Tamale Express

We heard about a new restaurant at 1354 Dolly Parton Parkway, in the small strip mall east of Sevier County High School. I had heard good things about it so Lisa and I decided to give it a try on Thursday after work. I liked Tamale Express very much and recommend it for foodies and people who like to try new things. This is not a typical Mexican restaurant that has chips and salsa as soon as you sit down. No Margaritas and maybe no tamales on a regular basis. However, Tamale Express brings something new to the local food scene.

We entered the restaurant and ordered at the counter. I ordered a #1 and Lisa ordered a #2. Be ready because the portions are generous and filling.

Birria is a meat stew or soup made with meat (beef in this case) and marinated with adobo made of spices, dried chiles, garlic, herbs, vinegar and cooked in a broth. It was excellent and not too spicy at all.

To our great regret, the restaurant was out of Choco-Flan. Next time! Also, we will try the street corn next time as well.

The fresh add on station was very nice with two kinds of salsa, cilantro, and more. We admired the beautiful tiles on the side of the of station.

The cashier remembered me saying that I had a late afternoon snack so he cut the sandwich in half and thoughtfully put the other half in a to-go box. My barrio torta had the softest bread—delightful! Dipping it into the liquid reminded me of another favorite sandwich: the French Dip. Very nice and not too spicy. The sandwich was quite thick so half for me was perfect.

Lisa’s tacos were excellent and she was able to dip them into the broth as well. Order a Jarritos soft drink! We ordered lime soda as a treat.

We loved the small little add-ons on the fresh bar. A little bit of lime and cilantro makes it extra good.

Of course, we loved the Frida Kahlo art displayed in the restaurant.

Iconic!

Screenshots from Google Images had given me ideas of what to expect at the restaurant. Choco-Flan!

In summary, Tamale Express offers something special for those who crave Mexican food that is different from the other places in town. We arrived around 5:00, probably earlier than the usual dinner time so the restaurant was not busy. We enjoyed a quiet, very authentic dinner just yards away from the high school. We plan on going again soon—but next time we will make sure that they have some Choco-Flan waiting for us!

Penny’s Cafe in Downtown Sevierville

There is a new place to find coffee, smoothies, breakfast, and lunch in downtown Sevierville. Penny’s Cafe offers all those things and more. In addition, local artists display their work in this spacious area. I went by this summer and noticed that the cafe is already quite popular. Here are some quick observations.

First, Penny’s Cafe is located across the street from the gazebo on Bruce Street—an excellent location. In the picture above, you can see the cafe is located to the right of the old post office building. Park in the parking lot across the street, on the street, or down the street near the courthouse and just walk a short distance for a really nice cappuccino.

We got a friendly greeting as we walked into Penny’s Cafe. The menu is located on the wall to the left.

This is a nice little area to wait for a friend if you are early. The view across the street of Sims Barbershop may fo a local coming or going after a nice cut.

Young people have discovered the nice coffee and more at Penny’s Cafe. This sofa is a comfortable place to catch up with friends and refresh.

The new espresso machine makes one of the best cappuccinos that I have had this year in the U.S.
I learned to love avocado toast on a trip to California so I was excited to see several variations on the menu. I ordered “Everything Avocado Toast” on rye bread, but you can order it on two other kinds of bread as well. It had the Everything Bagel seasoning and was quite substancial. I was not able to eat both pieces and was not hungry for hours.
Penny’s Cafe is spacious and visually attractive, displaying work from local artists on the walls and in display cases. You will surely find a gift or personal treasure there.
I found myself browsing the art and wondering what would look good on my walls.
If you need a gift, one can be found in this display case…

Or this …

… or this display. I love the horse painting on the back wall and wonder where it could go in my home.
There is so much art to see at Penny’s Cafe so it would be a good idea to plan extra time to do so.

In closing, Penny’s Cafe in downtown Sevierville brings coffee, food, and art to Bruce Street that has missing for a while. The cafe has already been embraced by locals and visitors alike. Drop by and enjoy a morning drink or meal to start the day. See you out and about in Sevierville.

Here are some screen shots of the coffee menu from the Penny’s Cafe Facebook page. Go to the Facebook page to see more. Here is the link.

https://www.facebook.com/pennyscafetn

Bon appetite!

Barbecue in the Mountains: Preacher’s Smokehouse

After visiting a friend in the area, we decided to try a little barbecue place that we found on our drive to Pittman Center. Located on 2929 Pittman Center Rd., the restaurant serves locals and visitors alike. As it turned out, we found some of the tastiest barbecue in the mountains.

