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Knoxville, Tennessee: mountains, lakes, college sports…. and a foodie’s paradise? With praise from Southern Living and Buzzfeed, the “Scruffy City” has undeniably gained a new title as a food lover’s haven. In particular, downtown Knoxville offers a wide variety of mouthwatering dishes under a backdrop of city charm. As a visitor so many feasting options can leave you dizzy, so I’ve done the dirty work and narrowed down my favorite downtown dinner spots here:

1. Lonesome Dove

Located in the Old City, Lonesome Dove is frequently publicized as one of the best fine dining restaurants around. Chef Tim Love has mastered the creation of unique, elevated western fare. The exposed brick interior of the 130-year-old building, formerly a saloon, is ideal for a date night or special occasion dinner. The menu is one of a kind: Wild Game Fettine (thinly-sliced, Carpaccio style meats), Lobster “Hush Puppies”, Stacked Duck and Rabbit Enchiladas… are you drooling yet? Don’t miss the lunch special: a 16 oz. Prime Rib for $16 (Fridays only). And if you’re not feeling all that adventurous, sit on their attached patio and grab a burger at The Love Shack. Insider tip: if you wait around long enough, you can also snag late night donuts outside the kitchen around 11 PM.

2. J.C. Holdway

It’s hard not to recognize this restaurant by name, as it has been declared one of the best new restaurants in America by Southern Living, Esquire, and Eater. Step in and you’ll find yourself in a euphoric dream of wood fire aromas and Le Creuset dinnerware. James Beard Foundation winner and Knox local, Chef Joseph Lenn, prepares farm-fresh food, harvesting southern gourmet in style. This restaurant is located around the corner from Market Square. Might I suggest the cornbread skillet with sorghum-butter?

3. Kaizen

It’s been a while since I’ve had authentic Asian food quite like Kaizen. With an ever-changing menu and daily specials, Jesse Newmister’s restaurant lives up to its name, meaning “continuous improvement”. The low-lit “locals-only” vibes here inspire feelings of exclusivity. Order the Crow’s Nest Noodles Version Two for incredibly layered flavor (ask for a fried egg on top). Their steamed buns are also a must-try! When you see Knoxville’s finest waiters dining here, you’ll know that you are in good company.

4. Knox Mason

Situate yourself at Knox Mason for seasonal grub and select seating with unrestricted kitchen views. Chef Matt Gallaher’s passion for locally sourced ingredients truly makes his restaurant spotlight-worthy. Experts like The Travel Channel and Food 52 have hailed Knox Mason an eater’s paradise. Gallaher has also previously prepared cuisine for celebrities like Tim McGraw, The Eagles, and Kings of Leon. This is a cozier joint so DO make a reservation. For dessert get the flambéed Knox Mason Banana Pudding. Is house made pasta more your thing? Try their equally amazing sister restaurant, Emila. Both restaurants are located in the Market Square area.

5. Maple Hall

Bringing your family to town? Then getting your eat, drink, and game on at Maple Hall is right up your alley. Although sometimes outshined by its activities, the food here is also consistently a strike! Located in the heart of the city, the basement bowling area has 11 lanes, boutique armchairs, and crafty cocktails. Know that you can’t make bowling reservations ahead of time here. If there’s a wait, head upstairs to The Parlor for large-scale Scrabble and Pictionary. Snack on the Meat and Cheese Board or the BBQ Nachos. If tossing pins leaves you famished, they also serve up a mean Pimento BLT.

About Lindsey Watson

Lindsey Watson is a freelance writer, red wine enthusiast, and lover of all things local. She believes everything in life can be made better with a rescue dog or a fried egg. See more Knoxville eats on her Instagram @865foodie.

With Massachusetts being one of the top ice cream consuming states in the country, it’s no surprise that Boston is home to a plethora of ice cream shops. However, as any ice cream lover knows, not all frozen treats are created equal. New England is known for the ultra-dense consistency of its ice cream. Thick and almost chewy in texture, New England style ice cream tends to veer in the direction of adding in lots of extra cookie crumbles, sauces, and other sweet bits.

