A Slice of Alabama/Part 1: The Agenda.

Before beginning my new job yesterday (details to come!), I had a week free so I took advantage by spending some time home in Alabama.  By re-joining the real world (thankfully), I know that I most likely won't be going home for an extended amount of time for a while and wanted to be sure to make the most of it.

So I went armed with an agenda that looked something like this...

1) Eat whatever I d*** well pleased without a moment's thought by indulging in some of my favorite Alabama meals--basically fattening myself up before pressing re-start on my (much neglected) healthy regiment.  

2) Explore. 

 

3) Relax (something that has been impossible to do during the job hunt). 

I just followed this guy's lead...

4) Spend time with great old friends.

And, of course...

5) Get in as much time as possible with my parents and "The Gabester."

**that is definitely enough pictures of myself for now...and maybe the most you will ever find on this blog. 

All was accomplished.  And then some. 

I arrived back in Nashville happily recharged, a few (blissful) pounds heavier, sore from laughter and puppy pounces, and most important of all...excited and ready to start this new chapter of mine.  

And so this is what the next few posts will be about...sharing some of my most favorite things in the world...my little slice of Alabama and some of the many reasons I love going home so much.  

Stay tuned...and Enjoy!!

Neighbors

Yesterday my friend Courtney and I went for a walk in my neighborhood then wanted to grab a (laid back) bite--since we were in our sweat...eh...I mean work out clothes.  We were both in the mood for some home-style cooking--maybe a meat and 3--and didn't want to make the drive to Loveless knowing we'd probably be waiting a very long time with it being CMA fest weekend.  We made the trek around the area only to discover that most all of these are closed on Sundays.  Somehow this has escaped my attention until now.  

Our last (sad) attempt was McCabe's Pub (in Sylvan Park) which was also closed, so we gave up on our meat and 3 dream and decided to stay in the area and try something new.  People were sitting on the Neighbor's patio eating and since neither of us had ever tried it, so we decided to go there.  

I've only been there for drinks.  To tell the truth, I didn't even know they had a food menu...or hadn't thought about it until then, anyway.  Turns out, they do--BBQ.  It's a small, but good bar food meets BBQ joint menu. 

I got the stuffed baked potato appetizer and added the pulled pork for a little extra.  

Baked potato.  Pulled pork.  Melted mixed cheeses.  Chopped bacon.  Chives.  Sides of sour cream, butter, and BBQ sauce. Yeah. That's about as messy and good as it gets.  

There wasn't even a shred of cheese or sliver of potato skin left when I was through with it. You would've thought I was in some sort of eating contest. 

Courtney got the brisket sandwich and potato salad.  

She said both were really great.  I would have asked her more about hers, but I was too busy with the devouring to pay much attention to another plate. True story. I do remember a slightly ecstatic statement about buttered bread.  But that's...um...all I got.   

All in all, a pretty excellent way to completely negate a work out. Gladly. And perfect atmosphere to sit with a great friend who is moving far away and talk for hours before saying (a regretful) goodbye. 

Tasty. Messy. Oh so good.  

Mad Donna's Brunch

So...after two recent visits to Mad Donna's on the East Side (I had never been before), I have decided to officially declare it (possibly) my favorite brunch spot in town.  Ok, Ok...I'm not going to lie...I am a tiny bit swayed by the fact that they have this...

A Bloody Mary bar.  

Fact:  Bloody Mary's are one of my favorite indulgences...especially for Sunday brunch.  However...I do not like most that are made for me...therefore I rarely order them. I'll admit I am pretty picky when it comes to this, but I like what I like.  Which is my own Bloody Mary.  Lots of hot sauce, Worcestershire, and horse radish.  In short--spicy with a lot of flavor.  So if you have a bloody mary bar, I'm pretty much sold from the start.  I'll worry about the food after I have had one of these...

So good.  And beautiful, right?!  A good Bloody Mary is a colorful one IMHO. 

And then there's the food...

What I've ordered...

The Big Don.

Grilled Provence Tuscan bread stuffed with eggs, bacon, pepper jack cheese, tomato, and dijon mayo.

Let's be honest, you can't really go wrong with these ingredients on buttered toast...so, naturally, it's seriously good.  But I especially like this bread.  I don't eat a lot of sandwiches because I always feel weighed down afterwards, but this bread is really light.  Balances nicely with the other heavy additions to the sandwich.  And the grits are just grits.  With melted cheese.  Pretty basic...but completely fine with me.  I don't need my grits too fancy. 

AND...

The Maltese Omelette.

Spinach, caramelized onions, tomatoes, artichoke hearts with rosemary potatoes and grits.  **I actually left off the artichoke hearts (not a fan).

