When you can't eat, you can always blog!

We are in a heat wave, it's a full time job to stay cool, and nothing really tastes good because it is so hot. So it seemed to me, if I couldn't eat, at least I could blog!

Sisters' Night is still alive and well, although I think we are losing steam with the resturant options out there. The last three months have been The Pharmacy, Midtown Cafe, and one month we had to skip altogther (SMH)!

I'll be honest I had been to The Pharmacy prior to Sisters with a group of co-workers, but we ate outside and the flies were an issue for me, but the burger was amazing! So, of course, I think it's my choice for Sisters' and for a cheap eat you can't beat it, so that is where we will go. Now, I already knew there would be no alfresco dining with my Sisters, so the Preacher and I grab a table inside.

The flies were still there and worse. And because we spent so much energy waving off them off, it really ruined the whole experience for us. On second thought: the rootbeer was amazing! I still think of the first burger I had there with fond mermories, maybe The Husband and I can go back in the winter.

Now Midtown Cafe as I remembered it was great! Not so much for the food, although the drinks were grrreeet! But the atmosphere was really good. The energy was just one of fun and friends. It is in the same resturant group as Sunset Grill and Cabana, and for a solid meal you can't beat it. But it will cost you more than The Pharmacy.

So what else has been going on in the world of the Sisters . . . the Doctor finished residency! The Precher has a serious love interest, I mean really serious, and as for The Social Worker, I continue to contemplate why I choose a career that came along with a vow of proverty!

Until next time . . . . stay cool!

The Break Up

Sisters' Night has continued on a monthly basis, however the blogging has lagged behind . . .  So one of my goals for this month is to crank out the reviews of the past months' restaurants including Holland House, Taco Mamacita, and Acorn! (Wow I have a lot of writing to get done!)

However, there was breaking news from The Preacher as we meet at Acorn in April! (OK, I plan to write them out of order.)

We have had to rearrange meeting days due to work schedules, events, and/ or pay days (the economy effects everyone), so this month, I actually arrived first! I had been sitting at home tapping my foot, when I got a text from The Preacher that her appointment had cancelled and we could meet earlier.

So, I pull up to Acorn and there is no valet parking, but a parking lot across the street, so I'll live. The building is beautiful and the interior follows suit. (Note to self, when I win the lottery, am renting out this place and throwing a hugh party.)

The Doctor arrives shortly after me, and then The Preacher. We start in the bar only to find that not every bar has a Happy Hour and Acorn is very proud of its selection, ie drinks start at around $10. And they do not offer any "skinny girl" selections. However, the bartender did offer to make any drink on the list and call it a skinny girl.

We move on to our table, and we have all been pretty healthy lately and there are very few medical questions.

Starting with salads The Preacher has the Smoked Cheddar, The Doctor has the Acorn Caesar, and I have a fork to eat off of their plates. I have to say both salads were excellent.

Smoked Cheddar



Acorn Caesar

OK, I'll be honest . . . I can't remember the entrees :( . . . But it's not my fault Acorn's menu changes seasonally and the menu on the website is not the one we ordered from. Sooo . . . I guess it is my fault, because had I blogged in April, I would be able to remember . . . whatever.

During dinner, The Preacher asks, "What do you think of my hair?" It's always great, of course. She gets it from our grandmother. She has beautiful salt and pepper hair, it's been like that since her 20's. My hair on the other hand, SMH.

Anyway . . . "It's great, why?"  She responds,"I broke up with Eve!"

The Doctor and I's mouth fall open. (Eve, is her hair dresser. And she does great work, but scheduling has been an issue of late. And without going into too many details, she broke up with her!)

"Are you ok? What are you going to do? What happened? I can't believe it!"

This is a big deal! Have you seen Good Hair!

Next to your relationship with God, Husband/ Family, Doctor/ Therapist, there is your Hair Dresser! (I guess your kids are somewhere in there, but none of us have children.)

"I got a referral from someone else that left her also, and now I'm driving to Brentwood. (Deep exhale.)," is The Preacher's response. "Maybe I should give her another try?" she questions as we finish the entrees.

