This weekend was one of the best Valentine’s weekends I can remember, and it all started with dinner at City House on Friday night. My husband and I aren’t ones to really go all out celebrating the Hallmark holiday, but I do require a really nice meal and some good cocktails. Only, I don’t like to do it ON the actual holiday, instead I prefer to go a few days earlier to avoid the crowds and the typically not-so-exciting prix fixe menus.
You’d think with as much hype as I’ve heard about City House in the past couple of years, that I’d have been there more than I have. For some reason, I’ve only dined there a couple of times, and both were great experiences. The hubs, on the other hand, had never been, so I figured it was the perfect spot for our special dinner.
One item we knew we would order before even stepping foot in the restaurant was the Pork Belly Pizza, or as the menu describes, the pizza with “House Made Belly Ham, Mozzarella, Grana Padano, Oregano, Chilies”. It had come highly recommended by several people, and it did not disappoint! We also followed other advice and opted to add an egg on top for an additional $2. For those who know me, you know I don’t really like runny eggs. But my honey is so thoughtful that he made sure a few pieces weren’t touched by the yolk. (I’m sure it had nothing to do with me telling him a million times “do not let that run everywhere!”)
City House’s Pork Belly Pizza with Egg
I will say, that pizza is scrumptious. In fact, I’m on the brink of declaring it the best pizza in town. Hmmm, guess I’ll have to go back a few times just to be sure it should be crowned…
In addition to the pizza, I had planned to order the roasted vegetable salad with walnuts and pecorino. That was, until the waiter mentioned the very special Valentine’s Day appetizer the chef was offering. Some of you might not be quite as excited about it as I was, but to each his own, right?
Veal Fries and Tongue at City House
Yes, veal fries and tongue. It’s something I’d never had before and just couldn’t pass up. I’m familiar with the term “fries” because I grew up eating pig fries. But like the nice lady at the table next to us, some of you may need further explanation….and your reaction might be similar to hers… Because, well, they’re testicles. Served in a slightly spicy fra diavolo, I loved them. Sorry if I’m losing any of you at this point. I will now move on.
And I will move on to a dish that is certainly more universally appealing – broccoli. This was not just any broccoli, it was roasted and tossed with raisins and toasted walnuts. I ate every. last. bite.
City House’s Roasted Broccoli
R opted for a side of cheddar grits with his cornmeal crusted catfish, and while I enjoyed a couple of bites of his dishes, I was much more enamored with my own. And believe me, it showed, because there wasn’t a speck of food left on either of my dishes when the server came to collect them!
My entreee at City House, Painted Hills Tri Tip, Parmigiano, Gremolata
It just so happens that on the very day that I’m writing this post, I find out that the chef behind my incredible meal, Chef Tandy Wilson, is up for Food & Wine’s Best New Chef Southeast!
He’s got some stiff competition, particulary another chef in Atlanta that I’m quite a fan of, Kevin Gillespie. So I’m here to ask you a favor today- show your support for Tandy and Nashville by voting for him!! All you have to do is click here, scroll down to the bottom, and then click next to his name. It’s that easy! The contest is open until March 1st, so please, spread the word and have your friends and family vote for Tandy as well.
Then get yourself over to City House and eat a pork belly pizza.
City House
1222 4th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37208-2714
(615) 736-5838
Mon-Sat 5-10 pm
Sun 5-9 pm
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Heather @Gluten-Free Cat — February 15, 2011 @ 1:11 pm
So, just curious. Is your husband used to waiting to eat until after you’ve had your fill of photos? Mine is just getting to that point. Ha!
Glad you had a great pre-Valentine’s meal!
Beth replied: — February 15th, 2011 @ 1:22 pm
Oh it drives him crazy, but he’s used to it and doesn’t usually complain! I do try to be as quick as possible though…and notice I didn’t take pics of his food…this time. It was part of my gift to him ;-)
ricejen — February 15, 2011 @ 1:46 pm
Hey Beth ~ So glad you guys enjoyed it. The Belly Ham pizza is our all-time fave. We get that and a bottle of wine to share at the bar. Fun :-)
Tweets that mention Eat. Drink. Smile. » City House and Tandy for Best Chef! -- Topsy.com — February 15, 2011 @ 1:51 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by bayjb, Beth Sachan. Beth Sachan said: My dinner @cityhouse and vote for Tandy!! http://bit.ly/ggNtgC [...]
ulikabbq — February 15, 2011 @ 1:59 pm
I know that offal doesn’t sound good to most people, but trust me if Tandy is cooking it you will want to try it.
