Back to the Old Standby

I have been a very lazy restaurant adventurer lately.  Guess the "R" word is catching up with me.  However, Yancy and I did make it out and about Friday night to a free event: the "Legends and Lyrics" PBS taping at the Masonic Lodge on 7th (wow, go see a show there).  Beforehand we headed to Coco's Italian Market yet again.  This time it reminded us why we keep going.  More desserts in house - we are addicted to the Chocolate Explosion - layers of chocolate mousse, white chocolate chunks.  In Yancy's quest to replicate the pistachio gelato we relished in Dubrovnik he tried Italian Market's and found it "pretty good."  

Our favorite is their sausage lasagna - they don't make you search for meat which we both like.  Their side salad is a large portion with lots of good olives garnishing.  Our neighbors Friday loved their alfredo sauce.  Another diner complimented the chefs will specially make things due to food allergies - that's a plus at a small, inexpensive joint.  Another perk - they house lots of Italian cooking and travel books on site to read while you wait.  

Ok, foodies, do not despair.  Maybe Radius 10 and a few other favorites are leaving Music City, but the "R" can't last forever...and we gotta eat!

KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!!!!

Cafe Coco's Italian Market

411 51st Ave.

783-0114

www.cafecoco.net

No Mad Rush, Worth Visit

On the fly we headed to Germantown restaurant and catering biz, Mad Platter. The old brick building with high ceilings and "old city" Nashville charm delivered on service, cozy ambiance and appetizers. Our main courses fell short - Yancy's beef was bland and his mashed potatoes lackluster. My salmon was overcooked but paired with yummy grits, carrots, zucchini and wilted greens.



Like I said, the apps made up for it. We devoured the caesar (not too garlicky) and shrimp bisque (just the right combo of shrimp, white wine, stock, cream and mushrooms). We enjoyed the stuffed quail with sage. The ending was a happy one - try the 3 layer chocolate ganache - white, dark and milk abound finished with a graham cracker crust. Think of this as another Germantown/Downtown alternative...a few grades below the Watermarks and Radius 10's of our world. It does boast a wine list that may rival those two. A big shout out is due to our server, Daniel, who was johnny-on-the-spot without annoyance.



I'm back in the saddle in 2008...resolving to eat my way through Music City, so...



KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!



Featured sites:

Mad Platter

1239 6th Ave N

(615) 242-2563

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!