A French breakfast in Knoxville, TN
This week I had the opportunity to go to a training in Knoxville, TN. The hotel where I stayed, the Hilton Knoxville, was located right downtown near Market Square. It was the perfect location to enjoy the city’s charm! While the hotel housed a Starbucks and full-service restaurant, I wanted to try something completely different. The French Market Creperie caught my eye on TripAdvisor, and I was delighted that it was just steps away from the hotel!
The restaurant is located at 412 W. Clinch Avenue in downtown Knoxville. There was metered parking available on the street, as well as public parking lots nearby. I was able to park right in front of the restaurant and it only cost 75 cents to get 30 minutes on the meter. As you can see, some outdoor bistro tables are available. There’s plenty of upstairs and first-level seating inside, too.
It’s a lovely building in the Old City that reminds me of Blackbird Bakery in Bristol. Everywhere you look, there’s a beautiful accent or tiny French detail.
I wouldn’t blame you for coming just for the architecture.
I was too awed by the expansive chalkboard menu to take a photo. Silly me! The choices included breakfast items, sweet or savory crepes, sandwiches, and omelettes. I should have made a plan the night before because there were so many mouthwatering options! Some menu items are available only at certain locations (there’s another restaurant in West Knoxville – Farragut) so be sure you look at the right one when planning online.
I ended up choosing the mushroom and caramelized onion egg crepe with a mocha latte. Mona Lisa kept me company while I waited for my breakfast.
Cute Displays
This is the perfect place to find a unique gift!
Flavored mints in adorable tins
I couldn’t resist getting a couple of take-home items for my kids. They got the macarons and petit fours.
I admit to being a wee bit concerned about the portion size before the food arrived because, you know, French women are all kinds of skinny, and my body is pretty fluffy. I worried that they’d serve me a tiny crepe, leaving me still hungry. My stomach was appeased with the promise that they might have some pastries at the meeting if I needed something more.
I should not have been concerned. This was generously portioned and stuffed with melty goodness. Every rich bite tasted fresh and comforting, with the flavors being fully developed and so perfectly blended. I savored every heavenly forkful!
Despite the made-fresh meal, I had plenty of time to make it to my in-service on time! Does a delicious dish get you ready to hear about assessment and grading reform? I must confess, I’d happily go to a lot of trainings if I had this on the menu every time!
I’m kicking myself for not knowing that this location has fresh beignets. Remember how much I love those? It would have been wonderful to take some to share with my work friends. I’m definitely going to visit The French Market again in the future, so there’s always next time! They’re open daily, and even have a Sunday brunch. There are so many more items on the menu I want to try; I can’t wait to go back!
this looks like such a cute and charming place. I love the macarons
I would order the Egg Omelette with Fresh Spinach & Tomato with melted Swiss cheese.
For breakfast, I’d order a Parisian Ham and Cheese on Buckwheat with an egg on top.
I’d get the spicy vegetarian!
I love soup and the Burgundy Mushroom Soup sounds delicious!
Mushroom, Spinach and Bacon– sounds great
Cinnamon sugar today
Roast Beef & Swiss –with Tomato, Spinach and Red Onion and our own Horseradish sauce … on Traditional
I’d like to try the Brie Baguette with Turkey Breast because it sounds yummy and healthy.
I’d try the Turkey, Bacon and Avocado crepe because it sounds delicious! I’ll try this the next time I’m in Knoxville.
I would order the Roast Beef and Swiss with Burgundy Mushroom Soup!
I would order the roast beef and swiss sandwich, sounds yummy to me.
Caramel Crêpes
Cinnamon & Banana with Caramel smells good
I love Tennessee! Everywhere we’ve visited when we’re down there has not disappointed us. Especially Tennessee’s restaurants. This restaurant is no different! I wouldn’t have gone to Starbucks either, especially when there is a one on many a corner. The menu looks great! I know the meal is probably homemade yum! Thank you for sharing!
I love a crisp crepe full of ham and cheese!–but I should stay away from those little sugar pastilles in the tins!
This is the kind of place I could spend hours in and too much money in, lol. I love it. I need to get there.
This looks like a great place to visit. I would love to try their Bavarian Cream Sweet Crepes!
All of their food looks like it will be really good, especially their pastries.