A place to gather together and eat meat. A meat eatery.

Preacher’s Smokehouse

You will notice the gravel entrance and parking lot with a beautiful view of the mountains in the background.

Preacher’s Smokehouse is appropriately located in a cabin with a nice little front porch. The woodpile on the right side lets you know the authenticity of the food. In addition, I think that I remember some picnic tables outside to the right of the building.

I got a pork meal combo with two sides. Next time, I will try the brisket or burnt ends from the menu. I have never tried burnt ends, but they sound so good. We thought that the prices were reasonable too.

Step up to the window. Ordering is easy.

If you get here at the right time, then you can have what appears to be the ‘best seats in the house.’

The sides were excellent and the sizes were quite generous. If you have a light appetite, you could easily share with a friend. Later on, I realized that I had not taken many pictures of the food so the following are screenshots that I found online from other happy customers.

According to the Preacher’s Smokehouse Facebook page, it may be a good idea to check before you drive out there because they frequently sell out of barbecue— and that would be a monumental disappointment!

Here is a link: https://www.facebook.com/preacherssmokehouse

Limited hours and limited days open make Preacher’s Smokehouse a particularly special place to get barbecue.

Monday:CLOSED, Tuesday:CLOSED, Wednesday:CLOSED

Thursday:11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Friday:11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Saturday:11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Sunday:CLOSED

Phone number: (865)332-9731

Writing this story has whet my appetite and I look forward to a return trip soon to Preacher’s Smokehouse.

Save some burnt ends for me!

Graze Burgers Opening in Downtown Sevierville

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I was excited to attend the pre-opening event for Graze Burgers downtown last night. After watching the construction going on all summer and fall, the moment had finally arrived to see the final product—and it didn’t disappoint! Come along as we got to experience one of the best new places in downtown Sevierville.

First, I am going to get straight to the point and list my top 10 reasons that Graze Burgers is going to be special. Maybe even my favorite burger place in Tennessee.

  1. The owners’ families have created restaurant legacies in East Tennessee: Angelos in Morristown, Angelos on the Point in Dandridge, andĀ Stock and Barrel on Market Square in Knoxville. They have decades of experience in the restaurant industry and deliver a high quality experience.
  2. With a burger, you can order 1/2 fries and 1/2 onion rings! I have never seen that before because you usually have to choose one or the other. We can call them ‘frings.’
  3. The cocktail and beverage selections are excellent. (Check out the ‘Off the Rails cocktail.’)
  4. Spiked Shakes! I have never seen this before either. They make great desserts!
  5. Brioche bun! Ā There were many burger variations and each looked delish. There will be something for every taste. Even more, I love a brioche bun.
  6. There are windows behind the bar that will open to the outside alley and patio area. “Hello spring and summer dining al fresco!”
  7. The atmosphere inside is relaxed and fun. There are three large screen TVs on the wall and music playing in the background to keep the mood festive.
  8. The parking is plentiful nearby, both in the gazebo area and on the street.
  9. I can tell that the owners and the business will be great new neighbors downtown.
  10. I liked the water glasses. They were Duraclear or some other light material so there was no problem with breakage and they fit my hand quite well. I don’t like glasses that are too big to handle.

Let’s continue to our visit to Graze Burgers last Saturday evening in downtown Sevierville.

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Upon arrival, Melinda and I found the parking lot by the gazebo almost full of cars. We thought we were early, but there were others already there to experience Sevierville’s newest restaurant.

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Lights and signs were on. Street parking was filling up, which is rare for 5:30 on a Saturday evening downtown unless there is a special event.

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Friendly hosts and hostesses were ready to show us to a table. We got the last one available. The place was packed!

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This screenshot from the Graze Burgers Facebook page shows a sleek design, yet maintaining the original brick wall. I am not sure what to call it, but the combination of natural brick, wood, and metal makes me want to call it a ‘mountain industrial’ look. Notice the large windows behind the bar that can be rolled up in warm weather to serve customers in the alley/patio area later this year. Here is the link to the restaurant Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/grazeburgers1/

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We were lucky to arrive no later because tables were all taken.

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There is an interesting beverage list. Who doesn’t love a tall glass?

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I had researched the menu a few days before so not much time would be wasted on my selections.

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We always order fried pickles at the beach so we were not going to pass them up last night.

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Vince and Glenda Snider were ready for dinner at Graze.

