Flight - One Year Anniversary Dinner

WHERE WE WENT:   
FLIGHT
39 South Main Street
Memphis,TN 38103


WHAT WE ORDERED:
Soup & Salad Flight - Seafood Gumbo, Lobster Bisque, Harvest Salad 
Steak Flight- Boursin Stuffed  Filet w/ Red Wine Bourdalaise and Yukon Gold Potato Puree, Elk Chop w/ Kahlua Glaze and Truffle Mac & White Cheddar Cheese, Bison Cut w/ Crispy Onion Strings 

Seafood Flight - Shrimp and Grits w/ Tasso Ham, Lobster Biscuit & Gravy, Sea Scallop Benedict w/ Quail Egg
Anything But Chardonnay (ABC)- Waterbrook Sangiovese Rose, Conundrum White Blend, Loosen Brother Riesling
Wonders of the World- Perrin, Antinori, Mollydooker Shiraz
Dessert Flight- NYC Cheesecake, Warm Turtle Tart,

WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 9
Menu - 10
Presentation - 10
Taste - 9.5
Price - 9
Service - 9
 Overall - 9.5


Atmosphere - From the moment you walk through the heavy oaken door off of South Main, you know you are in an establishment that exudes class. The deeply stained wood that is present throughout the bar as well as the spacious booth seating just looks expensive. Starched white table cloths are spotless  beacons in the sea of all black waitstaff meant to ensure that your every need is met.The space itself is particularly narrow, but maximized with outdoor, cafe style seating as well as a small balcony seating section. The decor is simple elegant. Everything about FLIGHT is class, well almost. The only thing that was out of place were the TVs at the

bar. While I know people watch sports at the bar, they just seemed unnecessary.

Menu - The menu is unique in the manner that it is set up because of the unique concept of the restaurant. The concept pretty much sells itself. Every time you go to a restaurant there is always a few things that you have a hard time choosing between and you always wonder if you got the right thing. Well flight allows you to get smaller portions of multiple dishes (or drinks) so that you don't have to wonder. You can pay a higher price and have any dish in an entree sized portion itself. They have soup and salad flights, and entree flight with three dishes a piece: Steak, Loin, Fish, Seafood, Feathered. Each flight's dish has the main protein and accompanying side. Some of the most appetizing offerings are Elk Cut with Truffle Macaroni & White Cheddar, Fried Chicken & Buttermilk Waffle, and Sage-Crusted Australian Lamb Chop with Mint Jelly and Loaded Potato Croquette. Because they aim to please, if a single flight is not wholly appetizing, you are free to mix and match dishes to create your own. Each flight is also listed with a recommended wine flight to accompany it. The drink menu is extensive with over a dozen wine flights, both red and white, as well as a wide selection of beer and cocktails.

 
Presentation - The presentation was absolutely gorgeous. Each flight was served on a wooden plank base in miniature white bowls, plates, and dishes. The wine flights came with a card that detailed the origin of each vino along with a brief description of its flavor. Every single course looked positively artful in the color pallet and the method in which it was arranged. It honestly looked so good that you'd hesitate to eat it.

Taste - We began with the soup and salad flight. The harvest salad was bright and fresh, a great summer salad. The lobster bisque was smooth and rich, the best I've ever had. Only the seafood gumbo fell a little flat. There was something missing that could have kicked it up a notch. As far as the seafood flight goes, everything was amazing. The sea scallop and quail egg were cooked to perfection and covered in the rich hollandaise sauce. The shrimp and grits had a spicy, smoky flavor that you would swear just came right up out of the bayou. Being from the South, I'm quite particular about my grits, but there were no complaints to be made. The

lobster biscuit and gravy was fantastic in flavor, but the biscuit just need to be a bit less soggy and a bit more flaky. All cuts of meat in the steak flight were the ideal medium rare. The bison was nicely seasoned with plenty of juice, accompanied by miniscule onion straws, a simple but welcome addition. Potato puree set off the taste of the succulent filet very nicely as well. The best of the three was the elk chop with was rich and dense with a bit of a bite from the kahlua glaze, that was nicely paired with the truffle macaroni's mild creaminess.