1. Toscanini’s

Named “the world’s best ice cream” by the New York Times, Toscanini’s was first opened in 1981 by co-founder Gus Rancatore. Known for their expansive selection of over 40 unique flavors, customer favorites include the Burnt Caramel, the B3 (brown sugar, brown butter, and brownies) and the Kenyan Khulfee, a unique flavor that includes cardamom, almonds and pistachios. Toscanini’s also has an entire line of ice creams devoted to chocolate lovers, including flavors such as Belgian Chocolate, Cocoa Pudding, Black Bottom and Rather Dark Chocolate. If you’re having trouble deciding on a flavor, staff are happy to offer up to two free samples. Additionally, Toscanini’s menu also includes a variety of homemade toppings, including their fresh whipped cream, made daily. For those with smaller appetites, Toscanini’s has their micro sundae, a small scoop of ice cream with any toppings, packed in a special espresso sized cup. Toscanini’s also sells pints of their ice cream for those looking to enjoy this premium ice cream at home. If you’re not quite in the mood for ice cream, Toscanini’s also serves a variety of other cool treats including ice cream sandwiches. If you’re looking to indulge in a less chilling sweet treat, consider some of Boston’s top dessert places. From cloud-like pastries to decadent chocolate cakes, these top dessert spots will satisfy any sweet tooth.

2. Cabot’s

Cabot’s Ice Cream & Restaurant has been serving up scoops of decadent ice cream for over 35 years. This family owned ice cream parlor is known for its ultra-decadent sundaes. From building your own to the traditional hot fudge sundae, Cabot’s is a favorite amongst Boston locals. In recent years, Cabot’s has also expanded its selection to include a wide selection of non-dairy options. Cabot’s hosts birthday parties with a unique selection of Party Sundaes to choose from. Cabot’s also prides itself on its community involvement and fundraising events. For example, they even made pink whipping cream for their participation in the Boston Bakes Breast Cancer Fundraiser.

3. Honeycomb Creamery

A newer addition to the Boston ice cream scene, Honeycomb Creamery was founded in 2015 by husband and wife team, Rory Hanlon and Kristen Rummel. This humble pair prides itself on making all of their ice cream and waffle cones from scratch, using simple and natural, locally sourced ingredients. For example, their milk and cream come from Mapleline Farm in Hadley, MA. Honeycomb Creamery is serious when it comes to making their ice cream. For this artisanal ice cream shop, ice cream isn’t just for a cool treat; it’s an entire experience. The shop pasteurizes their own ice cream base, which means that they can create each unique flavor exactly the way they want. Their menu includes classic favorites, but with a sophisticated twist, like the double chocolate swirl and burnt vanilla bean. Some of their popular seasonal picks include the brown butter oatmeal cookie and the sweet corn with blackberry jam. For non-dairy ice cream aficionados, Honeycomb Creamery also offers several vegan options.

4. FoMu

This completely plant-based ice cream shop is 100 percent dairy, egg and animal product free. Their signature blend of ice cream is made with coconut milk and a blend of natural sweeteners. FoMu strives to use seasonal and locally sourced, organic ingredients. Recently, FoMu also paired up with a variety of top chefs in Boston, for their local chef collaboration series. This series included a variety of limited edition flavors such as sugar pumpkin sesame by chef Douglass Williams of MIDA. For those who enjoy the seasonal flavors, FoMu also has a “seasonal pint club.” This annual subscription includes four seasonal pints, delivered straight to your door.

5. Amorino Boston

Founded in 2002, Amorino Boston was created by two childhood friends, Cristiano Sereni and Paolo Benassi. These two chefs are adamant about using only the finest quality ingredients, which also means that customers won’t find any artificial flavorings or coloring agents in their dessert. Amorino Boston’s signature item is their gelato. This European style gelateria isn’t just known for the taste of their gelato, however. The presentation is equally as important at Amorino Boston. Their signature gourmet gelatos scoops are served shaped into flowers, making both a delicious and beautiful dessert. Customers can also have multiple flavors combined into a single flower scoop. The gelato also comes served topped with a macaron adding an extra decadent touch.

About Mike Jones

Mike Jones writes about food, traveling, and reviews ice makers. You can read his articles on IceMakerExperts.

