Steadfast Commons - The Newest (+ fab) Downtown Nashville Restaurant/Coffee Destination

photos: Mikaela Hamilton Steinwedell

A beautiful new addition to the Nashville dining/culinary/coffee/drinking scene, Steadfast Commons -- a fabulously unique and beautifully executed spot -- should be immediately added to any local foodie's list of ‘go-tos’ when finding thy-selves downtown. The gentlemen behind the uber-popular coffee shop Steadfast in Germantown quietly opened the doors to this newest venture in January.

Commons features Steadfast roasts, teas, homemade pastries and lunch items during the day (yum), and transitions to a dinner and cocktail-focused menu in the evening. And y’all, I for one am SO excited to have a new option downtown to hit before shows. So, yay.

Now, for the dirty (and quite important) deets. The team have again enlisted acclaimed chef Julia Sullivan (Per Se, Blue Hill, Pinewood Social) to create the market-driven food menu, which expands upon the culinary program she created for Steadfast in Germantown. Sullivan is joined in the kitchen by chef Megan Jay (Silly Goose, Dinner Lab).

Cocktail specialist Troy Sidle (a veteran of Pouring Ribbons and The Violet Hour and founder of Canvas Bar Design) has created a cocktail menu exclusively for Steadfast Commons. To capitalize on the excellent coffee program, created by co-founder Nathanael Mehrens, many of the drinks utilize Steadfast flash chilled espresso in bitters, liqueurs, syrups and sodas (and let me tell you, are all incredible). Wine and beer will also be available.

Next time you find yourself downtown, I’d recommend popping in to take a peek. Because coffee. And good food. And dranks.

Steadfast Commons

299 Demonbruen Street

Nashville, TN 37201
Hours: 7am - 3pm and 5pm - 12am.

More pics below.

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

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?

Nashville's 12South Neighborhood : Where to Eat, Drink, & Shop

SO so so excited to be featured and brag about our town in the May issue of Virgin Airlines Inflight Magazine, Voyeur. You can check out a link to the actual mag here, but I've also included the article here on the blog for your reading pleasure:

Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, expanding far beyond just a destination for country music lovers. These days it’s gaining a reputation among the most elite of foodies, with daily announcements of cool new developments and accolades handed to its hottest restaurants. All of this progress has brought resurgence — and leading the charge is the trendy 12South neighborhood. Just a few years ago a blighted part of town that locals avoided, 12South has now emerged as one of the places to be seen in Nashville. Beautifully restored homes, chic boutiques and a wide array of dining options are all within walking distance and allow for afternoons filled with a plethora of possibilities — making it truly the perfect one-stop destination to live, eat, drink, shop and play.

EAT

Nashville residents pride themselves on supporting local business, so you absolutely won’t see any familiar chains in this neighborhood. Start your day by grabbing an icicle treat at Las Paletas, a gourmet popsicle shop. Opt for an adventurous flavor such as its famous Hot Chocolate — a combination of creamy chocolate with a kick of chili. For lunch, try Edley’s Bar-B-Que for an authentic southern meal complete with all the ‘fixins’ — homemade sides such as baked beans, slaw, mac and cheese, and cornbread. In particular, don’t miss the barbecue nachos with brisket and fried pickles, and the smoked wings. Dinner reservations are a necessity at Josephine, one of Nashville’s newest hotspots. Pioneered by local restaurateur Miranda Whitcomb Pontes of Burger Up fame (her well-revered burger restaurant just down the street), Josephine’s new-American cuisine, hip atmosphere and topnotch service have already elevated it to every local foodie’s favorite list. A must try is the skillet of pretzel rolls with mustard butter, and you can’t go wrong with any one of its inventive vegetable sides or main dishes. Its cocktails are pretty good, too.
You won’t have to go far for dessert — just walk next door to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Remarkable flavors include goat’s cheese with cherry, and brown-butter almond brittle. Even its classic ‘Milkiest
Chocolate in the World’ is exceptional.

