Small Child, Big Palate?

Our friends are always surprised to see that we still venture out to try new restaurants and stay caught up on the ever changing Nashville food scene now that we are parents. Nashville is one of the most child friendly cities I have ever lived in. There are some local restaurants that may surprise you by being “kid friendly”.

We go to a lot of breweries and the ones that offer food are a huge bonus! They are usually “kid friendly” and/or loud enough that no one notices that you have a child. East Nash Beer Works on Trinity is a new favorite of ours. They make a wide variety of food offerings (tasty ones, like pizza), and have other drink options besides beer. Their beer garden is fantastic. They have picnic tables with shade, yard games and plenty of space to spread out and run around.

Last photo courtesy of East Nash Beer Works‘ website

Smith & Lentz is in a great spot in East Nashville. It is one of the only breweries in Nashville that we enjoy pretty much all of their brews. You are surrounded by great restaurants, so can plan on walking across the street after a beer or two for dinner or we sometimes go to Smith & Lentz for dinner on Wednesday’s when they have the Death from a Bun food truck out front. It is delicious and goes nicely with their beers. Plan on getting a Bao Bun and playing a board game with the family to make the most perfect night.

Pictured: Buns & Beer

You will often find us at the Picnic Tap in the Nashville Farmers’ Market. It is great because you can sample brews from lots of different regional breweries in one place. They do serve up their own delicious food at Picnic Tap, but you can also pick something from one of the other vendors and bring it in to enjoy with your beer!

Pictured: Dogs at Picnic Tap

Pied Piper Eatery may not be on your radar, but their menu is extensive and there is something for everyone. If eating pancakes all day doesn’t win your kids over, the cute play area by the front door will.

Sometimes you just crave a nice burger for dinner (I do!). The Pharmacy, which is much less busy during the week days, has the best beer garden which is perfect for kiddos. Their burger is second to none. Another great burger joint that is “kid friendly” is Burger Up (there is a new East location, but the 12 South location is great, too). Burger Up has crayons and books for kids at the hostess stand.

Pictured: Beer garden burgers at The Pharmacy

Feeling fancy? Lockeland Table Community Kitchen & Bar has community hour from 4-6PM Monday thru Saturday where they offer a kids menu that benefits the Lockeland Community Design Center PTO. Their food is exceptional, and one of our favorite overall restaurants in Nashville. Americano is another place with great food and welcomes little ones. The small plates are perfect for eating family style, but don’t overlook the paella. WOW!

Pictured: Lockeland Table’s delicious food, Americano’s Paella (bottom right)

When a nice glass of wine and some patio sitting will do the trick Cochon Butcher is the perfect place. Their mac & cheese will please even the pickiest child (or adult). The Family Wash (hence the name) is great, too. They are very accommodating and their kids menu is perfect. Pizza is always a winner, which is why this wouldn’t be a good list without Five Points Pizza on it.

Photo courtesy of my friend, Lauren! Pictured: Five Points Pizza & my cute sleeping beauty.

Rudie’s Seafood & Sausage is probably our #1 choice for going out with the little one. They have high chairs, if you want to eat inside, and they have a huge patio out back. Their food is great and their drinks will not let you down. Their sandwich shop Mitchell Delicatessen is definitely at the top of the list, but now that they offer delivery (and it’s SO fast!) we get it delivered more times than not.

Fact: Rudie’s was our first family outing after becoming parents!

When you are not sure if a place is “kid friendly” or not, bring along your own high-chair and make it “kid friendly”! We use the Inglesina Fast Table Chair.

 

Playing it safe, car seat edition.

Occasionally you have to take a break from eating. Which is what I did last week when I was invited to a blogging mamas event with Britax and Nashville Moms Blog. Well that is not 100% true, I did have cupcakes from The Painted Cupcake (pictured below). Boy, were they delicious.

My hope is that by sharing some things I learned from the Britax event I attended that other parents take away one or two key facts that will help promote car seat safety.

