AVAILABILITY

Our Chef’s Tasting experiences are fully booked for December and January, as availability these months are limited by private events. Guests who wish to be notified if a cancellation occurs may add themselves to the Notify list on Resy for their preferred date.

​

The Chef’s Tasting will return on Tuesday, February 17, with a new seasonal menu and the same thoughtful, wood-fired approach that defines J.C. Holdway. Reservations for February tastings will open at noon on Monday, January 19. 

​

OVERVIEW
Offered at tables in our dining room, this 6-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 garden. Every course is plated individually, with thoughtful service and attention to detail.

For more than seven 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.

 

DIETARIES
At this time, we are unable to accommodate pescatarian, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, or allium-free dietary restrictions. We are able to safely manage gluten, shellfish, and tree nut allergies, and all other allergies or dietary considerations must be communicated at least 72 hours in advance so our team may determine feasibility.

 

HOW TO RESERVE

The Chef’s Tasting Menu is offered Tuesday through Saturday, served at tables in our dining room. Tastings are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m.

​

Reservations are made directly through Resy by selecting the “Chef’s Tasting” option at either seating time on your desired date. If the option does not appear, the experience is fully booked for that evening.

​

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 the time of booking and will be 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 6-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 $175 per guest, excluding beverages, taxes, and service charges. 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.

 

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.

 

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.

​

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.

​