OVERVIEW

Offered exclusively at the Chef’s Counter, this six-course experience showcases the best of each season. Each menu is crafted using ingredients sourced from local farms, regional purveyors, and Chef Lenn’s own kitchen garden. Every course is plated individually, with thoughtful service and attention to detail.

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For more than six years, the Chef’s Tasting has been a quiet tradition at J.C. Holdway—a format through which Chef Lenn and his team share the restaurant’s enduring philosophy: Southern ingredients prepared with refined technique, rooted in a sense of place, and inspired by the farmers and makers who define East Tennessee’s culinary landscape.

 

This experience is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions, or guests simply seeking an elevated evening of Southern hospitality and cuisine.

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DIETARIES

At this time, we are unable to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, or allium-free dietary restrictions. All other allergies or dietary considerations must be communicated at least 72 hours in advance. Due to the open nature of the kitchen and proximity of the Chef's Counter to our oyster station, we cannot accommodate severe shellfish allergies.

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AVAILABILITY

The Chef’s Tasting Menu is offered Tuesday through Saturday, served exclusively at the Chef’s Counter, for up to six guests. This communal experience provides a front-row seat to our open kitchen, immersing guests in the sights, sounds, and energy of the evening’s service. Tastings are typically scheduled for 6:30 p.m., though we are happy to accommodate alternate start times—up to 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 p.m. on weekends—when requested in advance.

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HOW TO RESERVE

Reservations are made directly through Resy by selecting the 6:30 p.m. “Chef’s Tasting” option on your desired date. If the option does not appear, the experience is fully booked for that evening. To request a different start time, simply include your preferred time in the reservation notes when booking. To book all six seats on a specific date please email us at hello@jcholdway.com.

 

Reservations are released 30 days in advance at noon, and must be made at least 72 hours prior to the date of service. A $99 per guest deposit is required at booking and is applied to your final bill.

 

EVENT FORMAT

Lasting 2.5 hours, the tasting menu is a shared experience, and the entire party must participate. To heighten the sense of anticipation, the six-course menu is not revealed in advance and remains a surprise until the evening of your reservation. Each dish is plated individually and presented with brief descriptions throughout the evening. Our sommelier team offers curated wine pairings that may be added at the time of service.

 

PRICING

The cost is $169 per guest, excluding beverages, taxes, and service charges. This pricing is subject to change based on seasonal ingredients, market conditions, and menu updates. Optional wine pairings curated by our sommelier team start at $99 per guest. A $99 per guest deposit is required at the time of booking. A 20% service charge is automatically added to your final bill. This fee supports fair wages for our staff, ensuring that all employees earn above the minimum wage in Tennessee. This fee is not a tip; additional gratuities for our service staff are accepted and appreciated, but not expected.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellations are accepted for a full refund up to 72 hours before your reservation time. After that window, the deposit is non-refundable and the sale is considered final. Please confirm your guest count and dietaries in advance, as special ingredients are sourced specifically for your party.

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RESERVATION CHANGES

If you need to change the date or time of your reservation after booking, please reach out to us via email at hello@jcholdway.com or call us at (865) 312-9050 between 1:00–3:00 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. We can accommodate changes to your reservation, but we kindly ask that you avoid cancelling and rebooking.

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QUESTIONS?

Email us at hello@jcholdway.com. While phone correspondence is limited due to the nature of our operation, our team is available to assist Tuesday through Saturday, between 1:00–3:00 p.m., at (865) 312-9050.

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