 

Some Mind Blowing Things I Learned:

Since coming home from the hospital a year ago I have been assuming that our car seat was installed correctly. Apparently, this is common, because 96% of parents think that they’re installing their seats correctly. I was shocked to find out that 3 out of 4 parents are not installing them correctly. YIKES!

Register your baby stuff! I always assume those postcards are a marketing scam.  Turns out it is how companies contact you for product recalls,  which could possibly save your child’s life.

This is super simple, but READ INSTRUCTIONS. (I hope my husband is seeing this.)

Britax, made right here in the U.S.A., is definitely a pioneer in baby safety. Britax created the Advocate ClickTight Anti-Rebound Bar (ARB). The ARB is a padded, steel bar that attaches to the foot-end of the ClickTight convertible car seats and used when rear-facing. The ARB manages rebound or reactive motion in the opposite direction of impact during a collision. Therefore, Britax is “raising the bar,” so to speak, on safety!

For attending the event, I, and the other blogging mamas, received a free Britax Advocate ClickTight ARB car seat, and I love it! It is the only car seat that I have been able to install by myself, with only a few simple instructions (3 to be exact). I was very impressed. Plus you can be sure you the straps are tight enough (almost 60 percent of car seat harnesses are too loose).

Pictured: Our new car seat, and one super cute baby.

My husband and I like to install car seats in the middle seat of our car, as it seems like it allows more room for other passengers to ride in the back seat. The Advocate ClickTight features 3 layers of side impact protection, so it is safe no matter what seat you choose to put it in. That is peace of mind for this mama.

September is Baby Safety Month and Sept 18-24 is Child Passenger Safety Week. Shop Britax and save up to 25% off this month!

#RaisingtheBar #BritaxSafety #ClickTight

bienvenue.

Let me start out by saying that this post could have been the longest post I have ever considered writing. Lucky you, I decided to keep it short & sweet and only list my absolute favorites.

If a food inspired romantic trip to Paris is not on your bucket list… add it right now.

Almost two years ago, my husband and I ignored family traditions and booked flights to Paris, France for a two week getaway. I am married to someone who takes packing light very seriously so off we went with 2 small carry-on bags. NOTE: If your spouse is a bit more flexible, bring a bigger bag so you can buy more souvenirs to enjoy later.

Away we go

Paris is my favorite city in the world. Don’t let me fool you, my French vocabulary consists of bonjour & au revoir, but I managed just fine.

We  booked the tiniest most adorable Airbnb in the Marais (3rd arrondissement or 3rd ARR.). The Marias is very hip, trendy and young.  A lot of our favorite foods were from the Marais, but pack comfortable shoes and plan on walking and exploring as much as you can.

Favorite Coffee Shops: Télescope, Café Loustic , & Coutume Café

Left to Right: Café Loustic, Coutume Café

Favorite Bar:  Le Pas Sage – Bar a Vin has excellent charcuterie and wine. It is tiny, but divine. The restaurant is supposed to be amazing, as well.

Photos: Le Pas Sage’s Facebook Page

Favorite Patisserie: Du Pain et des Idées (Anthony Bourdain recommendation-Amazing!)

Amazing Street Food (worth the line): L’As du Fallafel **If you are too impatient for lines,  Miznon (next door) is fabulous, too! 

Pictured: One Happy Husband and one delicious shawarma

Oh the line!

Our Alma Mater even has a bar/restaurant that I recommend to my fellow Vols:  Tennessee Café , which feels like home.

Don’t get me wrong, we saw all the sights briefly. However, we really didn’t spend a ton of time in museums. We ventured into neighborhoods, walked side streets and stumbled into markets that caught our eye.

Favorite Market:  Marché des Enfants Rouges (http://marchedesenfantsrougesfr.com/)

Go to Paris! While you are there pick up as many baguettes as possible and drink way too much wine.

Places to ‘Meat’ for Memorial Day.

Let me just say, I love America. My patriotism especially shines when I tear up during the Star Spangled Banner at the beginning of major American sporting events. Nothing, I repeat, nothing is more American than a burger. It is the reason why I could never become a vegetarian. It is what I miss when I travel abroad. Though I try to eat moderately healthy, I can never turn down a juicy cheese burger. Thus I am thrilled that Nashville has a plethora of delicious burger options for me to choose from. In light of Memorial Day and summer on the way, let’s talk Burgers.

