Cabana Tuesday Special

If you're planning to go out to dinner tonight, or even just kicking around the idea, let me suggest Cabana. Thanks to the great response to their restaurant week special, they've decided to offer this incredible deal every Tuesday!

3 courses for $20.10

First Course

Crab Stuffed Mushrooms with White Wine Herb Butter

Warm Spinach Salad with Mushrooms, Parmesan Cheese, Hard Boiled Egg and Bacon Vinaigrette

White Bean & Country Ham Soup with Griddle Corn Cake

Second Course

Blackened Mahi Mahi over Creamy Cheddar Grits, Wilted Spinach and Tasso Cream Sauce

Grilled 12 oz Pork Porterhouse with White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, Fresh Broccoli & Sorghum Gain Mustard Butter

Potato Gnocchi with Mushrooms, Spinach & Artichoke Hearts Tossed with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Third Course

Key Lime Pie

I don't know about you, but I'm drooling! This menu looks delicious, and too good to pass up for the cost of only twenty bucks!


Cabana
1910 Belcourt Avenue
Nashville, TN 37212
615-577-2262

Random Facts About Me

My friend City Girl Chicago tagged me to post 7 random facts about myself, so here goes!

1. When I was a little girl I wanted to be a clothing designer and still have the notebooks I used as sketch pads. This might give you some idea as to why I didn't follow that career path:



2. I'm a pretty happy, positive person in general. It's hard for me to relate to people that are negative and grumpy all of the time. Just smile! It works wonders.




3. My hometown didn't get its first traffic light until I was a senior in high school. Yep, it's pretty small. There is one school for the entire county. The elementary, middle and high school are all on one campus, and my graduating class was less than 100 students.


4. My eyes are different colors. The left one is kind of hazel/brown on the top half and blue/green on the bottom half with a grayish dot in the middle. My right eye is mostly greenish grayish with a dot of brown on the outer right side.


5. My closet is organized in Roy G. Biv order.



6. I'm a bookworm. I love, love, love to read and am currently in the middle of 3 different books.


7. Several years ago I moved to San Diego without ever having stepped foot in it before. I knew there was a beach and the sun was always shining, so that was enough to get me there. As much as I love Nashville, a little part of me thinks I might end up living there again some day....even if it's not until I'm 75!


There's my 7. Now I tag Love and Olive Oil, JayeWalking, Erin's Food Files and Tennessee Locavore to share theirs because I think they're all pretty cool and should have some interesting things to say. Plus, I love their blogs, so even if they don't have time to participate, you should at least check them out!



Photo Credit: Smiley Face Suckers by Shirley B
San Diego Sunset by Michael in San Diego

Chicago: Take Two

As most of you know, recently I visited Chicago for the second time in what most would consider a short time frame. But this trip was completely different than the last - it wasn't the crazy-busy girls shopping weekend I did back in November. This was all about hanging with my friend Lib, catching up on some much needed girl time, and relaxing a bit.


And of course, getting a few really good meals in my tummy!

Instead of going through every meal and every dish I ate on this trip, I'm just going to recap the two restaurants where we had the best experiences. Here goes.....

Friday Night
The Bristol
(Bucktown)
2152 North Damen Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 862-5555
http://thebristolchicago.com/

Started off the evening in the upstairs bar of The Bristol, as we had about an hour wait (they don't take reservations). My drink (pictured above) was fan-freakin-tastic.

Rustic Rose
Domaine de Canton, Bombay Sapphire, Honey-Rosemary Syrup, Fresh Lemon, Ginger Ale

By the time we moved down to the dining room, we were starving, so I was thankful that dishes came out quickly. First up was one of their signature items -

Monkey Bread
with Dill Butter and Sea Salt

I'm still seriously thinking about this bread days later. I need to find a recipe and try to recreate it at home. Anyone out there point me in the right direction?

And speaking of something that I'm still thinking about...that's the case with this salad too. Libby says she's going to attempt to recreate it herself and then share the recipe with me. Hurry up Libbers!

Apple Salad
with Toasted Hazelnuts, Marinated Manchego

Raviolo

Ricotta, egg yolk and brown butter

Here's the funny thing about this dish- neither of us like runny eggs. How we didn't catch this before we ordered is beyond me. Perhaps too many Rustic Roses?

But alas, I put my aversion to runny egg yolk aside and ate. With abandon. The brown butter sauce was so incredible that it drowned out any apprehensions I had about the dish.