I'll say the we had no complaints with the entrees and we ever ordered dessert to split, which was . . . (thinking) . . . . Sweet Potato Bread Pudding ?!? Yes, it was Sweet Potato Bread Pudding. And I'll say that I'm not a bread pudding fan, but I would order this again.

And after listing the pros and cons of returning to Eve, as with any relationship, it's not a good idea to look backwards. Therefore, the drive to Brentwood is worth it, for now . . .

Update . . . The Acorn is closing tomorrow! And will reopen in August as a sports bar! I'm still going to a lottery ticket to rent the place out or buy it, if the sports bar doesn't work out. Kiss of Death at work again!

The Kiss of Death . . . Happy Valentine's Day from The Sisters

Well it’s Valentine’s Day . . .

and we haven’t made a new post to the blog in over 2 months!

Are we still meeting each month?

Of course we are!

However, I have to admit, I have been uninspired and underwhelmed by our most recent visits. Let me clarify, I have been uninspired and underwhelmed by the restaurants, not by the conversation or my sisters. I could eat peanut butter and jelly (and drink boxed wine) and have a great time with them.

However, on this Valentine’s Day I found the inspiration needed to carry on with the blog when the restaurants would not provide me with the challenge.

So let’s first recap where the Sisters are currently. . .

(1)The Preacher and The Doctor have completed major tests in their fields

(2)The Preacher is still in a relationship, and The Social Worker got to meet him!

(3)The Social Worker got two new puppies! And all the drama that comes with them.

(4) All the upcoming year is full of trips to Belize! Mexico! And we are anxiously awaiting the London 2012 Olympics! We can see the food blog going international!

Now to the restaurants . . .

A snowy, snowy night in December found the sisters at Table 3 in Green Hills. The Preacher, even braved the valet parking her car in the snow and ice, The Doctor and I passed and parked our own cars. Now I don’t remember exactly what we ate, but Lacey (male bartender) made the perfect holiday martini. I not sure what other than Bailey’s what was in this drink, all I know is after three for me and three for the Preacher, I had a wonderful holiday headache the following day. The Doctor arrived late, and enjoyed a pear martini and two extremely gitty sisters.

Kiss of Death = The restaurant burned weeks after our visit! Coincidence, I think not . . . .

So a snowy, snowy night in January we found ourselves at Blind Pig No. 55.

Sooo, let’s not focus on menu, since we all ordered the same thing. And underwhelmed is an understatement, when it came to food here! Let’s focus on the fact that it was Nashville Restaurant Week! Restaurant Week provides a wonderful opportunity to check out new restaurants at reasonable prices. Restaurant week has provided us the chance to visit many new places, The Crow’s Nest, love this place! F. Scott’s, we had a wonderful birthday dinner here.

Kiss of Death = On Valentine’s Day, The Husband make reservations at Fish & Co. To my surprise, two weeks ago it was Pig Blind No.55! Need further proof . . .

Read R.I.P.! For the final proof needed.

The three sisters have issued three kisses of death in less than an year.

So we are putting the Nashville culinary scene on notice . . . under performing comes with consequences!

Ok we are shaking off the bad juju and getting back on the horse!

Next Sisters’ Night 10 days to go!

Smoochies!

The Social Worker

It's Worth the Walk . . .

Well I stomp through the door to find The Preacher at the bar.

"I can't believe they do not have valet parking! I drove right pass the place looking for the valet stand."

The Bartender has a blank stare and The Preacher is dying laughing at me, somehow only I understand the gravity of the situations . . .

It's Sister's Night and it's my choice and I chose Cha Chah!

The doctor comes in minutes later, in scrubs(!), orders a drink, and then asks if Arnold is in the kitchen tonight. A unison question mark covers the face of The Preacher and myself.

"Who is Arnold? What happen to Black Pride? You're dating a cook?!?"

She responds, "He the owner/ chef. The one that was on Top Chef. He owns this restaurant, Suzy Wong's, and PM," replies The Doctor. (We have actually been to PM also, we just haven't covered it on the blog yet.)

"What! Well, is he here? And there would be nothing wrong with you dating a cook."

"Well not tonight, you would hear him if he was!" was the response the bartender gave us and we start ordering . . .

