Photos by Bryan Stevens                                             Placing an order at Sycamore Drive-In.

Sycamore Drive-In is one of those places you like to visit for some great comfort food, such as an old-fashioned hamburger or meatloaf sandwich.

Owner Gary Hicks and his crew have created a nostalgic environment to enjoy some old-fashioned favorites, whether it’s burgers or a densely-packed cone of delicious ice cream.

The restaurant’s history dates back to 1951 when it opened as a Tastee-freez franchise. Gary said the restaurant operated for about a decade as a Tastee-freez before it was purchased by Maxine Matherly. She and her husband operated the restaurant for about 30 years.

The interior of the Sycamore Drive-In’s dining room.

The name Sycamore Drive-In is a relatively recent incarnation for the restaurant. The original drive-in area now has been enclosed to form a small dining room.

I should emphasize the smallness of the indoor dining area. There’s a total of four tables with folding metal chairs, and a few extra chairs for those waiting for to-go orders. One of the tables can support a party of four. The three remaining tables are definitely two-seaters. The eatery does a brisk carryout business.

I usually like to eat at the restaurant. If Gary is present, he’ll always stop by the table to say hello. He and his employees are great at making people feel welcome. They know their regulars on a first-name basis.

I like to sit at one of the tables while enjoying my food and the nostalgic, small-town ambiance. While the decoration is relatively sparse in the small dining area, a few touches definitely add personality, such as a collection of vintage soda bottles prominently displayed behind the glass of the front counter.

I enjoyed a recent weekday visit with a friend to Sycamore Drive-in. We placed our order at the cashier’s window. The menu board on display behind the counter features a wide variety of burgers, sandwiches, side items, salads and dinner platters. I like that the menu items are listed with prices that include tax, eliminating the need for any mental arithmetic.

Cheeseburger with Crinkle-cut French Fries at Sycamore Drive-In.

The burgers deserve their top billing on the menu, and Hicks even has his own top-secret recipe for his burgers, which are hand-patted every morning. In addition to the standard Hamburger and Cheeseburger – both single and double versions – the menu offers a Bacon Cheeseburger, Bacon Double Cheeseburger and even a Bologna Burger.

In addition to burgers, the restaurant also offers sandwiches such as Grilled Cheese, Fish, Chicken, Egg, Ham and Cheese, Pork BBQ, Chicken Salad and Club. My favorite, which I have enjoyed on several occasions, is the Meatloaf Sandwich. The restaurant also offers an impressive Club Sandwich.

The Bologna Burger with Onion Rings at Sycamore Drive-In.

Other menu items that tempted me included the Deluxe Chef Salad, Chicken Tenders Platter and Hamburger Steak Platter. All the dinner platters are served with fries, salad and toast. In addition, the eatery offers Beans and Cornbread, which are also served with slaw and a side of chopped onions.

On my recent visit, my friend ordered the Double Cheeseburger, while I chose something – the Bologna Burger – I have wanted to try for a long time. I’ve enjoyed the other burgers on previous visits. My favorite is the simple, old-fashioned goodness of the Cheeseburger although I occasionally splurge and try the Bacon Double Cheeseburger.

Cheeseburger with Crinkle-cut Fries at Sycamore Drive-In.

Of course, you’ll want something to go with your burger. In addition to Crinkle-cut French Fries and Onion Rings, other sides available to pair with a burger or sandwich include Tater Wedges, Fried Mushrooms and Mozzarella Sticks. I paired my Bologna Burger with Onion Rings while my friend chose the fries.

My friend’s Double Cheeseburger featured two juicy patties topped with bacon and cheese. It also included all the toppings – lettuce, tomato, onion and mayonnaise. As always, it was cooked perfectly. The bun held up pretty well, too, as he enthusiastically consumed the burger.

A cone of Butter Pecan Ice Cream from Sycamore Drive-In.

I also liked the Bologna Burger, which consisted of a grilled slice of bologna served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo. This item again reminded me of the value of the nostalgic menu at Sycamore Drive-In. I also enjoyed the ample serving of Onion Rings, which were fried to a crisp, golden brown.

No visit to this nostalgic drive-in can be considered complete without ending with one of the sweet items on the menu. Desserts include ice cream cones, shakes, sundaes, banana splits and Hot Fudge Cake. My friend decided to try the Hot Fudge Cake, which consisted of a slice of chocolate cake topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, rich hot fudge, several dollops of whipped cream and a cherry on top. This mix of quality components made for a delectable dessert.

 

Hot Fudge Cake provides a sweet conclusion to a meal at Sycamore Drive-In.

Sycamore sells hand-dipped Mayfield Ice Cream, and milkshakes can be made from any of the available flavors or combinations of flavors. I considered one of the shakes, which are fantastic at Sycamore Drive-In, but decided on this sunny afternoon a cone of ice cream might be even better and selected a cone of Butter Pecan Ice Cream.

Another thing I like about this long-time Elizabethton restaurant is the way it appeals across various demographics. Customers included parents with young children, older couples, students and working people grabbing a quick and tasty meal for their lunch break. Several people picked up carryout orders, but a few elected to have a seat at one of the other available tables.

Vintage soda bottles on display in the restaurant.

The Sycamore Drive-In definitely serves up some solid, good-tasting burgers, as well as other items. I’ve never had anything on the menu I haven’t liked.

If it’s been a while since you’ve visited, why wait? If you’ve never had the chance to stop by Sycamore Drive-In, make an effort to change that soon.

If you go, let Gary and his staff know they come recommended by the Carter County Compass.

•••••

AT A GLANCE: Sycamore Drive-In, 213 S. Sycamore St., Elizabethton. 547-0166. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Closed Sunday. All menu items $6.95 and under. Credit cards accepted. Carryout available.

The burgers are classic at Sycamore Drive-In.

Mediterranean Garden specializes in Turkish home cooking

Photo by Bryan Stevens                                                                            The dining area is attractive, interesting and comfortable.

Don’t know your tabouleh from musakka or falafel from baba ganoush? No worries, it’s all good and I hope to make these terms a little more familiar by the end of this column. The cuisine of the Middle East is still under-represented in the region, but the Mediterranean Garden in Johnson City is helping to change that. After a couple of visits, you’ll become an expert in these and other Mediterranean favorites.

Mediterranean Garden is a marvelous gem for those interested in sampling international cuisines. By my count, the Tri-Cities now offers options for those interested in cuisines as diverse as Thai, Cambodian and Indian, as well as Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Mexican and much more.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Traditional Musakka at Mediterranean Garden.

Since first opening, the restaurant has expanded. It still retains some cozy, comfortable aspects to the dining area, but it’s definitely more spacious these days.

