This was a spot I had my eye on for some time. I’ve heard overwhelmingly constructive issues about 71 South, and a youthful Grub Sprout and his girlfriend dined there a month or so in the past, and have additionally praised the South Knoxville restaurant that borders the Baker Creek Reservation. Grub Partner and I went to dinner this previous weekend to see – and style – for ourselves.
Though we did some menu analysis on-line previous to our go to, we took a couple of minutes to undergo the grub and make our remaining selections. We selected the zucchini latkes ($8) as our appetizer. They’re deep-fried dumplings made with potatoes and zucchini topped with chunks of scallion and splashes of chipotle cream sauce. Different contenders on the app embody crispy Brussels sprouts, roasted pink pepper hummus, buffalo-flavored cauliflower bites and two totally different toppings on fries.
For our appetizers, I centered on sandwiches, whereas The Partner thought of an array of predominant dishes, together with cornbread-based Tennessee tacos, penne pasta, and Tuscan rooster. Husband narrowed it right down to grilled portobello and cauliflower steak earlier than choosing the latter ($13), primarily based on our server’s descriptions and suggestions. Steak is served with quinoa and mashed potatoes.
Among the sandwiches I thought of have been beef and black bean variations of the burger, tofu banh mi, meatballs, and a few rooster samui. I went with one other variant of the rooster, Spicy South ($12), which is fried rooster breast (or tofu when you prefer it) served on a brioche bun with buffalo slaw and blue cheese. Potatoes are the default facet, although you possibly can substitute gadgets comparable to fries, a cup of chili, a facet salad, or pasta salad for an extra price.
This is not the place the checklist ends, nevertheless. 71 South provides 4 totally different veggie dishes that may be topped with rooster, salmon, or tofu, they usually have a brunch menu (served till 3 p.m.) that options gadgets like avocado toast, Nashville spicy rooster, frittata, pancakes, and a fried egg sandwich. In addition they provide every day drink specials.
I have to say that the positioning of 71 South is actually considered one of a sort, occupying the shell of a former church temple. Nonetheless, the room nonetheless has excessive ceilings and a spacious really feel. Three niches within the east wall (behind the bar) are further stays of the church’s unique structure. An abundance of home windows offers the room loads of mild throughout daylight, and overhead greenery hangs from two massive horizontal trellises.
Our meals presentation began with a zucchini latke. The plate had a pleasant little stack of mini pancakes. They have been superb, crunchy on the surface and delicate within the center, however we went simple, understanding we had a really potential appetizer and dessert in our very close to future.
Subsequent got here the mains. I am going to begin with my sandwich. The brioche bun was good and contemporary, the rooster was tender and flavorful, garnished appropriately – however not overwhelming – with blue cheese purposes and a buffalo salad. This sandwich had a little bit of a kick however wasn’t uncomfortable. The fries have been nice – actually crispy on the surface and delicate within the center.
There was loads of work in husband’s dish, beginning with the cauliflower steak, which was principally two slices reduce from a big bunch of cauliflower (or perhaps two). Every was in regards to the dimension of a slice of a loaf of bread, and each have been properly dressed with the barbecue sauce that gave this dish a heat, smoky flavour.
May one be fooled into considering they have been consuming beef steak? after all not. However I am unable to think about a extra palatable method for somebody—particularly somebody who’s lukewarm about cauliflower (just like the spouse)—to take pleasure in a hunk of everybody’s favourite white cruciferous brick vegetable. The rosemary and quinoa mashed potatoes have been glorious facet dishes.
For dessert, our server introduced us 71 South’s latest deal with, a sandwich made with vanilla ice cream between two do-it-yourself cookies and topped with whipped cream. She was hanging effectively.
As a lot as I loved 71 South, I’ve to confess I did not prefer it as a lot as I needed or hoped I might, primarily based on all of the hype. Make no mistake: this restaurant has put collectively a really modern, vegan-friendly menu that has loads to supply, and it’s extremely effectively executed. However when it got here to my remaining outcomes, I gave 71 South nearly the best mark I felt comfy with. I might nonetheless advocate it if you have not given it an opportunity but.
71 south
meals: 4.25
service: 4.25
atmospheres: 4
Whole: 4.25
Title: 3726 Sevier Heights Street, Suite 200
telephone: 865-240-3900
Full bar service
hours: from 11 am to 10 pm from Sunday to Thursday; From 11 am to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday
This new South Knoxville restaurant serves an eclectic array of Southern-influenced dishes, a lot of that are vegetarian and vegan-friendly.