The Acropolis, Chicken Adriatic – A Mediterranean inspiration from Italy and western Greece blends old-world flavors with contemporary recipes to create dishes that are flavorful and fun, says Savas Kyriakidis of The Acropolis. For this dish, strips of boneless chicken breast are sautéed in lemon sauce and tossed with bowtie pasta, artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes and snow peas. Topped with diced olives and feta cheese, this dish is light due to the lemon sauce as opposed to a heavy marinara. Located at Hamilton Place, family recipes at the Acropolis, like this one, keep guests coming back time and time again.
Alleia Restaurant, Gulf Shrimp Pizza – On the Southside of Chattanooga, Alleia offers northern Italian cuisine with a variety of anipastis, zuppas, primis, and secondis (appetizers, soups, pastas, and entrées). Guests enjoy the daily chef recommendations which include fresh pizzas among other menu items. One of the specialty pizzas, featured here, is the Gulf Shrimp Pizza. Baked in a wood burning brick oven between 700 and 800 degrees, this pizza uses gulf shrimp, house-made pesto, and local Wildwood Farm sungold tomatoes perfectly halved. Every pizza has its own flavor, and this is one of Alleia’s favorites.
Epicurean, Mousaka – The Greek philosopher Epicurus said, “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.” The Epicurean Restaurant in East Ridge has been in the business of making people merry with delicious Greek dishes for 34 years. Always served with salad and house-made garlic bread, one of their signature dishes is Mousaka, an eggplant casserole layered with ground beef for a variety of textures and flavors. Served with a side of parmesan cheese and topped with thick, “heavenly cheese cream sauce,” this dish is then covered in marinara sauce, making it full of complimenting flavors and richness to satisfy the epicurean in all of us.
Formosa, Princess Steak Kew Plus – Owner Mitchel Lin of Formosa says, “Thirty years ago, no one wanted to try anything new. Today, with an increase in travel and experiencing new cultures, people want to try new things ….” Formosa’s Princess Steak Kew Plus is one dish to experience. Hearty pieces of juicy ribeye steak mingle with jumbo shrimp in a hot plum and red wine brown sauce. Garnished with broccoli and orange wedges, these flavors beautifully combine the sweet and the savory for a complete palatal experience. Eaten with chopsticks, this dish brings Chinese tradition to the table in a delicious way.
India Mahal, Indian Buffet – Offering some of the most popular dishes on the menu, the buffet at India Mahal is the surest way to catch the many flavors of Indian cuisine. Lamb Seekh Kebab and Chicken Curry are featured here, as well as Saag Paneer – a spicy spinach cooked with pieces of fresh house-made cheese. Guests can also enjoy Aloo Gobi- fresh cauliflower and potatoes cooked with ginger, garlic, onion, and spices for kick – and Dal Makni, black lentils cooked with herbs and spices and sautéed in butter. For dessert, guests can finish with Gulab Jamun, a popular Indian dessert that is much like warm doughnuts, made from deep fried cheese and milk balls, soaked in syrup.
Provino’s Italian Restaurant, Angel Hair Dalvina –Provino’s Italian Restaurant has been a Chattanooga favorite for over 30 years. Its Old World style, locally famous garlic butter rolls and salad keep guests returning for family celebrations, birthdays, and romantic dinners. One of the most popular dishes is the Angel Hair Dalvina. Angel hair pasta is tossed with fresh tomato, artichoke hearts, and spinach and then covered with a creamy alfredo sauce, made from parmesan cheese and butter. The house salad includes tomatoes, lettuce, mozzarella, beets, cucumber, and red cabbage topped with the secret-recipe house-made Italian dressing. The meal is made complete by the garlic butter rolls, a staple at Provino’s.
Sweet Basil, Bangkok Shrimp – As early as the thirteenth century, Thai cuisine is said to have established its flavor profile. Today, what we know as uniquely Thai still harkens back to the same delicious ancient flavors. At Sweet Basil, the essence of Thai food can be tasted in the Bangkok Shrimp. Served nestled in a fresh pineapple half, crispy golden shrimp are sautéed with pineapple, chili and cashews for a tropical flavor. This enticing entrée blends the delicacy of the cashews with the spicy boldness of the chili and sweetness of the pineapple to harmoniously compliment the shrimp. The unique presentation makes this dish as unforgettable as it is delectable.