The dining area features green walls accented with a lot of exposed brickwork. Tables with green surfaces are arranged around cushioned benches and chairs. Sheer fabric hangings of different colors hang over the large windows to give the room an airy, open feel. Likewise, elaborate fabric hangings adorn several of the walls. The family that owns and operates the restaurant is of Turkish heritage, so I assume that most of the interesting decorative items on view around the restaurant are also of Turkish origins. A gleaming coffee service, figurines of dancing men in fezes and a pair of smiling toy sheep are among the items on display.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Guvac, a hearty stew made from lamb slowly simmered with eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, onions and other spices. A small dish of rice and yogurt sauce are served on the side.

There’s also a decorative glass, rope and bead artifact known as a “nazar” hanging on one wall . The intention of the symbol, as explain by our server, is to ward off the “evil eye.” Some online research also revealed that nazars are popular souvenirs in such countries as Turkey and Afghanistan.

I’ve become a regular visitor to this restaurant since I first discovered it. More often than not, I visit among the company of a large group of friends.

Photo by Bryan Stevens Patlican Kizartmasi, which is a dish made of roasted sliced eggplant served with tomato and yogurt sauce, makes a great appetizer.

If you’ve never tried Mediterranean or Middle Eastern fare, don’t worry. The excellent servers at Mediterranean Garden will gladly answer any of your questions. While the food is well-spiced, I would not describe it as spicy in the “hot” sense. The menu’s focus is primarily on Turkish/Greek specialties with many of the dishes prepared from lamb, chicken and beef, as well as lentils, eggplant, chickpeas and other vegetables.

My friends and I began our recent meal by looking over appetizer options, which included better-known meal-starters such as Baba Ganoush, Falafel and different varieties of Hummus, as well as Sigara Boregi, which is gently pan-fried dough stuffed with feta cheese, and Patlican Kizartmasi, which is a dish made of roasted sliced eggplant served with tomato and yogurt sauce.

Our large party decided to order several appetizers — Patlican Kizartmasi, Dolma, Roasted Garlic Hummus with Pita Bread — to share. The Dolma, or Stuffed Grape Leaves, proved exceptional. This meal-starter consisted of five fresh grape leaves each filled with rice, onions, parsley, dill and olive oil. A lemon wedge was also served with the Dolma.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Chicken Kebab at Mediterranean Garden in Johnson City.

We also enjoyed the Hummus, which is basically a dip prepared from ground chickpeas, olive oil and seasonings. With the pita bread, the hummus is perfect for sharing with a group of friends.

The Patlican Kizartmasi was served on a small platter accompanied with sliced tomatoes and drizzled with a tomato and yogurt sauce. This dish, a personal favorite, tasted quite refreshing and light, enlivened by some vibrant flavors.

From previous visits, I can also endorse the Sigara Boregi. As the name hints, these thin, feta-stuffed pastries look like cigars and are served with Tzatziki sauce for dipping. None of the appetizers are particularly heavy, which serves to whet the appetite for the main courses that follow.

Looking over the menu, diners will notice most of the entrees feature chicken, lamb, beef or vegetables.

Photo by Bryan Stevens Iskender Kebab at Mediterranean Garden.

Some of the dishes are described as “Classical Turkish Home Cooking” and include Lamb Chops, Tavuk A’la Sultan, or Grilled Chicken Breast with garlic, oregano, fresh tomato, mushrooms and mozzarella cheese, served over rice, as well as traditional Musakka and a meatless version of this dish. There’s also a vegetable stew comprised of carrots, potatoes, zucchinis, eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic and onions.

For diners with pronounced anti-carnivorous tendencies, Mediterranean Garden offers plenty of vegetarian options. There are also some salads, including White Bean, Tabouleh and Shepherd Salad, as well as sandwiches and gyros.

A range of different grilled items are also available. Meat for the kebabs include lamb, chicken or beef, and combinations of these.

Two of my favorites are the Iskender Kebab and the Adana Kebab, which features a ground lamb sausage served with grilled vegetables and rice.

Some of my friends have tried the traditional Musakka, which is a casserole dish made with layers of eggplant, ground sirloin, bechamel sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. I’ve tried this dish at several other restaurant, and thanks to the sample my friend offered I can say that it’s the best example of this dish I’ve ever had.

For those who want to sample a bit of everything, there’s the Mixed Grill Kebab, which offers chicken beef and lamb kebabs, as well as a lamb chop.

During my most recent visit, I ordered the Eggplant Yogurt Kebab. Other members of my party ordered Chicken Kebabs, the Chicken Gyro (there are also lamb and beef versions) and Guvac, a hearty stew made from lamb slowly simmered with eggplant, tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic, onions and other spices. A small dish of rice and yogurt sauce are served on the side.

The rice that comes with the dishes is light, fluffy and enhanced with slivers of almonds and subtle spices.

My Eggplant Yogurt Kebab consisted of sliced eggplant that is broiled and layered over sautéed pitta bread that is topped with fresh tomatoes and drizzled with a yogurt sauce. It was a very tasty meatless entree that I would gladly order again. I also sampled some of my friend’s Guvac and found this traditional stew entirely to my liking.

Keep in mind you will want to save some room for a dessert, which you can savor with a Turkish coffee. Sweet options included Baklava and Rice Pudding. Several members of my dining party, myself included, finished the meal with Rice Pudding and coffee.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Savor the conclusion of the meal with a Turkish coffee paired with Baklava or Rice Pudding. Several members of my dining party, myself included, finished the meal with Rice Pudding and coffee.

The delightful pudding featured a sweet, smooth mix of rice and cream dusted with cinnamon. It went well with the coffee. Turkish coffee is a strong coffee and is served unstrained in small, delicate cups. Be sure to ask your server to share the secret for “reading” the coffee grounds in your cup once you have finished the beverage. I’m not sure I ever got the knack for it, but it is a fun cultural experience they’ve been happy to share with their customers.

Speaking of the service, all the staff have been exceptionally friendly and personable during both my visits. They really know how to treat their customers and make them feel right at home.

It’s an extensive menu, and although I have been very pleased with everything I’ve tried, I hope to continue working my way through all the intriguing dishes listed.

If you find it difficult to move outside your “comfort zone” when dining out, the basic fact you need to remember about Mediterranean Garden is that all the dishes, even the ones with names that are difficult to pronounce, are quite good. For newcomers to this cuisine, I recommend the Chicken Kebab. If those prove to your liking, branch out from there.

If you go, be sure to let them know they came highly recommended.

AT A GLANCE: Mediterranean Garden, 2203 McKinley Road, Suite 100, Johnson City. 328-7685. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Entrees range from $4.99-$22. Credit cards accepted. Carryout available. Catering available.

Smoky Mountain Bakers will celebrate five years of doing business on Tuesday, July 1

Photo by Bryan Stevens Buffalo Chicken Pizza

The word is definitely out about the sensational pizza pies baked in the large brick oven at Smoky Mountain Bakers. This rustic pizzeria and bakery tucked away in the slow-paced town of Roan Mountain will celebrate its fifth anniversary next week with a full day of specials and musical entertainment.