Sturgeon
with beets, sour cream, and fresh dill sauce

I love beets. Some think they taste like dirt. So be it. I still love them.

Saturday night's restaurant was one that I've been wanting to try for a while. It was actually going to be on our agenda for the girls' trip in November, but we waited too long to make the reservation and couldn't get in. Both food and service were top-notch!


Saturday Night
Graham Elliot
217 West Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 624-9975
www.grahamelliot.com

The Holy Grail

Benedictine, espirit orange liqueur, grated ginger, tonic

Again, another outstanding cocktail. I wasn't sure exactly what Benedictine was, so I inquired with the waiter. All he was able to tell me was that it's a liquor made by Benedictine monks. Well, you know that didn't satisfy my curiosity, so I came home and researched it for myself.

If anyone else out there cares---it's a Cognac-based liqueur made with various aromatics, fruit peels and herbs. Developed in 1518, it is believed to be the oldest liqueur continuously made.

Although I was more than happy drinking it with dinner, I actually think it would be doubly wonderful for brunch, so it's been added to my "must-make-at-my-next-brunch" list.

In addition to my interest in this drink, I was also quite fascinated and surprised that crack was served free of charge. Yes, crack. Of course, it's hard to recognize it as crack because it's disguised as popcorn. In place of the bread basket that most restaurants serve while you're perusing the menu, Graham Elliot gives you a big basket of truffle oil infused popcorn. Totally legal I suppose, but addictive nonetheless.

On to our appetizers. This first one was not only a party in my mouth with all it's textures and flavors, but also completely visually stunning. My photo does not do it justice.

Duck Ravioli
pomegranate seeds, tuscan kale, crumbled gorgonzola, port reduction

followed by another appetizer:

Cheddar Risotto
bratwurst, green apples, glazed onions, cheez-its

and then our entrees:

Sea Scallops
french lentils, marcona almonds, raisin chutney, cauliflower puree

Beef Stroganoff

peppered spaetzle, chanterelle mushrooms, shallot compote, sour cream

Oh my goodness, the Beef Stroganoff. This is not your Mama's stroganoff. Deconstructed and recreated with a shallot compote and sour cream on bottom, then a layer of chanterelle mushrooms and peppered spaetzle, topped with slices of medium rare, melt-in-your-mouth beef. Divine.

The one thing I dislike about Chicago? I don't live there.

Since I don't live there, I don't have the opportunity for repeat visits to these establishments. Residents of Chicago- I hope you are frequenting these places OFTEN.

What will it be the next time I'm in the Windy City? Whatever it is, I'm quite sure it won't disappoint.



Photo Credit: monkey bread by The Bristol

Deal of the Day: 1/2 Off Amerigo

Surely by now you've heard of Groupon, the discount gift certificate company that launched in Nashville a few months ago. Well, if you haven't, it's time you did! So far I've scored some great deals on places like Flyte, ChaChah, Miel, Allium, and Cabana.

And then of course, today's deal - Amerigo!

For $25 you get a $50 gift certificate!

I have a bit of a soft spot in my heart for Amerigo...the one on West End hosted our family dinner the night before our wedding, and I go to the location in Cool Springs quite often for business lunches. I can vouch for both locations, and lucky for us- the gift certificate is good for either one!

Hurry, the offer is only good for TODAY, so click here to get your gift certificate now!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, I Love Ya, Tomorrow!

Do you know what's just a day away???

~Advanced Wine Class 102~

The course outline was delivered to me via email last week (this is serious stuff folks) so I thought I would share because I know you're just dying to know what we'll be drinking....


Week 1: Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
Week 2: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio/Gris, and Pinot Noir
Week 3: Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Syrah & Shiraz
Week 4: Alternative Whites and Reds
Week 5: Italian Whites and Reds
Week 6: Spanish Whites and Reds

Pick the classes that interest you most, whether it be two, three or all six! Pay in advance or pay as you go. Which brings me to the best news of all:
The class price has been reduced to only $20, and believe me- that is a screamin' deal! You'll get great food and plenty of generous pours!

7 - 9:30 p.m.
Wednesdays from February 3rd to March 10th
RSVP to events@fidocafe.com

Fido
1812 21st Ave S
Nashville, TN 37212



Photo Credit: Wine by rogersmj

Meatless Monday - Winter Greens with Feta

Last week when I was picking up lunch at Whole Foods they were sampling this dish at the front of the store, so I stopped to get a taste. Completely surprised at how delicious it was, I promptly purchased all the ingredients so I could make it this weekend.