Price - We splurged with this meal. FLIGHT is by no stretch of the imagination inexpensive. Each entree flight will run you upwards of $30 before you ever touch appetizers, desserts, or libations. You're paying for presentation, fancy ingredients, and atmosphere. And it is without a doubt worth it. FLIGHT isn't an everyday restaurant option (unless you're a much higher pay grade than us), but it serves its function well and is comparable to other restaurants of its caliber. 

Service - Our waitress was excellent. She was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. When we told her it was our first time there, she was happy to explain the concept and walk us through the menu. She made suggestions but wasn't pushy and was happy to answer any of our questions.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Absolutely. Birthdays, anniversaries, celebrations of any kind would immediately bring FLIGHT to mind. We would want to save it for a special occasion. Also, we'd be sure to make reservations again, because we were certainly glad we had done so this time.


Here's a link to their website:  
http://flightmemphis.com/

Chiwawa! Midtown - Lazy Day Lunch

WHERE WE WENT:    

Chiwawa! Midtown
2059 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104


WHAT WE ORDERED:
Macho Nachos, Elote, Vegetarian Quesadilla


WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 7
Menu - 8
Presentation - 8
Taste - 8
Price - 8
Service - 7
 Overall - 8


Atmosphere - The first two words that come to mind when you think about Chiwawa! Midtown should be "laid back." The inside of the restaurant is spacious with the majority of the the tables and booths up against the walls. There's also equally comfortable outdoor seating for when the weather is really good. Extra large windows all the way around the place give it a very open air feel. Almost the entire decor it light wood. You get a sense that you walked off the street of midtown Memphis and somehow got transported to a surf shack on the Cali coast.

Menu - Before even being able to look through your choices of food, you could easily get caught up in the aesthetic appeal of the Chiwawa! menu. I have never been one to like orange, but somehow it works here. The menu itself is very manageable, just one full page. It is anything but boring. Bright colors, an easy-flowing layout, and a variety of nifty fonts are an eye catcher for certain. The actual edibles listed on the menu are just as captivating. Chiwawa! serves a mix of traditional Mexican and American street food such as elote, chicarrones, or even gourmet hot dogs. There are dozens of choices contained in the three categories of antojitos, tacos, and perros calientes, but if you can't find one you like you can also build your own. Some of the mouth-watering highlights include: Juan-tons (chorizo, chicken, poblano crema, cream cheese and salsa roja in a wonton wrapper), Taco de Madre (brisket, carmelized onion, tomato chiptole sauce, cotija) and the Tijuana Dog (chorizo-charro bean chili, queso blanco, chili fried onions, pickled jalapenos). They also have an expansive menu of equally delicious sounding cocktails and unique shooter such as the W.C. Handy (Tennessee Apple Moonshine, Sour Apple Pucker, Lemon Lime Fresca, Homemade Sweet & Sour, Blue Curacao).
 

Presentation - For self-proclaimed "street food", the presentation was pretty solid. The Macho Nachos were piled high with chicken, queso, chorizo chili, jalapenos, iceberg lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and shredded cheese on a snazzy rectangular plate. The dish looked well-balanced and the colors were great. The quesadilla was delicious looking and garnished with fresh cilantro with salsa roja and sour cream in silver bullets on the side. The star was the Elote covered in crema sprinkled artfully with cotija and chili lime salt.

Taste -The elote was amazing! I could close my eyes and taste a hot summer day in Mexico City. All the flavors blended together expertly; the crunch of the corn, acidity of the chili lime salt and mildness of the crema. The Macho Nachos were also delicious. The mondo mound of toppings insured that there was never a flavorless

bite or a bare chip in sight. The quesadilla was one of the best I've ever had. It was slammed full of multiple rich cheeses, sauteed spinach & mushrooms, and black beans.


Price -This was actually one of the pricier Mexican restaurants we've been to. Generally you can count on low costs and huge portions when you venture south of the border. Chiwawa! is worth the upcharge. The portions are still sizeable but you can tell it wasn't slapped together in two seconds from vats of indistinguishable mush.

Service - Our server was great. He was helpful, friendly and attentive. We never had to ask for refills and he checked up on us a good amount.


WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yes. The food was great, the atmosphere was fun, and the pricing wasn't too bad. We wanna go back for happy hour and try some of the unique drink specials they have.

