ChattaFoodies: Alleia Restaraunt

          Last week I was finally given the opportunity to dine at Alleia. I have seriously been waiting for years to try this place out, never having any friends who were brave enough to try new (and a tad bit pricier) fare.   I had heard it makes its visitors feel like they are dining in a restored castle. Being one who loves castles for their association with princesses, pretty dresses, and all things fancy, of course I wanted to go! As my friend and I drove to the restaurant's Southside location, the sun was setting around us, giving the city a warm, yellow glow, despite how cold it was that evening.

 

When we arrived, we were faced with a challenge....HOW DO YOU GET IN? We circled the building once (cold), then stood around in front of it, trying to not look dumb for the people inside watching us through its glass front (cold), another friend shows up (rethinking the tights, party dress, and cropped coat....cold), and they walk right up to this big sketchy wooden door and Wah-la, Alleia! The hostess (who happened to be a friend) walked us to room where she pulled back a red curtain and revealed our simply set table. As we waited for the last member of our party to arrive (who after giving us a good laugh as we watched his frustration in finding the entrance, I eventually rescued! ), I took in the place, its lantern lighting giving the room a glow much like I had just seen covering the city--peaceful and warm. Our table ordered Caesar salads, Pizza, and Pumpkin Ravioli, all of which had unique flavors.  The salad had this great kick to it, the pizza went very simple, and the Pumpkin Ravioli had a fresh taste alongside the melt-in-your-mouth, tender meat that accompanied it.  While waiting on the gelato and coffee that was to complete our experience, I followed my rule:

Always go find the restroom on your first visit to a restaurant.

          Why?  You have to go, it's usually decorated in a cool way that accompanies the theme, and you get to see more of the venue while you are at it,  so why wouldn't you??? On my little side trip, I got a view of how the other rooms are set up. One area has couches and fancy "tv tray" looking tables that balance the courses, giving the room the really earthy feel that I loved. The next room had a super long wooden banquet table, something I imagined a king and his court feasting on. This room also had high back booths that made their diners look modern and sophisticated compared to the banquet feasters.    When I returned, our dessert had arrived: Time for someMORA food ;) Yay for food puns and using them in every possible situation for the rest of the night! That aside, the Gelato Mora (blackberry) was fantastic! I loved the dessert portion of my meal so much that I have to wonder, is it socially acceptable to just go to this place for mora and coffee? I can imagine myself and Canadia at one of the sofa settings, thoroughly enjoying this treat:)

        

Oh, I'm not cold!

"A Tennessee Shirt is always appropriate" -excuses from the underdressed

 

 

"Would you like some MORA?" ....ha....ha ha....ha

In looking back, I am so glad we found the door that night! The experience at Alleia Restaurant was incredible and I cannot wait to go again, try more gelato, and experience all it has to offer. And you should too!   Check It Out

Later 'Noogs :)