In Issue #40 July/August 2021

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:
Restaurants have never been as necessary or as different than they are now.

Creativity is born out of necessity. And never was it more necessary for chefs, cooks, and restaurants to reinvent themselves than in 2020.  As a result, Music City has the most vibrant and exciting food scene it’s ever had. Sure, it was good pre-pandemic, but now it’s edgy and unpredictable. And more inclusive. Cooks and chefs have collaborated for restaurants without walls and food without boundaries. For example, you can now find pierogis, kolaches, and Taiwanese dumplings at the farmers markets, all run by folks who pivoted over the pandemic.

In this issue we’re focusing on those new collaborations as well as pivots and changes for some of our favorite eateries. The best sandwiches are coming out of an Asian kitchen in East Nashville, Sicilian Pizza out of an American restaurant, and great Mexican food from a fancy eatery.

But while there are good eats everywhere, there’s still nothing like sitting down for a meal around a table in a beautiful space being served by someone else. We recently went to our favorite restaurant, Epice in 12 South, (who has the best hummus in town). After two hours of laughing with cocktails, wine, and beautiful food, we were approached by our convivial (and perfect) waiter who plopped down a complimentary Orange Blossom Rice Pudding and said, “Thank you guys so much for being here. Most tables are looking at their phones or taking pictures or are distracted. You did just what you’re supposed to do, and it made me so happy to serve you.”

Perhaps two of the most knowledgeable people about the restaurant experience in Nashville right now are Ben and Max Goldberg of Strategic Hospitality, the minds behind Pinewood Social, The Catbird Seat and many others. You can read our conversation with them in our new column Coffee With… on page 30.

And speaking of dining, the French know a thing or two. We talked to French ex pats who have set up shop in Nashville about French food and what it is, in our story The French Revolution. Read about the fresh flavors of a traditional French market to the authentic experience of a French bistro at Once Upon a Time in France, where, trust us, you will not be distracted (but may take a pic or two).

But wherever you find yourself eating this summer, we hope it’s local. There are more than 30 restaurants in our Local Restaurant Guide. We recommend you eat your way through them! It’s necessary.

Bon Appetit. -- Jill