As I have mentioned before, this girl loves an omelette.  A lot. And I give this one a thumbs up.  Just a good old fashioned omelette.  Nice egg consistency with a good veggie mix.  Also, it's huge.  I actually ate 1/2 for lunch and the rest for my dinner.  I was a little skeptical about the potatoes at first.  I usually like messy hashbrowns (whatever that means)--these were perfectly sliced bits of new potatoes with rosemary.  But, they were pretty tasty.  Tip: order a side of the gravy (or do like I did--steal from someone who ordered some) and dip them in it...unreal.  But they are pretty good without, as well.  Certainly healthier, that's for sure.  

Other plates found on the table...

Quiche of the day. 

Sausage, onion, and cheese quiche with a side salad and...gravy.  Woah, the sausage gravy.  It was one of my favorite things on the table.  After reaching over for 1/2 the meal to steal bites, I eventually just took it into my possession.  Pretty sure I was just using the potatoes as a vessel for the gravy.  Or, I was dipping everything in it, actually.  It's unreal.  I will order it as a side every time from here on out. No matter what I order.

Overheard at the table...

Ben: "Real men don't eat quiche.  You've heard that before, right?!"  They apparently eat this one, though.  Both guys at the table ordered it, in fact.  It was huge.  And really, really good...like a rich, eggy, sausagy cake.  The gravy was to top it, but he wasn't into it.  Worked out well for me and my potatoes, though.  

The Captain's French Toast.

Why The Captain's?  Because it's crusted with Cap'n Crunch.  This needs no explanation.  It's obviously amazing...unless you are that one person on this planet who doesn't like Cap'n Crunch (and I shame you).  It's definitely interesting and worth trying.  But really sweet--I'd also order a salty side to bring it down a notch.

I. Love. Brunch. 

  

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.  

No Such Thing as a Bad Egg

I have  never heard of such a thing as National Egg Month. And I'm going to go ahead and speak for most of you and say I'm probably not the only one. But apparently it does exist. And...May is it!  So, in honor of this, my most favorite food of foods (I eat eggs at least twice a day. 3 times on a really good day. True story.) I thought I would show some love for some of my favorite egg dishes from around town...as well as a few others worth noting.  

Sadly my two very favorite Nashville egg dishes that I eat religiously I (ironically) don't have photos of.  Not sure the reasoning behind this but it probably has something to do with me cleaning my plate before I even think to document it.  Guess I will just have to eat them both again soon and save them for a later post.  

I mean, if I must...

So, here we go... 

My always favorite way to eat an egg--the omelette.  Filled with just about anything. This is from brunch at Marche on the East Side (mushroom, I believe). So, so good.  And I love it with a light side salad and of course some hashbrown potatoes. 

Frittata from Margot Cafe (also on the East Side) topped with hashbrowns. This was actually my first frittata ever--I always, always go with the omelette--and it ended up sparking a bit of a craze for me.  I now make them at home regularly.  They are so easy to make and I love that you can put pretty much anything in them and they always turn out great. 

Here is one of mine.  Not nearly as good as Margot's, but it does the trick. I put pretty much any fresh veggie and cheese I have in them.  Most always with a balsamic salad.  Love the combination of tastes.  And it is so light.  Definitely one of my steady go-to's.  

This one I filled with portobello mushrooms, roma tomatoes, and onions. I will do a post later about how I make my frittata.  So simple.  

Eggs for dinner?! Oh yes.  Did you know The Frothy Monkey on 12th Avenue South started doing dinners a few months ago?  I really want to dedicate an entire post to this since it's probably in my top 5 (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) spots, but for now I will just say that if you haven't been yet, definitely try it.  Soon.  This is my usual--the steak and eggs.  Brisket, sauteed spinach, two fried eggs, and underneath that pile of amazingness is...wait for it....sweet potato bread pudding.  One thing I will say now is that The Frothy Monkey can seriously mash up some flavors.  A bite of each together is, in one word, incredible.  And the prices are so, so reasonable.  But...more Frothy in a later post....

That's just a small sampling of my Nashville egg-loving.

Many, many more to come...

I simply can not complete this post without giving props to these other favorite EGG dishes of mine...

One of my homemade omelettes.  Also a regular in my house.  This one is filled with mushrooms and goat cheese.  With yukon gold hashbrowns and the 2nd best thing on the planet--bacon. 

My mom's fried eggs.  Best. ever. 

And in the heart of my home state, there is a tiny hole in the wall restaurant in Centerville called Twix 'n Tween (yeah it's really named that) and although it's pretty unbelievable to say...this is home to my most favorite omelette in the entire world.  Scout's honor.  It is about a 30 minute drive from my home, but we go there so much (just for the omelette) that they know us by name.   

I give you...world's best egg dish...  

I always, always get the western with hashbrowns, bacon, and grits.  You just can't beat it.

Eat. More. Eggs.  

