All Categories - K. W. Poole

Superadura!

9/20/2019

I had the distinct pleasure of dining at Ford Fry’s initial Nashville establishment - Superica. I'll admit I'm a little late to the table - as I was on Martha's Vineyard visiting my family in August when it opened. It was worth the wait.

The venue is casual cool, in and out. The outside concrete patio sports music with a combo Nashville, Gulch meets Chicago chic vibe; all the hipness of a rooftop venue on street level. The interior hosts a wide open spread of modern meets rustic accents and seating options.

Comfortable high top chairs in deep turquoise and lots of space. So even when the place is jammed - and I expect most nights it is - you can actually enjoy your meal in comfort.

The bar is where it's at. If you are lucky enough to get A.J. she will make your experience both entertaining and informative. Her expert knowledge of and passion for the property, business mission and product is refreshing!

After ordering margaritas, perusing the menu and asking to review the tequila list, A.J. gave us a gift that was as superior as the restaurant itself. She poured us a special taste of their own small batch reposado tequila - Herradura Superica. She explained that the ownership sent her to Mexico for a few days to help decide what their signature tequila would be. Down to the last detail: aging, spice, notes, scents and flavors. Each barrel produces 240 bottles to share between six locations. A tequila created by staff. What a brilliant concept! And what a delicious experience...

This tequila on the nose exclaims scents of caramel, lemony citrus and spicy clove. It is a beautiful amber color, that beckons "taste me."

On the tongue, it starts out spicy and warm - a tequila drinker's tequila not for the novice but - as it opens up about three sips in - there is a creaminess of light vanilla caramel. The clove hints and black licorice bite move to the front, with citrus claiming the sides and middle of the taster's tongue. It is layered and complex but in a unified way.

This select tequila tantalizes the taste buds with a "Now wait - oh what's that?" way. For this tequila girl, the chance to indulge in a one of a kind tequila made for the restaurant - to compliment their cuisine and vibe - crafted by the people who serve and describe it daily - is a full on game changer!

But wait there's more...
Derrick, a waiter, who delivered to the bar a most decadant and delicious Tres leches cake - added to the entertainment. (Yes the staff is happy and it shows!) Derrick, asked what tequila I thought was the the best of the best. That of course is a conversation for another entry, but I will let you in on a little secret - we have a plan...

It revolves around exceptional tequila, dessert and an app - (of the technological kind) - we will keep you posted, but it's a bit early to reveal our secrets...

What can I say? Superica and Superica Herradura - SUPERADURA!

The Tequila That broke My Heart...

9/2/2019

Sometimes a broken heart is a good thing. Never at first, of course, but in time we learn from the pain. In time we are reignited by new possibilities and hope. In time the comparison of things past to present, moment to moment, and taste to taste become self evident. The world is a better place because there are many paths to follow; many choices to make; many experiences to come...

Don Julio 1942 broke my heart six years ago, but I did not know it at the time. The beautiful amber, creamy caramel, elegant-as-silk, brown-spicy-smooth nectar of this god, presented to me in the most generous and wooing way, would steal me from truly loving any other, no matter the cost. It is simply lovely. Simply perfect. Simply complex.

As complex as the relationship that ensued, this tequila is a heartbreaker only in the most positive sense of the term. It is worth the price, worth holding out for, worth the disappointment when it slips away, the last drop lingering on your tongue as you wish for just one more moment...

1942 is/was/always has been the game changer. There is simply nothing comparable. If you think you wont be drawn in by her elegance, think again. She is an indulgence above all the rest. She requires no accompaniment, except that of the company to sip with. Remember to toast to the things that pass and the things that last...
Both are worthwhile, even though some slip away in a heartbeat.

Back to the Basics

8/11/2018

Refresh and Rewind A Tequila Reminder

Last night a new friend reminded me that sometimes it is best to refresh and rewind. We were discussing tequila, while sipping other cocktails - I know, the horror - during a celebration. Learning about each other we found we had tequila in common.