There is a burger for every price point, making the Nashville burger desirable and affordable no matter where you are in life. The diner options in Nashville are not your typical greasy mess. Gabby’s Burgers & Fries is at the top of my list without a doubt. It may be purely sentimental, because it was the first restaurant I ate at in Nashville when we moved here, but Brown’s Diner holds a special place in my heart. The burger is under five dollars, so you can definitely afford to have two. Make sure to add grilled onions. I recently tried Dino’s and though it was really late at night, from what I remember, it was also delightful. I love the concept, and the proximity to my house is a major plus.

Photos: Gabby’s Burgers & Fries’ Facebook Page

Staying with the East side theme, Riverside Grillshack and Über-Tüber Hand Cut Fries is a one of a kind eatery nestled practically on the train track in a shack. I definitely give them overall best experience. The burger is tasty, the staff is super friendly, the luxurious dining room is quaint & keeps the bugs away, the fries are spectacular, and they serve Old Bay & malt vinegar on the side. Are you starting to get the picture? It’s good. I know that The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden gets a lot of criticism for the wait time to get seated, but they know burgers and if you are lucky enough to get a seat in the totally hip beer garden you will not be disappointed in the menu. I am purist (cheese burger & tots for me), but my husband loses all self-control when we go and gets the Farm Burger, which is topped with country ham, bacon and an egg.

Photos: Riverside Grill Shack’s Facebook Page 

Photo: The Pharmacy’s website

My all-time favorite sauce served alongside a burger is from Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint. This Virginia based restaurant offers no frills dining (no you cannot add tomato & lettuce), but they pride themselves in good quality meat and serve up some delicious secret sauce. A good date night burger choice is Butchertown Hall. The ambiance is impressive and the burger comes with the most intriguing homemade pickles.

There is a place that may not be on your radar, the Pro Shop at McCabe Golf Course (not to be confused with McCabe Pub) dishes up a solid burger. Nothing fancy but a tasty griddle burger after hitting some balls. A non-traditional burger that should be on your radar is the Pork Burger from Rudie’s Seafood & Sausage.  It is topped with Benton’s Bacon, oyster mayo, lettuce, cheddar, melted provolone cheese, tomato, caramelized onion and served on a brioche roll.

How fitting that Memorial Day is coming up. If you are not feeling like grilling out, rest assured that you can dine at one of the many fine Nashville burger establishments. Thanks for reading! Eat. Share. Connect.

Sandwiched between two buns.

When an entire city defines itself by a sandwich, such as Philadelphia’s Cheese Steak, you know that sandwiches are a big deal. They are definitely a big deal in my house. Lucky for my husband and me, we can order the Italian, the Brisket, the Chicken Salad or the Grilled Chicken Portabella sandwiches for breakfast, lunch or dinner at our beloved Nashville deli, Mitchell’s. I won’t go on the record and say that we moved to East Nashville to be closer to Mitchell’s Deli, but I won’t deny it either.

Pictured: My Grilled Chicken Portabella Sandwich

When you are in the mood for some mouthwatering sandwiches and happen to be cruising around 4^th Ave North in Germantown, it is hard not to smell the fresh smoked meat selection at Cochon Butcher. Go in. Take a look at the menu. Order the Buckboard Bacon Melt with a side of Mac ‘n’ Cheese and a nice glass of vino. Go back outside to enjoy your delicious meal on the patio. Pat yourself on the back. You just had a killer experience.

Photo: Cochon Butcher Nashville Website

For all of the hipster crowd living in or visiting Nashville (or average Joe’s who appreciate the craft of a good sandwich) take your next lunch break at Clawson’s Pub & Deli. You cannot go wrong, but I rarely steer away from the #12. It’s divine.  Sriracha-buffalo sauce, turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese and ranch on a toasted sub roll. (WARNING: Do not get this one on a first date, but if you must, get extra napkins.) Feeling wild? Get pretzels and a pickled egg on the side.

