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.

Landmark Soda Shop Remains a Landmark!

Earlier this week, I read a devastating story saying the Elliston Place Soda Shop was closing on Saturday. As in, the day after tomorrow. Having driven by this iconic Nashville location on multiple occasions but never stopping to visit, I was upset for two reasons. One, the sentimentalist in me was crushed that another piece of history was falling victim to the modern age and modern problems. Two, having lived here for 3 years now, I was mad at myself for never going. So I vowed I would visit this week.

Actually, I had plans to go for lunch today. (And I still might. It's only 11:30, afterall.) Then, I read a wonderful update, courtesy of another Nashville foodie, courtesy of The Tennessean. An agreement has been reached and the shop is not closing!!At least not for another 5 years.

This begs the obvious question, when am I going to go and who wants to join? I hear they have great milkshakes. And their sign touts air conditioning, which, in this heat wave, should be reason enough to visit anywhere!

The Art of the Acorn

On the edge of Centennial Park sits an old home-turned-day-care-center-turned-Nashville-fine-dining-landmark known as The Acorn. In homage to the symbol of southern hospitality, The Acorn offers quintessential dishes of Southern culture but with a little bit of grown up flair.

In a low-lit, comfortable environment, The Acorn serves up contemporary versions of dishes like mac and cheese, pimento cheese, and chicken 'n' waffles for starters. Entrees include a pork trio, filet, braised lamb, and roasted chicken with spoonbread. Our trio of development department diners ordered soon-to-be classics: a portabella mushroom stack with quinoa, chorizo-crusted grouper with a Jack Daniel's pecan cream sauce (which, let's be honest, the JD was the main reason for ordering that meal!), and pan fried trout. Simply plated, these dishes did not need a lot of accoutrements to bring out the flavor, the unique flavors shone on their own. Unfortunately my camera battery was dead this night, so I have no photographic proof of the lovely plating.

The cocktail menu accentuated these dinners as well. I had a cleverly-named bourbon, ginger ale, and lemon; Beth had a sparkling cocktail of St. Germaine and champagne, and Laura's Bad Girl was a mix of orange vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry, and sweet and sour. My memory fails me on the cute names of our drinks, and The Acorn's website is not helpful. I should start bringing a note pad when I dine out!

The dessert did not disappoint either. Laura chose the gelato of the day, maple. Served in a martini glass it was an elegant way to essentially eat ice cream! Beth and I indulged in a chocolate peanut butter pie, a creamy, sugary concoction on a chocolate crumb crust. After all, we were dining on National Peanut Butter Day so I had to try it! The dessert menu included a chocolate torte, a sorbet of the day (blood orange on the day we visited) and a few other traditional offerings.

I left just the right amount of full. Happy, but not miserable.

The End Notes:

• The food was good but the dining experience would have been much better if they had not sat us right next to the most. annoying. couple. EVER. In the entire empty restaurant, we were sandwiched between 2 loud and obnoxious tables.
• The hostess offered to check my coat, a luxury I love as much as valet parking. Naturally, I accepted. As we were leaving, I saw my coat lying haphazardly across a chair by the hostess stand. So much for "coat check." I thought this was an upscale restaurant?
• Prices are on the higher end. Entrees range from $16-32 and there was not enough on the plate for leftovers. But worth the splurge I think.
• Free parking lot across the street for restaurant patrons.

A Miss at Macke's

One of the first places I learned about when I first moved to Nashville was Macke's in Green Hills. Unlike all the other places I learned about when I first moved to Nashville, I have not been countless times and have not memorized the menu. Until today, when I was invited to a luncheon held under the skylight of Grace's Plaza restaurant.

Macke's, sister restaurant to Franklin's Mack and Kate's Cafe, creates an ambiance of sophisticated elegance despite its location directly across from a county clerk satellite office and several other retailers. With white linen tablecloths and napkins and hot tea served in delicate china teapots, any occasion would be deemed special at Macke's. Unfortunately, I didn't venture into the actual restaurant today, so I can't describe the interior, but the website boasts a few pretty pictures. It must be gorgeous, though, because diners can purchase the floral arrangements direct from Macke's.

