Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Bistro at the Bijou - 2 day fix

So last week I posted about KTC and all of their cool races. It was awesome getting all the comments about races and triathlons that you lovely readers plan to participate in. While I was a competitive swimmer all the way through college, I do not do triathlons, so I am sorry that they are left out of my fitness-related posts. Many thanks to those of you who comment and fill the void.

On Sunday I ran the Wears Valley 15k out in Townsend, and I have to say that if you are a runner you MUST plan on doing this race next year. Do you ever have one of those moments where everything makes sense and all is good with the world? I had one during the race as I was running along a lonely road with fields on either side. It was a foggy morning and the scenery was lush and saturated and green. To my right were two beautiful old barns, and to my left were some cows grazing. It was a perfect moment. The Wears Valley 15k is now my favorite race that I've ever done, and it has inspired me to seek out more scenic races. We certainly have ample locations around here for that.

Anyway, the point of this post is that when I got back to Knoxville at about 11:30, I was HUNGRY. I texted my friend J that we should meet for lunch or brunch and she replied that The Bijou at the Bistro now has SUNDAY BRUNCH. The Bistro has long been one of the only reliable Knoxville locations for Saturday brunch, but they've never been open for Sunday Brunch...UNTIL NOW! I was so excited to hear this fabulous news, and so we headed to the Bistro.

Like I said, I was hungry. So I got the Pork Tenderloin breakfast with eggs, potatoes and toast. It was phenomenal. I mean...amazing. And the thing about the Bistro is that it's SO AFFORDABLE. Some of the more upscale joints in this town charge upwards of 15 dollars for a brunch entree, but at the Bistro you can get SO MUCH FOOD for 10 bucks or under. (Actually, my favorite brunch plate is the homestyle eggs, and it's only 4.99 or something like that). And their mimosas and bloody marys are HUGE and only 2.50. I had two mimosas. And a lot of food. It was a day for celebrating - a great, beautiful race (under my goal time) and the knowledge that there is now good, affordable brunch at the Bistro on Sunday.

10 comments:

cmmoxley said...

Couldn't agree with you more. It is practically the Moxley Carmichael cafeteria due to its great (and convenient - we are right across the street) lunch fare. But Alan and I go there for happy hours, dinners, brunches and nightcaps. Just love Martha, her great staff and all they do at the Bistro.

B said...

I went there last Sunday for brunch and it was exceptional. I had the egg sandwich which was very affordable and the breakfast potatoes which were delicious.

The mugs they serve their coffee in make me feel like I'm in Europe (or South Africa), which is always a nice feeling to have.

Not to mention, besides LaCosta, they have the best looking servers in Knoxville ;)

Athomp said...

hmm I've had hit or miss food there! I'm not sure why my experience was so different from you all.

Perhaps I'll give it another try.

Anonymous said...

The only Bistro item I've ever been disappointed with was their crab cake. I won't order that again but everything else has always been delish. They have a fabulous burger. And used to an artichoke dip that is to die for. I am not sure if that's in the menu anymore but it is incredible.

I love both their regular menu and their vegetarian menu, and it seems to me that they've stepped up their overall game recently.

I do secretly wish that they had more comfortable chairs but I am willing to live with it since it's so great there. And the painting behind the bar is one of the greatest things about any Knoxville restaurant. Hands down.

max said...

I've had a mixed bag there, too.

The food is really great. I enjoyed having a Wigshop summit there a few months ago. It was delish.

My issue was the coffee... I was given curdled cream on two different visits.

I'll be back though. That painting behind the bar is calling me...

B said...

don't forget about the painting on the facing wall...

i wasn't a huge fan at first, but i've been really impressed over time. i think they've stepped up their game as well, em.

Wax. S. said...

Has anybody been to the jazz night at the Bistro? Reviews?

The Modern Gal said...

Except for the curdled cream incident, I've never had a bad go at the Bistro. Can't wait to try a Sunday brunch there.

Unknown said...

I met em, and didn't know it? I would have been the one to tear off the bottom of your bib after Wears Valley. :-D Congratulations on a respectable distance!

Anonymous said...

hmmm...the biggest thing I remember about the finish was being happy to be finished! it was such a beautiful and fun race, and I beat my goal time so I was very pleased. Thanks for being there at the finish!