His face lit up, a combination of joy and relief, as I spoke about the "rules of sipping." For years - after a visit to Mexico, where he discovered the truth of tequila - he tried to encourage friends to taste, for lack of a better term, “real tequila.” He equated some brands - which I will omit the names of, but you can easily guess - to “kerosine” and rightfully so. We’ve all had that shot that just about came back up. The burning sensation. The agony of that recognizable smell. Please, DO NOT let that be your ONLY experience of tequila.

Take a breath. Let that memory go. And now let us rewind and recap the basics for enjoying the tequila sipping experience…

Rule One: Purchase an excellent tequila.
But that’s expensive right? Wrong. It does not have to be. Great bang for your buck…? Espolon Reposado and Altos Reposado are two of my go-tos around $20-$25 a bottle.

Rule Two: Let the lime go. And the salt. And the sour puss.
Grab an orange slice instead, which will enhance the smelling and savoring experience.

Rule Three: No rocks.
A neat pour tastes more. Experience the true complexities of the spirit.

Rule Four: Hold your horses! No chugging or slugging.
Slow down. Like 5 star food tequila is meant to be savoured, not thrown back.

Rule Five: Use a proper glass.
Yes there are true tequila glasses - and they are NOT shot glasses - designed to open up the spirit and please the palate.

Don't let the words "Tequila" and "Rules" scare you away. Though they may have been "made to be broken"...sometimes rules put the fun back into the game. The old sport of shooting tequila is out. Sip and Savour is in.

Taste the Blue: La Hora Azul Tequila

10/24/2017

Taste the Blue: La Hora Azul Tequila
K.W. Poole ©2017

I was pleasantly surprised to rediscover this exceptional spirit last night in the company of partner Joe O’Malley and his beautiful team Theresa and Maya. The event, sponsored by Empire Distribution of Nashville, a kick -off to the holiday season in style. Empire’s Holiday show, held at the Omni Nashville, boasted numerous wine and spirit tastings. The crowning taste of the evening came in the form of a reposado.

La Hora Azul Tequila - the blue hour - lends itself appropriately to talking blue. The sensual nature of this tequila opens the portal to a surprisingly complex and distinctive experience. It stands up to its top shelf competitors with a style all its own.

To the nose, the immediate notes are floral, citrus and buttery vanilla. The citrus is notable as it is a light lemon scent to match its flavor. Though it is described to have notes of cinnamon, there is a definite elusive quality to the spice, which is apparent but soft. It tastes a bit like All-Spice, possibly Nutmeg and Cinnamon combined.

To taste this tequila is an adventure. Before opening up, the lemony citrus and spice are front forward on the tongue. After opening up, this tequila is surprisingly creamy, without losing the complexity of its layers. The forward citrus remains, but it is never harsh. It is warm and smooth.

Pairings for this tequila range from roasted almonds and dark chocolate to pomegranate or oysters. While I typically reach for the orange slice to open up my palate in tastings, I found this tequila is deliciously accompanied by thinly sliced cucumber; not only to cleanse the palate, but to enhance the beautiful sensation of the spirit as well; creating an optimum flavor-enhancing compliment.

According to Grover Sanschagrin, of TasteTequila.com: "Currently just over nine new tequilas are introduced monthly, and rarely bring anything new to the table." La Hora Azul makes it’s mark by beating these odds. Not only does it bring on the new, it ups the bar for any future rookies to enter the market. Go big and go blue. Or go home.

The ARTA of Tequila

7/26/2017

The ARTA of Tequila
In honor of National Tequila day I celebrate all tequilas! Their nuances and personalities make the world a savory and surprising place to imbibe. I was supposed to post this on Monday, but as fate would have it, we stopped by Rosepepper Cantina (http://www.rosepepper.com) in East Nashville to enjoy some of our favorite flavors in one of our favorite places. While Ben and Anastasio took exceptional care of us at the bar, we met the lovely and talented Gentry from Lipman Bros. distributors (http://www.lipmanbrothers.com), working her magic. She graciously offered us a complimentary tequila and as they say: “El resto es historia.”

This National Tequila day was spent with a particular tequila that caught my attention quite by accident - (several months ago) - and deserves more recognition than a simple mention. ARTA. Art brought to life in the form of a bottle. The exterior and contents are both notable and exceptional. The triangular bottle features the Dia de los Meurtos skull because “heritage runs deep.” The Blue Weber agave is harvested by a single-family owner located in the Jalisco region of Mexico, neighboring the town of “Tequila” itself.