Lizzie and Sam are long-time residents of Cambridge/Somerville, Massachusetts with their great dane dog Maddie, foodies, and globe-trotters. We love exploring the world together and also supporter entrepreneurs of all kinds, especially locally.

What neighborhoods should people visit when they come to your city?

Somerville is right outside of Boston and conveniently located on the red line which also services Harvard Square. There are lots of great colleges and universities right at our doorstep and lots of fun things to do and culture around. We live in historic Davis Square and have a food tour that goes around there. We also have a tour of Union Square which is also a foodie mecca.

What is the best time of year to visit your city?

Sam and Lizzie love the Fall because New England is known for foliage. However, summers are also special in Somerville because of the relatively cool air and sunshine. There’s lot so recreational activities available year-round an we are also partial to the beautiful Spring flowers and romantic snow fall in the Winter.

Are there any events foodies should plan their trip to your city around?

Yes! We offer a lot of festivals in the area. For example, every September there is a famous Fluff festival in Somerville’s Union Square! We also have a Honk! marching band festival in October and a Porchfest musical festival in the summer. There’s always something going on in Boston, and we can’t wait to showcase our city to new folks!

What can people expect on your food tours?

Do you like off-the-beaten path finds? Our gastronomical food adventures give you the opportunity to sample food from many local Davis Square restaurants and shops in one tour. Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides will lead you on a quirky, fun, and delicious walk through the colorful, historic Davis Square. Together you will hear stories from local entrepreneurs and understand the most interesting tidbits from the rich history of this hip New England neighborhood where Boston locals live and dine.

You’ll learn why Davis Square is considered one of Boston’s most diverse neighborhoods and best food scenes. We will sample innovative eats as well as family recipes such as gyros and crepes packed with flavor. You may even get to try your hand at New England’s candlepin bowling as we indulge in the area’s favorite pizza. Wrap your day up with a sweet award-winning treat.

​This tour is suitable for all ages.

Yuma Wada is director of Ninja Food Tours Tokyo in Japan. Yuma enjoys exploring Tokyo to discover new restaurants and hidden gems.

What foods is your city known for?

Tokyo offers a wide range of foods and cuisines. You will be probably overwhelmed by a large number of food options. As for traditional Japanese foods, I recommend Yakitori (Chicken skewers) and Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes). In addition, how these dishes are prepared is different by region in Japan. For example, Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki has noodles in the pancakes while people put a lot of scallions in Kyoto-style Okonomiyaki pancakes.

Here is a list of foods you should try when you visit Tokyo or any cities in Japan. I do not want to overwhelm you so I limit some.

• Sushi
• Fresh sashimi
• Ramen
• Yakitori
• Okonomiyaki
• Grilled beef tongue (I know this is not for everyone)
• Beef tripe stew (I know this is not for everyone)

What neighborhoods should people visit when they come to your city?

I will give you some recommendations:

1. Asakusa

Traditional Japanese temple and market street where you see a lot of restaurants and food vendors. Asakusa is pretty popular among tourists so you might already know this. Asakusa has been a hub for Japanese food and entertainment so if you go outside of the touristy areas, you will see very authentic restaurants and bars. Asakusa also offers a lot of Japanese comedy shows and some of them are in English if interested.

2. Shinbashi

One of the busiest business areas that offers various bars and restaurants. They are typically called izakayas (Japanese style bar) where people eat and drink after work. It is one of the most competitive areas in the food industry in Tokyo so you’ll enjoy great Japanese food at a reasonable price. Some places are really popular so I recommend you make reservations in advance. Saturdays are less busy and a lot of places are closed on Sundays because nobody works in Shinbashi (People commute to Shinbashi to work).

3. Shinjuku

Its station, Shinjuku station is one of the busiest stations in the world as Tokyo’s transportation hub. Shinjuku is famous for its neon town Kabukicho; a red-light and entertainment district. There are a lot of food options in Shinjuku and you’ll tend to see a lot of chain restaurants. There are also historically reserved areas since world war II staying away from the redevelopment of the city. You’ll need some research before going to Shinjuku to eat otherwise you may be overwhelmed and end up eating at one of those ordinary chain restaurants, which some people say are still good (I do not personally recommend though).