Photos: Clawson’s Pub & Deli Website

When you are lucky enough to work from home and you have a slight sandwich obsession you find the recipe for the best sandwich at home, by trial and error. I have tried everything, and this is it.

My Sandwiches at Home 

Prep time 10 minutes, Oven Temp=Broil

1. Toast your bread in the toaster. If it is a bun, cut it open and toast face up only in the oven, and leave the outside soft. (SET A TIMER- burnt bread is the worst)
2. Stack your meat (thinly sliced Boar’s Head turkey), peppers or other veggies, and cheese on some foil (in that order) and toss it in the broiler.
3. Add mayo or other condiments of choice to your freshly toasted bread and sprinkle with pepper, salt & oregano.
4. Add lettuce, sliced tomato, mashed avocado (mashed=less mess than sliced) to the bread.
5. Add warm meat and cheese stack to bread.
6. Cut in half and serve with Sriracha and chips.
7. ENJOY.

Not Just a Drink. An Experience.

Let me begin by saying that we make superb coffee at home every morning. It is a process, and it is one that my husband and I take seriously. We grind Bongo Java’s Mystic Brew Beans and place them in an unbleached filter in our Cuisinart coffee pot. Next to the beans, the water is the most important. We only use filtered room temperature water. We could set the automatic timer, and wake up to already brewed coffee, but we like to start the pot immediately when we get up to ensure the freshness. Next we warm skim milk for 30 seconds, followed by three mini scoops of sugar in the raw and we froth the milk with our mini frother. (get one!). The only thing left to do is slowly pour the coffee in the cup to not disturb the froth.

Photo: Bongo Java’s Website

As much as I have traveled, I have come to the conclusion that Nashville has a dynamite coffee scene. Here are some of my favorites. Enjoy!

Downtown is more than honky tonks and bachelor parties, though they are still rocking. The good food culture is really taking shape downtown. Crema, which is a couple streets South of Broadway really knows the craft of the bean, and puts serious effort into their cup O’ Joe. I like mine with a bit of their breakfast quinoa, served warm.

This summer, while everyone awaits the first dip in the pool, I am anxiously awaiting one of my favorite spots, dose. opening a second location a block from my house. The delightful, shakerato with ginger will be just a short walk away. How do I begin to describe the cold brew shaken up (like a cocktail) with ice, then strained? It is always the perfect temperature and the most subtle taste of ginger…I can’t even. You must go for yourself. Don’t wait for the East location to open. I would like to keep that a secret…

Photo: dose.

I was a little sad when my secret vintage inspired coffee shop, The Jam Coffee House, expanded recently. I guess it is not a secret, after all. Don’t be fooled by the strip mall appearance, it takes me back to my Great grandma Ruby’s house. When you go, you would be crazy not to order the Punjabi. Cold or hot. It doesn’t make a difference.

From our old hood, Germantown, I greatly miss (though it is just a couple miles away) the Seattle inspired drip coffee from Steadfast Coffee. It goes perfectly with their bacon and cheese scone. The food is actually quite delicious.

You would be remiss if you didn’t imbibe in the coffee experience at Barista Parlor. It truly is the experience. The original, in East Nashville, which is a converted auto shop, serves some very selective brews, such as one of my San Francisco favorites, Sight Glass. Don’t go when you are in a hurry, as I said, it is an experience. While you are waiting for your perfectly brewed mini carafe, get the sausage biscuit with homemade jelly. You will not be disappointed.

Photo: Barista Parlor

Other notable favorites: Atmalogy, 8^th & Roast, Headquarters, Ugly Mugs, Portland Brew East

Fightin’ Words: ______ has the Best BBQ

Politics & Religion. I have been brought up to never engage in those two topics with someone you do not know. You never know who you may offend. After living in virtually every top BBQ state, you can add BBQ to that list of ‘Tread Lightly’. I have learned that people are entrenched in their ways when it comes to BBQ and people are willing to sacrifice mental health to prove their BBQ is the best. It is as controversial as the current presidential races.

