CONTEST TIME!

Who loves free food? (Rhetorical. Do not answer.)

I'm SUPER excited to give away TWO pairs of tickets to the upcoming Dishcrawl event, Neighborfood in the Gulch! What exactly is Neighborfood? Well, let me fill you in.. and lets just say I'm in love with the concept, and can't wait to partake!

Being held June 15, we will be dining at 6 different restaurants (all within walking distance) in the Gulch. Your ticket will include food at each participating location, with drink specials to be offered as well. That's the gist of it, but if you want more info—all the nitty gritty deets can be found here.

SO, that being said— how do you win a pair of tix to this sweet event? Well, luckily for you there are multiple ways to get multiple entries into the drawing.. and they are both SIMPLE.

Way # 1:

Follow @experiencenash on Twitter, and send the following tweet to your lovely followers:

Attn Foodies! WIN 2 tix 2 @dishcrawlnash event from @experiencenash- my FAV source for all things #NASHVILLE! Deets: goo.gl/S2Txv

After you send the tweet, leave me a comment on this post letting me know you did!

Way # 2:

REFERRALS! For every friend you refer that follows @experiencenash on Twitter, you get an entry. 

Leave a separate comment on this post telling me the names of the folks you referred.

The contest closes May 28 at 10:00PM, and I will DM the winners on Twitter. If you don't respond within 48 hours, I will be forced to choose another winner, so be sure to check your messages!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Pizza Pizza Pizza!

OK. So, I have to admit I have been on a CRAAAZY pizza kick lately. And yes, I'm quite okay with that. In my humble opinion the overall pizza scene over the years in Nashville has been... to say the least, struggling. But, as the dining scene in town continues to heat up, we are thankfully getting more and more fabulous pizza options. SO, I want to share with you all two of my new(ish) favorites in town:

Five Points Pizza

Fresh, delicious, and inventive, Five Points Pizza is a MUST try for pizza lovers. They have some of the more inventive combinations I've seen around town, my favorite being the Vodka Sauce Pie. You HAVE to check this out-- it has fresh mozz, house-made vodka tomato cream sauce (amazing), spinach, mushrooms, red onions, prosciutto, garlic, basil, and romano. Absolutely DIVINE.

If you don't feel like getting a whole pizza, you can choose from an assortment of slices in addition to some fab salads (my fav is the spinach Gorgonzola). Another item you cannot miss = the Garlic Knots. Seriously, these things are ridiculous.. and in a great way. 

An awesome beer selection, fun atmosphere, and in the heart of 5 points East Nashville (side note: you probably should go next door to 3 Crow and get a bushwaker for dessert) are a few of the reasons that round out why you should give Five Points Pizza a try. Check out their menu here.

Tip: This is a small place and it fills up quickly on the weekends. Get here early for a table, or order to go!

DeSano Pizza

The closest thing to authentic Italian pizza I've had in the state of Tennessee (I realize that's not saying much... but.. hear me out). Almost every ingredient in their pizza is imported straight from Italy— the mozzarella is flown in weekly and made fresh in a small town in Southern Italy, flour is shipped over by boat, the salt used is from the Mediterranean, and this is apparently this is the case for every single ingredient they use. Awesome.

I had my first experience just last week as I have started to hear quite a bit of buzz about the place, and needless to say, DeSano lives up to the hype. We went with the Capricciosa pizza, which is mushrooms, artichokes, proscuitto, and buffalo mozzarella. Absolutely OUTSTANDING. So fresh and flavorful. So authentic. I mean, seriously— I can't wait to get back here and try it again. 

Tip: BYOB here— and there is no corking fee! Check out their menu here.

What is YOUR favorite pizza joint in Nashville?

Five Points Pizza
1012 Woodland St.
Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 915-4174

DeSano Pizza Bakery
115 16th Ave S.
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 953-1168

Mas Tacos Por Favor

So, let me start this off by saying I'm hungry. Because of this, it is extremely difficult to write this post as I am absolutely in love Mas Tacos. Just thinking about this food makes me salivate and anxiously await my next visit! Let's also mention the fact that I don't want to talk about how long it took me to get to Mas Tacos, living in East Nashville for almost two years and just now getting over there. Do NOT make the same mistake I did.

Okay, now that the negatives are out of the way...

