Urban Knoxville: Food hall report card is in. But did Kazakhstan really copy our downtown?
What do Knoxville and Kazakhstan have in common? If you said they both start with "K," you're a genius, but that's not the answer. I'll give you some time to think ...
I'm Ryan Wilusz, downtown reporter and urban explorer, bringing you a weekend dose of news and events from our Scruffy City.
I know what you're thinking: Marble City Market is old news. But that's exactly why we decided to talk about the food hall on this week's episode of "The Scruffy Stuff" podcast.
It seemed like time to examine whether the food hall has lived up to expectations after being in business six months. Editor Brenna McDermott and reporter Silas Sloan, both from Knox News' growth and development team, joined me on the show to share favorites and feedback.
Speaking of favorites: Yassin's Falafel House. You can't talk downtown dining without bringing up this beloved establishment. In this week's mailbag, I shared news about a new hotel planned for the Yassin's building, which actually is called the Walnut Building.
Also in the mailbag was the potentially heartbreaking news that Knoxville isn't the only city with a Sunsphere. The good news is ours is better, and we had it first. One similar structure is a towering incinerator in Austria. And then there's the Baiterek monument in Kazakhstan, which honestly is a spitting image.
While I plan to include my regularly scheduled "eat local" section in just a moment, you can bypass my suggestions by exploring my recently compiled guide to new Knoxville restaurants. I also put together a guide to apartments, hotels and condos recently built or planned for Knoxville. Our city truly is a great place to eat, shop, play and stay.
So, how about we ...
Live like a local
Cheers like a local: I'm talking beer and soccer rolled into one. One Knoxville SC is partnering with Alliance Brewing Company to host a Liverpool vs. Real Madrid watch party prior to transporting fans to and from the brewery for the One Knox game at Knoxville Catholic High School. Tickets are $20, not including drinks, and the club is asking all fans in the stadium to wear blue as the team takes on Dalton Red Wolves SC at 7:30 p.m. If you already have a ticket to the game, the bus pass is just $5.
Drink like a local: If you want to pregame the pregame, head around the corner from Alliance to Trailhead Beer Market on Island Home Avenue. While this is always a great place to visit, I bring it up because I just discovered the business's second location on Sutherland Avenue has closed. However, I recently talked to some folks bringing a very exciting concept to the space. Keep your eyes peeled at knoxnews.com for the details, and I'll be sure to share in next week's newsletter.
Eat like a local: Sort of. On Sunday, World's Fair Park is hosting Knoxville's Caribbean Jerk Festival, now in its second year. The fun lasts from noon to 8 pm. and, of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge in jerk chicken and experience the Jamakin' Me Crazy Chili Cook Off contests. Live music, limbo contests, games and additional entertainment also will be on deck. Tickets are $25.
Signing off and staying scruffy, I'm Ryan Wilusz. Cheers to the weekend!
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Urban Knoxville: Marble City Market food hall, other Sunsphere structures