I'll admit that greens have never really excited me much, but knowing how nutrient-packed they are, I really should eat them more often. Now that I've discovered this tasty, easy-to-cook dish, that won't be a problem!


Winter Greens with Carrots, Feta Cheese and Rice
adapted from Whole Foods

1/2 red onion, finely chopped
3 cups of shredded carrots
2 bunches kale*, stems removed, leaves very thinly sliced (or use 16 0z bag of ready-to-cook)
1/4 cup water
Salt & ground black pepper to taste
1/4 lb Feta cheese, crumbled
2 cups whole grain brown rice, prepared according to package directions

Heat a deep non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add carrots, greens, water, salt and pepper and toss well. Cover and cook over medium heat, tossing once or twice, until greens are wilted and tender, 10-15 minutes. Toss with Feta cheese and spoon over brown rice. Suggestion: serve with lemon wedges for even more flavor.

Serves 4.


*any dark leafy greens will work (Swiss chard, collard greens)



Photo Credit: Whole Foods

The Situation 2010 Cocktail

Snowed in by what is being called "The Situation 2010" here in Nashville, I concocted a new cocktail I dubbed:

Snow Cream

1/2 cup of espresso*
1 jigger vanilla vodka
1 jigger 1921 Tequila Cream (pictured at left)
Ice

Put espresso, vodka, and cream in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake. Strain into martini glass and serve.

Delicious, delightful. And will give you a buzz in more ways than one. Fantastic as an after dinner drink if you have just one or great as drinkS (plural) if you need to wake up. Not suggested to consume in large quantities if you would like to rest your weary eyes.


*I do not have an espresso machine at home, so I use instant espresso powder

1921 Tequila Cream can be purchased in Nashville at The Wine Chap

Pork Tenderloin with Sun-dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Pork. It's what's for dinner.

My grandfather was a pig farmer, so growing up I ate a lot of pork: sausage, bacon, country ham, cracklins, pig fries, pork chops, ribs, pulled pork, pork roast, ham....

These days, one of my favorite meats to serve when company comes to dinner is pork tenderloin. You may remember when I was recapping my best meals of 2009 that #7 on the list was my mushroom risotto and this pork dish. It truly is an incredibly outrageously delicious meal- quite possibly one of the best things I cook.

Certain friends of mine request that I make it again and again . And again. So if you want to feel like a star chef, I suggest you take my advice and make this!

Pork Tenderloin with Sun-dried Tomato Cream Sauce
adapted from allrecipes.com

Ingredients

2 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup chopped prosciutto
1/2 tsp dried sage
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
3 Tbsp chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 (1 lb) pork tenderloins
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Preheat oven to 425. Spray 11 x 14 baking dish with oil, sprinkle salt and pepper on pork tenderloins, place in dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

While the pork is baking, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the prosciutto, sage, parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, and onion about 5 minutes, until onion is tender. Stir the broth and cream into the skillet, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened.

Once everything is done cooking, you have a couple of options on the presentation and service. You can either move the tenderloins from the baking dish to a serving platter, pour the sauce over them and place on the table to be cut and served, or you can plate it up at the stove. This is the way that I do it most often. First I slice the pork into medallions (making sure it has rested first of course). Since I always pair the pork with this Mushroom Risotto, my next step is to put some of the risotto on the plate, then arrange the medallions around/on it, pouring the sauce on them to finish. A side of green salad makes the meal complete!

Serves 6-8

Photo Credit: Bacon Pig by iwantamonkey

55 South Opens in Franklin

Seems like this is turning into "Ode to Jason McConnell" week. Monday I told you about his guacamole, and now I'm spreading the word about his newest undertaking: 55 South - a southern comfort food restaurant that just opened last week in downtown Franklin.

If you've been to Sol before, then you won't have trouble finding this new eatery, because it's in the exact same spot. Never fear, Sol is still there too, but just downsized a bit to share the space with Jason's newest venture. Now there are 2 intimate dining rooms under one roof--with 55 South facing Main Street and Sol facing 4th Avenue.

