One of my former favorite eateries in Knoxville has gone on to bigger and better things. Tucked back in the strip mall that is Western Plaza in Bearden was a little Chinese place called China Noodle. The decor lacked much to be desired but they had a good and affordable lunch and could throw down several dishes that did not taste of the dreaded Breaded Chicken Warehouse syndrome.
While in Knoxville this past weekend, Keifel and I were dined by the Divine Ms M at the new and improved China Noodle, now the SoHo Cafe, complete with outdoor tables and a new and beautifully designed interior.
The white walls and shelving full of dessicating noodles in jars has been replaced with a warm wash of russet and an open ceiling with exposed ductwork painted out matt black. There are comfy new booths, a small bar (wine and beer only) and a menu with old favorites and new wonders.
I ordered the Bangkok Panang Chicken. Panang is one of my very favorite things to eat. It is soul-satisfying comfort food to me and this was brilliantly executed. Wonderful smells of basil and cilantro wafted from the beautiful pottery plate on which it was presented. It tasted exactly right with just enough heat to make my mouth tingle. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the peppers still had a snap to them.
Ms M is vegan and ordered the basil eggplant, which looked and smelled very yummy with a luscious, dark soy-based sauce. Keifel ordered kun po (or Kung Pao depending on the spelling of the menu) chicken. He said it was actually spicy, which for him is saying something.
It is still reasonably priced especially for lunch which is served until 4. Best of all, instead of those sometimes dried out or rubbery fortune cookies we got butter mints. I am a sucker for butter mints.
Big thank yous to the Divine Ms M for a divine lunch. It was a joy to see a favorite changed for the better.
