Preview: Wine Down Main Street 2017

For the third year in a row, I had the privilege of attending the media preview for one of the best local charity events in the Nashville area: Wine Down Main Street.  (Click to see my 2015 and 2016 posts!)  I meant to post about this earlier, but pregnancy and my sister's wedding sidetracked me...  so sorry!  VIP tickets for the event are sold out, but you can still snag General Admission tickets ($85) online and at participating retailers.  It's all happening tomorrow, Saturday, November 4th!

Fruit tart from Suzette

You guys, you don't want to miss this.  And since I can't drink all.the.wine. right now, you really need to go drink wine and eat delicious food FOR CHARITY on my behalf!

I got to sample the biggest banana pudding I've ever seen from Cool Cafe, which they WILL have at the event, y'all.  It was off the chains.  I can't wait to visit them for their Steak Night dinners, which I haven't tried.  They're my fav meat & three in Franklin.

I mean, look at this thing...

I also sampled bites from Taziki's, Mafiaoza's, Nothing Bundt Cakes (Pumpkin Spice is here for the limited time!), and Catering and Events by Suzette.

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Mafiaoza's

Catering and Events by Suzette

Tickets may be purchased online or in person at one of the below locations. Online ticket sales end at NOON on Saturday, November 4th.  Any remaining tickets will be sold at the ticket sales tents located on the Franklin Square or corner Fourth & Main beginning at 5 PM on Saturday, November 4th.

General Admission tickets only:

• Avec Moi - 418 Main Street Franklin, TN
• Finnley’s - 435 Main Street East, Suite A Franklin, TN 37064  (Note: this is one of my fav boutiques in Franklin!)
• Harlin Meyerhoff - 400 Main Street, Suite 120 Franklin, TN 
• The Shop Around The Corner - 117 Third Avenue South Franklin, TN 
• Yarrow Acres - 424 Main Street Franklin, TN

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee
For more than 113 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee (BGCMT) has enabled all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Annually, more than 3,400 youth are served at nine Middle Tennessee Boys & Girls Clubs and through community outreach initiatives. Clubs are located in Davidson & Williamson counties. Boys & Girls Clubs provides a safe place, professional caring staff, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

Out & About: More Local Eats

I have this standing folder of food photos that I've been saving for one of these "where I've been eating" posts, so I'm back with another roundup!  (Click here for more posts about where to eat in Nashville, and where to eat in Franklin.)

Today's roundup is all Williamson County!  Brentwood, Cool Springs, and Franklin are where I spend most of my time.  While chain restaurants are prolific, there's a ton of delicious bites throughout.   You're in for a treat, I've got a lot to share in this post!

Holler & Dash - Brentwood
Hello, biscuit sandwiches!  I really want to get back to this spot in Brentwood to try some of their tater tots.  The whole area around the restaurant is just booming, and it didn't even exist when I moved here.  Check out my full recap of my visit to Holler & Dash.

Del Frisco's Grille - Brentwood
Del Frisco's Grille is right across the way from Holler & Dash.  Their menu isn't cheap, but the food is good!  I went with a friend for lunch, and we found the best thing to do was to share a few things.  We had the wild mushroom flatbread, spicy guacamole, and ahi tacos.  I think the flatbread was my favorite.  Del Frisco's seems like a great place for a girls' night or happy hour.

Soy Teriyaki Bistro - Brentwood
While I maintain the best Korean food in Nashville is mostly in the Antioch area, Soy Teriyaki Bistro brings it much closer to home for me!  The first time I went there, years ago, there wasn't a ton of Korean food on the menu.  But now, I feel like Korean food is on trend and they're really letting their menu expand in a great way!  The fried rice is delicious, and you can even get bibimbap.

Drake's - Cool Springs

Drake's is a perennial favorite for happy hour for my coworkers.  It's always packed!  While I think the seating arrangements leave a lot to be desired (not super flexible for groups, especially the rigid booths in the back), they do have a big menu, including sushi!  Some might be wary ordering sushi at what seems to be a sports bar, but they do a really great job at it.  They also have killer tater tots.  I like that you can dine in the front bar area almost like a covered patio when the weather is nice.

