Chocolate Case at Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
Sharif Harb is an unassuming guy who can flash a great smile. He’s a quiet presence downtown and always ready with a friendly word. He also has a great thing going at Coffee and Chocolate on Union Avenue, just off Market Square. For some, it might come as a surprise that he’s decided to grow the business by opening a second location just three blocks from the first. But then, a visit to the second location reveals a very different feel and set of offerings.
Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location Opens, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
Front Porch, Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
Long-term downtown residents will remember Le Parigo, a high-end French restaurant with excellent food. Despite the excellent food, and likely related to the high price-points for the downtown Knoxville market, it closed earlier this year after a brief incarnation as icafe. Its departure leaves a gap in downtown dining at the higher end.
Chelsea runs the show at Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
Chelsea at Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
Sharif has taken the old location and transformed it into a new look for a Coffee and Chocolate location. A large porch beckons as you approach the restaurant, which is on Clinch Avenue within sight of Krutch Park – it’s just around the corner. Wicker chairs and iron tables with a great awning and a slight elevation from the sidewalk make for a perfect place to sip some coffee and pass some time. Of course, if you have to stay connected, wi-fi is available. I was surprised at the foot-traffic on a street I consider just off most people’s beaten path.
Interior of Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
Soft Seating at Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
Inside is warm and inviting, with seating for several times the capacity of the other store. Soft seating is provided along with tables and chairs. Therein lies another story: Sharif ordered tables and chairs for the restaurant from an online vendor who decided take the money and not send any furniture. Determined to open on schedule, Sharif had to scramble to find the furniture currently in the restaurant. All but the soft-seating will likely be changed in the near future. I actually like what he came up with as a substitute.
Menu at Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
Beverage Menu at Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
A smaller version of the chocolate counter from the other store sits to the back of the room and the beautiful chocolates sparkle like marbles. Nearly a dozen different types of chocolate are offered and Sharif prepares it all himself. I’d thought his chocolate was provided through the Chocolate Factory, but this is no longer true. Sharif attended the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Academy in Chicago and is justifiably proud of his confections. My early favorite is a coffee-flavored variety, though Urban Woman preferred her nutella and chocolate.
Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location Opens4, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
Coffee Machines and Flavored Syrups, Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
In a dramatic departure from the Union Avenue location, the new restaurant includes a beautiful bar running alongside one end of the space and several craft beers on tap and available by the bottle. Wines should be available next week after a final inspection by the ABC and a selection of teas are also offered. And there is food! The menu includes paninis, salads and a cheese plate. My near future includes the dip plate which features olive oil, french bread, a whipped feta, baba ganoush and hummus.
Chelsea, Sharif and Jared share a light moment at Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
Chelsea, Sharif and Jared (the second customer ever – I missed the first) endured my photographs for a bit on Friday afternoon and then Urban Woman and I returned later that evening for coffee and decided we definitely love the porch. It has just enough foot-traffic to keep the people-watching interesting, but it’s a much more laid-back place than the sidewalk in front of the other location. While the suburban tourists will likely continue to flock to the other location, I can easily see the second location becoming more of a neighborhood spot. I know it will be that for us.
Coffee and Chocolate’s Second Location, 416 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, June 2013
Saturday we couldn’t help ourselves. Faced with a choice of returning home after the Farmers’ Market to plunge into house cleaning or taking a detour to that same front porch and a little coffee, we couldn’t resist. Our flowers purchased at the market gave our table just a little extra splash of color to set the scene perfectly. I’m not sure this place is going to be good for my productivity. Join me there sometime soon – but remember to bring your own flowers.
I love the second location of Coffee & Chocolate! I think the patio is relaxing and you don’t have all the hustle and bustle of Market Square which is nice when you need a break. The atmosphere is awesome and the food & service is amazing! If you want a “neighborhood” cafe with a great beer selection, and great food this place is definitely something you should check out!
Cedric actually gave me free reign of many of Le Parigo’s assets before departing for France. He was ever a great friend and patron to my lady friend, Jessica Rabbit at PKL. They were easily the greatest restaurant to be downtown and I too am sad that the market couldn’t sustain it. Had they been in Market Square or Gay Street, their chances would have been improved.
That said, I do love Coffee & Chocolate! I’m excited about the prospect of drinking wine and having cheese and then one of his amazing confections to boot. Jessica and I will be there soon Sharif!
I sincerely miss iCafe and LeParigo before it. From what I was told through the Knoxville French grapevine, the decision to close was based less on business and more on Cedric, the owner, being called back to France for family issues. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but that was the going story. It was a great place to haunt when everyone else was closed at 2 a.m.