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Ā Leesa and Jim McGill, Sevierville City Alderman.

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Ed and Bethany McCarter enjoying dinner at Graze.

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I love food served on a cookie sheet pan. Look—half fries and half onion rings. You can order one or the other, or both!

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Here is a screenshot of the main menu.

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One of the owners chats with Jim McGill after dinner. He has owned both Angelos locations in Morristown and Dandridge. Being from Morristown, that was all I needed to hear! When I grew up, Angelos in Morristown was the very best place to dine.

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Doyle Jones, local architect, and local artist/businesswoman, Bev Gwinn Jones.

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The Sevierville Commons board of directors are certainly excited to see new businesses downtown. SCA board members from left to right: Gigi Simonis, Austin Williams, and Jason Holliman.

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My favorite thing of the evening may have been the spiked shake called the Boozy S’mores because of the two roasted marshmallows on top and the ice cream delight in the glass. Oh my!

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Here is a screen shot of the beverage list.

IMG_3282What a great dinner! Afterward, Melinda and I worked our way through the crowd, said lots of ‘hellos’ Ā and headed out the front door. It was great to finally see patrons sitting in the front windows after I watched the building progress all last summer. It came together beautifully.

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Keep an eye on the space next door because there is something going in there in the coming months. The manager told me that it is ‘top secret’ for now.

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For a Saturday evening in downtown Sevierville, cars lining both sides of the street will become more common with Graze and Bistro 109 open in the evenings.

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This screenshot from the Graze Burgers Facebook page shows some new neighbors that are most welcome in downtown Sevierville. We wish them much luck and can’t wait to visit them again while we areĀ out and about in Sevierville.Ā 

Save a seat for us!

Pastry Heaven at the Wildflour Bakehouse

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During the holidays, I allow myself to have a couple of pastries so last week was the perfect time to visit the Wildflour Bakehouse on the Parkway. It is located almost across the street from the K-mart shopping center, behind McDonalds and Long John Silver’s restaurant. You can also access the back of the building from Court Avenue. Come along with us for a holiday lunch to the Wildflour Bakehouse.

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First, you will notice that it is spacious and has a variety of seating areas.

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I liked the vintage sectional sofa on the left side of the room, under the flat screen TV that plays the Food Network. It is clearly the right color!

IMG_1995There is also a room to the right for sipping Ā coffee or relaxing. We loved the deep purple.

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Next, you will notice the abundance of pastries in the case. The owner and her friend will tell you the specials of the day and how things are made, if you like. They are very friendly and will tell you how their friendship and working situation actually began in Knox County when they worked together at the 911 Center.

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It can get a little busy during the lunch hour. David Verble works downtown and is a happy return customer.

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Several of us ordered the chicken salad sandwich on cranberry bread. You also receive a cookie with your lunch. We really enjoyed the mini cookie trays which were used to serve our lunches. So cute!

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That day, soup choices were tomato basil or chicken pot pie soup. Both were very good.

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Someone said that their cinnamon bun eaten later at home was very, very good!

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I actually returned to the Bakehouse with a friend a few days later for lunch. Here were the specials that day.

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I ordered the avocado toast and it was wonderful.

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A beautiful gold cake!

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Wildflour Bakehouse was ready for New Year’s Eve customers with these cute sugar cookies. During lunch about 8 people were in line to order so it was a busy.

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A special holiday cookie with peppermint—what a good idea !

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They make everything at the Wildflour Bakehouse, even scones!

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The shelves were freshly stocked with breads and other pastries for the New Year’s Eve and Day holidays.

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The Bakehouse also has a private room that can be used for different events. Talk to them about that when you visit. If you order a cake from them then you may get a very good deal on using the room for the first hour.

We really enjoyed our lunch(es) at the Wildflour Bakehouse and will return again soon. I was glad that we were there during our holiday and didn’t have to rush through lunch. You will want to linger a little with friends, but maybe sit a little farther from the pastry booth if your willpower is weak. There are many tempting treats at the Wildflour Bakehouse and you will want to try them all!

See youĀ out and about in Sevierville.

Crust and Crumb Opens Downtown!

 

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I got a chance to visit Crust and Crumb early Christmas Eve morning.Ā This is a new place downtown and it is going to be a great addition to the businesses there. Located beside 20/20 Optical on Bruce Street, the Crust and Crumb is bringing New York style sandwiches, an Italian bakery, and gourmet coffee to downtown.