 Although they have been baking for about five years in Roan Mountain, Tim and Crystal Decker — owners and operators of Smoky Mountain Bakers and Wood Fired Pizza — have slowly but steadily built up a loyal clientele throughout northeast Tennessee and western North Carolina for their delicious pizzas and other baked goods. Customers arrive from both sides of the state line, many of them driving quite a distance for what is unquestionably some of the best pizza in these parts.

Photo by David Thometz                           Making some absolutely incredible pizzas in the kitchen of Smoky Mountain Bakers.

If you’ve been waiting to pay a visit, what better time than Tuesday, July 1, when this marvelous local eatery will celebrate five years of doing business in the community?

Smoky Mountain Bakers will offer live music all afternoon, including such local acts as Thistledew, The Kupos, The Roan Crows and many more area musicians.

Of course, the star attraction will be the fantastic wood-fired pizzas. To thank their loyal customers, the Deckers are offering $5 one-topping pizzas the entire day.

Photo by Bryan Stevens                                           A customized White Pizza at Smoky Mountain Bakers.

The Deckers lived and baked for many years in California, but have made their home and their workplace in Roan Mountain for the past several years. Tim has more than 30 years of experience as a professional artisan baker.

For those in the know, Smoky Mountain Bakers is a frequent destination, whether it’s to enjoy one of their sensational pizza pies or some other baked goods, including breads, croissants, brownies and much more. The eatery recently added breakfast hours and offers a variety of items perfect for starting the day with a bang, including English Muffins, Bagels and Cheddar Biscuits paired with a variety of meats, cheeses, grilled vegetables and spreads.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Smoky Mountain Bakers has been serving wood-fired pizzas for five years in Roan Mountain.

The business is almost entirely a carry-out enterprise, but there are a few tables inside. The restaurant has also expanded its picnic deck, which now includes an awning to offer some protection from the sun and elements. On pleasant evenings, such as the one we enjoyed during our most recent visit, this is really the way to enjoy your food while admiring the view of the surrounding mountains. Diners can also bring their own wine to enjoy with the pizza.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Diners can enjoy their pizzas on the airy dining deck.

The Deckers are quick to deliver orders, despite each pizza being hand-made fresh-to-order, and the service is always friendly and prompt, including fast drink refills and custom orders. But atmosphere and table-side service aren’t the reason people flock to Smoky Mountain Bakers – it’s all about the pizzas and other baked items that are the true stars, as well as the chance to watch the bakers at work.

The menu lists about 10 specialty pizzas (which can be customized upon request) as well as the make-your-own option that allows customers to create a pie with their choice of sauces and toppings. All the pizzas at Smoky Mountain Bakers are 12- inch pies. A pie with up to three toppings will cost you $10, four to six toppings are $11 and a pie with seven to 12 toppings tops the quite reasonable price scale at $12.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Every pizza is good to the last slice at Smoky Mountain Bakers.

The regularly available toppings include pepperoni, bacon, sausage, mushroom, tomatoes, spinach, garlic, ham, onion, banana peppers, chicken, green peppers, jalapenos, ground beef, black olives and pineapple. Daily special toppings are occasionally available, in season, including home-grown items from the Deckers’ own garden adjacent to the business, such as fresh basil and other herbs and vegetables. Cheeses include fresh mozzarella, ricotta and feta, with others occasionally available as specials, and the sauces range from tomato sauce to pesto and barbecue.

The specialty pizzas include pies to delight carnivores, including the BBQ Chicken Pizza, Hawaiian and Meat Lovers. There’s also a Six-Cheese Pie with shredded dry mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, ricotta, feta and fresh mozzarella. The “All the Way” pie offers a pizza loaded with pepperoni, sausage, ham, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, black olives, garlic, tomatoes, pineapple, banana peppers and jalapenos. The less carnivorous diners among us will find some pleasing pies with the Vegetarian Pie, as well as the Gourmet Veggie Pie, which offers spinach, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, caramelized onions and feta cheese.

Photo by Bryan Stevens Smoky Mountain Bakers will celebrate five years of business in Roan Mountain on Tuesday, July 1.

Obviously, it’s the time in the huge, hand-built, wood-fired

Photo by Bryan Stevens                               Smoky Mountain Pizza also serves breakfast baked goods, such as danishes and muffins.

stone oven that produces such a unique and interesting pizza. If you’re new to the process, know that the charred edges around the crust of the pie isn’t a sign that your pizza “burned.” It’s merely a sign of a healthy stay inside the confines of the oven. The crust is thin, with a delightfully chewy crunch. I’ve enjoyed all three of the sauces, but I’m most fond of the pesto. It’s a tangy, assertive pesto sauce that really provides the foundation to help you take note of other toppings.

On the White Pizza, that pesto sauce is accompanied by ricotta cheese, garlic and herbs, spinach, sausage and caramelized onions. This riot of bold flavors has been my overall favorite among the pizzas on the menu.

I also like the “Hog Wild” pie, which piles the sausage, ham and bacon onto a pizza with just the right amount of cheese and marinara sauce.

Another recent favorite has been the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, which features grilled chicken tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce and accompanied by onions and blue cheese. I like to add a few additional tangy toppings, such as kalamata olives or artichoke hearts to this pie.

Other specialty pies include the Mushroom Bacon Cheeseburger and the Hiker’s Surprise, which features a pesto sauce instead of a red sauce, as well as mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, walnuts, caramelized onions and gorgonzola cheese.

Photo by Bryan Stevens Diners can carry out or dine in during a visit to Smoky Mountain Bakers.

The restaurant’s menu doesn’t offer much to pair with your pizza other than fresh garden salads, which are made with mixed greens, tomatoes, carrots, feta cheese, a slice of hard-boiled egg and a few scattered radish slices and kidney beans. A variety of salad dressings are also available.

The bakery offers several daily specials. The Tuesday lunch special is two pizzas for $15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Fridays, get one pizza, two salads and two drinks for $15. People planning Saturday gatherings and parties might want to take advantage of the buy five pizzas for $40 special offer.

Photo by Bryan Stevens                                                                   A customized White Pizza ready for sharing.

If I’m visiting on a Wednesday or Friday, I never go home without some extra treat from the other baked goods offered at Smoky Mountain Bakery on those days. A recent Friday saw the eatery offering Sourdough, New York Rye and Pugliese with fresh herbs from the Deckers’ garden, as well as Apricot-Pecan Bread, Cottage Cheese Dill Bread, Triple Chocolate Cakes, Caramel Pecan Cheesecakes, Almond-Apricot Tarts, Lemon Tartlets, Blueberry Crumb Cakes, Lemon Blueberry Tea Breads, Brownies, Cookies, Scones, Muffins, Cherry Turnovers, and Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls.

If you want to have dessert, Smoky Mountain Bakers does offer Cinnamon Walnut Strips, as well as any of the wide variety of the cookies, brownies or other baked items that might be available at the time of your visit.

Photo by Bryan Stevens                                     The Almond-Apricot Tart is an excellent pastry for concluding a visit.

