Market Square District continues to get better

By Jeaneane Payne

Knoxville's downtown area is host to an eclectic blend of culinary delights. The selection of dining options range from American cafe to a Spanish paella to fresh delicious sushi to Chicago style hot dogs. They offer gourmet pizza, French cuisine, brown bag lunch delivery and just about everything you could hope for and all within walking distance. Whether you are looking for a quick bite while shopping or looking for fine dining before an event at the Tennessee Theatre, you can find what you want in the Market Square District.

Cafe 4 at Market Square recently introduced their Mac n' Cheese Bar; just like Mom used to make...or just like you always dreamed Mom would make. Choose from their traditional 3 Cheese Mac, popular Lobster Mac, or one of their new creations. Everything from chicken, bacon & jalapeno to fried onion strings & broccoli is on the Mac 'n Cheese Bar.

Blooming Earth Flowers is offering an ECO-Friendly Holiday season decor CSA. In other words, Blooming Earth Flowers now has CSA spots available for our holiday packages including Wreaths, Garlands, Swags and "Charlie Brown" Christmas Trees. And don't forget to stop by their booth at the Market Square Farmers' Market starting in November where Stacey Adam will be having Thanksgiving and Holiday season decor fresh from the farm along with a make your own wreath station.

The Tomato Head is now serving Saturday Brunch, offering its new and expanded brunch menu on Saturdays (in addition to its traditional Sunday brunch time). Service of brunch begins at 10 a.m. and runs through 3 p.m. The Tomato Head on Market Square is hosting "Raise the Roots: A dinner to celebrate & support the Community Action Committee Beardsley Community Farm" on Monday evening, November 22nd, from 6pm - 9pm. Dinner will be prepared by Mahasti Vafaie, founder and co-owner of The Tomato Head, and Robert Birkholtz, Maryville Tomato Head cook. The doors will open at 6pm with the buffet style dinner beginning at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25.

Market Square Farmers' Market is putting together a cookbook. If you have a great recipe, tip or preparation technique for some of the wonderful local food you get at the Market Square Farmers' Market, they want it. The Market Square Farmers' Market is compiling its first community cookbook and they need recipes. They are looking for ways to incorporate unusual items, like garlic scapes and kohl rabi and new ways to prepare abundant items, like summer squash & greens. All recipes will be tested by their trusty team of volunteer testers, so start sending your recipes for all seasons now to msfmcookbook@gmail.com.

Published November 17, 2010