by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Jan 5, 2023 | All Articles, Downtown, Food & Drink, Rachie Levy
More than plant based. Locally inspired
You may have noticed the new kid on the block in Knoxvilleās Old City – or you may be like us and have been (im)patiently waiting on the day she opened for what seems like forever. But good food cannot be rushed, and once you take your first bite of that oh so delicious Vidl taste, youāll know it was well worth the wait. Hereās a little inside scoop on Knoxvilleās newest plant-based restaurant: Vidāl.
First things firstā¦
What the heck is āVidl?!āĀ Short answer: the newest restaurant in Old City.
Long answer: the brainchild of chef, Jenna Baker. After years of teaching people the value of well-being, nurturing the body with good food, and how to make that good food, Jenna opened Vidl. You may already recognize her from Be Well Boxes by Cook To Be Well. Or maybe you know her from taking one of her classes on preparing whole foods. But noooow, you can cozy on up at the wooded bar (or sit in the back and eye those lush and vibrant micro greens sitting in the grow room, just waiting to top your market bowl) and enjoy those whole foods in the comfort of Vid’l.
So whatās the big deal?
Do we need to mention the grow room again? Itās literally a room in the middle of the restaurant actively growing fresh micro-greens! (If you were in Knoxville during the days of Bluhen, youāll remember that same room growing loads and loads of hemp. We love that Jenna was able to repurpose and make use of it for Vidāl!)
Besides this awe-inspiring grow room, just take one bite of the chickpea salad and youāll be a believer. Chef Baker sources fresh seasonal produce straight from the East Tennessee region and creates masterpieces with them.Ā
The focus of the restaurant is fresh food, and she wants to show you the true value of fruits and vegetables. Baker believes the best way to make good food is to start from the source with quality produce. Instead of covering up a bad vegetable by frying it, she finds the best vegetables and simply enhances them.
Image from Vidl
Why Knoxville?
If you look around Knoxville, you wonāt spot many places like Vidl – full of fresh produce, a rotating menu, and fresh takes on classic dishes.Ā
But Vidāl has high hopes of opening the door to cooking and eating for wellness in the city. And maybe, just maybe, this one little shop will inspire you to try something new and maybe even try a Be Well Box so you can bring the fresh, plant based cooking home to your own kitchen. O_r even open a kitchen of your own! š
Okay, for real, stop in now:
āItās all just about featuring the vegetable,ā says Baker, and if that doesnāt make you want to finally listen to your mom and eat your greens, I donāt know what will!
She doesn’t just make these vegetables delicious – she makes them approachable. Youāll notice from the start the restaurant feels like home and the dishes remind you of childhood. (They just may have a little bit more emphasis on the clean and healthy eating part.)Ā If nothing else, theyāll make you wish you never turned your nose up all of those times you were told to eat your greens!
Image from @vidl_oldcity
Youāre through the background; now start hereā¦
You get the idea: healthy but delicious food.
If this is something completely new and foreign to you, donāt worry. We may have tried A LOT of the menu, so we can help you out š (For real, the chickpea salad is one of the best side salads your taste buds will ever touch.)
But if youāre feeling lost, the folks who make up the Vidl crew are really the ones to ask.Ā They want to bring this food to you and theyāre super excited to do so. As we said, itās been a long time coming between all of Bakerās previous positions leading her to this spot, getting the space restaurant ready, finding the right suppliers, and all the madness that comes with opening a restaurant. Weāre stoked theyāre finally here and ready for you to come and experience the world of locally inspired.
Have we convinced you yet?! No?
Okay then, try the cookies then come back and tell us the answer to that question š See you soon!
DISCOVER 5 HEALTH CONSCIOUS LOCAL RESTAURANTS HERE.
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Dec 2, 2022 | All Articles, Downtown, Food & Drink, Madyson Muskett
This is for everyone who enjoys the sweeter things in life. (Yeah, weāre lookinā at you, our buttercream frosting and chocolate-covered anything girlies š) Thereās no hiding that the Scruffy City has stolen our hearts – but the literal āØsweetestāØ things about Knoxville are her local bakeries (and there are plentyyyyy). From classic vanilla cupcakes to half-pound cookies, butter and sugar never tasted better, y’all!š The holiday season is right around the corner, so whether youāre in charge of picking up festive desserts for Friendsgiving or youāre looking for the tastiest hostess gift, here are six of our favorite Knoxville bakeries for some inspiration (and sweet sweet happiness)!
