City Market, Elizabethton, TN

One of those HGTV makeover shows should do a story about City Market in Elizabethton. When I was a kid growing up in this town, the City market was a tiny little convenience market that had once been a regular grocery market back during the 1st half of the 20th century. They still carried some local produce but the needs of the community had made the store obsolete due to its size and location. Back in the mid 1990's a friend of mine who I had grown up with bought it and changed it completely. Jennifer had gone to school at the culinary academy in Charleston, SC and came back to Elizabethton after graduation to cook. Rather than work for someone else, she decided to open her own place and the City market was reborn. Now they are packed for both breakfast and lunch all week long. They still have some local produce but that is mainly for tradition. What they are known for is some of the best local food in the area. Breakfast is a standard Southern fare of eggs, biscuits, omelets, and the like. anything you order will be made right and done fresh without breaking your wallet. Lunch will blow you away, however. The chicken salad there is something that most people find themselves craving about 2 hours before they start serving lunch. It can come as a sandwich, in a bowl, on a salad, or on top of some great local seasonal fruit. Don't think that this is a dainty meal because the fruit plate will leave you as full as the buffet at a family reunion dinner. The burgers are massive and I still grin when I think of the 1st reaction that a friend of mine had when he saw the double cheeseburger that was brought to the table. He was .......impressed. They also have different types of sandwiches, salads, and other items and all are made fresh. They also do a lot of catering for local groups and businesses. Their is usually a line stretching out the door at lunch time with people waiting to be seated or just picking up a large takeout for their office. Those with any experience call ahead so it will be waiting for them. Its not fancy or expensive but it is one of the best places to feel at home while having a very good meal, either on the go or with friends.