Here's a link to their website:  
 http://chiwawamidtown.com/

Automatic Slim's - Sunday Funday Brunch

WHERE WE WENT:   

Automatic Slim's
83 South Second Street
Memphis, TN 38103

WHAT WE ORDERED:
Cinnamon Roll Waffle w/ Cream Cheese Glaze, Scrambled Eggs, Blackened Salmon Eggs Benedict, Mimosa, Bloody Mary


WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 9
Menu - 9
Presentation - 7.5
Taste - 8
Price - 7.5
Service - 8
 Overall - 8


Atmosphere - Walking by Automatic Slim's you would never know that the hole in the wall you're walking past a culinary treasure trove. The inside of the restaurant is like a hipster-swank bar, exactly the kind of place you would expect downtown. The gold coffered ceiling, wood paneling, and varied ornamental paper light fixtures create a fascinating space that could be a bar or a coffeehouse. The narrow building is made more expansive by a higher level of seating. The decor is folksy and very Memphis. There are depiction of guitars in multimedia all over. The bar is a beautiful backdrop to the lower level. It is instantaneously cozy and comfortable.

Menu -   We have only knowledge of the brunch menu, but it in itself is enough. That could be the entire restaurant. There are classic breakfast offerings like sausage and biscuits, french toast, and chicken and waffles that are your typical home cooking. On the other hand they take some classic dishes and turn them on their head. Dishes like blackened salmon eggs benedict and Manhattan cherry-infused waffle with bourbon syrup put a gourmet twist on the foods you know and love.
 
Presentation - Presentation honestly wasn't anything particularly special. Basic white, round plates served as the base for each dish. The waffle and eggs looked as though they were just plopped on the plate with no garnish of any kind. The benedict was a little better. It had a great color palette and different textures distinguishable and at least looked as if there was at least some effort in arranging it.

Taste -The hollandaise sauce on the benedict was rich, creamy and delicious without being too heavy or overpowering the salmon had an excellent, fresh taste (even though it was not blackened as the name would suggest). The only complaint for the dish is that there wasn't nearly enough of it. The cinnamon roll waffle was absolutely scrumptious. Two of breakfast's heavy-hitters blended into one 

culinary masterpiece. The cream cheese glaze with so good, the waffle didn't even require syrup. The scrambled eggs however were not on the same caliber as the rest of the meal and kept it from scoring higher marks. They were dry and kind of spongy. If you are going to serve brunch, you gotta know how to cook your eggs. The drinks were outstanding. It's hard to mess up a mimosa but the bloody mary is trickier. They use a proprietary blend of ingredients including a dry rib rub from Alfred's down the block to rim the glass. It is a true local specialty.


Price - Automatic Slim's was a little pricier than we would have liked considering that your entrees do not come with sides; they have to be paid for separately. While the food and drinks were both delicious, what you're really paying for is the location and the atmosphere. It could definitely have been worse for being in the hear of downtown.

Service -We sat at the bar to avoid the half hour plus wait time. The bartender Celia was a fantastic server. She was friendly and attentive even though she had multiple drinks to make constantly. She chatted with us and had a great pour. We would ask for her again.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yes. Because it's pricier, it wouldn't be our regular hangout spot, but on a Sunday afternoon when you want to splurge, you've got a spot. We need to get a couple of friends together and tackle the 100 oz mimosa bong. We watched Celia put a couple together, and they don't skimp on the bubbly.


Here's a link to their website:  
http://www.automaticslimsmemphis.com/index.html

Fuel Cafe - Our First Vegetarian Meal

WHERE WE WENT:   

Fuel Cafe
1761 Madison Avenue
Memphis, TN
38104


WHAT WE ORDERED:
Quinoa & Red Bean Chili, Gourmet Grilled Cheese w/ Tomato and Arugula, Hot Apple & Brie Baguette w/ Balsamic Side Salad


WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 7
Menu - 7
Presentation - 9
Taste - 8
Price - 8
Service - 7
 Overall - 7.5


Atmosphere -  Fuel Cafe is a re-purposed old gas station from years gone by. The concept for the restaurant is a really cute one, but it is only half-heartedly realized. The walls are overly dull with a few scattered pieces of art that seem disjointed. Everything appeared to be a little shabby and of ill repair. Fuel Cafe definitely exhibited character though. The counter was reminiscent of "the good ole days" when you would go down to the local drug store and pay a visit to your friendly neighborhood soda jerk. It was cozy and unique, but the concept could have translated much better into the actual execution.

