Weekend Wandering: Pinewood Kitchen and Mercantile
Life in Nashville as I once knew it revolved around restaurant experiences, quality time with family and friends, live music and travel, lots of travel. Riddled with a sense of bewilderment, I’m slowly adjusting to what many hate to call the “ new normal” where masks are the newest fashion statement, catch up sessions occur via FaceTime, and travel is almost nonexistent.
Adjusting has been painful but necessary and I’ve been making the best of the situation reacquainting myself with what makes my hometown and the great state of Tennessee so special. Interestingly enough, I recently came across an article in Travel and Leisure (linked HERE) that discussed the importance of experiencing new things on a daily basis as they lead to positive emotions. Whether that’s exploring a new cafe or coffee shop in your neighborhood or perhaps taking a road trip to an unfamiliar city, researchers found those with a variety of daily experiences are more likely to feel happier.
A few weeks ago, I grabbed some of my best friends, hopped in the car and took a road trip to Nunnlley, Tennessee. I had no idea where I was going or what I was in for and I couldn’t have been more excited.
Nunnelly, Tennessee is located about an hour west of Nashville (not too far from Dickson) and is home to Pinewood Kitchen and Mercantile.
After a leisurely drive through some beautiful Tennessee backroads, we arrived at Pinewood Kitchen and Mercantile. It was as charming as I’d hoped it would be. We walked through the door and greeted as if we were family and immediately seated.
While Pinewood isn’t an official town, you can certainly feel the sense of community as soon as you arrive. This self-sustaining community is a working farm and cattle ranch and all of the products from Pinewood Farms are incorporated into the foods at Pinewood Kitchen. Chef Mee McCormick and her husband, rancher and farmer Lee McCormick serve absolute sinful Southern food made from fresh, organic ingredients free of GMOs, pesticides, and other harmful preservatives.
Like any food enthusiast, I had already looked at the menu, in fact, several times. I was incredibly torn on what to order because everything sounded so incredible. Not to mention, the desserts looked like they were straight out of my grandma’s kitchen <insert heart eyes here>.
Insider tip: While this might be jumping ahead a little, take a stroll through the restaurant and check out the dessert offerings as Pinewood’s cakes are hot items. If you know there is one special sweet treat that’s calling your name, ask the server about the available. I wouldn’t have been able to secure my slice of Strawberry Cake otherwise.
Pinewood Kitchen’s menu changes daily based on the availability of the ingredients. Whether you have your eye on the classic Bush Hogger Biscuit Sandwich or maybe you’re like me and need your burger fix, every dish will make you swoon. In fact, even the pickiest eater can find something on the menu.
Seeing as I am quite the burger enthusiast, it was only fitting that I order the Breakfast Burger. While this dish is typically served with breakfast potatoes, I was trying to be “somewhat” healthy and ordered a side salad. While some of you may snarl at my salad, it was one of the best that I’ve had in quite a while. There’s something to be said for the farm-fresh quality not to mention their homemade ranch dressing is literally to die for.
I was not about to leave Nunnelly, Tennessee without having a slice of Mee McCormick’s Strawberry Cake. Keep your eyes on the prize as they say. I saw the photos on Instagram and it was one of the few times where I was seriously drooling. I was so focused on this cake that I inquired about it as soon as we were seated. I swear the server thought that was all that I wanted for brunch! But honestly, she wasn’t wrong! I could have that cake for every meal.
Once I secured my slice of Strawberry Cake, my weekend was officially complete and I couldn’t have been happier. If strawberries aren’t your thing, don’t worry, Pinewood Kitchen and Mercantile has many other options: Lemon, Coconut, Chocolate, and Carrot Cake were available during my visit.
This is the first time that I felt like I was having Sunday lunch at my grandma’s house. A feeling I haven’t felt since she passed. The food was uncomplicated and flavorful and the staff was incredibly kind and hospitable. I couldn’t ask for anything more. In fact, I am plotting my return in a couple of weeks to check out this Chocolate Cake I keep seeing on social media. <my name is Courtney and I am addicted to desserts>
As I finished the last few bites of the Strawberry Cake, I paid the check (which let’s talk about how reasonably priced the menu is) and then wandered across the street to their shop where they sell all the things. Looking to get your hands on some Pinewood products? Look no further as you can purchase jams, jellies, soups, and more at the shop. Not to mention they have some cute gifts!
I snagged some Dat's Ma' Strawberry Jam and Pickled Green Beans and I’m glad I did, they are both fantastic! Next time, I’m snagging a bottle of their heavenly ranch dressing. O.M.G.
Given this “new normal” and current COVID-19 restrictions, seating is more limited than ever. Make a reservation. You can do so HERE.
Pinewood Kitchen and Mercantile’s hours of operations are:
Friday 11:00am-8:30pm
Saturday 8:00am-8:30pm
Sunday 8:00am-8:30pm
Tariff: Brunch entrees range from $5.00-$15.00. Coke products along with tea and lemonade are offered. If you’re looking for bloody’s and mimosas, you’re barking up the wrong tree.
Can’t Miss: The Strawberry Cake left me in a state of wonderment. If that one slice of cake was that delicious, can you imagine how good their other desserts are? Oh, and I also really liked my burger, too.
Potential Pass: Honestly, I didn’t sample much on the menu and what I had I enjoyed. My only regret was not telling the server how I wanted my burger cooked as it was a little too done. Otherwise, nothing but smiles here.
Until Next Time!