Charlie's Guide To Holiday Drinks & Wine

I got the request for this blog from my mate Rhys Jones. In addition to having the most Welsh name on planet earth, Rhys & his lovely bride, & my dear friend Victoria, were Evan & I’s drinking buddies in London. Me being a food fiend & a cocktail connoisseur, I was always dragging the bunch around London, taking them to cocktail bars & speakeasies that they had never heard of. Additionally, during the 2020 lockdown, I stocked my bar & began learning the art of craft cocktail work, of which, much like food, I treat less as the refined practice it has become & more of an ever changing & evolving art form demanding different ingredients not only in diversified flavor profiles but also in quantities. All of that to say that the following recipes will not be precise & you should adjust them as you see fit!

In addition to the few cocktail recipes that I plan to list below I will also be listing my personal wine recommendations for where holiday dinners are concerned. You will note that I have a regional bias for the Willamette Valley where Pinots & Rieslings are concerned, but I just blame the Oregonian in me. Let’s start off there shall we, with the wine! My go to holiday dinner wines will follow below!

WINES:

REDS:

-A To Z Pinot Noir: My stand by, my go to. Readily available in markets around the US & pairs perfectly with majority of your holiday table staples. If you’re wanting to bump the price tag up a little bit look for anything by their parent label Rex Hill & you won’t be disappointed!

-Laurence et Rémi Dufaitre Beaujolais Villages Prèmices…Le Millèsime Rouge: I’ll be honest, that name took me a minute to type. Another red from the lighter side of the spectrum, Gamay can be a little on the soft red fruit side of things. A fine sipper in its own rite, this bottle disappears fast once it’s opened.

-Scaia Corvina: If you’re looking for something slightly bolder here’s a really nice staple as well. This wine always impresses simply because it has a very lavender taste to it. Leaning a little more into the “red meats & pasta” pairing of red wines, I think this bottle still compliments a full holiday spread in style.

WHITES:

A To Z Riesling: I warned you. They’re just such a solid brand that is incredibly accessible. This riesling is perfectly balanced, not too dry, not too sweet. It pleases anyone from Chard drinkers to the Moscato guzzlers. Truly a lovingly bright & complex bottle that is sure to please.

Weingut Berger Grüner Veltliner: A lovely little Austrian grape that is often overlooked for the more mainstream French varietals. Affordable, dependable, readily available. It definitely leans more on the dry side of the spectrum which makes it highly suitable for those gamut of holiday fare.

Argyle Brut: Let’s add something sparkling shall we & while we’re at it, let’s make it also from Oregon! This one is a bit of a cheat because it is primarily Chardonnay while featuring just a touch of Pinot Noir, both being grapes that pair exceptionally well with holiday dinners. Truly refreshing & balanced.

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COCKTAILS:

As I said above, my cocktail making isn’t always an exact science, especially where the batched goods are concerned, nor are the often written out so I will do my utmost to remember them as they are & to the best of my ability. I am also going to include some cocktails that I love for the winter that are not my own. Their originators will be credited along with the beverages of their design.

CHARLIE’S MULLED WINE/GLUHWEIN:

-Jug Of Cheapish Medium-Bold Red Wine (Chianti, Merlot, etc)

-1 Cup Brandy or Cognac

-1/2 Cup Spiced Rum

-2 Cups Pomegranate Juice

-1.5 Cups of Cranberry Juice

-Sugar To Taste (Usually Ends Up 1-2 Cups)

-2 Blood Oranges Cut into Circles

-2 Lemons Cut into Circles

-1 Cup Pomegranate Arils

-2 Tablespoons Whole Cloves

-4-5 Cinnamon Sticks

-2-3 Star Anise

-1 Tablespoon Allspice

- 1 Sprig of Mint

(Optional):

-Rosemary Sprigs

-Cranberries

-Black Walnut Bitters

In a large sauce lidded pan bring all ingredients with the exception of the Brandy/Cognac to a light boil. Once the mixture starts to boil reduce it to a simmer & cook until spices & oils are thoroughly combined. Add Sugar to taste then when you’re satisfied with it add in the Cognac to replace any lost alcohol. Taste & adjust as needed & serve hot with a Cinnamon Stick or Orange Slice! Have fun with it, play with different ingredients & different combinations til you find something uniquely yours!

A (SLIGHTLY MODIFIED) DREARY DAY’S NIGHT:
Originally by Nic Hamilton

The modifications I’ve made to this drink are small but they, in my opinion, really can make or break it for me.

-4 Oz Brewed Peppermint & Lemongrass Tea (I recommend Steepologie’s Minty Kisses)

-2 Cinnamon Sticks

-.75 Oz Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whisky

-.75 Oz Jura 10 Year Scotch Whisky

.75 Oz Grade A Maple Syrup

.5 Oz Lemon Juice

.25 Oz Rosemary Simple Syrup (1 Part Sugar, 1 Part Water, 1 Sprig Rosemary. Cook in a Pan.)

Start by crushing up one of your cinnamon sticks. Make a little pile out of it & light that beotch on fire. Once it’s burning nicely cover it with a mug. After around 15-30 seconds your mug should be thoroughly smoked, flip it back over & assemble the rest of the cocktail. The last thing to go in should be your tea & it should go in boiling, & I mean boiling, hot. Garnish with your unburnt cinnamon stick.

