CityView Magazine

By: Hannah Slaughter
Photos: Jimmy Chiarella

The first thing you notice when you walk through the doors at Peerless is the great atmosphere. Surrounded by chic, modern décor is truly unlike any other restaurant in Knoxville. Open yet personable; chic but not pretentious; you would not feel out of place bringing the whole family. In fact, they even have private dining areas and banquet facilities that can accommodate a small group or up to 220 of your closest friends) for those times you need a cool spot with great food but also a little privacy.

Since the restaurant was started in Johnson City in 1938 by the late John Kalogeros, Peerless has had one mission: Serve quality food in a relaxed atmosphere. The store in Knoxville was opened in 2005, and now, behind the scenes, it is chef Jeff Duke that works to ensure each dish comes out just right. After spending many years as a butcher, Duke began working at the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas where he stayed for six years making the transition from front of house to back of house where he discovered his true passion. Attending one of the top culinary institutes in the country, Johnson Wales University, College of Culinary Arts, gave him the foundation for the twelve years he has now been a chef. His past experience as a butcher definitely made him the perfect candidate for a restaurant like Peerless. Known for their out-of-this-world steak and seafood, Duke’s knowledge from culinary school readied him for the unique approach the restaurant takes to food.
 
When you sit down at Peerless and order a filet, keep in mind that Chef Duke got up early in the morning to trim the meat and then cut the filet when he received your order. At Peerless each steak is aged Angus, butchered in house. I, myself, am usually overwhelmed by seasoning when I go to a restaurant and order a steak, but instead, Peerless takes a different approach. Using very little seasoning and no marinating in the preparation, guests may order from an assortment of butters or dry seasonings to put on their meat only if they wish. However, if you are a true carnivore, like myself, you will appreciate the rich flavor of a steak cooked to perfection that will melt in your mouth.

If seafood is more your style, you will definitely be interested to know that all of Peerless’s seafood is delivered fresh each morning. An assortment of fish or shellfish is served daily. However, if you’re feeling more like trying something unique, try one of the two to three seafood specials that Chef Duke creates each day.  

In fact, the last time I dined there, the soup of the day was lobster bisque. Smooth and creamy yet having such a rich flavor, I could have made an entire meal of it. If it is lighter fare you desire, it’s filling to just order one of the soups or salads.

Chef Duke also takes pride in making sure that many of the dishes stay true to the Greek heritage of the founder. From the dressing on the Grecian Salad (just a little tart and balanced with a creamy feta on top) to the Spinach-Cheese puffs (spinach and feta wrapped in phyllo dough and baked to a crisp... to die for!) or even many of the vegetables, the spices and flavors of Greek fare influence the menu. Chef Duke, being the master that he is, often prepares special side dishes like Grecian Green Beans that add a perfect compliment to any entree and also that unique flavor hard to find anywhere else.

If you desire adventurous dining is more what you’re looking for Peerless is known for that as well. You will be pleased to know that the restaurant hosts wine dinners on the last Monday of each month. Usually these include serving four to five wines each with their on accompanying courses making $45 a small price to pay for such a unique night out.

Whether it’s a birthday or a Monday, every night is special when you go to Peerless. The gracious smiles when you walk through the door, the relaxing atmosphere and the decadent cuisine from Chef Duke and his team leave nothing else to be desired.

Peerless
WWW.PEERLESSEATOUT.COM
320 NORTH PETERS ROAD, KNOXVILLE, TN 37922
(865) 691-4699