New to Nashville

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Since moving to West Nashville, I, like any new resident, have enjoyed trying out all the dining options the Music City has to offer - Star Bagel, McCabe’s Pub, Cafe Nonna for dessert. They all offer something a little different. But one eatery that I’ve become a huge fan of is the Italian Market (I’d link, but it appears their Web site is temporarily down) just north of Charlotte Avenue on 51st.

The Italian Market not only offers some of the best pizza I’ve had in Nashville, it’s also a great place to bring in your laptop and sit down with a cappuccino, pick up a week’s worth of deli meat (turkey was $5.99/lb last time I was there, or the same price you’ll find at Kroger), or learn Italian - they offer free classes some nights.

If you go...

Try the peanut butter gelato. I know, I know, it doesn’t sound like it would be amazing, but trust me, it is.

Where

411 51st Ave. North
Nashville, TN (Google map)

(Images courtesy of ohchicken via Flickr)

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Thursday, September 18, 2008

You’ve only got a few hours left, but if you’re in the Brentwood/Cool Springs area, there was absolutely no line at the Smoothie King on Mallory Lane.

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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

(Image courtesy of Paul Nicholson via Flickr)

I’d heard so many good things about this quirky, eclectic, laundromat turned restaurant in East Nashville. So I brought some visitors from out of town there over the weekend, and was bummed to find out the chef was “out of town.” I’m not sure if that’s code for, “we’re doing the best we can because someone quit or didn’t show up,” but they were out of pizza, chicken and salsa. May not seem like a lot, but their menu isn’t exactly extensive.

We opted instead for appetizers and beer. I tried the Sly Rye Porter from Yazoo, after a beer test singled me out as a potential fan, and the hummus, and spinach and artichoke dip were great.

Odd painting

If you perchance need to use the restroom while there, check out the painting in the bathroom - a ginormous Jesus-esque figure stands leaning gently forward, rapping his knuckles on the outside of the United Nations building. (Sorry I didn’t snap a picture, but I don’t often bring my camera with me to the lavatory). Seems an odd juxtaposition.

(Image courtesy of RecoilRick via Flickr)

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Thursday, September 11, 2008

I went wine tasting a few weeks ago at the Century Farm Winery in Jackson, TN (try the blackberry dessert wine - amazing) and learned a few tricks from owner and operator (alongside his wife) Carl O’Cain. Here’s a 30-second video I shot of him explaining it on my LG Dare - of which I was a bit bummed on the quality, but hey, what can you expect?

(Here’s O’Cain’s breakdown off camera).

1. Sniff

Get your nose right down in there and smell the wine.

2. Swirl

Let the air get right down there and help boost the flavor.

3a. Sip and Suck (my preferred method)

Get a little bit on your tongue. Pucker your lips as if to whistle, then gently suck a bit of air in your mouth and over the wine resting inside. I was amazed at what that did to the flavor.

3b. Slurp

Suck the air and the wine into your mouth all at the same time. As you can see from the video above, I’m not all that good at either. (Or I’d been tasting for too long). Thanks Carl!

4. Final Tip

There’s no wrong way to taste wine.

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Tuesday, September 02, 2008

(Photo courtesy of jpc.raleigh via Flickr)

Attention Nashville beer enthusiasts: never pay for beer again.

Yazoo’s Hiring

For $10 an hour, plus tips and beer, you can work at Nashville’s own local brewery, giving tours on Saturdays.

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Thanks to a few local friends, I discovered a new favorite - Fido’s near Vanderbilt.

The scene was a mix of trendy urbanites, indie music types and even young families - lured in to Fido’s casual atmosphere. I had what amounted to an open face breakfast burrito of sorts, with egg, salsa with cilantro, potatoes and a nice big slide of avocado on top, all resting on a spread of soft shelled tortilla triangles. Yum. And the coffee was great.

My only complaint: the line snaking nearly out the back of the restaurant was a bit of a bummer, and the emphasis on self service meant we went without a few things we ordered.

Here’s a great map of Nashville coffee houses. Feel free to add to it, or let me know if you’ve got any faves.

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