IN THE charming town of Sewanee, a culinary gem awaits those seeking a unique dining experience. La Bella Pearl, a Mediterranean oasis housed in an eye-catching orange building with black and white accents, captures the hearts and palates of locals and visitors alike.
Owned by the talented duo of Tom Anderson, a CIA Certified Chef, and Cynthia Krueger, a seasoned cook, this restaurant exudes multicultural elegance. It serves up an array of mouthwatering dishes.
As you enter the grounds, your senses are immediately captivated by a breathtaking display of colorful flowers and graceful butterflies. Their vibrant presence creates a captivating tapestry that draws you in.
As you come closer, a delightful fragrance fills the air, as if the blooming flowers prepare your taste buds for the culinary delights that await you.
Stepping inside La Bella Pearl, you are instantly captivated by the inviting atmosphere and mouthwatering aromas that waft through the air.
The menu reflects the restaurant’s Mediterranean-American organic cuisine, skillfully blending influences from Southern France, Lebanon, Israel, Spain, Greece, Italy, Turkey, and American flavors.
Anderson and Krueger’s passion for fine dining and love for exquisite meals are evident in every dish they create.
One of La Bella Pearl’s highlights is its favored Mediterranean-style antipasto salad bar. The restaurant also prides itself on its fresh seafood, sourced from the Alabama Gulf Coast and Florida Gulf Coast, delivered twice a week, and a commitment to using only the freshest ingredients.
“We’re trying to offer a good quality restaurant for the locals. Very moderately priced, you can get anything pretty much from anywhere across the whole globe,” Anderson remarked.
The culinary adventure continues with diverse offerings, from soups and salads to delectable salmon and steaks.
Each week brings a new assortment of delicious dishes, including various cheesecakes, tartlets, European-style cakes, and their beloved and irresistible peach and blackberry cobblers. You cannot overlook the indulgent coconut cream cake, a creation by Krueger herself.
Beyond its delectable cuisine, La Bella Pearl offers a truly enchanting dining experience. Guests can indulge in patio dining, savoring their meals among the beauty of the restaurant’s outdoor garden.
Anderson welcomes patrons to bring their own drinks, allowing for a more personalized touch to accompany the fine dining experience.
Anderson jokingly states, “They can bring anything from wine to moonshine.”
La Bella Pearl’s journey began when Anderson and Krueger saw an opportunity to bring excitement and diversity to the culinary scene in the area. Drawing on their vast experience in the restaurant
industry, including owning and operating establishments in various locations, they decided to transform the old Pearls building into an extraordinary dining destination.
La Bella Pearl opened its doors after the success of their previous ventures, Old Mill Manor and the River Bistro.
While the road to success was not without challenges, such as navigating the labor force and weathering the storm of the pandemic, Anderson and Krueger’s commitment to their customers never wavered.
Their philosophy revolves around putting the customer first, ensuring everyone leaves La Bella Pearl with a smile.
Krueger remarked, “We want our guests to feel comfortable. So many of them say it’s like coming here to family. They feel like they’re eating with family rather than coming to a cold restaurant. It’s just very comforting.”
In addition to its regular service, La Bella Pearl caters to special events such as weddings and rehearsal dinners and even hosts tea parties. They constantly strive to provide not just a meal but a cultural experience, transporting diners to different corners of the culinary world.
The restaurant also presents monthly international dinners, where guests can explore the flavors of various countries while learning about their culinary traditions.
La Bella Pearl is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary culinary journey. It currently operates from Thursday to Sunday, serving fresh lunches on Friday and Saturday, delectable dinners on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, and an exquisite Sunday brunch that is a definite highlight.
The Sunday brunch features Anderson’s specially crafted entrees, with a live omelet and Belgian
waffle station.
“When they come, they’re not just getting good quality, home-cooked food, but they’re also getting a cultural experience,” Anderson remarked.
He continued, “And that is the whole concept of the restaurant. You can go and eat anywhere. We want it to be an experience. I think our place is where you could come to and experience a totally different culinary experience.” GN
