s best friend in high school. Currently, the Jolley’s live in the same neighborhood as my other sister, Suzanne. It is certainly a small world at KaTom classes!

Randall and Lisa Jolley after dinner.

Always get a picture with your hero!

Barbara is busy cooking in Knoxville at the Butler and Bailey market and does cooking segments on WBIR TV. She caters and does more things than I can list here. When she comes back to KaTom Chef Supplies for a cooking demo in the future then don’t miss it. It will be the best thing about your week. It is one of my favorite ways to get out and about in Sevierville.

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Out and About in Sevierville

See, Dine, Dwell.

Month: June 2017