HOW TO CONSTRUCT THE PERFECT RAW BAR

A great restaurant with an equally awesome raw bar is a true gem. Chef Erik Niel knows this, which is one of the reasons his Chattanooga, Tennessee spot Easy Bistro & Bar is forever on our hit list. The New Orleans native grew up fishing on the bayou, so his menu is chock-full of dishes inspired by his hometown and features seafood from all three American coasts. 

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Posted in News on January 3, 2017

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Posted in News on June 5, 2026
Meet the Chef: How Easy Bistro’s Benjamin Wilt went from ‘ingredient household’ to executive sous chef

Having no bags of chips or processed meats in his childhood home meant Benjamin Wilt, 29, had to get creative when it came to snacks, and as he aged, some of his meals.

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Posted in News on April 21, 2026
The Perfect Culinary Road Trip Through Tennessee

Tennessee’s soul has always lived in its music halls, mountain towns and front-porch hospitality. But the state’s food scene deserves equal billing.

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Posted in News on February 24, 2026
This Chef Is Passionate About His Barrel Picks

Erik Niel owns three restaurants in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and he’s passionate about whisky— especially exclusive barrel picks. He offers more than 20 private barrel selections at his venues—Easy Bistro & Bar, Main Street Meats, and Little Coyote—and plans to expand that repertoire.

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