My most recent dessert was the excellent Almond-Apricot Tart. It was a refreshing pastry and, while sweet, it was not overly so and the apricots provided it with just the right amount of tartness.

Nestled away in the quiet community of Roan Mountain near the Cloudland High School, Smoky Mountain Bakery was always too exceptional to remain a local secret for very long. Watch for the signs pointing from 19-E. If you live close by, so much the better. If you don’t, it’s definitely worth the drive to sample one of these pizzas. Make sure to also pick up one of the other baked goodies as well.

Photo by Bryan Stevens Be sure to take home some fresh-baked cookies.

Be sure to turn out on Tuesday, July 1, to help them celebrate five years of serving some of the best pizza in these parts.

••••••

AT A GLANCE: Smoky Mountain Bakers and Wood Fired Pizza, 500 Cloudland Drive, Roan Mountain. 957-1202. Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. All menu items $12 and under. Credit cards accepted. Carryout available.

 

Photo by Bryan Stevens Angkor Bistro in Johnson City offers some innovative Asian dishes.

In the crowded field of Asian-centric restaurants in the Tri-Cities, Angkor Bistro can lay claim to having carved out at least one unique niche. To my knowledge this is the only restaurant in the region with a focus on Cambodian (Khmer) cuisine and I can’t say enough food things about this delightful Johnson City restaurant.

The establishment’s website emphasizes that fact, spotlighting the fact that Angkor Bistro is the first eatery in Johnson City to offer a selection of popular Cambodian dishes.

Named for the ancient Buddhist temple, Angkor Wat, this restaurant is open for business in a small strip mall along North State of Franklin Road. The menu offers a selection of appetizers, salads, soups and entrées.

Angkor Bistro quickly shot to near the top of my favorite Asian restaurants soon after its opening. I’ve been working my way through the array of curry dishes available, but many of the noodle dishes and stir-fries have also won my approval.

The eatery’s focus on Cambodian culture and cuisine extends to the pleasant, tranquil atmosphere of the restaurant. The dining area offers modern design touches, including seating at contemporary-styled tables with geometric, bright yellow, utilitarian chairs. Bright leaf-green and pale-gray walls offer a neutral and tranquil atmosphere. Some framed artwork of Cambodian scenes are also displayed on the walls. Decorative touches include potted bamboo plants and Buddha figurines.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Massaman Curry at Angkor Bistro in Johnson City.

A sampling of recorded instrumental music plays softly in the background to offer a soothing, relaxing atmosphere for diners. There’s also a wall-mounted television in one corner of the dining area that plays a continuous loop of scenic Cambodian vistas interspersed with photos of menu items. Free w-fi is offered for the use of patrons.

The servers have always impressed me as polite, friendly, and attentive, but not at all intrusive. They are more than happy to answer questions about menu items and even make accommodations to personal tastes.

In addition to soft drinks, the menu offers a mix of other beverages, including Thai Iced Tea, Thai Iced Coffee and a variety of Bubble Teas, a Taiwanese tea-based drink mixed with fruit and milk and served over small, chewy pearls of tapioca.

I like to start off a visit with an appetizer, and Angkor Bistro offers a modest selection of tempting meal-starters, including Egg Rolls, Fresh Spring Rolls, Fried Pot Stickers, or Gyoza, Cheese Wontons and Fried Shumai Dumplings.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
A sampling of appetizers at Angkor Bistro, including Spring Rolls and Egg Rolls.

The Spring Rolls rank as my overall favorite among the appetizers. These meal-starters consist of rice-paper wrappers filled with chilled shrimp, cucumber, lettuce, cilantro, basil and carrots. These light, delectable morsels are served with a peanut-peppery dipping sauce.

On a recent visit, a friend and I shared an order of Fried Shumai Dumplings, which consisted of five crispy morsels served with a flavorful soy sauce for dipping.

The Egg Rolls, which feature wrappers loaded with minced meat, herbs and spices and fried to a crispy, golden-brown, are another favorite. The same soy sauce for dipping accompanied this appetizer, but upon request, a bottle of hot Sriracha sauce will also be provided to spice enthusiasts.

As I mentioned, the eatery’s curry dishes have become such favorites of mine that I am sometimes hesitant to branch out beyond them.  Some new house specials, however, have persuaded me to occasionally deviate from my fondness for curry. The Braised Beef Rice Noodle Bowl turned out to be an amazing discovery.

This dish starts out as a rice noodle soup blended with a harmonious array of many of the common ingredients found in the Southeast Asia region, including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, paprika, star anise and turmeric. These ingredients defined the color, aroma and amazing taste of this unique dish. Although the broth is red, it is not at all spicy like the kind of dishes flavored with hot chili peppers.

Still, I often find myself leaning toward the curry dishes. My favorite is the Panang Curry, which is an intensely flavorful blend of boiled potatoes, yellow onions, chicken and the perfect combination of spices. I’ve tried four of the five curry dishes. I still need to sample the Green Curry.

My most recent visit introduced me to the Red Curry, which is moderately spicy and features green bell peppers, yellow onions and squash sauteed with chicken and spices. I found the Red Curry a strong, sharp, fresh and flavorful dish, and a definite rival with the Panang Curry for my favorite. I prefer chicken as the protein for the curries, but other options include pork, beef, shrimp and tofu.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
The Red Curry at Angkor Bistro is exceptional.

Several Cha, or Stir Fry, dishes are also available, including Snow Peas Stir Fry, Ginger Chicken, Bamboo Shrimp, Pineapple Fried Rice, Chicken Basil and Pork in Chili Paste. Most of the stir fry dishes can be ordered with the same choice of proteins —chicken, shrimp, pork,  beef and tofu — as are offered with the curries.

The stir fries and curries are accompanied by a choice of rice: jasmine, brown, fried or, for a modest additional charge, coconut rice. It’s worth the extra cost to get the coconut rice, but I’m also a big fan of the jasmine rice.

In addition, the menu offers a handful of noodle stir fries, including Drunken Noodles and Phad Thai.

Most of the dishes I have tried have been served warm, but Angkor Bistro recently added a cold salad dish to the menu that I think is a real winner: Vermicelli Rice Noodle Salad. This salad features lettuce, basil, cilantro, cucumber slice, ground peanuts and vermicelli noodles to which a couple of egg rolls, cut into bite-sized portions, are added. Chicken, pork or shrimp can be added to the salad, too.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
The Pad Thai at Angkor Bistro in Johnson City.

If I’m feeling extra hungry, I also like to add a bowl of soup to my meals when I visit Angkor Bistro. Choices include Tom Kha, a delicately seasoned soup blended with chicken, coconut milk, mushrooms and other vegetables, as well as the Tom Yum, an aromatic and hearty soup of plump shrimp, mushrooms, scallions and various herbs and spices in a rich, savory base. Tom Yum is a staple at most Thai restaurants, but this is one of the best I’ve sampled anywhere. I relish every spoonful of this bold soup.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Tom Yum Soup at Angkor Bistro.