Note A: I like to batch this in a hot coffee dispenser & put extra tea & a cinnamon stick or two in the coffee filter slot.

Note B: If you find this version of the drink to be too strong for you (please try first before you decide that) then I would half the amount of Whisky.

CHARLIE’S GROG:

-8 Oz. Hot Water

-3 Oz. Black Rum (I use Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva)

-.5 Oz Lime Juice

.25 Oz Pineapple Juice

-.25 Oz. POG Syrup (Monin’s Brand is “Hawaiian Island”)

-2 Teaspoons Brown Sugar

-1 Dash Angostura Bitters

-1 Dash Black Walnut Bitters

As above, mix your room temp/cool ingredients first in a mug, then add the Water. Stir til well combined then garnish with a lime wedge, cinnamon stick, dried pineapple ring, or any combination of the three!

CHARLIE’S ALMOND MEZCAL OLD FASHIONED:

-1 Oz. Mezcal ( I use Ilegal)

-.25 Oz Amaretto

-.25 Oz Agave Syrup

-2 Dashes Orange Bitters

Mix ingredients in a glass with ice. Stir for a good while, like you’re making a Negroni. Once slightly diluted strain over a large ice cube in a low ball glass & zest an Orange over the top!

Recipe: Rye Cabbage Roll Ravioli in a Light Tomato Sauce

Trying something new today! Not going to write an extensive blog in front of my recipe because I absolutely hate when people do that! It’s like get to the point already!!!!!

RYE CABBAGE ROLL RAVIOLI IN A LIGHT TOMATO SAUCE

Serves: 6ish

INGREDIENTS:

RAVIOLI FILLING:

• 1-1 & 1/2 Pounds Corned Beef (Cooked)

• 1 Head of Cabbage (Steamed or Boiled)

• 1/4 Cup Spicy Brown Mustard

RAVIOLI DOUGH:

• 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour plus some for dusting

• 2 Large Eggs

• 6 Large Egg Yolks

• Pinch of Salt

• 1 Tablespoon of Ground Caraway Seed

• 1 Teaspoon of Ground Yellow Mustard Seed

• 1 Teaspoon of Ground Brown Mustard Seed

  SAUCE:

• 1 8oz. Can of Petite Diced Tomatoes

• 1 Cup Beef Stock

• 1 Teaspoon of Yellow Curry Powder

• 2 Bay Leaves

• 1 & 1/2 Teaspoon Coriander

• 2 Teaspoons of Ground Yellow Mustard

• 1/2 Teaspoon of Ground Clove

• 1 Teaspoon Crushed Rosemary

• 1 Tablespoon of Tarragon

• 2 Teaspoons of Thyme

• Dash of Ginger

• Pinch of Nutmeg

• Salt & Pepper to Taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Created a well on a clean workspace with your all-purpose flour. Fill well with all of the eggs & egg yolks as well as your salt, ground caraway seed, & both types of ground mustard seed.

  With a fork, incorporate the egg/spice mixture into the flour slowly. When it gets too thick for the fork switch to your hands. Kneed dough until all ingredients are incorporated & mixed thoroughly. If the dough starts to crack or is too dry, wet your hands with water & continue to kneed. If the dough is too wet of is sticking to the workspace, dust the area with flour & kneed until it’s the desired consistency.

• Once your dough is properly combined wrap it in plastic wrap & refrigerate for at least one hour.

  -ONE HOUR LATER

• In a food processor combine equal parts corned beef & cabbage with your spicy brown mustard. Pulse until minced thoroughly, stop before you make it into a paste. Make sure all parts are combined well throughout & no large pieces remain. Set aside in a bowl.

• Remove pasta dough from refrigerator & take off the plastic wrap. If it’s dried out a little don’t be afraid to kneed in a little water.

• Scatter flour on your counter top & cut off a portion of your dough, this should be about a cups worth. On dusted surface, roll out dough til thin, if you have a pasta press around a 3-4 in thickness.

• Cut pasta dough into desired shape, circles, squares, triangles, whatever you want but make them big enough to hold the filling. I personally use a ravioli tray for this, it just makes the process easier.

• On one piece of cut dough place about a half tablespoon of the corned beef/cabbage filling in the center. Wet the edges of the dough with water, around the filling & top with another piece of cut pasta dough or fold one in half. Crimp the edges of the dough together. Dust with flour to prevent them from sticking together & set aside.

• Repeat the above step until you run out of filling or run out of dough.

• Fill a large pot with water & a splash of olive oil & bring it to a boil.

• While your water is boiling, in a medium sized sauce pan combine your tomatoes, beef stock, tarragon, curry powder, bay leaves, coriander, mustard, clove, rosemary, ginger, thyme, nutmeg, salt, & pepper & whatever else goes into the sauce listed above that I’m sure I forgot & bring to a low boil. Cook for about 10 minutes.

• Put your ravioli into the pot of boiling water & cook until they’re your desired level of softness. Then strain them into a colander.

• In a bowl toss ravioli gently with your tomato sauce & serve!

Recommendation Blog: Portland/Portland Adjacent

PORTLAND:

Arlington Heights:

• International Rose Test Garden: There’s a reason Portland is known as “The City of Roses,” this is it! Roses grow exceedingly well in the volcanic soil that surrounds Portland & the Test Gardens are a testament to that! Completely FREE to go visit with some incredibly complex colorations of flower. Worth the stop!

