If you are looking for a restaurant and bar that specializes in its craft, Knox Mason is the place for dinner or Sunday brunch. Amid the historic 100 block of Gay Street in downtown Knoxville, Knox Mason's intimacy and open grill easily makes it a weekly point of destination for locals.
Chef Matt Gallaher is one of Tennessee's celebrated chefs. He gained early industry experience through his mother's small restaurants and catering services, and his grandfather, Dr. Thomas Gallaher, cooked delectable breakfasts and holiday feasts for the family. You could say that Chef Gallaher's connection to Southern cooking is a personal affinity rather than a professional choice. His cooking comes from the heart, like a virtuoso. But, he wasn't always convinced he was going to be around food as his profession. He earned a chemical engineering degree from the University of Tennessee. However, when celebrated Knoxville chef, Holly Hambright, saw Gallaher cooking at Lord Lindsay Catering, she took him in as an apprentice of sorts, effecting his culinary epiphany.
After being under Hambright's tutelage and at the foodie haven of Blackberry Farm, Gallaher commenced the life of a traveling chef, cooking in 14 countries for music acts the ilk of Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Neil Young, The Eagles and Kings of Leon. He landed back in Nashville, Tennessee, cooking for Governor Bill Haslam, gardening much of what he served in the executive residence. Gallaher matured in Southern foodways and brings his zest for creativity, along with childhood friend David Rudder, to Knox Mason, where his prowess and dedicated chef persona continues to win top chef awards and keep tables filled with loyal patrons.
Knox Mason's seasonally focused menu changes regularly and features the freshest locally grown goodness available. Southern staples such as Benton's Bacon, Riverplains Farm Eggs and Cruze Farm Buttermilk take their place alongside Arbequena Olive Oil from Texas, Bourbon Barrel Smoked Paprika from Kentucky and Olive and Sinclair Chocolate from Nashville.
You'll find the bar stocked with the best available domestic, craft and microbrews, varietal Tennessee wines and wines from around the globe and ever-changing seasonal cocktails, thoughtfully concocted as perfect pairings with Knox Mason's creative Southern fare.
Contemporary Southern in taste and feel, Knox Mason highlights ingredients well-known to our region, creating dishes that speak to the traditions of the South and bring fresh elements to the table.
For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Knox Mason directly.