Crafting a tequila is no small feat. If done well it can change your world - or better yet the world of others. Small batch tequila seems to be a new philanthropic platform for innovative entrepreneurs. Once you know you love tequila the possibilities seem endless. ARTA professes a mission beginning with the statement: “…tequila could be both steeped in tradition and rooted in rebellion.”

It is through this very mantra that ARTA has created a new face for philanthropy. The award-winning bottle creates the “outside the box” experience at first glance. It is as distinctive as the artists ARTA sponsors. The “ARTA Artist Series” - a program that highlights maestros who’s visionary approach to their art form is unique and unprecedented - features the micro-paintings of Joseph Martinez (https://vimeo.com/104985527) and masterful tattoos of Sandi Calistro (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZDspvFV5uo). The company partners with music festivals and extreme athletes as well, establishing ARTA as the well-rounded tequila of life’s adventures. It surprises and surpasses expectations in all forms. So what makes ARTA tick?

The timeless belief that all things good are learned and re-crafted - tradition meets change - change is good. Always strive to achieve. ARTA (http://www.artatequila.com) is a small batch, single estate, tequila company based in Denver, CO President, Randy Pierce emulates the quintessential disfrute exuberante de la vida of a master tequila aficionado. His passion for tequila is ever present both in the presentation of ARTA and the collaborative efforts of the company to live ARTA as more than a brand. It is a lifestyle. It is a family. History in the constant making.

As I raise the glass of ARTA reposado the scent is that of sugary lemon, reminiscent of rock candy and honey. Tequila, like wine, needs to breathe and it has its own unique quirk - it needs to open up on your palate as well - the first sip is never the true indicator of the drink. This is why shooting will never give you a sense of whether you truly enjoy a tequila. If the consumer does not take the time to actually taste it even the best tequila may seem harsh to their palate. Mixing in the lime and salt combo only masks and adds a bitter taste to the process. Which brings us to the ART(A)…

The truth of the tequila generally comes out with the third sip. Smelling or lightly licking an orange slice between sips will open up your senses and compliment the complexities of the spirit. Once you reach the third taste you can usually tell where a tequila is going, where it comes from and the possibilities it presents.

ARTA’s reposado is aged a surprising 11 months - as opposed to the required 2 months - if it were aged more it would make its way into the Añjeo category. It is both light in color and body for a reposado, but do not let the color fool you. This is a tequila drinker’s spirit. It is smoky and multi-layered, citrus forward with a pleasing warmth - no burn - with a surprising mint tingle on the front of the tongue - making it a craft to be reckoned with. The second sip is creamy and slightly sweet with notes of pumpkin and a hint of spice. Within the third sip all these flavors come together blending beautifully in a smooth collaboration and again the lingering taste of mint. From heritage to harvest to hand-picked and poured - from aging to actuality - from barrel to bottle to brand - slow roasted, well rested, fermented with fruit yeast and never any pesticides, ARTA brings to the table a tequila of world-awareness and celebration.

Happy National Tequila (Every) Day!

K.W. Poole ©July 2017

Not My Typical Post...

1/24/2017

The Musical Footsteps of Unity
by K.W. Poole ©2017
Music, like people, exists in diverse forms, shapes, movement, styles, rhythms and sounds. Saturday, the music of our city manifested in the form of feet. Feet with a purpose. Feet with a message. Feet with unity, peace and love. An inspired gathering of the women of Music City and the music of women country-wide; for women were represented by mothers, grandmothers, sisters, brothers, fathers, grandfathers, friends, neighbors, strangers, adults, teens and children alike. There was no gender on this day. No ageism. No racism. No sexism. We the people spoke together, peacefully, collectively and without borders. This is the sound of not just tolerance, but acceptance. This is the music of UNITY resonating across The United States of America.

