Knoxville Welcomes a Fresh Twist on Latin Cuisine at Chismoso
Knoxville’s culinary scene is buzzing with excitement as Chismoso, located at 131 South Gay Street, introduces a new menu under the direction of Chef Will Stagg and the recently joined Chef Mauro Chavez. Since opening its doors in May 2024, Chismoso has been focused on crafting authentic Latin dishes while highlighting local ingredients. With passionate co-owner and manager Corbin Azambuja at the helm, the restaurant aims to take Latin cuisine “beyond chips and queso and fajitas.”
Fresh Flavors and Local Ingredients
During a recent visit, my dining companion and I were eager to try the revamped menu. Corbin shared that the restaurant emphasizes using local produce, especially with summer bounty at its peak. The focus on fresh, flavorful dishes is evident with the menu items reflecting the sources of the ingredients. As we settled in, we were tempted to start with the classic chips and queso. Corbin mentioned that their queso has received rave reviews, and after taking our first bite, it was easy to see why. My companion declared it “the best queso ever.”
Getting Adventurous with Vegetables
After the indulgent starter, we were excited to explore more adventurous options. Our first dish was the Mountain Roots Blistered Shishito Peppers, topped with cilantro, garlic chili crunch, cotija cheese, and pork rind dust. This dish stood out with its mild spice and vibrant flavors, and personally, it became my favorite of the night.
Next up was the Myers Brother’s Farm Grilled Zucchini, complete with a variety of vegetables including crispy leeks, ET mushrooms, and squash blossom butter. It was a refreshing dish that brought out the immense taste of fresh veggies. My companion especially loved the mushrooms, truly appreciating the quality.
We added a Spencer Mountain Tomato Salad to our spread, featuring shaved green tomatoes, cilantro, toasted seeds, and cholula ranch. This dish was light and tangy, making it the perfect palate cleanser before moving on to the main course.
The Main Attraction: Chicken Enchilada Stack
For our main course, we opted for the Chicken Enchilada Stack. This hearty dish was loaded with house-made tortillas, jack cheese, red sauce, lime crema, lettuce, red onion, radish, cilantro, avocado, jalapeño, and queso fresco. As we shared this colorful plate, it quickly became a highlight of the meal for both of us. Despite the generous portions, we found ourselves savoring each bite, noticing how many vegetables were included even with the main meat component.
A Talented Team Behind the Menu
Before wrapping up our meal, I had the chance to chat briefly with Chefs Will and Mauro, who radiated enthusiasm about their partnership. Mauro, previously the chef-de-cuisine at J.C. Holdway, brings over seven years of culinary experience, while both chefs have collaborated on various pop-ups in the past.
They are committed to creating dishes that showcase their unique backgrounds, with Chef Mauro’s Mexican roots and Peruvian heritage influencing the current menu. The duo has made it their mission to help patrons think beyond the typical “rice and beans” when it comes to Mexican and Latin foods, as they aim to present many more exciting flavors.
What Lies Ahead for Chismoso
As they continue to develop the menu, both chefs are already planning new additions, which means visitors can always expect something fresh and innovative. With the restaurant’s hours running from Tuesday to Thursday, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 4:00 PM to midnight, there are plenty of opportunities to stop in and sample their offerings.
Chismoso is set to become a staple in Knoxville for those seeking a vibrant dining experience that celebrates local produce through the lens of Latin cuisine. Based on the flavors we encountered, it’s clear that both chefs are determined to bring something truly unique to the table.