Angkor Bistro deserves a loyal embrace from lovers of Asian cuisines. Give them try and get a taste of the cuisine of Cambodia. If you go, let them know they were highly recommended.

•••••

AT A GLANCE: Angkor Bistro, 600 N. State of Franklin, Johnson City.  929-1001. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Menu items $7.59 and under. Credit cards accepted. Carryout available.

This column is also available at http://www.cartercountycompass.com/

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Bamboo Shrimp at Angkor Bistro.

 

 

Erwin’s Creekside on Main a wonderful lunch spot discovery

 

Photo by Bryan Stevens
An order of Bacon and Ranch Potato Skins is a great appetizer to share with friends during a meal at Creekside on Main Café.

If you’re looking for a charming spot for a casual lunch or dinner, consider Creekside on Main Café in Erwin. This eatery has been a delightful discovery since I enjoyed my first meal there back in May.

This eatery, which opened in July of 2013, is getting ready to celebrate its first anniversary of doing business. A simple and straightforward menu offers a range of specialty sandwiches, salads and burgers, as well as a handful of entrees and daily specials.

Photo by Bryan Stevens Each table at Creekside is supplied with its own novelty salt and pepper shakers.

I’ve only recently discovered this cozy dining spot and have already enjoyed several meals there. The eatery offers an extremely pleasant and comfortable dining environment. Seating is available at tables with black metal chairs cushioned with black vinyl upholstery. The walls are painted in medium and pale muted tones of aqua and eggshell white. A collection of antique salt and pepper shakes adds one of the more whimsical touches to the decor. Each table is equipped with a unique pair of salt and pepper shakers in different shapes, including tropical fish, hummingbirds, police cars, tea pots, churns, watermelon slices and much more. I thought it was a simple but fun way to add a conversation starter to the environment.

Other decorative touches include hanging lamps and potted flower arrangements. The walls are decorated with old weathered window frames, each pane backed with scrapbooking paper in a variety of colors and patterns.

Photo by Bryan Stevens Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy.

We started with an appetizer listed on the daily specials board: Bacon and Ranch Potato Skins, and we weren’t disappointed. Five generous skin-on potato planks arrived, each loaded with melted cheese, crumbled bacon and a generous drizzling of our choice of Ranch or Cajun Ranch Dressing. We chose the Cajun, and loved that it added a zesty zing to this popular meal-starter.

Entrees include a Chicken Tender Platter, Hamburger Steak, Bruschetta Chicken and Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin. These offerings are augmented with occasional daily specials such as Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken and Meatloaf.

Sandwiches on the menu range from the Farm Philly Cheesesteak and Turkey Supreme to the Creekside Club and a Traditional BLT.

Photo by David Thometz
The Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich, accompanied by Onion Rings and a Fruit Medley.

There’s also quite a selection of burgers and chicken sandwiches, including versions such as the Jalapeño and Cheddar, Cajun and Swiss, and Souped Up Sliders, which consist of two sliders with tangy grilled onion sauce and American Cheese.

There’s also an Italian Burger, which is seasoned with garlic and topped with a medley of fresh chopped tomatoes and Provolone cheese, as well as Creekside on Main’s own version of a Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich.

There’s also some space on the menu devoted to salads for those wanting a lighter meal. Choices include a Seasonal Salad, which features a mix of greens with diced apples, red onions, pecans and a poppyseed dressing, as well as a Caesar Salad made with Romaine lettuce tossed with crunchy croutons, parmesan cheese and a traditional Caesar dressing. Other salads include the Creekside Salad, which is basically a Chef Salad, and a Garden Salad. Grilled chicken can be added to any salad for an extra cost of $2.

Photo by Bryan Stevens Caesar Salad at Creekside on Main.

The food is served on beautiful, mismatched vintage plates, bowls and dishes, all decorated with attractive patterns that add to the down-home feel of the eatery.

I’ve long been a meatloaf fan, so on my first visit to Creekside I could not resist ordering this classic comfort food that was available as a daily special. It was a hearty meatloaf with a plentiful amount well-seasoned hamburger meat, onions and green bell peppers, all topped with a spread of ketchup. I accompanied my meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and a small Caesar Salad.

Photo by Bryan Stevens The Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin is enhanced with a delectable peach topping. This meal was accompanied by Green Beans, Broccoli Casserole and a Roll.

As much as I liked the meatloaf, my favorite item so far has been the Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin. It’s the delectable peach topping added to a couple of grilled pork tenderloins that makes this such a tasty main course. The pork was grilled perfectly, and the sauce really made the dish. The peachy sauce is more sweet than spicy, but it does add just a little extra zip!

I accompanied this meal with Green Beans and Broccoli Casserole, which consisted of a cheesy mix of breading and broccoli florets. The Green Beans are enhanced with onions and nicely seasoned.

Photo by Bryan Stevens Chicken Bruschetta with Green Beans and a Roll.

Friends that have accompanied me to Creekside on Main Café have given enthusiastic reports on such items as the Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich and the Chicken Bruschetta.

The café’s version of a Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich uses honey mustard dressing — which you apply to the sandwich yourself — instead of mustard, which makes this sandwich a somewhat sweeter version than is typical. Otherwise, this sandwich sticks to the traditional grilled chicken breast topped with ham and a slice of Swiss cheese.

The Chicken Bruschetta is one of the more innovative entrees and features a grilled chicken breast topped with freshly prepared Creekside bruschetta. It’s served with a choice of two sides, which can include French Fries, Onion Rings, Cole Slaw, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes and Fruit. For an extra cost, an order of fries can also be enhanced with cheese, bacon or chili.

There’s always a home-made sweet available for concluding a visit to Creekside on Main Café, including cakes, pies or cookies. During my most recent visit, I enjoyed a piece of Chocolate Cake with a Cream Cheese Icing. Cookies are also a big hit, and offerings can include Snickerdoodles, Chocolate Krinkle Cookies and No-Bake Cookies.

Photo by David Thometz A slice of Chocolate Cake with a Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicious way to end a meal at Creekside on Main Café in Erwin.

Creekside on Main provides a great lunch destination with tasteful, homey surroundings and good-tasting good. I’ll definitely be back, and next time I think I’ll try one of those burgers! There’s also a kid’s menu, so it’s a great place for the whole family. If you visit, be sure to let them know they came recommended.

AT A GLANCE: Creekside on Main Café and Catering,  857 Rock Creek Road, Erwin. 330-6329. Monday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Menu items $7.99 and under. Credit cards accepted. Carryout available. Catering services available. 

This column is also available at http://www.cartercountycompass.com/2014/06/creekside-main-cafe-offers-lunchtime-dining-erwin/

 

Enjoy cuisine of Germany at Johnson City’s Freiberg’s German Restaurant

Why wait until fall to celebrate Oktobefest? The cuisine of Germany has been available in the Tri-Cities since 2008 when Freiberg’s German Restaurant in Johnson City has been serving plenty of bratwurst, schnitzel, strudel and much more.

