Phillip Lim, owner of Asia Cafe

Asia Cafe--Where East Meets West

Jimmy Lim, Go Bananaz Cafe owner

Jimmy Lim, Go Bananaz Cafe

When Jimmy Lim, an immigrant originally from Malaysia, opened his restaurant, Go Bananaz Café , in November 2011, in Farragut at 11151-D Kingston Pike, his plan was to sell both Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.



The gregarious owner says he named the restaurant in a humorous way. “When I say ‘Asian’ and I also sell Mediterranean, it doesn’t match. Going bananas is better than going crazy,” he teased.


Lim’s brother, Phillip Lim, established the successful Asia Café, located at 6714 North Central and Callahan Road in 2007 and has seen his business grow. Jimmy Lim hopes Go Bananaz Café will catch the same fire.



Lim says he depends on Austin, a family member, and a great kitchen staff to prepare the southeast Asian menu Tuesdays through Saturdays, including a limited number of Mediterranean dishes. However, on Sundays, the restaurant serves only Mediterranean cuisine, including gyros and pitas.

“We concentrate on historic, tried and true recipes from the two cultures,” Lim said.

“We offer cold beers for patrons, and diners can bring their own wine for a cork fee.”

Lim said he understands some might consider it “bananas” to mix Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. He says some might ask, “Are you nuts? Have you gone bananas?”

Lim said most of the restaurant’s dishes are priced under $10, including soups, salads, traditional Asian dishes, hibachi and sushi. There will also be daily specials at even lower prices.



All of the dishes are made with only fresh ingredients. “I provide only the freshest meats and vegetables--what is in season. I shop and refuse to purchase inferior products. People in Farragut want the best and I provide it. Only fresh foods give the tastes we are after.”

Go Bananaz Café seats about 40 and also offers take-out dining options.

“It took a while for customers to find us,” Lim said. “We have provided tasty food at fair prices. We pride ourselves on friendly service. When customers get to know us, they return as we become like family.”



Lim says Austin and he discuss the menu with customers. “We can make foods as hot an spicy as they want, or cool them down,” he explained.



Lim says he spends a lot of time talking to his customers. He enjoys hearing about their lives and counts them as friends.

Go Bananaz Café, 11151-D Kingston Pike, is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Call 865-671-1888. Lim says for customers to come on in and give him a chance. He will please you with great food.

Foothills Quilters of Maryville, to host Quilt Show--11-2

Members of the Foothills Quilters of Maryville, Tennessee, invite the public to attend their 12th Quilt Show to be held November 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and November 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at New Providence Presbyterian Church, 703 West Broadway (across from the Municipal Building in downtown Maryville at the intersection of 411 and 321. There is no admission fee to attend the show, which will feature, in addition to the quilts, bed turnings of antique quilts, demonstrations, a boutique and both opportunity quilts and baskets. A special exhibit of the Appalachian Trail Challenge wall hangings made by members of the group will be displayed.

13 Year Old Farmer, Birke Baehr to be seen on CTV

Homespun Hobbies on CTV; Channel 6 or Channel 12--the show runs for 15 minutes


Saturday October 6 @ 7:15pm Birke 1

Tuesday October 9 @ 2:15pm Birke 1


Saturday October 13 @ 7:15pm Birke 2

Tuesday October 16 @ 2:15pm Birke 2
Saturday October 20 @ 7:15pm Watermelon

Tuesday October 23 @ 2:15pm Watermelon

SPECIAL INTERVIEW WITH BIRKE BAEHR will air: Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 4pm, this Thursday, Oct. 4 at 6pm, and this Saturday, Oct. 6 at 10:30pm.

It is 24 minutes in length.

Tee-shirt quilt made by Martha Woodward