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• WEDNESDAY May 22, 2013 F

Recent Articles

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  Dollywood chef spills beans on park fare

  The buzz on Dollywood often focuses on thrills and live entertainment. Everyone has their favorite ride or must-see show. Newcomers and long-timers alike can't wait to hit every roller coaster or grab a show schedule as soon as they're through the turnstiles at the front gate. Children run for the Country Fair or the let's-all-get-wet water rides.
  But there's another key player in keeping park guests happy -- and keeping them coming back asking for more.
  Food.
  Lots and lots of it.
  And 90...

  Published April 22, 2013 or Published 4 weeks ago - By J.H. Osborne

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  Taste Of The Town Tours

  Tastes of the Town Tours is set to host their 5th food tour of Abingdon this Tuesday, April 16th ,offering 2 trolleys at 5:30pm and 6:00pm. Participants will visit 5 stops for small tastes highlighting each establishment’s unique flavor.
  Tickets are now available for purchase online for the food tour. “We have received such great feedback from the folks who’ve gone on our tours, as well as from the chefs, that we knew it was time to ramp up our offerings,” says tour ...

  Published April 9, 2013 or Published 1 month ago - By Staff Reports

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  Jonesborough's Progressive Dinner a team effort

  Volunteers with Jonesborough's Heritage Alliance believe they have the perfect recipe for putting folks in the holiday spirit -- gather a group of friends, new and old, and send them on a magical journey filled with eccentric homes decorated to the nines, taste-tempting dishes, toe-tapping live music and the Southern hospitality that has helped put Tennessee's oldest town on the map.
  This year, the historic preservation organization is spicing up its 35th annual Progressive Dinner with a few...

  Published November 15, 2012 or Published 6 months ago - By Staff Reports

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  Fourth of July bender redeemed at Hot Head Burritos

  Yes, even the Mystery Diner can sometimes overdo it. In my case, it was a four-day gastronomic bender that started with lunch on Saturday at our July 4th “Y’all Come!” family cookout, and ended with my dining partner’s Tuesday pre-Pepsi Fireworks feast of grilled burgers, salad and fresh corn on the cob.
  That night, in my fevered dreams I was a rogue balloon in the Macy’s Parade making for the Brooklyn Bridge with half of New York City straining on the mooring l...

  Published July 13, 2012 or Published 10 months ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Bella Vita evokes sweet childhood memories

  My concept of proper Italian cuisine was formed in my youth, under the careful tutelage of my very knowledgeable mother and father. Everyone in my family got dressed-up when “going out for supper.” For me, the works: shirt, coat, and tie. Dad wore a suit, and Mom added a hat and gloves to her ensemble. Dining out was an event, and especially so at our neighborhood Italian restaurant.
  My family all knew Maria who ran the place, her husband Papa, their four sons and one gorgeous da...

  Published July 6, 2012 or Published 10 months ago - By Mystery Diner

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  BBQ joint? Hot Dog haven? Erwin’s Hawg-N-Dawg is both

  Recently, one of my dinearound bunch was raving about the great barbecue restaurant in downtown Erwin.
  It seems that they also did a great job with hot dogs.
  Intrigued, I called the rest of the membership and we all headed to Erwin for supper.
  Thirty minutes later, we entered Hawg-N-Dawg restaurant at 202 Union St. in Erwin, and were greeted by the owner, Mr. Lou Snider. This being our first visit to the Hawg-N-Dawg, Mr. Snider joined us at table for a run through the menu, and a gentle ed...

  Published June 29, 2012 or Published 11 months ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Sit down with the family at Kingsport’s Ming Garden

  Nowadays, when my travels take me to Kingsport, I often stop in at Ming Garden Restaurant on North Eastman Road, a favorite lunch-time haunt from my early days in that fair city. Even today (can it be 20 years and more?) owners Emily and David Wong still treat their staff like family, and their guests like royalty. In an age where some businesses consider their employees as disposable as soda cans, and where personal service has become the exception rather than the rule, you can stop in for l...