DRINK

One can’t visit Nashville without trying a Bushwacker. This alcoholic milkshake-like beverage can be found at various spots throughout the city, but is particularly good (and strong) at previously mentioned
Edley’s Bar-B-Que. Mosey across the street to Frothy Monkey, and there’s a good chance you will bump shoulders with a famous musician while enjoying one of the best lattes in town. Hit Mafioza’s Pizzeria
and Neighborhood Pub to indulge in a drink (note the two-for-one drinks and pizza offer on Tuesday night). a little further down 12th Avenue South sits 12 South Taproom and Grill, a charming bar where you can grab a chair on the patio,  relax with friends and enjoy a variety of beer via its extensive list. looking for a bit
more beer to cap off the night? The Filling station carries 24 options on tap and you can even grab a growler to go. Be sure to sample refreshing creations from local breweries including Yazoo, Jackalope, Tennessee Brew Works and Turtle Anarchy

SHOP

Options are plentiful when it comes to shopping in 12South. White’s Mercantile is a recently opened boutique and the latest venture of singer Holly Williams (daughter of musician Hank Williams Jr). It’s located
in an old gas station at the southern-most end of the district. Williams showcases regional purveyors and offers a variety of items that span from olive oils and lotions to hand-picked antiques, linen and glasses.
Imogene and Willie, Nashville’s go-to spot for jeans, offers denim custom-fitted to your specifications — a must-purchase for any fashionista, including a few celebrities. The shop creates hand cuts and alters all of its designs in Nashville. Finally, a visit to Nashville isn’t complete without a trip to the music store: stop at
Corner Music and strum a few guitars, tickle some ivories and ensure you are ready to hit the stage. To suit up for your performance visit Katy K Designs, which offers western threads, including suits from Manuel — the ‘tailor to the stars’ credited as being responsible for making Johnny Cash the iconic man in black.

Moto - M Street's Newest Venture / A Review

Last week I was able to experience M Street's newest creation Moto Cucina during a special event for Nashville bloggers. Upon hearing mixed reviews initially, I must admit I was a bit hesitant to give Moto a try- but let me start of by saying thanks to M Street for the invite, and ya'll, I left far from disappointed. The food, the service, the space. All fantastic.

We started dinner off right with a healthy pouring of red (as all Italian feasts should), and dove right in to some apps. Duck Fat Olives was the first of several to be brought to the table. I am not an olive fan whatsoever, and found these to be absolutely delicious. Lesson learned: even one of my most hated foods can be thrown in duck fat and all is right with the world. Noted. Next up and worth mentioning, Pork Cheek Terrine and Oysters. I enjoyed the Pork Terrine but due to my being deathly allergic to Oysters, unfortunately wasn't able to partake- and missed out on my partner's favorite app of the night. We then experienced the Raw Winter Vegetables, accompanied by green apple, blue cheese, white balsamic. One word: LOVE. So flavorful and fresh, an unexpectedly perfect way to kick off our meal.

The food kept coming and at this point we were already beginning to fill up; thank goodness I was able to take one for the team and keep going. Next up: Pizza. They were outstanding, perfectly cooked, and among my favorite of items we sampled. Porchetta, Kale Pesto, and Mozzarella was my favorite, but the Mushroom, Black Truffle, and Fontina was a close second. House made Gnocchi and Black Spaghetti were the pasta options, with the Spaghetti far exceeding the Gnocchi in flavor. Two sides that both stood out were the Brussels Sprouts and the Roasted Potatoes. The Brussels have officially taken the award as my favorite in Nashville. Whew, ya'll, this is a big deal. Paired with pancetta and apple sweet and sour sauce, they were simply divine.

Finally, we ended the night with a couple of desserts. I love love love anything lemon and to my delight we were served a Meyer Lemon Budino: A creamy custard with the perfect balance of sweet and sour. As one who believes there aren't a ton of great dessert options in Nashville, it was a breath of fresh air to add a new one to my list of musts. That said, you don't want to miss this one.

All-in-all a wonderful experience. Congrats to the folks at M Street for bringing another winner to Nashville-Moto is helping fill the void that is the lack of quality Italian places in town, and filling it well. I very much look forward to our next visit!

Moto
1120 McGavock Street
Nashville, TN 37203
615-736-5305

Calypso Cafe Nashville Restaurant Review

Looking for a place to grab a quick bite to grab lunch or dinner, somewhere that offers mostly healthy options and is inexpensive? My solution for you happens to be my favorite “fast” food in all of Nashville: Calypso Café. So what if I have eaten there three times in the last week? Those who have been will understand why, and those who haven't.. well, give it a try and you'll get it too.

Photo Courtesy of CalypsoCafe.com

A super casual, local-to-Nashville hot spot, Calypso offers several locations throughout the area, so you’re bound to be close enough to one for a quick meal. I must confess, when I first moved to town six and a half years ago, my mind/palette wasn't quite ready for Calypso. I thus ignored all of the local hype, which unfortunately caused me to miss many years of their delish cuisine (disclaimer/reminder: from small town, we only had those 'wonderful' super chains and maybe a gas station or two to choose from). Learn from my mistake, and do yourselves a favor and prepare to broaden your horizons just a bit.

