Wine With Lisa

Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart. ~Erma Bombeck

Lucky me!

An unexpected offer to travel to the Low Country and spend time with someone very dear to me
over the New Year’s Eve holiday turned out to be an unexpected culinary treat. This was a quick trip
so I understand that I have just touched the surface of the unique Low Country Cuisine by visiting just
a few restaurants in the area.

Red Velvet Bread Pudding. Who knew there was another way to eat Red Velvet Cake!

Blossom Restaurant has the most unique bread pudding I’ve tasted. Rich velvety squares of red velvet cake are baked in a warm and creamy custard and served warm topped with Strawberry Ice Cream.

Blossom Restaurant is located next door to her sister restaurant, Magnolia’s,both located in the heart
of Charleston’s Historic District within walking distance of many beautiful hotels with this area.
Both restaurants feature awarding-winning Low Country Cuisine and delicious fresh seafood.

This is one recipe I will be making at home. Watch for the my version soon!

Intensely Tart Lime, Extra-Thick and Creamy…..The Best Key Lime Pie

Key Lime Pie is one of the most refreshing desserts ever to end a rich meal of seafood and steak. Hank’s Seafood Restaurant probably has the absolute best Key Lime Pie I have ever eaten.
Mouth-puckering with an ample amount of fresh lime, this extra thick,cool and creamy pie is a refreshing slice of heaven! It’s fresh lime flavor
is complemented by the fresh Raspberry,Mango and Sour Cream Coulis pooled around the plate.

The crust was a real treat too. It was extra thick and had a great texture,moist but a little crunch and held together nicely.

Hank’s Seafood Restaurant also located in the heart of Charleston’s Historic District also has amazing
fresh seafood and among one of the best restaurants in the area.

I have tasted many Key Lime Pies,both made by friends and out at restaurants,but I have never had one this
fresh and delicious. The filling was DOUBLE THICK and extremely intense with lime. NOW, I know how to make the best Key Lime Pie ever!

Bon appétit!

Expect to stumble into a delightfully casual yet contemporary French Bistro located in the heart of Green Hills.

Table 3 French Bistro features a sophisticated,contemporary style with an Old World atmosphere. White decor and comfortable seating are surrounded by beautiful mirrors located throughout the restaurant with the Daily Specials and Dessert offerings written in white on the mirrors. The generous menu offers a wide selection of fresh,high-quality French comfort food and a superb wine list,expertly constructed by Elise Loehr, with many choices by the glass or by the bottle. Elise is the Wine Director and Sommelier and Co-proprietor of Table 3 as well as F.Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar also located in Green Hills. Elise knows her wine!

As with many of us,dining out with friends is something we look forward to and enjoy. Trying out new restaurants with friends is especially fun. I have met for dinner at Table 3 with friends three times and once for lunch.
Although I have been able to sample many of the delicious menu items and specials, I am still working through the menu.

The creative culinary team (READ OUR TEAM) at Table 3 has been successful in creating a comfortable French Countryside dining experience with a sophisticated style.

A big part of enjoying a meal is the presentation. I wanted to share some of the many dishes that I have shared with my friends and I have tried so you can see what you might want to order when you dine at Table 3.

I am an adventurous foodie! and enjoy a variety of dishes from rustic to contemporary.

To start,we shared the Foie Gras Terrine that was served with crispy,buttery flatbreads and delightfully cool white wine gelatin bites which was a nice contrast to the buttery texture of the Foie Gras.

Crisp,full-bodied and aromatic,Domaine Gayda Viognier white wine from the Languedoc Region of Southern France was a great choice to enjoy with the Foie Gras.

This award winning wine is sold by the glass at Table 3.

Another appetizer offered was Crispy Duck Confit on top of a mixture of Le Puy or French Lentils,tossed with creamy goat cheese,crunchy Marcona almonds,tomatoes and chive-dijon vinaigrette.

Duck Confit is a classic dish of France. A duck leg is seasoned and slow roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is succulent and tender.
This is one of my favorite dishes on the menu!

The Frisee’ Aux Lardons Salad ROCKS and has quickly become another favorite.

Salads of every kind has been a favorite of mine. I have to try the signature salad at every local restaurant. It was a surprising delicious and savory salad and has one of my favorite local Tennessee ingredients- SMOKY BENTON’S BACON!

The Crisp Frisee’ lettuce holds up to the rich croutons sautéed in the smoky drippings made from Benton’s Bacon lardons and the classic poached egg that sits on top of this delicious combination.
Benton’s Bacon is a wildly popular local bacon produced near Nashville. It is intensely smoked and crispy and a local Nashville favorite. Benton’s Bacon has been incorporated in this tasty salad in a most creative way.

Thank you Table 3 for making me crave this salad!

The White Bean Cassoulet is filled with savory roasted pork-shoulder,garlic sausage,duck confit and topped with buttery bread crumbs and finished with a fried egg . It is the ultimate French comfort food. This classic French dish is perfect for warming your soul as well!

