The staff at Countryside Cafécelebrates 27 years. (Photo by Mark Gilliland)More Info
COUNTRYSIDE CAFEAddress: 8223 Mahan Gap RoadHours: Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.Phone: 423-344-8646
Summer in the South is about more than humidity. The season also brings ripe berries, squash, tomatoes, watermelon and more. And Countryside Café, now in its 27th year, knows just what to do with those fresh ingredients.
“Come try our new strawberry-blueberry salad with apple wine vinegar dressing!” said café owner Marlene Geren, referring to the restaurant’s refreshing seasonal dish, featuring local blueberries and a bright, tangy housemade dressing that pairs perfectly with the fruit’s sweetness.
Local blueberries can also be found in Countryside’s blueberry cobbler, served with ice cream. For a creamier fruit confection, try Countryside’s tried-and-true banana pudding, named the fifth-best banana pudding in Tennessee by onlyinyourstate.com. Now, Marlene urges fans of the café’s pudding — or any of its other scratch-made sweets — to show their support by voting for their favorite in the Times Free Press’ Best of the Best Awards in the “Best Dessert” category.
While fresh produce is a big part of summer in the South, so is porch-swinging — particularly when that involves the “biggest swing in East Tennessee.” The enormous handcrafted swing at Countryside was installed last spring and is popular with diners.
Countryside also added an outdoor play area that’s open every Thursday-Saturday, weather permitting. The area offers games such as corn hole, a ring toss and lawn bowling. It’s an especially happening spot during the café’s “kids night” every Thursday, when children 12 and younger eat for $1.99.
Indeed, between its fresh foods and outdoor attractions, a trip to Countryside may help you forget about the humidity altogether.