As Cilene, (President of WMMW,) and I crossed the Korean Veterans Bridge toward Cumberland Park the air was filled with strength. We stopped to photograph, to exchange words with our Nashville neighbors and even to laugh. The first sign we encountered brought on an odd sense of joy, it read: “Free Melania.” This sentiment in its simplicity speaks volumes. A First Lady whose voice I have yet to hear.
The view from the bridge was empowering, as people cascaded the length of the pedestrian bridge and filled in every ounce of space in Cumberland park. It brought to mind the side-by-side photographs of the Inaugural attendances that continue to make a comparative statement across social media and the news at large. Trump is not taking into account that the social media - he utilizes with such frequency - leaves a bigger footprint than even his unfathomable mark will be upon the environment. It’s here. It’s clear. And we do not fear. Hey Mr. Cellophane* we see right through you.
But back to the moment at hand…pure beauty. All around the country - and our diverse world at large - others were engaged in delivering the same message. The signs, slogans and voices rang out like chimes of freedom.** Our steps in sync driving the beat of the collective drummer. There were women with Bodhrans, creating our pulse with an energetic cadence; cheerleaders encouraging the crowd to join their message; chants, buzzwords, and mantras shared by all and tunes wafting through the air. “Who run the world? Girls!”*** A particular favorite of the day.
As we descended the bridge beginning the walk toward our city plaza, I called out to the Hispanic builders working hard, constructing the renovation/addition to The Big Machine building on Third Avenue South - “Hey Guys!” We held our fingers up in the symbol of Peace and Victory and cheered - they returned the sentiments. And it rang out amongst us, as it did all day, the vocalized announcement: “I thought I was done with protesting this shit in the 60s.” Apparently we still are not learning from history. But we are giving it our best shot as noted by the fiery delivery of Pat Benatar resounding out around us: “Hit me with your best shot. Fire away!”****

Even Carrie Fischer - her force ever with us - in true Princess Leia form attended in the form of resistance slogans. A woman held a sign stating she wished her female parts shot bullets so the government would not regulate them. Yes that was a sign. A Sign O’ the Times.***** What would Prince think? High fives and fist bumps were dolled out for slogans including: “My middle schoolers are smarter than DeVos;”“Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for Hilary;” and “Love trumps Hate.” The slogans were endlessly inspiring.

No matter who, no matter where, the message on Saturday was clear:
To our newest EMPLOYEE in the White House. Welcome to the South (and might I add, all across the United States of America.) On January 21st, more people attended the world-wide marches than attended your inauguration. This is not an “alternative fact.” Stop tweeting. Do not shut your doors, for you do not own that house. It belongs to the people of the United States of America. We come in all shapes, sizes, genders and pigments. We are strong and we have a unified voice. We raise it above your tweets and bullying. If you grab, we will grab back. Watch your step. Because you do not want to hear the words you yourself made #famous: “You’re Fired.”******
Credits: * Mr Cellophane written by: Joel Grey & Rob Fisher : **The Chimes of Freedom written by: Bob Dylan : ***Run the World (Girls) written by: Beyoncé Knowles - Terius "The-Dream" Nash - Wesley Pentz - David Taylor - Adidja Palmer - Nick van de Wall :****Hit Me With Your Best Shot written by: Eddie Schwartz (Immortalized by Pat Benatar) : *****Sign O’ the Times: Prince/Paisley Park/Warner Bros. :
******D. Trump

Top 7 Tequila Tastings of the 2016 Holiday

1/7/2017

The cool thing about this post is that I might not be writing it if it weren't for my brother's holiday visit and a few key hospitality folks in town. Why? Because they were integral in my introduction to a couple of tequila products I might not have ordered on my own. (Admittedly, I am a creature of habit.) From a "mistaken favorite" order, to an inquiry regarding packaging that has always peaked my curiosity, our local bartendreesses gave me new insights into the tequila world. And then of course there are the additions of the sweet nectar that graces my personal bar, for which I owe most grateful credit to my beau.

The Top Seven Tequilas of this past Holiday Season are posted in a pay attention order. #6 & #7 are tied for my current favorite. Let's see who catches that. Get your orange. Get your glasses. Pour. Sniff. Sip. Savour. Repeat.

