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January 15th, 2020 

A Brief History of Biscuits and Gravy 

Here in the South, biscuits and gravy is a popular choice by anyone in the mood for a hearty home-cooked breakfast. Just imagine flaky, buttery goodness topped with rich, sausage stuffed whole-milk gravy. This is exactly how we present them to you here, at Elvira’s Cafe! 

First Appalachian biscuits were much tougher than their modern counterparts. Called “beaten biscuits”, the original biscuits were very tough. They got their sturdy texture from vigorous beating and folding - often a task for the enslaved workers and home servants who would spend hours at a time beating on the dough.

Once involuntary servitude was abolished via The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution of 1865 and with the boom of the industrial revolution, a mechanical machine was invented that “not only saved beaten biscuits from extinction but actually made them smoother, prettier and more popular than before”, according to the culinary historian, Egerton. In the following years, with the invention of baking soda and increased availability of flour, biscuits became a refined work of art of many Southern cooks.

So how did sausage gravy become biscuits’ sidekick? After the American Revolutionary war, many people relied on the cheap and readily available ingredients to make their daily meals and the simplest of dishes were emphasized the most. Since pigs have been in America longer than the Puritans plus milk, flour, salt and pepper could be found anywhere, biscuits and gravy together became a simple go-to dish for many Americans.

December 13th, 2019

Elvira’s Cafe Turns 7!

Welcome to the hidden gem in the heart of Wears Valley, TN. This is the place East Tennessee tourism names “an absolute must try”. And what's a better time than now to try a restaurant that was founded on farm-fresh food, faith and family!

Meet the face behind the name, Elvira Grant…

“I came to the United States from Siberia, Russia in 2002,” - says Elvira Grant, the owner of the cafe. “I was in the barbeque business at first, but later I branched out to build my own eatery in 2012.”

Today, Elvira’s Cafe celebrates its seventh anniversary.

“I felt I could add value to this community by building a place that’s home away from home for the Tennessee tourism. Homestyle food prepared by real people who care for each other is our motto. I wanted to extend a small-town feel to the travelers coming from all over the United States because we cook our food for you the way you cook it at home.”

Food made with love straight from the heart. That’s what Elvira’s Cafe is all about. Just take a look at the menu.

Signature Crepes is Elvira’s all-time staple. They are made with buckwheat flour that comes from The Old Mill House in Pigeon Forge, TN. Biscuits and Gravy will come out with applewood smoked bacon from Benton’s Farms with sausage gravy right on top!

 “We use only whole milk for our gravy, sorry, folks, no skim milk here, “- jokes Elvira.

Elvira is whipping up the real deal when it comes to good food. The best of the best. But the most amazing thing according to Elvira is being a part of the community and helping local people develop their skills. The in-house chef David, for example, has 50 years of experience under his belt. He loves cooking and pours all of his talent into creating amazing meals.

Elvira’s Cafe is a true testament of what it means to support the local community and bring people together through great food. We welcome everyone who wants to share a home-made meal during their stay in the Great Smoky Mountains this holiday season and beyond.

For hours of operation, dinner specials and event information, please like our Facebook Page or follow us on Instagram. We look forward to serving you!

November 04, 2019

Elvira's Blog: The Ultimate Guide To Planning A Thanksgiving Feast

If the holiday season snuck up on you a bit, don’t worry. You don’t have to be running around like a turkey with its head cut off to make last-minute Thanksgiving dinner plans. Instead, you can prepare for the celebration on time and absolutely stress-free!

Here’s what you need to know about putting together a feast that everyone will enjoy:

Step 1: Order Your Turkey Ahead of Time

Since turkey is a centerpiece of any Thanksgiving celebration, we recommend ordering it at least a week in advance by going online or calling your local grocery store. Leaving plenty of time for the purchase will help you avoid last-minute shopping stress. It will also give you time to decide on the preparation style of the bird. Today, turkeys come in many different variations, ranging from heritage and kosher to organic pasture-raised and vegan - yes, vegan turkeys also exist!

Step 2: Plan Your Menu

Does your family have a signature dish that makes its way to Thanksgiving table every year? Bring it on! Like to experiment with new recipes? That’s also an option! For most groups, we recommend serving 2-3 appetizers, 3-2 sides and 1-2 main dishes, including turkey.

Be mindful of your kitchen space though. You don’t want your turkey to take up the entire oven and not leave any room for sides or baked appetizers. Plan your dishes the night before and leave them at room temperature or choose dishes you can microwave or cook on the stove.

