Local Yokel

When over-priced pastrami sandwiches went under (aka Goldies Deli at the Murphy/46th junction) I was curious as to what would emerge.  Sylvan Parkers were hopeful for a vibrant, casual dining hub - a central meeting spot for our burgeoning neighborhood.  We got it.  The Local Taco (I badly want to drop "the") is bright and bustling.  The service (order and cash out all in the same go) and food were fast.  

The food was decent and I think will improve.  My enchilada - vegetarian with lemon cream sauce - was good but was a little thin on "stuffing."  It was missing any real sense of black beans and lettuce completely.  We liked the guacamole - chunky and fresh with out a lot of onion and tomato.  The slice of lime on top was a nice touch.  Yancy was ho-hum on the tacos he ordered - his favorite was the tequila lime chicken one.  However, the price was right - $2.50 a taco or $3.25 an enchilada.

The patio was full and the line remained our whole dinner - a sign of early embracing by the locals.  Check out the hip tees and hats donning their logo and...

KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!

Featured site:

The Local Taco

4501 Murphy Road

891-3271

www.thelocaltaco.com

Fill up with food, forget gas

While Miel Restaurant deserves an introspective dive, a real review chocked full of details regarding fresh, local (and some really good ones flown in) ingredients, meats and produce, I just don't have the time. The short is we are losing good restaurants around these parts (people, stop the economic mass hysteria!) While our checkbooks might not seem "fundamentally sound" today, there is still the c'est la vie American attitude when it comes to filling stomachs. We think nothing of picking up a beeper at Cheesecake Factory but pout at a 10 minute gas line...

I digress. Seriously, eating is where we Americans do splurge. Walk on down (as we did) or travel via bus on Charlotte (remember, conserve gas, walk off food) to Miel. Their delectable ribeye topped with ox tail demi-glace, steak fries with mashed potatoes and spinach flan is worth energy conservation. We tried the duck foie gras (ok, I'm not running back for it, but LOVED the pairing with peaches.) Yancy's duck was savory and unlike most orange sauces paired with the bird, this one was not overbearing. Lastly we sipped French press coffee and bittersweet chocolate mousse. The owner, Seema and the manager, Jolly, oversee the wine list which they boasted about tasting and selecting each one personally. They seem to really take pride in their brand new digs (comfortable, large, open kitchen). Seema's husband is at the helm in the back. The menu changes twice weekly to accommodate changes in seasons, shipments and available stock.

So it may be Friday or Saturday when you are reading this so remember...

KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!

Featured site:
www.mielrestaurant.com
298-3663
343 53rd Avenue North

Dining and Lunching 'Bout Town

It was my birthday! What better way to celebrate than with several days of restaurant visiting? For me, it meant the following highlights (I'm sparing you some of the bad foods I ate...sorry, I'm only about positives this holiday season!)

• Woofed down ridiculously rich whiskey bread pudding with vanilla ice cream at Mirror




• Had a cup of Hittin'-the-spot Lemon Chicken Tarragon soup at Bronte's (inside Davis Kidd, The Mall at Green Hills). Also dig that salmon salad or their chicken pot pie.




• Am storing up for the winter by heaps of Tomato-Zucchini soup from Whole Foods




• Enjoyed Hawaiian pizza from Mafiaoza's on Saturday




• Noshed on Pork Drummy appetizer at Park Cafe...on their regular menu so why haven't I ordered earlier???

Happy holidays! When you aren't making homemade eggnog or turkey chili then I think it's time to...

KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!

Featured sites:

Mafiaoza's http://www.mafiaozas.com/

2400 12th Ave South

615.269.4646

Bronte Bistro

2121 Greenhills Village Dr Ste 2

615.385.0043

Mirror http://www.eatdrinkreflect.com/

2317 12TH AVENUE SOUTH

615.383.8330

Park Cafe http://www.parkcafenashville.com/

4403 Murphy Road

615.383.4829

Whole Foods

4021 Hillsboro Pike

615.440.5100

www.wholefoods.com

Big on Bacon, Cheeseburger

I'm a huge cheeseburger fan, but to quote Pulp Fiction: "I just don't dig on swine" I add: "On my burger." However, at McCabe Pub on Murphy Road in Sylvan Park I occasionally break that rule. McCabe doesn't mess around with their thick patty loaded with pickles, onion, lettuce, tomato and PLENTY of bacon. Have a few beers (decent selection for a neighborhood watering hole) and try their other pub grub. The potato skins and chicken wings rock. Great place to catch a game at the bar or go after a game. I like sitting on the porch in the fall/spring. Service is spotty so come to chill.

On a side note, I am working on a cheeseburger tour next month. Please, email me if you want to help! bmyrick@musiccityeats.com Until next Monday....

KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!

Local Produce PLUS LUNCH!

I'm long-winded. In an effort to keep y'all reading, I'm shortening the posts. Let me know what ya think bmyrick@musiccityeats.com

Lunching in Sylvan Park has few options. If you're in the neighborhood and need lunch to-go plus a little shopping hit The Produce Place. Owner, Barry Burnette, is celebrating 20 years at his Murphy Road location. The Produce Place continues to support local grown produce, dairy and meats. I pick up sausages, cheeses, greens and fruit grown in Tennessee. Back to lunch - They make three-four soups fresh daily and their chicken salad is out of this world. They also have pre-made blue cheese and "cafe" salads ready-to-go. Stop in to pick up gourds for your low-cost centerpiece (2 for $1). Don't forget to pick up bread or gourmet chocolates - sizable sections of both items. Lastly, my boyfriend's addicted to the vanilla granola. These guys boast a huge wall of flavors plus nuts and dried fruits.

Even if you don't live in Sylvan Park this place is worth the drive. It's better than fighting the soon-to-be-overwhelming-crowds at the new Green Hills Whole Foods.

KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!