Beth replied: — February 15th, 2011 @ 2:12 pm
I know, that’s why I just couldn’t pass it up. I figured I was in good hands with him :-)
danielle — February 15, 2011 @ 2:19 pm
Just last night my husband and I were discussing going to City House for our next “Date Night” .
Vivek Surti — February 15, 2011 @ 2:28 pm
This looks awesome! I still need to head over and try City House. Maybe I’ll go this weekend – if for nothing else than that awesome looking Pizza!
Beth replied: — February 15th, 2011 @ 3:16 pm
Yes, it’s really your kind of place…can’t believe you haven’t been yet as much as you’re over in Germantown at Tom’s shop ;-)
ErinsFoodFiles — February 15, 2011 @ 3:08 pm
Not sure I could eat the testicles… Either way your pictures of the food turned out delicious! YUM! N & I need to go back soon.
Beth replied: — February 15th, 2011 @ 3:16 pm
Aw c’mon, you’re from KY, you can do it!
Kristina @MouthFromTheSouth.com — February 15, 2011 @ 3:22 pm
I think I might have to be drunk in order to try the testicles but I believe you that they’re amazing. I’m giggling over the thought of them explaining what ‘fries’ really means.
Beth replied: — February 15th, 2011 @ 3:34 pm
It was pretty funny…the poor waiter paused for like 10 whole seconds after the very demure lady asked him. The look on her face was priceless. And then even better when I chimed in that I’d just eaten them!
Joey Butler — February 15, 2011 @ 4:32 pm
The fries sound great. I was stuck in Ft Worth for 2 weeks for work conference a few years back and tried calf fries for the first time. They were only $5 and I’m there on per diem, so what the heck. No one else at my table was willing to sample, which was fine by me b/c I finished the plate.
But I’m not sure I could get Renee to even sit at the same table while I eat them.
Beth replied: — February 15th, 2011 @ 4:44 pm
haha, yes, I can’t really picture Renee going for that…. ;-)
Nashville Nosher — February 15, 2011 @ 5:11 pm
told you that pizza was amazing! we love it! :) wanted to have our wedding rehearsal dinner there but they can’t accomodate our number of guests :(
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. — February 15, 2011 @ 9:17 pm
Sounds very fun! Hope your week is good
Scott — February 16, 2011 @ 12:33 pm
big fan of city house, I’m headed to ATL tomorrow for business and excited to try out Kevin’s Woodfire Grill for the first time.
Beth replied: — February 16th, 2011 @ 12:44 pm
You’re gonna love it. Did you happen to see my write up from my visit last summer? Wonderful meal! http://www.eat-drink-smile.com/2010/06/tastes-of-atlanta-part-1.html
Blake Adams — February 16, 2011 @ 12:52 pm
We went Sunday night and not only had the veal fries & tongue, but also the pig’s ears in milanese sauce, and pig’s tails in Martin’s BBQ sauce w/ slaw. We were all about the offal!! On top of that, the cocktails and pizzas always stand out.
Beth replied: — February 16th, 2011 @ 1:10 pm
I can’t believe I forgot to mention my cocktail, as it was outstanding! It was the Junior- Prichard’s Lincoln Co Lightning, Creme de Violette, Dr Enuf, and Lemon bitters!
Nadette — February 16, 2011 @ 1:37 pm
I’m so glad to hear another foodie who DOESN’T like runny eggs. I tried but I just can’t. And it totally ruins is for me when watching shows like top chef where they practically insist on putting an undercooked egg on everything. On the flip side, your meal looked amazing. mmmm
galaxiecarol — February 20, 2011 @ 11:24 am
I’m so happy to read this post. The entree photo looks magnificent, as is true for all your photos. Will need to get out and try myself. Cheers, Beth!
JimD — February 22, 2011 @ 1:27 pm
Hi Beth,
My wife and I love (maybe not a strong enough word) the Belly ham pizza and CH. About a year and a half ago Travis (our favorite waiter in town) told us that they were going to take it off the menu. Apparently the riots and looting helped because it’s still there. Yum!