Not sure what to serve? Here’s our hand-picked list to get your creative juices flowing:

Appetizers

Green Olive, Walnut and Pomegranate Dip

Sweet Potato Crostini

Cranberry Brie Pecan Pinwheels

Best-Ever Stuffed Mushrooms

Savory Party Brea

Sides

Green Bean Casserole

Candied Yams

Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon

Desserts

Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake

Sweet and Simple Lemon Tart

Homemade Cannoli

Apple Pie

Pecan Pie

We hope our suggestions were helpful in planning your Thanksgiving feast! If you are looking to
have a holiday celebration outside your home, our doors are open to private parties and
gatherings through December 2019. Our menu will satisfy even the pickiest eater, so give us a
call today and we’ll be happy to assist you!
For reservations, please call (865) 366-2263.

October 11, 2019

We Love Our Guests!

For the past 7 years, Elvira’s cafe has been proudly serving Wears Valley, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Townsend, TN area. All of our menu items are made from scratch, be it an early-morning buckwheat crepe, a mid-day turkey burger or a grilled trout dinner prepared by our very own Chef David. Our dishes are served with love by real people who care about what they do and our cafe guests. And in return, our guests are eager to share their experiences in person and on social media. Here’s what they are saying:

September 2019. Yelp:

“ We stopped here randomly without knowing a thing about it, and we are so glad we did!

We would come back to TN just to eat here. Everyone was so friendly, the portions were appropriate and the food tasted homemade. The two adults and four of us kids loved it! ”

-       Jenna from Troy, MI

July 2019. Yelp:

“ Wonderful place. Very friendly staff, great menu including buckwheat crepes and homemade deserts, great food! We were more than pleasantly surprised. We had to wait a bit to get a table, but it was well worth the wait.”

-       Corentin from Ann Arbor, MI

July 2019. Yelp:

“ Great little local restaurant! We visited upon recommendation from my sister, and this place didn't disappoint. The food was terrific - fresh and delicious! I loved the fried green tomatoes, but everything was great. The service was the best I've had while visiting the area. Everyone working was very helpful and polite. We visited at lunch, but I've heard breakfast is amazing so we'll definitely have to make a return trip! ”

-       Mike from Franklin, TN

October 2019. Trip Advisor:

“ Brunch was great! I just came upon this place while out for a drive with a visiting family. Glad we did. Great sandwiches and pretty area. Very good food. We will return here. Not open late so arrive for lunch. You won't be disappointed! “

-       Viki W.

October 2019. Trip Advisor:

“ Such great food and great people. All the pies are homemade and are amazing love the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich.”

-       Elizabeth from Wears Valley, TN

September 2019. Trip Advisor:

“ We were looking for some really good home-cooked food. We hadn't been here in a while and really miss the splendor of this place. The food was excellent and the service was fantastic. Elvira is a very special woman and cherish knowing her. Love Elvira's Cafe. Definitely a favorite. ”

-       Mountain Biker from Sevierville, TN

June 2018. Facebook:

“ We visited the Smoky Mountains in March & we explored Wears Valley which has some of the most beautiful views of the mountains. We discovered Elvira's while exploring places to eat breakfast. We enjoyed every last morsel of delicious food on our plate, all fresh & homemade. The staff was very fun & friendly and we will be back in December & you will see us more than one time. ”

-       Tammy M.

September 2019. Facebook:

“ My sisters and I spent a week at the Margaretville Hotel.  I would like to say that out of all the places we ate, Elvira's was the best! Great food, great service and the atmosphere is awesome, from the time you step in the door to the time you leave. Everyone you encounter has a smile. Kudos to Elvira!  Anyone and everyone should try this place. ”

-       Ellie F.

September 4th, 2019

Top 5 Fall Hikes in Wears Valley

Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a wide variety of hiking trails for that perfect day stroll. It is also the best place in the country for viewing fall colors. The timing of the peak fall foliage depends on the area you are in, the elevation and the diversity of tree population. The best time to see colors in the Smokies is usually from mid-October to early November.

Elvira’s cafe is conveniently tucked in the heart of Wears Valley, one of the most scenic and relaxing areas in the Smokies. Here, you can find breathtaking views, see the colors and enjoy peace and tranquillity of a day hike.

For our restaurant guests, we’ve handpicked a list of trails worth visiting this fall:

Metcalf Bottoms

This relatively easy hike is a brief 1.2 miles roundtrip that starts at the popular Metcalf Bottoms picnic area. It begins at a 1,700-ft elevation and gains only 100 ft from start to finish with a few spots of an uphill climb. This trail is perfect for families with children who will enjoy exploring the school building and old home sites.