As pretty as it all seemed to be when I sat down, I should have ordered something dainty and girly, befitting of a women's luncheon. Something like the Apple Pear Grilled Chicken Salad, featuring candied nuts, blue cheese, and a cinnamon mustard vinaigrette in addition to the titular ingredients. Or maybe the Patty Melt served atop rye bread with two kinds of cheeses, Russian dressing, and grilled onions. Or the Lobster BLT Wrap, consisting of lobster, goat cheese, caramelized onions wrapped up nicely with the bacon, lettuce and tomato part. In fact, as I peruse the menu now to proffer these suggestions, I wonder why I chose what I ordered: a club sandwich.

Don't get me wrong, it was a good club sandwich. It was made with deli-thin ham, dry shaved turkey, two cheeses, lettuce, bacon, and fresh red tomatoes on toasted sourdough bread. However, the bacon was undercooked and a little too fatty for my taste. And there was so much mayo that everything slipped and slid until all I was left with was a messy pile of food on my plate that I couldn't make heads or tails of how to eat. Meanwhile, everyone else had their prim and proper salads and were able to easily participate in the conversation because they were not trying to figure out how the most ladylike way to eat a 12" tall sandwich!

I love a good club sandwich, I really do! But not at a place that serves its tea in heirloom china. Why did I make this selection you ask? Well, I may have mentioned once or twice how loooong it takes me to select a meal from a menu full of many delicious choices. Overwhelmed and feeling the pressure to order quickly, I said the first thing that popped off the paper at me. Looking back, I would definitely have opted for something more unique to Macke's. I also think that if I was going to pay $13 for lunch I should have something like Lobster Mac & Cheese or the Crab Cake Baguette. Or at least asked for a to-go box so I could finish mutilating my sandwich in private.

The End Notes:

• Atmosphere seems welcoming for small intimate groups, lunch with the girlfriends, or a business dinner. 
• Unless someone else is picking up the tab (or you're trying to impress your dining partner) stay away from Macke's for lunch. It's a little on the pricey side.
• If you have more than an hour and don't mind indulging a little, though, then do go to Macke's for lunch. It'll be worth it. (As long as you order something unique.)
• In Franklin? Check out Mack and Kate's Cafe for a more upscale experience.
• Messy sandwiches and linen napkins don't mix!

Fresh French Fare

Allium: (n) any plant of the genus Allium, such as the onion, garlic, shallot, leek, or chive; French-inspired restaurant in East Nashville from the owners of Germantown Cafe.

I had been so looking forward to dining here, as I am a huge fan of the sister establishment. However, I was disappointed with the menu choices, honestly. I wanted to be overwhelmed but i was a little...underwhelmed. 

It started out when I ordered a fancy orange rye Manhattan instead of the gin and tonic I’d been craving. The Manhattan didn’t measure up to the flaming variety I’d ordered at The Patterson House. Gin and tonic would have more appropriately complimented my meal of choice: grouper with a tomatillo salsa atop grits and paired with steamed swiss chard. 

A true Southerner, I love turnip and collard greens. I find Swiss chard similar if not slightly more bitter. This lived up to my expectations. My Southern roots also expected cheese grits. These were not, although probably less bland than they could have been. And having grown up with fresh Gulf Coast seafood, I was disappointed to find my grouper tasted at least one day old. (Now, I should have expected this, what with now residing in a land-locked state and all, but I was hoping for something more.)

The other menu options either seemed too unspectacular (the pasta special was penne tossed with broccoli and chicken breasts in a creamy sauce--something even my kitchen could produce!) or too wintery for a warm July evening (pork roast or duck with plum sauce sounded yummy but a bit like breaking open a bottle of dry red in the middle of summer--not such a hot idea on such a hot night). So I opted for the fish dish. Next time I'm going to try the Croque Monsieur, though.

The dessert did live up to my Southerness, however. Peach tart a la mode. Plump, juicy fresh peaches in a simple glaze baked into a buttery tart crust. Topped with simple vanilla bean ice cream, it was the perfect way to end the evening. Unfortunately, my camera is currently on DL, so I have no pictures. Take my word for it; it was gorgeous.

