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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