To Gabby's for a Good Burger

A few weeks ago, standing in line for grilled cheesy goodness, a coworker/friend and I started chatting up another coworker and giving our sandwich recommendations. He liked what we suggested, and thus, a foodie friendship was born. Our trio decided to start lunching monthly at places outside the confines of our office park, away from chain restaurants and the office cafeteria.

I was given the task of choosing the location for our first outing, After whittling down a list that started with about 17 spots, I finally settled on somewhere I'd always wanted to go but had never been: Gabby's Burgers and Fries.

Waiting in line for burgers & fries at Gabby's Burgers and Fries

The Seamus Burger topped with bleu cheese & grilled onion

May's Special Burger: The Politician
(Yes, there's a cheeseburger under all that bologna!)

Tucked away on Humphreys St. behind the Nashville Sounds' Greer Stadium, Gabby's is not hard to find if you know what you're looking for; the street pretty much dead-ends into the front door. Looking like not much more than a glorified trailer, it's the type of place that you can tell from the outside will be darn good. And that was pretty much Brian's initial reaction when we pulled up. Inside, it's a no-frills kind of place, with counter seating in front of the grill and tables squeezed in everywhere else.

I recommend arriving early. We were there by  11:30 and didn't have to wait too long, but the line was out the door by the time we were leaving. The line moves quickly, though, and you better know what you want because they don't allow for much dilly-dallying and indecisiveness once you make it to the register.

In a hurry, I ordered a classic cheeseburger, named The Seamus for the owner's son. I fancied up the single 5oz. patty by topping it with bleu cheese and grilled onions and opted for sweet potato fries as my side. 

Patti opted for the barbecue burger, and Brian chose to be adventurous with the monthly special, The Politician, a tongue-in-cheek name for an American cheeseburger topped with grilled bologna. 

Using only grass-fed beef, Gabby's prides itself on quality of food and quality of service. The meat itself was so good that the toppings served to enhance the flavor, not cover it up. The produce was fresh and the buns were the perfect vessel for conveying meat from plate to mouth. Not too dense to feel as though all you were eating was bread but flavorful enough to be noticed, and slightly sweet. Perfection!

I opted for sweet potato fries, mostly out of curiosity. This trend is becoming ubiquitous and not every shop does it right. But Gabby's certainly does. They used fresh sweet potatos, diced and cooked on site. They tasted almost candied--no frozen Ore-Ida nonsense here!

The menu features other non-burger items as well, but why would you want to go there? All the sandwiches are reasonably priced for the quality of food being served.

What makes me love Gabby's even more after the fact is the story of how this little place got started. When studying their website for this post, I learned that the proprietor, Doug, has a passion for food, which is evident from the first bite of burger. But more so than that, Doug has a passion for his family and for finding a way to "live the dream" as he says. That dream is to make money at a job he loves, make people happy doing it, and be able to spend time watching his kids grow up. I think this man's on to something! I will certainly return to help Doug's dreams come true.

As we were wrapping up our lunch, I heard Doug shout over the heads of all the hungry customers waiting in line: "Thank you, folks, for being willing to stand in line for a good burger."

Our pleasure, sir.

A heck of a Cuban sandwich

A Matter of Taste is the small little sandwich shop arm of a larger catering company located just a few miles away from my office. The only thing I've ever eaten there is the Cuban sandwich. I wait for the tweets to tell me it's on their specials list, then I head on over to Franklin Road and order myself one.

Their joint is eco-friendly (they use an iPad for a cash register and email your receipt to you!) and inspirational. The walls of this small little shop are plastered with feel-good quotes and mantras. I always leave A Matter of Taste with a brighter outlook on my day.

iPad cash register

Inspirational quotes written in chalk on the sliding doors leading to the kitchen.

Up close of quotes.

The Cuban Sandwich is pulled pork, ham, bread & butter pickles, melted Swiss cheese, and yellow mustard on a baguette. Unfortunately, AMOT used so much mustard on my last sandwich that with every bite, I was practically bathing in it. Because I took the sandwich back to work with me, I ended up with mustard all over my keyboard and desk. And I went through at least 3 napkins. Super messy! But...still delicious. 

The sandwich is priced at $7.95 and that does not include chips and a drink, so it's a little on the pricey side. But, it's hearty enough that you don't even need chips. While there are definitely better lunch deals out there, this one is delicious, locally-made, and available on gluten-free bread if you need it. 


I could continue on about the Cuban sandwich, but Rick Bragg does it so much more justice. 

Brunch for a Bunch

Last weekend, I had friends in town from Birmingham. No strangers to the Art of Dining Well, they were excited to see which restaurants I led them to. And I was excited to show off my city again.

