A New Business Slips into Downtown in the Waning Moments of 2011
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| 11 Cafe, 122 A South Gay Street, Knoxville |
As I walked down the 100 block of Gay Street, I noticed bistro tables on the sidewalk in front of what was, until just over a month ago, a clothing store. Rumors had surfaced that a bagel/pastry shop might be in the making and, in fact, there it was. There wasn't much in the way of signage out front of 122A S. Gay Street, but inside hummed a little, fully operational bistro: 11 Cafe.
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| Barista Michael Brock prepares an Americano at 11 Cafe |
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| Menu Board at 11 Cafe, Knoxville |
It's time for the 100 block to come into its own. The city spent a fortune making it functional, structurally sound and beautiful. Several new businesses have opened with rumors of more on the way. If we want it to be the vibrant area it can be we need to support these entrepreneurs. Buy lunch at Harry's, buy athletic wear at Lululemon, purses at Julie Apple and buy a bagel from Mustapha and meet barista Michael Brock. You'll enjoy some good food and coffee and make new friends. What can be better than that?
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| 11 Cafe, owner Mustapha Moussa foreground, Knoxville |
Labels: 100 Block, 11 Cafe, Coffee, Downtown Knoxville, Downtown Knoxville Blogs, knoxville tennessee blogs, Mustapha Moussa
posted by Knoxville Urban Guy @ 12:01 AM
6 Comments
6 Comments:
I noticed 11 Cafe yesterday and stopped in. Nice atmosphere, and loved my mocha and my hummus and chips! I will definitely be back.
This is a place that I want to try. There really is no reason why the 100 block can't come into its own. IIRC, the 100 block has the highest population density in downtown (maybe the most densely populated single block in Knoxville). I am always saddened by the loss of an old place, but when they are replaced by something creative and promising, it makes me smile.
I've written about the loss of an interesting place, just west of downtown, that is now destined to become a Chick-Fil-A. That transition is somehow not as pleasing as 11 Cafe.
http://knoxvillelostandfound.blogspot.com/2011/12/requiem-for-old-west-knoxville.html
Hey guys,
Suzanne, I haven't had the hummus, yet, but you aren't the first person I've heard raving about it, so it must be good and I'll have to give it a try. John, I hope you are right about the block taking off. It seems when the corner building is occupied there will be even more reason for it to thrive. I'll have to read your blog post. I really enjoyed the last one.
So glad you discovered 11 Cafe! I've been in there already and I just love it. Mr. Moussa is great. And any time you want to keep up with the happenings on the 100 Block, please follow us on twitter @100BlockKnox or "Like" us on Facebook. Or follow our website www.100block.org. I try to keep the twitter up to date with all the specials and sales going on. And yes, we do appear to be having 2 more restaurants opening in the near future. A wine bar in the old Havanna Night's place and then Nama will be opening something in their space. They've already started clearing it out. 2012 is looking very promising for the 100 Block!
Urban Pug, the BF and I ventured in last night for a Pint of Marble City Beer and some Hummus to go. Best Hummus in Knoxville by far!! Thanks for the recommendation! They said that people have been all the way from Farragut because of this Blog post. Great job Urban Guy!!
Katie
I'm so glad you liked it. The hummus is excellent. Pretty cool if folks are driving all the way from Farragut to check it out! What was Urban Pug's favorite dish?
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