Yats - Cool Springs
Yats, next to the UPS Store in Cool Springs, was on my list for ages before I actually got to try it.  My buddy and I had the jambalaya and the drunken chicken, served with their garlicky bread.  The portions were HUGE!  What we didn't know at the time is that we could have ordered two entrees half-and-half for variety.  It was packed with flavor and spices!  I'll be back when I'm looking for a meal that packs a punch.

Cool Cafe - Franklin
Cool Cafe is the best meat and three in Franklin, in my book!  Meat and three is something I'd never heard of until I moved to Tennessee.  A meat and three restaurant is one where the customer picks one meat from a daily selection of three to six choices (such as fried chicken, country ham, beef, country-fried steak, meatloaf, or pork chop) and three side dishes.  It's usually served with cornbread.  Cool Cafe is one of my husband's favorite spots in town!  I try not to eat there too often, because I feel so stuffed that I need a nap afterwards.

Cork & Cow - Franklin
Looking for a fancy steak dinner in Franklin?  Cork & Cow has delicious food and a fantastic cocktail hour.  It is a dinner-only restaurant.  When my in-laws came to town, I wanted to go someplace for a nice group supper, this is where I made a reservation.  It's from the same restaurant group as Red Pony Restaurant, where we had our wedding dinner.  I had one of their steak specials, and the spicy butter on my steak was absolutely killer.

Leiper's Fork Distillery - Franklin

Technically, Leiper's Fork is in Franklin, so I included it here.  When my sister-in-law was in town, we went to do a tour and tasting at the new Leiper's Fork Distillery.  I'm not a whiskey or bourbon drinker, but I was definitely surprised by how similar it is to making beer in some ways.  I also learned how to properly taste and smell it.  I think it's a great place to visit and tour if you're interested in learning!

Where have you been eating (or drinking) lately?

Main Street Festival

The same weekend as the National Cornbread Festival (read my post here), downtown Franklin hosted its annual Main Street Festival!  Basically, I live in Stars Hollow, because downtown gets shut down to traffic and hosts multiple festivals every year.  While Main Street Festival lacks the themed charm of Pumpkinfest and Dickens of a Christmas, I love the arts and crafts!

I went solo this year, as I could not subject Dan to two Southern festivals back-to-back in the same weekend.  The crowds are not his friend!  But I did grab him some of the mini doughnuts from our favorite Ellie's Old Fashioned Doughnuts, one of the must-stop spots during any festival.  (And the owner Danny usually gives me one for the road!)

I snagged a beautiful hostess apron at this cute booth!  I love the full apron my cousin got me from Anthropologie for cooking, but I love the hostess apron for when I'm doing things around the house and I need a pocket for my cell phone.  It doesn't have a tag, so I can't remember the vendor, but I also got this fabric sort of bowl to put under dishes in the microwave, so you don't burn your hands taking it out and carrying it.  Perfect for the office!

There are also the usual charming Franklin shops open, like Landmark Booksellers and Earlys Honey Stand, in addition to some creative crafters. I find that many of the crafters are from throughout the south.  Two of my favorites.  Sign Niche, a perennial favorite, and Five Birds Art, from which I purchased a hand painted Tolkien quote.

Sign Niche

 Downtown Franklin festivals are a bit of logistical nightmare.  My secret?  I roll in about 45-60 minutes before the festival, in the morning.  I grab breakfast at Starbucks or Frothy Monkey, then I sit and wait.  I browse when it first opens, then bounce by the time the weather and crowds heat up!  Another alternative is to find out if there's a park and ride option for that fest.  There's usually a shuttle that allows you to bypass the parking and traffic nightmares.

I love a festival!  😍

Out & About: Where I'm Eating in Franklin

I have this standing folder of food photos that I've been saving for one of these "where I've been eating" posts, so I'm back with another roundup!  (Click here for more posts about where to eat in Nashville, and where to eat in Franklin.)

Kona Grill

Kona Grill is one of the newer chains to go in at the Cool Springs Galleria, and I tried it for lunch with coworkers.  I'd heard their sushi was good, but that day I went with their Kona chopped salad. I loved it.  So fresh and good!  I love that the chicken was served warm and lightly breaded.  I'll definitely be back, because I'm still craving that salad.  It's a bit pricy, but it's got a nice ambience and yummy food.

