Watermark Revisited

posted on August 25, 2010 by Beth // 5 Comments »


I have a confession to make. Before a few weeks ago, it had been a long, long time since I had eaten at Watermark. Let’s be honest- it’s a little pricey. However, as you can probably deduce from reading my blog, I don’t mind paying for really fantastic food. But if I have a couple of not-so-great experiences at a $$$ place, I’m not exactly enthusiastic about visiting it again anytime soon. If I’m shelling out the big bucks, the experience better knock my socks off (or, in my case, stilettos).

Let’s make it clear that I never had a BAD experience at Watermark. It was just one of those places where I wasn’t wowed. Therefore, it wasn’t on my short list of dining destinations.

Then one fateful night, I met the new chef. James Lohse just took the helm at Watermark back in June and he promised me that things were a-changin’. The promise of something new (and better) piqued my interest and got me in the door.

Boy, am I ever glad I trusted him.

First, we ordered cocktails at the bar. Lovely. They have a cocktail menu that is fresh and full of wonderful in-season ingredients. My friend and I started the evening with the above pictured drink- a tasty melon and cayenne pepper concoction. Just my style.

Then it was time to dig in, starting with a couple of small plates:


Wood Grilled Painted Hills Cover Steak – $17
arugula, peach gastrique, foie gras

This was nothing short of exquisite. I wish I’d ordered my own plate instead of sharing.

Roasted & Pickled Local Beets – $11
Asher blue, arugula, garlic chive, black truffle, gravenstein vinaigrette

How gorgeous is this? I love when food tastes as good, or in this case, even better, than it looks.

Then on to the entrees:

Wood Grilled Henry Fudge Duroc Pork Loin & Braised Shoulder – $28
game spice, grilled grit cake, green heirloom tomato jam, balsamic

North Carolina American Red Snapper – $28
Georgia white shrimp ‘panzanella’, basil emulsion

The entire meal was wonderful, but our favorites were by far the small plates. So many interesting flavors…I wish I had ordered more! All in all, it was a delightful evening. We kept it casual, sitting at the bar and chatting with the bartender the entire time, which to me can sometimes be the best way to eat at a restaurant.

If you haven’t been to Watermark lately, it might be time to give it another visit. I think you’ll like what they’ve got going.

Watermark
507 12th Avenue S
Nashville, TN 37203
 615-254-2000
Mon – Thurs dinner: 5:30 – 9:30 (bar opens at 5)
Fri – Sat dinner: 5:30 – 10:00 (bar opens at 5)