Curry Mountain

Curry Mountain Trail is a 6.4 mile lightly trafficked and moderate trail located just minutes from the cafe. It features beautiful wild flowers and wildlife. You may even spot a black bear, if you are lucky! You’ll come across two 3,000-foot peaks on this hike – Curry He and Curry She and will also find a small cemetery that once served the community that lived in the vicinity of the trail.

Little Greenbrier

This little nature trail in the Smokies is a fairly moderate hike to the Laurel Falls Trail. The trail covers 4.3 miles from the start at Wear Cove Gap Road to its meeting with the Laurel Falls Trail. You’ll climb through mixed hardwoods and see plenty of wildflowers and majestic scenery. The Little Greenbrier Trail is also known for the surplus of blueberries making it a great summer/fall trail!

Lumber Ridge

The Lumber Ridge Trail is the perfect hike if you're looking for solitude. The trailhead is located along the gravel road just beyond the parking area at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont and climbs 1,524 feet in elevation. You’ll pass through pine forests, stands of oaks, huckleberries, and other trees, which makes it a popular place for animals to find food.

Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is an extremely popular destination within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This paved trail makes it an easy, 2.3 mile hike for those who travel with children. You will climb roughly 314 feet in elevation before reaching the 80-foot waterfall. Laurel Falls is very photogenic, and is widely considered to be one of the best waterfall hikes in the Smokies.

Day hiking is a perfect activity  for those looking to get away from the city and visit nature. And what can be better than enjoying scenery combined with a nice breakfast or lunch in the Smokies? Stop by Elvira’s Cafe for a crepe or a sandwich before heading to the trail or grab one to go. You won’t be disappointed!

August 5th, 2019

Why Are We Raving About Black Angus Beef?

Meat lovers, rejoice! At the end of a long work week, award yourself with a rich, juicy burger, a fragrant plate filled with slow-cooked short ribs or a seared-to-perfection steak with freshly sauteed vegetables on the side. 

What makes that perfect recipe for a carnivore? Great-quality beef, of course!

Here, at Elvira’s Cafe, rest assured that your hankering for quality beef will be fulfilled. Our burgers, steaks and BBQ sandwiches are made with a special kind of beef - Braveheart Beef. This premium Black Angus line not only delivers exceptional taste and quality, but it also stands out with its remarkable trim and consistency. Here’s why we have chosen Braveheart as our go-to supplier:

The Origin

Braveheart Beef comes from the cattle raised by the Midwest family farms whose main focus is on sustainability and humane treatment. To ensure premium quality, Braveheart patented a unique DNA traceback process scientifically proving to deliver the highest percentage of Black Angus in the industry. Every Braveheart steak can be traced back to its original cattle with a complete health record as well as standardized feeding and health practices. Tracing guarantees that Braveheart meats served at our restaurant will meet premium-quality standards and will always taste great.

The Taste

Sure, we can talk about standards and best practices all day, but what about the taste? If you’ve ever tried our signature Cheeseburger, you probably noticed the flavor. That’s because all of our beef is processed with a ¼ inch- maximum trim with no extra tolerances! Conventional 1-inch trim includes a buffer of fat and produces poor yields. Braveheart’s beef, on the other hand, is processed in the state-of-the-art facilities where trained professionals leave no room for imperfection. With no extra tolerances, you can rest assured that your burger will come out just right - with premium quality and amazing taste!

Braveheart at Elvira’s

Elvira’s Cafe offers a variety of dishes from our land menu. The Cheeseburger, for example, is made of 100% Prime Angus Beef Patty burgers. Served on a buttery grilled bun with fresh lettuce, red onion, tomato and your choice of cheese, this burger will be the best thing you’ve ever tried.

So come on in and try the best beef on the planet right here, at Elvira’s Cafe!

June 21st, 2019

Best Breakfast Near Townsend, Tennessee? Yes, Please - We Got Crepes!

If you are looking for breakfast restaurants near Townsend, you came to the right place. Here, at Elivra’s Cafe, we are dedicated to serving only the best quality, locally sourced ingredients with a touch of our unique home-style cooking. Menu spotlights include all-time favorite American classics like biscuits and gravy, waffles and pancakes alongside sweet and savory crepes. Our delicious French-style crepes are so good, you’ll want to come back for more. Guaranteed!

An Ode to The Crepe

Our obsession with crepes began in 2011 when the idea for Elvira’s Cafe was born. And how can you not love this delicate, amazingly delicious and most portable breakfast on Earth?

Essentially, crepes are French pancakes that come in two flavors: sweet crepes (crêpes sucrées) and savory galettes (crêpes salées).