For 2016, the holiday favorites were... [Insert drum roll]

1. Tres Agaves. It is a standard. A current weekly $3.00 shot at Bakersfield. And it is good in any form; all are sipable. Take the time to taste it. I prefer the reposado. The blanco intruiges me though, due to the hint of mint which makes it an exhilarating experience. And for 3 bucks, how can you go wrong?

2. Tequila Riazul. Thank you Amber at Bakersfield for thinking it was my favorite. It is now a "go to" tequila for cold nights. A savory drink, with a warm and brandy-like feel, complimeted by notes of citrus and a lingering finish.

3. Fat Ass. As funny as the name is, this reposado is slow and lazy to start. I suggest letting it "open up" after you open it up. At first sip, I was unsure. However, after it rested on my bar for a few days, I decided to give it another go. I am glad I did. Once it got off its ass, it proved worthy of this list. A bit sharp on the front - one can taste the alcohol - but as it sits on the tongue it smooths out with a honey-vanilla, cherry earthiness. A modern tequila drinker's delight.

4. Hussong's Reposado. A surprise in light floral notes with a hint of honeysuckle. It reminded me of home. Thank you to Mallory, Hannah and Maggie at Taco Mamacita! This very unique reposado now has a place in my heart and on my palate. It is a refreshing sip.

5. CasAmigos. I'll say it again and again and again. You cannot go wrong with this tequila. It is pure brilliance.

6. Blue Nectar Reposado Special Craft. This craft will please both the Nay-Sayers of tequila and the Seasoned Tequila Connoisseur. A spiced rareity in the tequila world, it is simply a gem. Though it is "infused with essential oils and a hint of agave nectar" it is still pure beauty. The enhancements actually add to the libation. Special Craft should be shared as a universal experience at tables around the world. It is harmony in a glass.

7. Blue Nectar Reposado. The unadulterated version of #6. Both are lovely, but this one is precisely what one should expect from an exceptional reposado. The citrus and buttery rum notes are immediately apparent to the nose. BUT WAIT. Hold off a bit longer. Smell your orange slice. Open your mouth and breathe in again. The vanilla makes its way to the top along with the hint of warm bread. Yes I mean it. Its flavor is a bit hot - true to reposados. It does not burn. It tingles.

Like I said...

Pour. Sniff. Sip. Savour. Repeat.

Enjoy!

The Aftermath...Top 7 Holiday Experiences

1/7/2017

I took an unexpected holiday hiatus from writing. It was not intentional. Believe me. For the first time I spent Christmas in Nashville. My family scattered for the holiday. My brother came to visit me. And though there was plenty of tequila tasted, I just could not grab a moment to do anything other than jot down a few notes and move onto the next adventure with my visiting brother. Don't get me wrong - we had a blast! Infact, I think I miraculously muscled through the signs of the impending winter bug; the one that slammed me like a Mac Truck the minute my brother took off in flight back to New England. Then I was down for the count. Another week of off the radar...

But now I am back. What I was reminded of this holiday season:
Eat tacos. Drink tequila. Spread cheer and peace. All of these elements should be a part of your weekly (if not daily) mantra. For they are all healthy ways to warm the spirit.

Today - IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER - I briefly share my Top 7 Holiday Experiences of current Nashville Tastes, Tunes and Tequila.

1. Taco Mamacita did it again! My brother's first culinary experience in Nashville... A shout out to Maggie, Hannah and Mallory at the bar! What awesome young women! Again the exceptional Chicken Tortilla Soup. This time it was accompanied by a local beer for my brother, The Black Abbey Pale Ale. ("If you are from out of town and you try a local beer you should...") We both enjoyed sipping a Hussong's Reposado. This was a new taste for me. Not your typical reposado. As interesting as its ceramic jug packaging; it is uniquely light and floral. It lingers then dissipates on the front of the tongue, with a hint of honeysuckle. Worth a try. Will be especially appealing to the tequila skeptic.

2. Bakersfield (Look for an upcoming review and interview of this rockin' establishment but for now) One word: AMBER. Amber makes the bar experience an adventure! We enjoyed the incredible taste of our succulent tacos - (you could truly play the "blind point map game" and not go astray with this menu.) - Manager John McCutchen kindly brought us a Tequila Riazul to complete the culinary encounter. It was warm and brandy-like to the tongue - with notes of citrus and a lingering finish.

