a bold statement.

I try to steer clear of bold statements.  You will never, ever hear me say that Radiohead is the best band in the world or that my dog is the cutest dog that has ever lived or anything in that realm.  No.  I stay away from those kinds of matter of facts.  

Somewhere those who know me best are rolling their eyes and laughing while reading this.  

Ok, ok so maybe learning how to form an opinion has never really been an issue for me...but this REALLY is the truth. This can certainly spark a debate, but I do believe Friday night I had the best burger in town....or rather, the best burger I have had so far.  That's diplomatic enough, right? 

The Pharmacy's Farm Burger.

Tennessee beef, Tripp country ham, Emerald Glen farm bacon, Willow farm egg, and maple mustard.  Obviously with that list of characters, you can't go wrong.  But honestly, it is "the perfect bite" seeker's dream.  I understand there is a sense of bias on my end considering I eat bacon and eggs every single day (true story), but if you eat a lot of bacon you know there are many different types.  This is the perfect bacon and ham to compliment the beef and the other additions--including those great doughy buns.  All in all, this is officially a new usual of mine.  

Try it. Now. If you love bacon (and, in turn, have a soul) you will love it, too. Unless you are a veggie...then you get a pass. 

Oh, and those fries are worth mentioning as well. 

And don't forget the brew.  In this case, the Jackalope--I can't imagine why, but none of us can remember the name--but to quote my friend Brent, "It's a seasonal variety, 50% wheat, with a citrus(y) finish. Very similar to a Blue Moon with a bit more kick, but I can't remember the name to save my life."  His solution, "Guess we'll have to go back..."  

I mean, I guess if we have to, we have to...right?!

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...

 

A Slice of Bama

This past weekend I went home to Alabama to celebrate "Faux Mother's Day" with my parents since I won't be able to make it home for the actual holiday.  We live in the country in the same home that we've been in since I was born (that my father built). I always love being home--being out in the country, hanging with my parents, eating great home cooked meals, spending time with our pets--it always brings me back down to earth.  I even crave it a lot of times.  

I planned while I was home to take a lot of photos of the land--it's so green and beautiful there--especially now in the Spring.  

Photos like this one...

Or this...

But instead, they all seemed to come out looking more like this...

And this...

And then even this...

But seriously...can you blame me?!  Look. at. that. face.  That's Gabe...the newest Tabor...and my newest obsession.  He deserves his very own post (obviously), so I will save all the gushy details of my love for him for now.  Wait until you see all the amazing photos I took of him this weekend.  Seriously.  It's impossible for him not to take the best picture of all time...every.single.time. 

At least I managed to combine the two (outdoor shots with a little bit of Gabe) at times...

And squeeze in one or two of the blooming plants around the property...

But wait...what's this??  Oh yes. Another earth-shatteringly cute picture of Gabe.  This time he's in the pool, y'all!

Ok, ok.  Moving on.  For now. 

Maybe shooting outdoors somewhere Gabe is not around may be less distracting.  

Like Downtown.  On the river.

I found it hard to get away from this tree.  Spanish Moss. Probably top 5 in the reasons why I loved growing up in that area.  Trees like this are everywhere along the river. I really can't think of many things more beautiful.  

While home, there was a benefit that some friends put together for Habitat for Humanity at a restaurant on the river called The New Orleans Bar & Grill.  There was a rib-off and some friends played music.

I like this shot a lot because you can see the river and The Edmond Pettus Bridge in the background...

It was a great event and I'm glad I was able to go.  Catching up with old friends, seeing some play music, while participating in something for a great cause.  Made my trip home that much better.  I do wish I had gotten a shot of the ribs from the rib-off, though.  The ones I tried were unreal.  

FYI--check out the band.  The name is Lowdown South.  

And, of course, while home I ate some seriously good food...as always.  

Mom's untouchable (trust me, I've tried) mashed potatoes...

And her grits...

How she can take two of the most basic foods and turn them into the most amazing things you have ever tasted, I will never know.  But I'm pretty sure the answer to that lies mostly with one word...Butter. I've learned to not watch the process and just sit back and enjoy.  There's always plenty of time to work it off.  And it's so, so, so worth it. 

Dad's pancakes.  A Sunday morning Tabor tradition.  Oh I love them.  

Grilled-out burgers.  Also one of my favorite things.  As you can see, though, by the time I am done with it, it's a bit more green than most would want.  What can I say?!  I love an over-dressed burger.  

  

You can see why I always seem to come back to Nashville 5 lbs happier, right?

So that's my trip home in a nutshell.  Family...pets...outdoors...great food.  And this time a little extra friend time and music, as well.  Pretty great way to spend a Faux Mother's Day.  

Of course I can't leave without one more.  

Pic of Gabe, that is...

 Obsessed.  
And I'm pretty OK with that.