Thursday, September 17, 2009

Easy Teasy Green Beans

Almost every Southerner I know enjoys themselves some green beans everyonce in awhile. I have a recipe that I learned from my old college roommate. This recipe taste like the good ones you get from the "meat and three" down the street. My theory is the longer they cook the better they taste! Another great variation if if you add diced potatos and boil them with the green beans.  Enjoy!
-1 Large Can of Italian Style Green Beans, DRAINED (or 2 Small)
-Bacon, Hamhock, Fatback, (whatever you have on hand- this is optional so if you are a vegetarian then skip this part).
-1 Large Container of Chicken Broth (32 oz)
-Minced Garlic 1/4-1/2 tsp. (depending on your taste)
-1/2 Onion Diced
-Salt and cracked pepper to taste

1. In pot add green beans, onion, pork, broth, garlic, salt and pepper. Boil then simmer on low. As I stated earlier, the longer you cook the better they taste. You can also cook these on low in a crock-pot.

Great Appetizer: Bacon Sleeping Bags

Okay, I know that it is football season and many of you are looking for a great recipe to show off when you are hosting the game at your house. This recipe is it! It is so easy and is cheap! When you read it, it may sound a little crazy, but believe me they are hard to put down.


-1 loaf of white bread, (crust trimmed_
-1 jar of Cheese Whiz® (this comes in the jar not the spray cheese)
-Brown Sugar
-1 pkg. of bacon, (cut strips in half)

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Spread Cheeze Whiz® on bread

3.Roll up the bread from one side to the other

4. Wrap with 1/2 slice of bacon

5. Sprinkle with brown sugar…I know it sounds crazy, but have faith, my friends, this is what makes the masterpiece!

6. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until bacon is cooked to your liking. Serve on platter. Poof! They will be gone!

You Say Tomato...I Say Tomato Soup!

Since the weather here in Nashville has been so rainy and wet, for some reason it has made me crave a good cup of soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. I stumbled upon this recipe for creamy tomato basil soup that I felt like I just had to share:

Yields: 8 Servings

-2 cans condensed tomato soup (10.5 oz)
-2 cans of whole tomato's (no salt added), do not drain (14.5 oz)
-1 1/4 cup of whole milk
-6 oz. of Cream Cheese, (softened and chopped into big squares)
-1/2 cup of onion, diced fine
-1.2 tsp. Paprika
-1/2 tsp dried basil
-A dollop of Sour cream to taste (optional)
-Salt and Pepper to taste (optional)
-2 tbs. butter
-1 clove of garlic (or 1/4 tsp. minced in jar-or garlic powder to taste)

1. Chop onion. Melt butter in saucepan and add garlic. Sauté all the way through and do not burn the garlic. Medium to medium high heat works best, depending on burner.

2. Add Paprika and Basil. Then add cheese and slowly stir in milk and tomato soup, stirring slowly.

3. Stir until mixture is smooth. Then, add whole tomatos, you can split them up with the back end of your fork while in the mixture. Simmer until heated all the way through.

-Best when served with grilled cheese or crackers for dipping. Or like my grandpa, you can toast some bread, cut it in strips then place it on the top of the soup. It sinks into the soup, which is very delicious.

Enjoy and please comment if you have some other variations you would like to share!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

The Chowhounds are Letting The Dogs Out!

Just recently I have been on a hot dog kick. For some reason hot dogs just have been on my mind so I wanted to take the time to write about there you can find some good hot dogs.

First, I would like to write about The Dog of Nashville. The dog of Nashville is located in Hillsborough village. It used to be located off Nolensville Road, but the location has changed, which I think is for the better, because now more people can enjoy it. The dog of Nashville has various types of dogs to chose from, for instance it has your typical 1/4 pound hot dog, turkey dogs (which are surprisingly good and less fattening), all beef (Vienna), veggie, polish sausage ad brats. You can pick from a variety of buns as well, sausage roll, French bread roll, poppy seed roll (my personal fave) and the wheat roll. Also, for free you can chose from the average toppings of mustard, ketchup, relish, onion and mayo. Or you can pay extra for toppings that range from chili to guacamole…you name it they got it! My personal favorite dog is "The Diet Starts Tomorrow Dog," which obviously is not your "healthiest" option, but it is "dog-tastic!" First of all this dog is deep fried, bacon wrapped and covered in cheese sauce. I like to top mine with ketchup, onion and mustard and it makes for quite the feast! My other favorite is the "Fiery Redneck." This really gives a new meaning to the name "hot dog." It is wrapped in bacon and loaded with chili, cheese sauce, jalapeños, onion, and topped with mustard. For an extra kick, I like to top mine with some good ole Tabasco sauce. This will make your mouth burn for sure! The dog has several other great options for hot dogs. From their "Coney Island Dog" to their "Philly Cheese Dog" there is definitely will be one that strikes your fancy. The dogs are big, that is for sure. Every time I go in there I try to order 3, but can barely finish one, so don not let your eyes fool you. The Dog of Nashville also offers sides such as fries, tots, chili, slaw, baked beans, chips and onion rings. I prefer the tots and the rings over the fries. This is a great place to go with the family and kids. Check it out for your self and you will see why it is called The Dog of Nashville. http://www.thedogofnashville.com/

