Downtown Chattanooga's 212 Market Restaurant is a must-visit
For years, 212 Market has garnered awards across the state and even nationally. The restaurant has blossomed since its inception—way back in 1992, during the Tennessee Aquarium’s construction. In fact, it’s Chattanooga’s oldest organic restaurant. 212 Market has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 15 years running.
This year, 212 Market was listed Tennessee’s best farm-to-table restaurant by Travel+Leisure. Other recognitions include certification by the Tennessee Green Hospitality Association and by the green|light program, a corporate sustainability certification awarded by Chattanooga’s green|spaces initiative.
Even now, “green” and “organic” may sound over-trendy, perhaps indicating a fleeting fad. 212 Market, though, roots its food fashion firmly in robust Tennessee tradition. Local farmers, fisheries, bakeries and wineries supply the fare, which varies—like Grandma’s used to—from season to season. There’s even an herb garden.
Examine this fall’s specials. There’s North Carolina trout with roasted red potatoes, mushrooms and red peppers with arugula pesto. Or try the October vegetables—Logan Turnpike polenta (solidified cornmeal porridge), eggplant, acorn squash, blistered tomatoes, roasted fennel and kale with a balsamic reduction.
Everything on the fall lunch menu highlights fresh, savory local fare, with notes varying from traditional Deep South to Country French. There’s a roast beet and orange salad, a dish of fried green tomatoes accompanied by lemon fennel slaw, and a quiche with roasted broccoli, Southern Foothills shitake mushrooms (I had no idea we could grow shitake mushrooms in these parts) and Sweetwater cheddar cheese, accompanied by a salad of local greens. Sandwiches include delicious twists on old standbys, such as grilled pimiento cheese, pecan chicken club (yes, there’s bacon) and corned beef on pumpernickel.
For dinner, there’s my favorite—the Simpson Farms beef burger, served with pimento cheese and house fries. There’s another dish I hope to recreate for Thanksgiving: the roasted butternut and spinach risotto with cranberry relish that accompanies the Springer Mountain chicken. Or try one of the numerous vegetarian options, such as the ravioli made of local chestnuts, goat cheese and spinach, served with fall greens, local shitake mushrooms, parmesan cheese and tomato ragout.
If you’re worried you won’t have room for dessert after one of these generous entrees, start with an appetizer and work your way straight to the sweets selection. Plenty of the items on the appetizer list are rich enough to make a meal, such as the maple glazed Georgia quail breast, served with polenta fries and cranberry ketchup. The dessert selection itself is ample: tarts, ice creams, sorbets, bread pudding, cheesecakes and…oh yes…peanut butter pie.
And on Tuesdays, get half-priced wine with featured flavors to explore. While the kitchen focuses on local treats, 212 Market curates wines from around the world. Local craft beers are also represented—it was at 212 Market, back in the mid ‘90s, that I had my first Tennessee-brewed beer.
The atmosphere, too, is perfectly suited to a Tennessee autumn. With wrought-iron tables outside and bare wood fixtures inside, you won’t mind rolling up your sleeves and putting your elbows on the table. Lately, local art has joined the Moses family’s works on display, some of it available for sale. And there are still the nosegays on the tables inside and the herb garden outside, scenting the air.
On-line reviews call out favorite servers by name, highlighting the stability of the staff and the friendly atmosphere. Visit 212 Market and prepare yourself for a long, leisurely evening of food, drink, and down-home tranquility.
212 Market Restaurant
Open daily for Lunch and Dinner.
212 Market St ∙ Chattanooga
(423) 265-1212
www.212market.com