• Oregon Zoo: A quant little zoo, but incredibly charming at the same time. The Oregon Zoo is not by any means a walking zoo (If you’ve been to the KC zoo you know what I mean.)

• Portland Japanese Gardens: About $10 to enter, the Japanese Gardens feature native Japanese vegetation as well as many other traditional forms of Japanese Gardening. Very peaceful & uplifting, it’s almost halfway between an art exhibit & a garden!

Beaverton:

• Nonna Emilia’s Ristorante Italiano: Huge Portions of excellent Italian Food! All of it is your pretty basic fare but it’s all solid & you’ll have plenty to share or take home!

Downtown Portland:

• Blueplate Lunch Counter & Soda Fountain: Featured many times across the Food Network, Blueplate is a solid Diner. Serving anything from Pancakes to Sandwiches, you really can’t go wrong here!

• Little Bird Bistro: The sister restaurant of Le Pigeon, still a bit on the nicer side but a little less pricey! Try the Duck, get a Charcuterie Board to share, don’t skip the Deviled Eggs!

Hillsdale:

• Chart House: A chain, I know but the Portland location is unique because of its position. It sits on a hillside overlooking the entire city. The view is breath taking & the food is always reliable!

Mulitiple Locations:

• Pizza Schmizza: Found all over Portland is this quirky Soda Shop meets Pizzeria. Entirely UFO themed, the Schmizza features hundreds of interesting types of Bottled Beverages as well as very quirkily topped pizzas sold by the slice!

• Pok Pok Wing: Similar to the normal experience of Pok Pok just cut out the sit down restaurant aspect! The wing locations took what made Pok Pok famous, their wings, & trimmed down the menu to revolve around them in a “to-go” setting!

• Salt & Straw: Dotted up & down the west coast Salt & Straw started in Portland & remains a staple! Each month the Ice Cream shop picks a new theme to debut 5-6 ice cream flavors around along side their consistent 12-15 other menu items! Go in & be adventurous! You’d be surprised what you like!

• Sesame Donuts: Come to Portland with Voodoo in mind & the locals will send you to Sesame. Sesame is more your straight forward doughnut shop, but it is none-the-less amazing!

Pearl District:

• PB&J’s Grilled: Top 10 restaurants in the country right here. Used to stop here all the time with the band, we’d load up on about three sandwiches each before going off to the airport to fly back to Nashville! It sounds simple but their menu consists of several different twists on the PB&J formula! I recommend the Oregonian, the Spicy Thai (w/ Shrimp), & the Hot Hood!

• Powell’s Books: One of the US’s most famous bookstores! Powell huge, yet still retains its warmth! A great place to spend a rainy PNW afternoon!

• Voodoo Doughnuts: Located in downtown Portland next to a Porn Theater, Voodoo is a Portland Institution. Ask anyone for Portland recommendations & most of them will list Voodoo amongst them! I recommend a Portland Cream, a Memphis Mafia, the Original Maple Bacon Bar, & The Cock-n-balls!

Richmond/Sunnyside:

• Bröder Cafe: A must stop Breakfast spot! Get there first thing in the morning, they will have a long wait otherwise. I recommend the Aebleskivers & the Daily Skillet. For those who have never tried Norwegian food, run, don’t walk.

• Le Pigeon: The parent restaurant of Little Bird Bistro. Le Pigeon is a little more on the upscale side but the French cuisine is incredible!

• Nong’s Khao Man Gai: Started as a food truck on PSU campus, Kong’s specializes in Chicken with Broth & Sauce. Sounds really simple, which it is, but it’s truly incredible & cheap. Get there early, there’s usually a line.

• Pok Pok: One of my favorite stops in the country! Incredible Authentic Thai/Vietnamese Food with well Crafted Cocktails all set in a chill yet funky vibe. Be sure to get Wings, Flank Steak Salad, the Spicy Boar Collar, & whatever else your heart desires! Everything is great, order family style!

• Stumptown Coffee Roasters: You can find several Stumptown Coffee shops dotted all around Portland which in their own right are must stops in the PNW. However Portland, or as it was originally known “Stumptown,” is home to the national Roasterie for all Stumptown products! They offer Coffee Tasting Tours, Latte Art Classes, etc. Be sure to book in advance, they fill up quickly!

Rose City Park:

• Ohana Hawaiian Cafe: Get you some P.O.G., a Hawaiian Sampler Platter, & some Spam Musabi & you’re set!

ADJACENT:

Florence:

• The Dune Sea: Just South of Florence is a Dune Sea! Rent a Dune Buggy or an ATV & have a blast! If you’re not feeling up to the challenge, grab a guided tour!

• The Hukilau: Traditional Hawaiian food with an Oregonian twist. A must stop along the Oregon Coast. Spam Musabi, Mac & Rice, & The Ahi Fish & Chips are a must! DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE!

Hillsboro:

• Heritage Farms: A wide selection of Seasonal Produce farmed right at the source! Huge Apples of every variety, Pumpkins, Pies, etc.

• Smith Berry Farm: You-Pick Berries of every variety! Blackberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries the size of a quarter, all sold by the pound!

