First Taste of Etch, Silo & Lockeland Table

 

It’s finally happening. Etch is opening the doors this week and I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek on Friday while they were doing a mock service in preparation.

The menu is still somewhat of a work in progress, so I’m not going to share all of the details, but please let me assure you that Deb Paquette has once again outdone herself. Every dish I tasted was like a party in my mouth. Flavors! Textures! Delciousness!

 

 Etch’s Roasted Cauliflower Appetizer

If I could eat a dish like the Roasted Cauliflower appetizer for every meal, I could be a vegetarian. No joke. The pea pesto, salted almonds, and a feta crema (plus the mystery orange puree) were absolutely, positively incredible. Fingers crossed that this is one item that stays on the menu, because I will order it every time I walk in that door.

 

Japanese braised and fried Short Ribs, Korean noodles, spinach, shiitakes, sugar peas, charred carrots, shrimp relish and spring aioli

Word of advice, people: Make a reservation NOW. I want you to see for yourself how fantastic this restaurant is, and I want you to find out before the rest of the world discovers it. I have a feeling that a few months from now, it’s going to be pretty difficult to get a seat….

This Wednesday, August 29th is opening day, and the restaurant will begin taking reservations today. You can call 615-522-0685 or visit OpenTable.com.

Etch

303 Demonbreun St
Nashville, TN 37201
(in the Encore)
615-522-0685


Silo’s Deviled Eggs, 3 ways

Never do I remember a time where so many great restaurants opened their doors within such a short span. After months of not dining out very often, I recently had the unusual opportunity to get out a few nights in a row. So I seized that opportunity and hit all of the new spots just days after they opened for business.

Silo’s Red grouper, fairytale eggplant, zephyr squash, corn puree

My husband and I went out on a date night to Silo, the new Germantown restaurant that is within steps of two other popular Nashville spots, Germantown Cafe and City House.

I found that their “Southern-influenced, neighborhood bistro” description was perfect. The space is very warm, the staff friendly, and the food fresh. Oh, and did I mention they have a delightful cocktail menu? In fact, we may have ordered as many cocktails as we did plates of food!

Silo

1121 5th Ave N
Nashville, TN 37208
615-750-2912

 

 Lockeland Table’s oven roasted okra

My friend Melissa and I just had dinner together for the first time in ages. While she used to be one of my main dining partners, for the past year, we’ve both had some pretty intense schedules and major life events that have kept us from getting together.

But finally, it happened. We put a date on the calendar and when it rolled around, neither of us had to cancel or reschedule! Hallelujah!

 

Lockeland Table’s Bone-in pork loin, TN smoked cheddar mac & cheese, braised greens, Vidalia onion jam, pickled mustard seeds

 

I’d been hearing some major buzz about Lockeland Table for a few days, so my expectations were quite high going into it.

I’m happy to report that I was not disappointed. This meal was homey, a complete comfort food experience. I mean, check out that pork chop, greens and mac & cheese. The only thing left on that plate when I was finished was a bone. And even though I was completely and utterly stuffed, we ordered dessert.

Because, well, that’s what Melissa and I do. Chocolate bread pudding with chocolate Bravo gelato? Um, hell yes.

 Lockeland Table’s Chocolate Bread Pudding

Lockeland Table

1520 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
615-228-4864

 

Now go. Run, do not walk. The next 3 outings you have, these are the places you should go. I’m already dreaming of my next visit to each of them!