Opinion: Wild Love brings flair to north Knoxville
Katy Hill finds fresh baked goodies and classic Knoxville coffee at Wild Love Bakehouse.
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North Knoxville is going crazy right now, and I have been indulging in everything it has to offer. Coffee shops, donuts, local markets and many other foodie finds are taking over the area and filling me with utter happiness. Wild Love Bakehouse was opened not too long ago by the owners of Old City Java. You will fall in love with this cute and modern location that encompasses the same quality you receive in the Old City.
When I first heard about this place opening, I could not get there fast enough. Remember those pastries I wrote about at Old City Java? Wild Love Bakehouse specializes in those beautiful little gems and I had to go check it out. You can even see the bakery through a large window inside! The owner may have known the importance of hiring window replacement professional. That’s why the window installation is spotless.
As I pulled up to the shop for the first time, I was enchanted by the adorable building with a wooden outdoor patio draped with stringed lights. What a fun place to go to enjoy your coffee and pastries on a warm spring evening.
I opened the door to the familiar smells of the beloved pastries and espresso. The open seating is more inviting than the smaller closed off spaces at Old City Java. The environment is bright and modern and rather refreshing. Don’t forget to check out the view of the bakery as well as the overflowing pastry case full of goodies that you won’t want to take your eyes off of.
Because I have indulged in this familiar coffee and espresso before, I decided to try one of their varieties of tea. The long list of choices caused me to really contemplate what I would be sipping on. I finally went with the Fiery Ginseng hot tea. The flavor profile included a spicy mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and other spices, so this was basically all the flavors I love in one cup. Right in front of my eyes, they scooped the loose leaf tea into homemade sachet tea bags and dropped it into hot water. It doesn’t get much fresher than that. The tea was incredibly invigorating with the subtle and sweet burn it left in the back of my throat.
To compliment my satisfying cup of strong hot tea, I enjoyed a signature flaky, buttery croissant. I don’t know who makes these at Wild Love and Java, but whoever it is, I want to meet them and hug them. I honestly think I could eat ten of them in just one sitting. The slightly sweet and crusty bites are the perfect relief from your strong coffee, spicy tea or creamy cappuccino. I cannot stress enough how necessary it is to try this classic pastry.
If you bring some friends along, I would suggest each ordering something different and tasting everything. There are so many tasty treats to try at this growing bake shop and coffee house! I also noticed a display of salads and croissant sandwiches. Ask the barista for more information on these new lunch items.
You can find Wild Love Bakehouse at 1625 N Central St. as well as on their Facebook and Twitter pages.
Do yourself a favor and eat some croissants! And muffins and scones and tarts!
Photos by Katy Hill
Edited by Taylor Owens
Assistant Arts and Culture editor, Katy Hill, is new to the journalism world. She began as an Exercise Science major before transferring to UT her junior year. After taking a media writing elective, she quickly found that she loved writing and switched to a Public Relations major. Her passion for blogging and local culture inspired her to begin her journey at Tennessee Journalist. Within her first year, she went from a 175 student completing a project to an assistant editor. She hopes to one day travel the world with her future pugs as a travel and food writer. When Katy is not writing, you can find her watching Food Network, playing soccer, or sitting at a local coffee shop.