Newport:

• Chowder Bowl at Nye Beach: The Best Bowl of Clam Chowder you’ll ever have, I guarantee it! I get the Slumgullion, Chowder with Pacific Bay Shrimp on it.

• Local Ocean Seafood: A constantly changing assortment of some of the Freshest Seafood on the Coast! Local Ocean is half restaurant/half fish market, located right on the docks where the fish are brought in after they’re caught! The menu is always innovative & inspired & I’ve never left disappointed!

• Oregon Coast Aquarium: I for one am a sucker for a good Aquarium & the aquarium in Newport is a GREAT Aquarium! All of the exhibits are housed fairly close together so you won’t end up walking too far, though the venue is a bit of a maze to accommodate all the wonderful things they’ve placed in this quant space!

• Yaquina Head Lighthouse/Outstanding Natural Area: One of my favorite spots in the world! Yaquina Head is home to a stunning Cobblestone Beach as well as a wide assortment of Tide pools & Wildlife filled areas! Check the tides before going & plan accordingly!

Tillamook:

• Tillamook Cheese Factory: Do the Cheese Tasting Tour & get you some Ice Cream. DO NOT MISS THIS ON THE WAY TO THE COAST!!!!

Troutdale/Columbia River Gorge:

• Horsetail Falls: Definitely a hike. Horsetail Falls & the accompanying trail lead in a circle around to a series of 12 Waterfalls! Definitely a longer hike, but totally worth it.

• Latourell Falls: Not as crowded as Multnomah and a little more of a hike but Latourell features some really interesting Rock Formations as well as a Stunning Waterfall that you can walk right up to!

• Lookout Mountain: A short hike of maybe half a mile…maybe. That leads to a vista point where you can see clearly all of the major mountains of Oregon & Washington!

• Multnomah Falls: One of the most iconic waterfalls in the world. Multnomah may be a bit touristy at times, but there’s a reason for that. It somehow seems to incapsulate the entire spirit of the Pacific Northwest in one location.

• Sugarpine Drive-In: Seasonal, ever-changing menu. Sugarpine has been a staple of Troutdale for almost 100 years! Don’t skip Dessert! Get the Larch Mountain Sundae or the Sugarpine Cone.

• Vista House: Perched on a cliffside overlooking the expanse of the Columbia River, it makes for some great photo opportunities

Willamette Valley:

• Dundee Bistro: A great place to sample Local Cuisine as well as the wines of the region. Offering inspired Bistro Dishes as well as a sampling of the vineyards that surrounds it it’s a good spot for a flight & a bite!

• Rex Hill: Willamette Valley Vineyard specializing in Pinot Noir & Chardonnay, excellent Tasting Experience especially when it comes to their reserve wines!

• Sokol Blosser: Modern Vineyard overlooking the Willamette Valley. A great place to grab a glass of wine, sit and chill!

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS:

• Mo’s: If you can make it, hit the Chowder Bowl, if not Mo’s has a pretty bangin’ cup of Clam Chowder themselves!

• Pig N’ Pancake: Cozy Breakfast Joint dotting up & down the Oregon coast!

Recommendation Blog: Kansas City

KC Proper: (These are the restaurants with multiple locations around Kansas City.)

• Fiorella’s Jack Stack: My personal favor BBQ in KC. Get the Jack’s Best with Cheesy Corn & Baked Beans. The Cheesy Potatoes are also a great choice but whatever you do, don’t skip the Smoked Chicken Wings!

• Gate’s: Get a Double-Decker & a Half. Big ass sandwich but it’s probably the best BBQ Sandwich in KC!

• Joe’s KC: KC’s top voted BBQ joint, Joe’s is a good middle ground for all seeking just good all around BBQ. I always get the Sampler with Burnt Ends, Turkey, Brisket, & Pulled Pork but the most popular menu item is definitely the Z Man.

• The Roasterie Café: A KC Coffee staple! The Roasterie itself offers different tours & coffee based classes! Skip the Cold Brew though unless you get the Sporting Blend!

• Sheridan’s Frozen Custard: Get you a Concrete, get it plain, you really can’t go wrong here!

• Spin Pizza: KC’s take on Napoli Pizza! A lot of really interesting pizza options as well as salads! Several locations across KC!

• Winstead’s: Very few Winstead’s left, an old Kansas City fast food staple. Burgers are incredible as are the Onion Rings.

Country Club Plaza:

• The Capital Grille: Upscale Steakhouse. The Porcini Rubbed Ribeye is divine as is their French Onion Soup! Get the Au Gratin Potatoes & The Lobster Mac to share! Ask for Steve, he’s the greatest waiter!

• McCormick & Schmick: A chain, I know, but go for Happy Hour & get the Calamari & a Chocolate Bag!

• Osteria Il Centro: Always have incredible specials in addition to the staples on their menu! Some of the best Italian west of the Mississippi!

Downtown KC:

• Boulevard Brewery: Book a tour in advance! Excellent Beer with a lot of variety!

• Bristol: Get the Soup Sampler! No joke. That with Cheesy Biscuit is all you need!

• Christopher Elbow: Kansas City’s own famous Chocolatier! His Truffles are immaculate!

• The Peanut: Wings. The Peanut is a dive bar with The. Best. Wings! Only come in one style, Buffalo, but they’re incredible!

