DESCRIPTION: I simply love The Tomato Head. I live 45 minutes away and still travel there to eat. The place is incredible!!!
DATE: 2004-01-07
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 8

DESCRIPTION: The best vegetarian/vegan friendly restaurant in Knoxville. The tofu is some of the best I've ever had--marinated perfectly with a great consistency. The veggie burgers are first rate and fresh as can be. The bread is soft and delicious. Sometimes the pesto is a little overpowering and I've had issues finishing the kepner melt, but it's just too good to let go to waste. The vegan chocolate chip cookies are divine... as are every other one of their cookies. Far too big to finish alone or in one sitting. Sunday brunch is always a joy with creative breakfast burritos and other choices to choose from. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. The art work on the walls has saved many a dull or dying conversation. The service is always friendly and helpful. This is my favorite restaurant in all of Knoxville. I make a special effort to visit at least once when I come home for a weekend. Hip, relaxing, and delicious. A true knoxville gem.
DATE: 2004-05-20
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : vegan sandwich, cheddar head, kepner melt, pizzas

Worth the trip
DESCRIPTION: I live in West Knoxville, but venture down to Market Square often (and brave the lack of parking) just to visit Tomato Head. I've yet to try anything that I did not enjoy, and as a recent convert to vegetarianism, their menu is an absolute godsend. Even during special events such as Sundown in the City, or Movies on Market Square, when there was frequently a 45 minute wait for seating, service is still as quick as possible and the food, just as good as a slow Sunday afternoon. Although I have yet to try the pizzas, I can recommend many of the sandwiches and salads, but most of all the soups. Everything, down to the salad dressings is made from scratch and it shows. The hummus is excellent, quite possibly the best that I've found in Knoxville. Even though some of the menu items may sound a bit strange, try new things! I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
DATE: 2004-09-11
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Goat cheese, tomato and pesto sandwich, creamy artichoke soup, hummus and pita, Greek salad.

DESCRIPTION: Upon moving from Sarasota, everyone suggested that I "must" try "Equestria"...well.. I have. While I am reticent to judge the quality of any restaurant on three visits, I find the "experience" a bit lacking and frankly, a bit over-rated based on my experience. One good thing is the decor...it's very well done. The steak was advertised as "prime grade", but I found it lacking in tenderness, and it was "chewy". The "crab cakeS" actually were a singular, crab cake which was a bit dry. The salads lacked the crispness associated with such a nice presentation. The bread was served cold (I can't imagine that this was by design but perhaps so). The service seemed tentative, immature and more indicative of perhaps a "chain type theme restaurant" as opposed to a "fine dining" experience. The male "manager" on duty handled a complaint extremely poorly...in fact he seems far too confrontational for such an alleged fine dining, highly touted Memphis restaurant. The female bartender on duty seemed out of her element and perhaps more suited to a casual, say "Chili's" clientele. In summary, I hope to have a better experience in the future. The quality does not seem to support a rather nice ambiance. I'm still trying to locate a well above average restaurant in "Germantown"(area) that reflects its alleged, affluent, and informed taste. So far, I have only had well above average (in fact two great meals) at an east side resturant named "Jarretts".
DATE: 2002-08-05
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 2
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 4

The chef gets the CLEAVER
DESCRIPTION: This restaurant was sold to an investor group, and the chef (Valerie Morris) has hit the bricks! The new chef, Kevin Rains is not much an improvement. The restuarant is over priced, over blown, over-hyped and over rated. The fish is questionable and the steaks are a bit tough. Just pass.
DATE: 2003-10-27
FOODRATING : 4
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 2
RECOMMENDED DISHES : a few of the desserts