Tis the Season @ The Mockingbird!
I was thrilled when The Mockingbird Nashville announced a second December pop-up. Christmas came early for this girl. Not only was it the perfect excuse for a girls night out, but having the chance to get a sneak peek of what's on the menu? Um, done!
As we walked in, we were greeted with their version of a "Punching Bag" showcasing their upcoming punch program that will be available at the restaurant Think of it as an adult juice box, but what's inside is way better than you could imagine. If I opened my lunch box and found this inside, I would be elated. The presentation was just adorable. Boozy cranberries and apples mingled with rosemary and apple brandy? Yes, and I totally asked for seconds, it was delish!
Dreaming of a White Wine Christmas: White wine, winter spices, Calvados Apple Brandy and Rosemary.
Coupled with this juicy goodness was maybe my new favorite bite of the winter: Cheesus is the Reason. Not only do I adore the name, but it may be one of the best "gourmet" grilled cheeses that I have EVER tasted. The rich, creamy flavors of the brie paired with the brightness of the chimichurri made for the perfect savory bite. I officially decided that if there's a snow storm in Nashville, I will find my way to Brian and Mikey's so I can eat these curled up next to a fire.
Cheesus is the Reason: Whipped Brie, Jalapeno Jam, and Chimichurri.
After the excitement of Cheesus, we were all seated and ready to see what Chef Brian had in store. Our first course was a hearty root vegetable salad composition. While I adore sweet potatoes, it's not an ingredient that I think of when it comes to salads (Perhaps that's the Southern in me.. don't they usually have marshmallow fluff on top and served as a side? Kidding! ) Each savory bite pleased my palate. Can we talk about that mole? I never knew hazelnuts could pack that much of a punch. Wowsers, I can't wait to order this off the menu again.
Yam it Up: Sweet Potato Tostone, Sunchoke Hummus, Hazelnut Mole, Goat Cheese, Baumgartner's Ham.
Yam it Up: Sweet Potato Tostone, Sunchoke Hummus, Hazelnut Mole, Goat Cheese, Baumgartner's Ham.
Keeping with the warm and cozy theme of the evening, our next soup course was next. Presentation is everything with the Mockingbird. From the menu naming conventions to the dishware, no detail is left undoneOur soup was served in a precious teacup and saucer, it was just what the doctor ordered.
What's the Tea? : Wild Mushroom Consomme with Pickled Enoki
What's the Tea? : Wild Mushroom Consomme with Pickled Enoki
Tagging along with the soup course was the Mockingbird's take on bread service: Dome ask Dome tell. French baguettes and onion bread were served with a variety of accoutrements, including their pimento cheese that had the perfect amount of spice.
Already in the midst of a food coma, our main entree, Seasons Greetings, was served. Spectacular. Julia Child would totally give this her stamp of approval. The dish consisted of warm braised chicken sitting in this amazing white wine sauce with pearl onions topped with a homemade crust. My only suggestion? More crust please! That was the perfect mechanism to soak up the gravy goodness within the dish.
Seasoning Greetings: Coq au vin Blanc, Petite Herbed Salad, Pearl Onions and Homemade Crust
To round out this sinfully amazing dinner and wish us well as we close out 2016 was the Happy Moo Year cookie plate. This dessert extravaganza included everything your heart could desire. And the icing on the cake? The tiny bourbon milk punch served on the side.
Happy Moo Year: Milk Punch, Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookie, Lemon Bar, Mexican Brownie and Toot's Fudge
To my Nashville readers, a little birdy told me that there was going to be ONE more pop-up in January before the Mockingbird officially sings in Nashville. To stay in the loop, check out their Facebook page and follow them on Instagram for more details.
