5 Important Nashville Restaurants
Let me take this opportunity to identify five — count ’em, five — restaurants that are essential to a great understanding of Nashville. If you haven’t visited them yet, then certainly put them on your “to do” list. But if you have visited them, please share with us, via a comment, what you had and whether you were thrilled with your visit there. Would you recommend it to a friend? Why — or why not? Ready? Here goes:
- Loveless Cafe. Loveless is located on Hwy 100 in Bellevue. You’ll want to go there for a traditional “Southern” breakfast, complete with biscuits, gravy, and ham. There’s lots more choices you might make: burgers, fish, etc., but you can’t go wrong with breakfast fare. Just heard a news story affirming that people who eat breakfast tend to be healthier! Who says you can’t have breakfast at 4:00 or 5:00 in the afternoon? After your meal, pop into their Hams and Jams store to take home a few goodies.
- Pancake Pantry. 21st Avenue in Hillsboro Village. Well, I admit that starting off with #1 (L. C.) made me think of lots of breakfast items, so pancakes ranked right up there in second place. Pancake Pantry also serves other foods, but there are so many pancake choices, ones you would never make at home, that you can’t really choose fare except for pancakes there. One more point: take a glance at the other customers. It’s very likely you’ll see a famous face there. Senators gotta eat…
- Rotier’s. Elliston Place. Go have a great time at Centennial Park. Take a walk, view the flowers, climb the steps of the Parthenon, visit the ducks, play some Frisbee. Have you worked up an appetite yet? Then head down to Rotier’s and get a cheeseburger on French bread. There is no other choice, trust me. You will be asking yourself “why have I not visited Rotier’s before now?” Oh, and for the very day you’re visiting this restaurant, someone declared that calories are not a concern: yep, on this very day.
- Sapporo Japanese. Gallatin Pike near Rivergate, directly across from Home Depot. Okay, I’m almost hesitant to share the news of this restaurant, because that means it may be more crowded next time I visit. But the fabulous sushi is made before right before your eyes, and you get a generous portion (typically, eight rolls). Bento boxes are wonderful (and always include a little something extra). Try their steamed dumplings too. They deserve applause for their service, too. You won’t be disappointed.
- Maggiano’s. 3106 West End. If you arrive a little earlier than most dinner diners, you won’t have more than a five- or ten-minute wait. That will give you time to inhale all the delicious scents of garlic, crusty hot bread, the sweet smell of tomato sauce. By the time you sit down, I promise there will be at least four items on the menu that you want to order. So choose carefully, place your order, and make a mental note of what you’ll try next time. I have always wanted to have room left to try the cannoli or the tiramisu, but so far, I haven’t had that chance. Maybe next time.
Okay? What do you say? If I haven’t touched on your favorite, please share. And finally, if you’re just hungry for a home, contact us: we give great advice on that topic, too. Bon appetit!