Nashville Restaurants and Food
Valentine’s Day Ideas 2010
What is it about Valentine’s Day dining? Everyone wants romantic. Really though, what does that mean? Is it the ambiance? Low lighting? Soft music? Sexy food?
This rather chilly winter keeps coming back to a more utilitarian definition of romantic for us: Cozy. We don’t look for expansive restaurants with huge lofty ceilings (well, at least in the winter…those are great attributes in the summer). Give us close, comfortable, and cheery this season and we’re happy.
This year Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday. That seems like a bummer at first - eating out on a Sunday night just isn’t the same. It does offer a new possibility though: The Valentine’s Day brunch. With that in mind, here are four suggestions for Valentine’s Day dining. We encourage you to offer up your ideas: some favorites or new spots that you enjoy. And restaurants, if you’re doing a special brunch for Valentine’s Day feel free to let us know in the comments.
1. Garden Brunch Café
This Jefferson Street restaurant blends a historic setting with a sleek, modern makeover. While the entire house underwent a transformation, it retains a sense of comfort and style that evokes an earlier age, when dining was a real event. Many folks dress up for brunch here, but if you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt you won’t feel out of place. It seems like dressing up would make it more of a Valentine’s Day occasion. As the name implies this is a brunch-only spot. The Germantown West Benny, a salmon version of eggs Benedict, and Bananas Foster pancakes were a pleasure on our last visit. Pop for a mimosa and things can get even more romantic. For Valentine’s Day they will have regular Sunday brunch hours. They tell me they expect big business, so they suggest you make reservations. They are also having special candlelight dinners on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights on Valentine’s Day weekend. Check the website for details and the menu: www.gardenbrunchcafe.com
1. Garden Brunch Café
This Jefferson Street restaurant blends a historic setting with a sleek, modern makeover. While the entire house underwent a transformation, it retains a sense of comfort and style that evokes an earlier age, when dining was a real event. Many folks dress up for brunch here, but if you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt you won’t feel out of place. It seems like dressing up would make it more of a Valentine’s Day occasion. As the name implies this is a brunch-only spot. The Germantown West Benny, a salmon version of eggs Benedict, and Bananas Foster pancakes were a pleasure on our last visit. Pop for a mimosa and things can get even more romantic. For Valentine’s Day they will have regular Sunday brunch hours. They tell me they expect big business, so they suggest you make reservations. They are also having special candlelight dinners on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights on Valentine’s Day weekend. Check the website for details and the menu: www.gardenbrunchcafe.com
Expect to pay about $35 for two with coffee, tax and tip.
924 Jefferson St. Nashville- 615-891-1217
http://nashvillerestaurants.blogspot.com/2009/09/garden-brunch-cafe.html
2. Sky Blue Coffee and Bistro (This restaurant is for sale, however the owner says they will be open Valentine's Day weekend 9am-4pm and probably through the end of February-ed.)
We’re going to run with the breakfast/brunch idea. For whatever reason, a laid back Sunday brunch just seems romantic. Sky Blue Coffee and Bistro offers up a jovial, warm neighborhood setting -that fits our bill for romance in 2010. Just make sure you are okay with casual for Valentine’s Day. It’s also a smaller location, so you may have to wait. They serve up an inventive and well executed breakfast and lunch menu. Quite frankly that Brisket Benedict is still calling my name. Sky Blue does not take reservations on Sundays. They will be open 9am-4pm on Valentine’s Day. www.skybluecoffee.com
Expect to pay about $28 for two entrees, coffee tax and tip.
700 Fatherland Street in East Nashville- 615-770-7097
http://nashvillerestaurants.blogspot.com/2009/10/sky-blue-coffee-and-bistro.html
3. Mere Bulles
If you’re looking for a more upscale Sunday brunch, Mere Bulles features romantic surroundings and a decadent all you can eat buffet with inventive flair. Items like crème brulee French toast and fried green tomato eggs Benedict bring in the crowds. It’s one of the more restrained buffets in town size-wise, with a just a few breakfast items, some entrees, sides and plenty of deserts. The legendary She-Crab Bisque is probably worth the trip on its own. The sherry based soup is silky and plenty crabby at the same time. The blackened grouper was also a hit at our table. The pork loin was dry and a little tough on our visit. The chocolate fountain and mini-key lime morsels certainly hit the romantic notes. A full bar (starting at noon) and mimosas can also help promote the spirit of the day.
http://nashvillerestaurants.blogspot.com/2009/09/garden-brunch-cafe.html
2. Sky Blue Coffee and Bistro (This restaurant is for sale, however the owner says they will be open Valentine's Day weekend 9am-4pm and probably through the end of February-ed.)