Menu -  If you're an alternative eater, then you'll be right at home here. This place is vegan and vegetarian heaven, especially for people like me who are still vegetarian fledglings and miss the taste of some dishes.  They have light fare like salads and brie & fig jam crostini as well as heavier options such as vegetarian walnut "meat" loaf or tomato & provolone baguette. Carnivores, don't feel left out. Fuel Cafe has something for you too! Hot turkey sandwiches, bison burgers and tuna melts are just a couple of the dishes filled with meaty goodness. (There's even bacon.)  Because of their commitment to healthier eating they guarantee all of the animals

are grass-fed and they'd be happy to tell you exactly where they source their meats from. They have options for vegan cheese and sour cream along with gluten-free buns. One of the more interesting offerings is naturally flavored and sweetened sodas as well. 
 
Presentation -All the dishes came presented on solid white, vintage, diner-style plates and bowls. Plain and simple, letting the food speak for itself. Each dish had excellent color and texture and there is no better word for the cup of chili other than adorable with its soda crackers sticking up adorably. But most importantly, when you looked at the food and immediately wanted to dig in.

Taste - The gourmet grilled cheese was altogether a good sandwich. The tomato and arugula were excellent additions both in terms

of flavor and color. However, the bread was over-buttered and became soggy easily. While it tasted good, it seemed like something we could have simply made at home. The fresh cut french fries were excellent; crisp, delicious, and light without too much grease. The vegetarian quinoa chili was some of the best I've ever eaten, including recipes with meat. It was even as good as my Pawpaw's. The quinoa made the texture spot-on and there was enough spice to kick it up, but not enough to make me want to stop eating it. Easily some of the best comfort food I've had, vegetarian or otherwise. The hot apple and brie baguette was good. The cheese was obviously of a high quality and the acidity of the thinly sliced granny smith apples cut through the richness perfectly. Topped with arugula and balsamic vinaigrette, it was a delicious summer sandwich. The only complaint was that the bread-to- filling ratio could have been better. Always a fan of a good baguette, I just think there should have been more inside it to even out the proportions.


Price - The price overall was pretty agreeable. There were a few items on the menu that seemed a little steep, but nothing so bad to deter us from returning. Also, it's worth paying a little more for quality, organic vegetables and responsibly raised meat.

Service - Our server was polite and attentive, but no stretch of the imagination could label her as friendly. She brought our food, but her hospitality seemed strained at best. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt because we went in an hour before close and were the only ones there. However, money is money and having worked in the service industry no matter the situation, your mantra should be, "smile like you mean it."

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
For sure! It's quirky, quaint and delicious. Being vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or even just organic can be really difficult. This place makes it easy and appetizing. Everyone should give it try though. Next time, I want the vegan cheesecake! Bonus, if you can't make it to midtown, they have a food truck.


Here's a link to their website:  
 http://fuelcafememphis.com/about

Sekisui Midtown - Asian Eats

WHERE WE WENT:   
Sekisui Midtown
25 S Belvedere Blvd
Memphis, TN

WHAT WE ORDERED:
Miso Soup 
-The Saint (Blue Crab, Crunchies, Eel Sauce w/ Smoked Salmon & Spicy Mayo on top)
-The Serpent (Crab, Cream Cheese, Avocado, Smelt Roe w/ Eel & Eel Sauce on top)
-Red Birds (Crunchy Crab, Mayo, Sweet Chili Sauce w/ Shrimp on top)
-Grizzlies Roll (Shrimp Tempura, Smoked Salmon, Mayo)


WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 6 
Menu - 9
Presentation - 9
Taste - 8
Price - 7
Service - 7
 Overall - 8

Atmosphere - Sekisui Midtown is ... interesting. Walking in, you are immediately greeted by a beautiful water feature built into the wall. The best design aspect is the bar. Set against the wall is all of the alcoholic offerings and in front of that is a display that showcases all of the fresh ingredients that go into their hand rolled sushi. One flaw in this design is that it can only be seen from one angle. It would have been much more enjoyable if it were placed centrally in the dining room so everyone could appreciate watching the sushi be rolled. Apart from the sushi bar, nothing at all indicated that this was an Asian restaurant. Each wall was a different color and an eccentric collection of art adorns

the walls. Some sections seem like they could be from the future, others look retro. The music was an odd hodgepodge, none of which was Oriental. It was also incredibly dim and the seating was very tight. Not only was the theme not congruent with the type of food being served, there was no distinguishable design theme at all.

