Blonde Voyage's Featured Favorites | September 2023
One evening, I was scrolling through Instagram and saw a meme that said: “ August went by pretty quick, but September is doing 75 mph in a 35 mph zone.” Honestly, they aren’t wrong. While many of us are savoring the sweetness of September, I’m over here with a countdown clock to Christmas. I hate to break it to you, but the holiday season will be upon us in less than 90 days. Regardless, I am embracing the crisp morning air and all of the pumpkin-themed products at Trader Joe’s. Even though I’ve been savoring my time at home, I’ve managed to get out and about a few times last month and want to share some of my favorites. Like always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions!
sweet corn lasagna
SMITH & LENTZ BREWING | NASHVILLE, TN
It’s no secret that Smith & Lentz serves up some of the best pizza in Nashville. No matter when I go, I always order their Pepperoni Pie and take it to prom with a side of ranch. If you haven’t had it, it’s life-changing, to say the least. But have you checked out the rest of their menu? Yes, they have some great beer, too, but don’t sleep on their unique menu items and wine. Ordering a bottle of wine at a brewery seems a little wild, but they have an incredible selection, including some fun, funky natural wine. By now, you know, I am in my sweet corn era, and I’m trying all the things. Most recently, I saw Smith & Lentz had Sweet Corn Lasagna on the menu, so of course, I made my way to East Nashville to try it out. This was such an exciting twist on a classic dish. Comprised of sweet corn, roasted peppers, pecorino bêchamel, and Sungold tomatoes, it was incredibly flavorful, and I loved the crispy bits. I was sharing this with one of my friends, and our only complaint is that we wished for a larger slice! If you missed this dish, don’t worry. The creative geniuses at Smith & Lentz are always working on something new and delicious. Follow them on Instagram for more fun bites like this!
ANNIVERSARIO APUGLIA ROSSO
RUGGERO DI BARDO | TRADER JOE’S
After avoiding Trader Joe's for two weeks straight, I broke down and replenished my fridge. Is it me, or do you all walk out of there with two to three bags and a 200.00 + bill? Of course, I'd be doing a disservice to you if I didn't stroll down the wine aisle, and I am thrilled that I did. One of my favorite wines/wine producers at Trader Joe's, Ruggero Di Bardo, had a new wine on the shelf, and I literally shrieked with joy. If you've been following TJ Tuesdays or my wine journey for any length of time, you know one of my absolute favorite Trader Joe's bottles is the Susamanello, produced by Ruggero Di Bardo <read more about it HERE>. Quite frankly, it's the best money you can spend at Trader Joe's. When I saw Anniversario Apulia Rosso, I snagged a bottle and decided to give it a whirl. After all, if it were anything like Ruggero Di Bardo Susumaniello, it would be worth every penny.
If you are not into bold, jammy, Italian red wines, you should skip to the following favorite because this is one of the biggest and boldest Italian wines I've had from Trader Joe's this year. In fact, it's even better on the second day as it's loosened up a bit. It would be lovely with a great steak or hearty pasta. Grab a few bottles, and let me know your thoughts!
sunday supper
CITY HOUSE | NASHVILLE, TN
If you are in need of a religious experience outside the four walls of a church, look no further than Sunday Supper at City House. On Sundays, Chef Tandy Wilson pulls out all the stops and creates a fun-filled menu that's unlike anything else served during the week. Think spaghetti and meatballs, barbeque braised chicken served on a corn cake with cabbage slaw, and pizza with nduja, corn, red onion mozzarella, and parm, and the list continues. Is your mouth watering yet? Undoubtedly, Sunday Suppers are always an event, but the meal this past Sunday really stood out as the chef made Oxtail Chili with field peas and topped it with radish, onions, lime, and cilantro. Y'all, when I tell you I almost fell off my barstool after my first bite, I am not exaggerating. In fact, we debated ordering a second bowl; it was that damn delicious. Easily the best chili I've ever eaten. Not to mention that you can end the meal with one of Rebekah Turshen’s incredible desserts. I tend to gravitate towards her cake offerings, as you won’t find anything like it in Nashville.
Pro-Tip: Reservations fill up rather quickly, so plan ahead, snag a Sunday reservation, and prepare to be wowed!