6 Must-Try Bakeries in Knoxville:
1.) Magpies BakeryĀ
North Knoxville: 846 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37917Ā
When I stepped into Magpies for the first time, I knew I was leaving with more than a single cupcake (for inquiring minds, I went with SIX cupcakes, a cosmic brownie, and banana pudding). The desserts are especially delicious (made with love but also LOTS of butter) and they have so many tempting treats to choose fromā¦ in fact, Iām in need of a sāmores pumpkin cupcake right about now. Magpies will take custom cake orders for special events you may have coming up or they sell whole cakes in their bakery, ready to make someone reeeeally happy (even if itās for yourself). With the holidays approaching way too quickly, they are taking preorders for Thanksgiving and if you want to *wow* your friends and family, the pumpkin cranberry bars look DIVINE, just sayin’ š
2.) Wild Love BakehouseĀ
North Knoxville: 1625 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37917Ā
Not your average coffee shop, Wild Love Bakehouse is pure magic.Ā They have a full coffee bar (oat milk cappuccino please ā) and a baked goods case where they make everything in-house. The almond frangipane croissant deserves a standing ovation and I casually want their flaky hand pies every single morning for breakfast. Itās the best place to hang out for a while with schoolwork or a thrilling book while snacking on a cranberry oat scone and your favorite coffee drink. Sips and snacks aside, we just love the plants and overall chill aesthetic too. Wild Love is taking Thanksgiving preorders now so hurry before they sell out (I have googly eyes for the pumpkin pieš) but a box of croissants surely wouldnāt disappoint.Ā Ā
3.) Marble City SweetsĀ
West Knoxville: 9307 Kingston Pike Suite B, Knoxville, TN 37922Ā
They may be known for their incredible custom cakes but Marble City Sweets has a few other things up their sleeves as well! From gender-reveal cake pops to festive cookie Advent calendars, there is something sugar-coated for everyone. I recently stopped by and the dessert case housed pumpkin pie-decorated sugar cookies that would make anyone smile like a little kid š They will gladly work with you to create a perfectly decorated and customized cookie set (or cupcakes, cake, etc.). Be sure to include Marble City Sweets in your holiday plans this year – the turkey place card cookies aloooone will steal the show š
4.) Benefit Your Life Gluten Free Bakery & CafeĀ
West Knoxville: 10420 Kingston Pike Suite G, Knoxville, TN 37922Ā
Benefit Your Life is truly a special bakery in Knoxville – especially if you have food allergies or preferences. Everything they make is gluten-free and they even offer egg-free, dairy-free, vegan options, etc. Whether you go for breakfast or lunch, you must get a cinnamon roll (or two or three)! They are so soft, perfectly spiced, and just absolutely delicious. Something this good almost seems too good to be true but trust me, these are legendary. I also tried the Texas sheet cake which makes the sweetest midnight snack. This bakery does preorders for the holidays and they also take special orders for cakes and cupcakes – and yes, itās still ALL gluten-free. If you’re lookin’ for more gluten-free goodness and health conscious businesses, we gotchu right here!Ā
5.) Status DoughĀ
Bearden & Downtown: 6535 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919Ā
Yeah, opening gifts may be exciting but have you tried opening a box of freshly made doughnuts from Status Dough?? (What can I say, doughnuts are a girlās best friend!) With seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and apple cider, these doughnuts will definitely get you in the holiday spirit. Bring a dozen down to the office or home to the roomies, and spread the joooy. I highly recommend their old-fashioned doughnuts because they have a crispy, crackly exterior but a suuuuuuper soft inside that just melts in your mouth. Surely, you canāt go wrong with a classic Boston cream either (*drool*) Just definitely doughnut miss out on this delish local bakery š
6.) Myrtle’s BakehouseĀ
Downtown: 333 W Depot Ave, Knoxville, TN 37917Ā
Allow me to introduce you to Myrtleās Bakehouse, home of the half-pound cookie. These cookies are changing the game and are (as their motto goes): ābig enough to share, but you donāt have to.ā Maybe youāve been gift shopping for the fam or cramming for finals. Either way, you deserve to stop at Myrtleās and treat yourself to some of the freshest cookies in the Marble City (no, literally. They’re located inside Marble City Market š¤£). You should definitely splurge for the Scruffy City cookie (espresso chips, toffee, and pecans) because itās sweet, salty, and caffeinated to keep you up and running this holiday season.