Friday night we met for Happy Hour in the Yazoo Taproom. I'd taken the brewery tour before but never just had a drink in the taproom. Overflowing with suds and twenty- and thirty-somethings all gathered to kick off their weekends, we had a hard time working our to the front of the room and finding a table. The one we did find was not cleaned off so we had to drink with caution to avoid setting our elbows in spilled beer. But the atmosphere was fun and the beer was good. And Justice even bought a growler to enjoy his Yazoo the next week.

For dinner, we walked down the sidewalk to Urban Flats, not exactly local but fun and enjoyable nonetheless. We topped off the night with mojitos from The Greenhouse, a literal greenhouse-turned-bar in Green Hills that boasts introducing mojitos to Music City. At $9 a pop, they are definitely an indulgence, but a delicious one at that. I'm fairly certain they grow their own mint and serve up the rum-based concoction in a mason jar.

The next day, we breakfasted at Fido, went to the Tomato Arts Fest, and toured the Andy Warhol exhibit at the Frist.

Sunday morning's brunch was probably one of the highlights of the weekend for me. We were ready to go early, so I had to find somewhere that started serving at 10. That nixed Tin Angel, 55 South, and Bosco's. With my usual spots out of the question, I did a quick Urban Spoon search for other options and was reminded of the Copper Kettle's brunch buffet.

Both locations (Granny White across the street from Lipscomb University and Downtown on Hermitage Ave.) serve Sunday brunch beginning at 10 a.m. Downtown starts serving at 9 on Titans Sundays. I chose to take them Downtown for the view.

The buffet is a little pricey ($16.95 for adults) but it's all you can eat, and if you choose wisely, you can have fruits and cheeses, main courses, pastries, and desserts all in one sitting. I tried a little bit of everything but didn't notice the bread pudding until the very end, when I was too full to enjoy it. We tried everything from cream puffs to caprese salads, to eggs Benedict (yes! eggs Benedict on the buffet!) to roast beef to bacon, hashbrown casserole, and biscuits & gravy. Wow, I'm getting hungry again just remembering it all.

Coffee, teas, and juices were offered with unlimited refills. Though our waiter did not offer mimosas or Bloody Marys, the restaurant did have a liquor shelf, so we probably should have just asked. While the total with tip was bordering on $20, but we ate and ate and ate. I didn't need to eat again until 7:30 because I was so full all day. I justified it by thinking if we had gone anywhere else, I'd ordered something like an omelet and a side dish, a coffee, and a breakfast cocktail, it probably would've been the same price. And the best part of a buffet is there is something that appeals to everyone!

If you have in-town company, need to entertain the in-laws or parents, or just want something to break your usual Sunday morning routine, I highly recommend checking out the buffet at Copper Kettle. Enjoy!

At the Copacabana

Those in search of a good bargain and girly gossip should pencil themselves in at Cabana on any given Wednesday night for Girls' Night Out. Every week, the cool Hillsboro Village hotspot opens its doors to gaggles of girls hoping to take advantage of $5 appetizers and $3 martinis. Yes, guys are allowed to come, but don’t suggest this as a first date; she’ll know you’re cheap!

On a recent Wednesday and sporting a sassy new hair ‘do, I met a friend for a much-needed catch-up sesh at Cabana. We were seated not in a cabana, but at one of the first cocktail tables inside the door. These tables were low to the ground and looked cute and cozy, but the oversized chairs were so oversized they were nearly impossible to sit in. Katie and I both had to sit on the very edge of our seats to even have a conversation. 

Seating situation aside, the night was fun and cheap. We sipped French martinis and munched on Cabana’s house-made chips topped with crumbles of gorgonzola and paired with a creamy cheesy dipping sauce. The drinking and the chatting caught up with us, though, so we ended up splitting a Margherita pizza. Even still, our bill was less than $20 with tip. (Note: the restaurant suggests over-tipping for the drastic price cuts. I couldn’t decide if this suggestion was necessary or not. Tacky? Or helpful? I’m leaning toward tacky... However, I did tip generously because our waitress was so good at her job. She had the right amount of balance between checking in on us and leaving us alone, which I greatly appreciated.)

The End Notes:

• For a fairly-priced and fun happy hour, head to Cabana on a Wednesday night.
• Great for a celebration of birthdays, promotions, anniversaries, or any other occasion worth celebrating. Even if you’re just excited you survived Hump Day.
• Valet parking makes navigating Hillsboro Village easier!

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! 

A Little Taste of Italia

A friend and I were at an event this evening. As the ice-breaker, we all had to introduce ourselves and give 3 clues about the destination we'd most like to visit. We both immediate thought Italy. Ironically, on the way home a traffic light stopped us in front of a shopping center and I saw the word gelato  (an Italian dessert akin to ice cream) illuminated in a window. Could it be true? A gelateria just a few miles from my house? We had to investigate.

I pulled into the parking lot to find Porta Via Italian Kitchen  on White Bridge Road, across the street from Target. From the parking lot we could see wine bottles and gelato cases, so of course we were in! The perfect way to fulfill our dreams of Italy.

