pogophiles

Actually, I don't count either as I live just across the county line in LaVergne. And clothier is correct, I'm much more experienced with low-end eating in the area than I am with the more expensive restaurants. I do enjoy and appreciate what they offer, but I don't get a lot of opportunity to indulge in that manner.

Nice write-up. Have to agree with you on the banana pudding layer cake at NOLA. Nice presentation, but mediocre flavor. Despite the banana cake, my dessert experience there was a bit more positive than yours due to the saving grace of a wonderful trio of sorbets, the clear winner of which was a delicious pear/lemongrass combination...

From an educational standpoint (if not necessarily from a recipe standpoint) it's hard to beat John Egerton's Southern Food...

Absolutely!! (he types, somewhat embarrassed that it took > 6 months to spot the query)... May have to start an eGullet branch of the Okefenokee Glee & Perloo Union...

Sure. Why let facts get in the way of a good stereotype...

I've eaten pork brains and eggs many times, but only from hogs my grandparents raised and slaughtered...

On a trip to the DC area in 2002, I ate at Mrs. Rowe's twice (lunch on the way up, dinner on the return trip) and was very disappointed with both meals. Just not very well executed...

Great story Varmint! And remember, you're planting seeds. Just because they didn't eat it now, doesn't mean they won't tap into that fishing memory in the future. Nostalgia can be a great motivator...

Thanks Holly! By the way, you made it to the Loveless just in time. Mrs. McCabe has just sold to a local caterer (Tom Morales). The Loveless is closing in Mid-January for a three month, $1.5 million renovation. I have high hopes, but you never know...

While I agree with Holly's sentiment, I also support Kay's writing and reviewing. Kay does do a great job at sniffing out and highlighting new, especially ethnic restaurants in Nashville. Some of the places that I have tried in the past year or two (and enjoyed) as a direct result of Kay's reviews include El Inca, Las Americas, La Terraza, and Parco Cafe. Yes, Kay does tend to get more excited about new ethnic restaurants than about existing standards, but it would be unfair to say that she ignores the more long-established restaurants or even newer establishments in the same genre. I recall glowing reviews of places like the Beacon Light, Mr. Boo's and Fat Mo's. While she is no fan of the Loveless, to say that Kay ignores or slights that type of establishment is inaccurate, IMHO.

It might also help to know what day of the week you are talking about as that can sometimes change the answer...

Kay West (The Nashville Scene) reviewed the Capital Grille just this week and gave it excellent marks. Congratulations Sean!! See the review here

Enthusiastic agreement with Katie's Q & A suggestion. Also, while not a bourbon, Van Winkle's Sazerac rye is a mighty tasty libation, as well...

My top 5: 1. George T. Stagg 2. Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel 3. Woodford Reserve 4. Van Winkle 15 YR 5. Blantons But my everyday pour is Elijah Craig or Weller...

I don't eat dessert except during holidays more pecan pie please!

Glad you enjoyed your trip Sweet Willie. A place near the airport that I would recommend you try is Mr. Boo's Hot Chicken (very close to Bar-B-Cutie on Donelson Pike). Their chicken is excellent!!

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Has anyone here eaten at the Blue & White near Tunica, MS? I have not, but have heard good things. It might fit what you're looking for Holly...

Lunch at Commander's Palace is our usual splurge...

For the record, here is the list that I originally sent Holly for his trip to Nashville (note that it DID include Wilma Kaye's): A couple of notes -- I did not include Parco Cafe because it did not seem to fit the model of the type place Holly normally reviews. I have been to the City Cafe since sending this and can also recommend everything I had there highly, except for the biscuits, which had been frozen. The freshly breaded and fried tenderloin was excellent, as were the potatoes, eggs, country ham and grits...

No, I think they are both quite good and very popular lunch spots. Wilma Kayes is excellent, but is only open for lunch and not at all on the weekend -- I am very fond of their savory fried pies. Parco Cafe (in the Farmers Market) is awesome -- great desserts (I am especially fond of their fruit tarts -- it's like eating a delicious work of art), sandwiches (particularly the herbed salmon), salads, teas... One of my favorite reasons to go to the Farmers Market...

In my experience, "dinner on the grounds" always included the cooking of a variation on stew of the Brunswick/Burgoo variety in a large iron pot over an open wood fire... And it always meant eating outside, not indoors. Potluck and covered dish supper seem to be used interchangeably here in the Nashville area...

Great article Ruth. Not sure I agree with the premise, but I can't argue with your logic.

St. John is covered favorably in the linked NYT article above, as well...

You are quite welcome Trish, I'm glad it mostly worked out well for you. Wow, I didn't even know they had a Fat Mo's out on Lebanon Road -- sounds like it's not up to the level of the one in the Melrose area of Franklin Road -- that's the one to visit (although the one on Murfreesboro Road is close to the same level)!! You are absolutely right: the Opryland Hotel is a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to stay there... Glad to hear that Jack's & Hog Heaven did you right!!