Martin City:

• Martin City Brewery: Great Hang Spot! Really great food, really great beer!

• Tropical Sno: Only open in the summer, Tro-Sno has a long list of flavors sure to please anyone! My go to is Guave, Pink Lemonade, & Pink Grapefruit!

Olathe:

• Silas & Maddie’s: Incredible, incredible Ice Cream! I recommend the Blueberry!

Overland Park:

• Desta’s: A little Ethiopian gem located in new at the Blue Valley Sports Complex. The food is incredible & extremely authentic! I recommend Chicken & Lamb Tibs!

• Fat Bee: The OG OP Bobba Tea Bar! Tons of different flavors, I recommend the House Special as is!

• Fortune Wok: Pretty standard Chinese fare with a Sushi Bar. I always go for the Sweet & Sour Soup & their Happy Family!

• Hot Basil: One of my favorite Thai restaurants in the country. They have hands down the best Pad See Ew. Be wary of the heat levels, Thai hot means Thai hot! The Tom Kha is incredible too!

• I Am Frozen Dessert Cafe: Thai Dessert Bar! They take block of ice cream & put them in an ice shaver. Totally worth the stop!

• Jalapeños: An Overland Park staple, best Tamales in the area for sure.

• Jersey Boys: Turkey Club, Turkey Club, Turkey Club!

• Jose Peppers: Locals know it for their Espanaca Dip, but their Salsa & regular menu items are bangin too! I recommend the Fish Tacos.

• K-Macho: All around pretty solid Mexican food! A little more on the big portion side, a crowd pleaser for sure!

• Pad-Thai: A relatively new Thai restaurant, get the Crying Tiger Beef & ask the chef to surprise you with the main Entree!

• Plaza III: Another upscale steakhouse on the plaza. Here I recommend the Ribeye & the Mac & Cheese & the Onion Straws

• Robek’s: California smoothie chain, used to carry Guava Juice but have since stopped, but asked them to replicate a “Guava Lava” & they can still get it pretty close.

• Ruchi: Go get their Indian Lunch Buffet, allows you to try all different kinds of Indian dishes without the pressure of being set with just one!

• Sweet Caroline’s: Candy shop that serves Silas & Maddie’s Ice Cream!

Prairie Village:

• Cafe Provence: Consecutively voted one of the top restaurants in the entire United States, French Fare. Don’t miss the Onion Soup or the Amish Chicken.

• Dolce Bakery: Try all the cookies, all of them! Especially the Double Chocolate Espresso & the Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Chip!

Leawood:

• Blue Koi: Featured a few times on the food network, Blue Koi is famous for their Chinese Pot Roast Soup & it does not disappoint! Great for a cold day when you need heating up! Don’t miss their assorted Bobba Teas as well, may sound strange but I recommend the Green Bean & Almond!

• Pacuigo Gelato: Always outstanding Gelato, tons of different flavors. Try a few before you decide & be adventurous, it’s worth it!

Westport:

• Room 39: Cute little Contemporary American/French place. Menu is always changing but they do everything very well!

Recommendation Blog: Nashville Food

I’ve gone through & compiled restaurants by area. If you’re looking for a more specific type of cuisine scroll to the “quick picks” at the bottom of the page!

*I’ll only be recommending places I’ve been & can personally recommend. If one of your favorites is missing it may simply be because I haven’t been there!

**This blog will be ever evolving when new things emerge or old things die. I’ll try to keep it as up to date as I can!

***Edited Nov 2021

Food:

8th Ave:

• Athens: Family owned Greek place open late on weekends! The Greek Sampler is best of all worlds, I’d also recommend their Lamb Specials! Avgolemono is the perfect thing for a rainy day & their fries are killer! (UPDATE, Athens is currently in the process of moving to Belmont Boulevard)

• Smiling Elephant: Family owned Thai restaurant set inside an old house. Curry specials change based on the day, be sure to get Coconut Custards at the end of your meal & maybe some Mango Sticky Rice, if it’s in season.

12th South:

• Burger Up: Truffle Fries & Fried Pickles all the way! Their burgers are pretty great too. (Locations in Franklin & East Nashville as well.)

• Las Paletas: Mexican Popsicles. Sounds like something to miss, I promise it’s not!

• Locust: Another former Catbird Seat chef, this time Trevor Moran. His restaurant is a Dumpling/Japanese Shaved Ice spot, I recommend going with a few people & splitting some things!

• SloCo: From scratch Sandwich place. Pops up from time to time, not open all of the time. Owner was one of the winners of Chopped.

• Urban Grub: Hard to find seeing as it doesn’t have a sign. Very good Aged Steaks & sides. Don't skip the Banana Pudding either!

Bellevue:

• 615 ChuTNey: North Indian cuisine, the staff is always incredibly accommodating & lovely! Recommend going with some friends & splitting a bunch of different things!

• Lemongrass: Sushi meets Thai. Really excel at their curries & their broad noodle dishes like Panang & Pad See Ew.

• The Loveless Cafe: A Nashville staple. Biscuits are to die for as are most of the rest of their menu items. Ask for Apple Butter with your Biscuits, I also recommend doing the Southern Sampler with Ham, Fried Chicken, Meatloaf, Fried Okra, & Greens. Their Mac & Cheese is solid too!