Connors Steak & Seafood

Connors is a smaller chain in the South with four locations, including two in Tennessee.  Dan and I stopped in for a lunch before I departed on a business trip, so we could have a little date together.  My coworkers had recommended it for the food.  We started with their Voodoo Shrimp, which is very similar to Bonefish Grill's bang bang shrimp.  It has a great sauce and kick, and we'd order it again!  Dan had the lunch sirloin and a baked potato for his meal, which was to his liking.  I really liked my tomato basil pasta with grilled chicken too.  It won't replace our favorite steakhouse in Nashville, but I'd say it's on par with a Bonefish in our minds.

Mafiaoza's

I've eaten at Mafiaoza's in Franklin twice now.  The pizza I've had has been pretty good, but the prices are pretty high for what you get.  I also wouldn't get the pasta again.  I think that it's a good spot for a happy hour, but I'm not sure what all the fuss is about.  It's nice to see more things going into The Factory.

Franklin Mercantile Deli

Gosh, I love Franklin Mercantile Deli.  The food is great, it's adorable, and it never disappoints.  I had a smoked turkey and swiss panini with soup.  It is a little dangerous that it's next door to Ivy Cakes, because I always want a cupcake, but it's the perfect local sandwich spot.  Skip Panera and head to the Merc!  Perfectly located downtown.

Saffire

I've been going to Saffire at the Factory since 2012, and I haven't had a bad meal yet.  It's a really great spot for a nice upscale, Southern night out.  There are more affordable options on the menu, like the delicious burger I had, as well as seafood and ribs and all sorts of things.  The drinks are fab too.  It would make a reservation here if you're in downtown Franklin, because it's a sure bet.

Frothy Monkey

People see Frothy Monkey as a coffee shop, and they forget the food is yummy too.  They serve breakfast all day until 5pm (my favorite) as well as sandwiches and salads.  I like their eggs in particular.

Pieology

Pieology has a restaurant on Main Street in downtown Franklin.  Even though it's a chain, I gave it a try.  It's kind of like Pie Five in that it's a made-to-order personal pizza place. The crust is on the thinner side, but it tastes good.  I'm not sure I'd go back, since Mellow Mushroom has my fav pizza and it's just down the block, but it's not bad!

Where have you been eating lately?

Out & About: More Franklin Eats

As I mentioned in my post last week for Nashville, I have this standing folder of food photos that I've been saving for "where I've been eating" posts, and now I've got enough to write one for Franklin! (Click here for more posts about where to eat in Nashville, and where to eat in Franklin.)

Gray's on Main

I've been going to Gray's to meet up with friends since 2013 (read my original post here), and I still love it for the cocktails. While I do prefer some other downtown spots for food, I did have a fancy dinner at Gray's for work that was pretty good.  Definitely made for a pretty picture!  I think my reco is to do drinks and apps at Gray's then hit up another spot for dinner.  Worth mentioning because it's kind of become this iconic spot downtown (and it's beautiful!).

McCreary's Irish Pub
YES to McCreary's Irish Pub, a tiny hole-in-the-wall on Main Street!  It's the only Irish Pub I know of in the area.  It's tiny.  Seat yourself, because that's the only way you'll get served, as it's so small you can't stand around.  Fire codes, y'all.  But once you squeeze in, you're in for a treat.  Their fish and chips are awesome (and their chicken tenders, if you're not a fish person), and they have baked potatoes and other goodness.  I haven't had a bad bite here, ever.  And of course, Guinness, Magners, and other Irish drinks of choice.  I need to get here more often.

Chapman's II
I visited Chapman's a couple years back, when it used to park its trailer by Landmark Booksellers.  I think it might have actually had another set of owners since my first visit.  It went out of commission for a while for an overhaul of the old wagon, and a lot of people didn't love the changes to the menu.  It just wasn't the same anymore.  That said, I had a steak and egg sandwich and potatoes from the truck while they were parked at a local brewery this fall... and it was AWESOME.  Honestly, it was the best meal I've had from Chapman's, ever.  So while there are still folks mourning the way it used to be, and their favorite old menu items, I will admit that I like the new taste now.  Great seasoning and food all-around.