When you arrive to Mas Tacos, the line will seem a bit daunting but rest assured it moves quickly and is worth the wait. After ordering my friends and I grabbed a table and cracked open a Landshark (this is a BYOB joint, btw). Just a few drinks in and our food was already up! Now, one of my favorite suggestions on what to order from Mas Tacos from a Twitter follower was simply: "Try everything."  I wish my stomach could have handled that as every bite I took was exceptional! We ordered Tortilla Soup, Chicken Tacos, Corn, and Plantains, all of which I would highly recommend.  Everything was made with incredibly fresh ingredients, and served hot right out of the kitchen. The plantains were fried, with just the right amount of crispy and sweet. Pure. Goodness.

Tips: 

• The outside seems a bit sketchy, don't let this fool you- the food is outstanding and it is SO cute inside
• Cash only
• Try EVERYTHING
• BYOB! There's no charge
• Contrary to what you'll find on the interwebs, they are open until 9PM on Friday nights

Can't wait to go back and try more.

Mas Tacos Por Favor

732 B McFerrin Avenue
Nashville, TN 37206

615-543-6271

Favorite Patios in Nashville... Post #2

Piggybacking on my first favorite patios in Nashville post, here is round two. With all of this gorgeous weather, I for one will be spending as much time outside as possible!

3 Crow Bar

You can't go wrong at 5 Points on the East side when it warms up.  Not personally a fan of smoking in bars, patio time gives you the chance to hang with the hipster crowd at 3 Crow. Great beer selection, a decent burger, and home to one of my favorite summertime drinks EVER - the Bushwacker (think the alcoholic version of a Wendy's Frosty). And 3 Crow has, in my opinion one of the best in town. Don't miss 2-fer-1s on Wednesday night and pretty much all day Sunday.

http://3crowbar.com/

Red Door - East and Midtown

A fun hangout on both sides of town, Red Door is a local hot spot both featuring fabulous patios. A bit of a different vibe at each, but both fun spots to throw back a drink or two (and if you think you can hang with a pro, play me at a game of Shuffleboard at the Midtown locale). I'm a fan of their beer selection and infused pineapple vodka.

http://www.thereddoorsaloon.com/

Village Pub

Soft pretzels with beer cheese and Moscow Mules (the BEST summertime drink ever): My staples at Village Pub at Riverside Village in East Nashville. With possibly one of the friendliest and most courteous bar staff in Nashville and the laid back, smoke-free atmosphere-- these are the reasons you will find me hanging out at this joint year round.

http://www.riversidevillagepub.com/

Edleys BBQ - 12s and East Nashville

I LOVE some good BBQ and Edley's has some of the best in town that you shouldn't miss! They have a great drink selection (Bushwackers and fun, inventive cocktails), and of course a wonderful patio. Plus, they are about to open their East Nashville location in the next couple of weeks (YAY!). Can't miss menu items are their wings and BBQ Nachos.

http://edleysbbq.com/

ML Rose - 8th Ave and West Nashville

Oh ML Rose.. You are so dear to my heart! One of my favorite places to grab a drink in all of Nashville, they feature a ton of local craft beers, a great burger (Mushroom & Swiss is my favorite), waffle fries, and THE BEST RANCH DRESSING EVER! West Nashville has 2-for-1s all night on Wednesday, and 8th Ave on Thursday. If you like to people watch the good looking crowd, ML Rose will be right up your alley.

http://ml-rose.com/

Rumors East

This place is just absolutely charming. Located in a renovated Victorian home on Woodland Street, Rumors East can't be beat when it comes to atmosphere. Wine is their forte but also have a wonderful cocktail selection. Happy hour is 5-7 daily and they have 1/2 of bottles on Sunday night with the purchase of an entree. Their patio is so fab and they often have live music in the warmer months. You need to experience why they are consistently voted Best Patio in Nashville by the Scene!

http://rumourseast.com/

Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles

Need a fun idea and craving something sweet? Now that the weather is FINALLY warming up in Nashville head over to the 12 South neighborhood for a cool treat at Las Paletas, where you will enjoy the most delicious popsicle you will ever have in your life! Ya'll. Coming from someone who was born with a special compartment in my stomach solely for dessert (& therefore by default making dessert a passion of mine throughout my life)—you can rest assured with utmost confidence when I tell you Las Paletas is INCREDIBLE.

