Mom's Day!

Just a little post in honor of this lady...

I know I may be a little bit biased, but I happen to think she is not only the greatest mother in the world but also one of the best people around.  

Unbelievably supportive of me and everything I do.  And filled with more love and generosity than is usually humanly possible.  

How adorable is my mother?!  Sweetest, most amazing person I have ever known.  I love you.  My mother.  My best friend.  

Happy Happy Mother's Day!!  I'm more thankful for you than you could ever know.  

I LOVE YOU.

Melissa

Burgers, Bratwurst, and Billiards

Last night The Walter's (one of my most favorite duos) and I made it over to East Nashville for dinner and drinks at The Pharmacy.  I've wanted to eat here for a while now because almost anytime anyone brings up good burgers in Nashville this is always brought in the mix. And since I am always down for a really good burger...it was only a matter of time.  

I have to say after last night's venture, this is definitely one of my new top spots.  The atmosphere, food, beer selection, price range--it's one of the best, for sure.  It's considered a biergarten--which I was unaware of until last night--so the interior was very German--dark wood panels with contrasting white walls--with an old school milkshake parlor feel, as well.  There is a wrap around bar in the back of the restaurant where the bartenders are serving beer and making milkshakes--next trip I'm trying one.  That's a certainty.

There is a patio that opens to a huge lawn with large tables where almost everyone is drinking from liter-sized beer mugs.  On a perfect night like last night, sitting outside in the biergarten with a great beer and friends is as close to my heaven as I can get on a Friday evening.  

I'd love to be able to tell you the exact name of this beer but for some reason...I can't imagine why...not one of us can remember it.  We did manage to pull together Tangerine Wheat though--which I thought was pretty impressive.  It was really light--a great outdoor-warm-night-beer.  

Emily had been one time before and on the ride over told me about The Farm Burger she had last time...it has bacon...in the patty. That's all I heard and I was sold. I intended to order that, but after seeing The Stroganoff Burger on the menu, I changed my mind.  If not for any reason other than absolute curiosity.  It is a...stroganoff....burger.  Had to try it.  Had to.  

Clearly it was unreal.  It tasted exactly how you would expect, too--stroganoff on a burger.  Simple enough description. But that is really how I would explain it.  Oh yeah, and tots dipped in the dripped sauce.  Yep.  I did that.  And it was so, so good. 

Emily decided to try the right side of the menu (the bratwurst) and went for a The Currywurst this time.  She liked it, but she had burger envy.  But, hey...gotta try it at least once, right?  

Kevin's The Mission Burger.  

I didn't try it, but it looked pretty tasty.  Guac and black beans on a burger.  Done and done.  He said it was fantastic.  

Love this photo Kevin took of me and Emily...

Hm...what to do after ? Naturally head to Melrose Billiards for some pool.  

One of my favorite spots.    

Gotta love a good Nashville Friday night...

 

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe

Recently we welcomed a new restaurant--Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe--to the Bandywood/Green Hills area.  And lucky for me, it's right across the street from my work.   

I've planned to write about it since starting the blog because I've eaten there almost every.single.day (that I've worked) since their opening.  First of all, I LOVE Greek food.  Secondly a great soup and salad is top on my list of favorites.  Especially for lunch.  Also I try to eat somewhat healthy for lunch so I can kill something not-so-good-for-me for dinner. Great rationale, right? (I like to think so.) 

More importantly, I like a great meal that's affordable.  

So far I have had the Greek Salad, the Mediterranean Salad, and my regular staple--the Lemon Chicken Soup.  **I wish so badly I had a photo of the soup--honestly one of my favorite things ever. It's shredded chicken breast with rice in a lemon broth. Perfect for a healthy/filling lunch.  Ah. I crave it almost daily. 


Last night my friend was in the area and wanted to try it so we dined-in and sat on the outdoor patio. I branched out of my usual Greek Salad run for the Mediterranean Salad with Beef Tenderloin. (mixed lettuce, garbanzo beans, roasted red peppers, onion, tomatoes, roasted pecans, and feta--with a balsamic vinegarette). It was seriously good.  I cleaned my plate, in fact.  Not a rare occurrence, but worth noting in this case. 

Everything I have tried so far has been delicious--and really fresh and light.  My friend tried the Grilled Chicken Roll-Up (grilled chicken and feta with a side of salsa) and she loved it as well. 

All in all, a great choice when you want something fresh, healthy, affordable, quick, and no fuss.   And the service is stellar--prompt and everyone is so friendly.  

You can see all of the prices--along with the nutritional facts--on the website. 


Go try the new Green Hills location (2190 Bandywood Drive) or the other Nashville location--3001 West End Ave.  

Jessica Lea Mayfield at The High Watt

I have a few {what I call} music twins in this world.  Someone who not only shares my same taste in music but can hear something and know immediately whether or not I will love it--one is one of my oldest and dearest friends who has lived (too far away) in New York for almost a decade now.  I take most music suggestions given to me , but he is one of those that when he says, "check this band/musician out!" I know to do it.  ASAP.  It will likely turn out to be one of my longtime faves. 

He heard Jessica Lea Mayfield open for someone a few years back and called me immediately because he knew I would love her.  A no-brainer considering she is incredible. But he was right.  She's been one of my favorites ever since hearing her album, With Blasphemy So Heartfelt.  You can check out this album as well as her newest here on iTunes.  

I love her not only because of her music--she has a really beautiful, unique sound--this really great simplistic rock ballad style with a folky undertone.  And the girl has one hell of a voice--just smooth.  There is nothing demanding about her music or voice.  It is just easy.  But even more so because her persona is this perfect blend of cherubic kitten (weirdest term I've ever come up with in my life--but I swear it works for her)  meets...trouble.  I just like it.  A lot.  

Of course I was in my usual front row spot.  Have to.  Really...there's no other way to do it, IMO. Allowed for some great shots...

Ah. I love her.  Text to my friend in NY after the show read, "Holy girl crush. She's incredible." 

The opener, Nashville based Birdcloud.  A couple of rough-and-tough cursing, mud-slinging mountain chicks.  Extremely entertaining. Something tells me they'd get along real well with my girls, The Coathangers.  

The High Watt pre-show. 

The guy standing next to me during the show was actually more excited about seeing David Mayfield in the audience.  Jessica's brother who he was a huge fan of and thought he'd probably join her on stage.  They sang the two encore songs together.   The last was a gospel-folk song which was amaze.

Just did a little reading up on him...he is a Nashville based musician.  Toured as her bassist for a bit and has also played with The Avett Bros.  Gotta love an uber talented family. 

Side note: check out The High Watt if you haven't already.  It is in the warehouse where Mercy Lounge and Cannery Ballroom are.  I have seen a few bands there now and really like it.  Same feel as Mercy, but smaller.  Great little venue. 

Gotta love finding a random guitar pick laying on a Nashville stage.  Now I am plagued forever to wonder who it belonged to... 

 

Jessica Lea...you were a great note to get this blog rolling on.  You are bewitching.  Come back to Nashville soon.