Andreas Herholz and his wife, Michele, opened Freiberg’s in 2008. The restaurant’s atmosphere encourages patrons to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal in pleasant surroundings designed to imitate the exterior of a small German town.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Bratwurst paired with fries and sauerkraut.

In fact, according to a story on the restaurant’s menu, the restaurant is named after a little German town in the Saxon region of East Germany. The town’s chief claim to fame was silver mining, which spanned 800 years of the town’s history.

The dining area is located on two levels and offers a rustic atmosphere highlighted by terra cotta and cream walls, wrought iron railings, cuckoo clocks and chandeliers fashioned out of antlers. German flags are also displayed on the walls. The restaurant is a great destination if you’re getting together with a group of friends for a fun lunch or dinner. The restaurant also regularly offers live entertainment, which enhances Freiberg’s desirability as a lively, fun dining destination.

The menu’s Vorspeisen, or Appetizers, section offers Saxon Potato Skins, Frittierter Blumenkohl (Fried Cauliflower), Frittierter Kaese Platte (Fried Cheese Platter) and Pretzels with Beer Cheese. The Fried Cheese Platter is an innovative twist on a traditional meal-starter favorite. Three different mixtures — Ham and Swiss, Blue Cheese and Cream Cheese and Spinach — provide the fillings for these ample wedges of cheese fried to a golden-brown crisp. Diners can also start off a meal with a cup or bowl of Linsensuppe, or Lentil Soup, which consists of lentils stewed with carrots, onions, potatoes and a blend of spices.These hearty appetizers are another reason to make a trip to Freiberg’s in the company of several hungry friends.

Choosing a main course involves careful contemplation of the array of options. German fare is largely a “meat and potatoes” affair, with some cabbage tossed in for good measure. The menu offers Suppen and Salate, or Soups and Salads, as well as a variety of sandwiches, Bratwurst (Grilled Pork Sausage Links) and other entrees. The main selection of Hauptspeisen, or Entrees, includes a variety of pork, beef and chicken dishes accompanied by a selection of traditional German side dishes.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Try Freiberg’s in Johnson City for a taste of German cuisine.

The items include Goulasch, which is actually a Hungarian dish described on the menu as “too good to be called a stew.” There’s also a nod to its origins in Hungary, as well as the proviso that it was perfected in Germany.

Other classic German fare includes Huehnchen (Chicken) Schnitzel; the Boulette (German-style Ground Beef Steak smothered in onions); Jaegger Schnitzel, which is a hand-breaded pork tenderloin topped with onion, red wine and mushroom gravy; and the Freiberg Schnitzel, which is served smothered with roasted onions and the restaurant’s creamy beer cheese sauce.

One of my favorite dishes has been the Schnitzel with Spicy Paprika Sauce. I’ve also enjoyed the eatery’s delectable Sauerbraten, which consists of a tender beef roast soaked for three days in Freiberg’s signature marinade, then slow-cooked for hours and topped in its own gravy. Pair the Sauerbraten with Rot Kohl (Red Cabbage) or Sauerkraut, as well as Brakkartoffeln (Fried Potatoes with Onion and Bacon) – these are delicious – or Bavarian Potato Salad for a flavorful, filling meal.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
The Pork Schnitzel with Spicy Paprika Sauce goes great with Sauerkraut and Bavarian Potato Salad.

For dessert, Freiberg’s offers its own take on Apple Strudel. The strudel consists of a large pastry filled with apples, cranberries and nuts, and it is topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Much German fare lends itself to consumption with beers, and the restaurant offers an impressive selection of German and other imported beer.

The restaurant also offers a lunch menu. All the dinner favorites are present at more modest prices. Even better, the portions are still quite ample.

There’s also a Kinderkarte, or Children’s Menu, so bring along the entire family.

I’ve always been impressed with my visits to Freiberg’s, and I am already looking forward to returning and sampling more of the items on the menu.

Photo by Bryan Stevens                                                                                                                                           The Sauerbraten at Freiberg’s German Restaurant in Johnson City is a classic German version of tender, slow-roasted roast beef.

White Elephant a welcome gift for Elizabethton diners

 

Photo by Bryan Stevens
The Italian Sub at White Elephant Fresh Market in Elizabethton.

It’s time to talk about the elephant in the room when it comes to downtown dining in Betsy.

With a winning combination of fresh-made sandwiches and good-to-the-last-spoonful soups, The White Elephant Fresh Market in downtown Elizabethton has been winning over diners since its opening last November.

The White Elephant is a partnership between co-owners Michael Henley and Erik Kitchens. They’ve created a wonderful addition to the downtown Elizabethton dining scene with a creative menu of hearty sandwiches, sensational soups and, now on Saturdays during the Carter County Car Club’s weekly Cruise-in, a variety of tempting hot dogs.

I’ve enjoyed a handful of visits since this eatery’s opening, and my most recent one has reminded me that I need to frequent this eatery more often.

“We’re still building up our clientele,” Henley said, noting that business has been good since opening back in November of last year.

The White Elephant has been offering a menu of hot dogs targeted for Saturday’s downtown Cruise-In, which brings a lot of traffic and potential customers to Elk Avenue.

The all-beef dogs are all-natural and nitrate-free. They include the Volcano, which is smothered in the White Elephant’s homemade Pimento Cheese, and the Gut Grenade, which includes such trimmings as chili, kraut, onions, mustard and more of that Pimento Cheese. There’s also a Naked Dog, which is just plain, as well as the Sir Slaws Alot, a dog piled high with White Elephant’s wonderfully tangy Blue Cheese Slaw.

Through the week, the White Elephant focuses on the sandwiches and soups.

Sandwiches include a range of both hot and cold sandwiches, including an Italian Sub, Reuben and a Kentucky Hot Brown, which is served open-faced on white bread with applewood-smoked turkey and bacon, covered in cheese sauce and diced tomatoes.

Photo by David Thometz
Michael Henley works on one of the hand-crafted sandwiches that are the specialty of the White Elephant.

My first visit at the White Elephant introduced me to this eatery’s version of The Muffaletta, a New Orelans-inspired sandwich made from olive salad, bologna, salami, ham and provolone cheese served on ciabatta bread with cheese and pepperoni baked in. This sandwich provided a fantastic fusion of some zesty flavors.

My most recent visit with a friend took place on a sunny spring afternoon. The soup of the day during our visit was Chicken and Dumping Soup, and I immediately wanted to try a bowl.

This soup featured an assortment of herbs and vegetables, including onions, carrots and celery, in a savory, creamy broth. My bowl contained several tasty, fluffy dumplings and I savored every spoonful.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
A bowl of Chicken and Dumpling Soup at White Elephant Fresh Market.

On previous visits, I’ve enjoyed bowls of the rich and hearty Broccoli Cheese Soup, which has been a big hit with regular customers. Other recent soup offerings have included Summer Squash Delight, Maryland Crab, Tomato, Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice, Chicken Tortilla and Cioppino, which is a type of Seafood Chowder.