Classic crepes are usually served with a variety of fillings, from the simplest with only sugar to flambéed crepes Suzette or elaborate savory galettes. Elvira’s crepes are made from buckwheat flour sourced from the historic Old Mill General Store located in Pigeon Forge, TN. Buckwheat flour was our choice not only because it tastes great, but also due to its ultimate nutritional value. Did you know that a 1/4 cup serving of buckwheat flour supplies 8% of the daily protein value for women and 7% for men? That’s right!

Our buckwheat crepes taste great; they are chock full of vitamins and minerals. Available in four distinct flavors, our savory crepes will satisfy even the pickiest palate.

Feta and Spinach Crepe
●     Chunks of Feta and Fresco melted on sauteed spinach folded in three eggs and wrapped in our buckwheat crepe

Early Riser Crepe
●     Scrambled eggs and Cheddar cheese (add veggies of your choice)

Breakfast Scrambler Crepe
●     Scrambled eggs, Cheddar cheese and your choice of sausage, ham or bacon, onions, mushrooms and roasted red peppers (topped with sausage gravy)

Chicken and Grits Crepe
●     Grilled chicken filet, homemade grits with freshly grated Cheddar cheese

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If there’s still room left for dessert after a hearty country breakfast, your sweet tooth will be pleased with the assortment of our dessert crepes:

Berry Buster
●     Mixed seasonal berries, creamy ricotta cheese, pecans, drizzled with our own cafe cream

Caramel Apple
●     Caramelized apples, sweetened ricotta, almonds, raisins, apple butter, and our own special cafe cream

Hazey-Nana
●     Hazelnut Nutella, strawberries, bananas and toasted almonds topped off with our own cafe cream

S'more Delight
●     Chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham crackers

So what are you waiting for? Come try our delicious home-made crepes and see for yourself how yummy they are!

 Best,

Elvira.

June 3rd, 2019

Benton’s Bacon: The World’s Best Bacon Is Served Right Here

If you are traveling through the Smoky Mountains and suddenly feel the craving for a nice BLT sandwich or an early morning breakfast plate of farm-raised eggs and sizzling thick strips of bacon, keep in mind the word Benton’s. Why? Because in Tennessee, the best country bacon comes from Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams in Madisonville.

Allan Benton, also known as a Bacon God and a Ham Hero, has been curing bacon and country hams since 1973. Today, his famous products compliment some of the most extravagant dishes in restaurants across the entire country, from New York City’s Momofuku Noodle Bar to Charleston’s legendary Husk.

Here, at Elvira’s Cafe, you may request Benton’s bacon as a perfect addition to your breakfast, lunch or dinner. And we definitely recommend trying our staple Benton’s Bacon BLT Sandwich (hint: add a crispy fried green tomato for a tangy-sweet flavor).

So what makes Benton’s bacon so irresistible? Let’s take a look at history.

Raised in rural Virginia, Allan Benton and his family grew everything they put on the table. The cure recipe he learned from his grandparents became Benton’s secret to success.

"We constantly refer to ourselves here as hillbillies,” says Benton. “We wear that moniker proudly. The food I make was literally sustenance food for the poor Appalachians. The recipe came straight from the log smokehouse behind the house I was born in."

Benton’s recipe uses some of the oldest pig breeds like Berkshire, Tamworth and Duroc. All of the pork is aged for at least one year then cured with a mixture of salt and brown sugar for 10 days, then aged for another 10 days, and smoked with an intense hickory flavor from small wood-burning stoves.

But the real reason why Benton’s bacon and hams are sought-after by World’s top restaurants is in its simple and natural ingredients.

"My bacon is made with only salt and brown sugar,” Benton explains. “No nitrates, no nitrite, no nothing you can't pronounce. It's a very natural product, very intense in flavor and we're blessed that people like that big, bold flavor we produce."

Allan Benton himself will tell you there’s no trick to making his bacon and that the little smoker he’s used for many years in his backyard is nothing remarkable. If you compare his bacon to what you can buy at the grocery store, you will soon realize that the conventional process uses chemicals to cure the meat in a few hours so it can get to the grocery shelves fast. Benton’s curing process is quite the opposite and his hams can take years to cure. Time, in addition to simple ingredients, makes the true formula behind Benton’s phenomenal success.

And the best part… We serve Benton’s sensation right here, at Elvira’s cafe! If you haven’t discovered Elvira’s cafe yet, come try us out or contact us to learn more, and who knows, maybe you will be the lucky one to discover a special golden slice that the Willie Wonka of smoked meats has left for you to enjoy ;)

 Best,

Elvira.