  Published June 6, 2012 or Published 11 months ago - By Staff Reports

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  Sit down with the family at Kingsport’s Ming Garden

  Nowadays, when my travels take me to Kingsport, I often stop in at Ming Garden Restaurant on North Eastman Road, a favorite lunch-time haunt from my early days in that fair city. Even today (can it be 20 years and more?) owners Emily and David Wong still treat their staff like family, and their guests like royalty. In an age where some businesses consider their employees as disposable as soda cans, and where personal service has become the exception rather than the rule, you can stop in for l...

  Published May 25, 2012 or Published 12 months ago - By Mystery Diner

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  On Mother’s Day, treat Mom to a memorable dining experience

  I admit it, I am proud to celebrate Mother’s Day. Moms do not get enough credit for their tireless efforts in raising a family, and in some cases helping to support and pay for their upbringing as well.
  If you’ve not called your mother lately to thank her for the good job she did in raising you, then go do it now.
  I’ll wait right here until you get back.
  There, didn’t that make you feel better?
  So, with Mother’s Day on Sunday, it is time for you to be thinkin...

  Published May 11, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Staff Reports

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  Jimmy John’s sandwich shop delivers the goods

  A new sandwich shop has shown up in Johnson City that delivers the goods. Literally.
  Jimmy John’s is the newest addition to the Med-Tech Corridor at 2108 W. Market St., in the location formerly occupied by Blockbuster.
  An Illinois-based franchise, Jimmy John’s does sandwiches, and only sandwiches. Where they differ from most is that they charge the same $4.75 price for all of their 8-inch sub sandwiches, and $5.75 for any of their club sandwiches. This removes Part Two of the us...

  Published April 27, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Re-educate your palate at Rainbow Asian Cuisine

  North Johnson City is host to a restaurant that has been quietly educating local palates on the wonderful variety of flavors and textures that characterize Asian cookery.
  Rainbow Asian Cuisine is located next to Best Western Hotel on North Roan Street in Johnson City.
  Rainbow’s menu offers traditional Chinese and Thai favorites, along with some surprising curry entrees and a pleasing number of specialty dishes. Their kitchen uses fresh ingredients, top-quality choice meats and no MSG....

  Published April 20, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Experience the future of dining out at Tacoras

  If you haven’t noticed, there’s a revolution of sorts brewing in the restaurant business.
  Your typical brick-and-mortar restaurant is getting competition from some wild-eyed upstarts who have the crazy belief if your customers won’t come to you, you should go where your customers are.
  This is the phenomenon of food truck dining, where your restaurant on wheels arrives in your neighborhood serving everything from sushi to cheese-steak sandwiches.
  One of these new mobile en...

  Published March 23, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Looking for a ‘dazzler?’ Try Brumley’s of Greeneville

  One of the most important lessons I have learned as a novice Mystery Diner is that not all restaurants are created equal. Those of a discerning palate will recognize this and cultivate a goodly number, the better to have a comfortable home field advantage, whatever the occasion.
  It follows that the diner will have at least one high-class, high-priced “dazzler”-type restaurant in his repertoire to celebrate a special event with family and friends, impress a business client, or wow...

  Published March 9, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Bellagio’s: A nice surprise in north Johnson City

  Recently, a friend suggested that the next time I was in north Johnson City, I should try Bellagio’s Restaurant.
  Having heard good things about the Bellagio’s over in Asheville, N.C., I asked him what was so special about this place out on Johnson City’s Motor Mile?
  He smiled and said, “I could tell you, but why spoil the surprise?”
  Now, any time I hear the word “surprise” in regard to a restaurant, I get suspicious. The last thing I want to be is ...