What is the best time of year to visit your city?

Japan offers four seasons and each season offers you different things so you can visit Tokyo any time. Here is why:

1. Spring

The weather gets moderate and you will see cherry bloom anywhere in the city. Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, and Nakameguro are some popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in April. Some types of seafood taste better in this season such as Bonito, amberjack, baby squid etc.

2. Summer

The weather gets hot and humid, especially in August. However, you will get to see summer festivals and fireworks almost every week. As for food, you should try abalone, horse mackerel, cold ramen, and shaved ice.

3. Fall/Winter

You get to enjoy different types of activities in Tokyo in fall and winter such as autumn leaves viewing and hot springs (not limited to winter though). You should try oysters, yellowtail, and hot pots in Tokyo during this season.

What can people expect on your food tours?

We offer food and cultural food tours in Tokyo. Each tour lasts for about 2-3 hours journeying through Tokyo’s neighborhoods. We spend a lot of time exploring non-touristy areas and evaluating local food vendors as we believe that people can visit touristy areas on their own. We introduce you to Japanese history and culture while letting you try great local foods at mostly family-owned restaurants which meet our standards.

Here are some tours that we offer:

1. The Best of Izakaya Tour: We take you to hidden gems in Shinjuku, one of the busiest areas in Tokyo while visiting some historical places to feel the history and culture on the tour. The restaurants are carefully selected a bit outside of busy areas and it requires some walking (30 mins including historical spot visits). The tour starts at 5 pm daily for 3 hours.

2. Asakusa Food Hunt: You will explore the greater part of Asakusa outside of the famous temple and market street. Asakusa has been a hub for food and entertainment for such a long time and it is worth spending extra time to discover Asakusa that only locals know at family owned restaurants. The tour starts at 11:30 am for 2 hours.

Do you see any new food trends in your city?

The food industry in Tokyo is very competitive in Tokyo as there are always new restaurants in popular neighborhoods.
In my view, Tokyo is a bit behind for vegetarian or vegan food compared to other big cities such as New York and London. It is very hard to find vegetarian restaurants when you go out to eat in Tokyo. However, the situation has been changing rapidly with newly opened chopped salad restaurants and other organic food vendors.

Charmin & Antoine Members are the founders of Chicago Under-the-Radar Food Tours, the city’s first Citywide Food & Neighborhood Walking Tour company that goes beyond the touristy areas to help visitors and locals experience the true spirit of Chicago’s neighborhoods and local cuisine. Their wedding took place in Franschhoek, a town in South Africa’s Western Cape Wineland Region, which is rightfully known as one of the best food capitals of the world. It was their culinary and cultural experiences in South Africa that inspired them to start a food tour business in their own city.

What neighborhoods should people visit when they come to your city?

Nicknamed the ‘city of neighborhoods’ for very good reasons, Chicago is divided into 77 well-defined community areas, with one or more not so well defined neighborhoods in each. Each neighborhood has its own unique vibe and some have ethnic enclaves with expats from all over the world, many of which have opened their own restaurants making it possible to eat your way around the world in one day. Chicago has a neighborhood for every type of foodie traveler, making it hard to narrow it down to just a few recommendations.

For the foodie who appreciates quaint streets and long beer lists in a relaxed environment, we recommend Northside Lincoln Square. Roughly 10 miles from downtown and easily accessible, Lincoln Square is Chicago’s Germantown. We feature Germantown on one of our unFood Tours, and our knowledgeable tour guides are happy to recommend restaurants in the area for you to visit after the tour.

We absolutely love our neighborhood, the West Loop, and it is where we launched our very first food tour! While the West Loop is not so under the radar these days, it has only recently exploded and has some of the best restaurants in the city. If you are a foodie traveler who prefers to stay near the downtown core and still eat among locals at some of the best locally owned restaurants, West Loop is a foodies’ paradise less than 2 miles from the downtown core. Beyond that, you would be hard pressed to find a restaurant with less than stellar service and delicious food, so you can’t go wrong here.

