The Low Down

When my friends chose our dinner spot for Saturday I was hopeful but hesitant.  With our food industry (and economy) at new lows I was skeptical of what would open in this climate.  It's refreshing my fears were foolish - entrepreneurs are still at work.  Edisto Restaurant urges us to eat a little low country in honor of these trying times.  How fitting.  I'm forgetting gas prices just thinking about the rich shrimp and grits (bits of ham and turnips stirred through out).

The crab cakes were thumbs up by some, down by others.  Regardless, they were loaded with lump crab meat.  Our service was fantastic and the chef/owner, David Conn, visited our table when the catfish custard wouldn't "set."  He brought a small sampling that did - spicy and rich - probably too much for a whole dinner entree.  Yancy's short ribs were succulent and served with those yummy grits.  Portions are on target.  The highest point (other than the shrimp and grits) was the homemade green goddess dressing.  Wow, I want them to bottle this - beats Annie's in a bottle (which I rave as one of the few lines of bottled dressings worthy of purchase).

Seating outside is adequate (view is not) but, per my friend's recollection, the inside got a nice face lift versus the previous digs.  I will go back to Edisto....and dish more detail.  Until then, try some low country cookin' yourself...

KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!

Featured site:

Edisto Restaurant 

www.edistorestaurant.com

1711 Division Street

712-9218

Waterfront Dining?

I chuckle when friends say, "Let's go, they have outdoor seating." Most outdoor views are limited to concrete, roads or parking lots. Nashville has some outdoor seating that meets this cold reality. However, some joints face the Parthenon, our skyline, bright lights on Broadway and old rail lines. Another "restaurant with a view" sits on top a Cumberland River cove. An old rock quarry is home to Rock Harbor Marina and a floating restaurant, Blue Moon Lagoon.

My friend, Beth, and I walk planks at dusk as a storm rolls in, creating an ominous backdrop to an otherwise friendly atmosphere inside. Our server gave us the Blue Moon Lagoon history lesson: it's been around for 15 years under various management and names and is closed in the winter. It re-opened last Friday to a snow storm so its first full weekend started March 14. Later I learned its latest management re-opened the digs last spring which explains a somewhat disjointed menu.

Here's the skinny on grub - their oysters are flown in from Apalachicola (this Gulf Coast girl grins) and their fish right now is mostly Atlantic. I had the snapper with orange beurre blanc - yum. Get the sauce on the side or it may over take the fish. The side of corn griddle cakes with jalapenos were delicious. Beth noshed on the seared tuna which was unfortunately over-done (although the server noticed but stopped short of offering a do-over). Blue Moon Lagoon has a large selection of po-boys: shrimp, grouper and mahi-mahi. According to other articles and friends, their burgers are thick. Other recommendations from the staff are the fried pickles and the sampler platter (fried, fried and fried!) I don't recommend the smoked fish dip (I am misguided in my hopes for mullet.) Although the pesto drizzle over the dish was a refreshing touch.

The views: murky water, exposed rocks and an old marina, made me feel at home - minus the rocks. I wasn't smelling salt air or staring 12 miles out to no where, but I was on the water. There is an open feeling. Subtly, I noticed "Riders on the Storm" was playing - I like the personality here. I think I'll be back for more...but until then...

KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!

Featured site:
Blue Moon Lagoon Restaurant
525 Basswood Dr
354-1318
http://www.bluemoonlagoontn.com/1788700.html

A Twist of Lime

When you have family visiting from Atlanta it's a little tough to pick restaurants. Nashville's known for good BBQ, meat-n-threes, pancakes and burgers. However, when it comes to upscale fare, we are lackin', let's face it. I heard "rave reviews" about Chris Hyndman's, Lime, a Latin American "fusion" number. So I plunged in with visitors in tow.

Lime gave me reason to believe our restaurant scene's picking up. Some friends have complained of spotty service and confused hosts, but we found that part refreshing. We waited a few minutes for our table and, when seated, were promptly greeted and drink orders taken. Our table shot down many of the signature cocktails...to sweet and syrupy were the verdicts.

