What a finish to 2010

Like many people in December, we were fortunate to be able to visit a few new local haunts.  Some were visited for Holiday merrymaking; others out of pure luck.  In mid December we were invited to a Holiday Party by the fine folk at Caldwell Pediatric Dentistry.  Fleming's was the venue chosen and although I have been to several Fleming's around the country,  I had not been to Nashville's. rendition.  My recollection of Fleming's was that it is quite comparable to The Palm, Morton's---and certainly better that Ruth's Chris and the Capital Grille. Well, the staff at Fleming's Nashville changed that opinion:  The service was second to none.  Thirty Five guests in a private dining room and never was a wine class close to empty and never was an appetizer plate near clear before it was replenished. The shellfish tower was nothing short of spectacular and perhaps to be rivaled by the terrific calamari  (lightly breaded with a sweet chili) and carpaccio.  For those close to still hungry, a terrific, perfectly seared 18 oz ribeye was served followed by a devilish chocolate torte. All I can say is that I think Fleming's has raised the bar abit in the high end steakhouse rivalries.

Next, my buddy Phil, a transplant from the Indianapolis area, introduced me to Jack's BBQ in Nashville.  Jack's has apparently been around while (1976). Jack's Bar-B-Que was written up in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Southern Living, and USA Today as “The Best Bar-B-Que in Nashville, Tennessee” I concur with these reviewers. I went with the smoked chicken, that was as succulent and "fall off the bone" tender that I couldn't believe my eyes---or taste buds. Far better than any of the smokehouses and chain BBQ's that I have experienced.  My friend went with the brisket and although I declined to taste it, it looked about as tender as my chicken.  Jack's, in my opinion, is a nice find in Middle Tennessee. Not a very eye catching place, but certainly one where they spend their time and money on food and service rather than decor.

On another visit, we decided to venture to Coco's Italian Market for lunch.  Italian can be a rather adventureous endeavor here in middle Tennessee as there appear to be few Italian restaurants and are universally pronounced "Eyetalian."  We ventured on.  Coco's is half market; half restaurant.  The Market is comprised primarily of "tourist" Italian products or items not generally unique or hard to find.  They offered few cheeses; no farina or fresh pasta to be seen.  Nestled between the Nutella and some dry crackers were plenty of gallons of Greek olives.  I didn't see the point of Greek Olives in an Italian market, but then again we are in Tennessee. The market didn't impress me at all but again being from NY and RI my expectations of an Italian market are a tad higher.

We sat down and were quickly greeted by our waiter.  I went with a homemade meatball sub and my friend went with the sausage sub.  Now the meatballs were in fact home made, nicely prepared and seasoned.  The mozzarella was not fresh mozzarella but again, like I said, this is Tennessee and expectations can't be too high.  The bread, by the way, was good.  Yes good.  It even had crust.  I hadn't had crusty Italian bread since I made it myself or was back in NY.  They do offer Peroni and Moretti beers for those interested and a fine selection of Italian wines.  All I can say is not bad---not bad at all. It's decent Italian food and it is here in Tennessee.