Another favorite place of mine is Hot Diggity Dog. HDD is a cute little establishment found near downtown Nashville. They have dogs ranging from traditional, veggie, Polish Sausage, Italian Sausage, Italian Beef, Turkey and Bratwurst. Their veggie dogs are some of the best in town too, I might add. My favorite dog there is "The Nashville Dog." The Nashville has Slaw, Mustard and Onion. Also, I enjoy munching on the "Chicago," which has mustard, onions, relish, tomato, sport peppers, pickle and celery salt. If you can fit this all in your mouth, you will love it! When I am feeling on the "crazy" side, I like to go for the "Boston." This dog has baked beans, onions and cheese. The flavors combined are quite tasty…in fact it will make you want another, for sure! Here, you can have things your way by choosing steamed or grilled. I like to have my dog grilled and extra crispy. HDD has many different condiments to choose form, so if you do not see what you want on the menu, then you can create your own masterpiece. I must say that HDD won #1 in 2006 for best hot dog/bratwurst in Nashville by The Nashville Scene and in 2005 they were also voted "Where the Locals Eat." So, whether you live in Nashville or you are just visiting be sure to check out Hot Diggity Dog, your taste buds WILL thank you.  http://www.hotdiggitydogstn.com/

Next on the list of my favorite hot dog spots is Noshville Deli. Noshville is a famous deli in Nashville, TN with four locations (Green Hills, Midtown area, Cool Springs and they have one in the Nashville airport). This well-known deli is a marvelous place to dine for breakfast and lunch. Noshville's has everything; breakfast all day (can't go wrong with b-fast), incredible sandwiches, hot dogs and much more. I have been dining at Noshville's for years and I would always get the sandwich or omelet, but just recently I started getting their hot dogs, and I cannot stop thinking of them! My favorite is the "Fran Cheesy." This is a 1/4 pound dog or 1/2 pound for the hungry folks out there. It is a beef dog accompanied with two slices of bacon on either side and covered in Smokey cheddar cheese, topped with a plentiful amount of creamy Cole slaw all placed in a poppy seed bun. Hands down, it is my favorite hot dog. I discovered it about 3 weeks ago and I have gone back to get it 3 times since! If you have not tried slaw on your dog, then do so, because you will never want to have it any other way! Noshville also has great fries, chicken salad, and the best Matzo Ball soup in Nashville, as well. You cannot go wrong when you eat at Noshville, but branch out one day and try their hot dog. You will not be disappointed.  http://www.noshville.com/

I have yet to try "I Dream of Weenie" hot dogs in East Nashville. This stop is next on my hot dog adventures. Also, I want to note that if you are traveling out of state to L.A. or Las Vegas and you are a hot dog lover , like myself, the be sure to try Pinks Hot Dogs. They are famous for their hot dogs, which literally "pop" in your mouth each bite. If you are traveling to Asheville, Wilmington, Writesville Beach, Carolina Beach or Boone. N.C, then do try Trolley Stop. This is another great hot dog destination that is famous for their steamed buns." Be sure and try the "Surfer Dog," if you go! Happy hot dog hunting!

http://www.pinkshollywood.com/

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Best Mexican Restaurant I have ever been too....AND HEALTHY!