These are just a few of our favorite bakeries in Knoxville so be sure to let us know your other sugary obsessions!Ā
PS: We are counting down to the New2Knox Friendsgiving so be sure to RSVP here and bring your favorite dessert!
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Oct 17, 2022 | All Articles, Lifestyle, Outdoors, Rachie Levy
Knoxville has a lot to offer – like a lot š
We love our makers, brewers, markets, etc. – but we can prooobably all agree that East Tennesseeās magic really culminates in those Smoky Mountains (*swoooon*) Seriously, even when weāre deep in the heart of the Scruffy City, we still eye those mountains and dream. BUT your dog does not dream. No, Spot just cries because the Smokies have a strict no-dog policy. (In their defense it’s because of, you knowā¦ bears.)
But go ahead and dry Spotās tears because Tennessee has a surplus of state parks (56 to be exact š) where yāall can splash around in waterfalls and climb some scrambles for summit views. If you have a super vocal dog like me (her name is actually Tori, not Spot, and if you donāt believe sheās a vocal babe, just check out this video) then youāll be happy to know there are soooo many within just an hour of our Scruffy City!
Small or big. Old or young. Clumsy or nimble, Knoxville has the perfect trail for your pup. So keep reading so you can get that dog’s tail wagginā! Without further ado, here are:
5 Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Knoxville, TN
1.) Triple Falls to Devils Racetrack
Canāt decide if your pooch prefers swimming or climbing? Luckily, this hike has a refreshing waterfall and gorgeous views of the valley below (and even views back into the waterfall after the climb up!). Triple Falls on Bruce Creek to Devils Racetrack is a favorite among locals – of both the two and four-legged variety š This man-made three-tiered waterfall with a straight-up climb afterward is only about 30 minutes from downtown Knoxville!
There are actually two options for this trail – one is about two miles and the other is nearly six miles. Triple Falls was one of this Florida dogās first hikes so we opted for the two-miler – plus it brings you straight to the views! The first half of the trail is along the creek with a view of the waterfall and then you cross the creek on a bridge and get ready for the hike up!
The top is an absolutely gorgeous setting. Itās nestled right next to the loud interstate, but trust me – your dog will love letting their ears flap in the wind at the top and youāll love the photos of those goofy ears (deepest apologies to all the dogs with upright ears! š¬)
2.) DeBord Falls & Emory Gap
We mentioned earlier, this dog is from Florida – so you know she loves a good water-filled hike. DeBord Falls and Emory Gap are on a bit longer of a trail – three miles roundtrip – but the trail is mostly flat the whole way, making it a great trail for all!
The trail is located in Frozen Head State Park (about an hour outside of the city) but it is totally worth the drive. Frozen Head is perfect if youāre just starting to hike with your pup for a few reasons: itās not overly crowded, itās dog friendly, and the trails are wide and easy to follow so you and your doggo can learn each other’s cues together!
Pro Tip: If the three-mile trip wasnāt enough for your energetic pups, there are plenty of other great trails in this dog-friendly park!