I will say our waiter was refreshingly attentive and honest. He blatantly stated his opinion on every question we asked. Which dish do you prefer? What are your thoughts on dessert? The mocha cheesecake “underwhelmed” him. Perhaps he was able to pay us so much attention because of the utter lack of co-diners. Literally, we were the only paying customers until at least 7 p.m. A little unnerving, but perhaps Thursdays aren’t the nights to visit Allium. 

Don’t let it keep you from visiting, though. I hear their Sunday brunch is fantastic. 

The End Notes: 

• Great value--salad included! And fresh French bread (duh!) with a delicious garlicky butter that melts into every bread crevice.
• The lack of crowd made me feel a little nervous.
• Ask for an opinion on the artistic cocktail menu so you select the best one (or two).
• ...and listen when the waiter tells you one slice of pie that is really a candy bar masquerading as a pie is too much for one person. He was right!

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.

The House of Illicit Liquors

 For the past few weeks, I've been receiving updates from my gin-loving coworker (the man wrote a Hendrick's haiku!) about the building of a new establishment that was to become The Holland House Bar & Refuge, a Patterson House for the East side.

Today, while Twittering, I noticed The Holland House is now open for business and offering daily Chalkboard Specials. Who can turn down a $5 Gin Rickey? Not this girl. So I called up an East Nashville friend and convinced her to meet me there for an after-work drink.

Although the drive across the river was stressful, I'm glad I made the trip because the experience was worth it. (Note to those unfamiliar with West Eastland--there is no sign distinguishing The Holland House, just the chalkboard out front.) I arrived first and grabbed a seat on the patio, where I struck up a conversation with the owners/head mixologist Case and Terrell. Case had a great mustache that curled on the edges and an accent I couldn't quite place. (Given the name--maybe Dutch???) Terrell is apparently quite creative, as he lends his name to several of the cocktails on the menu.

The Holland House offers a Chalkboard Special daily until 6:30 p.m., even on Fridays and Saturdays. (Next to valet parking, weekend happy hours are my favorite perk!) Today's list featured $5 gin rickies and gimlets, margaritas & mojitos, $3 high-gravity German beer, 1/2-priced wines, and 1/2-priced "snacks". Yep, that's how they're listed on the menu. "Snacks." Love it!

All cocktails are crafted in the style of the 1890s to the 1930s and are primarily concocted of gin, bourbon, or whisky. My trifecta! In fact, only one vodka and rum cocktail appeared on the menu. Katie ordered the Rum Swizzle which looked delightful but lacked sand and waves. I got the Rickey and we split some fried deliciousness with edamame sauce and fried vegetable deliciousness with garlic aioli sauce.

Our "Snacks":

My Gin Rickey:

I've been asked to compare The Holland House to its Midtown counterpart The Patterson House.

Here goes:

• Appearances:
• HH is housed in an old brick building which looks unimpressive from the outside but feels like a piece of an old mansion has been sliced off the historic registry and placed in the middle of East Nashville for us all to enjoy. With a four-sided bar in the middle, a longer bar in the back and chair rails for standing, milling about, and talking, the owners have anticipated the crowds yet to come.
• PH is housed in an actual old house, which you have to know of in order to find, and is tucked behind a blue curtain, like a true speakeasy. The interior resembles a library, with its dark, cozy booths and low lighting. PH also has a four-sided bar, but no place for milling about, as standing is prohibited in this Prohibition-era bar.
• Atmosphere:
• HH felt like any other bar from the outside, but I'd need to go back in the evening and sit inside to get the true HH experience. It definitely evokes an East Nashville vibe, but mixes in class with an abundance of crystal chandeliers, wooden accents, and private booths that would make a great environment for nearly any occasion.
• PH feels like a secret, like maybe you really will need a password to enter. The booths are also cozy, but I wouldn't go to PH for just any celebration. I personally think it's best for a date. A really romantic date.
• Cocktails:
• HH offers cocktails made mostly of gin, bourbon, and whisky but many include fruit. With the exception of the Chalkboard Specials, wines, and beers, all cocktails are $10.
• PH offers cocktails distinguished by spirit and listed in order from smoothest to most potent. The menu also features classic cordials and many concoctions featuring raw eggs. Cocktails are more a dollar or 2 more.
• Menu: 
• HH features a full dinner menu with snacks, small plates, salads, entrees, and desserts. Snacks range from $5-9 and entrees from $12-19. Cocktails are designed to complement the food.
• PH features small plates, which are actually quite small and not intended to substitute for dinner. These plates also highlight the cocktails, and are complementary in price to The Holland House.
• Both HH and PH mixologist wear period attire and both feature boutique ice to enhance the drinks. Both would love your business. 