About 7 miles southwest of downtown sits Little Village which is also worthy of a visit, particularly if you are a foodie who loves authentic Mexican cuisine, as the area has very strong Mexican cultural roots. The neighborhood is also decorated with some of the most vibrant public street art you’ll ever see. You will not only eat good authentic Mexican food, but also encounter friendly people, and find unique places to shop when you visit Little Village.

Much further south is lovely Beverly, which is our recommendation for the active foodie looking for a quiet and scenic neighborhood to walk around in that shows how sprawling this city is. Nicknamed the Beverly Hills of Chicago, the 15-mile trek from downtown is well worth it to see the city’s only Castle. We are pretty sure many of our visitors miss seeing the tree-lined streets and stately homes this area has to offer. In addition to being arguably the most scenic area in the city, Beverly also happens to be home to some really good eats and a local brew pub. Look out for our unFood Tour of Beverly coming soon, and be sure to bring your camera!

Are there any events foodies should plan their trip to your city around?

Are you kidding me? Of course! You can find fun things to do and great food to eat any day of the year in Chicago, but there are annual events that foodies will definitely appreciate. The Cinco de Mayo Festival in Little Village is a fantastic way to learn more about Mexican culture, enjoy live music, and sample a variety of authentic Mexican cuisine. We are putting together a Tacos & Tequila pop up Food Tour for those who want to add even more food and fun to their Cinco de Mayo celebration! The Cinco de Mayo festival is the (unofficial) kickoff to our summer festival season.

From May through October there are many festivals throughout the city. I must admit this one is not at all under the radar, but I would be remiss not to mention the Taste of Chicago, which is the World’s largest food festival, and the largest festival in Chicago! The Taste (as us locals call it) is held for five days in July at Grant Park – known as Chicago’s front lawn – and is a great way to enjoy views of Lake Michigan and the City’s skyline while taking a self-guided food tour. A neighborhood version of the Taste of Chicago is West Loop’s Taste of Randolph Street where you can enjoy live music and hang with the locals while tasting your way along the City’s ‘Restaurant Row’. Fairly new to the scene is James Beard Eats Week in April where nearly 100 restaurants offer a week of off the menu specials. You can also enjoy 3-4 course Prix Fixe meal deals starting from $22 per person for lunch, and $33 for dinner during our Restaurant Week in January.

What can people expect on your food tours?

People can expect to experience Chicago’s local vibe while sampling 5-7 delicious tastings at some of the City’s best locally owned restaurants that don’t get nearly the amount of hype they deserve. We understand the desire to try Chicago staples, but we want to show visitors that there is much more to our culinary scene than deep dish pizza and hotdogs. Having said that, we are happy to point you in the right direction to try those too. Since Chicago is so big and we offer tours throughout the city, local Chicagoans enjoy our tours as well. Unlike most food tour companies, our group food tours max out at 12 seats, so people will have a more personalized experience. We’ve been on food tours where we felt herded along and unable to engage with our guide, and we don’t want anyone to experience that on our tours. Also, most of our stops include a seat at the table so there are breaks between the walking and an opportunity to relax and actually be served. Last but certainly not least, people can expect excellent service at the restaurants they visit and from our tour guides. Our local guides know the city well and are passionate about sharing the rich history, culture, and architecture of the area as well as share fun food facts.

Do you see any new food trends in your city?

Yes, all the time! Food markets and food halls with multiple vendors are growing in popularity. Our favorite is the French Market, a European market and food hall combined. It has more than 30 locally owned food stalls to choose from for a quick lunch or dinner on the way home, and grocery items to conveniently grab on your way home from work to make dinner at home. Some of my favorites there are Saigon Sisters, Delightful Pastries, Pastoral, and Black Dog Gelato. While this market has been around for awhile, the city has 6 others, and a new one is in the works for later this year. We feature the French Market in our West Loop Food Tour.

Communal dining isn’t necessarily a new concept here, but it continues to grow in popularity, which tells us that diners are receptive to dining with strangers and like the social interaction. We love this because our food tours are about bringing people together! Whether you are a visitor or local Chicagoan, we want you to eat well, enjoy yourself, and feel part of a community.