Menu - The menu is, in one word, large. They have an extensive drink offering including hot and cold sake, along with signature cocktails. Unless you come in knowing exactly what you want, it will take forever to sift through the dense list of Nigiri, Rolls, hot and cold appetizers, soups, salads, and entrees. While we appreciate all the choices, including uncommon options like tofu tempura, it is just a bit overwhelming.

Presentation - Sushi is as much art as it is food. The presentation of our sushi at Sekisui Midtown did not disappoint. The rolls themselves were absolutely gorgeous. The colors were vibrant and everything looked incredible. They were plated on a flat black cherry wood panel. The minimalism of the dish directed the attention directly to the rolls. The sauce dishes were the only embellishment, with the Sekisui logo painted on the bottom.

Taste - Each of our rolls was delicious. Seafood has to be very fresh and well-prepared to avoid any unappetizing tastes or odors, and this was prepared skillfully. The sweet chili sauce in the Red Birds Roll had a flavor that was different from any other sushi we've ever tasted. The eel sauce was delicious. The rice was delicious and sticky, not too dry. Another standout was the signature Sekisui Punch, a mixture of coconut rum, pineapple rum, orange juice, Sprite and grenadine. One of the best cocktails in Memphis.


Price - Everything on the menu appeared reasonably priced and comparable to other restaurants of its kind. We have seen better prices though.

Service - Our server was very pleasant, but also very awkward. She

lingered after we had finished speaking to her and created a little bit of an uncomfortable feel. She did however, take decent care of our needs.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yes, but next time we'll look at the menu online first and know what we want before we go in. Seriously. Look at the menus.


Here's a link to their website:  
 http://www.sekisuiusa.com/go/

Swanky's Taco Shop - Day Off Eats

WHERE WE WENT:   
Swanky's Taco Shop
6641 Poplar Avenue
Germantown, TN

WHAT WE ORDERED:

Chips & Queso, Fried Fish Tacos, Build-Your-Own Burrito Bowl w/ Chicken

WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 7
Menu - 8
Presentation - 7
Taste - 8
Price - 7
Service - 7
 Overall - 7


Atmosphere - There's nothing about this restaurant that particularly says Mexican or "swanky." That being said, it is still really cool. The seating on the inside is very open and comfortable. Dark wood, some chrome and red accents create a classic, clean design combination. The high point of design choices is the very unique and funky light fixtures with exposed bulbs that immediately

draw your attention. They have a spacious outdoor patio with overhead lighting as well.

Menu -  Swanky's has a traditional Mexican menu with favorites like quesadillas, burritos, and chimichangas, along with a few unique twists like latin wontons. They also have a full bar with premium tequilas and many specialty cocktails. They've recently added some new vegetarian options as well.
 
Presentation - The chips and queso were very plainly presented with the chips served in a paper tray and the queso in a bowl that did not even coordinate in color. It was unimpressive. Fortunately, as the meal progressed, we became more and more fond of the way each dish was presented. The BYOB was served in a trendy looking white bowl with an asymmetrical lip that was very appealing. The fish tacos were served open-face so that the round tortillas contrasted with the square plate. The colors in that dish were gorgeous. we almost didn't want to ruin it by eating it.

Taste - The were made in house, and tasted like it. They were crisp, light and not at all greasy or stale like most pre-packaged chips. The queso was decent, but a little bland. It definitely could have used some chopped peppers mixed in. The burrito bowl was delicious. The chicken was cooked perfectly and marinated well. The mix of mild and medium salsa had a delicious flavor and a sweet heat that complemented the flavor of the chicken and the veggies and was kept in check by the sour cream. All of the

vegetables tasted fresh. The fish tacos were good, but we wish we would have got them grilled. The batter on the fried fish overwhelmed the taste just a bit. Otherwise, the slaw and sides were excellent and meshed well with the tacos flavors.


Price - Everything on the menu was reasonably priced and comparable to other restaurants of its kind.

Service - We walked up to the counter to place our order, so we did not have an official server, but everyone we encountered was friendly and welcoming. When we needed more salsa, they went out of their way to provide us multiple kinds to be

sure we were satisfied. 

Extras - They host trivia every Thursday night at 8:00 pm.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yes. Our food was delicious and the friendly staff made us feel welcome.


