Meet 3 Chefs Defining Blount County’s Food Scene
Blount County, TN, is home to a collection of extraordinary restaurants serving sumptuous cuisine reflective of the region’s roots. These perhaps hidden gems bring a luxurious, warm and inviting flair to the culinary scene, inviting visitors and locals alike to experience Appalachian fare in fresh, innovative ways.
Three chefs are telling the story of Appalachia through their food. Each plate is a page filled with flavor and heart, dedicated to bringing the region to life and supporting their community partners.
In This Article
Inspired by History
When you work in a house built in 1932, it’s hard not to be inspired by history. Chef Trevor Stockton of the Restaurant at RT Lodge in Maryville has ample inspiration to draw from – the Maryville College Woods, the historic Main House and the time-honored ingredients and processes, both farmed and foraged, that inspire his cooking.
“For a very long time,” Stockton says, “the cuisine in the Appalachian region was one based around survival and sustenance. Cured and smoked meats, pickles, preserves, and dried goods are all staples of Appalachian cuisine. We like to honor this by making things the ‘old school’ way.”
Seasonality is another driving factor in Stockton’s kitchens. You won’t find heirloom tomato pie out of season. Summer is for grilled meats and fish, and he reserves rich sauces and braised dishes for the colder months.
In addition to sourcing the best ingredients for his restaurants, partnering with local vendors helps keep money in the community, where it can make the biggest impact.
“We tend to use what we have in our own backyard and elevate it into something delicious,” Stockton says.
Garden Grown
You don’t have to look far on the Dancing Bear Lodge property in Townsend to see where executive chef Jeff Carter draws inspiration. Whether it’s the winding tree-lined road to the entrance, cozy atmosphere, on-site gardens or nature’s neighbors, Carter is surrounded by Appalachian beauty. Warm Southern hospitality greets guests right at the door.
Like Stockton, Carter highlights Appalachian techniques on his menu. Smoked bacon and country ham are prominent ingredients, and pickled items bring balance with acidity and brightness.
If it’s not grown on their property, Carter and his team source it from their local partners. Without the hardworking farmers and suppliers in the community, Carter says their concept wouldn’t work.
“What grows around here seasonally influences our menu throughout the year,” he says. “We are inspired daily by what comes from our own gardens, and our menu reflects that.”
In the summer months, start your meal with fried squash blossoms or watermelon and tomato salad, before digging into a juicy pork chop brined in sweet tea.
Fresh and Local
When you’re craving a rustic environment in the city, pay a visit to chef Jason Scott at The Walnut Kitchen in Maryville.
Scott’s focus on fresh, local ingredients and traditional home-cooking styles invites guests to sit back, relax and stretch their legs like they’re at home. Fueled by creativity and passion, Scott and his team strive to push the envelope and blend different flavors and techniques to create uniquely Appalachian dishes.
You won’t find fried chicken lollipops with hot honey and thyme or a buttery, indulgent Mama’s Brownie anywhere but Scott’s kitchen and table.
Like others, Scott pays homage to the local farmers and vendors that supply his ingredients. Every year, he eagerly awaits his favorite Cherokee Purple tomatoes for bruschetta and seasonal fruit for cobbler.
“There’s a lot more love in farm-grown produce,” Scott says. “We want the freshest farm-to-table we can get, while supporting a local partner working really hard out in the county.”
With the area’s impressive growth, Blount County is getting second looks as people look for quiet time away from the metropolis. You don’t have to drive too far from Knoxville or other nearby cities to find that quiet time – especially one served with comfort food and made with heart.
Blount County Offers a Smorgasbord of Tasty Restaurants
Blount County is full of adventurous opportunities and its culinary scene is no different. Get ready for some foodie exploration as you discover these culinary classics.
Made From Scratch in Maryville
Maryville Corner Market & Cafe was originally built in 1937 and served as a gas station and grocery store. Today, it’s a full-service cafe and gourmet grocer. The menu boasts scratch-made sandwiches, soups and small plates. Keep your eyes peeled for weeknight dinner specials and live music schedules.
Take a drive into the country to Becky’s Grocery and Grill in Maryville. For more than 40 years, Becky’s has provided a laid back, intimate country atmosphere for its guests. Settle in for a pimento cheese Ross Burger, followed by a slice of scratch-made pie. If you’re lucky, you might even see the namesake herself by the grill.
Craving a Cubano? Head to Aroma Cafe in Maryville to indulge in authentic Cuban eats. Enjoy favorites like beans and rice, mojo and tostones, and finish them off with guava and cheese empanadas.
Off the Beaten Path
Also worth the drive into the countryside is Small Town BBQ in Friendsville. Stop in for daily house-smoked chicken, pork, ribs and more. Visitors love its unique dishes, like the loaded Dirty Dog and Fat Mac, piled high with pulled pork and smothered in house-made sauce.
Beyond barbecue and Southern classics, Blount County has its fair share of culinary surprises. Lemon Grass has been serving authentic Thai cuisine and made-to-order sushi for more than 20 years. Try the yellow (or green or red) curry, drunken noodles, tom kha kai and other Thai favorites.
Get to Know Blount County
Want to learn more about living and working in Blount County? Check out the latest edition of Livability Blount County.