My name is Stephen Matthews and I am a food critic for the East Tennessean. My goal is to bring great places to eat to the students and facility. I am not a secret shopper; I am just an observer.
The establishment that I chose this week was Alta Cucina, an Italian restaurant located at 1200 N. Roan St., across from the White’s grocery shopping center. When I first walked, I met the proprietor and head chef Mr. Moe Aliabadi. The entrance was clean and simplicit. Today Aliabadi was going to be my personal waiter and guide me through the meal.
I asked him to just bring me what a college student would like and without hesitation he recommended crab cakes for an appetizer. When the crab cakes were brought out I knew I was in for something special. The presentation on the plate was gorgeous. The cakes were resting on a bed of spinach with lots of button mushrooms. The accompanying sauce was a reduced balsamic vinegar in a spiral pattern around the plate. The crab cakes were thick with a light sear to them. After a few bites I recognized roasted red pepper and how the textures of spinach and cakes beautifully flowed.
During the appetizer, Aliabadi and I discussed how his produce is all organic and how careful attention is put into every ingredient. It was time now for the main course, which was tilapia. The tilapia was served over wild rice and sauted vegetables. The fish was lightly blackened and then baked. Fish isn’t my favorite dish, but this meal changed my opinion. I learned how Aliabadi takes pride in his food and he told me that he “gives my best with lots of love.”
My impressions of Alta Cucina are nothing but the best. It would be a great place to impress your parents or a date. I would recommend wearing nicer attire than jeans, but nonetheless I believe what you wear doesn’t matter to Aliabadi.
I was impressed that nothing is pre-made. I observed how all the bread is baked there daily, the mozzarella is made in house and soups are not yesterday’s leftovers. A couple on a date can go for dinner and have a romantic time for about $20 dollars.
I also appreciate seeing a local restaurant with a menu that changes and stays current. Eating at Alta Cucina is an experience rather than meal.

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