Nashville Gluten Free Guide

GF Pastries from The Post East image: The Post East

Guest post via Allison Buzard

As someone who lives with Celiac Disease, who considers herself a foodie (or at least a gluten-free version of one) and who does a fair amount of traveling, I know, too well the cocktail of fear and research that goes into a well-curated, safe, and delicious gluten free-trip. I love to explore my own city’s food scene, and have a few safe, tried and true eateries that treat my immune system right. I research food blogs every time I travel, so for anyone traveling to Nashville with gluten-free needs or for my fellow gluten-intolerant-Nashvillians, this one’s for you!

Disclaimer, I know that symptoms of Celiac Disease and the effects of cross contamination affect everyone differently. I wouldn’t wish a glutening on my worst enemy, so know that I wouldn’t steer you wrong. These suggestions are just from one gluten-free body’s response. Proceed at your own risk!

New Podcast - Chatting About (what else) Food in Nashville!

Y'all. I have partaken in my very first Podcast!

I was asked by a dear friend, author/speaker/queen of hilarity and wisdom Annie Downs, to sit down and chat about the Nashville food scene. We cover everything - from some of my favorite hidden gems, to budget and family friendly spots, to the best fine dining in town - local only, of course.

You can download the podcast here, and stream it/view the entire list of recommendations on Annie's website, anniefdowns.com!

A New Favorite Brunch Spot in Nashville - Josephine

Pictured: Dried Cherry & Pistachio Sticky Bun

To my absolute enjoyment, I am discovering more and crowining more new favorites here in town as of late - thanks to the continuing boom of our lovely city, Nashville. As you may know, I am obsessed with brunch. Obsessed. Likely, it's my most favored meal of the week. My logic behind this is: if you offer meals that combine Sweet + Savory + Bacon + Mimosas, it simply should not be missed.

My latest go-to spot for the best brunch in Nashville is none other than 12th Ave South's Josephine. Y'all - it is DELICIOUS. A few of my favorites and must-tries include the Sticky Bun (complimented with dried cherries and pistachios), Apple Cider Donuts, Candied Carrot Soup, Eggs Benedict (country ham, grilled bread, brown butter hollandaise), and the Quiche (served with their to-die-for fries). View the brunch menu in its entirety here.

Couple their reasonably-priced fantastic fare and quality service with a comfortable, chic atmosphere PLUS the fact that they take brunch reservations (somewhat of a rarity in town) = sold. Get out there, make a rez, and give Josephine's brunch a try - you will not regret it.

Josephine on 12th
2316 12th Ave S
Nashville

Brunch Served Saturdays and Sundays from 10am - 5pm

Bachelorette Weekend in Nashville

Planning to spending your Bachelorette Weekend in Nashville and need some ideas? I've got you covered with a touristy trek through town celebrating a last bit of 'freedom' before your lifetime of being a M-R-S.

Where to Stay:

You'll want to be near downtown so you can walk around on Broadway - so check out the gorgeous Omni or the newly-renovated Renaissance hotels, both of which offer prime locale. Another great resource to consider, especially for groups, is Airbnb - my new preferred method of travel. There are a ton of listings in Nashville. Be sure to book your space or hotel room sooner than later because there is always something going on in town, and space books up fast.

Now, let's get to the real fun.

Night #1: Go to dinner, Go out on Broadway!

Start your bachelorette weekend in Nashville with a night out on the rooftop of either Rock Bottom Brewery or Acme. Acme is a fabulous new and unique venue but both offer a killer view of downtown Nashville. For dinner there are a few options: You could eat at Rock Bottom or at Acme, or you could make a reservation at Merchants, Farmhouse, or Etch  (my favorite) - all within walking distance from the downtown action.

Spending Two Days in Nashville? Here's my Recommended Itinerary!

As a follow up to my One Day in Nashville Itinerary, and for those fortunate enough to stick around longer than just a day in town, here's your Itinerary for Two Days in Nashville. Be sure to follow this agenda in order - I've set it up to optimize your day with the most efficient travel pattern throughout the city. It's most definitely a full day, but one that I'm certain you can pull off with your mad traveler expertise.

Need a driver while you're in town? Sign up for Lyft and use my code EXPERIENCENASH for $50 towards your first rides!

Let's start off day two in my favorite neighborhood in town, East Nashville.

Marche Artisan Foods
Nothing beats your day beginning with one of my favorite brunches in all of Nashville. Their always evolving menu is full of wonderful options that never fail to impress. Try a crepe, and/or (recommended: and) literally the best french toast I've ever eaten in my life.

1000 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206

1108 Shops at Woodland
Just around the block lives a collection of precious boutiques. Vintage clothing, books, antiques are all gathered together for an eclectic and fun shopping experience. Good Buy Girls and Hello Boys are among my faves.

1108 Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Shoppes on Fatherland
Just a few blocks up the road is another group of boutique stores. Definitely walkable from your previous locale, and just as much fun. Don't miss Baxter and Bailey if you have a dog (or cat), Thrive for earth-friendly products, and Moxie for a cute made in Nashville poster or other unique gifts.