The scrumptious meal comes in many forms depending on where you are. Dry or Wet. Brisket or Pork. Or Chicken. Or Ribs. The wood, Hickory or Post Oak. The Sauce…oh yes the sauce, can be its own conversation. Tomato-based, vinegar, mustard. Or just dry rub. It seems that there are endless options and truthfully, all are awesome in their own rightful way. Since we are now acquaintances, I will dive in on the conversation. I apologize if I offend you.

As you know I grew up in Kansas, the home of beef, so this is where I will begin. Don’t get me wrong, I love good ol’ Kansas City-style BBQ as much as anyone. The burnt ends served along side a slice of white bread have a soft spot in my heart, probably lodged there for as much as I ate as a kid. But often, the sauce takes over. I am not too keen on the thick, molasses based sauce. It can overpower the taste of the slow smoked beef. However, it is an essential that I grew up on, and when I smell the burnt ends it draws me back to a place I am familiar with. It’s sentimental.

Next up is Texas. I spent almost 5 years of my life there with my now husband, mainly in Houston but we made frequent trips to Austin and the Hill Country Area. It was Texas that introduced me to other kinds of BBQ and sauces. Brisket, done properly, is tough to beat. It’s the local Post Oak that mixes with the Texas beef that makes it so special. Aaron Franklin’s joint in Austin is the best of the best but don’t forget about Gatlin’s and Goode Company’s jalapeno sausage (both in Houston), which brings that Czech-inspired taste to Texas. And the sauces in Texas are light and spicy, which I like. D.L. Jardine’s Killer Spicy is one of my favorites and Rudy’s Original is usually always in my house.

Onward and upward to Tennessee, my home & my heart. During my college days in Knoxville, though I couldn’t afford to eat out much (refer to my previous post about Ramen noodles),  but Calhoun’s became a special spot, as it served the first date location that led to my marriage and sweet baby girl.  But we are talking about Tennessee, and Memphis is where ribs are king over The King. So many great joints to choose from. Rendezvous who’s Lamb Riblets are no doubt dynamite, but do not leave Memphis without going to Interstate Barbeque or Commissary (in Germantown). Thus far, I have not been all that enamored with what Nashville has to offer on the BBQ front. There is rich tradition here but no definite identity when it comes to BBQ. It feels like a mish-mash of styles from all over and so far, the one who definitely does it right is Carey at Peg Leg Porker. Great dry ribs and seasonings too! Though, I must admit, we do hit up Edley’s in East Nashville for the BBQ Nachos.

Photos: Peg Leg Porker‘s website

 You cannot bring up BBQ without talking Carolina style. My husband is from North Carolina and has taken me to some of the best spots in NC. Pulled pork is the dish du jour in Carolina and one of my favorites thus far has been at Lexington BBQ in Lexington, NC. Just a heaping mound of pulled pork smoked low and slow over hickory and a light tomato based sauce. But I must say (and it’s not because we are married), my husband may make my favorite BBQ I have had. He smokes a pork shoulder low and slow for 12 hours then lightly drizzles an Eastern-style sauce with apple cider vinegar, peppers and spices (No bun required).

Now we can get into side dishes and condiments (TIP: I just picked up some Lillie’s Q Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce from Turnip Truck the other day, and highly recommend it) that accompany many styles of BBQ, but that is another conversation for another day. In the meantime, I am hungry again. Eat, share and connect.

Photo: Lillie’s Q‘s website

Warning: Subject matter is extremely controversial

My top 5 spots for a pie, according to me:
1) City House
If you don’t get the belly ham pizza and you don’t top it with an egg… Chances are we will not be friends.
Not feeling meat? If you’re lucky you will find the broccoli pizza sporadically on the menu, and it’s delicious.
If you’re starving (or you seem that way because you order way too many menu items for two people, like we do) start with the buzzy beer and a Crispin cider. Order the octopus and gnocchi for starters, and then get the belly ham pizza. It’s just a strong suggestion, but seriously, just do it.