Okay, I have become completely obsessed with Los Rosales in Antioch. I live in Nashville and will literally drive 20 minutes to eat there.... The food is all fresh...no freezers....and absolutely delicious. I know Carlos, the owner...He is a native of Mexico and wanted his restaurant to emphasize REAL MEXICAN food... Not "Americanized" Mexican... The menu is full of fresh seafood, stuffed peppers, fresh fruit, and grilled vegetables... His salsa is the best I have ever eaten.
What I would recommend trying.... The Camarones en Crema de Aguacate is insane!! It is grilled shrimp in this creamy avocado sauce that is an avocado lovers dream! The stuffed peppers, cheese dip, fajitas, and enchiladas are also some of my favorites!  Every meal comes with your choice of Spanish rice or white vegetarian rice too. You can also get steamed veggies on the side! The presentation of the food is also unique at Los Rosales... They really focus on the important details like fresh food, beautiful presentation, and great service... And on top of all of this, IT IS AFFORDABLE, which in these economic times, is I am sure important to many of you....If you are craving Mexican but trying to eat somewhat healthy and don't want to feel too full, this is the perfect place to go. 
Now, I know it is far out for some of you Nashvillians but please trust me...it is worth it!! You will be so happy you went.
Go to http://www.rosalesfmc.com/ to check out the full menu and get directions...It is right off Bell Road...

Some of the Best Chicken Salad in Nashville

Like most Southerners, we love chicken salad. So we wanted to share with you what we think are the Top 3 places in Nashville to get Chicken Salad:

 The Picnic: The Picnic is in Nashville of Harding Road (near the new publix). It has some of the best chicken salad in town. The Picnic's chicken salad consists of pulled, white meat chicken, finely chopped eggs, taste of parsley and celery mixed with mayonnaise of course. When this delicious sandwich is served on some honey wheat bread and lettuce on top it will surely make you smile. Picnic has many other great menu items, but they do have some great chicken salad. If you go here, I would like to also suggest the tomato basil soup. It too is very tasty.

Puffy Muffin: I know I have already reviewed "The Puffy," but their chicken salad goes on our top list as well. I suggest having it served to you on one of their homemade rolls...fabulous!

The Butcher Block: To those of you who have not been to the Butcher Block, it is a deli and butcher establishment found in Cool Springs. This quaint little shop offers a variety of fresh cuts of meat. They are said to have some of the finest meats in town, but what I like about this place is their chicken salad. It is a creamy mixture of goodness accompanied with halves of sweet, purple grapes. Served with lettuce and a croissant...this is arguably some of the best in town. The owners are very friendly, as well.

Our Chicken Salad recipe:

-2 chicken breasts, cooked or steamed, hand pulled
-2 hard boiled eggs, chopped finely
-1/4 cup of sweet relish
-Sprinkle a little bit of celery salt (optional)
-Salt and pepper (to taste)
-2/3 cup of Hellmann's Mayo (no substitute)
-Lettuce for topping (optional)
-Honey wheat bread, or croissant, or rolls (I love Hawaiian rolls)

Cook chicken until cooked all the way through. Then, hand pull/shred the chicken. Mix all ingredients and chill for an hour or two. Serve with bread or by itself (great if you are on the low carb. diet).

Southern Crest Winery...Grape Stomp pics!

Located in Portland, TN, just 30 minutes North of Nashville you will find an adorable winery called The Sumner Crest Winery. Sumner Crest winery is well known around the country for their Blackberry and Strawberry dessert wines, which are fabulous! This is another great place to go when you are looking for something fun yet different to do in Nashville. They offer free wine tasting and while sipping their delicious wine you can tour the gift shop that has many cute and unique gift options and they have an antique gallery which features the owner's lifelong collection and you can enjoy their classic car collection, which includes an actual antique Model T Ford...pretty cool! Sumner Crest Winery has been offered many awards for their wines. Actually, they have been awarded 19 medals from national and international competitions.


Last weekend, my family and I attended for the first time, The Sumner Crest Winery Annual Grape Stomp. This contest was great. It included free wine tasting, live music and an actual grape stomp competition, which was very fun by the way! Although, I did not win this event it was a great time that the entire family can enjoy. Many kids participated in the competition and those that did not want to compete could stomp in their own grape bucket. Also, they had face painting clowns here as well, that many of the kids enjoyed.

It was really nice; we brought ourselves a blanket and sat on the lawn with a bottle of wine we purchased from the winery. The wines I tried where the Strawberry wine, the blackberry wine, the Selva (which is a dryer wine with a pear taste and the Sumner Queen, which is sweeter and very good. All the wines we tried were fantastic.

They are having more fun events that are coming up, as well. You should check out the Classic Car Cruise In and Concert on September 19, where you can cruise in your classic car and listen to good ole classic music. They are offering a Justin Hall Memorial Award to the winner. On October 10, 2009 Sumner Crest is having a BBQ-Blues and Rock N Roll festival outside on the lawn. Just bring your blankets and lawn chairs and you can listen to great music and sip on good wine. It is an event you would be crazy to miss.

