Traveling to Nashville on business in mid-May. It will be my first visit and I'll be staying at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Any dining or wine bar recommendations?

I went to an awesome Northern Italian restaurant named Marios, but check to see if it is open due to a fire last November.

If you want a Southern experience, Jack's BBQ is your place.

Certainly not Scott Hartnell.....

quote:

Originally posted by Redfan:
Traveling to Nashville on business in mid-May. It will be my first visit and I'll be staying at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Any dining or wine bar recommendations?

I happen to live in Nashville.

There's a wine bar that opened recently called Flyte. It's not far from your hotel, and as the name implies, they're big on flights. Not just of wine, but also beer and even appetizers.

I'd also recommend Midtown Cafe and Mambu. The former being a bit more upscale than the latter. Both have interesting, chef-driven menus that aren't going to bust your expense account.

Of course, none of this is stereotypically "southern" food. So, for the true Nashville dining experience, you'll want to either visit a "meat-and-three" (Swett's is my favorite) or put on some elastic-waist pants and head over to Monell's. Mmmmmm...

- Jeff

Thanks all for the posts. Searching previous posts on the topic did not turn up much. Looking forward to it...

Just remembered another one...

F. Scott's

It's somewhat spendy, and not as close to downtown. But the wine list is mighty good, and they feature live jazz nightly. Worth visiting for at least dessert or apps at the bar, if you have the time and means to get there.

- Jeff

Add Alexander Radulov to the list of non-favorites....

I changed my accommodations to the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. Does that change the recommendations? Is Flyte still near? If not, any others close by? Thanks in advance...

quote:

Originally posted by Redfan:
I changed my accommodations to the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. Does that change the recommendations? Is Flyte still near? If not, any others close by? Thanks in advance...

Not much of a difference. Flyte is still near. About a mile-and-a-quarter away instead of a 3/4 miles away.

Midtown and Mambu are now walking distance.

F. Scott's is a bit closer. A 10-minute taxi ride instead of a 15-minute one.

You're also about four blocks away from a Fleming's, if that's up your alley. There's also a Ruth's Chris right there in the hotel.

Oh, and my office is now caddy-corner to where you're staying.

- Jeff

Thanks again Jeff! You have been extremely helpful. Say hi if you see me - I'll be the one with a few bottles stashed in my travel bag

My Nashville son says Margot's Café is really good.

I'll second just about everything Offnotes said. F Scott's is probably my favorite of late. Offnotes mentioned Mario's for Italian, which I also agree with, but in addition I'll add Valentino's which is also just down the street.

Agree that Monell's or Swetts are good for the true "Southern" experience.

Midtown to me is good, but I don't go out of my way to go there.

Haven't been to Flyte yet, but have been wanting to go. How is their wine pairing menu Offnotes?

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge is a must. The place is a dive and there ain't no wine worth drinkin', but the Michelob Bock ain't bad and the live country music is usually pretty damned good.

Thank you all for the continued posts and suggestions. Looks like I may have to extend my trip to take advantage of the opportunities. I'll let you know how it goes...and thanks again!

And I almost forgot... Winetech and Offnotes, welcome to the boards

Goodbye Preds. Take Vince Gill and Amy Grant with you....

a-men.

By the way, who'd have thought that Amy Grant's voice is deeper than Vince Gill's?

Shaferguy91: Your son is right! Margot Cafe is quite good. (The "Margot" in question was a former chef at F. Scott's, actually.) It's in East Nashville, though, and probably not as convenient for the out-of-towner. But certainly worth seeking out if one has the time.

Winetech: Actually, the Mario's suggestion was by scbeerman. I've always hesitated to go there, due to the "veal scandal" of several years ago. (It turned out not to actually be veal!) I agree with Valentino's. Very nice place. There's a teeny-tiny Italian spot called Caffe Nonna that's one of my favorites.

Redfan: Thanks for the welcome. Yeah, you might just have to add a few days. Or come back often.

As an update to Mambu, we went there Thursday night and had our usual excellent meal. But there's one problem with the place: The wine glasses are lousy. Too small, and thick-rimmed. A full pour puts you right up to top almost. (The fact that I hadn't previously noticed this must mean that I'm well on my way to bona fide cork-dorkiness, eh? :P )

- Jeff

Thanks for the welcome Redfan! Enjoy your stay in Nashville!

Forgot to add this in my original post. Shaferguy, thanks for the reminder about Margot Cafe. Need to make a trip to East Nashville soon.

Offnotes..NOW you tell me about Mario's !!
I went there a couple weeks ago and the food was good. Didn't have the veal though Great choice with Cafe Nonno. It also sounds like Mambu is as good as ever. Know what you mean about the glassware though.

Thank you again for the suggestions - had a wonderful time in Nashville. Could only make it to Midtown Cafe, but enjoyed it. My veal combo was top notch and the others enjoyed their meals!

Is Midtown cafe still going strong? Heading there tomorrow..