Once inside we were greeted by the friendly wait staff who informed us that Porta Via is a full-service restaurant that has been in operation for just over a year. (Side note: How have I missed this? I have not heard anything about this place and I frequently read about food in Nashville. However they did tell me they rely mostly on word-of-mouth promotion. Consider yourself informed.)

The menu features antipasti, Italian lunch-sized sandwiches, house-made pastas (brush up on your Italian to place your order!), hearty entrees, pizza, and of course the gelato. Also made in-house, Porta Via offered 6 or 8 different flavors. For $3.50, I got two plentiful scoops of smooth, fresh deliciousness. I mixed pistachio with hazelnut for a nutty combination. Light, smooth, but very flavorful, this was a perfect evening treat! Elisa ordered lemon and cinnamon, an odd combination but individually yummy. If gelato isn't your dish, Porta Via also offered a variety of Italian pastries, including two types of tiramisu, cheesecake, and a chocolate torte served with a scoop of gelato.

Hazelnut and Pistachio Gelato

Despite the late hour and my doctor-recommended reduced-caffeine lifestyle, we were in such an Italian modo di essere, we had to order an espresso as well. Also house-made, the coffee was served quickly and in bright happy cups. The seats were also brightly colored, in red and lime green ostrich leather banquettes. I truly felt as though I were in a foreign cafe, not in a little strip mall shopping center off White Bridge Road.

Although I might be awake for the next 4 hours, the experience will have totally been worth it. I can't wait to return to Porta Via for dinner. And the next time I have dreams of traveling abroad, or even if I'm just having a bad day, I'm doing to skip over all those yogurt shops and go straight to this Italian getaway.

The End Notes:

• European-style gelato freshly made in Nashville. Modern fixtures create a contemporary cafe feeling in a cozy environment.
• Open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, but will host private parties on Sundays.
• Knowledgeable staff and chefs. Read about the restaurant's history here. 
• A great place to go for an evening or after-dinner treat. Seating is limited, so if they're busy, you'll have to take your treat to go. 

Some More Sambuca for your Buck

This week, I braved the snow to meet a friend for Happy Hour at Sambuca in The Gulch. It's been much too cold to think about going outside, but I had started to get a little stir crazy. What better way to cure the cold mid-week blues than cheap, delicious food and drinks?

I am a big fan of bargains. I'm an even bigger fan of establishments that offer Happy Hour specials on Fridays. Sambuca has both, plus a swanky, comfortable lounge area in which to imbibe. During "Rush Hour" as they call it, drinks and small plates and pizzas are 1/2 price from 4:30-6:30. Yes, 1/2 price! Plus their small plate menu boasts 16 different options and four varieties of pizzas. Priced anywhere from $4.50-12.50, these dishes are a steal on special. Where else can you get Shrimp & Crab Rangoon, Seared Tuna, Goat Cheese-Stuffed Artichokes, or Buca Beignets (Italian meat and cheese melted inside a sweet, flaky crust--yum yum!) for roughly $5?? I challenge you to find somewhere else that does it better.

A word of advice: arrive early. Don't dawdle after work, or you might have trouble finding a seat. No one wants to miss happy hour specials because they couldn't get a table in time, right? I will mention that in light of Arctic-tundra that has been Nashville this week, the lounge was relatively empty last night. But this meant we got our food and drinks quickly.

Last night I opted for a glass of Malbec, but once the warm weather hits I want to try some of Sambuca's creative cocktails, like the Cucumber Pineapple Crush, Call A Cab (made with Firefly Sweet Tea vodka, tequila, gin, rum, and Coke), Hibiscus Sangria, or the Double Standard (made with chocolate vodka, vanilla, and cherries). The thought of those drinks should warm anyone right up! Is it summertime yet????

The End Notes:

• Happy Hour specials from 4:30-6:30 every weekday make it easy and affordable to enjoy Sambuca's atmosphere and fare without the hefty price tag. Be thrifty in style!
• Arrive early to secure a good seat. If you ever need an excuse to leave at 5 on the nose, Sambuca's Rush Hour is a great reason to rush out of the office.
• Valet parking right outside makes it easy (and affordable) to visit The Gulch.
• I hear Sambuca's lunch specials are great too...

Fried Rice & a Smile

I often complain about the lack of food options in my Berry Hill neighborhood, but I have a rather lengthy list of establishments I have yet to patron. One of those being The Smiling Elephant, a quaint Thai restaurant on 8th Ave. S. that touts itself as the "best Pad Thai restaurant in Nashville."

This is one place I have driven by multiple times, often overlooked, and eagerly waited to try. That day finally came! A few weeks ago, a wonderful email appeared in my inbox. The boss was making a run to The Smiling Elephant, did anyone want to place an order? Yes, please!

