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: Where I'm Eating in Nashville

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.)

The Family Wash - East Nashville
The Family Wash was on my radar from Instagram and other things, so when my boss asked us to pick a place for a weekday brunch together, it made the cut!  It was a Monday, so a tough day to find open restaurants, especially with breakfast.  Family Wash serves breakfast all day and night, and they have a ton of options!  The place has a garage vibe that is really hipster and eclectic, and the bar and band areas look very cool.  I'd love to come back for an evening visit, as my pancakes were delicious.  My one complaint was that the blueberries weren't mixed into the pancakes... I'm used to blueberry pancakes as one thing, and the berries as a topping surprised me.  But it was still yummy, and the service was pretty good.

Burger Republic - Gulch

We've been fans of Burger Republic since 2013, and we also love their location in the Gulch!  I felt like it was worth mentioning here, because it's still good.  We had a giftcard and enjoyed ourselves a lot when we visited.

Sun Diner - Downtown

I was staying downtown for work, and I needed to grab lunch before a meeting.  I walked into Sun Diner, a pretty new spot at the time, because there aren't a ton of restaurants downtown with awesome reviews.  This one looked intriguing.  I loved the decor and layout!  Really fitting for Music City.

The food was pretty good.  I had a breakfast burrito.  The potatoes surprised me because there were sweet ones in the mix, but not bad.  I got the wrong tea from my server, but it was corrected pretty easily.  My one complaint is that I had to pay at the register, which is located by the door, and there just isn't much space there.  Overall, I'd say this is a safe bet when you're downtown, and I think it would taste even better at 3am.  After all, it's a 24-hour diner!

Bearded Iris - Germantown

On the brewery front, Dan and I visited Bearded Iris for an alumni party I was attending.  They don't serve food, but they have this really cool industrial meets vintage taproom area that's worth a visit. And there's free parking!

Americano - Midtown

My friend VG and I had a tapas feast at Americano.  First off, I loved that there was a free parking lot behind the restaurant, which is rare for restaurants in Nashville anymore.  The restaurant wasn't busy (another Monday) but we had great service and really enjoyed our visit.  We ordered...

Spicy Tuna Guacamole and Croquettas

Fried Manchego Cheese

Seared Duck Breast

Hot Chicken Tacos and Potato Bravas

Overall, the spicy tuna guacamole is what would bring me back.  I wish the potatoes had been crispier, but we ate until we were stuffed anyways.  It was really a delicious meal, and now I understand why the reviews on Yelp are so good!  Oh, and the caipirinha I had was delish too.  I'd come back to Americano to drink and munch on tapas with friends.   The best food is eaten shared like that!

Where have you been eating lately?

Budgeting Bloggers: February 2017

I expected to do more shopping this month, but it turned out to be less than I thought!  I got some tops that are work appropriate, and a jacket that I really love.  I also sold a couple of items.  Keeping it short but sweet, just like February!

1. Eden Society Shelle Stretch Moto Jacket via Stitch Fix (paid $78):  Read about my latest Stitch Fix here.  I have already worn this jacket multiple times.  I love the stretch!
2. Merona Floral Sleeveless Tops in Blue and Gold via Target (originally $16.99 each, paid  $13 each, similar here):  There was a 25% off apparel deal on Cartwheel and I found some really great tops!  I got these two Merona tops in different floral colorways.  They're perfect with my blazers and cardigans for work, and I love that the backs are knit for comfort while the front has a great print.
3. Mean Girls Muscle Tank via Target (originally $13, paid $10):  On Wednesdays we wear pink.  Obvi.  I got this to wear under blazers in the office.  Pop culture but also office friendly?  LOLZ.
4. Merona Solid Structured Top in Heather Grey via Target (originally $23, paid $17): I couldn't resist the softness of this shirt, and the zipper accent in the back.

$209 spent - $17 sold = $192 total spent this month

$1971 - $192 = $1779 remaining in 2017

I have been meaning to clean out my closet again.  As the weather warms up, I definitely think I will!  I wonder if I could really cull it down to a low amount of things that I actually like to wear.  Stay tuned, I'll keep you posted!

I'm linking up with the rest of the Budgeting Bloggers at Franish!

What did you add to your closet this month?

Previous 2017 Budget Posts...

January Budget

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Shop more of my closet on Poshmark