• Sam’s Kebab/Gyro: Sam’s is an Egyptian style Shawarma restaurant. I typically get the Combo Plate there but their Gyro sandwich is excellent as well!

Belmont:

• Proper Bagel: The bagel is good, not my favorite. What makes Proper stand out though are their Bagel Sandwiches & Schmeers. Everything from a Reuben Bagel to Birthday Cake Cream Cheese, it’s pretty solid. The Lavender Honey Cream Cheese with a Sunflower Bagel is my go to!

Berry Hill:

• Merangue Cafe: Puerto Rican/Dominican/Cuban Food served cafeteria style or made to order. Their menu changes daily but it’s all incredible!

• Phunky Griddle: Make your own food! Cuz that’s a thing we do….we go to a restaurant & pay to cook our own food on a griddle in the middle of the table.

Brentwood/Franklin:

• Chopt: Creative salad chain out on NYC. Not many locations outside the city though. Haven’t had a bad salad yet.

• Gray’s On Main: Multilevel contemporary Southern restaurant built in an old Pharmacy. Often have live music & really great cocktails.

• Soy Bistro: One of my favorites in town, Soy is a mix between Korean & Japanese. The Shrimp Tacos are the best in town as is the Bimbimbop Burrito! Their Teriyaki dishes & Rices Bowls are great too! They’re always friendly & fairly inexpensive!

• The Poké: Best Poke in all of Nashville, I swear by it! The fish is fresh, the staff is warm & welcoming, & the food all around is delicious.

Charlotte Pike/Silvan Park/Nations:

• 52nd Deli: Turkey Avocado Sub, Cubano, Italian, all of it is good! Part Deli, part market, all amazing!

• Avo: Vegan but doesn’t suffer for it! Kimchi Spring Rolls & Raw Pad Thai! May be one of my favorite takes on Pad Thai!

• Bobby’s Dairy Dip: Tons of different kinds of milkshakes! Dipped cones melt fast, be careful!

• Chaatable: My favorite of Maneet’s restaurants. The Butter Chicken is the best I’ve ever had. I recommend their brunch, it’s unique as all get out! Get the Hash & the “French Toast”!

• Kien Ghang: Pho all the way! I recommend the original. Cash only so be prepared but it’s hella cheap! Hope someday they’ll bring back their jackfruit smoothie…

• Penne Pazze: Hands down the best pasta in Nashville. Two Italian brothers own it & make their pasta fresh every day!

• S.T.A.R. Bagel: Salmon & Lox w/ Garlic Herb Cream Cheese on a Sun-dried Tomato Bagel all the way! My favorite bagel joint in Nashville!

Donelson:

• McNamara’s: Family owned Irish pub with excellent food & quite a lot of charm. Weekend nights they have a live band that plays traditional Irish folk tunes. I recommend the Scotch Eggs, the Fish & Chips, the Black & Tan Onion Rings, the Corned Beef & Cabbage, the Chocolate Cake, & the Bread Pudding! Also one of the best Irish Coffees I’ve had!

Downtown:

• Bakersfield Tacos: Best Margarita in town, fight me! Also their tacos & salads are all pretty bangin! Don’t skip the guac either! I know this is a Cincinnati based chain but there are only a few of them so I don’t count it! Plus it’s one of the top rated restaurants for Cinci on Zagat!

• Crema: Upscale coffee shop. Not as pretentious as Barista Parlour. Get the Cubano.

• Etch: Though I haven’t had anything bad on their menu, I think they really excel at their salads especially the Charcuterie Salad!

• Flying Saucer: A bit of a chain, though a small one. A rather extensive tap menu their food menu is also incredible. Bavarian Style Pretzels, German Potato Salad, etc. I recommend those two as well as the Marsellus Wallace sandwich!

• Husk: Upscale Southern with different twists for each dish! I recommend the Tartare & their Charcuterie board!

• Merchants: Best Fish Tacos in Nashville! Their drinks are pretty solid & each day the table is set with a new “Popcorn of the day!”

• Pinewood Social: Excellent cocktails, ever evolving seasonal menu, coffee shop, bowling alley, pool, karaoke, lawn games, etc. Just a fun place to go hang or sit & get some work done!

• Puckett’s: Get the Meatloaf & the Wings. Don’t ask questions, just do it! (Locations Downtown Nashville & Franklin)

• The Southern: Best Chicken & Waffles in town! Go for brunch!

• The Stillery: Hot Chicken Mac & Cheese or the Prosciutto Pizza

East Nashville:

• Cafe Roze: Go in the morning, get the BLT add Avocado with a Salad. You’re welcome.

• Dino’s: Technically a dive bar but I didn’t know if I wanted to put it here or in the drink section. I ultimately decided on food because when I think of Dino’s I think of a killer greasy spoon burger & some fries!

• East Side Bahn Mi: Best Bahn Mi in town! I crave this place often, don’t be afraid of the Paté.

• Five Points Pizza: Open late, by the slice. Prosciutto/Basil Pizza is the jam! (Also a location off Charlotte Pike, not open late.)

• Greko: Greek Street Food! Fun atmosphere & quick service that’s on the lighter side of Greek.

• Hawker’s: Modern Asian fusion. Get the Roti & the Chicken Skewers, combine.

