If you go
› Where: Olive Branch Mediterranean Foods, 3992 Ringgold Road.› Phone: 423-805-5295.› Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.› Price range: $7.99 for sandwiches, $8.99 for hot plate with side, salad, drink and bread.
Driving back from lunch on Ringgold Road the other day, I was struck by the fact that two of my favorite new restaurants are a few blocks apart from each other in East Ridge. When did East Ridge become a mecca for dining? I mean the Burger House has been closed for quite awhile.
Seriously, there have always been plenty of good places to get a meal in East Ridge, but not necessarily places I would drive across town for. Until now.
Thai Esan was the first to pop up several months ago. If you like Thai food and haven’t been there yet, make plans to do so as soon as possible. Last week, I decided to try the Olive Branch near the corner of John Ross and Ringgold roads.
Like Thai Esan, it’s in a strip mall, which makes them both not exactly first-date, fancy-eatin’ places, unless your date happens to be as cool about good food as you are. But both places are nice and the people are super friendly. And the food is really good.