3. The Southern hangin' for breakfast booth. A much needed comfort on a tough day after. Catch my drift? A much needed Southern sustinence venture. My pick? The Saffire Steak; Grilled Beef Tenderloin on Bleu Cheese Biscuits - always a hit! A welcomed surprise...the BBQ Shrimp. Heads on, savory with a hint of spice and a Orleans Parish flair. This fish girl is sure to order these again.

4. Musical Musts: This was a toss-up for me. We attended two fantastic shows! The Basement East! Todd Snider as his alter ego Elmo and the East Side Bulldogs. (For a good read, check out Jonathan Bernstein's Rolling Stone Article on Sinder, August 1, 2016) This holiday Pep Rally had the audience entranced, laughing and singing along - and my brother jamming on the dance floor - What a show! The staff at BE is stellar. Always a good night out. AND The 5 Spot! For a bluegrass anomoly. Billy Strings with our buddy Brad Tucker on stand-up bass. Brad was the driving percussion - as this band has no drummer - they never missed a beat. The guitar licks and Billy's old-school vocals had us awestruck. As my friend Judd Fuller pointed out: "That's the kind of guy that makes me want to quit." (Judd, as I said that night, DON'T. You are an amazing gift to the music scene as well!)

5. Cheers to Lockeland Table! "Where everybody knows your name." Small. Smart. Stellar. Exquisite plates for every palate. The vibe at Lockeland is enhanced by the addition of the Delicious Dana Radford, who's welcoming energy and venue expertise makes every patron feel like a rock star. From small plates to entrees - wine to craft cocktails - Lockeland has locked it in.

6. Two Old Hippies is simply the coolest. The staff. The guitar room. The bus. The experience. Year round. Their brand of holiday shop reminds me of being back on the Vineyard, where every one knows every one. A sixth degree of separation shop. And every one shows up for the last minute Christmas Eve shop. (A tradition in my family.) My brother and I both felt right at home. As I perused the ecclectic boutique for stocking stuffers, he was engaged in a full-on tour of the guitar room. A ring-out to all our 2OH friends - thank you for bringing the spirit to our shop!

7. East Nashville Christmas! This one, I am sorry to say, you may not be able to replicate, unless you know Judd Fuller and Dana Radford. My brother's fresh Martha's Vineyard Oysters, a bottle of spicey Schramsburg Bubbly and the gift of exceptional friends. We put together a friendsmas that will go down in infamy. To try and replicate this one, you'll have to contact my brother, Donald Poole, on Martha's Vineyard and ask him to come back to Nashville. For now, the oysters are on ice.

Look for a Bonus Blog (tonight) Top 7 Tequilas of the holiday experience.

Taco Take A Seat - Ahhhhhhh...

11/20/2016

Corny I know - (pun intended) - but true. That is how it felt yesterday as I walked across town to the bookseller in Hillsboro Village, BookMan BookWoman, and scoured the shelves for my two all time favorites. The intention, to send them to two friends in a FaceBook book challenge; a gift to keep the magic of reading alive in the world and remind us of the simpler things. This adventure did more than that and just that in one beautiful November breath.

The collection of Truman Capote shorts, including of course Breakfast At Tiffany's, was an unexpected surprise, as it contained a few short stories I have never read. Collecting it with all the pleasure of knowing I would read them before mailing it along, I quickly scoured the shelves for my other goal. I found To Kill A Mockingbird with ease and tucked it under my arm.

The store was bustling with readers; a birthday girl with a stack of books piling up above her face sheepishly giggled at me and said: "I'm hoping my husband will let it go just this one day." I assured her she was supposed to buy herself as many books today as she wanted. "Just remember to buy him one as well." I winked at her. She nodded and somehow managed to indicate the one on top of the pile. "Got it covered." There were three young girls in the poetry and Shakespeare section, a wonderful sight to observe. So many readers, all without phones visible, many sharing their discoveries with each other, in library-like joy.