 

First things first...

Hello world!  Welcome to my new labor of love, The Decadent Mess!  I will tell you all about why I am starting this new venture...but before beginning, I think it appropriate to introduce myself....

My name is Melissa.  

Here is a stellar photo of myself.   

Ok stellar may be a strong word but it's still pretty good representation. That's obviously me on the right (with my mouth in it's usual position).  That, naturally, is Paul Revere on the left and that's his hat (I'm sure there is some great technical term for this, but I'm going with hat in place of research) that I'm wearing.  This was taken during one of my very favorite trips to Boston this past March. 

Maybe a better photo....

Also taken during that Boston trip.  

I was born and raised in Selma, AL.   

(Sorry.  Couldn't resist.)

Since Selma, I have lived in Tuscaloosa, New York City, Atlanta, and finally...Nashville--where I plan to stay.  Forever.  

 

I have lived in Nashville now, for almost 3 years.  I live in Hillsboro Village but have also adopted Belmont and 12th Ave South as my neighborhoods as well. They are walkable from my place...and some of my favorite spots in this city are in these neighborhoods.

I do love Nashville.  The vibe, the people, the scene, and the ever-growing culture.  To me, it is perfection.  Or maybe I should say it is the city I see best suited for me.  Not only now...but for the future.  I don't see myself ever leaving this town.  There is just something about it.  It just feels right.  

I will spare the many, many photos I could include that I have taken of this city because there will be plenty of time for that in future posts.  That is, after all, what this blog is about.  

So why The Decadent Mess you ask?!

That's pretty easy, actually.  If you know me, then you most likely get it.  But for those of you who don't, allow me to explain.  

I can sum this up with many anecdotes, but let's start with this one.  I am a Clothing Designer.  Here is the final look from my runway show at Nashville Fashion Week last year. 

I design women's evening wear, but you will likely find me in jeans and flip flops most days of the week.  I am the girl that likes to start the night with an Old Fashioned at The Patterson House and end it at Melrose Billiards or The Villager.   For those of you who do not live in Nashville or if you live here and still need further explanation, the last two are the diviest of dive bars.  And this girl loves a dive bar just as much as her tailored Old Fashioned in a refined speakeasy.  

Darts at The Villager. 

To be honest, I think this sums up Nashville as a whole, actually--not just myself.  So The Decadent Mess refers to not only myself...but the city as well. The city with the perfect blend of the refined and the raw.  

Oh, and speaking of that Old Fashioned...

Had one last Thursday. It is some kind of good.   

Other things worth noting...

One of the main reasons I love this city.  You guessed it.  It's in the name.  Or the title rather.   

Music City.   

My greatest influence...music.  It is one of the main reasons I wanted to start this blog.  Because it is EVERYWHERE.  And I don't just mean playing over the speakers in your favorite bar.  I'm talking some of the greatest musicians in.the.world playing LIVE at 12th South Taproom on a Monday night.  Robert's Western World...almost any day of the week.  It's insanity to me.  I never grow immune to this and I most likely never will.  

Tonight, in fact, I get to see one of my favorites, Jessica Lea Mayfield, at the new venue, The High Watt above Cannery Ballroom.  Fitting that one of my first blog posts will be about seeing a favorite musician for the first time.  Post to follow...very excited.  If you haven't heard her music before, do it.  Now. She is an incredible song writer and not to mention, one heck of a voice.  

 

Bon Iver at The Ryman last year.  

 Atlanta based, Gringo Star at The End in January.

Also, I should note...

I like to eat. A LOT. 

That is where the 2nd most important reason for this blog comes in because luckily for me, there are some pretty excellent places that fill this indulgence of mine just fine.  

Items/spots worth mentioning right off the bat...

The Brown's Diner burger.  Yes. It is that good.  Like the best bar burger on the planet good.  Only complaint?  It's pretty difficult to stop at 1.  Just warning you.  

Loveless, loveless, loveless.  Cafe, that is.  I doubt (and certainly hope) this is not the first time you have heard this.  In fact, I hope you have eaten there at least a dozen times.  But if not, the country fried steak.  And mashed potatoes and gravy.  And greens.  And fried okra.  Feels like I'm forgetting something...THE BISCUITS.  And jam.  And that coffee is not too shabby either.  Do it.  All of it.  Often.  That is all. 

**side note:  one of my favorite things about Loveless? The drive there.  Hwy 100.  Absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite drives in Nashville.   

Blog, blog, blog...my favorite spots along with my favorite dishes from them. Best burgers in town.  Hot chicken.  Mac and Cheese. Dogs.  Let's do this. I pretty much already have. Don't worry, I started documenting my eats long before this blog was even considered.  But that will all come later.

Alright, introduction over...time to stop.  For now.  

Until next time...