Shrimp-o-de-gallo - As far as we're concerned this was the star of the free appetizers. We love pickled shrimp and this was just splendid!

Shrimp-o-de-gallo – As far as we’re concerned this was the star of the free appetizers. We love pickled shrimp and this was just splendid!

Chef Holly Hambright is bringing a new “social club, meeting space, event facility, speakeasy” spot upstairs to her successful Holly’s 135 location. To celebrate the 6 month opening of 135, Holly threw an “Ice Storm Reunion Party” Friday. 135’s opening night happened to fall right when the big ice storm hit Knoxville back in the winter…and anyone who know Hambright, knows that a little curveball from Mother Nature isn’t going to hold her back! She was one of the few businesses that remained open during the storm, providing much-needed nourishment to downtown residents!

In addition to the anniversary, the occasion was also used to provide a glimpse of Holly’s as-yet-unnammed 135B Upstairs location. Names being bantered about are “The B Side”, “The Clubhouse”, “The Nest”, but in the meantime, Holly’s 135 upstairs is taking reservations for special occasions; birthdays, Christmas parties, anniversaries, business meetings, etc. Lined with comfortable lounge chairs, and exposed brick, the spot has an incredible view of the 100 block of Gay Street. And on nights when the spot isn’t reserved, you can expect it to be the spot that “if you know it’s there, you know it’s there.” It won’t be heavily publicized, but will be a spot that guests can visit that is ‘away from it all’ and provides that 1920’s feel of a speakeasy. A bar will be installed this week and the spot has a kitchen of its own to allow it to operate independently of 135 downstairs as needed. There’s also the possibility of some outdoor space in the back. We suggested, that the clientele might need an outdoor cigar space!

In the meantime, while visiting Holly’s 135, make sure you check out the upstairs!

Tasty snacks provided free to guests to celebrate Holly's 135 6 month anniversary!

Tasty snacks provided free to guests to celebrate Holly’s 135 6 month anniversary!

Holly and GM Ed enjoying the crowd that came out to help celebrate.

Holly and GM Ed enjoying the crowd that came out to help celebrate.

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Sweets provided by Magpies who also provides the sweets for Holly's 135's regular menu.

Sweets provided by Magpies who also provides the sweets for Holly’s 135’s regular menu.

the makeshift 'bar' that was literally build at 3pm before the party! A permanent bar will be installed soon.

the makeshift ‘bar’ that was literally build at 3pm before the party! A permanent bar will be installed soon.

Upstairs beverage selection.

Upstairs beverage selection.

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Ever the show-woman, Chef Holly Hambright in her element!

Ever the show-woman, Chef Holly Hambright in her element!

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Throwback to the beverages of Holly's youth were onhand! :-)

Throwback to the beverages of Holly’s youth were onhand! 🙂

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Exposed brick lends to the atmosphere of 135 Upstairs.

Exposed brick lends to the atmosphere of 135 Upstairs.

Bartender Ashley took great care of guests.

Bartender Ashley took great care of guests.

Huge arched windows upstairs.

Huge arched windows upstairs.

Mrs Knoxfoodie getting the scoop on up and coming events from Holly's Eventful Dining's Lisa McCoig

Mrs Knoxfoodie getting the scoop on up and coming events from Holly’s Eventful Dining’s Lisa McCoig

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the impressive spread of free Hollysnacks!

the impressive spread of free Hollysnacks!