In case you're waffling...
Belgium, Travel, Food Catherine Courtney Belgium, Travel, Food Catherine Courtney

In case you're waffling...

While wandering the streets in Brussels, it's likely that you will be greeted with the sweet scent of freshly baked waffles. (And no, it smells NOTHING like Eggo waffles people.) Admittedly, this was one many things that I couldn't wait to try.  Imagine my surprise when I went to order my first "Belgian" waffle to find out that these don't exist.

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What's for dinner? I have the answer!
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

What's for dinner? I have the answer!

Nashville's culinary landscape is always changing and these are questions that I am asked at least once a week by friends and co-workers. Finally, Sylvan Park has addressed all of these questions with one answer.  The newest addition to the Sylvan Park neighborhood will open its doors on Tuesday, April 4th, 2017 for service.

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Dining Guide:  Nomad Marrakesh
Marrakesh, Travel, Food Catherine Courtney Marrakesh, Travel, Food Catherine Courtney

Dining Guide: Nomad Marrakesh

If I learned anything in Marrakesh, I can tell you that after spending the day wandering the serpentine paths in the souks, you will work up an appetite. Dining options are rather limited in the souks, so I recommend you plan ahead and make reservations.

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Lunch Overlooking the Atlas Mountains
Marrakesh, Travel, Food Catherine Courtney Marrakesh, Travel, Food Catherine Courtney

Lunch Overlooking the Atlas Mountains

It's hard to believe I was sitting on a terrace at Sir Richard Branson's Kasbah Tamadot resort just a week ago.  With luggage unpacked, piles of laundry to sort through and my return to work looming, the vacation hangover has completely set in. Rather than dwell on the inevitable, I'll transport myself back in time and share the details of my amazing meal at Kasbah Tamadot.

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Exploring NoLIta:  Brunch at Estela
New York, Travel, Food Catherine Courtney New York, Travel, Food Catherine Courtney

Exploring NoLIta: Brunch at Estela

Knowing that I had limited time in the city, I schemed and plotted to ensure that I hit as many of the best restaurants as possible. I find that as I travel more frequently, I am able to tweak my "foodie reconnaissance". After perusing the World's 50 Best List and Michelin Guide, I usually narrow down the heavy hitters.  Can you believe that there are 72 restaurants that received Michelin stars in 2017? 

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Hello, Henrietta Red!
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

Hello, Henrietta Red!

Hi Everyone!! I know it's been a while, but I have some fantastic things coming your way. I cannot wait to share my most recent adventures in NYC.

Literally, I stepped off the plane and hightailed it to Nashville's newest restaurant, Henrietta Red. Nestled between Cochon Butcher and City House on 4th Avenue North, Henrietta Red is a restaurant/ barroom serving up a variety of coastal fare.

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Wander-full News....
Food Catherine Courtney Food Catherine Courtney

Wander-full News....

Anxiously anticipating my weekend getaway, I thought I would share some foodie news with my readers!  I'll be off exploring the concrete jungle and dining at some of the best restaurants in the world! Make sure you check out my Instagram because I will be busy posting about my epicurean adventures!  

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Eat Your Heart Out!
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

Eat Your Heart Out!

With Valentine's/Galentine's day right around the corner, I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than spending the evening out on the town with some of my favorite gals and chefs at the Mockingbird Pop- Up: Eat Your Heart Out.  This cupid-inspired pop-up supper was truly a celebration of love and friendship.

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Bastion's Bingo Game: A Fresh Take on Tasting Menus
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

Bastion's Bingo Game: A Fresh Take on Tasting Menus

 

I have been a fan of the Goldberg Brothers for years. They single handedly changed my twenties opening up one of the very first trendsetting bars in Nashville, Bar Twenty3.  As their Nashville footprint grew, they launched Strategic Hospitality, responsible for 75% of my favorite bars and restaurants in Nashville.  Anytime I hear about one of their concepts brewing, I can't wait to check it out.

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Firing Up the Nations!
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

Firing Up the Nations!

January is always a tough month for me. Not only am I coming off my holiday hangover, but it's terribly cold and gloomy. To add fuel to the fire, many of my friends are striving to successfully achieve their new year resolutions which means-  "No, we won't meet you after work for that glass of wine, we have to hit the gym! " Womp Womp.  Trying to shake my winter funk, I decided to warm up at Nicky's Coal Fired.

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Chicago, Food, Travel Catherine Courtney Chicago, Food, Travel Catherine Courtney

Bringing a little Napa Valley to Chicago: The French Laundry @ Next Restaurant

Even though it's been almost ten years, I remember it like it was yesterday. We were driving to Yountville, sipping champagne and exchanging stories about dishes we'd heard about and speculating on what the experience would be like.  It was almost as if we were kids in school gossiping about what took place on the playground. Quite possibly the shortest 45-minute drive I've ever taken.

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The Mockingbird:  The Newest in Nashville's Flock
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

The Mockingbird: The Newest in Nashville's Flock

If you follow the Chicago food scene, you may know Brian Riggenbach from Yo Soy Underground Supper Club.  Most of us know and love him from his appearance on Chopped. For those of you unfamiliar with the cooking reality show (even though I am quite certain everyone knows about this :) each chef is challenged to make an appetizer, entree and dessert using a specific set of random and interesting ingredients.  Such a fun show to watch if you are intrigued by culinary creativity.  

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Dia De Muerto @ Bajo Sexto Taco Lounge
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

Dia De Muerto @ Bajo Sexto Taco Lounge

Dia De Muerto otherwise known as Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout Mexico where family and friends gather to pay tribute to those loved ones who have passed on and help support of their spiritual journey. While Day of the Dead is observed on November 1, Bajo Sexto is celebrating all week. Chef Kaelin Ulrich Trilling has created an authentic Oaxacan feast that is sure to please the palate. 

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Banana Puddin' Festival, Y'all!
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

Banana Puddin' Festival, Y'all!

There's no shortage of festivals in Tennessee.  Whether it's food and wine, music, or film, we've got them covered.  However, when I heard the National Banana Pudding Festival was hosted less than an hour from my house, I knew a road trip was in order. Every time I have banana pudding, I am reminded of my Nanny and how she would often make this for our Sunday dinners because it was one of my Papa's favorite desserts.

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Bruges: The Perfect Day Trip from Brussels
Belgium, Bruges, Food, Travel Catherine Courtney Belgium, Bruges, Food, Travel Catherine Courtney

Bruges: The Perfect Day Trip from Brussels

Brussels is such a lovely city rich with history, gorgeous architecture and fabulous beer.  But if you are itching to explore, Bruges is just a short train ride away. Bruges is capital and the largest city of the province of West Flanders. Trust me, when you arrive in Bruges you will notice the Flemish influence.  The street names alone are tongue twisters having more consonants than most English words.  

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