We’re going to run with the breakfast/brunch idea. For whatever reason, a laid back Sunday brunch just seems romantic. Sky Blue Coffee and Bistro offers up a jovial, warm neighborhood setting -that fits our bill for romance in 2010. Just make sure you are okay with casual for Valentine’s Day. It’s also a smaller location, so you may have to wait. They serve up an inventive and well executed breakfast and lunch menu. Quite frankly that Brisket Benedict is still calling my name. Sky Blue does not take reservations on Sundays. They will be open 9am-4pm on Valentine’s Day. www.skybluecoffee.com
Expect to pay about $28 for two entrees, coffee tax and tip.
700 Fatherland Street in East Nashville- 615-770-7097
http://nashvillerestaurants.blogspot.com/2009/10/sky-blue-coffee-and-bistro.html
3. Mere Bulles
If you’re looking for a more upscale Sunday brunch, Mere Bulles features romantic surroundings and a decadent all you can eat buffet with inventive flair. Items like crème brulee French toast and fried green tomato eggs Benedict bring in the crowds. It’s one of the more restrained buffets in town size-wise, with a just a few breakfast items, some entrees, sides and plenty of deserts. The legendary She-Crab Bisque is probably worth the trip on its own. The sherry based soup is silky and plenty crabby at the same time. The blackened grouper was also a hit at our table. The pork loin was dry and a little tough on our visit. The chocolate fountain and mini-key lime morsels certainly hit the romantic notes. A full bar (starting at noon) and mimosas can also help promote the spirit of the day.
If stuffing yourself silly doesn’t seem very romantic (it’s hard not to overindulge at a buffet) they also have a jazz inspired theme all weekend for dinner, with a prix fixe menu and wine specials.
We paid $55 for two buffets and a mimosa, with tax and tip.
Mere Bulles is located just off Old Hickory Blvd. at 5201 Maryland Way in Brentwood - 615- 467-1945. http://www.merebulles.com/MereBulles_VDay_2010.html
4. Mad Platter
If you intend to do dinner, consider this Nashville stalwart. The Mad Platter has been a fine dining favorite for 20 years. The 1880’s building housed a butcher shop and drug store in years past. Craig and Marcia Jervis utilize the long, narrow room well, maintaining an upscale sensibility that blends with the historic nature of the creaky wood floors and original brick. Don’t miss their famous take on Caesar salad; it may be one of the best versions in town: decadently creamy, with hints of sweet provided by sun dried tomatoes. Veggie Eaters will need to ask about options, and while there are only a few on the menu, you’ll find the wait staff glad to help. An inquiry with the kitchen revealed the roasted tomato soup was not veggie friendly, but the hearty, warming white bean was not only safe but subtly spiced and herbed. We asked for the blackened beef tips on the side so the Veggie Eater could taste the savory ricotta gnocchi in a three cheese sauce. They were happy to oblige. They only do dinner service on Sundays. The Valentine’s menu will include some favorites and a few offerings special for the night. They will come in a five course and three course options.
We paid $120 with tax and tip for one five course and one three course dinner, with a couple of glasses of wine and a cocktail.
The Mad Platter is located at 1239 Sixth Avenue North in the Germantown neighborhood of Nashville - 615-242-2563. www.themadplatterrestaurant.com
If you intend to do dinner, consider this Nashville stalwart. The Mad Platter has been a fine dining favorite for 20 years. The 1880’s building housed a butcher shop and drug store in years past. Craig and Marcia Jervis utilize the long, narrow room well, maintaining an upscale sensibility that blends with the historic nature of the creaky wood floors and original brick. Don’t miss their famous take on Caesar salad; it may be one of the best versions in town: decadently creamy, with hints of sweet provided by sun dried tomatoes. Veggie Eaters will need to ask about options, and while there are only a few on the menu, you’ll find the wait staff glad to help. An inquiry with the kitchen revealed the roasted tomato soup was not veggie friendly, but the hearty, warming white bean was not only safe but subtly spiced and herbed. We asked for the blackened beef tips on the side so the Veggie Eater could taste the savory ricotta gnocchi in a three cheese sauce. They were happy to oblige. They only do dinner service on Sundays. The Valentine’s menu will include some favorites and a few offerings special for the night. They will come in a five course and three course options.
We paid $120 with tax and tip for one five course and one three course dinner, with a couple of glasses of wine and a cocktail.
The Mad Platter is located at 1239 Sixth Avenue North in the Germantown neighborhood of Nashville - 615-242-2563. www.themadplatterrestaurant.com
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