Weeks have passed, and I’m just now getting around to documenting the incredible Savor Nashville dinner I was fortunate enough to take part in on June 4th. I’d waited so long that I almost decided to forgo posting this at all, but then realized that would be a real shame for a couple of reasons.
First, when this event rolls around again next year, I want even more of you to attend. Hopefully by sharing these mouthwatering photos, I can convince you to start saving your money now so that can happen.
Secondly, I have a really good feeling that something from this meal will show up on my “Top 10 of 2011″ list, so I wanted to be able to reference a blog post when the time comes.
Pork Belly Bap and Lobster Popover with Demitasse of Chilled Mint English Pea
by Lydia Shire of Scampo, Boston and Matt Simonds of Hilton Downtown, Nashville
When the first course arrived at our table, I was a bit surprised by how substantial it was. Honestly, the size of this plate alone was almost enough for an entire meal! With a crispy outer skin and lots of juicy fat finished off with a bit of sweet hoison sauce, the pork belly sandwich was simply amazing (but how can pork belly NOT be??). The popover was equally fantastic. I’m not sure if dipping it into the pea puree was how it was meant to be handled, but it seemed like the right thing to do to me.
I had to force myself not to finish off every morsel on this plate so I’d have room for the remaining four courses….
Brazilian Shrimp Chowder
by Norman Van Aken of Norman’s, Orlando and Jeremy Barlow of Tayst, Nashville
Chef Van Aken informed the crowd that this chowder didn’t exactly go as planned. Seems that he created a base for the soup back home in Florida, which he then overnighted to Nashville. Unfortunately, the package never arrived, so he and Jeremy were forced into Plan B. I was so happy with this creation that I drank up every last drop, so I can’t even imagine how blown away I would’ve been by version A.
Brioche and Mustard Crusted Halibut with Porcini Broth, Favas, and Exotic Mushroom Agnolotti
by Robert Kinkead of Kinkead’s, Washington DC and Matt Bolus of Watermark, Nashville
Hands down, this halibut and agnolotti was the table favorite. Eyes rolling back in the head, a look of pure ecstasy on the face – that’s what I witnessed around me. Truly, there are no words to adequately describe how I felt about this dish, but if this is any indication of the kind of food Watermark’s new chef is putting out at the restaurant, I will be there often.
Roasted Triple NY Steak with Beef Rib Mole and Hominy
by Robert Del Grande of RDG Bar Annie, Houston and Brian Uhl of Cabana, Nashville
At this point in the evening, my dress was feeling tight and I’d had about 5 glasses of wine, so I’ll admit, the rest of the meal is a bit of a blur. I’m sure on a normal night, with this steak as my main dish, I would have thoroughly enjoyed it, but I’d hit a wall. Two bites and I was done.
HI Vintage Chocolate Macadamia Torte, Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcake, Candied Citrus Charlotte Russe
by Larry Forgione of Clark’s Group, NY/DC/Las Vegas/Brazil and Megan Williams of Capitol Grille, Nashville
That said, I can never pass up chocolate. Chocolate with macadamia nuts? Yes, I ate every bite of that torte and despite my inability to breathe normally as my dress cut off my circulation, it was worth it.
Our parting gift, truffles from The Cocoa Tree
Alright, so now’s the time to start planning for next year. If you can sock away about $10 a month, by the time Savor Nashville rolls around again, you’ll be able to join me. Just please remind me to choose a more suitable, non form-fitting dress, okay?
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Heather — June 29, 2011 @ 6:54 am
I loved living vicariously through everyone’s tweets & now through this blog post. It looks soo good & I really do need to save up some money so we can go next year!
Beth replied: — June 29th, 2011 @ 11:25 am
yes, you do!!
danielle — June 29, 2011 @ 7:23 am
I love Norman Van Akin – I remember eating at his restaurant in Florida, he is amazing!
Nashville Cleaning Services — June 29, 2011 @ 9:24 am
I think I will have to agree with Heather, I am a vegetarian and don’t really eat any of the things that you showed (with the exception of dessert!) so I have to live vicariously through your blogs and just drool over how gorgeous the food looks
ehalvey — June 29, 2011 @ 9:30 am
The food looks pretty, but way too many seafood options for me. It looks like a great event, just not in my price point. Perhaps they’ll create a vegetarian option next year to include more people.
ricejen — June 29, 2011 @ 9:36 am
HATE that we missed it. Count us in for next year if you have spaces at your table!!!! :-)
Beth replied: — June 29th, 2011 @ 11:26 am
absolutely!
Vivek Surti — June 30, 2011 @ 12:42 pm
It was a great time! That halibut dish was something REAL special!
Michelle @ Taste As You Go — July 11, 2011 @ 5:23 pm
Lydia Shire prepared the menu for an event I attended over the weekend to celebrate Opening Night at Tanglewood. The food was delicious, so I’m not surprised to hear that you enjoyed the dish she contributed. What fun!
So, How's It Taste? » Savor Nashville — May 12, 2012 @ 9:02 am
[...] blog about it last year, but luckily my friend Beth over at Eat. Drink. Smile. did! Check out her recap but make sure you’re wearing a bib to catch all the drool. What blew everyone away was the [...]
Reminder: a fabulous week of food events ahead | Lesley Eats — May 14, 2012 @ 12:24 pm
[...] Tickets to this event are $150 per person, which includes five-course dinner by guest chefs Bruce Moffett and James Boyce and wine pairings from Cultivate Wines. Plus, guests will enjoy performances from Grammy Award winning songwriters, Tim Nichols and Marv Green. A silent auction will be held to raise funds for Hands on Nashville. More information here. My friend, Beth attended last year and had a fantastic time. [...]