Puleo’s Grille – Comfort Food w/Variety

Another day running errands with Laurie in the Knoxville area of east Tennessee… We are night owls…invariably staying up until Midnight or even later.  Consequently, we usually don’t get an early start in the mornings.  Friends and family know that it’s best not to call us until after 9 AM.  In keeping with our late starts, we rarely start running errands much before Noon.

We’ll grab a little light breakfast at home, say around 10 AM or so… As a result, we aren’t hungry for lunch until mid-afternoon.  This in turn often leads to a decision to skip lunch and just go for an early dinner.  This was one of those days…

 

This is the Puleo’s Grille at I-40 and Cedar Bluff Road in Knoxville.  Puleo’s Grille is a small local chain of Knoxville based restaurants.  The first location was opened in 2002 and now there are 6 Puleo’s Grilles located in Knoxville (4), Alcoa TN (1) and Murfreesboro TN (1). 

 

 

The dining area of this particular Puleo’s Grille is pleasant with plenty of room between tables and with soft but more than adequate lighting.

Puleo’s ‘catch phrase’ is “Southern Roots – Italian Heritage”.  They claim that “There’s something for Everyone”…and indeed the menu includes steaks, Italian food, seafood, southern cuisine and sandwiches.  

 

We didn’t partake of the bar’s offerings…but it did have a warm club like feeling.  This is a photo of our very efficient server, William...who was more than willing to pose for Laurie’s photo.

 

 

Rave Notice!!  Laurie and I loved Puleo’s Crispy Asparagus…golden deep fried asparagus served with honey mustard and spicy avocado ranch dipping sauces. ($8.00) This proves that everything tastes better if it’s fried! (Although we both like asparagus anyway)

Other available appetizers include: Fried Green Tomatoes ($8.00); Spinach and Artichoke Con Queso ($8.00); Calmari ($10.00); Maryland Crabcakes ($8.00); Crab and Shrimp Dip ($10.00), and; Chicken Chili Nachos ($8.00).

 

One of Laurie’s favorite Italian entrees anywhere is Lobster Ravioli… Her favorite version so far can be found at Willie’s Italian Restaurants in Seymour and Sevierville Tennessee.  When she saw that Puleo’s Grille had Seafood Ravioli on the menu…and that the ravioli were stuffed with lobster, scallops and baby shrimp…served in a tomato basil cream sauce, ($14.00), she didn’t hesitate!  Although she didn’t like it as well as the pure lobster version offered at Willie’s, she really did enjoy her entrée!  She said that she’d order it again…and what more can one say!

Other Italian Specialties on the menu include Scallop Piccata, Eggplant Parmesan, Puleo’s Spaghetti and Meatballs, Chicken Penne Pasta, Palermo Chicken, Chicken Parmesan, Nona’s Lasagna and Chicken Piccata.  Prices for these entrees range from $10.00 to $20.00.  Three individual flatbread style pizzas are also available for between $8.00 and $10.00.

Note: Entrées do not come with salad.  A house salad, Caesar salad or soup can be added to your meal for $3.50.

 

Staying with the Italian theme, I ordered the Palermo Chicken…a citrus grilled chicken breast smothered with an Italian cheese blend, sun dried tomatoes and fresh garlic in a lemon wine reduction served with my choice of two sides. ($15.00) I went with the steamed broccoli and carrots and a baked potato with butter, cheese and bacon.  The veggies were done right…not overcooked.  I was very satisfied with my dinner…plenty of food and a nice mix of flavors.

Steaks and prime rib range from $15.00 to $22.00.  Sides are included.  “Southern Comforts” on the menu include such items as Shrimp and Grits ($15.00), Chicken Pot Pie ($9.00), Roasted Turkey and Dressing ($11.00), and a Maple Glazed Pork Chop ($14.00)  Seafood offerings include Schrod, Ahi Tuna, Salmon, Scallops and a Puleo’s Seafood Sampler.  Prices for seafood items range from $12.00 to $20.00.

Service was pleasant and efficient.  Lunch is served Monday thru Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM.  Burgers, Lunch Combos, Entrée Salads and special Lunch Entrees are offered.  We will return to Puleo’s Grille to sample other parts of the menu...and for more of that fried asparagus!   This Puleo’s Grille located at 260 North Peter’s Road in Knoxville.  Phone: 865-691-1960.  Website: www.puleosgrille.com.  

Just click on any photo to enlarge it…

Thanks for stopping by and sharing a late afternoon dinner with us!

Take Care, Big Daddy Dave