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Crust and Crumb has a location in Gatlinburg and opened the Sevierville business last Wednesday. Only in business a few days, I think that they are off to a great start.

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They make all their own pastries. I wanted one of each.

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You may recognize Jackie Diaz because she sells bagels and other delights during the summers at the Sevierville Downtown Farmer’s Market. They most often sell out so I expect bagels to be an ‘in demand item’ at Crust and Crumb.

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I arrived just after 7:00 a.m. and opening time for the Crust and Crumb so I got a quick glimpse of kitchen creations. Tony Diaz was icing a Red Velvet cake and Jackie Diaz was creating some Black Forest Brownies.

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I can’t wait to try one of these some day!

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I regretted not buying a Cannoli on my last trip to New York City. Now, we can get them in Sevierville! Unbelievable.

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There is a beautiful espresso machine to make specialty coffees. My skim latte was superb!

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Brittany is an excellent barista and can create your favorite caffeine delight.

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In addition, there are some ‘grab and go’ cafe Americano coffees as well. They were good blends too. I know these things….

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Tony Diaz with the finished Red Velvet cake, beautifully finished. I think that you can buy a cake or buy a slice.

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Downtown workers and visitors can grab a coffee and a newspaper to-go at the Crust and Crumb.

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Those looking for lunch can order New York style sandwiches piled high with Boar’s Head meat. Specialties will be corned beef, Ruebens, and the High Rise sandwich piled with one pound of roast beef on rye.

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There is a nice assortment of beverages for breakfast and for lunch.

Tony Diaz said that after 4 months of work, the business is open and things are going well. He said, ” The community has been very welcoming and we appreciate it.” Ā After things settle down, they plan to offer home made breads and possibly a delivery service downtown. Free Wi-Fi is also on the list.

The New York artwork on the walls adds to the charm and will transport you to the Empire State.

 

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I have a feeling that the Crust and Crumb will become a popular addition to downtown Sevierville. Certainly, the food and coffees will provide a taste of New York that we don’t get a lot of in our town. This is an exciting addition to our breakfast and lunch scene and I can’t wait to return with friends. It adds another great place to beĀ out and about in Sevierville.Ā 

 

 

 

Food Truck Fridays Are a Hit!

 

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The first ‘Food Truck Friday’ event in downtown Sevierville is a hit! Now, if we could add an evening from 6-8 pm so people who can’t leave their jobs for lunch could visit then it would be even more exciting! Due to fall break, I was able to go downtown to see this event and here is what I found.

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Actually, coffee comes first. My first stop was Courthouse Donuts to get a skim Mocha Latte from the coffee cart by Refill Coffee. It is made to order right there and you got a free donut with your coffee. Ā The vendor was very nice and well prepared to make about any coffee that you would like. Ā He will visit several more times so check the Facebook page for Courthouse Donuts because that is how I found out about it. Mine was perfect!

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Blogger needs!

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Next, I followed the downtown workers and visitors to the gazebo area for lunch hour.

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One concern I had was how to eat lunch from a food truck with nowhere to sit—but Sevierville Commons Association had already considered that. There was a nice, long table to use for lunch. I like how it promoted community and conversations among lunch goers. Well done!

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Crepes are a specialty food and take a few minutes to make, but the final product can be sweet or savory perfection.

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A Nutella and strawberry crepe. Foodie heaven.

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I remember this vendor from the Bruce Street Brewfest and it was quite popular.

 

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Lines began to build up after 11:30 with the local lunch crowd. It was a good sight to behold.

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Knoxwurst offered some good high protein, Paleo diet choices who those trying to reduce their carbs. Leslie Strader let me take a picture of her order to get this pic.

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By Ā noon, the crowds were building and lines were 10-15 people long. This proves that people will enjoy food trucks and gathering for lunch downtown.

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This vendor has shops in Morristown and Jefferson City. Follow up lunch with something sweet!

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If you like frozen treats then this food truck will ‘hit the spot.’ They also offer samples.

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Food trucks have been a foodie phenomenon for the past few years so it is exciting to see them downtown. The schedule for the rest of this month can be seen in the first photo in this blog story. Check the selections for the coming weeks. Many people work in places that won’t allow them enough time to attend Food Truck Fridays so I hope that an evening could be added in the future. There is certainly something for everyone.

Don’t be in a hurry because food trucks cook and prepare the meals fresh as you order them. Enjoy the sunshine, good weather, and friends. Also, try some things that may not be easily found in this area.

Fridays just got more interesting to dineĀ out and about in Sevierville…