Cookaholics Bulletin Board

Hey all,

I'm currently in Nashville for a conference downtown. Are there any must-eats here? If so, where?

And if anyone lives in Nashville, let me know.

I posted this on the other thread before I saw this one.

If you are in downtown Nashville, there's a small local bakery chain called Provence Breads & Cafe that has some decent stuff. IIRC, they had some vegetarian soup/sandwich options. It was the only thing I found in my three days there, but I didn't have a lot of time to look around.

Darcie

I personally love going to BB Kings Blues Club downtown. I know he has a couple of these in the south, but the food is pretty good and the music is fabulous if you love the blues/jazz. I will say I go more for the music than the food though.

I also like the shrimp and grits at Caney Fork on Music Valley Drive (over by the Gaylord) . It's more like grit cakes with a shrimp etouffee on top. Spicy and good. Can't say much about anything else there, I have that every time I go.

Laurie

Wasn't able to try any of these, unfortunately, due to logistics/timing.

I did go to FLYTE, which is a local "hot" restaurant/nightclub. Eh, B-grade Cal Cuisine with super-fancy presentation.

In general, Nashville doesn't seem to have much to recommend it as a place to eat. Even locals were largely unable to recommend anything, especially once I ruled out pulled pork. One night I ended up at an Old Spaghetti Factory because it was the best option. So, music, but not food.

I did get shrimp & grits though. Yaaaay.

One thing I will say, though, service is terrific in Nashville ... Starbucks, restaurants, convention center, taxis. Everyone was friendly, solicitious and cheerful. I don't know if that's Southern spirit or just people happy to have a job, but it made for a pleasant visit. Too bad the food isn't more interesting.

Fuzzy
Nashville definitely has a great service attitude. They( the convention and tourism professionals) have educated the locals on the economic benefits of conventions and tourism and they understand that service does not mean servitude. I have been to many conventions there either at the big grotesque Opryland or the Loews and have experienced some of the best service anywhere.
I am not a big country music fan, but have experienced some terrific singer/songwriter programs in Nashville and would go back for those programs anytime. Food.....not so much!
ilene