Regional Restaurant Events and Features

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  Mystery Diner

  Mystery Diner tries Miyabi in search of good sushi

  One would expect to see certain signs in the windows of sushi restaurants things like half-off sushi nights and other special offers. But at Miyabi in Johnson City, theres one that is likely to grab considerable attention and maybe even cause some U-turns on State of Franklin Road. The enticing message: Beer buy one and get one free. More

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  Mystery Diner

  Little Italy tempts pizza lover to try something new

  Ive spent many a day at the Bristol Motor Speedway for the spring and August races. True, there were some sunburns, drenched shoes, and a nasty fall down the hill, but all in all it was, and still is, fun. What I really enjoyed was meeting my fellow fans, some of whom had crossed several state lines to join in the Bristol experience. More

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  Mystery Diner

  Mystery Diner Impressed with Braeden's

  Even though barbecue is on the sign, Braedens goes above and beyond in offering nonpork options, including hot dogs and deli sandwiches, like the smoked turkey, chicken salad, honey ham and a vegetarian delight. Call me simple, but the one that tempts me is the grilled cheese on Texas toast. More

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  Mystery Diner

  Rainbow Asian Cuisine is ready to swim.

  When it comes to entrepreneurship, the furthest Ive ever gotten is learning how to spell it. Nevertheless, that doesnt stop me from having an opinion. My latest food for thought: Just how well do restaurants located inside hotels do? More

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  Mystery Diner

  Poor Trav's at the Blue Circle packs a good sammie

  In my lifetime Ive had more deli sandwiches that Ive had haircuts. Usually, these lunchtime meals have been to-go orders, and the side items are typically one of three a bag of chips, or a pickle, or on winter days, a small bowl of soup. I have a new one to add to that list: a pickled egg. More

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  Mystery Diner

  Bonefire ribs make the cut. Literally.

  Is Bone Fire home to the best ribs in the nation? For me to fairly answer that question, I would need to do some more traveling, but I will give them a well-deserved A. Other barbecue platters include the brisket, smoked turkey and the pulled pork. The smoked chicken earned a B maybe a B-plus. More

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  Mystery Diner

  Zeros isnt fancy but has good sandwiches

  I have several friends scattered throughout Virginia, and its from them Ive learned about Zeros Subs (Located at 410 Hazelwood Street in Bristol, TN). Youll find the majority of them in that state, but, as it turns out, Bristol is also home to one here on the Tennessee side. More

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  Mystery Diner

  Bobs Dairyland more than just a burger-and-fries joint

  Two steps inside the doors of Bobs Dairyland (Just off 19E in Roan Mountain), the sounds of the grill can be heard as customers file in for lunch. Sizzling on that grill may be anything from a Philly cheese steak or a double bacon cheeseburger to a grilled cheese or a BLT. Others may be waiting for a bowl of pinto beans and corn bread, the popcorn chicken salad or the chicken livers. More

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  Mystery Diner

  Hibachi Express worth the Drive (Thru)

  The menu includes familiar hibachi grill selections chicken, shrimp, scallops, salmon, filet mignon along with mahi mahi, yakiniku and teriyaki chicken and steak. The scallops proved to be a nice selection and werent overcooked by any means. Im looking forward to sampling the mahi mahi... More

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  Italian Cuisine

  Stefanos covers all the bases with array of Italian choices

  Stefanos, located at 3101 West Market Street in Johnson City, has an extensive selection that includes most of the items I referred to earlier, as well as other sandwiches, salads and specialty pasta and grilled dishes. And perhaps half of the pasta entres do feature the marinara sauce. More

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  Good Eats

  One 12 Downtowns strong point may be the atmosphere

  I suppose there can never be too many sports bar in a college town, so I wasnt surprised when I heard about a new sports bar opening at 112 Tipton Street in Johnson City. Even though there are large screens playing various games, One 12 Downtown does a better job of balancing the pro sports atmosphere with an upper-scale climate where non-sports folks can find enjoyment sipping drinks and listening to live music. More

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  Latin Flavor

  Bodega 105 gives area fresh taste of Latin America

  Brim Leal recently opened Bodega 105. It is located on South Roan Street in Johnson City a corner building that many moons ago was home to Sunnys cafeteria and more recently was a floral shop. The main flavor of the menu is Latin-America . There are some rare-find items along with the traditional favorites, such as fajitas, burritos, quesadillas and chimichangas. More

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  New Video Feature!