Here's a link to their website:  
http://www.swankystacoshop.com/

Slider Inn - Pun Intended

WHERE WE WENT:   
Slider Inn
2117 Peabody Avenue
Memphis, TN 
38104

WHAT WE ORDERED:

Mix & Match ( Mushroom Swiss, Original Memphis, The Big Deuce, Flat Iron, 2 Buffalo Chicken) French Fries

WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 8
Menu - 8
Presentation - 8
Taste - 8
Price - 7
Service - 6
 Overall - 8


Atmosphere -The inside of Slider Inn provides an awesome retro vibe mixed with modern hipster flair. Dark colors combined with chrome give the interior a 50's dive/biker bar feel which corresponds beautifully with the logo. Large chalkboards around the bar inform guests of the specials with artistic scrawl. The real party is outside. They have a large deck with more seating capacity than the inside, cordoned off for a smoking and non-smoking area. Pets are welcomed on the deck and the day we went, the gorgeous

weather prompted all the patrons out to the picnic tables along with their dogs. The atmosphere was very relaxed and casual.

Menu -  The name of the restaurant clearly indicates what they specialize in, sliders, served three at a time. We think the best deal is to do the mix & match so that you can get a little taste of everything. They offer a variety of different sliders with beef, chicken, and even a few vegetarian options such as a falafel patty or a peanut butter and preserve slider. They do have other options apart from sliders, like wings, nachos, and a signature lobster roll. The physical menu itself is aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate, with a level of visual creativity that matches the level of the food.
 
Presentation - The sliders come out on a round brushed metal tray, giving the same impression as the interior of the restaurant as retro or vintage. Any additional condiments come in silver bullets as well. All aspects of the dish looks very cool, except for the french

fries. They were served in a paper basket, which next to all of the other metal damages the aesthetic.

Taste -  The mix and match was a great choice, because we got a chance to experience all kinds of unique flavors. Overall, each slider was delicious. The Original Memphis was relatively plain and simple but tastes exactly like a quintessential American hamburger should. The Flat Iron was juicy and cooked to perfection. The only complaints we have are with the Mushroom Swiss and the Buffalo Chicken. The Mushroom Swiss slider was not nearly as flavorful as it could have been, especially compared to some of the other burgers of the same kind that we've tried. The Buffalo Chicken was hot, too hot. We started to lose the flavor to the heat. Buffalo should always strike the perfect balance.


Price - Although the portions are small, they have big taste. Everything evens out. You get three burgers for the price of one.

Service - Our service was sub-par. We waited a LONG time after we sat down to even be acknowledged by our server. She was very slow throughout the meal and walked past us several times while we tried to get her attention.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Sure, especially if the weather is good and we can sit outside.

Here's a link to their website:  
 http://thesliderinn.com/

The Pharmacy - Eating Well and Catching Up

WHERE WE WENT:   
The Pharmacy
731 McFerrin Avenue
Nashville, TN

WHAT WE ORDERED:
Pharmacy Burger, Cheese Burger, Sweet Potato Fries, Tater Tots


WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 9
Menu - 8
Presentation - 7
Taste - 8
Price - 8
Service - 8
 Overall - 8


Atmosphere - Situated in a relatively trendy neighborhood

in East Nashville, The Pharmacy is a hip and happening hangout for people of all sorts. You would never know it from the unassuming, plain white block building.  The Pharmacy has close, cozy seating inside, an expansive patio outside, and bar stool seating nestled under the preserved pharmacy/soda fountain counter. The decor recalls the past, the days of the neighborhood soda fountain, but it also has a very hip, modern feel. This may be partly attributed to the staff who could each easily fall into the "hipster" category. It was very busy, teeming with people of all ages and appearances. It's the kind of place you want to meet up with friends for a beer after work and where your server will remember your name.

 
Menu - The menu at the Pharmacy is somewhat limited in both the type and number of dishes. It consists mostly of burgers and brats. They do only a couple of things, but they do them extremely well. The burgers offered are pretty simplistic in style, but are able to be spiced up with an extensive list of toppings that include unique

offerings such as curry ketchup, stroganoff bechamel, wasabi aioli, and horchata crema fresca to name a few. The various options guarantee a burger experience tailored to each individual taste. At a place of burgers and brats, even vegetarians can find a haven with their falafel or black bean burger. They have an extensive beer menu with dozens of selections. They also carry multiple varieties of homemade sodas served original fountain-style.
 

