Country Kinfolk – Antiques, Gifts and Lunch!

We were out and about and I was trying to think of some place around Lenoir City Tennessee that we hadn’t eaten at… Laurie reminded me that we’d tried to stop by a combined marketplace and restaurant a couple of weeks earlier but they were closed.  I’d just heard a radio advertisement for this business so I decided to check it out again.

This time the Country Kinfolk Marketplace, café and event venue was open for business!  Maybe we’d stopped by on a Monday the last time…when they are normally closed.

The antiques/gift shop section of the building encompasses about two-thirds of the first floor of the building plus the lower level.  The café occupies the right hand section from near the door at the left of that big window.

Note: You won’t drive past Country Kinfolk on any of the main streets or highways through Lenoir City.  It’s on a side street about a block and a half north of US Hwy. 321, the highway that’s labeled the Gateway to the Smoky Mountains National Park.

The latest addition to Country Kinfolk operations…other than this ‘rest area’ for men accompanying their wives on a shopping trip…is the event facilities that are adjacent to the Marketplace and Café. 

This family business's, aka ‘Kinfolk Farm’ now has a large special event venue with 2 large barns (HVAC systems to handle any season), a large back deck, projector and screen, ample restrooms, sound system, tables and chairs and a bridal suite.  They even have a list of preferred vendors to help with your event.  In addition, catering is available from the Country Kinfolk Café.

Even the front porch of the Country Kinfolk Marketplace and Café is strewn with goodies…gift items, antiques, decorator pieces, etc.

Since we were here for lunch, we came in through the café entrance.  We were greeted by this showcase containing a number of dessert items. 

I’d grabbed a snack here one afternoon while I was waiting for Laurie and Carla, her cousin from Wisconsin, to finish shopping.  However, we’d never had a meal here and we’d heard a lot of positive stories lately about the quality and price of Country Kinfolk’s Café offerings. 

There is a small salad bar…which we skipped in this instance.  The café offers a variety of home-cooked dishes ranging from daily specials to croissant sandwiches with a side dish…plus of course, dessert!

On 2 days in October, the specials included a turkey dinner and an open faced roast beef sandwich.  The soups were white chicken chili and corn chowder.   On another day they were a ‘cheesy’ chicken plate, chicken and dumplings, ham sliders and bologna sandwich plus 3 soup options…chicken tortilla, corn chowder and ham and bean. 

The ambiance in the dining area is definitely that ‘down home’ country vibe.  Mismatched chairs and tables, booths made out of parts of doors, some country collectables, etc.  Service is friendly and efficient…

Laurie decided to have the chicken and dumplings with a side of macaroni and cheese.  Lunch specials like this are only $6.99!  She liked everything about this comfort food combination…

Do you recognize what this dish is?  Those of us that are at least of ‘a certain age’ should be able to identify this lunch special.  It’s a “Frito Pie”, with Fritos covered with chili, tomatoes, lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. ($6.99) I am very fussy about my chili…but this was very nice chili indeed…with just a touch of heat.  Nothing went to waste!

For dessert we decided to split an old fashioned banana pudding with whipped cream and vanilla wafers. Yummy!

The Country Kinfolk Cafés menu is relatively short and basic… There are sandwiches (“Build your own” from a selection of meat, cheese and bread) plus a side ($4.99); plus half sandwich combos with 1 side, soup or salad bar or soup and salad bar. ($3.99 - $8.99); bowl of soup ($3.99) or salad bar ($4.99) Note that the Frito Pie is a permanent menu item!

Country Kinfolk’s Café has very limited hours.  They are open for lunch only, Tuesday – Sunday, from 11 AM to 2 PM.  We will definitely return for lunch…and probably another Frito Pie! 

Country Kinfolk’s Marketplace is full of seasonal items, homemade primitives, custom pieces, antiques, furniture, home decor offerings and much more.  The lower level of the Marketplace consists of leased vendor booths…also offering a broad selection of items for the eager shopper…

The Marketplace/Store is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 AM until 5 PM.  Country Kinfolk Marketplace and Café is located at 270 Hickman Street in Lenoir City Tennessee.  Their event center is right next door.  Phone: 865-250-8733.  Website: http://www.kinfolkfarms.net/.  They are also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countrykinfolkmarketandcafe/.

Just click on any of the photos to enlarge them…

Thanks for stopping by for a visit!

Take Care, Big Daddy Dave