Friday, January 4, 2013

Fast, Fresh and ‘Flavorable’!

Well…I must admit that after the Holiday’s it’s time to talk about food that’s healthier, lighter, yet still packed with flavor.  Before Christmas Laurie and I were out shopping and running errands and, at lunchtime, we decided to try a new restaurant in Farragut Tennessee…

 
This is Zoe’s Kitchen in the Turkey Creek Shopping area of Knoxville Tennessee.  This new restaurant is part of a restaurant chain that has 76 locations in 12 states.  The 12 states include Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, and of course, Tennessee.
 
 
At Zoe’s, you order at the counter and then they prepare the food and then bring it to you at your table. 

As a bit of a preamble when you check out thier website, Zoe’s states that their offerings are “original recipes…with simple and fresh from the garden sensibilities.  All offerings are made from scratch on a daily basis.
 
It seems to be the trend these days…many upscale ‘fast food’ restaurants have that stark, almost industrial look…and Zoe’s is no exception.  FYI…Zoe mean ‘life’ in Greek.  This is ‘Mediterranean inspired comfort food’, with a healthy diet in mind…nothing fried!  Gluten free and vegetarian options are available…
 
 
Keeping it simple, I went with a sandwich from the Classic Sandwich listing.  This is the Turkey Sandwich and it was made from sliced whole turkey breast, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise on toasted 7-grain bread.  It was accompanied by a side of Pasta Salad…pasta, tomato, basil and feta cheese with no mayo. ($7.09 for the sandwich and side)
 
 
Laurie went for the Pimento Cheese Sandwich and the same side that I’d ordered, the Pasta Salad. ($7.09) She also had her sandwich grilled or toasted.  Score another winner for Zoe’s Kitchen!

The menu at Zoe’s Kitchen is fairly extensive.  In addition to the “Classic Sandwiches”, there are soups, salads, hummus, pita sandwiches, grilled sandwiches, chips, the fresh sides, complete entrees and a kid’s menu. 
 
We didn’t order this hunk of Yaya’s Hand-Made Chocolate Cake. ($2.19) Service was more than friendly and helpful.  You can pretty much tell them just what you want on your sandwich and they’ll make it as ordered. 

The Manager gave us this piece of cake to take with us free of charge.  He told us that it was because we were first time customers…but it may have been a bit related to our photo taking and the fact that I was writing a blog.  In any case, it was a very nice moist and ‘chocolaty’ piece of cake.
 
As the current popular saying goes, Zoe’s Kitchen Greek Dressing is the “bomb”!  I put a little in my pasta salad and a bit more on my turkey sandwich… It added just the right amount of ‘tang’ or flavor to my already fresh and tasty meal… This is just an excellent dressing!  I’m surprised that it’s not shown on the menu as an item for sales…especially considering the take home ‘Dinners for Four’, ($26.99 - $39.99), and the ‘Take Home Tubs’…by the half-pint, pint or quart. 

The website for Zoe’s also includes an on-line catering menu which ranges in part from Box Lunches to Party Trays and Fresh Grilled Feasts.  The options are quite extensive.
The Zoe’s Kitchen in the Turkey Creek Shopping Area is located at 11378 Parkside Drive in Knoxville.  Phone: 865-671-1940.  The Zoe’s Kitchen website is at www.zoeskitchen.com.  Note: The menus on the website are location specific and they do not list prices. 
Just click on any of the photos to enlarge them…
Thanks for stopping by for a relatively healthy lunch!
Take Care, Big Daddy Dave

1 comment:

  1. Well, your blog was a good ad for Zoe’s as I looked up their site and saw that they have a restaurant in East Cobb County close to the Trader Joe’s where we shop – it’s a long way from home but we go there a couple times a month. Next time we’ll eat a Zoe’s first – it’s always good to shop for food on a full stomach… Thanks for coming to my blog just now. I answered you there but in case you don’t come back here was my reply: “David - Anthony Bourdain has been a favorite of mine for a long time. I read Kitchen Confidential and No Reservations: Around the World on an empty stomach. I received his cookbook Les Halles’ Cookbook several years ago as well. I like his cooking and traveling philosophy. On my mother’s side in France they are also Bourdains’ so I feel that he is like family. Thanks for the comment.” I’ll let you know what I eat at Zoe’s – I am not a big sandwich eater but they do have other items.

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