  Published March 2, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Take a pilgrimage to Ridgewood Barbecue; it’s worth the drive

  For local folks, heading for Ridgewood Barbecue is more than just a trip to the local barbecue joint. It is a pilgrimage.
  The unassuming white building that stands by the side of old U.S. Highway 19E has wrought a daily miracle in the culinary arts for the past 64 years. It is home to the benchmark by which all other barbecue products, preparations and even the businesses themselves are measured. I was fortunate to have a meal at Ridgewood some 30 years ago, when Ms. Proffitt herself ran th...

  Published February 24, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Have your own ‘Mediterranean Adventure’ at Primo’s

  Everyone has a favorite Italian restaurant. Even Billy Joel did, and he wrote a song about his. Growing up, my family’s favorite place for Italian was in a converted 1890s-era bank building. No red-checked tablecloths or chianti-bottle candle holders could be found here. The place had more marble, columns, white linen napery and frescoes than the Roman Forum. The food they produced matched the décor: lovely to look at, each bite a properly prepared and authentic treat for the pal...

  Published February 17, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Moe’s Southwest Grill serves fresh burritos and more

  My partner and I stopped by Johnson City’s new Fresh Market the other day to pick up a few things. Walking out with our purchases, I noticed the new restaurant next door was doing good business converting late afternoon shoppers into diners, so we decided to join them.
  “Welcome to Moe’s,” the pert young woman behind the counter said as we entered the front door.
  “Thank you, ma’am, I ... “
  “WELCOME TO MOE’S,” boomed the five burly ...

  Published February 10, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Salt 'N' Pepper open for business!!

  Salt N’ Pepper Soul Food; 3002 East Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, TN 37601283-7685, www.facebook.com/SaltNPepperJCTN. Open Wednesday – Thursday 11 a.m – 8 p.m, Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Closed Monday & Tuesday. Cash & credit cards accepted.
  Everyone needs a grandma in his life. You know, one of those kind, sweet ladies who is only truly happy when your knees are under her kitchen table and your tummy’s being fill...

  Published February 2, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Visit with an old friend at Johnson City’s Wok & Hibachi

  At a glance: Wok & Hibachi, 101 E. Unaka Ave. 928-9696 or 928-2151. Open 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-10 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Cash and credit cards accepted. Take-out available.
  Ihad a chance to visit with an old friend just the other day. My “old friend” is Johnson City’s Wok & Hibachi restaurant since 1998; not just my favorite Asian restaurant, but my favorite restaurant, period. It had been a while since my last visit, so I dropped in for a bite.
  As the name implies, W...

  Published January 27, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Schmucks is not for schmucks

  At a glance: Schmucks Pub, 109 Buffalo St. 631-0405. Open 11 a.m.-close (about 2 a.m.) Sunday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-5 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. Cash and major credit cards accepted. Free WiFi.
  I confess I’ve had several favorite eating spots in downtown Johnson City — places where my friends and I would congregate for food, drink, comfort and good times.
  Over the years, these comfortable eateries have come and gone as tastes change and Dame Fortune has either smiled or frowned upon t...

  Published January 19, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  New Mystery Diner visits the Ole Barn

  Editor’s note: After seven years, our founding Mystery Diner columnist has decided to eat only for pleasure. This week, we introduce our latest Mystery Diner, who brings a new perspective to the region’s dining scene.
  At a glance: The Ole Barn Restaurant and Farm, 440 Okolona Road. 631-0402. Reservations: 631-0403. www.olebarnrestaurant.com. Cash, checks and major credit cards accepted.
  I don’t know if it’s the water, the air, or the folks themselves, our little corn...

  Published January 13, 2012 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Where to find a bagel in Kingsport...?

  At a glance: Bagel Exchange, 107 W. Center St., Kingsport; 398-5111; Monday-Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; credit cards accepted.
  No matter what my vacation destination is, my to-do list is usually the same: see this, ride that, shop there, and eat everywhere else in between. And then take a nap. That itinerary is applicable whether I’m at the beach, taking an overnight trip, or even in NYC.And when I do visit the Big Apple, one of my main food objectives is to enjoy a New York bagel. ...