• Lockeland Table: Contemporary Southern, get the Bone Marrow, trust me, it slaps!

• Mas Tacos Por Favor: Tortilla Soup is a must! The tacos are bomb too!

• Marché/Margot: Get a serving of Croissant French Toast to share in addition to your entree!

• Once Upon A Time In France: Best French food in Nashville. A little french family owned business with ambiance out the wazoo & an authentically delicious menu.

• The Pharmacy: Skip the burger, get the Currywerst!

• Two Ten Jack: Best Ramen in Nashville! I dig the Spicy Tankatsu with an extra Egg! Get an order of the Takoyaki too!

Edgehill

• Barcelona: A small chain but a rather refreshing Tapas place & Wine Bar! Menu is constantly changing but I recommend any Carrot, Brussel Sprout, Octopus, or Chorizo & Fig Dish they do!

• Bella Napoli: Pretty solid Napoli Style Pizza & Pasta. Not as “heavy” as DeSano.

Germantown:

• 5th & Taylor: Contemporary American, I personally think their brunch is the best time to go!

• Cosmic Creamery: Cereal infused ice cream stacked with toppings! Bring your sweet tooth!

• Germantown Cafe: Nightly specials are always bomb as is their French Onion Soup!

• Henrietta Red: Ever changing seasonal menu, be sure to go with a group & share! Don’t skip out on dessert.

• Rolf & Daughters: Get the tartare, the sourdough, the seafood pasta dish, & all the desserts!

Green Hills:

• etc.: The sister restaurant of Etch. I’ve only visited for brunch but what I had was exquisite, especially the Waffles!

• Noshville: Used to have an additional location in Midtown. Get you a Reuben & some Matzo Ball Soup! Don’t skip on the pickles either!

• The Perch: Crepery! Everything from savory to sweet! I love their Prosciutto Balsamic Crepe!

• True Food Kitchen: Healthy & seasonal! The menu shifts every few months to accommodate what’s fresh! Wide variety on the menu as well as some intriguing freshly juiced cocktails!

The Gulch:

• Arnold’s Country Kitchen: The best Soul Food/Meat & Three in Nashville hands down! They have kind of odd hours and are only open in the afternoon so look before you go! Also their line moves fairly quickly. Get the Roast Beef!

• Biscuit Love: First off, go to their Hillsboro Village location, there’s not a line! Second get you some Biscuit Donuts, the Nasty Princess (a secret menu item that combines the East Nasty & the Princess,) & a fresh Mimosa!

• Burger Republic: Won Zagat’s burger competition back in 2016. Won best burger in Tennessee. Go. Now! I love The 96, a lot of people are deterred by the blue cheese in it, it’s not over powering at all! Get you some Truffle Tots, a Boozy Milkshake, & some Fried Pickles & Peppers too!

• Chauhan: Go for Happy Hour! Chauhan is Indian meets Southern food & it’s as good as it sounds! Get the Lamb Nachos, the Chicken Tandoori Poutine, & the Hot Chicken Pakoras! Great cocktails as well, I dig the Raat Rani!

• Mockingbird: New age Southern Cuisine; bangin’ Pot Pie, Burger, etc! Get a Punch Bag as well!

• Tansuo: Monday nights they have a Dim Sum cart! Their take on General Tao’s may be my favorite in town! Great bar, tell them what you like, they’ll make you something special!

• Thai Esane: One of my favorite Thai spots in Nashville, there’s truly nothing bad on the menu!

• Virago: Maki Monday! Get you some cheaper upscale sushi! Also September & October they do “Brunch w/ a View” where they combine traditional American breakfast foods with an Asian influence!

• Whiskey Kitchen: Their Buffalo Chicken Flatbread Pizza is killer as is the Whiskey Sour! Open Late!

Hendersonville:

• Cafe Rakka: Worth the detour to Hendersonville for sure. Incredible Syrian food. The best Hummus I’ve ever had, Homemade Pita, Red Tea, & Baklava. Go for dinner get the Shrimp Jalfrazi, go for lunch get the Tandoori Chicken & Cheese Sandwich or the Lamb Burger!

Hillsboro Village:

• Fido: Been in the same spot forever. Coffee shop with a fairly expansive menu. The Specials are always on point but I usually end up getting the Salmon Scramble.

• Greenery Co.: Kinda “foo foo” salads as my father would call it. Every changing menu but everything I’ve had is great!

• The Pancake Pantry: Go late. Don’t wait in line, it isn’t as good as the line even though it’s still solid. Go for the Georgia Peach Pancakes!

• Pizza Perfect: Amazing basic pizza. The Antipasta salad is great too! Even their gluten free crust doesn’t leave you wanting!

Midtown:

• The Catbird Seat: Book in advance & come baring your wallet. 12-16 course dinner all served within the kitchen with drink pairings available per course! Experimental food that is always changing, book it for a special occasion!

• DeSano: I love the San Genaro & the Diavola! Real Napoli style pizza!

• Gigi’s Cupcakes: If you don’t like icing/frosting steer clear, they inject their cupcakes with it! I know this is also a chain but this is the original!

