New Orleans | Beignet Binge
New Orleans, Food Catherine Courtney New Orleans, Food Catherine Courtney

New Orleans | Beignet Binge

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New Orleans?

Is it Fat Tuesday and the extravagant Mardi Gras celebrations and parades? Perhaps Bourbon Street and the vibrant nightlife, after all, we know that the Big Easy can throw one hell of a party.

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Is The Kroma Wellness Reset Worth $500.00?
Food Catherine Courtney Food Catherine Courtney

Is The Kroma Wellness Reset Worth $500.00?

Am I the epitome of health and wellness? Absolutely not. I do my best to stay hydrated, eat my fair share of fruits and veggies, and exercise when I can. But sometimes, a bottle of wine or chips and queso call my name, and I come running. It’s about balance, right? Since Thanksgiving, I’ve said screw it. Pizza for breakfast? Why not. Cocktailing with my friends five nights a week? Best decision ever. Skillet cookies for dessert? Duh.

Basically, my body went from a temple to a frat house in just a matter of weeks.

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The Best Dishes of 2021
Bardstown, Nashville, Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney Bardstown, Nashville, Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney

The Best Dishes of 2021

As 2021 comes to a close, I am recapping some of the most amazing, jaw-dropping dishes I’ve had in the last twelve months. These dishes inspired me, provided the utmost comfort, made me weak in the knees, and some left me smiling for days on end. Like a great relationship without baggage, drama, and dietary restrictions.

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Why You Need To Make Reservations At Audrey... If You Can Get Them
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

Why You Need To Make Reservations At Audrey... If You Can Get Them

The culinary landscape in Nashville, Tennessee is continually evolving. Even though some may argue that it’s dominated by Southern cuisine and meat and threes are a Music City mainstay, I’ll be the first to tell you that there’s something for everyone. It seems like every week, there’s a new restaurant launching, or a resident chef is expanding their footprint within the city.

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Why You Need To Make Reservations ASAP For S.K.Y. Chicago
Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney

Why You Need To Make Reservations ASAP For S.K.Y. Chicago

After a year of canceled plans, multiple COVID tests, and restricted travel, I’m ready to get back to doing what I love, eating my way through the Windy City. The pandemic lockdown forced me to stay at home, get creative in my kitchen, and prepare my meals (gasp!). Let’s say there are only so many ways you can make that bagged salad from Trader Joe’s look appealing. If I’ve learned anything in the past year, it’s a newfound appreciation for travel and the fact that I will never take dining in a restaurant again.

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Culinary Creativity Abounds At Dollywood
Food Catherine Courtney Food Catherine Courtney

Culinary Creativity Abounds At Dollywood

When someone says Dollywood, what comes to mind? Perhaps its owner and namesake Dolly Parton or maybe the 150-acre theme park or even sweet, Southern hospitality, but rarely do people associate fine dining with the name. Last week I had a chance to experience the Flower and Food Festival Celebration Menu at Song & Hearth and admittedly was pleasantly surprised. Let’s jump into all of the delicious details, shall we?

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It's Great To Be Back, Chicago!
Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney Chicago, Food Catherine Courtney

It's Great To Be Back, Chicago!

After a year of being locked down and unable to freely move about the country or anywhere other than the four walls of your home, it seems as if the world is slowly starting to reopen. While each city and country is opening up at its own pace, it’s great news for travelers and adventure-seekers alike.

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Stop and Smell The Rosé At Santo
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

Stop and Smell The Rosé At Santo

Spring is officially here! While the longer days and warmer temperatures may drive some into a deep cleaning frenzy, I’ll be embracing the season with alfresco outings, rooftop cocktails, and soaking up sunsets. Come on, if you’re not perched on a patio sipping a cocktail is it even springtime in Nashville?

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Hendersonville Hotspots
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

Hendersonville Hotspots

There’s something incredibly special about the relationship between hairstylists and their clients. Oftentimes, these relationships last longer than most romantic relationships, even marriages. Within 30 minutes of sitting down, I’ve already spilled the tea. Family drama, dates, gossip, you name it, and we’ve talked about it.

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The Best Bites Of 2020
Chicago, Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Chicago, Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

The Best Bites Of 2020

When I sat down to plan several of my blog posts for the year, the Best Bites of 2020 was one that I looked forward to writing. This stroll down memory lane allows me to relive some of my favorite and not so favorite dining experiences, all while realizing I’ve consumed a million + calories in the past 365 days. C'est la vie!

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My Music City Hit List
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

My Music City Hit List

As a Nashville native and a food and wine enthusiast, I’m always in pursuit of legendary restaurants and amazing food. If my Instagram and bathroom scale are to be believed, the past few years have been extraordinary.

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The Catbird Seat: The Fifth Iteration
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

The Catbird Seat: The Fifth Iteration

Even though I have found a sense of contentment in my hometown, I miss traveling terribly. There’s something so exhilarating about tasting new food and trying new wines. You can learn more about culture and heritage in one meal than you often can reading a book or wandering through a local museum.

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Spiced Harvest Mint Julep
Food Catherine Courtney Food Catherine Courtney

Spiced Harvest Mint Julep

Like many of you, I’ve wanted to hit the fast forward button on 2020. Astrologers, psychics, heck, even the Farmers’ Almanac did see this one coming. The pandemic has literally turned the world upside down multiple times, in fact. Instead of wishing away the remainder of 2020, I’m looking forward to what the fall season has in store. There’s nothing better than pulling your favorite sweater out of the back of your closet, curling up near a fire, and sipping on your favorite autumnal cocktail.

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Alebrije X Bastion
Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney Nashville, Food Catherine Courtney

Alebrije X Bastion

Is it possible to feel normal when nothing is normal?

Let’s face it, we are six months into this pandemic, and living our best life looks and feels drastically different. Pre-COVID-19, all I needed were my keys, cellphone, and the occasional handbag. Now, I am masking up and making sure that I have an arsenal of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and gloves readily available. Hugs and high-fives have been replaced by a friendly social distanced nod and travel seems to be a distant memory as COVID-19 cases continue to spike and more borders close.

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