3.) Fort Dickerson & Augusta Quarry
I swear, there will be some non-water hikes on this list but our girl is definitely a water bender š
Fort Dickerson is home to a host of trails and a massive quarry to chill out in. But the best part? It is a grand total of FOUR minutes from downtown Knoxville. Seriously, this is why outdoor enthusiasts love our Scruffy City! šš The trails do get a little wonky here so the best advice I can give you is to just follow this New2Knox blog post to a tee. Study it, write it all down, anything you need to not get lost. But once youār
e able to make your way down to the quarry, you and your dog can jump in that refreshing quarry water to cool off before the hike back up! (Or you can drive right up and park, but whatās the fun in that? š)
4.) House Mountain
Weāre finally trading in water vibes for summit hikes!Ā House Mountain is the tallest peak in all of Knox County standing tall at 2,064 feet above sea level. That may not seem too intense, but donāt underestimate her. The trail is almost completely straight up, has precarious moments, and definitely kicks some booty!Ā
This hike can be challenging for less experienced or older dogs – so before you go, make sure your dog is in top-notch doggo shape (and bring plenty of water!). Since there is a bit of a rock scramble, I would also suggest bringing a dog airlift sling. If a worst-case scenario happens, this will make the hike down way easier on both you and your four-legged friends.
5.) Seven Islands State Birding Park
If you and your dog are just starting out on your hiking journey (or you just like a calm pace with scenic views) Seven Islands State Birding Park is a wonderful place to go. Basically the opposite of House Mountain, the trails are accessible and easy making it a great place to train. It’s only about half an hour outside of the city but feels like it’s a million miles away with plenty of scenery and peaceful wildlife. (And a boat ramp if your dog wants to get back in the water!)
Before you goā¦
These are just a few of the great options in and around Knoxville to have a fun hike with your dog! It may be surprising to not see The Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a hike list like this, but again thatās just because dogs are not allowed in the park for their own safety. (You knowā¦ bears š³) So try one of these great state parks or head around the corner to SoKno – also the perfect neighborhood to share post-hike beers and pizza with your doggo!
Speaking of which, DISCOVER 7 DOG-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES HERE!
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Oct 3, 2022 | All Articles, Food & Drink, Madyson Muskett
Whether itās game day chaos or a cozy night at home watching reruns of Gilmore Girls, if youāre anything like us… youāre hungry š And in almost any scenario, whatās better than pizza? Luckily, Knoxville is home to some pretty stellar pizza spots. In no particular order, here are a few of our favorite (dare we say the best) pizza spots in Knoxville!
A Dopo Sourdough PizzaĀ
516 Williams St, Knoxville, TN 37917Ā
If youāre looking for a mouthwatering, sophisticated pizza experience in Knoxville, you MUST try A Dopo. Known for its wood-fired sourdough crust and fresh, local ingredients, A Dopo knows how to wow the crowd. (Even Forbes thinks so.)
They offer takeout if you’re lookin’ for a mellow night at home but I hiiiighly recommend making a reservation and dining in (believe me, itās worth putting pants on for). A Dopo gives us all the moody vibes with the dramatic low lighting, candles, and delicate mismatched plates. The open-concept kitchen is also pretty darn spectacular since you can see your pizza in action (for all my foodie friends out there). I can honestly say Iāve tried most of the pizzas at A Dopo. Still, the ones I keep running back to would be the Margherita (red sauce, house-made mozzarella, basil, and olive oil) and the Funghi (white truffle oil, speck ham, taleggio cheese, roasted mushrooms, and chives). Whether itās a girlās night, a solo adventure, or a first date, be sure to keep A Dopo in mind for a truly special evening!
Pro-Tip: Splurge for the sweet hot.
Hard Knox PizzaĀ
4437 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919Ā
Itās time to finally try Hard Knox Pizza (you know you want to)! This is one of the first places I tried when I moved to Knoxville four years ago and it is still one of my absolute fave spots. The pizzas are named after old-school boxers (how fun is that?), and there are over twenty pizzas to choose from. You could shareā¦ or not š Recently, I tried the Veggie (mozzarella, spinach, mushrooms, artichokes, and onions) and the La Motta (mozzarella, caramelized garlic, and oregano). The wood-fired crust is perfectly charred and there is something for everyone. They have three locations, so wherever you find yourself in Knoxville, be sure to seek out Hard Knox for a pie that really packs a punch!Ā
Cruze Farm Pizza BarnĀ
2723 Asbury Rd Suite 101, Knoxville, TN 37914Ā
Chances are, youāve heard of Cruze Farm – and if not, youāre in for a (coldš) treat. Theyāre known for their soft-serve ice cream, fresh milk, and delish pizza. They donāt serve pizza at every location – but that just makes the pizza barn that much more special!Ā
Y’all, they use the milk from their cows (yes, itās an actual farm!) for their homemade buttermilk ranch andā¦ Iām a changed person from it. Full stop. Besides the ranch, I also tried the Cowgirlās Dream (chicken, spinach, and garlic cream sauce) and itās like spinach dip on a crunchy pizza crust (a pizza party for the tastebudsš„³). When you finish up your pizza party, walk across the street to enjoy some locally iconic ice cream!
