February 2017 Events and Happenings

posted on January 31, 2017 by Beth // 0 Comments »

Support Immigrant Owned Restaurants in Nashville

Now – February 28th, 2017

Various Locations throughout Nashville

A couple of days ago, when the executive order came down, I saw a call to action by My Poor Tired Liver over on Facebook. She was asking that over the next 30 days, we all visit our favorite immigrant-owned restaurants in Nashville. While it might not change policies, we can at least show our neighbors that we support them during these tumultuous times. That we appreciate and love them. That we want them in our community.

From My Poor Tired Liver: “In Nashville, we have a HUGE immigrant population and some of their businesses are the best in town. Those who support Trump’s executive order don’t realize that with it legal immigrants (and potentially all people who aren’t white) are being discriminated against. Immigrants with legal green cards are still being detained. If you are a Trump supporter, you don’t have to agree with everything his administration says and does just because you voted for him. If you disagree with this executive order, please participate. Please call your representatives and senators and share your thoughts with them. We are all in this TOGETHER. Sharing concerns and keeping the government in check is your right as a citizen.“

Head over to the FB event page to find suggested restaurants, and add your own to the comments if you see that your favorites are missing. Then map out a plan, grab some friends, and go on a culinary adventure! (Oh, and while this call to action was specifically for 30 days, it certainly doesn’t have to end there. Make it a point to visit all of these establishments often, and indefinitely!)

 

 

New Cooking Classes at Art Institute of Nashville

February 4th – Saturday, March 11th, 2017
Various dates/times (see schedule)

The Art Institute of TN-Nashville
100 Centerview Dr., Suite 250
Nashville, TN 37214

The Art Institute of Nashville is now offering new cooking and baking courses that are open to the public (non-credit). These classes are taught by their amazing chefs in industry-standard teaching kitchens. Completely immersive, the classes range from knife skills to exploring international cuisines (Spain! Germany! Mexico!), to basic fundamentals, to cake decorating. There is definitely something for everyone.

To check out the full schedule and sign up, visit their website.

 

INDIVISIBLE Valentine’s Open House

Friday, February 10th, 2017
8:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Conexión Américas at Casa Azafrán
2195 Nolensville Pike
Nashville, TN 37211

“INDIVISIBLE is a campaign bringing together concerned Americans from all political stripes who commit to protect the ideals upon which this country was founded, who commit to do all that is needed to fulfill the promise of an indivisible nation that celebrates the roots and possibilities of all its people.”

Don’t just pop into the grocery store for generic boxed chocolates for your sweetie this Valentine’s Day. Show your love in more ways than one by heading over to Casa Azafrán on the Friday before Valentine’s Day for the INDIVISIBLE open house. Shop for chocolates, chocolate strawberries, and Peruvian alfajores while supporting entrepreneurs from the culinary incubator at Casa Azafrán. For more information and to let them know you’ll be there, visit the event page.

 

 

Pairings: Nashville’s Ultimate Food & Wine Weekend

Thursday, February 23rd – Saturday, February 25th, 2017
Times: Various

City Winery
609 Lafayette Street
Nashville, TN

Cost: Varies ($125 – $250/person)

If you’re into wine, then you’ll definitely want to pay attention to this. The Nashville Wine Auction has their big three-day annual event, Pairings, the last weekend of February. It all begins with a Private Vintner Dinner on Thursday, followed by the “Wined Up!” party on Friday, and then the main event on Saturday, with a wine reception, 6-course meal, and a live auction.

There are too many details for me to fit them all here, so head over to their website to find out more and purchase tickets!

 

Our Kids Soup Sunday

Sunday, February 26th, 2017
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 February, 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.