Over the last couple of weeks, I've taken a hiatus from well, everything. I traveled to Los Angeles with my husband for Grammy celebrations and ended up extending my trip to soak up the sunny inspiration a bit longer... in total, 2 weeks. I've always loved the West Hollywood neighborhood (WeHo to residents), and was perfectly content except aside from missing Mr. Nichols. He headed back to Nashville for work with the rest of Music Row post-awards. There's much to share about my experiences including a guide for top places to shop, savor, sip and spoil yourself. Watch for posts in the next few days.

MOTO's  martini selection - with inclusions like blood oranges or limoncello are top choices.

For now, I'm focusing on the highlights of returning back to my favorite city in the world. Seeing my best guy and our house was something to look forward to, but as wheels touched down in pouring, freezing rain at BNA, part of me yearned to go right back. That desire quickly vanished as we immediately headed to MStreet's new rustic/Italian/chic/fab MOTO.

MOTO's Black spaghetti with lobster and chilies. In a word.. WOW! 

Because I stuck to vegan practices while away (and haven't really eaten meat/dairy in months: click for WHY), I wasn't as excited about the food as to see the finished space. It was as I expected, completely intoxicating. Brick walls, an open kitchen and well-appointed bar with unique tile top and amazing lighting/fixtures were details I noticed first. 

Fresh broccoli Rabe on one of the specialty wood oven-fired pizzas at MOTO

Once the menu arrived, I knew we might have a new go-to. Tim's a huge fan of pasta and all things pizza... so he was in heaven. I was equally happy with cleverly crafted options like a gorgeous raw winter vegetable salad, Cobia dish and selection of creative cocktails. We liked it so much that we went again the following night to taste what we couldn't sample at one sitting. From meatballs to slow-roasted squash I could eat at every meal, we agreed we would return -- and often.

The Cobia at Moto is served with Meyer lemon, herb salad and lentils. Healthy but so indulgent.

What makes me happiest is that another locally owned restaurant is taking all tastes and eating styles into consideration. I fell just as hard (still swooning) for Josephine on 12th when they opened a few weeks ago. I visited 3 times within 5 days to start. Yep, it's that good.

The scallops at Josephine are my obsession. Perfect in every way.

With so many beautifully prepared vegetable items and herb-infused cocktails, being fully satisfied while sticking to my eating practices is easy. Carnivores at my table raved about the burger, steak and the fried oyster sandwich each time, but I never felt left out. Josephine is the kind of place you want to 'cozy up' and drink wine all day (paired with gourmet fare, of course). You can actually do just that with their weekend brunch offerings. I'm so excited about what the spring menu will include!

This lunch sandwich of fried oysters, bacon and other tasty items is a daily pick at Josephine on 12th.

I was growing weary of similar menu items no matter how talented the chef (or great the flavor) involving restaurant openings over the last year or so. It seemed every new restaurant featured more of the same (how many fried green tomatoes can one town eat?). A bit of variety is a delightful change. I cannot wait to see what's next.

 This Josephine salad can be modified for me...hold the bacon and dressing - it's still so scrumptious! 

Do share your thoughts/opinion on dining out in Music City -- and details on the best dish you've enjoyed and where. Would love your feedback! 






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Usually, I am not around much in January. Freezing temps send me to the warmest locale possible. With my husband's foot surgery and loose ends for publication deadlines, I've been in town/at home... actually enjoying every moment. Even the coldest days weren't terrible. I spent them experimenting in my kitchen and bar (top turnouts posted soon). One of the biggest joys was playing with items from Stephanie Stewart's A Chef's Table cookbook. The photos by Ron Manville and recipes from local culinary gurus were inspiration to create my own striking plates.

Find this collection of area chef recipes at your favorite bookstore. 

I finally caught up with other happenings in town (bonus!). Nashville is booming.. so fast that it's hard to keep up at times. I've done a quick roundup of items on my radar over the last couple of weeks (this is only part 1) that I couldn't wait to share.

My friend, Melissa of Parlour 3 bought a tour bus, gutted and converted it to the ultimate glam vehicle. That's right- - a beauty bus on the road.. and it's fantastic. As a professional hair/makeup artist to top celebs, she knows the struggles of 'on location' work. Now, shooting remote videos won't require difficult set ups.. and bridal parties can be completely groomed in a church parking lot. It will be a blast for women's showers or parties. The possibilities are endless. Look for lots of media buzz on this, as it's the first of it's kind.. genius and gorgeous!

The only bus I cannot wait to be on. 

