Swan Ball
The Swan Ball is by far one of my favorite events of the year. While this is a departure from my normal content, I received so many questions about the event and the preparation involved, that I thought it would be fun to do a post strictly dedicated to the event, as it merits such.
Blonde Voyage Nashville Dreams Of Sushi
Jiro Dreams of Sushi, the critically acclaimed documentary that had food enthusiasts marveling over 85-year-old Jiro Ono, the greatest sushi chef in the world. Chef Jiro Ono is the mastermind and owner of Sukiyabashi Jiro which is located in a Tokyo subway station. Not only was he the first sushi chef to have three Michelin stars bestowed upon him, but who would have believed the Michelin inspectors were seeking out fine fining in underground rail stations?
A Contemporary Twist on Traditional Japanese Kaiseki : Nihonryori Ryugin
Did you know that Tokyo has more Michelin starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world? With 234 stars, Tokyo is the top culinary destination outside of Paris covered by Michelin.
Making reservations in one of the top food capitals in the world proved to be quite the arduous adventure.
Snacking My Way Through Nishiki Market
Seeing as I am quite the food enthusiast, no trip to Kyoto would be complete without a visit to the Nishiki Market. Nishiki Market, located in downtown Kyoto, spans over five city block and houses over 100 different merchants and restaurants.
Even though this isn't the largest or flashiest food market in Japan, it has some history, 400+ years to be exact. If only those walls could talk!
Exploring Kyoto: The Ultimate Itinerary
While I was in Japan, I had the pleasure of visiting Tokyo and Kyoto and they couldn't be more different. Tokyo epitomizes the modern urban experience as residents enjoy an assortment of Michelin starred restaurants, vibrant nightlife and the most state-of-the-art technology. Kyoto, on the other hand, exemplifies tradition, tranquility, and relaxation.
Save The Date! Music City Food and Wine Festival - September 14-16, 2018
Calling all food connoisseurs, music lovers and imbibing enthusiasts! The sixth annual Music City Food and Wine Festival returns to Bicentennial Park on September 14-16, 2018. Hands down, this is one of my favorite Nashville events. For the most part, festival programming will remain the same as it was in 2017, but there are a few new additions I want my readers to know about!
Roaming For Ramen
Some of you might be saying "yawn...ramen? Isn't that foodie trend over?"
No, I'm not talking about the Maruchan noodles you may have considered dinner in college to fund your "extracurricular activities." I'm referring to the delicious broth that's cooked for hours on end that oozes with flavor and filled with delectable noodles. Inevitably leaving a smile on your face, a full tummy and guiding you straight to a food coma.
Cream Puffs And Cotton Candy...What More Does A Girl Need?
When I started planning my trip to Japan, my excitement was at an all-time high. My Instagram collection labeled Japanese Bites was packed with some of the craziest and most beautiful food I'd ever seen. From 3D latte art, gold leaf soft serve and a unicorn parfait that will make your mouth drop, Japan has it all.
Have A Brew-tiful Day At Reissue
When you decide you're taking a trip, what's the first thing you do? Book your hotel? Check out flight times? Both are very logical and practical things but I handled my Japan trip a bit differently. From the emailed itineraries to the blog posts and articles, each was filled with more recommendations than I could possibly absorb.
Blossoming Brunch At Aoyama Flower Market Tea House
I have quite the fondness for fresh flowers. Splurging on these little blossoms not only puts a smile on my face but it serves as a reminder to be present and enjoy each moment because no two are the same. It's amazing how these fragile little blossoms can be so powerful.
Adventures In The Land Of The Rising Sun
Konnichiwa everyone! I know it's been a while since my last post, but I promise I have a perfectly good excuse. In case you haven't been following along on my Instagram, I just returned from spending two weeks in Japan. What an adventure that was. Planes, trains, and automobiles, oh my.
Osteria Del Tempo Perso: Ostuni, Italy
When I travel abroad, I inevitably find one dish I fall head over heels in love with. Of course, I arrive back in the states and try my hardest to find a dish locally that emulates it. Realizing that it is an impossible task, I end up scrolling through pictures on my phone re-living that meal.
This past week was no different. Overcast rainy Nashville nights had me craving pasta.
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler At City Tap
City Tap House, one of Sobro's newest establishments, has been calling Music City home since late 2017. Located on 3rd Avenue South, City Tap House has over 60 craft beers sourced from local and regional breweries and focuses on serving gourmet American pub fare. It's ideal for those wanting to grab a beer flight and bite before a show at Ascend or even those locals who are playing tour guide to their out of town friends. There is certainly something for everyone.
Cheers to Pour Decisions: TJ Tuesdays
There's nothing that I love more than a glass of wine after a long day at work. Let's just be completely real, there's nothing I love more than a glass of wine...period. I've been fortunate to acquire some exceptional bottles of wine during my trips to Napa, but those aren't the bottles that I want to pop open on a random Monday evening while I am eating takeout.
Wine Is My Valentine
Valentine's Day. If you are single or all bae'd up, it will be here before you know it. When I was younger, I used to think that Valentine's Day was limited to those with a significant other and singles would retreat to the bedroom with a box of drugstore chocolates (you know the ones I am talking about) and watch rom-coms on repeat.
Five Points Stole A Pizza My Heart
Tacos, queso, nachos, wine, and pizza. If you follow my Instagram, you know these are my un-official food groups. I think my fellow foodies and I are making quite the case for the USDA to reexamine the food pyramid.
Over the weekend I had a chance to revisit a Nashville classic, Five Points Pizza which is located in East Nashville's Five Points District.
Break Out The Control Top Lederhosen: Von Brunch At Von Elrod's
One of the biggest complaints I hear about the Nashville food scene is the lack of diversity. Let's face it, there isn't a shortage of fried chicken, biscuits and burgers. However, it wasn't until recently that you could find some solid German food in Music City.
See You At The Barre!
A new year often means new year's resolutions. As we say hello to 2018, many of us are taking time to reflect and reevaluate our life choices. The new year is a perfect time to make changes happen. Often we hear our friends resolve to eat healthier, workout more and/or drink less. (At least two out of three isn't bad ;)
Cheers To Pour Decisions: I Pàstini
What's better than a fire when you are freezing your a$$ off in Nashville? A bottle of VersoSud from I Pàstini. I am savoring every single drop!
One of my favorites from my Puglia trip was our visit to I Pàstini. Located in Martina Franca, I Pàstini is a winery not to be missed. Not only is their harvest organic, but every single grape is hand-picked.
Ringing in 2018 at Bastion
New Year's Eve is most definitely one of those holidays that's take it or leave it. From skiing, rooftop parties in swanky cities to sitting at a friend's house drinking some amazing champs, I've celebrated every way imaginable. One thing that I have learned, it's not where you are and what you are doing, but who you're with that really matters. Am I right?
Prague is one of those cities that just gets you—like an old friend who knows exactly when you need a beer, a perfectly crafted cocktail, or a cozy corner to sip in style.