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.