Big Shake's Hot Chicken & Fish
Big Shake's is officially my favorite hot chicken in Franklin.  Judge me if you want, but I get tenders.  (Hot chicken purists think you should only have bone-in...)  But even the purists will agree that Big Shake's is delicious, and that their catfish is excellent.  I usually get Crybaby heat and it's hot enough for me.  The fries are SO GOOD and the perfect complement for the spice.  I also love how close it is to where I work and live, bonus points.

Meridee's Breadbasket
This cute little bakery is a great lunch spot in downtown Franklin, right near Puckett's.  Meridee's has a great apple bacon panini that I like, complete with their own freshly baked breads, perfectly paired with some tomato soup.  You order at the counter and then they bring your food out or call your number.  I've also heard they make great pies and desserts.

Where have you been eating lately?

What's your favorite Franklin spot?

Preview: Wine Down Main Street 2016

Last year, I had the privilege of attending the media preview for the best (for nine years running!) charity event in Franklin, benefitting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee: Wine Down Main Street.  (Check out last year's post here.)  Since 2001, this event has raised more than $1.5 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs in Franklin and Fairview.  This year, I was again invited to their media preview, held at Homestead Manor's beautiful barn.

Bites from Catering and Events by Suzette (that foie gras mushroom bite was awesome!)

We enjoyed delicious bites from some of the participating restaurants, including Puckett's Boat House, Saffire, Homestead Manor, Triple Crown Bakery, and Catering and Events by Suzette.  We also had beer and wine provided by the official wine sponsor, Lipman.  I tried one of their newer wine brands, Napa Smith and Sonoma Smith.  If the food we had is indicative of what will be served at the event itself, you will love every sip and every bite!

Dominican pork bites with pico de gallo on a sweet potato grit cake, from Saffire

Squash soup shooters from Homestead Manor

Triple Crown Bakery dessert shooters

Celebrating 16 years, this year's Wine Down Main will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 7 to 10 PM in historic downtown Franklin.  General admission tickets are $85 and include wine, beer, and food tastings.  VIP tickets are already sold our, but a limited number of Premium VIP tickets are still available, including access to the exclusive VIP lounge at The Red House (one of my favorite venues in Franklin) and a gift bag.

If you're in the Nashville and Franklin area, I highly recommend you buy your ticket and support this worthy event.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee

For more than 113 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee (BGCMT) has enabled all young

 people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Annually, more than 3,400 youth are served at nine Middle Tennessee Boys & Girls Clubs and through community outreach initiatives. Clubs are located in Davidson & Williamson counties. Boys & Girls Clubs provides a safe place, professional caring staff, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.

Out & About: More Nashville Eats (Food Trucks)

In addition to the regular restaurants around town in my last post, I also had some food trucks I've visited that were excellent!

Bradley's Creamery
Homemade, old-fashioned ice cream.  I LOVED their Cookies 'n' Cream.  Seriously good, creamy, excellent butterfat content too.   Dan's a huge ice cream fan, so I grabbed some when it was parked at the Franklin Farmers Market.

I absolutely love Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, but Bradley's has all the traditional flavors that you know and love.  Classic, classic, classic.  And since I wanted to take some home, they were able to scoop it into plastic containers for me.

Street Provisions
This truck was at the Strawberry Festival at Franklin Farmers Market.  I had a fried chicken biscuit with strawberry honey drizzled on it.  I forgot to take a photo of my food, because it was delicious and I was starving.  So you just get a photo of the truck, in case you see it around town.  They make a solidly good biscuit.

Bare Naked Bagel
We have Food Truck Fridays at work during the summer, and Bare Naked Bagel came by for breakfast one morning and I went for it.  I was feeling something traditional, so I got a breakfast bagel and some taters.

Just look at this perfection.  Everyone was jelly.  They make a great bagel.  I'm a fan!  Next time I'll try one of their more adventurous sammies.

Ellie's Old-Fashioned Doughnuts
I know I've posted about them before, but I just love Ellie's.  Been bragging on them forever, posted about them back in 2014.  By now, they know me and throw in a warm one for the road when I place my order.

And just look at the line!  They're so good, I waited in this line!  Don't forget about Ellie's, ever.

Do you have a favorite food truck?