Photo: City House’s Facebook Page

2) Five Points Pizza
Meatball Pizza, garlic knots (the half is plenty, but don’t feel bad if you get the whole), and go for the arugula salad. Then you will fill up on craft drafts, knots and salad and have plenty of leftover pizza for tomorrow.
Saving money? Their lunch specials by the slice are awesome.

Photo: Five Point’s Pizza Website

3) Desano Pizza Bakery
You cannot go wrong with any of their pizzas, but the San Gennaro typically makes all of our orders. It’s really fun sitting at their picnic tables and watching them toss the dough in the air. Plus eating on paper plates and bringing your own hooch is nostalgic.
4) Lockeland Table
Another restaurant that specializing in pork and yummy pizza… So get the Pig, but don’t miss out on some of their other great options while you’re there. They have a nice wine list, refreshing cocktails and locally diverse menu options.
5) Bella Nashville
Hands down, it’s the best find in the Nashville Farmer’s Market. Don’t go if you’re in a hurry, because they are usually super busy. But when you do, get one of their specials. I once had a pumpkin, pine nut and arugula pizza. I can still taste it.
If you’re feeling less adventurous, go for the margherita pizza and add their homemade sausage.

Photo: Bella Nashville’s Facebook Page

You know, I dig some homemade sausage on my pizza. Perhaps you do as well. Either way. I love this list. Eat some pizza, share, and connect.

“You’re not in Kansas anymore.”

“You’re not in Kansas anymore.” No, and that is a good thing because Anthony Bourdain never recorded an episode in Kansas, for good reason.

I can tell you that my love for food didn’t result from my upbringing. Growing up in Wichita, Kansas, no doubt shaped me into the person I am today, but it wasn’t until after that where my love of all things food began.

Sure my great grandmother baked the most remarkable pies (crust recipe a mystery). Then there was my grandmother, who was famous for her potato casserole, meatball soup and fresh canned jellies. My mother, on the other hand, always prepared traditional dishes; enchiladas, meatloaf, tuna noodle casserole, spaghetti, etc. She still has a hatred for fast food eateries. I will say, we always ate at home, which is rare these days. Unlike other kids I knew growing up, I cooked a lot growing up.

Then there are ramen noodles. Loved them as a kid. I have a special place in my palette for them today, too. My brother taught me how to prepare the famous Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup (pork flavor, obviously). That is the first memory I have of cooking on my own. I cannot say for sure if it was that, or my dad’s infatuation with Chinese buffets that spiked my crazy obsession with Asian cuisine. Who knows?

Mostly divorced families get a bad rap, but they can have their perks, too. I lucked out and acquired a step family who introduced me to Southern (soul food) cooking and sweet tea.

I used to spend summers along the Maryland and Delaware coasts with my Aunt Weezie. We spent the summer touring some of the great North Eastern food towns such as New York City, Washington D.C., Baltimore, Lancaster, Wilmington, and the list goes on When you are from a landlocked state, having a proper crab cake can make an impact on your taste buds.

A lot of people join book clubs, I read cookbooks. It’s a pastime. I like analyzing temperatures, understanding cooking times, learning what spices go well together, and figuring out ways to substitute ingredients that we happen to have in the pantry.

Of course, the Food Network craze hit when I was in college. Giving me something to do instead of studying (not that people need additional distractions in college).

College was great! Like a lot of people, I met my husband, Shane, in college. Though we started our dating years eating late night at the greasy spoon Gus’s Good Times Deli, we now find ourselves sipping on a nice light Rosé munching on popcorn lightly drizzled with chili oil and a dusting of nutritional yeast (try it!). For the most part, Shane’s family has definitely influenced my ability to pair wine with food, where to go for the best fine dining experiences and the ins and outs of hosting the most fabulous gatherings.

Together, Shane & I, have high hopes to see & taste the world. Honestly, we aspire to live our life through the BLANK culinary heroes such as the aforementioned Bourdain, Julia Child, Trevor Moran and Tandy Wilson to name a few.  A stretch? Maybe, but we won’t give up. Nashville, well, it’s the perfect place to cultivate our tasting notes.

Thank you for your interest. Please eat, share and connect. Eat local, Nashville.