Domaine du Grand Bouqueteau Chinon 2008 Red Wine is one of my favorite varietals.This minerally Cabernet Franc from Loire Valley is earthy and stoney with moderate tannins and bright fresh cherry.

This lovely,intense wine ROCKS with the Duck Confit and Cassoulet. You must try this! A perfect wine and a perfect pairing.

Thursday’s Special: Fettucini with Rabbit Fricassee,a Rustic and generous portion of fettucini tossed in a rich cream
sauce with the nuttiness and slight sweetness of sherry,roasted shallots and cremini mushrooms topped with this savory tender Fricasseed Rabbit dish.

2009 Griveliere “Tete De Cuvee” Cotes du Rhone

Pair this South Rhone favorite with the Rabbit Fricassee. A smooth blend of the classic Southern Rhone varietals Grenache,Syrah and Mourvedre . This earthy and spicy red wine with cherry and raspberry notes paired perfectly with the Fricassee.

The Grilled North Atlantic Salmon was fresh and tasty served with truffled lentils and baby arugula with
Roasted Tomato-Brown Butter Sauce. A favorite among my friends!

Warm Croque Madame filled with grilled ham and Gruyere Cheese,Mornay Sauce and topped with a Sunny Side Up Fried Farm Egg-Served with Pommes Frites and Aioli.

Savory Beef Bourguignon with Caramelized Pearl Onions,Roasted Carrots and Falls Mill Polenta

For Dessert, we couldn’t resist the Vanilla Bean Creme Brûlée with crunchy caramelized sugar on top and
garnished with a Lemon Sable Cookie.

Salted Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Mousse! Once we saw that special Dessert on the menu,we HAD to try
this local chocolate-infused creamy mousse. It was creamy,light and delicious. The fleur de sel brings
out the intense chocolate in this classic dessert. Olive & Sinclair Chocolate “bean to bar” handcrafted Artisan chocolate is a local favorite with chocolate lovers and foodies!

Be sure to have a rich cup of expresso with your dessert!

Prices and Service:
CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR PRICING Table 3 Restaurant
The prices are moderate and the portions are generous. Service at Table 3 has been prompt and friendly.
It’s best to make reservations for dinner on the weekend.

Market & Bar:
Be sure to buy some delicious pastries or Benton’s Bacon at the Market located in the Restaurant or
have a glass of champagne or your favorite cocktail at the classy bar while you are waiting for your table.

My friends and I have enjoyed our dining experience at Table 3 Restaurant. They make every effort to
make sure you have your favorite table and perfect dining experience!

Thanks Elise for the ROCKIN’ Wine List! You have included all of my favorites!

BON APPETIT!

FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES MENU

Get your Sicilian-ON at MANGIA NASHVILLE every Friday & Saturday night during the Christmas Season. Even if you can’t trace your heritage back to the “old country”, you will become an honorary Italian that night at The Feast of The Seven Fishes hosted by Nick Pellegrino and his fabulous culinary staff.

For a year now,every Friday and Saturday night Cool Cafe in Franklin,Tn transforms into a BIG NIGHT of Italian feasting,singing and a nightly performance which has become hugely popular in the community-possibly becoming one of the best dining experiences around.

This Christmas Season, Nick has brought a traditional Italian celebration-FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES-to our community like never before. Nick’s rich Neapolitan and Calabrese heritage has given our community a unique way to celebrate!
As always,the food is plentiful,delicious,served family-style and it’s always a celebration of life and being Italian,of which I am truly proud to be a part. Even if you aren’t ,You will aways be an Honorary Italian at Mangia Nashville!

Dancing,singing,laughing and feasting family-style on Christmas Eve with at least seven courses of traditional Italian seafood dishes and desserts is a long time tradition that can be found in Southern Italy & Sicily during this time of the year dating back to ancient times.

Nick has shared his Italian family traditions with our community in a big way. During the
other months of the year,every Friday and Saturday night, you can be assured to have a
home-style Italian meal and celebration. It’s as if he has invited all of us into his
home for a truly authentic Italian experience.

(Festa Dei Sette-Pesci) Feast of the Seven Fishes-is a celebration that is deeply rooted in the Roman Catholic Church possibly representing the Seven Sacraments in anticipation of midnight and Christmas Day.

Crispy Calamari with warm Marinara sauce

Warm Penne Pasta tossed with the Pellegrino Christmas Sauce

We are all Italian tonight!

Bacon-wrapped Seared Scallops

Nick,hard at work, preparing the Feast!

Nick takes a moment to play the “drums” while everyone is dancing and singing to the music!

Frutti Di Mare: Fresh Calamari,Shrimp and Octopus in a delicious olive oil and lemon dressing

Crab Cakes with Italian Mayo

Baccala,a delightfully traditional dish consisting of salt cod,in tomatoes,mint and capers

Tim is preparing the Shrimp Scampi with the talented culinary staff

Succulent Shrimp Scampi

During the break between the appetizers and main courses,Nick and the staff enjoy singing and dancing to Italian songs with the dinner guests! MAMBO ITALIANO!