Calypso offers what I would call fresh Caribbean inspired cuisine. Roasted chicken, creative sauces, incredible sides. My most beloved adjective best sums it up: FABULOUS.

Here are my fave items to order:

Nachos. Tortilla chips smothered in their bean dip. The other standard nacho ingredients; chicken, beef, or rice, and BBQ sauce. Simply divine.

Black Bean Salad. Lettuce, black beans, tortilla chips, cheddar, tomato, red onion; chicken beef, or rice, and a side of BBQ sauce. Try an extra side of their unbelievable house salad dressing too.

Pulled BBQ White Chicken. Fresh, tender, rotisserie chicken with an absolutely amazing sauce. Get it as a sandwich or a plate.

Bean and Corn Salad (side). A mixture of beans, corn, in a cilantro vinaigrette. Just yum.

Sweet Potatoes (side). The perfect amount of sweet and spice.

House Salad dressing. Simple: Pour it on everything.

Fruit Tea. Some of the best in town. When in Rome.

Calypso Bar. One of my favorite desserts, ever— their take on a cookie bar. Simple, sweet, a bit sour, just delicious.

Ok.. There's my take. What are your favorite dishes at Calypso?

Calypso Cafe
Locations throughout Nashville:
Vanderbilt, Cool Springs, 100 Oaks, East Nashville
Open Daily, hours vary by location

Etch Nashville Restaurant Review

I'd like to start this blog off apologizing that this particular one hasn't come sooner, as it concerns one of my absolute favorite 'new' restaurants in town: Etch. Since my first experience at lunch several months ago (and many, many subsequent visits after for both lunch and dinner), I have been unable to stop thinking about this fabulous restaurant nor stop talking about it to anyone who is willing to listen.

Etch's Brisket Papusa

I must admit, not too many years ago a place like Etch would have intimidated the hell out of me. Most menu items being out of my "comfort zone", I would have considered it to be a bit much. Thankfully, with access to the ever-booming local restaurant scene in Nashville since I moved to the 'big city', I have been a bit more adventurous with food, and my goodness, am I glad I did! 

Etch has some of the most inventive, unique, and flavorful meals I've ever had. Truly an experience for your taste buds, every single menu item I've ordered has absolutely blown me away... and so has their service, which is top-notch and in my mind equally as important. My suggestion to you—go with a small group, order several apps, soups, salads, an entree or two, and SHARE. You will not want to miss out on any of Chef Paquette's amazing creations. Here are some of my personal faves:

• Butter Tasting. Ok, everyone loves butter, but Etch gives it a fun twist. Rolls served with truffle, smoked plugra, duck, and goat butters. Divine.
• Roasted Cauliflower. With truffled pea pesto, salted almonds, and feta crema. To describe this glorious creation, I believe my friend says it best (and classiest): "I would literally bathe in the truffled pea pesto." Interesting take, yes, but it really is that wonderful.
• Duck Confit. Words truly cannot begin to describe how fab this is.The balsamic blackberries and the citrus from the orange peel with the duck... Unbelievable.
• Short Ribs. Perfection. Such a delicious and fun twist on the traditional short rib.
• Pork Tenderloin. Possibly the best, most tender, flavorful pork tenderloin I've ever had in my life. Monchego. Carmelized Onions. Mushroom sauce. Oh, and it contains truffle.. Enough said.
• Brisket Papusa (lunch). Corn cake, smoked brisket, cheese, onion, slaw, a wonderful tomato sauce, avocado, lime crema, queso blanco. Every single bite of this lunch-only entree was phenomenal. Hands down the best lunch I've ever had.

Recently, a colleague of mine told me my theory that one always has room for dessert no matter how full is actually a scientific fact. Not sure how accurate that is, but, I'll go with it it. That said, you MUST order dessert at Etch! I have had the Meyer Lemon Frozen Mousse (lemon curd, goat milk caramel, lemon crumble, brown butter pizzelle, cirtus segments) and Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch, both incredible.

So....Now that I am pretty much out of positive adjectives, I'm going to wrap this up by simply saying if you haven't yet made it to Etch, you are missing out on the best of the best in Nashville.

Etch

303 Demonbreun Street

Nashville, TN 37201

(615) 522-0685

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

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.