  Published December 15, 2011 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Mystery Diner Fills Up on Bellagio's

  At a glance: Bellagios, 3732 Bristol Highway, 928-1911; Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; credit cards accepted.
  I’m forever calling my first meal at Bellagios “The Case of the Lopsided Entrée.”
  My dinner order had been in the kitchen less than five minutes. Though I’m a sucker for pasta, I could not turn down the opportunity to have gyros. It was the combination platter I ordered, to be exact, and...

  Published December 8, 2011 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Bonefish is pricey - but worth it.

  At a glance: Bonefish Grill, 1902 N. Roan St.; Monday-Thursday, 4-10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-11:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; credit cards accepted.
  By the time many of you read this column, I’ll have removed any trace of leftover turkey from my presence. The beneficiaries of my kindness — friends, family and the dog — can have all the reheated turkey sandwiches their hearts so desire.
  Speaking of Thanksgiving and reasons for being thankful, Johnson City finally...

  Published November 25, 2011 or Published 1 year ago - By Mystery Diner

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  Jimmy John's delivers. Quickly.

  At a glance: Jimmy John’s, 2108 W. Market St., Johnson City, Tenn., 423-232-4090; Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; credit cards accepted.
  Free smells.
  That’s all I could read on the front window sign as I drove by this West Market Street spot.
  Smells? Well, I assumed it was referring to food, but one never knows.
  Turns out, it was food — gourmet sandwiches to be exact. Jimmy John’s is among the newest bus...

  Published November 17, 2011 or Published 2 years ago - By Mystery Diner

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Street Talk - What's happening now

• stararif46 comment on Do You Want to Visit Beautiful Bagan, Myanmar? - 6 days ago

  Do You Want to Visit Beautiful Bagan, Myanmar? Bagan, located in the central region of Myanmar, is home to the largest number of Buddhist temples, stupas, ruins and pagodas in the world. There are many reasons that the city makes a lasting impression on visitors, including the buildings which look romantic after the process of aging, the spire-fringed skyline, exotic cotton trees and horse drawn carriages that lazily carry tourists through the city. The city of Bagan offers a large number of temples for tourists to visit. Some of the most popular ones that are recommended by most tourists, tour guides and tourist maps, although large in number, still don't cover even half of the large collection. Bagan is a city that can be visited any time of the year because of its pleasant weather and no particular rainy season. It is a city that most would not want to miss with beautiful sunsets; beautiful local art including bamboo works and lacquer work and day trips to places like Mount Popa where tourists can visit a monastery that is built on top of a mountain.
  
  Some of them include Ananda Temple, which was built by Kyan-zit-tha, the third king and is considered the holiest temple in the city, Shwesandaw Temple, also known as the sunset temple as tourists especially gather during the evening to watch a spectacular sunset, Shwe Zigon Temple, which is a prototype monument built in the style of Myanmar, Thatbyinnyu Temple, which is the tallest pagoda that was built in the twelfth century, Shwegugyi Temple, a temple that has survived over the ages and stayed the most intact on the site, Manuhar Pagoda, a temple with a story about a king who poured all his emotions into the construction of the temple and Gawdaw Palin Temple, which is constructed by fusing the styles of Myanmarese and Indian. Tourists who still have the energy after visiting the various temples, pagodas and stupas in Bagan can also visit Bagan Archeological Museum, which may be ugly in appearance because of the mixture of the new and old architectural styles, but houses a large number of portable finds from the temples.

• stararif46 comment on Do you want AEM Gauges? - 6 days ago

  Do you want AEM Gauges? Do you want AEM Gauges? The AEM cold air intake systems were specifically designed to give your vehicle the extra boost in power and performance you've been looking for. At Autoplicity.com we offer a wide range of AEM intakes and AEM air filters so you can find exactly what you need for your vehicle.
  