The End Notes:

• Regardless of your location in town or your feelings towards Prohibition-era cocktails, you should venture cross-Cumberland to West Eastland and sip a signature drink. Go after work for a special deal, try out dinner, or end a special evening with a nightcap.
• Despite this post, I hope The Holland House will come into its own and not be perpetually compared to The Patterson House. Is Nashville big enough for 2 turn-of-the-20th-century cocktail lounges? I can't say.  You'll have to visit and make up your own mind about its worth. I suggest you go sooner rather than later.

The view from the porch

You know you've had a good meal when you can remember what you had to eat more than a year later. Such was my experience at The Yellow Porch, tucked cozily and quietly on busy Thompson Lane in Berry Hill.

With its namesake yellow porch out front and its fresh veggie garden, The Yellow Porch might be one of the city's cutest and most secret little hideaways. Serving lunch from 11-3 and dinner starting at 5, you can easily get here no matter which part of the city you live in. Despite its proximity to my office and home, I have never been for lunch, though I hear rave reviews about the menu.

So what did I order for dinner on a cold December night in 2008? Penne pasta with garlic and tomatoes in a spicy vodka cream sauce with freshly grated parmesan cheese, with chicken. OK, so maybe I cheated and glanced at the menu to jog my memory, but I knew in an instant what I'd eaten. Yummy!! I haven't quite had a pasta dish that has compared. It sounds simple, but it was elegant, substantial, and very generous. For dessert I split a tiramisu, which was also delicious and happens to be the last time I've ever split dessert with someone. I mean, if you're going all out, you might as well go all out, right?

During Nashville Original's Restaurant Week , I highly suggest you head over to Berry Hill and have lunch at this quaint little place. Don't let those clamoring for Jersey Mike's deter you from trying out The Yellow Porch. Or if you'd rather not fight the crowds, then schedule dinner here. This week is a great opportunity to try some of this fresh, delicious fare.

Buon appetito, y'all!

Not a place for Charlie Brown

In honor of Nashville Originals' Restaurant Week, I am catching up on missed blogging opportunities and posting about restaurants I have visited that are included in this week's fabulous specials. Really, I implore you to check them out if you are at all able to.

One of the restaurants featured this week is ChaChah, in the Belmont area. A place that prides itself on tapas, ChaChah is great if you're looking to make a dinner of small plates or share with several friends. Tucked cozily onto Belmont Boulevard, ChaChah features a variety of tapas with Latino flair. In fact, if you visit their website, the menu headings are written en espanol. Because the restaurant offers fresh, seasonal items, what is currently on the menu is not what was featured when I visited in late September. But I do know I enjoyed everything we sampled!

What you simply must try is the Black Tea Julep, made with Eagle Rare bourbon,sweetened organic tea, and mint. it made a fan out of this lover of Kentucky Derby's signature beverage. As a gin fan, I think the Cucumber White Tea-ni, made with Hendrick's, cucumber water, white tea, and soda, would also be delicious, but definitely more of a warm-weather drink.

January would probably not be the ideal time to sit on the patio, but it was quite delightful during Indian Summer. At any time of year, though, and especially during Restaurant Week, I think ChaChah is worth checking out, either with your girlfriends, on a date, or even for a casual night out with several other couples.

Buon appetito, y'all!