Smoky Mountain Recipies and Restaurant reviews

Smoky Mountain Restaurant reviews

Recipies and Cooking tips

• Rachel's Review: Grandmother's Kitchen
  By Rachel Cimino
  One rainy day last week, I visited Grandmother's Kitchen for lunch. I had never eaten there, but it always seems busy when I drive by so I thought I'd drop by. My visit to this restaurant brought back memories of my Granna consoling me the time I mis-read a recipe that called for 1/3 tablespoon of baking powder and not 1/3 of a cup. Your right, it was not one of the tastiest chocolate cakes of my career. But Granna still tried to make me feel better by telling me the effort counted. I learned from my mistake, and tried harder next time.
  Grandmother's Kitchen is a small restaurant, with an old-timey down to earth atmosphere. The entire seating area probably wouldn't hold 20 people, so it is definitely quaint. I got the feeling that mostly locals eat there, because everyone seemed to know everyone else. I also noticed a few out-of-towners that mentioned they stopped at Grandmother's Kitchen every time they came thru. I watched while another server brought out some really great looking cheeseburgers to them. But I was in the mood for chicken, so that's what I went for.
  I ordered the smoked chicken with mashed potatoes and dark gravy, corn nuggets, and a cornbread muffin on the side. The portion size of my chicken was large however the meat was a tad over done. The potatoes were nice and creamy, but the corn nuggets weren't cooked all the way thru. I don't like saying it, but my dinner was bland, and a bit pricey. On a better note, the atmosphere was clean, inviting, and the antiques on the walls gave the restaurant great character. The service was friendly, and did a good job making me feel welcome, even letting me know that they just started a new lunch special of Patty Melts. I'm going to chalk this one up to the rain or just bad timing, but the effort counts, and I will be back for one of their special Western Omelets. Maybe even try a piece of pecan pie.
  If you have a comment, or a restaurant for review, please email me, Rachel Cimino, at valleyvoicefoodcritic@yahoo.com
• Rachel's Review: Little Tokyo
  By Rachel Cimino
  I wanted to add a little spice to my life, and was tired of the same old steam tables filled with beef and broccoli. I told myself to try something new, something different. So I ventured out, and was nicely taken back by what I found in the Little Tokyo Japanese restaurant.
  Little Tokyo is a happening upscale place with a downtown feel. It's atmosphere isn't over the top, but is done just right. Whether you prefer the family style seating around the Hibachi grill with the entertaining chefs that cook your food in front of you, or a small intimate place setting at a table, your sure to enjoy yourself. I know I did.
  My entree included the Hibachi grilled Shrimp and Fillet Mignon.The shrimp were yummy, and the fillet was grilled perfectly, and very satisfying. Also served, was miso soup, salad, Hibachi grilled veggies, and fried rice. Little Tokyo's menu has a large variety of combinations to choose from. The quality of the ingredients are good, with fresh chicken, jumbo shrimp and decent cuts of steak. The food was hot, and tasted great, and the portions are more than enough to eat in one meal. If you decide to be adventurous, try the Sushi. I can never get enough of the tasty Shrimp Tempura rolls which were freshly made. One note about sushi: be careful of Wasabi...it's HOT!!
  I can only point out a couple of things I didn't care for. One being the menu prices for dinner are a bit inflated, the lunch menu is more frugal. Also, my particular server was a little shy after the meal was served, and didn't check in on me as needed. Not to worry, I would still recommend Little Tokyo as a good place to try if your looking for a pleasant change of pace. Finding decent oriental food is like wandering the desert, however, this restaurant is an island oasis compared to those buffet style places. My dining experience at Little Tokyo restaurant has definitely renewed my faith in the almighty fortune cookie!
  
  Look out Wears Valley, I'm coming back home for my next review, so be on your toes. If you have comments or would like to make a restaurant suggestion for review please email me, Rachel Cimino, at valleyvoicefoodcritic@yahoo.com.