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.