Good-Looking Grille

Everyone watching the Hutton Hotel go up on West End anticipated it's opening.  When I heard they would house a high-end restaurant, 1808 Grille, I went into high-gear for an excuse to dine there.  Luckily my friend, Pam, just called in a reservation Saturday and we went for no other reason than hunger.

The hotel's lobby decor and restaurant is gorgeous - textured fabrics, music-inspired art, iron sculpture and wooden accents gives Hutton and 1808 Grille a country meets Music City look.  We loved the napkins (patterned with a flower, unlike the traditional black or white!)  The staff was accommodating but a little hurried.  

The food was good but not great.  We had the pork appetizer on a corn cake - the pork was very tender.  However, we also noshed on their romaine heart salad which was a little bland.  My friend, Mollie, loved her pear salad though.  Pam had the short ribs last time and really enjoyed.  This time she got the sliced tenderloin with guacamole and liked the pairing.  Mollie and I dug into the duck gnocchi with mustard greens.  They served us a side of roasted beets that were ho-hum (wished their had been a mixture of golden and red beets although I'm not sure if they could get them fresh which likely would influence.)

The final word - I hope the food eventually meets the high-end surroundings (and prices.)  As always, get out there and try for yourself so...

KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!

Featured site:

1808 Grille

(inside the new Hutton Hotel)

http://www.1808grille.com/

1808 West End Avenue

340-0012 reservations required

www.opentable.com

City House Continues to Impress

I have friends that don't care for City House, the simple Italian pizzeria and smoke-house in Germantown.  Frankly, I don't understand why.  Yes, it's a little pricey, but chef Tandy Wilson's smoked meats are spiced up, succulent, in-house creations.   Not to mention the digs are very personal...last night a sweet couple was celebrating their nuptials - adorned in their wedding fashions and guests on the screened in porch.  They later gathered in the upstairs room of the restaurant for an intimate reception.  

Ok, back to the food!  Three cheers for their pretzel / olive starter and the parmesan / salami dish - fabulous for sharing.  The sausage, pulled pork entree I had last night was outstanding.The kale and ham side dish was a great complement to the dish albeit a bit salty (still worth the swelling!)  My friends loved the trout and chicken entrees as well.   A clink of the glass to the mocktails on the menu - your non-drinking friends will smile at the limeade.  The only thing they lack are some decent desserts.  The blood orange sorbet was interesting but the chocolate cake was too dry and bland.  

Need I remind you...KEEP EATING OUT, NASHVILLE!

Featured site:

City House

www.cityhousenashville.com

1222 4th Avenue South

Nashville, TN  37208

615-736-5838

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/