  These high quality air intake systems deliver a blast of cold, clean air into the engine to aid the combustion process, immediately increasing horsepower, torque, and throttle response. These performance modifiers are comparatively easy to install and will make a huge difference in your driving experience. A high performance machine requires high performance auto parts, and we have everything you need to customize or repair your vehicle, from AEM Gauges and intakes to suspensions and brakes. Take a look at our selection and order your aftermarket auto body parts today.

• madcat_1 comment on Stone Wall at 11E Sports Bar - 4 weeks ago

  Come hang out with stone wall at the 11E sports bar in Mosheim, TN 5-3-13 from 8 to midnight.
  
  http://tricities.craigslist.org/muc/3757423018.html

• stararif46 comment on DreamTime Convertible Companion Wonder Pillow - 4 weeks ago

  Life is a journey, and wherever your journey takes you, you deserve to be comfortable. Life is a journey, and wherever your journey takes you, you deserve to be comfortable. DreamTime's Convertible Companion Wonder Pillow is your ideal personal travel companion for both on-the-road and at-home comfort and relaxation. It features a patented, two-way design that ensures tranquil time-outs anytime, anywhere. Your Wonder Pillow converts from a neck-cradling crescent to a restful rectangle with ease – just unzip, rearrange the fill, re-zip, and your off to a relaxing and comfortable journey. Remove cover and machine wash in cold water on delicate cycle. Tumble dry on low and remove promptly. Do not allow hull-filled insert pillow to get wet.
  
  Filled with natural, hypo allergenic buckwheat hull, DreamTime's Wonder Pillow provides adjustable support to your head and neck, allowing the muscles to relax and release stress and tension. The Wonder Pillow soothes sore, achy neck muscles while sleeping, resting or reading. Buckwheat hull doesn't compress, so your neck never gets strained, and buckwheat hulls natural properties allow air to circulate, so your pillow will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Pillow's inner zipper provides easy access to the fill. If a less firm pillow is desired, fill can be removed and adjusted to achieve optimal comfort. You may seal and store excess buckwheat in a freezer for later use.
  Size: 13" X 10" X 3" (square configuration)'s Convertible Companion Wonder Pillow is your ideal personal travel companion for both on-the-road and at-home comfort and relaxation. It features a patented, two-way design that ensures tranquil time-outs anytime, anywhere. Your Wonder Pillow converts from a neck-cradling crescent to a restful rectangle with ease – just unzip, rearrange the fill, re-zip, and your off to a relaxing and comfortable journey. Remove cover and machine wash in cold water on delicate cycle. Tumble dry on low and remove promptly. Do not allow hull-filled insert pillow to get wet.
  
  Filled with natural, hypo allergenic buckwheat hull, DreamTime's Wonder Pillow provides adjustable support to your head and neck, allowing the muscles to relax and release stress and tension. The Wonder Pillow soothes sore, achy neck muscles while sleeping, resting or reading. Buckwheat hull doesn't compress, so your neck never gets strained, and buckwheat hulls natural properties allow air to circulate, so your pillow will stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Pillow's inner zipper provides easy access to the fill. If a less firm pillow is desired, fill can be removed and adjusted to achieve optimal comfort. You may seal and store excess buckwheat in a freezer for later use.
  Size: 13" X 10" X 3" (square configuration)

• larina comment on Affordable Kitchens For Sale Leeds - 4 weeks ago

  Affordable Kitchens For Sale Leeds. www.solidwoodkitchen.co.uk Full Affordable Kitchens For Sale Leeds £595. TEL - 01616-694785. Includes Appliances. Affordable Kitchens For Sale Leeds
  
  Affordable Kitchens For Sale Leeds

• madcat_1 comment on Stone Wall at 11E Sports Bar - 4 weeks ago

  Stone Wall Will be performing at the 11E Sports Bar in Mosheim,Tn May 3rd from 8 - 12. Come on down and we will dance the night away
  
  http://tricities.craigslist.org/muc/3757423018.html

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