1006 Fatherland Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Jenis
I know you just had brunch but you must make room in your stomach for the best ice cream in the world, and if you've truly hit the ground and rigorously shopped as I would, this should not be an issue. I never let a visitor come see me in Nashville without giving Jeni's a try. Goat Cheese & Red Cherries and Brown Butter Almond Brittle will change your life, and sample as many flavors as your heart desires.

1892 Eastland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206

Old Made Good
Probably my favorite shop in all of Nashville, just down Gallatin Pike from your previous destinations. These ladies truly have an eye for art, fashion, and design. Great local products and a floor entirely comprised of gold glitter round out this incredible spot.

3701B Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216

Opryland Hotel
Touristy? Absolutely. Impressive? Oh yeah. One of largest 'non-gaming' resort in the United States, Opryland Hotel is a sight to behold. You'll find indoor canals and mini-cities, beautiful plants, fountains, chandeliers, and even waterfalls. Take a canal tour and learn more about the hotel's fascinating story.

Be sure to park in the mall lot, near the Grand Ole Opry House. Parking at the hotel is crazy expensive, and free at the mall.

2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214

Time to head South to Downtown Franklin, one of the most picturesque towns in America.

Top 4 Brunches in Nashville

Brunch brunch brunch. Oh, how I love thee. As Nashville continues to grow, thankfully, so do our brunch and breakfast options. Brunch is possibly my favorite meal of the week for several reasons: It's the weekend, I can day drink and it's okay, and I love French Toast. Disclaimer: I hear there are several new places on the horizon (and a couple I have yet to try) so this list is most definitely fluid. That said, in no particular order, here are my current picks for best brunch in Nashville.

Bricktop's
Before you go postal on me for recommending a 'chain' - remember I would NEVER steer you wrong! Despite the fact Bricktops has multiple locales in multiple cities, this is a brunch that truly shouldn't be missed. Chicken and Waffles and the BLT Benedict are among my favorite entrees. Their oven roasted potatoes and cheddar cheese grits are DIVINE (this coming from one who normally doesn't like grits). And ya'll, their homemade donuts served with chocolate, creme, and raspberry sauces are just ridiculous. An always heavy pour on the champagne in the mimosas and consistent quality service perfect the dining experience.

Marche
Words simply do not suffice for me to describe my love for Marche. Upon every visit, I'm blown away. The food = inventive, divine, succulent, ever changing. The croissant french toast in particular = the best I've EVER had. Yes, I went there. The crepes, the soups, the biscuits and gravy are all life changing. Drews Brews coffee is another fabulous perk. A quick word of advice - go early or late or prepared to wait at least 30 minutes - or you'll find it's quite clear I'm not the only one obsessed with this place.

Germantown Cafe
Germantown Cafe, you will always have a special place in my heart, especially because of your wonderful brunch service. Whether I'm in the mood for your unbelievable French Onion Soup and a simple side salad, or am feeling more adventurous and go for your famous Crab Cakes Benedict, I am never let down. Every brunch is paired with their famous flash fried bread rolled in cinnamon and sugar served with fruit butter, and a killer view of downtown Nashville.

Tavern
If I'm feeling brave and want to journey over to Midtown for brunch, I will undoubtedly choose to go to Tavern. I think the only negative thing I can say is I never know what exactly to order, because everything on their brunch menu sounds amazing. Everything. You most definitely can't go wrong with the Cheddar Biscuits and Chorizo Gravy, Red Velvet Waffle, Pain Perdu (let me describe this one for you real quick: challah bread, frosted flake crust, rocky road sauce), or a Benedict. Oh, and 2-for-1 mimosas for the win.

Did your favorite make the list? What's your go-to spot?

My Favorite Brunch in Nashville is.... Marche!

Mmmmmmmmmmm! I'm sure you've heard all the raves, but, have you made it over to the East side to check it out?  After countless orders of french toast, crepes, quiche, mimosas, Benton's bacon, and the like in our lovely town (and still a few places on my list yet to try), my consistent go-to and wearing the crown as my #1 fav brunch spot goes to Marche Artisan Foods.

This super cute cafe of sorts has all the elements of providing a fabulous morning-time (ahem, or afternoon) meal.  I love the casual European bistro-style atmosphere, along with their AMAZING pastries (chocolate croissant // almond croissant // or the bread basket, served with an assortment of yummy spreads), and the best brewed coffee in town (no lie).  Some additional menu items not to miss are:

• The wonderful assortment of brunch bevs including blood-orange mimosas
• The croissant french toast coupled with a side of perfectly cooked applewood-smoked bacon which is absolutely my favorite in town
• Any of their always-evolving crepes, all of which will change your life for the better

I reinforce the success in choices of my favorite fab restaurants by out-of-town friend's reactions.  This past Sunday I brought a foodie-friend from Dallas here and she LOVED it!  Marche has NEVER let me down, and I assure you it will be on your list of favorites if it isn't there already.

One word of advice, get there early early on Saturday/Sunday, or shoot for later in the afternoon (Say around 3:00), otherwise be prepared to wait.

Marche Artisan Foods
1000 Main Street
Nashville, TN 37206
(615)-262-1111

Hours:
Tuesday through Friday 8am to 9pm
Saturday Brunch 8am to 4pm // Dinner 5pm to 9pm
Sunday Brunch 9am to 4pm

Reservations for dinner only.