Errol J.
Yelp
I am a transplant from Miami and was in fear of not having a deli to go to in Knoxville. I feel Miami is second to New York being the deli capital, so my expectations were high. When I heard about the Pop up Potchke, my curiosity peaked, because Miami has amazing Pop Ups. Due to business back in Miami I didn't make it to Potchke as soon as I would have liked, but I followed all the media buzz it was creating. Eventually my wife and I made our first visit.
We had a little difficulty finding the place and went through the front of the building with the kindness of the receptionist ( which you could tell she had this happen often) and walked through the second doors to only be amazed at the fantastic colorful decor. We stood for a few minutes just soaking up the complete vibe of the restaurant. There was an incredible seating area which looked so miami except for the fireplace. Bright pink couch with a chartreuse armed sofa chair, with different color pillows and live foliage, it was so inviting. Then unlocking our embrace of our first new find, we see the beautiful turquoise counter where you order and a receive a metal holder with a number for your order. Here is where we found the most incredible babkas. This was the first place I ever saw individual babkas. They had a rich ribboned chocolate babka and my new favorite a Peaches and cream babka- rich flaky dough intertwined with vanilla pastry cream and peach jam. They also had shareable size of chocolate babka.
We ordered the Potato blintz- two crepes with potato caramalized onion, cheese and scrambled egg served with labna ( strained velvety sour cream) chili oil, avocado and a small mix green salad. Everything was over the top delicious. I had one and my wife ate the other. We then Had to have our favorite, Lox bagel, but they served it on a everything bialy ( a bagel without a hole) with dill & scallion schemer, good nova lox, onions, big capers, tomato qiquillo peppers and dill - this was exactly how we eat them. this was so fresh and comforting. Finally we had to have the Matzoh ball soup. They offered it up two ways, classic and fuss it up ( chili crisp, pickled plum sauce and lots of extra herbs). We have never had it fussed up, but now we only want to have Matzoh ball soup fussed up. The menu is a condensed menu with all the favorites of a deli menu. I spoke with the Chef who was busy creating on a notebook (in another eclectic raised seating area with couches and chairs surrounded by a thick wood crafted railing that made you think of a exotic Asian location) who said to look out for season specials. The manager was so proud of Potchke that you would think she owned it. I watched her talk with everyone and help enthusiastically when it got super busy. She definitely has the pulse of the business.
We sat at a table next to a big window that looked out to the spacious outside seating area. This venue has so many choices where to sit. They had a large, long wooden high top that would be great for a large group. They had individual high tops as well. I loved the 2 blue velvet chairs with a small round table for an intimate cup of coffee.
Finally the two things that stole the show was two beverages far apart in difference, but crafted out of the best of imagination. Pickle me up is a shot served in a sherry type glass and it is their homemade pickle juice with a shot of fresh beet juice. It was refreshing and awakened your taste buds, I recommend this before devouring you tasted meal. The second was a desert in a glass, A legit New your chocolate egg crème. It was creamy and just enough bubbles to make it light enough to want to gulp it.
This is our favorite brunch restaurant in Knoxville and will a be a constant hangout!