We tried the LIME sampler and found most of those flat. I loved the green salsa and the fresh guacamole. My main course was a delicious fried snapper with a fantastic fruit remoulade and cucumber slaw. They vertically garnished with a slice of melon - wow, go Lime! We also enjoyed the adobo tuna and watermelon - tingling with clean flavors and a light orange reduction sauce finished it off. I was less than impressed with the dorado Baja (mahi mahi). It stated it was rubbed with spices but I found it bland. I liked the Pork Cazuela - a Spanish version of cassoulet. Our resident paella expert felt the spice and kick of their paella fell short...we hear they are still tweaking.

Overall, the experience was satisfactory. The prompt service, knowledgeable staff and hip digs make this joint a sure-fire repeat. Can't wait for their finished deck that will certainly turn Lime into a Nashville hot spot.

Keep eating out, Nashville!

Featured sites:
Lime 340-0766
1904 Broadway

A Family Affair

When your family comes in town you sort of stress out about eating. You want to take them somewhere "new" but sometimes that also means "not tested." This weekend we took our fam to one "tried-and-true" joint and a "newbie" that proved hot.

I adored my lunch at Radius 10 in the Gultch a few weeks back so naturally I was ready for a night-time trip. They did not disappoint. Our server (shame on me for being so bad with names) was fantastic. He didn't wince when we changed drink orders and split entrees - bravo! Do have your whole party show up on time since they won't seat you until you're all present. Onto the food: I liked my pork duo with corn bread hash. The pork (along with the whole menu) changes weekly or so. We had a BBQ short rib my boyfriend, Yancy, raved about. I liked their mixed green salad for the mustardy vinaigrette dressing. I shared a delightful bite of escargot (in puff pastry with their traditional pesto). Everyone who tried chef Jason Brumm's shrimp/scallop grits were happy. I want to go back and try the short ribs with black truffle grits and sweet onion compote. Sadly, these ribs are Kobe rather than Midwestern which confuses me since Brumm has a commitment to local (or at least American?) food. I don't fault him for flying in some grub, though...

We popped into the much buzzed 'bout new Agave tequila bar with in a stone's throw. The indoor-outdoor flow of this place is a welcomed change. I slurped down a classic margarita but can't talk about the food or the tequila selection since I didn't sample. Right now, I'm recommending this place if you need to "change it up" in the Gultch or you want an after-Radius 10-cocktail. Enough said.

Fortunately, we grilled out on a fabulously sunny Saturday and took in lots of football so we were ready for a Sunday brunch outing. While I enjoy Margot's (owner/chef of the same name along with partner Jay Frein), the new concept is even more fun. Enter Marche, a much buzzed 'bout East Nashville eatery and market. The vibe is super friendly set by the awesome service (thank you, Taylor). The coffee is superb (I tried a yummy, rich mocha) and the cucumber-sake Bloody Marys and Bellini's were getting sucked down quickly. While I didn't get out with a pastry or treat, the desserts and croissants looked/smelled fantastic. I had the sunny-side up eggs with grain bread and tomato mushroom ragout. It was a stand out although a little too tomato-y. Yancy noshed on their quiche of squash and brie. The crust was flaky and delicious. The best dish I tasted at Marche was the crepes with corned beef, potatoes, onions and three cheese sauce. It sounds rich but I found it to be on the money - a true twist to the beef and hash tradition. Also, note, they have mussels, smoked salmon and salads during the brunch hours for those who would rather lunch. Last but not least, they change up their menu constantly to feature fresh/local produce, meats and cheeses.

Onto another week of eating. I may not give y'all another report this week since we are hitting three nights of music and throwing Yanc a birthday party. If I don't get back to ya, please, forgive. Remember, cheeseburger tour is coming. Until then...

KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!

Featured sites:
Radius 10: 1103 McGavock, http://www.radius10.com/

Agave: 118 12th Avenue South, no website yet but check out what The Tennessean had to say: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071019/ENTERTAINMENT02/710190306/1061

Marche: 1000 Main Street, http://www.marcheartisanfoods.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!