I ordered the Chicken Fried Rice, a safe yet authentic-seeming Thai dish. When she arrived, my to-go box was overflowing with jasmine rice teeming with tomatoes, carrots, onions, eggs, cilantro, a spicy green that my uneducated tongue can not identify, and of course, fresh chicken. The lime slice garnish set the flavors in motion. With every bite, I felt the dish got better and better. It was one of those dining experiences when you know you should stop eating half-way through and save the rest for later, but it was all so good I just could not stop myself. It was rather embarrassing, so I was grateful to be eating alone at my desk.

Cut to last weekend, when a friend was visiting from out of town. We essentially ate our way through Music City, sampling everything from Italian to German to gussied-up American, to down home country cookin'. We were ready for something of a different variety. When Jenn suggested Asian, I knew The Smiling Elephant was the place to take her. I was excited to finally get to visit the tiny spot.

And tiny it was! In fact, the fire codes only allow for 30 people at a time! Upon entering, I felt like I'd been transformed to a Thai palace. Guests sit so close to each other that each is barely afforded the elbow room to use the chop sticks. In lieu of chairs, each table has small square benches, which made the "What to do with my coat?" question interesting. (Most folks sat on theirs!) The service was fast and friendly, despite the crowds. The flair on the walls described the Thai culture and traditional Thai meals. Ethnic and quaint without being overwhelming or making you feel as though you don't belong there.

The End Notes:

• If dining here on the weekend, arrive early! It got quite crowded by 6:30 p.m.
• Lunch is reasonably priced ($8.95) but I felt I got less food at dinner for more money ($10.95). 
• Definitely a good option and worth the drive from any part of town!

Crazy about this Creamery

The main reason I want to move to East Nashville is for the culinary adventure I'm certain I would have with so many delicious eateries, drinkeries, and bakeries nearby. One of the many places I wish I lived closer to is the Pied Piper Creamery, a family-owned establishment featuring "original house-made flavors and 'punny' names that get people talking" (according to their website).  Ice cream and wordplay! Two of my favorite things!

Imagine my delight when they opened a second location in Berry Hill, just minutes from my home and office (a dangerous location for sure). At this locale, the Pipers ship gallons of their ice cream across town and sell scoops out of the left side of a small duplex on Bransford Ave., Berry Hill's version of Main Street.

Deciding this week necessitated a celebratory Friday afternoon treat, I ventured over to Pied Piper Creamery for the first time. Inside the purple shack, I was greeted with cheery colors, cases of ice cream, and a jolly scoopster. The best part of Pied Piper, besides the taste of the ice cream and the clever names, is their unlimited samples policy. Try as many flavors as you like until you find one that fits. In fact, my scooper pulled out a handful of sample spoons, anticipating my indecisiveness.

I only sampled three flavors: The Movie Star, a lemon-ginger custard; Caramel Mousse, a light whipped texture with an intensely sweet caramel base and caramel ribbon; and Banana Fana Fo Fuddin, a frozen version of Mama's nana puddin. Normally a fan of banana-flavored anything, I was really hoping to like this one. It was good but was a little too sweet for my liking.

In the end, I settled on The Movie Star. My scoop master told me of the hundreds of flavors the Pied Pipers have experimented with in the last 3 1/2 years, this is still by far his favorite. I can see why. On a hot August afternoon, it was perfectly light and refreshing and doesn't leave you feeling thirsty like a lot of ice creams will. And the custard means its creamier, richer, and--in my opinion--more delicious. (I've heard arguments that its makeup technically makes it more healthy/less bad for you than regular ice cream.) Intriguing and delicious--a perfect way to end a long week.

Partnered with The Movie Star, the shop also offered The Professor, a coconut flavored concoction. On the way out, I heard him explain to the customers behind me that at one point they offered Mary Ann, a low-calorie choice with no added sugar because "Mary Ann was sweet enough."

The only downside to Berry Hill's Pied Piper Creamery is its lack of space. There are picnic tables with umbrellas outside, but there is no inside seating. With as hot as it's been lately, that almost makes eating ice cream counterproductive. Or at the very least, a race against time. But the flavors and the friendly faces make it so worth it. If you don't want to battle the heat, you can take home a pint for only $5.50. Not a bad deal to support a family of local entrepreneurs!

The End Notes:

• Delicious, home-made ice creams
• They make ice cream cakes too, so every occasion can be celebrated with the help of Pied Piper Creamery
• No inside seating makes it a "hot" spot to visit
• Two sticky but satisfied thumbs up!

Two for the Price of One

Any spendthrift or savvy socialite knows the best way to get more bang out of your evening out is to hit up 2-4-1 specials. This week, I've had the chance to partake in two trendy hotspots' hot deals.