  Mellow Mushroom sets a new bar standard

  "Mellow" maybe a misnomer. This new addition to the Johnson City dining scene is a happening place. There's always a crowd enjoying the taps and blossoming live music scene, but that's not all... Their great selection of pizza pies, sensational salad and delicious hoagies is sure to please any appetite. Even those in need of Vegan or Gluten Free choices on the menu. More

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  New Video Feature!

  State Line is Bristol's Gathering Place

  Stateline Bar & Grille is a fixture of downtown Bristol. Its long line of taps, good food and a friendly group of regulars make it "The Corner Where Great Food, Awesome Times and Good Friends Come Together." Head on down the Stateline and see, the best thing in Bristol maybe the wings. More

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  New Video Feature!

  Marker 2 Grill rules the water on Boone Lake

  One of Boone Lake's premier marina locations, the Marker 2 Grille offers everyone's favorite foods, but also some unique meals you won't find anywhere else on the lake. Marker 2 Grille also offers a wide selection of beers and malt beverages sure to wet any thirst. Try it and you'll get that tropical destination feel with out the travel. More

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  New Video Feature!

  A Burger Spot with No Comparison

  With a name as unique as the menu, you can expect a little bit of everything at Sloopy's. In an atmosphere of burger joints long past, you can expect personal attention from Mr. Sloopy's himself and his staff. They'll ensure you have a special dining experience. More

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  New Video Feature!

  Cafe Lola is a local treasure

  This treat of Johnson City is a pleasure time-and-time again. Don't be fooled, this little bistro has big flavor and a lavish atmosphere. It's an experience not to be missed. The menu changes to reflect the flavors of the season, and the dishes can be paired perfectly with a good selection of wines. You owe it to yourself to check Cafe Lola out. More

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  Mystery Diner

  At Tobiko, good portions, good Chirashi for sushi lovers

  I've commented on this before, but I still find it amusing to see new sushi restaurants opening in town. I use the word amusing in a nonsarcastic sense, in that I'm always happy to see new establishments arrive, and of course, I love sushi, so that's an extra plus... More

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  Mystery Diner

  Old Sweet Shop another welcome sign spring is here

  There are two words that I will use to describe my Sweet Shop experiences: satisfactory and simple, or vice versa. The menu listings fall within the $4-6 range, which is a bargain for lunch, but the portion sizes are comparable, meaning those with a more aggressive appetite may actually save room for dessert without intending to do so. It makes that "yes" to a single scoop of ice cream seem justified. More

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  Mystery Diner

  Mystery Diner 'discovers' Yong Asian House in Gray

  Kimchi was a late-in-life discovery of mine, but I've definitely made up for lost time. I use it frequently at home, and when I stumble upon restaurants (though there are few) that happen to serve kimchi, it is always one of the first items I sample. I found it at Yong's. More

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  Mystery Diner

  Bonnie Kate Cafe, Elizabethton

  Bonnie Kate Theatre is an icon of downtown Elizabethton. Known for its rocking chairs and having only two screens, the theater has been showing films for as long as I can remember. On the other hand, the cafe, located adjacent to the lobby, is rather new - and very good. More

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  Mystery Diner

  New barbecue joint lacks frills, but the food is good

  The Smokehouse Barbecue Company's home on the Milligan Highway may appear to some as not being in the best location, but I disagree. In fact, the restaurant is poised to be a popular neighborhood or takeout restaurant for residents of the Milligan community and those living along Powder Branch Road. More

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  Breakfast Treasure

  At Nancy's Kitchen, breakfast sampler will more than satisfy

  Breakfast at Nancy's Kitchen begins at 6 a.m., and, with the exception of the biscuits and gray, it remains an all-day option. If for breakfast you just want eggs or you just want toast, that's an option, but for around $8 you can get one of the breakfast samplers with enough food to fill two plates and a side bowl for the grits. More

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  Mystery Diner

  Try brunch one Sunday at an area restaurant

  I've enjoyed watching the restaurant scene, particularly in Johnson City, blossom over the past 15 years, and in doing so, "Sunday Brunch" transformed from an all-you-can eat breakfast bar to a respectable offering at a number of restaurants. More

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  Mystery Diner

  At a glance: Blackbird Bakery

  Seeing this business off to a busy start during the early morning hours when the majority of restaurant patrons are probably still in bed is encouraging, and for more than one reason. More