Final Update (July 27, 2024): THEY PUT BACON IN MY VEGETARIAN CREPE. I am still traumatized and queasy from my breakfast this morning. I ordered a scrambled egg, spinach, tomato crepe, which is vegetarian, as I am a Muslim and do not eat meat outside. Most of the meal was fine, until the last bite. I felt a crunch that it should not have and did not have until the last bite. It's also definitely not the crust of the crepe itself as I was eating the crust together with the center nearly all the time. I was trying to figure out what this crunchy thing could be. Then I remembered reading somewhere BACON is crunchy and savory. A nearby waitress noticed my face go pale and asked if everything is okay. I asked about this crunchy, savory thing I tasted in the last bite that felt very weird, out of place, and asked if it could be BACON. She saw some leftovers in my plate and said it does look like that. I could not believe it. In all my years in USA, I have never had such a horrible experience with MEAT being contaminated into some VEGETARIAN dish. This is literally deserving of a lawsuit.
The problem with crepes is you cannot open and see everything to ensure they didn't contaminate with some BACON before eating as that defeats the purpose of a crepe. I urge all vegetarians and Muslims to AVOID this restaurant like the plague. They have no standards of cross contamination if they cannot even keep pigs and dogs away from vegetarian dishes in the kitchen.
I also just saw the latest edited response from the owner to my review and see they are accusing me of lying. How disgusting and unethical. I don't care if it's the first and last time you served a group at 3:45 pm in 15 years. You just had to check your CCTV footage and confirm several of us were waiting outside while this group barged in and ordered at 3:45 pm that day. If you need even more help, it was a group of young children, probably some school or high school, with a few older teacher-aged people. Now go find the footage and I hope you recant your accusation of me lying. Absolutely despicable. Only thing I agree with the owner on is the Strawberries and cream was good. But who knows, it might contain meat too, if you aren't looking.
+++++ Old review +++++ I ordered the Bavarian cream since it looked simple and focused on the vanilla flavor. But it felt really disgusting in terms of texture. I was afraid it might have gelatin when I Googled the ingredients upon that feeling of disgust. I asked the staff for the ingredients and they brought a big bucket and showed me the ingredients. Thankfully, it didn't have gelatin. But I'm guessing the reason it tasted so bad was it was some wholesale cream sold at Costco or Restaurant Depot.
Update 1: Made it 3* because the service was good and they replied they buy from a bakery, which is better. For me, personally, though, the food just did not taste good so I cannot give it more than 3*. I'm happy others seem to like it though. Just the Bavarian creams I've had in other places were better suited for my taste buds.
Another issue I cannot increase the stars for is that the shop was supposed to be closed 3-4 Saturday and many of us waited outside in the sun whils a big group of people just walked in at 3:45ish and took a long time to order, which wasn't over even when I entered at 4pm as the first batch...
Read moreThe French Market in downtown Knoxville is a true culinary treasure that deserves all the praise it gets. From the moment you step through the door, you're embraced by a vibrant, lively atmosphere that exudes a delightful Cajun ambiance. It’s as if you’ve been transported to a cozy Parisian café right in the heart of Knoxville.
Let’s talk about the food—OMG, it is beyond amazing! Fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared, every dish at the French Market is a testament to their dedication to quality. We ordered the turkey, bacon, and cheese crêpes, and it was a revelation. The crêpes are incredibly light and fluffy, with a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The savory combination of turkey, crispy bacon, and melted cheese was mouthwateringly good, leaving us craving more with every bite.
One of the standout features of the French Market is their crêpes. Yes, they are known for their diverse range of fillings—whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or a bit of both, they have you covered. But what truly sets them apart is the crêpes themselves. You could eat them straight out of the pan, all on their own, and still be thoroughly satisfied. They’re that delicious!
Beyond the food, the ambiance of the French Market is something special. The décor, the music, and the friendly, attentive staff all contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. It’s the perfect spot for a casual breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or even a relaxed lunch with friends or family.
the French Market is not just a place to eat; it’s an experience. The combination of exceptional food, charming ambiance, and top-notch service makes it a must-visit destination in downtown Knoxville. If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor and go. You won’t be disappointed. Five stars...
Read moreNestled in the heart of the city, The French Market Creperie Downtown is a delightfully charming bistro that whisks you straight to the streets of Paris with its modern French fare and cozy ambiance. On my recent visit, I was immediately struck by the warm, inviting atmosphere that seemed to wrap around you like a soft French melody.
The culinary highlight of my visit was the Monte Cristo crepe from the savory menu. This dish, traditionally known for its balance of sweet and savory, was a surprising twist with its decadent, almost dessert-like richness. Each bite of the crepe was a delightful dance of flavors, perfectly encapsulating the innovative spirit of French cuisine.
Accompanying the crepe was a bowl of French onion soup, which was nothing short of perfection. It's rare to find a dish executed with such precision that it leaves you without a single critique, but this soup managed just that. The broth was rich and flavorful, the onions were cooked to just the right texture, and the melted cheese on top added a wonderful creamy finish that tied everything together beautifully.
The overall vibe of the establishment added to the dining experience. The bistro managed to strike a balance between casual comfort and a cool, sophisticated atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both relaxed lunches and intimate evening meals. The decor, service, and ambient music all contributed to an authentic French dining experience.
If you find yourself in the area, The French Market Creperie Downtown is definitely worth a visit. Whether you're a fan of French cuisine or just in search of a beautifully prepared meal in a lovely setting, this bistro is...
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