Knoxville Welcomes a New Chapter for Bistro by the Tracks
If you happen to be in Knoxville, we have exciting news for food lovers and casual diners alike! Bistro by the Tracks has made a roaring comeback, and I just had to check it out for the third time over the years.
A Nostalgic Revisit
Now, let me tell you, I’ve been doing this review gig for 21 years and never before has a restaurant brand made such an impression that I would visit it three times. My culinary adventure with Bistro by the Tracks began at their original spot in Bearden, then I tasted their tempting dishes along Northshore near Twin Peaks. I even snuck in an unofficial trip to their Happy Holler location, just for kicks! But recently, The Grub Spouse and I made our way to their new digs on Homberg Drive, the former site of The Orangery.
Curiosity led us through the doors. Would those lovely, spacious, European-courtyard vibes still be there? Surprisingly, the owners have renovated the place almost entirely! While the bar and entrance remain familiar, the expansive dining area has transformed into a cozy space, leaving room for an enchanting dining experience.
Dining Aesthetics with a Twist
The restaurant’s design now boasts a grayscale color palette complemented by beautifully curated art pieces, forming an elegant backdrop for the cleverly crafted menu that seems to change as the seasons do. The menu is thoughtfully divided into first, second, and entrée courses, making it quite exciting to navigate.
Tempting Courses Await!
For our first course, we settled on the hand-rolled tortellini ($14). Picture this: tender pasta loaded with melted grana Padano cheese, swimming in a delicious kale pesto broth that accompanied Meyer lemon, fall squash, and foraged mushrooms. Absolutely delightful!
Moving on to the second course, I was ready to dive straight into the entrées which included anything from pasture-raised chicken and dumplings to a hearty Bistro Burger. The Spouse opted for the Heritage Farms pork tenderloin ($38), which features pork belly served alongside fried rice, pumpkin, cabbage, and preservative peaches. Talk about a creatively diverse menu!
As for me? I couldn’t resist the appeal of the daily special: the American Wagyu butcher’s cut ($44). I simply had to have my steak medium rare, paired with potatoes and onions. Given the menu’s Asian influences, I also decided to add on an exquisite side of fried okra ($12), which our server suggested!
A Feast for the Senses
While waiting for our meals, I took a moment to soak in the inviting dining atmosphere and enjoy my bottled beer. The first course came out swiftly, and those cheesy tortellinis definitely set the bar high. Each bite mingled perfectly with the accompanying earthy mushroom and squash, topped off by a zesty citrus kick from the broth.
Now let’s talk about our entrées. The Wagyu steak was nothing short of heavenly, practically melting in my mouth with each bite! The accompanying potatoes and onions beautifully complemented the richness of the beef. As for the pork tenderloin, it was equally impressive, with the combination of flavors dancing on my palate like a culinary waltz. The fried okra, dressed simply with a light breading, offered a fresh take on a Southern favorite.
The Sweet Ending
Now how could we finish such a grand meal without dessert? We opted for the Smokey pecan chocolate bar ($12) instead of other delightful choices like buttermilk pie or house-made ice creams. This dessert layered chocolate Nutella ice cream, mousse, and ganache in a graham cracker and pecan crust — and my, oh my, it was decadent! We couldn’t get enough, and I daresay it’s made its way onto our all-time top five desserts list.
Visit Bistro by the Tracks
Bistro by the Tracks is not just another restaurant; it’s an experience that you won’t want to miss. With its upscale atmosphere, friendly service, and masterfully crafted dishes, this new Homberg location has truly hit a home run. Food Rating: 4.75, Service Rating: 4.75, Atmosphere Rating: 4.75, for an overall rating of 4.75.
So if you’re in the area, make sure you drop by! You’ll find Bistro by the Tracks at 5448 Homberg Drive, reachable at 865-558-9500. They’re open from 5 to 9 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays and 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. A delicious dining adventure awaits you!