We’ve also noticed a growing appreciation for more authentic ethnic food. To help meet this desire, our food tours include stops at restaurants owned and operated by people from various regions around the world! Our Around The World Food Tour includes 8-10 food and beverage samplings representing all 5 regions of the world. We travel as often as we can in order to have a better idea of what the traditional food is in various countries. Our most recent trip was to Mexico (been to a few cities in MX, actually). This time while we were there we ate traditional Yucatecan food in Merida, like delicious cochinita pibil, and we found the best tacos al pastor we’ve ever had at a random food cart on the streets of Playa del Carmen. We are excited to showcase the most authentic Mexican street food in Chicago on our Little Village Food Tours starting this May. Our next trip is Cuba, which just may inspire a new food tour or pop up event! Stay tuned…

Latest Podcast Episodes

Dwight Furrow, the author of American Foodie: Taste, Art, and the Cultural Revolution, talks about the philosophy of food. We discuss everything the impact of everything from automobile to Alice Waters to the Slow Food movement have shaped the way Americans think about food.
 
 
 
 

Inbal Baum

Inbal Baum, the Founder of Delicious Israel, joins us to talk about where foodies should eat when they travel to her country.

• Shakshouka is a popular dish in Israel
• Israeli Breakfast is a distinct and important meal
• The modern cherry tomato has roots in Israel
• Tel Aviv and Jerusalem top the list of cities you should visit
• Beach season runs from April to October
• Rosh Hashana is a great time to visit Israel
• When you visit Tel Aviv, go to the Carmel Market, the Levinsky Market
• Try the date syrup, Silan

Food for Thought

• Q: After pita bread, what is the most common food used to “wipe” humus?
• A: Raw onion.

Out of the Frying Pan

• Favorite Spot for Outdoor Dining: Milgo & Milbar
• Favorite Place to Buy Spices: Cafe Arma in Levinsky Market
• Herbs to Try: Za’atar and Hawaij (in Yemenite Coffee)
• Favorite Winery: Sphera
• Favorite Place for Dessert: The Malabia
• Favorite Food Experience for Kids: Max Brenner
• Chef to Watch: Eyal Shani
• Dish to Try at Different Places: Shakshouka and sabich

Bennett Jacobstein

Bennet Jacobstein, author of The Joy of Ballpark Food: From Hot Dogs to Haute Cuisine, talks to us about what foodies can find at different baseball stadiums around the country.

• Hot dogs and sausages are not the same thing.
• The quality of ballpark food was elevated in the 90s as new stadiums were built and food television shows took off.
• Stadiums have highlighted regional foods.
• Gordon Biersch‘s founder Dan Gordon introduced garlic fries at Candlestick Park in 1994.
• The song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” was written in 1908.
• The Yankees replaced Cracker Jacks at one point, but brought it back after a public outcry.
• 

  San Francisco Giant Gordon Biersch Garlic Fries

  Veggie Happy spearheaded the movement to get veggie dogs sold at ballpark stadiums.

• Andrew Zimmern has a stand in the Minnesota ballpark.
• Rocky Mountain Oysters are bull testicles.
• “The Big Six” are the food companies that service the major ballparks.
• As you go from ballpark to ballpark, try the hot dogs at each to see how they’re done differently.
• Proceeds from Bennett’s book go to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Food for Thought

• Q: In what year were Cracker Jacks first served at a baseball game?
• A: 1896 in Atlantic City.

Out of the Frying Pan

Here’s what Bennet recommends you try at each ballpark:

• Yankees Stadium in New York City: Chicken and Waffles.
• Fenway Park in Boston: Lobster Roll and a cuban sandwich.
• Wrigley Field in Chicago: Chicago-style hot dog with Vienna beef.
• Turner Field in Atlanta: Boiled peanuts.
• Marlins Park in Miami: Cuban dishes.
• Safeco Field in Seattle: The Ivar’s hot dog (with fish) and cream cheese hot dog.
• Nationals Park in Washington D.C.: A cauliflower hot dog and presidential cupcakes.
• 

  Chicago White Sox Chicago-Style Hot Dog

  Busch Stadium in St. Louis: The BBQ.

• Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles: Tommy Lasorda Spumoni ice cream.
• AT&T Park in San Francisco: Crab salad, lamb sausages, and Gordon Biersch garlic fries.

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