One of my Favorite Restaurants in Nashville: Germantown Cafe

I have realized that I haven't given this absolutely fantastic restaurant not even close to the love it deserves on my blog and Twitter feed. I know some of you may be surprised due to my raving about a few other new restaurants to the Nashville dining scene, but alas, Germantown holds one of the top spot in my heart, for several reasons:

• Consistently it has offered top notch service.
• Consistently it has provided delicious food at a decent price point.
• Consistently (consistency is the key here, folks) it has great bartenders, and fantastic drinks.
• Their view of downtown is fabulous.
• They not only have an incredible dinner, but lunch and brunch options as well.
• THE BREAD (Imagine a crispy cream doughnut without icing... I can't even talk about it).

I absolutely love the simplicity of the menu, and how they offer the somewhat "standard" options but, with fresh twists. Some of my favorite items:

• Fried Green tomatoes:  The bit of goat cheese and the red pepper sauce make these bad boys out of this WORLD.
• French Onion Soup:  Best in town = hands down.
• Plum Pork: Unbelievable. One of my favorite entrees in town. The sweet plum with the salty pork is so incredibly delicious. Plus, it's served with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, and a salad.  Oh.. and that delicious bread.
• Speaking of the bread:  At brunch, they roll it in cinnamon and sugar and serve it with strawberry butter (queue salivation, now).

Conversing with my foodie (and non-foodie) friends, most all agree that Germantown Cafe is at (if not the) top of their list as well, so, clearly it should appear somewhere on your own. 

Germantown Cafe

1200 5th Avenue North  Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 242-3226

Rosepepper - My Favorite Marg & Mexi in Nashville!

Guest post from my dear friend Ruthie Huggins.  Check out her wonderful blog, The Food Gospel According to Ruth here!

I think one of the best aspects of Nashville's growing culinary atmosphere is the obvious....more options!  With more options though comes less demand on one single dining locale.  With that being said in order to be sustainable in such a diverse culinary atmosphere a restaurant must bring something new to the table, and if not something new then they had better have the best of whatever "it" is they are trying to sell.

There are so many restaurants that have conquered these challenges which benefits no one more than the greater Nashville population!  

One of my favorites of such restaurants is Rosepepper in East Nashville.  As a kid growing up in Nashville I never spent much time across the river.  I heard about all my mother's childhood in East Nashville, but never actually went exploring for myself. 

During the 6 years I lived in Georgia so much changed from the East Nashville I had barely known in high school.  People were bringing back the vibrancy that had once been a defining characteristic of one of Nashville's oldest neighborhoods.  

Old bungalow homes were restored, Victorian mansions that hadn't had a new paint job in decades were brought back to their original glory standing proudly with a timeless grace, boutiques were opened and so many delicious restaurants opened their doors to an eager audience, ready for something new and delicious.

Rosepepper was once such restaurant.  Opened in 2001, Rosepepper offers an extensive Sonora Style Mexican menu, countless types of tequilla, margaritas that are dangerously delicious and potent all at the same time, and an atmosphere that is perfect for a festive dinner with friends and family!

If you are looking for some of the best Mexican food in town, somewhere fun to go to kick-start a night out on the town or just a places that will be alive with the pulse of Nashville, Rosepepper is an absolute MUST!  Grab a margarita, sit out on the open air porch, relax and enjoy what is so perfectly East Nashville!

Here is what we had....

A tasty trio of salsa

A couple pitchers of fresh lime margaritas (I feel a song coming on....I will refrain!)

DANGER!!! DANGER!!!  Is exactly what this picture SHOULD have said!

Buffalo White Cheese Dip

Fish Tacos

Chicken Quesadilla

Fajita Burrito

Chicken Fajitas

Oops................

Rosepepper Cantina

1907 Eastland Avenue  Nashville, TN 37206
(615) 227-4777

Lockeland Table: My Take on one of Nashville's Newest Restaurants

I'm going to keep this review short and sweet.  First, go ahead and call to make a reservation to Lockeland Table.  Now, read on.

It's been just over a week since my friends and I walked up the street to our newest East Nashville neighborhood eatery, Lockeland Table, and lets just say I have not been able to stop thinking about it since. Stellar service, a diverse menu, and a comfortable, gorgeous ambiance complete what is bound to be my new favorite restaurant in town (a title which can only be given after a few more fabulous experiences).

