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

Whole Lotta Fun

Unless you are under that rock again, you cannot miss the new Whole Foods. It is the most buzzed 'bout place right now and for good reason. While I love and will stay loyal to The Produce Place, I can't help but be lured into the big-box organic grocer/dining hall! This particular store is an upgrade from those who know it from neighboring stores in Kentucky and Atlanta. After entering the store you can wander through a well-stocked flower and produce section to the seafood and finally (gasp!) a hot-made-to-order bar! Yes, you can cozy up on a bar stool and order salmon caesar salad (ok), a burger (could make the impending tour) or crab cake sandwich. My friend, Katie, ordered fries with her chicken and ham sammie and I ended up eating half of them (just helping a bud out.) I guess you can say they were tasty (click, click, click).

Once you are thoroughly foggy from warm goodness, head over to the prepared foods section. Everyone can be happy here - you'll find sushi, made-to-order pizzas and paninis, chicken salad and my favorite smoked mozzarella pasta salad. There are sooo many cheeses, desserts, breads and soups to choose. Finally, as you have entered food euphoria, don't foget to try their fantastic red pepper or zesty garlic hummus. Whole Foods gives you two salad bars - one "traditional" and the other with "designer" stuff like wedges with buttermilk dressing and mediterranean salad. Please, don't forget to grab a hot chocolate or chai tea latte from up front. Oh, and when it heats up again, they have gelato. Another plus to this place, try anything for free. Recycle bags (that includes Target, Kroger, etc.) at 5 cents per piece. I love it when helping the earth is easy.

Did these guys forget anything? No, Whole Body, for those interested in vitamins, hemp clothing and eco-friendly cosmetics are in luck next door. Both stores are a whole lotta fun, but bring your whole wallet.

Whole Foods in located in the new Hill Center
4021 Hillsboro Pike
615.440.5100
Please, park in the Hill Center parking garage, not at the Y
http://www.wholefoods.com/