Then on December 5th, they will be getting into the "spirit of Christmas" by having a Christmas open house. They will be serving samples of their food and beverage products that can make for perfect Christmas gifts.

Be sure to check out Sumner Crest Winery and see for yourself all the fun this winery has to offer.

For directions and more information, visit www.sumnercrestwinery.com.

Whitfields Neighborhood Bar and Restaurant

Whitfields is a neighborhood restaurant located in West Nashville. It is owned by Nathaniel Beaver and well renowned chef Gary Coleman. It is a great place to go for a "date night" if you want to impress that "special someone" in your life. At one time, I actually waited tables at Whitfields and I can tell you first hand that here you will be surrounded by an incredible fun atmosphere and you will have the perfect dining experience, as well. The service and the food are incredible. Whitfields changes their menu seasonally, so you can have the freshest ingredients available in the Nashville area.

For appetizers you have many choices. In fact, it is hard to pick which one you want, because all of them look and sound remarkable. You can choose from fresh buttermilk fried oysters, seasoned with avocado-sweet corn salsa and habanera aioli oil. This is a perfect option for those who like things on "the spicy side." Also, another wonderful appetizer is the grilled shrimp with fried green tomatoes (a southern chowhound's delight). The grilled flatbread was one of my favorites. It has feta cheese with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, rosemary and gremolata and balsamic drizzle. This is a great option to chose as an entree as well, because it is quite filling. If you are a lover of savory cheesecakes, than try the lobster cheesecake. All the flavors will melt in your mouth. Those who eat on the healthy side, will not feel guilty about choosing the Mediterranean plate, that comes with hummus grilled flatbread, olives and grilled veggies with feta. We loved the "Your Way Satay" appetizer as well. This is a very unique offering to the menu, because you can chose from a satay with chicken and Thai chili sauce, or beef tenderloin with curry aioli, and shrimp with a sweetened plum sauce.

Whitfields also offers a variety of fresh soups and salads. Two of their current soup offerings include the French onion soup served with homemade croutons and gruyere cheese. Also, they are offering the crab and corn chowder as well. The salads include your typical Caesar, Asian chopped salad, wedge salad, and spinach salad.

Be sure not to miss out on this season's seasonal entrees which includes mouth-watering dishes, such as Painted Hills Filet Mignon Organic all natural beef, choice cut with cabernet demi, caramelized onion-bacon mash, parsnip chips, and grilled asparagus, which is quite tasty by the way. Also, offer pan seared rainbow trout, Stout Braised lamb shank, orange chili pork chop, shrimp and grits, scallops with bacon and lobster Mac and Cheese (you cannot go wrong with this one), Ahi Tuna, lobster and a fanciful dish called the Pasta Dweezie, which is Linguine tossed with chicken, shrimp, spicy andouille sausage, a julienne of peppers and onions, and Cajun spices (very delectable).

The desserts are some of my favorites. Actually, when I used to work here, I used to eat these religiously. My preferred choice was always the Jack Daniels Chocolate Bread Pudding. It is very different than your typical bread budding, because it is chocolate flavored, but to me this made it all the better! The crème Brule and Dulce De Leche Cheesecakes are very popular dessert options as well (but I say go with the bread pudding).

Whitfields is not only known for their great food, but they are also known as having one of the friendliest neighborhood bars is the area as well. The bartenders and staff treat you like you are family, whether they know you or not. To me, this is what makes this restaurant such a charming place. They offer a wide variety of beers and wine. They make a great martini too!

My favorite time to go to Whitfields is on a Friday or Saturday night. They sometimes have live music. In fact one night I went there the place was so lively, people were actually doing "the bunny hop" dance around the establishment. It makes a great place to have an after work drink and spend time with friends. Also, you and you date can dance, because when they have live music, they have a small dance floor set up for the perfect slow dance.

I chose to write about Whitfields, because it has so much to offer. The menu is unique. The service is impeccable and the atmosphere is fun. It is a great place to go where you can have a fine dining experience, but in a relaxing setting. It truly is a wonderful neighborhood bar and restaurant. And if you go, tell owners, Nathaniel and Gary, I sent ya!

For menu pricing you can check out the website at www.whitfieldsrestaurant.com

P.S. The owners of Whitfields are opening up a new restaurant in Bellevue. It is called the Bistro Italiano. The Grand Opening is September 9, 2009. Call for 615-646-8274 for reservations.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Mere Bulles. French Name...with a Southern Fare

Mere Bulles, which translates to "Mother Bubbles," is a great restaurant which can be found in Brentwood, TN. Mere Bulles is a wonderful place for brunch, lunch and dinner. In addition, it is a great place to throw parties, as well. Here you will find friendly service and fabulous food!

