February 2016 Food Happenings and Openings – Nashville

Photo by Anthony Matula

The Hook Opens!

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016

The Hook
2222 Franklin Pike
Nashville, TN 37204
615-840-7144

I’ve alerted you guys of a soon-to-be-open restaurant in the Melrose area that I’ve been looking forward to for months, and today I’m happy to announce the day is almost here! The Hook is set to throw open its doors this Wednesday, February 3rd.

Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week, The Hook is surely going to become a family favorite for us. I’m particularly excited by the many fish/seafood dishes they’re going to serve, as well as the fun cocktail options. Oh, and did I mention the Cheeto Chokes? Flamin’ Hot Cheeto-crusted fried artichoke hearts, served with house ranch. Yep, they’re going there.

Photo by Anthony Matula

And those will be pretty perfect alongside one of their Buzz Pops (house made carbonated cocktails served in glass bottles) or a “smashed cocktail” (with flavors like lemon, basil & vodka, and thyme, rhubarb & gin). Yes, please. And if my husband is reading, they have something just for you too honey– a Frosty Pimm’s Cup.

Stay tuned for a full report once I’ve had a chance to eat and drink my way through The Hook menu!

Lightning 100’s Chocolate Affair

Saturday, February 6, 2016
7 – 10 pm

Riverwood Mansion
1833 Welcome Lane
Nashville, TN 37216

Cost: $25

Note: This is a 21 and up event

Lightning 100 has pulled together what looks to be a very sweet event at Riverwood Mansion this weekend. A Chocolate Affair will bring together some of Nashville’s best chocolatiers, candy, and treat makers, along with wines, craft brews, and liquors to pair.

8 Lavender Lane, Tempered Café & Chocolate, The Sweet Stash, Eat Like Kings, Nashville Cookie Company, Brittle Brothers, Goo Goo Cluster, The Loving Pie Company, Chocolate FX, Chocolate Shop Wine, Bulleit Bourbon, Tito’s, and Rum Chata are just a few that you’ll find there! For more information on the event, a full list of participating vendors, and to purchase tickets,  visit the website.

photo by Phillip Fryman, Southern Fatty

Goo Goo Shop Dessert Bar Grand Opening

Friday, February 12th and Saturday, February 13th

All that to say — it has been a busy couple of years, and now we’re finally at Phase 3, the final phase (I think??) of the Goo Goo Shop- our Dessert Bar opening. We softly opened a couple of weeks ago, so as we’ve been training, some folks have been able to get a little taste of what was to come.  Now that February is here, it’s official. The Goo Goo Shop Dessert Bar is open for business!

It took many dessert tastings to perfect the menu, but perfect it we did. The entire menu is an ode to Goo Goo and our home – from the ingredients in each treat to their names. I’ve personally tried every single thing, and while I can’t say there is a single one I don’t like, my personal favorites are The Honky Tonk Blonde, The Clark Street Original Cheesecake, The Cumberland Ridge Pecan Pie and The Salty Southern shake. Put on your stretchy pants people.

Come join us on Friday, February 12th and Saturday, February 13th to celebrate the Dessert Bar opening and get a taste of what it’s all about! We’ll have samples, giveaways, and entertainment for the whole family both days. There could not be a sweeter way to kick off your Valentine’s Day weekend!

 

Nashville Chili Festival

Sunday, February 14th, 2016

Yazoo Brewing Company
910 Division Street
Nashville, TN 37203

Cost: $15

OR – $35 includes admission + 4 Yazoo Brew drink tickets

Obviously there is plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth this month, but what about the savory? Even though it might not feel like chili weather right now (hello, 70 degrees??), we all know that can change quickly around here (remember that  snowstorm last week?). If my sources are correct, Valentine’s Day should be a much chillier day than today, so I’ve got just the thing for you. Instead of going out for a fancy dinner, head over to Yazoo for the Nashville Chili Festival.

There will be tastings, live music, kids activities, beer and even a pepper eating contest! Oh, and do you think you are the ultimate chili master? If so, then make five gallons of your best recipe and bring it with you to enter the tasting contest.

For more information on the event, to enter the contest or see the rules of the contest, visit the website.

 

 

Our Kids Soup Sunday

Sunday, February 28th, 2016
11 am – 2 pm

Nissan Stadium – Club Level West
(parking is free)

Cost:
Adult- $25
Children ages 4-17 –$5
Children 3 and under – Free

One of my favorite annual events, Our Kids Soup Sunday is coming up at the end of the month, and if I were you, I’d go ahead and secure a ticket now before they sell out (and they will). Fun for families and singles alike, Soup Sunday has a dizzying array of delectable soups, a silent auction, live music and entertainment for kids.

With more than 50 participating restaurants this year, there are definitely more soups than you can possibly eat. And there could be long lines. For those reasons, I give you these tips:

• Only taste soups that sound really good to you.
• If you don’t like a soup, don’t finish it. There are SO many more to choose from, you can’t waste precious belly room on underwhelming soup.
• Attempt to sample the rich, thick, cheesy soups last so you don’t get too full too fast.
• Don’t fill up on bread!
• Eat while you wait in line or some of your soups are going to get cold before you get to a seat.
• Get there early. Did I mention there will be lines? The earlier you get there, the shorter the lines should be.

Proceeds for this event go to a wonderful cause, so come join me and I bet you’ll add it to your list of favorites as I have. You may not think soup is all that exciting, but I promise you, the  participating restaurants  bring their A-game and I’m always blown away by the creativity and deliciousness of it all.

Visit the event website for more information and to purchase tickets.