Of course, I wanted to pair my soup with a sandwich, so I contemplated several of those listed on the menu, including the Turkey Reuben, French Dip and the Golden Gobbler, which features applewood-smoked ham and turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese and honey-dijon mustard, all served on white bread. The MD Pit Beef Sandwich, which features pit beef on a roll with horseradish mayo and thinly slice onions, also tempted me.

On the recommendation of another customer at the counter, I chose the Italian Sub. This cold sandwich is served on a toasted sub roll and features salami, prosciutto, capicola ham, lettuce, tomato, onion and oil and vinegar dressing. This is a great sandwich for those who enjoy zestier flavors.

My friend considered the Vermont, which offers applewood-smoked turkey, sharp cheddar cheese, bacon and maple-grain mustard on white bread, but decided on the White Elephant’s version of the Monte Cristo. This sandwich evolved from the French croque-monsieur, which is essentially a fried ham and cheese sandwich.

Photo by David Thometz
A tasty version of the famous Monte Cristo is one of many sandwiches available at White Elephant Fresh Market.

At the White Elephant, the Monte Cristo is served on buttery, toasted white bread, piled high with applewood-smoked ham and turkey, cheese and Dijon mustard and accompanied by a small container of currant jelly on the side.

Customers can also choose a “build-your-own” sandwich option that gives them the flexibility to choose their own breads, cheeses, meats and vegetables.

In addition to bags of potato chips, the White Elephant offers a couple of side dishes, including Potato Salad and Blue Cheese Coleslaw. I love the slaw, which is a refreshing blend of tangy blue cheese and creamy dressing tossed into a classic cabbage slaw.

Nothing that I have tried at this new establishment could be considered average or ordinary. Everything I’ve sampled has some creative flair that stands out.

There’s not a lot of seating, with only about four small tables in the dining area. The decor is completed with a vintage soda chest at the back of the eatery. A refrigerated glass display case at the front of the eatery showcases the meats and cheeses used for building the sandwiches. Decorating the walls are such items as nostalgic state license plates and shelfs displaying vintage soda bottles.

The eatery also enjoys a brisk carry-out business, and I am very impressed with the neat, precise way that the sandwiches are packaged neatly and precisely in white butcher paper.

It’s a certainty I will be back for future visits since there are still several sandwiches and soups I haven’t yet sampled. If you’ve not made a trip to the White Elephant, make a point to do so in the near future. Let them know they came highly recommended.

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AT A GLANCE: White Elephant Fresh Market, 602 E. Elk Ave., Elizabethton. 518-1111. Menu items $7.99 and under. Credit cards accepted. Carryout available.

Photo by Bryan Stevens                                                                                                                                    Unwrap a Muffaletta and a side of Blue Cheese Slaw from White Elephant Fresh Market.

 

 

Dixie’s Diner expands Stoney Creek dining options

 

Some friends and I made it a point to dine at Dixie’s Diner on Stoney Creek in Elizabethton this past week.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Dixie’s Diner is located at 1791 Highway 91, Elizabethton.

The meal marked our first visit to the restaurant, which was opened last fall by owner James Harris. Upon our arrival, we were welcomed and told to seat ourselves at any of the eatery’s booths and tables. Banner-sized placards with big, friendly letters promoting slogans such as, “Live life with a twist,” and, “Here, everybody’s a regular,” adorn the wood-plank walls. The chair and benches are upholstered in dark burgundy vinyl. The dining area isn’t showy, but it is cozy, comfortable and clean, and the wood-plank gives the room a rustic touch and imparts a bit of a golden glow to the lighting.

The menu at Dixie’s Diner isn’t elaborate, preferring to keep the focus on burgers, sandwiches and a few country-style dinner platters. In addition to lunch and dinner, the restaurant also offers breakfast all day with a menu of traditional favorites such as biscuits and gravy, hash browns, pancakes, omelets and French toast.

The motivation for our recent visit was to show solidarity with the restaurant’s effort to support paper carriers let go by the Elizabethton Star. It’s rare to come across a business with a conscience these days, but the owners of Dixie’s Diner made a wonderful gesture by setting aside half of the proceeds to be divided among the roughly 16 carriers affected by the decision made by the Alabama owners of the formerly locally-owned newspaper.

The cause was particularly close to my heart since I was among the dozen employees let go in a massive purge a couple of months ago. This new weekly blog was born of that decision after I had numerous people request that I continue my weekly discussions of regional restaurants.

The day I learned of the decision that I was no longer needed at a paper with which I enjoyed a 20-year history was, understandably enough, a difficult one. Thankfully, several local restaurants made it a little more bearable. Jiggy Ray’s, a new pizzeria in downtown Elizabethton, treated me and several co-workers to a free lunch when the manager discovered what had gone down at the newspaper. It was a much-appreciated gesture. I’d encourage everyone to patronize Dixie’s Diner and Jiggy Ray’s, as well as Sycamore Drive-In in Elizabethton. Sycamore Drive-In owner Gary Hicks has been very outspoken in his support for all the community workers who were adversely affected by the decision, which was made by distant corporate heads from Alabama who had made no more than a couple of visits to Elizabethton and no attempt to actually get to know their new employees.

But, stepping back off of my soap-box, the main focus of this weekly endeavor is to introduce readers to some suggested dining destinations.

Dixie’s Diner, although tucked away up Stoney Creek beyond both Unaka High School and Unaka Elementary School, is worth the drive.

My friends and I were treated courteously and attentively by the servers, who also helped by making some recommendations on menu items.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Meatloaf, Green Beans and Mashed Potatoes at Dixie’s DIner.

 I chose the Meatloaf Dinner, which is accompanied by a choice of two sides, which can include French Fries, Green Beans, Onion Rings, Corn, Fried Okra and Mashed Potatoes. I chose the Green Beans and Mashed Potatoes.

Other dinner platters that got my notice included Hamburger Steak Dinner, Pork Chop Dinner and a large and small Chicken Tender Dinner.

 

One of my friends, a burger connoisseur, studied the those options on the menu. Burgers come in two sizes – 4-ounce and 6-ounce patties – and are served with fries and a drink. Any of the burgers can also be ordered as a double with two patties. Options include Hamburger, Cheeseburger and Bacon-Cheeseburger. He chose the latter.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Dixie Diner’s Bacon Cheeseburger with a side of Crinkle-cut French Fries.

My other friend considered some of the sandwiches, including the BLT and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. In the end, he chose one of the dinner platters and ordered the Pork Chop Dinner. For his two sides, he choose Fried Okra and French Fries.

About the only other items on the menu are a couple of dinner salads and a two-Hotdog Platter. We chose to share an order of Onion Rings among the three of us. Our food arrived speedily.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the meatloaf consisted of two muffin-shaped servings of meatloaf topped with ketchup. Every restaurant serves its own version of this comfort food classic, and I enjoyed the muffin-sized meatloaf servings. The meatloaf at Dixie’s Diner is firm, flavorful and not at all greasy.