As for the food scene, be prepared to be  riddled with temptation from all of the new openings. 12 South is exploding with promise as the charming Josephine fills up nightly while the same owners work to open Prima in the ground floor of The Gulch's Terrazzo. Look for a dedicated post on Josephine experience this week. Just as they are wowing patrons, Espice is also finalizing plans to open doors nearby. Talk about a cool place to be for walking nightlife! I also love the new tacos added to the menu at recently opened Saint Anejo. Spicing things up has never tasted better.

No need to blow a diet at Josephine.. the clean-eating vegetables are better than any burger. 

 Nashville Originals' restaurant week (1/20-26) includes incredible multi-course meals at sensational savings. Reservations are filling up fast at member locations so be sure to make some.
  

Step inside Emerson Grace for a total fashion fix.. and don't miss stopping at the fab Cadeau Home next door. 

On the shopping front, clearance sales are still in play, but there's also an abundant choice of new merchandise. Fun new stores like Blue Bohemian sport reasonably priced lines like Judith March. At Emerson Grace fashion fans are digging the coolest vibe in a unisex clothing and accessory boutique to hit the city yet. While browsing the coffee table book selection Absolution, I found a line that speaks to the heart..The Giving Keys. Not only are the pieces casually chic - the company exists to employ persons transitioning out of homeless situations and supports international charities. There's one catch; you have to give it away at some point to really pay it forward. Now that's a product that I can feel good about buying... 

Each Giving Key piece has a positive message engraved on the surface. Stylish + sentimental = love!

Do share your top picks for January and enjoy exploring all that Music City has to offer this season! 

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Everyone who follows  knows I've changed some habits. From eliminating dairy, most meats and striving for all things truly organic.. it's pretty much my current obsession. But, just like everyone else, as the weather turns cooler, I crave comfort food. That usually comes from my kitchen, but there are a few restaurants in town working hard to provide people like me with choices while offering indulgent options for my dinner companions. So grateful for the effort, which equals a fun, but guilt free night out!

Kayne Prime; "Roasted Roots"

A perfect example is Kayne Prime. Yes, it's the city's most notable steakhouse; but they also serve some of the best seafood/fish in town. There are always many choices, but I can't rave enough about the swordfish on Kayne's new fall menu. It is unlike any other fish I've ever tasted... the key is meticulous preparation. I'm just as crazy about the seasonal sides introduced this week. A rich (but still light) roasted vegetable medley (sweet potatoes, carrots + flavored with Harissa and other natural enhancers) is incredible. I  could actually order just this; the portion is huge, filling and truly addictive. Ditto for the Brussels sprouts, which I could eat at every meal. Here, my husband gets his fill of superior steaks, rich corn creme brûlée and desserts, and I don't feel at all deprived. I always leave full and happy.

The swordfish at Kayne Prime 

Another spot for experiencing the tastes of autumn in Nashville is Park Cafe. This Sylvan Park icon blows me away with inventive entrees and superior dressing of the daily catch with an array of vegetables. I can only say 'wow' about the new Cornish game hen, which is on the menu every night. If there's anything that demonstrates fall flavors, this is it. They make it to order, and can do wonders with creating a gluten free or vegan dish if you ask. I also adore Park's spicy side dishes (the green beans are addictive).  The food is spot-on, but I'm equally drawn to the charming patio and cozy bar - always treasure to visit....especially this time of year.

Park Cafe Cornish Game Hen 

No matter what you're seeking, there are spots in Music City offering more than just deviled eggs and fried pork, which seems to be a bit overdone at this point. Finding inventive flavors from chefs thinking out of the box while still highlighting seasonal Southern cuisine isn't hard. It just requires making the right reservation..

Where are your favorite places to stay healthy and sample fall's bounty? Please share and do dish on where you're eating next! 



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The hardest part about sticking to the FOUR HOUR BODY diet I've picked back up in the last two weeks (post holiday random eating) isn't sticking to the plan during the workweek. It's actually really easy. I keep zero temptations in the house (as in throwing out anything that even resembles bread, chips or sweets). If you don't know the premise of this diet plan, you need to read to my previous post, Slim  Down Success. It totally works and in record time. Just a few cuts of certain foods/beverages and any holiday weight will come right off. It isn't exactly fun, but it is simple and quick... two traits I welcome.

My favorite: The Milano. Sun dried tomatoes,  marinara, shrimp,
 artichokes, spinach, ricotta and mozzarella cheese

The tough decision is deciding what to splurge on on the weekly allowed 'cheat day'. But, after discovering Midtown Nashville's newest addition Soul Shine Pizza Factory, it's a no-brainer on where to go to indulge a bit. I've found a new favorite in Music City, and one that I plan on frequenting often. Even my non-dieting girlfriends love it due to their offering a healthy whole wheat crust option on their pies.

The crawfish bisque is a signature starter, and one not to miss at SoulShine.
PS: My husband LOVES this! 