South Coast PizzaĀ
1103 Sevier Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920Ā
This quirky spot is a fan fav for a reason. Besides being delicious, South Coast Pizza place is just super fun. From the beer can chandelier to the retro video games, you are guaranteed a good time the second you walk through the door.Ā The outdoor patio is perfect for a laid-back evening (cue the string lights), there is plenty of space for families or a big ole group of friends, or you can even take the short walk down to Suttree Landing to enjoy your pizza by the river. Speaking of, letās talk pizza!
South Coast has some of the most creative specialty pizzas Iāve seen around town. I decided to ditch anything traditional and ordered the Cuban (mustard BBQ base, mozzarella, dill pickles, pulled pork, and ham) and the Green Dragon (pesto, spinach, mozzarella, mushroom, black olive, and blue cheese). Both were so tasty (apparently Iām a huge fan of blue cheese on pizza now?? Try it before you judge me!š). So the next time you find yourself in SoKno, grab a cold craft beer and some freaky good pizza at South Coast!
The Tomato HeadĀ
7240 Kingston Pike #172, Knoxville, TN 37919Ā
The Tomato Head is a Scruffy City culinary gem. From the freshly baked bread, handcrafted hummus, and gorgeous salads, they know a thing or two about good food. They have a pretty extensive menu (we love āØoptionsāØ) but weāre obviously here to talk about the pizza. The crust is soft with a bit of chew and the ingredients are top-notch (they are all about freshness)! They have unique specialty pizzas (one has smoked salmon and another, lamb sausage). Howeveeer, you can also build your own pizza! I tried a pepperoni pizza with roasted garlic and basil, and it was *chefās kiss*. When I go to the Tomato Head, I know I am getting the best of the best. You know you want a pizza this! šš
This isnāt even the last of it, pals! Thereās the fancy North Knox classic Pizzeria Nora or the brand new kid on the scene, Hole in the Wall pizza (itās a literal hole in the wall of Crafty Bastard West). Wherever you end up eating your pizza, just remember to support small businesses and enjoy good food. Thankfully, Knoxville makes it easy! š¤© Ciao!
Craving tacos instead? DISCOVER OUR FAVE TACOS HERE.
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Jul 15, 2022 | All Articles, Downtown, Food & Drink, Rachie Levy
Weāve been waiting for her all year, but now that sheās here, we desperately need to cool down š³ Yes, we’re talking about summer in Knoxville, Tennessee! And nothing says summer in Knoxville like cooling down with some summer cocktails in Knoxville š Itās officially time for you to find your perfect summer match – so weāve rounded up our Top 10 Summer Cocktails in Knoxville. Theyāre totally drinkable, totally refreshing, and totally ready for you to enjoy!Ā
Take a look at these 10 delectable drinks (sporting everything from views to spice) and donāt wait another weekend to choose your flavor of the season āļø
Some Must Try Summer Cocktails:
First up is a light and spritz-y cocktail with a side of mountains and fire pit lounging! Itās no secret the Five Thirty Lounge sets the drink bar at mountain height, but this season theyāre setting it at Mt. Le Conte height with their Strawberry Mountain Mist. This drink is made with tequila and bubbles so you can get that fizzy burn and feel nice and light – all as you lounge out and look out over the mountains!
Next up on our list is a sweet and classic gin with a colorful twist – a French 75 made with Empress Gin! The Radius rooftop on the Embassy Suites always feels elevated with their rooftop pool and cabanas overlooking the city, mountains, and even the Sunsphere! This season, weāre adding a splash of color by getting it made with Empress Gin so it gets a purple color to compliment your summer colored clothes! (PS. Want an overview of all 5 rooftop lounges in Downtown Knoxville? We gotchu right here.)
