Fireworks at Firefly

When my boss first started our Development Dinners (where, once a month, our department meets about business--and sometimes gossip-- while dining out at an original Nashville restaurant. I must have the best boss ever!) that eventually led to this blog, one of the first places we visited was Firefly Grille. That was almost 2 years ago, so I don't remember what I ate, but I remember I enjoyed the cozy setting, the eclectic atmosphere, and of course the food. It quickly topped my list of Places to Go On a Good Date, which is of course different than Places to Go On a First Date or Places to Go On a Blind Date, and certainly not the same as Places to Go On a Cheap Date. So, suffice it to say, I had yet to return to this tiny vibrant restaurant in Green Hills.

But Saturday night, I was asked on a belated Valentine's Day date and was naturally charged with selecting where we would be celebrating. After running through the candidates on the Places to Go On a Good Date list (Sambuca, Tin Angel, and Germantown Cafe to start) I had what I hesitate to call an epiphany on where to go. This seemed to be the perfect occasion for Firefly. To solidify this decision, the Coupon Clipper magazine was still sitting on my coffee table and offered a coupon that seemed perfect for a (dare I say?) romantic evening: 1 shared appetizer, 2 entrees, and 1 shared dessert for $40. Yes please! You know I love good food and good bargains, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity for both.

Firefly is one of those jewels of a restaurant that changes its menu seasonally to take advantage of the foods in season. This quality food, the well-informed wait staff, and the aforementioned cozy environment and eclectic atmosphere keep it full. In fact, when I called at 4:45 on Saturday, the earliest reservation I could get was 8:45. Luckily we were up for a late dinner, but I recommend calling much earlier if you want a prime dining time. So after the reservations were made, the coupon was clipped, and our date-night finery was donned, we headed to Green Hills to the little restaurant with the red awning on Bandywood Drive.

Gotta give photo credit to Firefly's website!

Upon arriving, we were greeted by friendly staff and patrons dressed in all varieties of Saturday night attire and whisked to our tiny two-person seat, where we had trouble deciding what to admire first. The walls were plastered with memorabilia--I use that term loosely, as right behind the boy's head there was stapled to the wall an American Express pen on one of those curly cords to keep credit card signers from stealing it--paper lanterns, pictures of musical legends, and Christmas lights. There was something new to look at everywhere! Our tabletop was also a collection of interesting items; photos, business cards, and a visitor's guide to The Hermitage had been decoupaged and shellacked to our table. And then, of course, there was the 4 page wine list, not to mention the food menu!

I immediately selected a glass of Malbec (priced reasonably at $7/glass) while my date chose the Bourbon Barrel Stout, Bluegrass Breweing Co.'s aptly-named beer aged in whiskey barrels. Dark, smoky, and delicious! Despite the moniker, the handwritten menu featured special dishes that were obviously developed with care by Executive Chef Kristen Gregory. (Although, for those expected grilled chicken, sandwiches, and the like, there was a hamburger listed at the very bottom of the menu!)

For our appetizer, we selected the shrimp and grits for 2 reasons. One, I'm not going to not try shrimp and grits somewhere! And two, it was one of the only starters that was easy to share. The shrimp were coated in a blue corn meal and fried to perfection. The perfect amount of crispness, they were set off nicely by the generous bowl of creamy, smoky grits accented with caramelized onions and bacon.

We were halfway through before I remembered to take a picture,  but they arrived artfully arranged and artfully cooked. For dinner, the boy selected pork spare ribs covered in a spicy blood orange BBQ sauce and served with jasmine rice and baby bok choy, which proved to be a really interesting marriage of American and Asian. (I'll admit that we were both a little afraid of the bok choy!)

I, of course, could not decide what to order. Because of our coupon, our entree choices were limited to those priced at $17 or less, but there were at least 5 different options at that price point. And luckily there wasn't anything more expensive that I would have rather had. I wavered between the bacon-wrapped salmon or the pasta special of the day. Two things made my decision really easy: the salmon was served with brussel sprouts and the pasta was served with goat cheese. I chose the pasta: penne tossed in a white wine sauce with homemade bacon, eggplant chunks, and the goat cheese. As an unexpected bonus, both entrees were served with a side salad with house vinaigrette and a slice of focaccia bread. Yum! I even had leftovers, so I'd say I got my $17 worth!

Dessert was an easy choice: chocolate rum mousse torte. There were 5 or 6 different options, including a Kahlua pot de creme, a lemon pound cake, and an apple cake. Our dessert was light enough to enjoy after a heavy meal but substantial enough to be worth it. The rum added just a little extra sweetness but was not too noticeable. Topped with a homemade whipped cream, it was fantastic!

Oh, and as soon as our neighbors, who were seated an arm's length from us, ordered the salmon dish, I immediately affirmed my decision to avoid the brussel sprouts, even though the guy claimed they were "fantastic!" Really, dude? No one likes brussel sprouts!

We left very full, very happy, and very glad we had avoided Monday's Hallmark Holiday and spent an intimate Saturday night at a neighborhood favorite of many. And maybe there were a few sparks at the end there too...ok, fireworks. But not the big ones like explode over the Cumberland every summer. More like the high-end ones you buy from a trailer parked in the middle of nowhere every July and January. Or maybe I'm just trying to save face...

The End Notes:

• You must try Firefly Grille for it's ambience and eclecticness. (Yes, I just made up a word!)
• Our waitress was great: spunky, attentive, and honest. When we asked if we had made a good dessert choice, she said there were only 2 things on the menu she didn't like. The rose wine and the espresso. (FYI, it's instant. Don't order it.)
•  Menu items range from $9.50 for the burger to $24 for a filet so be prepared to spend a little. But, don't be ashamed to use a coupon! We were able to enjoy a variety of great food without breaking the bank. And if they offer, you might as well take advantage of it. Plus, they want to know there's a good return on their investment in the coupon magazine!
• If you can't fit dinner into your budget, consider dining at Firefly Grille for lunch. The menu's a little different, but the atmosphere comes with a smaller price tag. Lunch items range from $9.50-$14.
• MAKE RESERVATIONS. The dining room is small and very cozy (read: you sit within close earshot of your neighbors) so you don't want to be kept waiting for hours to enjoy this meal. But if you do have to wait, know it will be worth it!
• If your parents are visiting, it's a great place to take them for a taste of Nashville devoid of other tourists, loud music, and long lines. Provided, of course, that you plan ahead and reserve your seat.
• We chose to get dressed up for our date (coat and tie for him, dress for me) but anything would fly at Firefly!