I spent much of this morning and early afternoon in Market Square with my Fiancee. Wow! We had such a good time. It started around 10 with breakfast at Trio, then a hand-squeezed lemonade. Golden Girl bought a really nice silver iris pendant made from a spoon handle, and we got some homemade dog biscuits for our pooch. One of my favorite parts of the day was an extended conversation with a couple from Kentucky selling mosaic artwork. They were very nice people, and interesting to talk to. But, hey, that's pretty much the story of our entire festival experience. Good food, good times, good people. I love Knoxville!

A new store is opening Friday in (near) Market Square. They have greek pastries, italian desserts, good chocolates and various coffee drinks. It's in the space on Union, between Market Square and Gay, where the cigar place used to be.

A nice young man is the owner/operator. He and his girlfriend were stocking shelves and arranging displays tonight. They were even nice enough to sell a tired lawyer two cannolis to take home, even if they weren't officially open. I recognized the nice young man from his previous store. You may not recognize him, but if you've ever had the pleasure of a wonderful pizza or sandwich at Harby's out on Walker Blvd., you've probably met his dad...Mr. Harb. The chocolate and coffee shop operated for a time next door to Harby's. Now, they've moved downtown. Give 'em a try.

Faisal is a charming guy with a real knack for creating delicious dishes. He told me the other day, he is doing "surprisingly well".

The KNS Bottom Line Blog had this to say:

"The cafe, which is open from 10:30 a.m.-3 a.m. Tuesday-Saturday, sells but isn't limited to a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Patrons can find what Petro touts as "global comfort food," including French pressed coffee, tea, wraps, sandwiches, salads and grains."

Read more at Link...

This could be a doozy! Yank those vintage clothes out of your closet, get your women friends together and come toast those brave Tennessee heroines who got us the vote.

Read more ...

I guess the local media is too busy working on the county government stories to cover this story... I just would like to see someone other that the same 3 or 4 folks that own all of downtown buy one or some of these. Wish I had the money. See you at the auction.
_____________

MIXED RETAIL/RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS: 16-22 Market Square, Knoxville, TN
AUCTION DATE: Wednesday, October 24, 2007

3 buildings containing a total of 22,584 ± sq. ft. including leased retail space, restaurant, night club,
and eleven residential lofts. Operating businesses are not included in the sale. Subject to lease agreements. DIP’s are being prepared and will be available for download soon.

_____________

RETAIL BUILDING/RESTAURANT: 28 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
AUCTION DATE: Wednesday, October 24, 2007

2,365 ± sq. ft. building that is presently leased to the Preservation Pub Restaurant. The operating
business is not included in the sale. The second floor is vacant and unfinished. Subject to lease agreements. DIP’s are being prepared and will be available for download soon.

____________

RETAIL BUILDING: 36 Market Square, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
AUCTION DATE: Wednesday, October 24, 2007

12,544 ± sq. ft. four-story masonry building that is vacant. Sits on corner lot with an
unfinished basement. Zoned C-2/Central Business. Subject to lease agreements.
DIP’s are being prepared and will be available for download soon.

PHOTOS ATTACHED