For anyone living west of the River, Tuesday night means Mafiaoza's. This 12th South staple offers BOGO pizza slices and beer all day every Tuesday  until closing time (well, the beer specials stop at 9--gotta be safe, right?). Anything you can pile on a pizza or pull from a tap can be yours for a low, low price. Well, actually the low price depends on how many toppings you choose. I had 2 slices of Mafiaoza's New York-style stone oven pizza topped with fresh basil, black olives, chopped prosciutto, and gooey mozzarella for just $5 and change. Add in a round of Blue Moon from the iconic Mason jars, and my Tuesday night was complete for less than $10. Plus, the slices were so big they took up the entire plate, and had I not had a such a lackluster lunch I could have easily saved one slice for the next day. (Wanna talk about being a spendthrift?)

I will say, the noise and crowd levels can get pretty high the closer the hour hand get to 12, so a quiet, romantic evening this is not. But if you're in the mood to hang out with some friends and get good food and beer for the same price as a meal at any chain restaurant, head on down to the bustling 12th South neighborhood for this Nashville favorite.

And when Wednesday rolls around and you are still looking for a great deal and a little less chaos, please check out Taco Mamacita, the anchor of the Edgehill Village area (between Belmont University and Music Row). Once a struggling strip of entrepreneurial ventures, Edgehill Village seems to have blossomed in the 6-8 months since Taco Mamacita took over the space formerly occupied by Rosario's. If you could classify a taco as "upscale" or "trendy" that's what you'll find here. Tacos are sold individually for about $4 each or as part a plate with your choice of side. (I'm partial to the sweet potato fries myself, but a friend recently introduced me to the Mexican street corn, which is also delicious.) Perhaps my favorite taco is the Memphis, an unexpected combination of flour tortilla, cole slaw, and pulled pork drenched in a tangy BBQ sauce. I also like Baja fish taco and the vegetarian jerk, if you're looking to complete your platter.

Unfortunately, the tacos are not twofers, but the margaritas certainly are! For $7, you get your choice of the Elvez or El Camino margaritas (pretty standard formula for the former, add a splash of OJ and you get the latter) in a 24oz. glass served over crushed ice. Yum! Also unfortunately, T.M.'s popular Skinny Margarita is not included in the special, but really, if you're gonna have pizza and beer one night and tacos and margs the next, does the skinny version really make that much difference?

Another trendy spot for the vaguely descriptive "young professionals sector", I recommend arriving early to secure both good parking and a good seat. We arrived tonight around 6 and nabbed a table outside in the shade, under a fan, and were glad to have a place to sit when the crowds started lining up down the sidewalk. On a night like this you can have as much or as little to eat or drink as you want and still come away with a bargain.

Oh, and for those of you who haven't been to Taco Mamacita in several weeks--yes, they do have their beer license now and can serve several beers on tap and many domestic and imports by the bottle. Yazoo's Dos Perros makes a nice compliment to a taco.

Next week, when you're planning your dinner menu, consider one of these Belmont-area nightspots. You won't regret it!

The End Notes:

• Good bargains are worth planning your calendar around
• Great for after-work drinks and dinner with friends, but arrive early to avoid ridiculously long wait-times.
• Anything goes as far as attire, so there should be no excuse not to visit (unless you don't like crowds and noise. Then maybe visit on another day.)

Burgers & Fries & Brownies--Oh my!

I have already professed my love for The Frothy Monkey, one of several 12th South coffee shops. Imagine my delight when the same folks decided to open a restaurant on the same street!

Dubbed Burger Up! this eatery takes a local and responsible spin on the traditional burger joint. Everything is locally grown, raised, produced, etc., which the environmentalist in me loves. The benefit is tri-fold: one--diners are supporting local farmers, two--diners are eating healthier options, and three--the food just tastes better because it doesn't have to be chocked full of preservatives or shipped halfway around the world before it hits your plate.

Since opening at the beginning of May (yep, they opened in the middle of The Flood), this neighborhood joint has seen an influx of customers not likely to recede anytime soon. The daily drink specials feature creative twists on classic cocktails, while the food offers fresh and fanciful spins on old favorites. Craving a good ole fashioned cheeseburger? Why not make that house-made pimiento cheese instead of a slice of cheddar? A fan of the mushroom and Swiss? Burger Up uses cremini mushrooms and gruyere cheese. I don't even eat mushrooms and I was tempted to order this one. For those not in favor of beef, there's also a chicken breast burger, a N'awlins-style poboy, and a fueling quinoa option.

Overwhelmed by choices, I settled for the lamb burger because I was feeling adventurous. Topped with wilted arugula, boursin cheese (again, yum!), and an interesting peppermint dijon mustard, which actually complimented the lamb and spicy lettuce quite well, this was a delicious choice. I learned I am not so much a fan of lamb in burger form (it's a consistency thing) but the flavor was great. Accompanied by homemade fries that were perfectly crisp and not too greasy, this was a meal to savor.

Apparently, though, the wait staff does not want you to savor your meal. The busboys did not approve of my slow eating habits  and kept trying to take my plate away. In the end, they gave up and I had to eat dessert on top of the burger remnants, a restaurant pet peeve of mine.