As the GODFATHER plays on the big screen TV…I swear I could hear him say,
“Leave the gun, Take the cannoli!”

Thanks! to my dear friend Vivian for the incredible wine selections.
She is the Sales Manager for 100% Italiano Wines located right here in Nashville.

Grab several bottles of 100% Italiano Wines! These wines were made for an Italian Feast!

Lobster Risotto: a creamy,warm Italian short-grain rice dish with succulent lobster and
one of my favorite spices Saffron

Roasted Whole Red Snapper stuffed with earthy,fresh fennel and sweet orange slices

Now for the desserts! STRUFFOLI! A huge plateful of little deep-fried balls of dough-crispy on the outside,drizzled with honey and sticky sweet on the outside-A traditional Italian holiday dessert

Expresso Chocolate Truffles

And…the Finale…Panettone-miniature loaves of the Holiday sweet yeast breads
chocked full of fruits and nuts. You will enjoy it with your morning coffee as you remember the fun times of the night before!

Mangia Nashville is located in The Cool Cafe Restaurant in Franklin,TN. For reservations contact Nick through the email: mangianashville@gmail.com

The Feast of the Seven Fishes is $75 per person.

To find out more about Mangia Nashville and the weekly menu be sure to find
Mangia Nashville on Facebook.

Get your Sicilian ON! EAT MANGIA NASHVILLE! Become an Honorary Italian for a night! CIAO!

GROCERY STORE WINE BAR IN TENNESSEE

A WINE BAR in Whole Foods in Tennessee? Yes. Really. Believe it! 1799 & Vine Wine Bar on McEwen in Franklin,TN JUST opened Friday for business.
The shelves are stocked with a perfectly selected variety of wines and you can order cheese and charcuterie plates, savory olives and a variety of crunchy, Spanish corn nuts, Marcona almonds and other mixed nuts.

Since our move back to Tennessee from Texas, I have witnessed the exponential growth in Nashville’s unique Foodie experience and availability of an abundance of unique wines and opportunities to try them FINALLY at in-store wine tastings, once taboo in the state of Tennessee.
Having lived in another area of the country in a town that is defined by its unique and local food scene and the availability of quality wines, I finally feel like we are on the edge of defining our own uniqueness that can be compared to other hip towns around the country.

HISTORY
1799 & Vine Wine Bar at Whole Foods. Wondering about the name? Franklin was established as a city in 1799, said Michael Martin, Marketing Team Leader of Whole Foods. The mission of the store is to keep that home town feeling and local ties to the community. Whole Foods has been planning this wine bar before the store even opened. It’s the first in Tennessee and is a test store of sorts.
Thinking back to my fun times in Texas, I would often meet my friends at Whole Foods for a glass of delicious wine and cheese at the food counters. I am happy to say I can finally do this in Tennessee!

BY THE BOTTLE OR BY THE GLASS
You can sit at the bar and choose from a nice variety of carefully selected luscious wines by the glass or you can buy a bottle of wine at the counter to share with your friends at the bar. Be sure to order a plate or two of the cheese and charcuterie plates to share!

CAVA. One of my all time favorite sparklings. It’s a great way to start off a meal or celebration. Codorniu Cava is a delightly crisp Spanish bubbly made from the Spanish grapes Parellada, Macabeo and Xarel-lo. The refreshing crispness pairs well with the ample cheese plate selections of the nutty Robusto Gouda from Holland,Double Cream Brie,Drunken Goat and fig jam.

Southern Rhone Wines are some of my all time favorites. Grenache-Syrah-Mouvedre (with a touch of Cincault) blends from this area of the world cannot be duplicated anywhere else although many have tried.

ERMITAGE DU PIC ST LOUP ROSE’ was my next selection and I was pleased! This luscious Kermit Lynch Southern Rhone Rose’ fills the glass with juicy raspberries and strawberries with a hint of floral notes. I enjoyed every drop with my charcuterie plate layered with a variety of salami,prosciutto and roasted tomatoes.

Stop by and say HI to Alison and Neil, the managers of 1799 & Vine. Let them assist you with your wine and noshing selections. Be sure ask Neil about the Manual Coffee Bar on Sundays featuring Chemex-style drip brewed coffee. This is sure to be a hit!

LADIES NIGHT OUT
Meeting out for a glass of wine and laughter, this fun group of ladies shared a bottle of wine and a cheese plate before heading over to BRICKTOPS for dinner.

HOURS OF OPERATION

They will be open at 11a daily and the last glass will be poured at 9:30pm since the store closes at 10pm.

In questions? Call Whole Foods in Franklin,TN: 615-550-5660

Thanks to Brent at Best Brands,INC for providing a lovely selection of wines for our enjoyment!