One of Nashville's greatest gems, this fabulous little shop dishes out some of the best frozen delicacies in town.  Typically divided into "Creamy" (think ice cream-ish) and "Fruit" (think Italian ice-ish), flavors range from Hot Chocolate with Peppers (a strange but delish one to try), Pistachio, and Chocolate Strawberry to Pineapple Blueberry and Honeydew.  Typically, I go for the creamy/fruit combinations, but my advice to you is to be adventurous. Branch out of your comfort zone and live a little, try a flavor that sounds a little crazy—I promise you will be pleasantly surprised.

Couple items to note: One, they take cash or check only at the 12s locale. Two, Las Paletas Popsicles are also sold at various outlets across town, including Hot & Cold in Hillsboro Village, Baja Burrito, and Bongo Java, so you have plenty of opportunities to try one!

What is YOUR fav Las Paletas flavor?

Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles
2905 12th Ave S #101
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 386-2101

Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday 11am-8pm

The Oak Bar at the Hermitage Hotel

Last night's trip to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center was accompanied by a new tradition for me which involves a pre-(or post.. or both) show cocktail at one of my absolute favorite bars in town, The Oak Bar.  If you are looking for a swankier place to unwind, where one can actually hear a conversation, while kicking back and relaxing with a wonderful cocktail or glass of wine- a stop into the Oak Bar is a must!  Inside of the most beautiful building in town (seriously ya'll.. The lobby of the Hermitage Hotel is a site that cannot be missed), and not to mention Nashville's only 5 star hotel, is one of my favorite places to do just that.

Great food, wonderful drink and wine list, a comfortable yet gorgeous atmosphere, and fabulous service are just the icing on the cake.  Here are a couple of items that you cannot miss:

• The Tennessee Stack.  The Oak Bar and Capitol Grill use vegetables they harvest and beef raised on a farm near the hotel itself.  Not only is this one of the freshest, most delicious burgers in town, it is made with ingredients from just down the street.  I LOVE supporting businesses that support local businesses.  
• Fried Pickles.  Not exactly the healthiest option.. But, I feel this tasty snack is one that especially visitors to Nashville HAVE to indulge in.
• Fried Green Tomatoes.  See: Description for Fried Pickles.
• Jack's Mule.  I can't express to you how much I love this drink.  Served in an ice cold copper mug with Jack, Spicy Ginger Beer, and Lime.  Simple, refreshing, and delicious!
• The Men's Restroom.  Voted "Best Restroom" in the US in 2008- This beautiful art-deco style room is definitely the prettiest bathroom I've set foot in.  Ladies, if you ask, you are allowed to peek in too.
• Happy Hour from 4:30-6:30.  Drink specials and select apps 1/2 off.

So, if you're heading to a show at TPAC, War Memorial, or just looking for an excuse to have a drink at a nice place in Nashville, the Oak Bar is a stop that you must make!

Oak Bar

231 6th Ave N

Nashville, TN 

(615) 244-3121

My Favorite Taco Shop in Nashville

Specialty taco shops are popping up on what seems like every corner in Nashville.  I just went to one of the newbies today, which reiterated to me which one is in fact my favorite, as well as inspired today's blog post.  Which one is my fav, you ask?

The Local Taco.

My reasoning?  Well here goes:

• An excellent variety of tacos.  The Korean BBQ Taco is OUT OF THIS WORLD. Seriously, you must try it.  Other favorites of mine are Southern Fried and Spicy Shrimp.  Add bang bang sauce for a little extra spice-love.
• A fabulous Margarita.  Not the non-digestible sweet & sour ones from the cheap Mexi place down the street, these bad boys are made from scratch and quite tasty.  I also am a huge fan of the Sangria. Yum!
• Delicious cheese dip and great chips.  The chips are key, ya'll.  Local Taco's are just right.
• A great, laid back atmosphere.
• The Brentwood locale's Mexi Tator Tots and Queso Cauliflower.  TRUST, just try.
• In the warmer months, both locations have very outdoor friendly spaces.
• Why don't you just check out the full menu here.

If you're not hungry for a taco and cheese dip by now I think you're probably crazy.  Get yourself down to The Local Taco in Sylvan Park or Brentwood and enjoy!

What's your favorite taco?

The Local Taco Nashville Location
4501 Murphy Road
615-891-3271
11AM-10PM (Except Sunday they close at 8P)

Brentwood Location
146 Pewitt Drive
615-915-4666
11AM-10PM M-TH
11AM-11PM Fri-Sat
11AM-8PM Sunday