Evan Baines
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I was planning on arranging something for folks who wanted to hang out. I tend to be a little boring in my idea of a party, though.... 
I wrote this on another forum that happens to be having its convention here in town concurrent to Imaging.... Maybe it'll help stir some interest, or spur some ideas for a rendezvous point.
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Howdy folks. I don't post here all that often, but I figured that one area that I could make a contribution is to help out those with culinary inclinations with a guide to some of my favorite restaurants in Nashville. My brother is a high end chef up in Chicago, and my wife and I are serious about our food and vino (so serious, we build our entire 5 yr anniversary around a trip to the French Laundry in Napa. We literally secured the reservation before the plane ticket). So as both photographers and foodies, we felt we were uniquely qualified to help folks out as they plan their meals here in town during the convention!
I'm avoiding the touristy places on purpose.
Anyway, here goes:
Overall Favorite:
Cafe Margot
East Nashville/5-points
http://www.margotcafe.com/
Margot is a chef-owned independent restaurant in the bohemian 5-points neighborhood. The food is a blend of country French and Italian food with a southern accent. They generally offer 6 appetizers, 6 entrees, and 6 desserts that change daily based on what is fresh, local, and seasonal. If you're looking for a restaurant that blends really classy, thoughtful food with a relaxed atmosphere... you won't do better than Margot. Entrees usually range around $20ish. The wine list is well thought-out by co-owner Jay Frein, and focuses on eclectic but tasty European wines from $30-60/bottle. Dress ranges from nice bluejeans and a collared shirt to more formal attire. Reservations required.
Best "Meat and Three"
Southern Bred
East Nashville
1048 East Trinity Lane, 262-1717
The "meat and three" is a southern institution serving family style dinners of classic southern food. Ask 5 Nashvillians about the best meat and three, and you'll likely get 5 different answers... but Southern Bred's chicken-fried steak or homemade dumplings stand high on my list for a taste of real Southern cooking. The cornbread is killer, but don't load up on it because the portions are pretty huge. This is an affordable and authentic regional option for those of you visiting the South for the first time.
Best "Fancy Dinner"
Watermark
The Gulch
http://www.watermark-restaurant.com/
Its been a while since we've been to the Watermark, but it still stands out on our list of fancy, stylish dinners. If you're looking for a restaurant to give you the hip, urbane fine dining experience, this is your best bet. The focus is on updated culinary classics with a southern twist. Expect to spend $24-35 an entree, and dress to impress.
Best Taco Truck
El Tapatio
South Nashville
Corner of Nolensville and Northcrest
We're big on authenticity. If you walk into a Mexican restaurant and its full of gringos, then its probably not REAL Mexican food. If a taco de la lengua or pulpos sounds like your cup of tea, then you can enjoy it here alongside Nashville's vibrant Latino community. You know its a good taco truck when they've taken over the building of the parking lot they operate in and offer indoor seating. Don't worry though: the food is still made on the truck.
Best Sushi
Samurai Sushi
Centennial Park Area
2209 Elliston Pl # A
Nashville, TN 37203-5205
(615) 320-5438
Alright, so we're a land-locked state.... one might not expect great sushi around here. However, this little hole-in-the-wall boasts a bona-fide Tokyo Ritz Carlton sushi chef who left the stress of his old life for a more stately Southern pace. Yun Choo offers a variety of creative rolls and tasty sushi at reasonable prices. Don't let the hole-in-the-wall look fool you. The fish here is better than many of this restaurant's more showy competitors. Walking distance from Loews Vanderbilt.
Best BBQ
Judge Beans BBQ
Brentwood
http://www.judgebeans.com
Another controversial category, and here I've opted for a Texas-style BBQ with no pork! However, the brisket is absolutely killer, and all the fixins are tasty.
Best (and only REAL) Pizza
Joey's or Manny's House of Pizza
Brentwood or Downtown in the Arcade
http://www.joeyshouseofpizza.com/
http://www.mannyshouseofpizza.com/
The Macca family makes the only pizza worth eating in Nashville. Joey and Manny are brothers, and the whole family moved from Brooklyn a few years back. They are honest to goodness Italians, and argue perpetually behind the counter. I'm a regular at Joey's, where I relive my NJ upbringing with authentic thin-slices of heaven. I love Joey, Chris, Danielle and Steph like my own family. Manny runs the house of Pizza in the arcade, which may be more convenient to those of you staying downtown. There are many wonderful things about the American south. Pizza is not one of them. The Macca family has erected an Oasis of authenticity in a desert of Cici's, Pizza Huts, and Dominos. Joey's is not open weekends, and has limited evening hours.
Best Dive Bar
The Red Door
Vandy Area
http://www.thereddoorsaloon.com
If you're looking for a great dive bar within walking distance of Loews, this would be my choice. This is where the locals go, and the atmosphere is way more legit than most of the 2nd ave tourist traps.
Best Brunch
Marche Artisan Foods
East Nashville/Five Points
1000 Main St, Nashville, TN
This is Margot's little sister restaurant, owned by the same folks. Similar food concepts, but stripped down and a little less expensive. Best quiche in Nashville according to my wife. The boast wonderful blood orange mimosas or cavernous lattes to ward off a hangover. No reservations accepted, so expect a wait if you don't show up bright and early. Sunday brunch at Marche is one of our traditions.
Best Sandwich/Lunch/Coffee near Loews
Fido
Belcourt Area
http://www.bongojava.com/fido.php
The grilled steak sandwich is made from a marinated flank steak served on focaccia with garlic mayo, roasted onions, lettuce, tomato & swiss or cheddar cheese.... mmmmmm...... I'm hungry. They brew our local Bongo Java Coffee. This is a fun, hip place that's worth a stop. Walking distance from Loews.
Best Family/Chicken
Otters
Music Circle Area
http://www.otterschicken.com/
If you're looking for a stop downtown that's very kid-friendly (for those of you bringing kids) but still tasty, then I'd suggest Otters Chicken. They offer chicken tenders fried, grilled, or Buffalo with a variety of sauces and sides.
Best Pub
Dan McGuinness
Music Circle Area
http://www.danmcguinnesspub.com/
For those of you who want a tasty Shepard's pie, a pint of Guinness, and a football match (the European kind!), then this is your stop. Legendary for $5 fish-and-chips on Thursday lunch.
Best Cuban
Back to Cuba Restaurant
Harding Place Area
4683 Trousdale Dr
Two words: Lechon Asado. That's all you need to know. This is a tasty lunch stop with great Cuban sandwiches as well.
Best Hot Dog/French Fry:
Hot Diggity Dogs
Downtown
http://www.hotdiggitydogstn.com/
Layla and Gail cook up a real taste of Chicago with their tasty dogs, brats, and sausages. This is also home of what I consider to be the best classic french fry (I consider cajun fries and the like a whole other entity) in Nashville. Either Layla or Gail is from Chicago originally (the encased meats capital of the world), so this place has some authenticity going on, down to the sport peppers. Its a tiny little place, and the line can get crazy at lunch time, especially on a nice day (there is outdoor seating out back). This restaurant is particularly worth noting for y'all because its across the street from Nashville's only professional photography store: Dury's.
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