Over on 12^th Avenue South, there is one fantastic spot for these Mexican treats. I’ve only tasted them in Puerto Vallarta, and was so psyched to find out we had them here. These are hands-down the best popsicles you have ever tasted. There are tons of choices, both creamy and not, and the menu changes frequently. I’ve had a rose petal pop, a hibiscus one, and an amazing Mexican caramel one.

It’s a little tough to find, not much signage, but definitely worth sussing out. It’s one pop stand you won’t want to blow.

Dane

You know, when you grow up someplace, and something is so familiar, you can’t believe everyone doesn’t know about it? Like Seattle and grunge. Or, New Orleans and po boys. Well, until recently I thought everyone knew what “meat ‘n’ three” meant. So here’s the obvious explanation—your choice of meat and three sides, and Nashville’s the place to get it. Here are some of my favorites:

I go to Arnold’s Country Kitchen for their fried chicken, and in futile hope of running into any one of the Dixie Chicks. (Just when do they go there? Never when I’m there.) If you’re looking for a great milkshake, Elliston Place Soda Shop’s your spot. And if you’ve got the appetite for all-you-can eat, family style, check out Monell’s.

And, by the way—what the heck is a stumptown, anyway?

Dane

A lot of people talk about being environmentally sensitive or eco-friendly, but the truth is it’s a lot harder to do. I learned this past weekend about one local Nashvillian who is putting his restaurant where his mouth is and providing an inspiring example.

The man is Jeremy Barlow and the restaurant is tayst on 21st Ave S., the first Nashville restaurant to earn certification from the Green Restaurant Association. (There are only 60 in the country.) As well as doing things like using paraffin candles instead beeswax, running a recycling program, and cutting water output in his sinks, Barlow chooses his ingredients wisely. Just check out the chalkboard as you walk in that highlights the local farmers he’s working with. I’d never seen that before.

This means that as a diner you know that you’re getting the freshest local items on your plate. If lettuce is done for the year, for example, there’s the arugula. Things are always changing. And the flavors don’t disappoint. You just can’t beat fresh for flavor. Try their beef short rib and foie gras starter. Oh, and the bread pudding. That’s worth it right there.

Dane

(photo courtesy of betheats on Flickr)

But come on, as interesting afternoons go, can you do better than some satay (love that peanut sauce) or whatever and pushing the pedal to the metal in a go-kart? If there is I don’t know about it.

Dane

You’ve seen Iron Chef on TV. How can you not love that crazy show? It brings food together with sports and adds a ticking clock. Well, Nashville has its own version called Iron Fork that pits five local chefs in head-to-head battle. Last year Deb Paquette from Zola won. It sold out.

But Iron Fork 2009 is on our agenda. This year the kitchen will see five new chefs go at each other for the Iron Fork title. They include Tandy Wilson of City House, Jeremy Barlow of Tayst, Guerry McComas of Yellow Porch, Bart Pickens of Saffire, Jason Love of Ombi.

The culinary battle kicks off at 6 p.m. on May 6 at the Country Music Hall of Fame. As for the secret ingredient, they’re keeping that under wraps. Whole Foods Market will choose and then chefs will have an hour to decide what to do with it.

Your ticket purchase gets you three drink tickets. So I’ll be waiting in the Blue Moon Beer Garden.

Dane

]]> http://blog.hotelpreston.com/2009-05-01/second-year-of-iron-fork-sure-to-cook-up-some-tasty-fun/feed/ 0 http://blog.hotelpreston.com/2009-03-20/and-my-award-for-the-best-burger-in-nashville-is%e2%80%a6/ http://blog.hotelpreston.com/2009-03-20/and-my-award-for-the-best-burger-in-nashville-is%e2%80%a6/#comments Fri, 20 Mar 2009 23:08:26 +0000 Dane http://blog.hotelpreston.com/?p=466 You’re not going to believe this, because I didn’t believe it. I just had maybe the best hamburger I’ve ever tried. That’s rare enough. But what makes it really unusual is the fact that it was at an Asian type restaurant.

The place is called the PM Café and is located on Belmont Boulevard. We were over in the neighborhood minding our own business and just popped in for an early dinner. I don’t have anything against Asian food. Ask Dora, I’ll eat anything. But I was in the mood for a burger and our waiter convinced me to try theirs.

And this is a darn fine burger. Perfectly cooked with onions, garlic, Thai sweet chili sauce. And fruit juice. That’s what he told me. Fruit juice. Add some lettuce, cheddar, and wasabi mayo on a soft Kaiser roll and you’ve got a reason to head to the PM. Best of all it’s only $7 for all that.

So go. Their cocktails are probably worth a post of their own.

Dane

Dora and I have made a New Year’s resolution to get out a few times a month and be “tourists.” When you live in a place like Nashville for a while, it’s easy to forget that people travel a long way to get a look at our history and attractions.

So last weekend we went and toured the United Record Pressing plant in downtown Nashville. It’s been around since 1949 and is one of only four places in the whole country still making vinyl records. Man, I just love that some place is still doing it. It’s a really amazing process.

While you’re at it, check out their “Motown Suite” and party room, both of which have great stories to tell. But, you’ll have to visit the plant yourself to get the scoop.

Dane

I actually have to thank Nashville Scene for putting me onto the place. And I can say that they earned their title as best place for a lazy lunch. And it has to be lazy if you order the lasagna, which is, and I’m not kidding here, mammoth. Better turn your cell phone off.

But they’ve got all kinds of great stuff, sandwiches, pasta, etc. as well as Italian sodas. Gotta try the stuffed pepper next time. And I’m told that a lot of days you could run into some local big names.

So start wandering around Belcourt till you’re ready.

Dane

What could be better than eating a good meal and helping a good cause at the same time? That’s got to be the easiest way to help. They call that sort of a situation a win-win.

And that’s just what I would say about the Friday lunches at the Second Harvest. I had never heard of it. But when I saw this group from the hotel heading out for lunch they told me where they were heading so I tagged along.

Second Harvest is actually a demonstration kitchen at the Metro Center, and every Friday they offer an all-you-can-eat buffet for $12. It’s a little more expensive than brown bagging it, and it’s a pretty simple setup there, but the food was excellent. (It was Cajun, but I guess they change the menu.) Part of the money goes to the food bank. Tis always the season for that.

Dane

Here’s maybe something for your schedule. Especially if your spouse has been giving you a bad time about not helping in the kitchen. Every other Monday at 7:30 p.m. Mitchell Deli in East Nashville is doing a Learning to Cook 101 class.

Actually, now that I’m thinking about it that would be perfect for your kid too. Maybe for a Christmas present. I think it’s good for kids to know how to at least do the basics when they go off to college. I did, thanks to my Mom. At Mitchells for $25 you can learn about cooking eggs on up.

And even if you don’t take the class they’ve got some great sandwiches over there. I can recommend the muffuletta which is really tasty. Also one of the best places to get cheese too.

Dane