While we're talking location, you might be wondering where the name 55 South came from if not the actual address of the place. Well, it refers to the highway that connects Memphis and New Orleans, and the menu most definitely reflects those 2 locales.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of lunching with a fellow food lover, Chris Chamberlain (aka CeeElCee) at this new soon-to-be hot spot. Here's a rundown of what we sampled:

Appetizers

JJ's Junk Chips
freshly made chips topped with blue cheese dip, bacon and green onions

Buffalo Frog Legs
tossed in hot sauce with celery and blue cheese dip
(like they say, "tastes just like chicken!")

Entrees

BBQ Spaghetti
a Memphis original with shredded beef,
bbq spaghetti sauce, peppers, onions and celery

I had never even heard of such a thing, but Chris said it was one of his favorite dishes at Interstate BBQ in Memphis. He shared a couple of nibbles with me, and I have to say- I will be ordering this in the future! Sounds strange, but I promise, it was delicious.

NOLA BBQ Shrimp
New Orleans classic style over blue cheese grits

I can never resist shrimp & grits, and you know how I love blue cheese!

As we were finishing up our meal, food was delivered to the table next to us, so I had to sneak a peek. Okay, not exactly a peek- it was a blatant stare.

Their Shrimp Po Boy was HUGE, and I could see that it was chock full of big, plump shrimp. This was no skimpy portion. The arrival of this dish at our neighbor's table spurred us into a discussion about "authentic" Po Boys and how bread is key. I'm no Po Boy connoisseur, but one of my co-workers grew up in southern Mississippi and has eaten more than his fair share, so I consider him to be one. On more than one occasion, he's stressed the importance of the bread and described to me exactly how it should taste and feel. This is serious stuff.

So naturally we inquired about the bread with our server, and she in turn sent the chef out to talk to us. Turns out they use real, authentic Gambino's straight from New Orleans for this sandwich - nothing else would do. Impressive.

I'll be taking my co-worker here very, very soon to get his opinion of the Po Boy and to try some other things on the menu myself. The fried green tomatoes with gulf shrimp remoulade sounds divine, and our server said the Delta Tamales had been a hit with the crowds so far. And I can see why -a beef tamale topped with chile rojo & crema- yes please!

55 South
403 Main Street
Franklin, TN 37064
http://eat55.com/


P.S. Please forgive the slightly blurry photos. Some how, some way, I've gotten my little point and shoot stuck in a mode that won't focus or flash.

Me and Guacamole

Let me start by saying that I could very well be one of the world's least qualified guacamole reviewers. Up until about a two years ago I hated the stuff. Wouldn't touch it.

But then, one fateful night, I had a little accident. The combination of a dimly lit room, lively conversation and a few jalapeno caipirinhas in my system caused me to dip my chip into the wrong bowl. Instead of salsa or queso, the tortilla landed smack in the center of guacamole. But I didn't realize it until it was too late.

Chip enters mouth. Chew. Swallow. Hmmm...tasty. "What was that?" I ask. Friend, well aware of my aversion to the green stuff, hesitantly filled me in and then waited for my reaction. I reached for more. A new day had dawned.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I now love all guac. Far from it. It has to be really, really good. So far that list is pretty short and includes just a handful of restaurants, one of which is Sol in downtown Franklin.

So when I was given a jar of the newly launched Jason's Guac Starter to sample, I was game. You see, this starter was created by Jason McConnell, the chef owner of Sol. If his guacamole at Sol passed the Beth test, then there was probably a pretty good chance this would too.



Keep in mind that I had never in my life made fresh guacamole at home, so having this jar of starter to use on my first attempt was quite handy. All I had to do was purchase 2 avocados, smash 'em up, and then add 1/2 cup of the starter. Perfectly foolproof. Not only was it totally easy, but it was really good! I made a batch for a party, and then a few days later a batch for us to munch on while watching football one lazy Sunday afternoon. (this would make a tasty and super easy appetizer for those Super Bowl parties just around the corner...)

Since I'm no guac expert, I really don't expect you to take my opinion as the final word. As luck would have it, Whole Foods is hosting some upcoming Rock the Guac demonstrations--so go see for yourself!

Event Info
What: Jason's Guac Starter Demo

When: Saturday, January 30th 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Whole Foods Green Hills
Hill Center
4021 Hillsboro Pike
Nashville, TN 37215

or if you can't make that one, they'll be doing it again the next weekend at the Cool Springs location!

When: Saturday, February 6th 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Whole Foods Franklin
1735 Galleria Boulevard
Franklin, TN 37067



Product Info
11.5 oz jar $5.99 at Whole Foods
4 pack $20 at jasonsguacstarter.com