Your favorite childhood summer treat and adult drink have come together to create the ultimate midday refresher – the Frossini at Brother Wolf! The cool atmosphere in Brother Wolf is one of the best places to cool down during the week when the sun gets high! The Frossini is their seasonal Bellini – itās the classic Bellini but frozen (ie. extra refreshing during these hot as hades summer months!).
Summer is all about vibrant colors, bright flowers, a shining sun, blue water, and a nice purple drink in hand! The Maude at Maple Hall is another light and bubbly drink (do you see a pattern?šš). The elderflower and pomegranate taste is delicious and fruity, while the vodka keeps it light. Itās the perfect summer drink to have in hand through a round of bowling – or head upstairs and enjoy it outside on Maple Room’s patio.
Okay, there are a lot of drinks on this list (we may have had a little funš), so weāre giving you a fun classic on Happy Hour! Tern Club is a staple to the 100 Block of Gay St. There are few people who havenāt taken advantage of their hidden patio during the warmer months – and even fewer who havenāt indulged in their amazing Happy Hour! That is why drinking a cold Paloma on the Tern Club patio is an absolute must for you and your friends this season.
6.) The Chivo
Chivo
The margarita is like the fun, party sister to the classic paloma. And just like everyone needs a fun little sister in their life, everyone needs to try the Chivo from Chivo! Chivo is known for their tequila and tacos – especially on Tuesdays. The Chivo is their delicious house margarita. (If youāre feeling a little extra you can even add some flavor to it!)
The cucumber may just be the best vegetable of them all. You can use it for skin care, summer salads, refreshing drinks, pretending to be Sharpay by the pool in High School Musical 2 – the list goes on and on. Thatās why the gin-and-cucumber-heavy Kingsman at Not Watsonās may just be your new favorite drink of the season! Itās the perfect amount of liquor mixed with the refreshing feel and taste of cucumber! This is the drink to enjoy on their patio. (Though the best part is actually watching all the dogs enjoy cool summer nights in Market Square.š)
If youāre more into crystals than canines, then the Peridot Cocktail at Bernadetteās Crystal Gardens is the cucumber-gin drink for you! Bernadetteās is full of oversized crystals, gemstones, and welcoming attitudes. Seriously, if you havenāt been in there, itās the perfect place to get some shade from the sun and a crystal themed drink. But weeee suggest ditching the shade and heading to the crystal rooftop garden they share with Pres Pub!
9.) Pink is the New Mimosa
Tupelo Honey
If you havenāt checked out my bio page yet (hellooo you totally should) you may not know Iām obsessed with pink. Like, dyed-my-entire-head obsessed with pink! So if youāre as colorful as me and looking for a good brunch beverage, Pink is the New Mimosa is the drink for you. Itās cool enough to chill you out after trekking through downtown to find a shady spot for brunch – but nice and light to start the day! And of course, itās pinkš Expect a cute & classic mimosa with just a little extra sweetness!
I know you were wondering if we were going to go there – and we did! You canāt sip around Knoxville without taking a trip to Knoxvilleās OG speakeasy. When you see the red light and have the password you know youāre in for a night of absolutely delectable, tasty, and classy drinks! (We donāt want to give toooo much of the mystery awayā¦ so DM us on Instagram if you want to know how to find this spot and get in š) Per my last *drink* you know Iām obsessed with pink. So Iām not ashamed to admit that *pink* was the main reason I ordered the Holly Golightly for the first time. Now, though, Iām about ten Hollyās in and loving each and every one! Itās light, itās fruity, itās pink, itās everything you could ever want in your dream summer drink.
Take Your Pick:
Thereās about a bazillion more drinks we could put on this list. Cocktails from Simpl and Public House and PostModern and oh man, not to mention all of the local breweries – the list could literally go on and on. So now itās your turn – let us know what summer drinks in Knoxville are your favorites!
Want to know when to snag these sips on a budget? Find our favorite Knoxville Happy Hours here!