Presentation - Drinks are served in plastic tumblers emblazoned with the Pharmacy's very appealing logo, a souvenir of your visit to the local watering hole. Beer is served in variously styled mugs, glasses and steins, harkening back to the biergarten aspect of the restaurant. Burgers and sides come to you in baskets lined with wax paper that also bear the logo. The presentation flows perfectly with the restaurant's overall vibe.


Taste - Both of the burgers were outrageously good. The patties were cooked to a perfect medium well and seasoned to perfection. The cheeses are mild and blend together well. The vegetable toppings were crisp and fresh. It was everything that you could want in a burger. The taste truly stood out without straying too far from the classic burger. The tater tots were incredible, with a crispy outside and tender inside and paired very well with the spicy, homemade curry ketchup. Sweet potato fries are a nice surprise at a burger joint, but an even better one when they taste as good as the Pahrmacy's.



Price - With burgers ranging between $7 and  $9, you get a deal when you go to the Pharmacy. All the ingredients are fresh and the taste is delicious. You're paying for taste and atmosphere, and you're getting a whole lot of both. They don't skimp on the portions either.

We were completely full when we left.

 
Service -  Our server was very good. He was attentive, friendly, pleasant and knowledgeable. When he realized it was our first time there he was happy to answer our questions and provide us with suggestions.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Absolutely! We loved it. If we lived in Nashville, this would be somewhere we would frequent regularly.

Here's a link to their website:  
 http://thepharmacynashville.com/

Arnold's Meat & 3 - Roadtrippin' to Nashville

WHERE WE WENT:   
 

Arnold's Meat & 3
605 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 
37203

WHAT WE ORDERED:
Roast Beef, Green Beans, Corn Bread, Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Cream Corn, Country Fried Steak, Chocolate Cayenne Pie

WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Atmosphere - 6
Menu - 7
Presentation - 5
Taste - 9

Price - 8
Service - 9
 Overall - 8


Atmosphere - If you're looking for a cool joint to hang out and spend time with friends while enjoying a casual meal, the Arnold's is not your place. Arnold's focuses more on convenience and efficiency rather than creating an ambiance. You are greeted by an ostensibly plain cinder block building and the inside is Not much different. Almost nothing adorns the walls, no interesting colors can be found. The seating is as basic as it comes and is cramped tightly together, giving you the feeling of a high school cafeteria. You come in, get your food from the line, sit, eat quickly and then depart. It isn't a place you linger.

Menu - Arnold's menu varies from day to day. The daily specials are listed on a chalk board, but there are some staples that never change like mac & cheese. Options and prices are clearly listed, which is good because you'll have a lot of time to look at them while waiting in a considerable line and you better know what you want be the serving is speedy. There are plenty of options: at least three meat options, multiple types of bread, a wide variety of vegetables and two or three kinds of dessert as well. 

Presentation - The presentation of the food is just as plain jane as the building. White, cafeteria-style plates are used to plop food onto. Things are all melded together. It just isn't particularly pretty.

Taste - One thing you need to know. Everything was hot. Literally,

every single thing had a kick to it that you can't ignore. The flavors were different and unique, but the heat was always there. That being said, it was delicious. The roast beef was tender and juicy, some of the best we've ever had. The mashed potatoes were creamy and the gravy very flavorful. Even the macaroni and cheese managed to maintain the heat characteristic of Arnold's. It can only be described as soul food. It literally warms your heart and soul along with your stomach because it just feels like home. If you don't like spicy, then it isn't for you. Even the chocolate pie leaves you with a striking after-taste because of the cayenne they use.


Price - For you get, the price is excellent. $8.60 for the namesake meat & three sides is outstanding especially considering how delicious everything will be. Portions are sizeable, it's so scrumptious that it'll still leave you wanting more.

Service -  Food is served down a cafeteria line, so there are no actual waiters or waitresses, but everyone we came into contact with was friendly, welcoming and helpful. They went out of their way to make us feel at home and ensure our satisfaction. They ran out of mashed potatoes right as we were headed down the line, but instead of just saying, "oh well," they gave us a number and made sure to bring some out to us at our table when they replenished their stock.

WOULD WE GO BACK? 
Yes! If we're ever in Nashville, this will definitely be one of our go-to places. Off the beaten path of Broadway, it seems like it's a local secret.