Knoxville, Tennessee
J.C. Holdway, Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has quickly become one of my favorite places to book a weekend flight for rest and rejuvenation. One of my best friends lives here and not only do I get to spend time with her doing our favorite outdoor activities (please hike some of the Appalachian Trail while there!), I get to experience the warmth that is Eastern Tennessee cooking. Knoxville is Tennessee’s third-largest city and its food scene is a balanced mix of southern hospitality and modern driven concepts. While it may not be at the top of your U.S. travel destinations list, I highly recommend giving it a try. At the very least, swing by on your way to Nashville to try two of my favorites.
Southern Grit
Southern Grit serves the best biscuits I’ve ever had. In my entire life. In my 27 years. Light but thick, their biscuits smothered in sausage gravy topped with the most perfectly crisped over-medium egg…I just went “whew” thinking about it. According to my friend, the location is a new player in downtown Knox, and its quickly giving local breakfast staples a run for their money. Not many places in Knox have mimosas but here you can find them moderately priced along with frozen gin and tonics! I’m a bit of a collard greens snob but despite the thick stems (yikes!) the creamy collards here had a deep flavor that caught me by surprise. Given that it’s relatively new, the crowd will be a little sparse but I’m positive folks will discover this gem soon.
J.C. Holdway
For my first Knoxville visit, J.C. Holdway was at the top of my list. I had read about the restaurant after seeing it featured on Andrew Knowlton’s Instagram. Knowlton is the Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appetit Magazine and one of my favorite follows. The restaurant, headed by Joseph Lenn, a James Beard Award winner during his time Blackberry Farms, has been featured in The New York Times and noted for a menu of international flavors. the restaurant is located in a former photography studio and creates a beautiful backdrop for a nice summer meal. I highly recommend doing a few courses and sharing with your companions to get the full feel of the menu.
Image: Author