Filed by Anne Braly
The Blue Plate has opened, and its brought another buzz to downtowns aquarium district. Owner Rob Gentry has done a great job of working four blank walls into a room full of excitement. Take, for instance, the huge fluorescent sign above the bar that screams: Eat Here Now. Or the great tables and booths that offer a commanding view of Rosss Landing and the Tennessee River from most every seat.
If you havent tried the turkey tetrazzini, its not your mommas. This stuff is good, as is most every other item on the menu. Gentry has done an incredible job of taking ordinary diner food and placing it on an entirely new level.
This brings me to another question, though. Blue Plate is located on Chestnut Street across the from the Tennessee Aquarium and next door to Hennens, another popular new eatery. For the next few weeks, parking and lines shouldnt be too long. But when the tourist season gets into full swing, will it be possible for Chattanoogans to enjoy Blue Plate and others in the area? I just hope it doesnt mean that Ill have to wait until tourist season ends after Labor Day to get another bite of that tetrazzini.
E-mail Anne Braly at abraly@timesfreepress.com
