A new taste in Southern cuisine has launched on a National Historic Site in downtown Chattanooga. Chef Dré’s Upper Room restaurant opened its doors to the public recently.
Owned and operated by André (Chef Dré) and Tambria Peeples, the Upper Room is a ministry of Bethlehem-Wiley United Methodist Church and located on the historic site at 500 Lookout St.
“Members of the Bethlehem-Wiley church family are elated to offer this ministry to the community and to this young, up-and-coming chef,” said Rev. Lurone Jennings, the church’s pastor.
The church appears on the National Register of Historic Places and the recently renovated structure next door, which houses the Upper Room, was used as a parsonage until 2003.
Keeping up with the site’s historic significance, all four dining rooms are themed after Chattanooga’s people and its history.
“We have named them the Lighthouse, History Makers, Choo Choo and Parsonage Dwellers rooms,” said Mr. Peeples.
Although open for just a short time, Peeples said he already has a host of loyal customers.
“We’ve been to the Upper Room on several occasions for private gatherings and the food seems to taste better with each visit. The rooms are cozy and elegantly decorated and the servers are always friendly and personable,” said Ray Hammond of Penman Publishing.
To create the signature dishes that his patrons rave about, Chef Dré combines his ancestors’ Southern roots along with a decade of formal dining experience and training. He has also operated his own catering company and has been the head chef of fine dining restaurants in New York, New Jersey and Chattanooga.
“Chattanooga is my home now and I couldn’t have picked a better town to share my love for cooking and serving people delicious food that is also good for the soul,” said Mr. Peeples.
Now open for lunch, Mr. Peeples said he plans to start serving dinner in May. The menu includes health-conscious, mouthwatering dishes such as chicken and dressing, barbecue pork chops, macaroni and cheese and green beans.
“We also have soups, salads and daily specials on Sunday to include curry shrimp and rice, almond-crusted Mahi, pecan chicken and many more,” Mr. Peeples said.
The menu is priced to please every pocket. Lunch includes an entrée with two sides for $5.50 and Sunday dinner is moderately priced between $7-$15.
The restaurant is open Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday–Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on Saturdays. It is open evenings and Saturdays for private gatherings.
For more information visit www.ChefDresUpperRoom.com.