I was driving the entirety of Highway 70 from just outside Phoenix all the way to the North…read moreCarolina coast. While traversing one of America's longest roads, stopping by Bearden's Blossom Bowls was a high priority! That's because, according to crowd-sourced reviews, this is the top-rated açaí spot along the entire length of this nearly 2,400-mile highway! And yes, it lives up to the hype!
I started a humid morning in East Tennessee with a refreshing açaí bowl here. Very professional and assiduous employees greeted me as I entered the store. And although I was just passing through Knoxville, don't think that one of America's most accomplished road trippers is unfamiliar with Vol Country. Although I live elsewhere, UT is my alma mater, I graduated from West High School half a mile away, and my childhood home is only 1,600 feet from Blossom Bowls. So yes, this is home. And while açaí cafés only existed in Brazil the last time I lived here, nonexistent in the U.S. before 2011, I was back home to celebrate one of Bearden's modern adaptations to the culinary scene.
Amidst all the reminiscing as I stared out the window toward my old Sequoyah Hills neighborhood, I was enjoying what could be the best açaí bowl I've ever had! All açaí bowls should be judged, above all else, based on the quality of the smoothie base and the granola. The toppings are vital but secondary. And the base of these açaí bowls at Blossom is phenomenal, very flavorful and perfectly textured. But the granola is the star of the show here, chewy with a stunningly good flavor that actually shines above that tangy base!
And I also thoroughly enjoyed the copious amounts of fresh fruit carefully decorating the top. Don't miss the bee pollen, a uniquely delicious addition to any bowl! Patrons select six choices from a thorough list of toppings with tremendous variety. And honestly, the mini size is incredibly filling for an affordable price.