We made our reservations about a week in advance (which I would suggest.. it's a quaint little place, and they book up quickly) and were seated promptly upon our arrival.  I was impressed immediately upon walking in the door at the attention to detail in the design and aesthetic of the place.  Exposed brick walls, rich woods, great art, and a dimly-lit dining room create a trendy yet comfortable atmosphere. The attention to detail continued with the fun and creative cocktail menu—there were so many tempting mixtures I didn't even know where to start.  After a laborious debate with myself, I ended up deciding on a peach and bourbon creation, which did not disappoint.  Next up... food.  The menu offered so many alluring selections I knew my next decision(s) would be even more difficult.  I had to remind myself that it was likely I would be back soon, which is what ultimately comforted me and my dining partners, and helped us to make our choices.  As a table, here's  a play-by-play of what we ended up going with:

Appetizer:

Crab & Corn Fritter:  Can't go wrong with this one.  So extremely tasty.

Pizza:
Heirloom Tomato, Caramelized Onion, and Spinach:  Perfectly cooked.  Wonderful, fresh flavors.

Entree:

Cornmeal Dusted NC Catfish: Possibly one of the better pieces of catfish I've ever had.  

SE Family Farms Bone-In Pork Loin: My friend who ordered noted it was one of the best pieces of pork he'd had. It looked quite good. I tried the smoked cheddar mac and cheese, it was to die for.  

Dessert:

Sweet Ricotta Donuts: Served in a white paper bag, just like the good ole days. The homemade jelly + warm donuts were absolute perfection.

Zucchini Olive Oil Cake: With lemon glaze? Yes, this exists.  The sweet and sour combination of this dessert was spot on.  My mouth is watering as I type this.

So, there we go. Lets just say if this review hasn't enticed you to get out and try Lockeland Table, I'd suffice it to say we probably shouldn't be friends.  Here's their info:

Lockeland Table
1520 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
615-228-4864

Hours:
Monday through Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Happiest of Hours:
Monday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Kayne Prime- An AMAZING Nashville Restaurant Experience

Soooooo.  A few days ago, I celebrated a very special day with a very special someone, and wanted to commemorate this occasion with a nice meal. I had been wanting to give Kayne Prime a try for quite some time now (well, really, since it's opened), and couldn't think of a better option for this particular dinner.  I had heard rave reviews from mannnny sources, am a huge fan of the other M Street properties (Virago, Whiskey Kitchen, Tavern), and scoured the menu on their website, which was the final straw that ended up sealing the deal (Seriously.. do yourself a favor and just go look at it.  Lusting will commence immediately). Reservations were made for Tuesday at 8:30.

With restaurants of this quality, I have pretty high expectations, and I can honestly say Kayne Prime did not disappoint in the least. We were greeted by a friendly hostess, and that trend continued with the rest of the staff.  Our server, and his assistant, were both extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and always knew just the right time to pop over and check in with us, without being overly obnoxious. The atmosphere was absolutely killer. Modern, yet comfortable—the two of us were seated in a huge booth trimmed in soft leather. Private, comfortable, and a great view of the place, perfect for my passion of people watching (you know you do it too).

So, on to what we ordered.

The Cocktails
Great, great, great selection of cocktails. We partook in the Lust For Life, Balsamic Martini, The Mint Rose (my FAV), and the Maple Wheat Old Fashioned. All delish.

The Appetizer
I will never forget the first time I heard about this appetizer. I literally had never forgotten about it. Now that I've had it, there will probably never be a day I won't lust for this particular delicacy: the Housemade Bacon. Unbelievable. The incredibly tender pork belly was coated in black peppercorn, and maple COTTON CANDY. Yes, cotton candy. I am not even close to being over this.

The Entree
I love a great steak, and there were endless options. Per the suggestion of our waiter, we both went with the Wagyu Filet (Wagyu = some of the finest quality of beef in the US.)  Cooked to perfection and so so flavorful, it was a wise choice.

For our sides, which are big enough to share, we opted for the Cream Corn Brulée (Out. Of. This. World.), and the Charred Broccoli (so, not the most exciting choice ever, but, we felt the need to include something green). The chef also treated us to some complimentary popovers, which were quite tasty as well.

The Dessert
As much as it pains me to say this, I did not try anything for dessert!  Between the cocktails and all the food consumed, my normal "specially reserved" place in my stomach for dessert was not even close to being there for this, pretty much my absolute, favorite part of any meal. I guess that just means I will have to go back again!