If you haven't tried this new Division Street venue, I suggest trying it out this weekend. They serve both lunch and dinner. The pizza is the draw but the space is equally delicious. Hoping to see all of my Nashville friends there soon!

What's your favorite indulgence? If it's pizza, what are your go-to toppings?  Share it on the Southern Sophisticate! 

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There are a few places in Nashville where I can count on filling up with a fantastic appetizer without even thinking about ordering a meal. When you're trying to keep it light, but don't want to sacrifice taste or presentation, small plates are the way to go. So much better than a boring salad! Yes, some may have a bit of fat, but since they're small portions there's no guilt involved. These are a few of my all time favorites....

Classic crab cocktail at The Palm Nashville

The Palm's seafood never fails me. Over-sized jumbo prawns are served up daily (I could survive on these). But, what I truly crave is their crab appetizer. If you skip the cracker basket brought to the table, the 'meal' is carb free. Their tangy cocktail sauce is perfection, making this seem more like a splurge than a save for a diet.

Crispy brussels spouts at Virago

The 'Shaking' Beef at Virago

Virago also does a wonderful job on appetizers, offering so many fab items that choosing is the hardest part. Grab a friend and order in multiples. Chop sticks make it fun to share. Robbie Wilson's concoction of brussels sprouts with chilies are my new obsession. Filling, healthy and roasted with intoxicating seasonings. I also cannot get enough of their shaking steak (filet tips w/ butter lettuce and a wow sauce). Equal love goes to their sister restaurant, Tavern, where the wood-grilled artichokes are seasoned perfectly.

Grilled artichokes served with 'come back sauce' at Tavern

Another duo that always gets it right... Park Café and Eastland Cafe. Both have a version of Goat Cheese Brûlée (or something similar depending on the season). For the recipe, check out High Heels to Hot Wheels blog. Eastland serves it with local honey, toasted flatbread, roasted peppers and tomatoes. They serve to-die-for  potstickers while Park Café's carpaccio with fresh parmesan always leaves me wanting more. The best part about these two places? Their (not so small) small plates are only $5 early evening during the week. With this offer, they're putting the Happy back in happy hour.

Park Cafe's take on goat cheese...heaven! 

Potstickers at Eastland Cafe

Taking cues from a few of my favorite haunts has me focused on serving smaller plates at home. A simple platter with a bit of procuitto, cheese and whatever fresh fruit is in season is a sweet side for a big glass of wine on a low key night. 

If I want something a bit more substantial or have others joining, I look to Bon Appetit for inventive recipes. I adapt them a bit for speed/simplicity. My current pick is the mini shrimp rolls (I use pre-cooked frozen shrimp to save time). The easy-to-follow recipe: http://tinyurl.com/9ub8vfd.

Mini Shrimp Rolls 

What is your favorite small plate at a restaurant? One you swear by at home? Please let me know on the Southern Sophisticate.


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One of the things I was most excited about in moving back to  my 'hood' (Richland/Cherokee Park neighborhood) is the close proximity to one of my favorite restaurants on the planet. Unfortunately, due to a hectic schedule and remodeling craziness, I haven't been able to get there much since moving back. I'm referring to (the always fabulous) Park Cafe.

The goat cheese brûlée with balsamic syrup and local honey is light and lovely.

But, on this Friday night when my super-sweet husband said he wanted to take me out to dinner (at the place of my choice), I got the chance to go and relish in old favorites as well as a few new specials. Since I lived in this neighborhood previously for many years; I was a former regular, and a huge fan of Willie's cooking. (He's also the genius behind Eastland Cafe and the new Pomodoro East) Tonight was no different. The flavors were fantastic and the atmosphere is exactly what I want at the end of a work week-- relaxing!

One of my all-time favorite dishes, their chorizo stuffed dates wrapped with Benton's Bacon served with Marcona almonds in a tangy marinara.

If you go looking for libation, there's no shortage (try their champagne and ST Germain cocktail). What we wanted was something fresh, but not too sweet. Found it in their 'Strawberry Splash', a mixture of Ketel One vodka,  muddled strawberries and soda. 

Porcini dusted tenderloin with four cheese ravioli, truffle sweet pea puree and brown butter.

Special of the night: $9 burger topped with fried green tomato, pepper jack cheese, special house sauce and pomme frites.

If you're looking for a low-key place to enjoy locally sourced ingredients combined and cooked to perfection, this is the place to go. The best bartenders and servers are icing on the cake at one of the true neighborhood treasures in this part of Music City.  

I would love to hear what YOUR favorite neighborhood restaurant is, and what you suggest ordering there? Let me know with your comments, and don't forget to follow the Southern Sophisticate! 





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