You may wonder what all this has to do with tacos...
It's simple really. Hunger set in. As I began the walk back towards my side of town, the autumn sky was brilliant, the wind and cooling air working up my appetite. I considered several places, but continued walking; plenty to eat at home...
And then along Edgehill the thought struck me and the craving was unstoppable. The air and the neighborhood vibe taunted me with the promise of the best Chicken Tortilla Soup in town. Taco Mamacita. A cool cantina with both the classics and their own cleverly creative cuisine. A neighborhood hang as welcoming as home.

I made my way to this gem of an establishment where much to my surprise not a soul was sitting outside. The place was jamming, and I was the luckiest patron of all. The hostess beamed when I asked if I might sit outside. She indicated I had my pick of positions. I chose a stool midway at the outside bar that overlooks the street. Watching passers by and taking in the quaintness of the neighborhood, I ordered my soup from Ben, who was amply as pleased to have an opportunity to soak in the sun. In fact, all three servers, who enthusiastically attended to my solitary needs, seemed as happy as I to be out in the fresh air.

I could not have a tequila today, but I perused their familiar list just soaking in the "what ifs" with a sensory-memory pleasure. It was almost as good as the real thing. Their list is extensive, reasonably priced, with choices to satiate every palate.

I opened the Capote Collection and devoured A Christmas Memory, while savoring the freshest, slightly spicy, succulent-cilantro-infused soup with gusto. The broth alone will make your mouth water. This soup has the most wholesome of ingredients, and all are not only of the highest quality, but also portioned to make every bite come out perfectly. Tender roasted chicken, chunks of Queso Fresco, diced tomato and perfectly ripe slices of avocado, are topped of by crunchy tri-colored tortilla strips. Comfort food at its finest.

The tale I was reading tells of Christmas memories through all the senses with expertise. Most of all through the making of thirty fruitcakes, homemade decorations and the gift of kites that "...get aloft even when there isn't enough breeze to carry clouds." It begins on a day in November, a day much like today. "Fruitcake weather" and Tortilla Soup weather must be synonymous, for it was the perfect compliment to my slight indulgence and momentary meditation.

As the holidays approach, and the colder weather moves in, remember the simple pleasures. Take a moment to get back to the basics. Revisit an old book, an old memory, a favorite standby like Taco Mamacita. I promise, It will bring you great peace. And remember to spread the joy...

As Capote wrote: "It's bad enough in life to do without something you want; but confound it, what gets my goat is not being able to give somebody something you want them to have." Treat yourself and a friend. Sit outside at Taco Mamacita and savor the season.

Good Morning Midtown!

10/13/2016

And what a day it is! The addition of breakfast at Midtown Cafe is as iconic as the establishment itself. Any local will tell you this place is simply a staple. It has anchored a place in history, past, present and future forward.

Randy Rayburn is a subtle and considerate genius of the Nashville culture. He is ever present and ever cool. Greeting and treating diners with the graces of a gentleman host. Midtown celebrates the daily life of Nashville's finest in quiet comfort. The food is exceptionally down home and yet elegant in nature.

Breakfast brings on a brilliant and diverse menu. More like a brunch. Eggs Benedict a wonderful mid week WHAT??? Delicious. Real slabs of ham and golden hollandaise. Serious food for the serious eater. The Chicken and Biscuits is accompanied by a horseradish savory sauce that puts gravy to shame. Each dish is accompanied by a plethora of choice sides. Fruit salad, bacon, grits, home fries with sweet red peppers and onion, are a few of your choices; the list is long and luscious.

And yes, you can have a mimosa or a bloody - both lovely - but the cappuccino is just as decadent and expertly crafted, with a sprinkling of cinnamon and a "rock-candy" sugar pop to garnish.

Rayburn's staff matches the ambiance and beauty of this homey establishment. Unpretentious in manner and they know their stuff. They know the dishes. They know the graces. They know the way to a customer's heart. It's like Mama's kitchen in gourmet speak-easy fashion.

Thank you Midtown for bringing breakfast to Monday meetings and Tuesday trials, writing Wednesdays and thirsty Thursdays - the weekends may be jealous - but I think Nashville needs this weekday boost!