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ellieahnuh · 11 months

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Knoxville Culinary Escapade: A Solo Sales Odyssey

By Eliana Montalvo

*Day One: Arrival and Culinary Delights*

The cozy embrace of McGhee Tyson Airport welcomed me to Knoxville, a city pulsating with promise. The Hyatt Place Hotel, nestled in the heart of the action, provided a comfortable perch. Amidst holiday preparations at the nearby theaters and a charming shopping plaza, Tupelo Honey beckoned. The waiter's warm gesture initiated a gastronomic journey—a biscuit masterpiece, accompanied by homemade whipped butter and blueberry jam. A Mahi Mahi spectacle ensued, adorned with homemade creole butter, bacon-braised collard greens, and rosemary Parmesan crispy potatoes. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, dispelling my usual reservations about rolls and breaded delights.

*Evening Unveilings:* Knoxville's nocturnal charm unfolded as I ventured to the Regal cinema, a mere heartbeat from my hotel. The rooftop bar offered a small hummus plate, a prelude to an eerie yet captivating screening of "Five Nights at Freddy's." The city lights painted a mesmerizing tableau, turning my evening into a visual feast.

*Day Two: Breakfast Bliss and City Wonders*

The day commenced with a spicy vegetarian croissant at The French Market, a sensory delight featuring feta cheese, roasted red peppers, avocado, spinach, and spicy aioli. Lavender vanilla iced coffee elevated my morning, claiming its spot among the top coffee experiences. The iconic Sun Sphere and the tranquil Worlds Fair Park beckoned, the latter adorned with captivating murals under an inviting underpass bridge.

*Knoxville Zoo Excursion:* Knoxville Zoo became my afternoon haven, showcasing vibrant exhibits. The reptile room unveiled an entire ecosystem, with a free-roaming sloth stealing the spotlight. The red panda exhibit featured an almost "open enclosure," providing an intimate glimpse. Sibling lions, rescued as cubs, echoed the familiar body language of housecats, creating a fascinating connection.

*Evening Elegance:* Urban Outfitters yielded a charming romper, setting the stage for an evening at "Not Watson" in historic Market Square. My choice, the Grilled Salmon Fillet with honey mustard sauce, proved a triumph. Asparagus and crispy Brussels sprouts added a delightful side note, capping off another culinary high.

*Day Three: Conference Insights and Awards Night*

Conference preparations were fueled by a familiar Starbucks vanilla cream cold brew and Gouda sandwich. The museum offered a reflective dark room with beanbags, featuring ocean and moon visuals, creating a serene interlude. A visit to Stock and Barrel treated me to a buffalo burger— an all-natural house brisket blend served medium-well, adorned with buttermilk fondue, house buffalo sauce, and celery. The accompanying house-made crispy fries elevated the burger to a gastronomic masterpiece.

*Final Impressions:* The awards dinner, a crescendo of my journey, unfolded with a Cesar salad, surf and turf featuring a perfectly rare steak, a sumptuous crab cake, and potatoes with gravy. Dessert, a chocolate mousse dome with a raspberry purée drizzle, was a delightful finale. As Knoxville bid me adieu at dawn, the desire for shared experiences lingered, blending seamlessly with the memories of culinary splendors.