And that brings me to dessert. There are several sinful options on the menu, including a bread pudding made of Krispy Kremes and drenched in Grand Marnier and a tiramisu made of s'mores. I, however, wasted no time in ordering the Olive & Sinclair Chocolate & Peanut Butter Brownie a la mode. If you've not yet tried Nashville's Olive & Sinclair chocolate, whip out a 5 spot and get ye immediately to any number of local vendors (Frothy Monkey, The Green Wagon, David Kidd Booksellers, even the Adventure Science Center!) and try a bar. Yes, it's an indulgence but it's worth every bite and penny.

This brownie was no exception. Dark and decadent, this generous-sized brownie was laced with real peanut butter so thick it honestly stuck to the roof of my mouth. Oh. My. Goodness. If you visit Burger Up (which I recommend you do) please save room for dessert. I'm sure you won't regret it. And if you need another opinion, read this tantalizing article echoing my sentiments.

The End Notes:

• Locally raised, healthy alternative to your average burger joint.
• Delicious drink specials and even more delicious desserts.
• Slow wait staff, so bring your appetite and your patience.
• Get in line early; this tiny establishment fills up quickly!
• Good for family, friends, after-work dinners, b'day parties, out-of-towners. Let's face it, it's just good!

Unique Indeed

My boss and his wife love to visit this little eatery tucked away on Trousdale Dr. (Crieve Hall) near our office. He refers to it as his "little sandwich place that I like" but it's actually called Unique Flavors Cafe.  As the restaurant branch of the company's catering business of the same name, Unique Flavors offers up a daily sandwich/soup special, along with a generous menu of sandwiches, salads, and soups. Each is named with a little bit of local flair, a la Bread & Co. but without the painful price tag. (Most sandwiches are less than $6.)

Co-worker Laura and I went yesterday for a lunch meeting, desperate to break the Berry Hill/100 Oaks cycle of luncheon spots. What a treat! Tip: arrive early, because the line builds quickly. Eating here is easy: Pick up a menu, order your sandwich at the counter, get your tea out of the Igloo cooler on the rolling tea cart, and pick up your sammy at the window when you hear your order called out.

The set-up may be simple, but the atmosphere and food are far from it. The decor marries an industrial "I know I'm eating in a catering business" feel with a cozy "I can meet my friends, business associates, etc. here" vibe. Perfect setting to enjoy a creation like the Steeplechase: ham, granny smith apples, brie, and apricot spread; or the Edmonson: roast beef, cheddar cheese, onion, lettuce, and herbed cream cheese, both served on warm French bread. We upgraded to the special pasta salad, a cucumber dill tossed with penne. Yum! My favorite part of these sandwiches is the unexpected sauce or dressing choice they use to add extra flavor to their creations. An average roast beef sandwich became the reason I resurrected this project because of the addition of some herbed cream cheese.

OK, truth the told, the real reason I felt the need to blog again, besides the nagging I received for not posting, was the peach pie.

My grandparents live in Chilton County, Alabama, a place pretty famous for its peaches. You've probably seen them for sale at farm stands up and down I-65. Because of this, I'm pretty partial to any dish created with fresh peaches. Laura and I decided we couldn't resist one of Unique Flavors' artful cupcakes, cookies as big as dinner plates, or ruby-colored red velvet cake. I was having trouble deciding what to order, when the girl taking our order mentioned the availability of a browned butter peach pie.

Wow. Buttery, flaky crust holding layers of sweet fresh peaches, brown sugar, and sliced almonds. It was such an unexpected combination of flavors and made the perfect summer afternoon dessert. It wasn't heavy despite the generous usage of butter. I could tell the pie was fresh, though it probably would have been even better served warm. The price was nice too. A thick slice of homemade pie was only $2.25. That's less than those Mexican popsicles or a cupcake from Nashville's resident cupcake queen.

If you're looking for something different but delicious that won't break the bank, head on over to Unique Flavors Cafe. You won't see a sign out front but you won't want to miss the chance to try this lunch spot.

I know where I gotta go for that Volcano Roll

In a rude parody of Jimmy Buffett that should be considered sacrilege to my upbringing, I have discovered something heretofore unprecedented. I have found a sushi roll that I crave.

Those who know me know I have a strict no-sushi policy, as I simply cannot eat the entire piece in one bite. Those who know me also know I rival people's grandmas for title of World's Slowest Eater and I can get at least 4 bites out of a Hershey's Nugget, so you can imagine how long it takes me to eat said raw fish dish.

But alas, I have found myself craving sushi. And not just any sushi. The Volcano Roll from Peter's Sushi & Thai to be precise. The first time I allowed myself to be taken to this Brentwood hideaway rumored to be frequented by Mr. and Mrs. Urban, I was more interested in the Thai portion of the menu. But my friends ordered the Volcano Roll, gave me a bite, and I was hooked.

