Tupelo Honey Cafe, the beloved Asheville, North Carolina restaurant, has opened its doors in Knoxville and I paid a visit last night for a yummy dinner (and some wonderful company). I've been a fan of Tupelo Honey for some time after snagging a copy of the Tupelo Honey Cookbook (Tupelo Honey Cafe: Spirited Recipes from Asheville's New South Kitchen). It has some great recipes and tons of gorgeous images and would make a cool birthday or holiday gift for that southern foodie on your shopping list.
I had the Sunshot Vegetable Plate, which included a choice of 3 side dishes from the menu. They all sounded so good, it was hard for me to choose but I finally decided on New South Sauteed Greens, Honey Pickled Beet Salad, and Salsa Verde Black-Eyed Peas. Everything was delicious! I ended up mixing my beans and beets together just like they do at another downtown Knoxville eatery that happens to be a favorite of mine.
I'm sorry I can't regale you with stories of to-die-for pimento cheese or heavenly desserts, but I didn't have any this time. I'm definitely going to be back though. Breakfast (with the exception of poached eggs) is served all day so that added even more possible menu choices! Here's a peek at the banana pudding just to make your mouth water!
