À la Sandy

So far, Nashville’s “been very very good to me.”  It’s beautiful here – the fall colors are in full bloom, the air is crisp and there’s great music playing everywhere!

Last night we went to a local bar to have a Fat Tire with friends then we went to “South Street” for a platter of “Crab and Slabs”!

slabs & crabs at South Street

The “Crab and Slab” is a crrrrrazy big platter of b-b-q ribs, oodles of crab legs, corn on the cob, hush puppies, corn bread – with a side of co’ slaw and a basket of bread! (“co’slaw and bread” is the equivalent of “chips and salsa” in L.A., we were told) I’m proud to say, there wasn’t much left, except bones and crab shells!

This morning, we made our way down West End to the “Loveless Cafe”.  I’ve been dying to go!  I’ve been hearing from my son for years about Loveless Cafe and he’s brought us back jams and goodies many times, that were incredible.  A couple years ago, I saw the controversial “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” episode where he challenged Carol Fay to that “biscuit challenge” and I immediately fell in love with her – she had a smile as wide as Tennessee.   I always find myself rooting for the “ambushee” on “Throwdown” anyway, but I thought Carol Fay was so gracious and fun-loving, I wondered if she’d be there today….

….She greeted us at the door and seated us!  I felt like a star-struck fan!

Anyway…my Loveless Cafe experience was as great as I anticipated – we were immediately served coffee and those famous biscuits and preserves.  Each table for 4 has a bowl with about 20 pats of butter in it – (is this what heaven looks like?)  I had ham and eggs with a delicious “hash brown casserole” – way too much for one person – if I were in L.A. I’d have boxed up the leftovers for the puppies.

We had a late break-ty today (everyone wanted to sleep in this morning), so they were already serving “supper” and other customers were ordering huge plates of southern-fried chicken and ribs and fried green tomatoes and mac and cheese and OH MY – I wished I had more time to eat here in Nashville!

When we finished break-ty, I leaned over to my son and asked “honey, would you be a good son and…,” before I could finish my sentence, he said “you want me to go ask Carol Fay for a picture, right?”.  I sheepishly said “yes” so he found her, and made all the introductions…. in my geek-iest voice, I told her “I’m you’re biggest fan”!  She was just as gracious and bubbly as I thought she’d be and was more than happy to comply – and I got my money shot!

We moseyed on over to Hams & Jams and ordered a few jars of preserves to send home and couldn’t resist the great “Loveless” paraphernalia – we walked out with tee-shirts, guitar picks, coffee cups and some great hats for the guys that say “Make Biscuits – Not War”  I’m hoping they’ll wear them onstage tomorrow night – or maybe in Austin!

If you’re ever in Nashville, “Loveless Cafe” is a must!  Great southern food, sweet southern hospitality – and of course Carol Fay!  Cheers y’all!

Loveless Cafe

8400 Highway 100

Nashville, TN

(615)646-9700