Unfortunately, they don't have an online menu, so I can't tell you exactly what makes up this fabulous roll. I just know there's rice (duh!), raw fish but no roe, a flash-fried coating, and a delicious white sauce topping that makes my mouth water just thinking about it. It is indeed the crispy fried coating and the creamy white sauce that set this roll apart from any other sushi I've ever eaten.

The Volcano Roll has made me request to go to Peter's. It has made me compare other sushi spots to this restaurant. It's made me--dare I say it?--like sushi! And the price is reasonable enough to be able to indulge in this delicious concoction fairly regularly;  weekends seem to be quite crowded, so if you want to avoid a wait, go during the week.

Though a coworker swears by Wild Wasabi in Cummins Station, if you ask me the amateur food blogger, I'm sending you south of town to Peter's. Hurry now, before the volcano blows!

The End Notes:

• Menu features sushi, rice bowls, and more traditional Thai dishes.
• Avoid eating on the weekends to avoid the crowds.
• Grab a seat at the bar to watch the sushi artists at work.
• Wait staff is a little slow and yet always in a hurry, so be ready to order quickly.

Date P.M.

Belmont Boulevard is booming. It didn't look this way 10 years ago, or so I've been told. Ten years ago, I was still a high schooler without my drivers license, confined to eating ballpark hotdogs and delivery pizza. But today, Belmont Boulevard is a trendy block for young professionals, hipsters, artists, and college students alike to congregate and eat and drink.

I am working my way down the Boulevard, sampling the fare at ChaChah, Bongo Java, and PM. The latter is one I have heard is either a love-it-or-leave-it place. I was anxious to try it out for myself and finally got the chance. The swanky establishment with welcoming patio seating makes for a great place to meet with friends or for a date without being too upscale and prohibitive.

I was surprised to find that the menu boasts mostly Asian dishes; for some reason my preconceived ideas had me geared up for good ole' American comfort food. But if Asian-inspired cuisine can be comforting, then that's exactly what my meal at PM was.

While waiting for our table, we grabbed a seat at the bar and my spring-time comfort drink, gin and tonic. The wait was much shorter than expected, which is always a nice surprise, especially on a warm Friday evening. When faced with the surprising menu (Asian small and large plates on one side, salads, burgers, and Asian nachos on the other), a sushi menu, and a wine list, I was understandably overwhelmed. My colleagues, to whom the idea for this blog is attributed, will tell you I am one of the most indecisive orderers you will ever have the pleasure of sharing a meal with, so 3 different menus was almost too much for me.

But when in doubt, ask the waitress! She recommended the Madras Chicken Lettuce Wrap small plate, a comforting concoction of chicken, potatoes, and cilantro in a tiny pot situated next to pieces of lettuce in which to wrap the yumminess. For the main meal, she suggested a variety of options, but I settled on the Chicken Katsu, having absolutely no idea was I was actually ordering.

What I got was an artful creation decorating my large white plate. Chicken breasts rubbed with Asian spices (sorry I can't tell you what they were--I just know they were spicy!) and fried to a crisp were situated atop an Asian slaw mix of lettuce, greens, beans, and was that edamame? The whole thing was topped off with those pretty little wisps of crispness that accompany many Asian dishes. I wish I'd taken a picture, but I had not yet introduced my dining partner to this blog, and as we were still just getting to know each other, I thought I would refrain from being that girl at dinner.

Despite the fact that my adjectives for Asian food are lackluster, this meal sparkled, and I will definitely be back, even if it's just for a cocktail and a small plate.

The End Notes:

• Asian Fusion here = mix of cuisine from different regions, including Mexico (yes, there are quesadillas and nachos on the menu)
• Filling and moderately priced
• Fun, trendy atmosphere without pretension. 
• Yummy!

Brunch Bunch

Early Saturday morning, I got a text from a long-lost friend (should I have been concerned how she got my number?) telling me she'd be in Nashville this weekend and could we do brunch on Sunday morning. Well, of course I wanted to see her, so I quickly agreed and was subsequently charged with naming the location. I love Sunday brunch, so I didn't mind having this responsibility. The only kicker this time? She wanted to meet at 10 a.m. To me, this qualifies more as breakfast than a breakfast-lunch combo, and unfortunately, all my favorite hot-spots to take out-of-town guests to brunch don't start serving until at least 11. (On the list, Bosco's, Tin Angel, and Chappy's on Church.) As an aside, 55 South serves brunch (which I've heard is delicious) beginning at 10 but I have yet to go....always looking for a brunch buddy!

At any rate, I suggested Hillsboro Village's  Fido for this group from Indy. By 10 a.m. the line was already wrapped around the counter and out the door, but their recent expansion project meant there was plenty of seating available. This restaurant is more than a well-loved coffee shop. It's a something-for-everyone eatery with a variety of cleverly-named specialty coffee drinks, wines, beers, healthy (as possible) muffins & cookies, and a pretty extensive breakfast menu. Brunch at Fido is served weekends until 2 p.m.

