The Firefly/ Marble City Kitchen — Restaurant in Knoxville

As a guest of the hotel for three nights, it was logical that I would visit this restaurant at some point, which I ended up doing on my last night staying here.

To begin with, this is a very nice-looking restaurant and the decor is tasteful and elegant, in my opinion. The atmosphere really lends itself to sit down and enjoy a drink and a meal, which is what I fully intended to do. Upon arriving, I was greeted and I directed myself to the bar, sat myself, and waited to be attended to. However, the staff would just walk by me, and I started noticing that other patrons would arrive and be almost instantly attended, while I continued waiting. This happened for almost 30 minutes. After this time, I started noticing something rather curious. All the people were white, whereas I happened to be the only person who wasn't. The breaking point for me came when the neighboring chair for me was occupied by another man, who also happened to be white, and has his order taken within less than 30 seconds. In those close to 30 minutes, not one staff member bothered to approach me.

At this point, I decided that I had had enough and left. I don't want to think what this episode was, but I will call it for what it was, racist. Sadly this is not my first rodeo being the victim of racism/discrimination, nor will it be my last, unfortunately, but if you think of this establishment as an option, think again. On my end, this has left a bittersweet taste to what has otherwise been a wonderful experience here in Knoxville for me, as a first-time visitor from WA state. Will I come back, I hope so, but definitely not to this...

I might be a complete fool for expecting more from an in hotel restaurant— but I came here for lunch hoping for a decent meal and left completely disappointed. At best, the food was cafeteria quality. It was so underwhelming that I genuinely wondered if a mistake had been made.

The grilled cheese tasted like something you'd get on a field trip or in a hospital. The "tomato bisque" was more like thin red broth — I'd happily take canned soup over what they served me, because at least that would have a bisque consistency. I’m struggling to put into words how bad I found the “black garlic” caesar salad, I just keep coming back to this cafeteria food analogy and that’s the only way I think I can describe it, I also found it odd that the dressing was on the side and had the consistency of mayonnaise. The burger was the only thing that wasn't outright off-putting, but it was average. The fries were fine — exactly what you'd expect from deep fried frozen fries.

I'm truly not trying to be hyperbolic — I was just completely disappointed. With several better options that are within steps of this place, I regret not choosing any of them.

Maybe the dinner service is a completely different story, but based on this experience, I would never recommend this restaurant to anyone. Im giving two stars because the food was food and didn't make me sick — but that's about...

I was staying at the Hilton 1 night. Ordered 3 ribeyes, 2 glasses of wine, a piece of pecan pie and a piece of cheesecake. It was delivered to the room with speedy, delightful service. Wine was in glasses, they brought all utensils, plates to use. The green beans and mashed potatoes were good, but not the main point...good though. The pecan pie and cheesecake. If there was a way to buy a whole one of each to take home, back to Pensacola, I would have bought 5 of each. I don't like cheesecake, I got it for my daughter, we fought over who was going to eat it. It was so creamy, not one taste of bitterness. The pecan pie...I don't know how...but it was better than any grandmother's I've ever had. The steaks. I have lived in 14 different states. 1 of them being Oklahoma. I went to OSU. Oklahoma knows a thing or 2 about steaks. Never had I had a Ribeye that tasted like that. They were immaculate. And paired with seasalt butter that just hit perfect.

I had tipped 20% with the bill when I ordered. After dinner, I went down to the bartender and handed her a $20 to give the chef. I hope he sees this, man, you have talent, and it is tasted in your food. I thank you for the experience.

breakfast the next morning was good.

This is only a review on the restaurant. Not my stay...