**update - The Crimoso is my go-to dessert when visiting Kayne Prime, and happens to be one of my favorite desserts in all of Nashville. SAVE ROOM FOR THIS!

The Summary
Well, folks, there you have it. All-in-all, what I would consider a fantastic experience. Great ambiance, service, drinks, food are to be had at Kayne Prime. Next time you are considering options for a nice meal in the Nashville area, you should put this one at the top of your list.

Kayne Prime
1103 McGavock Street
Nashville, TN 37203

Bar opens 5pm nightly; dining room at 5:30pm
Info: 615-259-0050

Enjoy the Sunshine! My Favorite Patios in Nashville

It's the PERFECT time of year to wine and dine al fresco in Nashville—and who doesn't like to wind down with friends, have a beverage, enjoy some great eats, and of course people watch out on the patio of a fantastic local restaurant.  There is just something about dining outdoors that is like no other, and if you're like me, it's one of my favorite perks of the warmer weather!  So, without further delay, here are Experience Nashville's Top Patio Dining Destinations in Nashville:

Bella Napoli

Gosh, the patio here is one of the best in town—you literally feel like you are dining in a quaint little neighborhood alley in Italy.  Every Wednesday through Saturday, there is live music starting at 7PM, adding so much to the overall experience. Don't miss out on the Margherita pizza, and be sure pair it with a cool Stella Artois or glass of Sangria.  The perfect summer combo!

Check out my full review of Bella Napoli here.

http://www.bellanapolipizzeria.com/index.php?pg=home

Jackson's Bar and Bistro

Another fav, and this is one not to be missed!  The eclectic, cool crowd in Hillsboro Village ads to the already great vibe of Jackson's patio.  An awesome drink and beer selection, along with plenty of delicious menu selections = a fun night out on the town.  Don't miss the Beer Cheese Dip, Buffalo Feathers, Chicken Salad Torrado, Croque Monsieur, and lest not forget the Cookie Dough Eggrolls (to. die. for.).  They are also carrying a Jackelope seasonal on tap that you would be doing yourself a disservice if you did not try!

Check out my full review of Jackson's here.

http://jacksonsbarandbistro.com/nashville/

PM

Asian inspired cuisine and a hoppin' patio?  Sign me up!  An eclectic mix of apps, sushi, and sandwiches accompanied with a plethora of cocktails and beers round up PM's ever-changing seasonal menu.  Love the Belmont area of town, consistently decent service, and good food here.

http://www.pmnashville.com/

Rosepepper

Possibly the most frequented patio of the list in my own personal life (possibly because it is the closest to my house...among other things), Rosepepper offers an experience that should not be missed.  There is something about the best margarita in town, freaking awesome cheese dip, and the funky/fun atomsphere of East Nashville that make this the ultimate patio destination.  Don't miss the Fresh Lime Margarita (their version of the "Skinny"— it's incredible), Cheese Dip (They serve it with taco salad bowl chips. I know, stop it.), and I'm a huge fan of the ever cliche Chicken Quesedilla and Chimichangas.

http://www.rosepepper.com/

The Pharmacy

You've heard the buzz about the Pharmacy, now, do yourself a favor and go try it!  Their patio (affectionately known as the Bier Garten) is HUGE, the food is cheap and tasty, beer selection is awesome, and the overall vibe is very, very cool.  The attention to every little detail at the Pharmacy truly completes the experience.  Don't miss the turkey burgers (available as an option on all the versions of their burgers), sweet potato fries, an eclectic beer, and an authentic soda from the soda fountain.

https://twitter.com/thepharmacy1

The Local Taco

I am in love with this place.  Pitchers of Sangria, Korean BBQ tacos (my favorite taco, ever.), and chips and salsa make for a mighty fine night on the patio!  Located in Sylvan Park, this restaurant is a hidden little gem tucked just outside of downtown Nashville.  Be sure to check out their fun cocktail list as well.

http://www.thelocaltaco.com/

Virago

One of the finest places to grab sushi in the city + a patio with a fabulous view of downtown Nashville = Virago.  You can't beat the ambiance of this place, along with its level of quality in the food, drinks, and service.  If you're looking for a place to impress a date or out-of-towner, this is the one of my "can't miss" suggestions.  I took my sister and friends last year when they visited, and she hasn't stopped talking about it since (and it wasn't just the post-Steeplechase munchies)!  Don't miss the V2 edameme, crispy firecrunch roll, stoned steak, and any of their cocktails!

http://mstreetnashville.com/

Check out my Favorite Patios Part 2 post here!