My friends also reported satisfaction with their meals. The burger aficionado enjoyed his order, which featured a six-ounce patty, topped with an ample amount of bacon and cheese, and served on a sesame-seed bun.

Photo by David Thometz
The Pork Chops Dinner Platter accompanied by French Fries and Fried Okra at Dixie’s Diner.

My friend who ordered the two pork chops was also pleased with the only minor complaint being they might have been cooked slightly too long. The thinly-sliced chops were still well seasoned, flavorful and paired nicely with the Mashed Potatoes and the golden-brown Fried Okra.

I also like the nicely seasoned Green Beans and the Mashed Potatoes that came with my Meatloaf.

Although we were all just too full to indulge, Dixe’s Diner does offer some sweet at the conclusion of the meal, including Funnel Cakes, Snow Cones and Ice Cream. We’ll try to get back for some of those sweets in the near future. I’d also like to make a return visit and try the breakfast at Dixie’s Diner.

••••••

AT A GLANCE: Dixie’s Diner, 1791 Highway 91, Elizabethton. 474-0080. Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Menu items $7.59 and under. Credit cards accepted. Carryout available.

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Do you have a restaurant you would like spotlighted? Post a message in the comments or send email to diningdestinations@wordpress.com

 

 

 

Try Paragon for classic diner fare with flair

 

A friend and I enjoyed a recent Saturday afternoon meal at the Paragon Diner, a new eatery in Johnson City. This restaurant, which opened for business in late 2013, offers classical diner fare with flair for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We enjoyed every aspect of the visit, including friendly service, good-tasting food and a welcoming and well-considered dining atmosphere.

The new diner, which is owned by Peter Simeon, Gus Coubis and Harry Arsi, offers a diverse menu. In addition to classic American diner cuisine, there’s also a nod to some Greek and Mediterranean dishes, including Baked Spinach Pie, Souvlaki, Gyros, Eggplant Parmigiana, Fettuccine Alfredo and Greek Style Spaghetti.

Located in the building that formerly housed the Atlanta Bread Company, the Paragon Diner has transformed its surroundings with well-planned focus on a stately but inviting interior design. The walls are painted dark taupe-gray and sage green, and are contrasted with white brickwork and trim as well as some tin-stamped paneling. Some unframed canvas works of art are displayed on the walls.  There’s a white-brick corner fireplace that lends the entire dining room some cozy comfort. Artistic light fixtures, ornamental faceted sunburst mirrors and floor-length windows draped with white linen curtains complete the tasteful decor. Seating is available at tables and various booths and half-booths.

Upon entering the restaurant, you can’t miss the large glass display that showcases the restaurant’s delectable assortment of cakes and pies.

Photo by David Thometz
The display case of delicious desserts at Paragon Diner in Johnson City.

Asked whether we preferred a table or booth, we chose the latter and were quickly seated. Our server, Tiffany, provided menus and took our drink orders.

As I’ve mentioned, the menu’s quite extensive, so it took some time to study the offerings, which included appetizers, breakfast favorites, salads, sandwiches, burgers, paninis, wraps and triple-deckers. The menu also listed Greek and Italian specialties, hot open-faced platters, poultry, steaks, chops, seafood and pasta.

We began the meal with a shared appetizer, which include Spinach Pie, Potato Skins, Chicken Tenders and Chicken Quesadilla, as well as Baked Feta Cheese and Olives. This last item, which also came with our server’s recommendation, sounded quite unique. This meal-starter features two slabs of baked feta cheese served on a bed of mixed greens and garnished with sliced black olives. The tangy cheese was warm and delicious and went well with the olives and greens, which had been drizzled with olive oil. Although delicious, it was a lot for two diners; I’d recommend this appetizer for a small party of four or five.

Photo by Bryan Stevens                               Baked Feta Cheese and Olives makes a nice appetizer for sharing.

We then turned our full attention to choosing our main dishes. Some of the specialty sandwiches got my notice, include the Monte Cristo and Chicken Cordon Bleu, as did some of the Greek and Italian specialties. I also considered several of the pasta dishes, including St. Luis Pasta, which features Grilled Chicken, spinach and tomatoes in a spicy Cajun cream sauce served over fettuccine pasta, and the Pasta Portabella with Chicken. The Center Cut Marinated Jumbo Pork Chops and the Filet of Sole Florentine also vied for my attention.

I decided to try the Gyro Platter, which is accompanied by a small Greek salad, sauteed vegetables, pita bread and tzatziki sauce.

My friend ordered the Chicken Breast Florentine after also considering the Chicken Marsala and Mediterranean Shrimp.

I also added a cup of soup. The selections available during our visit were Beef and Noodle and Chicken and Rice. I chose the Beef and Noodle. My friend added a cup of the Chicken and Rice Soup to his meal.

The soup arrived ahead of the main meal. The Beef and Noodle was a hearty mix of bowtie pasta, celery, carrots, peas, corn, green beans, onion and beef in a tomato-based broth. The Chicken and Rice Soup featured the same vegetables as those in the Beef and Noodle Soup, but in a milder chicken broth.

Photo by David Thometz
Lamb Gyro Platter

The main dishes arrived quickly, and we were impressed with the ample portions. The lamb gyro was heaped on a bed of seasoned rice, accompanied by sauteed green beans. The Greek salad consisted of mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes and black olives with a zesty Greek dressing. The pita bread and tzatziki sauce provided the traditional accompaniment for the lamb gyros.

My friend enjoyed the Chicken Breast Florentine, which featured layers of feta cheese and mounds of sauteed spinach over a chicken breast.

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Chicken Breast Florentine

 

Of course, after passing by that display case of desserts on our way into the restaurant, we could not resist trying some of these sweets. In addition to fruit-topped cheesecake, the available desserts included Carrot Cake, Chocolate Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Hummingbird Cake and Italian Cream Cake.

I chose a piece of Strawberry Shortcake, while my friend ordered the Black Forest Cake. My Strawberry Shortcake arrived as a tall wedge of cake that featured layers of strawberry mousse between the white cake. The outside of the cake was dusted with slivered almonds, topped with fresh strawberries and more sliced almonds and drizzled with a vanilla syrup. The cake was sweet, moist and delicious, a perfect end to the meal. My friend also liked the Black Forest Cake, which featured a rich, decadent melding of dark chocolate with sweet cherries.

 

 

Photo by Bryan Stevens
Sample a delectable dessert at the meal’s end, such as this Strawberry Shortcake.

We left very impressed. Paragon Diner should be a wonderful addition to the Johnson City dining scene. We have already returned for several additional visits. If you go, let them know they were recommended.

•••••

AT A GLANCE: Paragon Diner, 2010 Franklin Terrace Court, 631-0628. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Entrees range from $5.95-$17.95. Credit cards accepted. Carryout available.

 

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If you would like to recommend a restaurant for this weekly exploration of regional dining destinations, send an email to diningdestinations@wordpress.com or call me at 423-725-2666.