Our group of five sampled something from each section of the breakfast menu. I had the veggie scramble, which I was pleased to discover did not include mushrooms (my only will-not-touch-it-under-any-circumstances food), though I think the hashbrowns at Jackson's Bar & Bistro are better. (Fido's are just roasted potatoes, while Jackson's come covered in cheese!)

Someone else had the Bachelor Bob, a pb&b bagel sandwich, while another opted for oatmeal with fresh fruit. The bagel sandwiches were loaded with eggs, meat, and cheese and looked delicious, despite the certain heart-attack inducing qualities of the meal.

For those of you who are wondering, yes, they serve mimosas on a Sunday morning.

Although we could have stayed and chatted for hours, we were served quickly, despite the long line. The service was friendly and the food was good without leaving you with a brunch hangover for the rest of your Sunday. Don't let the crowds deter you from this well-loved little coffee joint.

The End Notes:

• Good food, easy service, great coffee (it's Bongo Java, people!)
• Relatively easy for out-of-towners to MapQuest and find on their own
• Oversized booths and tables make for a comfortable scene to catch up with old friends, meet for Bible study or business, or just grab a quick meal before you start your day. 
• Two paws up for Fido!

A little bit of Southern pride

Upon the inadvertent recommendation of a blogosphere friend, I decided to host Development Dinner at 55 South, a tribute to New Orleans tucked into the same building as Sol on the square in Franklin. It turned out to be a great choice!

The restaurant is casual, but I didn't feel out of place coming straight from work. (In fact, they cater to the after-work crowd with oyster specials that creep from $.25 to $.75 as the hour hand ticks toward 7.) Burlap served as a tablecloth and a sheet of glass held the menu in place, like a tiny placemat under your meal. The exposed-brick walls and old-fashioned posters features Oxford, Miss., landmarks added to the charm. (Although I would be remiss if I didn't mention here that I am a graduate of Mississippi State University and therefore could have done without the Oxford references and the "Hoddy Toddy" tweet from the owner!)

The drink menu featured beers by region, bourbons by country, and cocktails by season. Beth's Cotton Gin cocky-tail (they get points for clever-ness!) tasted like summertime. With Bombay, peach nectar, and lime juice, I can only imagine warm weather washing over us. Laura's Delta Sunset, flavored with sweet tea vodka and and cranberry juice, looked like Indian Summer in a highball glass. And my Rebel Charge (supposedly named for the Confederate soldiers but I have to think Colonel Reb might have been an influence...) tasted just like football season. It was a light, refreshing combination of Rebel Yell bourbon, ginger ale, and triple sec. I finally found a bourbon cocktail with a lime garnish!

Dinner didn't disappoint, either. Laura decisively ordered the grouper reuben, served with cole slaw and homemade chips.

While Beth and I were a little more indecisive. Luckily, 55 South features several "combo" choices for the conflicted. Beth ordered a traditional Cajun trio: red beans & rice, jambalaya, and gumbo. So pretty on the plate: 

And I dined in crawfish heaven! Dubbed the "Crawfish Fiesta Trio" my dinner featured fried crawfish tails, crawfish etouffee, and crawfish hash--cubes of potatoes and slices of onions holding up crawfish tails. I was most nervous about hash, but it turned out to be my favorite offering. I'll say that the fried tails, although pretty (see below) in the plate, they were a little soggy, as though they were fried long before they made it to my table. And the etouffee was good but the large soup spoon conflicted with the square-shaped bowl, making it hard to really "dig in."

Dessert was well worth the wait, as Foodie Beth had told me it would be. (She even sent me a TwitPic of the dessert menu at 6:30 this morning!) Boss Beth ordered the chocolate pecan pie, Laura, the Velvet Elvis, a delicious concoction of chocolate fudge, peanut butter mousse, and bananas that was too much for one sitting. I opted for fried ice cream, coated in Corn Flakes and coconut and situated in a taco shell bowl. I wish I'd known it would be topped with whipped cream, because that detracted from the true flavors. It was an interesting concept but a delicious end to my meal.

     

The End Notes:

• Despite the abundance of references to Oxford and the Rebs, the atmosphere is fun. Well worth venturing down to Franklin in rush hour traffic. The owner, Jason McConnell, who owns both Sol and The Red Pony, clearly knows what he's doing. Please go. ASAP.
• The menu features offerings at several price points without  being too overwhelming. Not too many choices for those not in favor of seafood or Cajun-inspired dishes, though. Cleverly named drinks, but not much in the way of wine offerings. Mostly bourbon, whiskey, and beer (fine by me!). 
• Our waiter, bless his heart...well, that's really all I can say. Not too bright. Bless his heart.
• Parking is street-side, which could be inconvenient depending on the hour. Close proximity to Franklin's public garage and gives you an excuse to walk off all that dinner.