• Giovanni’s: Excellent Mid to Upscale Italian. There’s never a huge crowd there but their evening Pasta Specials are always killer! (Another location in Bellevue)

• Hattie B’s: There’s no wrong way to do Hattie B’s other than Southern or Mild. Potato Salad, Greens, & Pimento Mac & Cheese are musts on sides. If you’re looking for more of a hand food the sandwich is incredible! (Other locations around town are equally as good as the original but seldom have a line!)

West End:

• BrickTops: I’m a bit at a loss on how to describe this menu. Think J Alexander’s smashed into a sushi bar. I highly recommend the Ahi Burger, may be one of the best I’ve ever had!

• Samurai Sushi: My favorite sushi joint in town! Been there since the 70s, it’s fairly inexpensive but still high quality.

Wedgewood/Houston:

• Bastion: Go during a normal week for the Nachos, go on a special occasion for the Tasting Menu. Owned by the original creator & chef from The Catbird Seat, the menu is ever changing & evolving seasonally & based on inspiration.

• Dozen: A local bakery mostly only open morning to early afternoon. A staple of their menu, in addition to their pastries, other breads, & salads, is a baguette your way. Get it simply buttered or add eggs, avocado, etc. to it.

Unspecified/Multiple Locations/Food Trucks:

• Barista Parlor: Upscale coffee shop. Think pour overs & single origin coffee. Less chocolate/nutty notes, more fruit/floral notes.

• Blu Monkey Shaved Ice: Food truck with traditional shaved ice flavors.

• Calypso Cafe: 1/2 Chicken w/ all three sauces on the side! Callaloo, Black Beans, Muffins, & House Salad are all bangin! They have unique brewed coffee & very refreshing fruit tea! Don’t forget to get a Calypso bar at the end.

• Five Daughters Bakery: All different kind of Cronuts. I personally prefer their Paleo Donuts & have heard good things about their Vegan Donuts. (Locations on the East side & in Franklin as well.)

• Franklin Juice: Solid Acai Bowls as well as Juice.

• Frothy Monkey: My favorite coffee shop/cafe in town. Incredible lattes & incredible food. Julie on an Everything Bagel add Avocado is my go to but their Specials are usually pretty great! They also have several locations around town! (12th South, Downtown, Nations, Franklin, etc.)

• Jeni’s Ice Cream: Another Ohio chain, Jeni’s has become a staple of Nashville! Intriguing twists on traditional ice cream flavors there are a ton of locations across Nashville! (12th South, East, Hillsboro Village, Franklin, etc.)

• Kisser: Japanese style pop-up created by former Catbird Seat sous Leina Horrii & Husk’s Brian Lea. Menu is ever changing but I highly recommend their Onigiri & their Udon!

• Retro Sno: Food truck with interesting takes on Shaved Ice. Blackberry/Pomegranate, Raspberry Wedding Cake, Etc.

• Tailgate Brewery: Very inventive both on the Beer front & on the Pizza front. They have an ever changing pizza of the month that’s always a blast to try! Any pizza topping is also available on French Fries as well. I personally really enjoy the Mexican Pizza or the Bierfest.

• The Grilled Cheesery: different Grilled Cheeses & Melts, etc. Their Soups are also bangin’.

• The Well: Solid Seasonal Beverages & Cold Brews.

• Urban Juicer: Local juice chain. Liver Lover with Ginger added is one of my go to hangover cures. The Bee Green & the Cold Fighter are another few of my favorites! (Locations all over town.)

• Vui’s: A solid Nashville Pho spot. I highly recommend the Coconut Pudding!

Quick Picks:

• Bagels: S.T.A.R. Bagel

• Barbecue: Error 404: Extension Not Found

• Breakfast: Loveless Cafe

• Brunch: Marché/Margot (Traditional) The Southern (Upscale) Chaatable (Interesting)

• Burger: Burger Up (Specialty) Patterson House (Normal)

• Chinese: Tansuo

• Coffee: Frothy Monkey (Traditional) Crema (Upscale)

• Contemporary American: Henrietta Red

• Donuts: Connie & Johnny, if you can find them. Five Daughters, if you can’t.

• Greek: Athens

• Healthy: Calypso Cafe (Normal) TrueFood Kitchen (Upscale)

• Hot Chicken: Hattie B’s

• Ice Cream: Mike’s (Normal) Jeni’s (Specialty)

• Indian: Chaatable

• Irish: McNamara’s

• Italian: Penne Pazze (Normal) Rolf & Daughters (Upscale)

• Japanese: Kisser (If Available) or Two Ten Jack

• Juice: Urban Juicer

• Korean: Soy Bistro (Also a tad Japanese)

• Late Night: Flying Saucer

• Middle Eastern: Cafe Rakka

• Pasta: Penne Pazze

• Pho: Kien Ghang

• Pizza: DeSano (Specialty) 5 Points (Normal/Late)

• Poke: The Poké

• Ramen: Two Ten Jack

• Salad: Chopt (Normal) Etch (Upscale)

• Soul/Meat & Three: Arnold’s Country Kitchen

• Southern: The Loveless Cafe

• Special Occasion: The Catbird Seat or Bastion (Hella Special) Rolf & Daughters or Henrietta Red

• Sushi: Samurai Sushi (Normal) Wild Ginger (Upscale)

• Tacos: Mas Tacos Por Favor

• Thai: Thai Esane

• Vegan/Vegetarian: Avo