First of all, I am going to talk about Mere Bulles Brunch. Every Sunday from 11:30 AM-2:30 PM, Mere Bulles offers a fantastic Sunday Brunch. Out of all the places in Nashville to have Brunch, I think Mere Bulles is the best, because they offer unique selections rather than sticking with the "typical" Sunday Brunch routine. They offer an extensive fresh salad bar with any topping you can think of, including pasta salad, fruit salad, etc. Also, they offer their famous She Crab Soup (which is a MUST). It is such a wonderful soup...do try it! Then, they have Crème Brulee French Toast!! And it is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Another unique item that contributes to the buffet is the fried green tomato eggs benedict. You know you are in the South when they serve eggs benedict over fried green tomatoes. Sometimes they serve mini pulled BBQ pork sandwiches, as well. You don't see these on a buffet too often. And of course, you cannot have a buffet without an omelet station, waffle station; apple smoked bacon, farm fresh sausage, roasted pork loin, fresh veggies and sides, roasted potatoes, and blackened gulf grouper. I think (of course) my favorite part of the entire buffet is the chocolate station. Here, you can dip donut holes, pretzels, strawberries or pound cake into chocolate...this is a choco-holics dream come true. They also offer various brownies and other desserts as well. If you haven't already, I would suggest trying out Mere Bulles Sunday Buffet. You will not be disappointed!



If you work in Brentwood, TN, Mere Bulles is a nice place to take a break a grab a bite to eat. Also, it is a great place to impress clients, as well. My favorite appetizers there are the spinach dip served with tortilla chips and tomato and brie bruschetta (grilled Tuscan buschetta, tomato basil pesto, sliced brie topped with fresh parmesan cheese). The calamari is very tasty, as well. And as a stated earlier, She crab bisque is A MUST. Do not leave Mere Bulles without it!

During lunch, my favorite salads are the salmon spinach salad with blue cheese crumbles, spiced walnuts, strawberry-mango salsa, and strawberry vinaigrette. Also, they have a great fried chicken salad that is very delicious. The Ahi tuna salad is another great choice, especially if you are trying to watch what you eat.

They have many entrees to choose from, but they are famous for their Shrimp and grits, which are fabulous! If you have worked yourself up an appetite, try the Florentine chicken (grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, classic marinara, sautéed spinach and parmesan cheese). Also, the have great fish tacos, but be careful they are a little greasy.

My favorite part of the lunch menu is the sandwich section. I must say that people really enjoy the rib rolls (my brother's favorite). These rib rolls consist of shaved prime rib, cheddar & Monterey jack cheese, horseradish cream sauce and au jus. If you're a first timer, I would definitely give these a try! My favorites are the Mahi-Mahi sandwich (grilled Mahi with avocado relish on a sweet tasting brioche bun) and the salmon BLT (grilled salmon filet, chipotle aioli, bacon, lettuce and tomato). My dad loves the turkey and brie sandwich. This sandwich has fresh turkey, sliced brie, mayo, cranberry au jus, on sourdough toast. Watch out with this sandwich it is huge...but very good! My husband loves the California chicken sandwich on a croissant. This sandwich comes with grilled chicken, ham, bacon, marinara mayo, Monterey jack cheese, onion and tomato (they should have named this sandwich "Everything But the Kitchen Sink)! Another other unique sandwich item is the chicken & spinach crepe (grilled chicken, spinach, Swiss cheese, red onion, Dijon mustard, marinara, and parmesan cheese). If you go during lunch and the weather is nice, Mere Bulles has a beautiful patio, where you can sit outside and enjoy the weather. In addition, Mere Bulles delivers lunch as well. If you are planning a meeting and you want lunch delivered you can call and put your order in ahead of time and they will bring lunch to you. They are very prompt with their delivery and professional.



If you want to know of a great "date night" spot Mere Bulles is the place. It has a wonderful dinner menu with items such as filet mingnon, shrimp and grits, herb stuffed chicken. I have only had dinner once and I got the shrimp and grits. My husband had the filet which was delicious. Many menu items on the dinner menu are found on the lunch menu as well. 



I love Mere Bulles, because it has such a diversified menu. Mere Bulles offers food that you cannot find anywhere else in the Nashville area. Everyone that works there is very friendly.

For more information check out the website at www.merebulles.com