Now, I can't remember the bartender's name, but she tried to sell me on a gin martini, she swore even if you were not a gin drinker, you would like it. Well I had one bad experience with gin and that was enough, so I I had two the ChaChah Sangria and it was the best!

For starters we covered the bar with . . .

White Bean Citrus Hummus . . . BBQ Quail Wings . . . Truffled Chips!

If you ever go to Cha Chah don't skip any of these.

On the table to discuss tonight . . .

1) I think I have tennis elbow, but I don't play tennis . . .

2) Why is THe Cousin single and what's the deal with his profile pic, it's . . . scary . . .

3) "I think I'm in a relationship" . . . from The Preacher

The unison question mark returns to cover The Doctor and my face, for the third topic. Not that she can't . . . or shouldn't be in a relationship . . . but . . . she's The Preacher and . . . that's just not her . . . cup of tea. (I think I've written to much.)

Well dinner is brought out and the sampling continues . . .

Ordered by The Doctor and The Preacher

Bison Short Rib - Parsnips, Polenta Cake, Cranberry Bourbon Demi

Ordered by me (The Social Worker)

from the Artisan Cheeses & House Cured Charcuterie menu

Shared by all

Beets Two Ways w/Whipped Chevre, Capers, Micro Herbs

(Now I'm not a beet eater, but when I go back to Cha Chah,

 and I am going back, this will be the first thing I order. Yes, it was that good!)

Well to recap, The Preacher is in a relationship and he goes by the name, The Professor, you can get tennis elbow without playing tennis, and a close eye is being kept on THe Cousin in his time of  . . . readjustment. 

And needless to say another one Arnold Myint's restaurants has made my favorite place to dine list, but they need to get valet parking!

The Social Worker



R.I.P.

Okay, I guess it is my turn to try my hand at writing on the blog. Please remember I'm a Doctor, not a writer. However, this week I would like to channel some of The Preacher and gave final words to the Miro Distinct.

Miro Distinct was located at 1922 Adelicia St. directly across from South Street Restaurant. This was my choice during this past Spring, and it was a beautiful restaurant full of many colorful characters employees. And although, I can't remember exactly what we ate this month, the bartender alone is worth this post.

I arrived third to the restaurant and joined The Preacher and The Social Worker in the bar. Although we had reservations, the restaurant was pretty empty and there was no need for us to rush to our table. And the bartender, Andy, claimed to be the best in town. As they all do.

The conversation started up immediately.

The Preacher has started a new job, The Social Worker and I just shake our heads, because she already has 4 jobs, but who's counting. The Social Worker is in a high drama transition at work, and client issues abound. And I have news on the relationship front, Black Pride and I couldn't be happier :)

*clearing throat*

Out of no where, Andy walks over to us and says  . . .

"I've been listening to you all talk and wonder if you could help me."

We are all silent and he continues . . .

"I think have ADD, I'm not able to focus on anything and I can't sleep at night." So I respond, "Do you drink a lot of caffeine?"

Andy responds, "No. And I have cut down on my alcohol intake. I exercise regularly, and have even given up red meat. Nothing is working. I have a lot of racing thoughts, and just can't seem to sit still. But I don't have any insurance and I don't want to spend a arm and leg trying to figure out what's wrong. Do you all have any suggestions?"

As a side note, I have consolidated his social and medical history. He shared a lot of information with us, and it was weird given we had only known him for 30 minutes.

The Social Worker responds, "What area of town do you live?"

And Andy responds by giving more and more information.

Finally a referral is given for a mental health assessment at Centerstone is given and the night continued. He didn't even give us a discount on the drinks.

Hopefully, The Social Worker will entertain us with a recount of Eddy Cane, our server the night we took my brother/ The Husband to Miro Distinct for his birthday. And yes his real name was Eddy Cane and he had the 15th Anniversary Edition of The Five Heartbeats.

And as for the final words for the deceased Miro Distinct . . .

Shrimp and grits, lamb chops, and ADD bartenders abound, but it was called home by the big Guy in the sky. Take your rest Miro Distinct, take your rest.

                                                                     2008-2010

The Doctor

Pause . . . .

It's Sisters' Night (November 2009)!

And on the menu is Suzy Wong's House of Yum! I think the website link to Top Chef says it best "Suzy Wong's is located in the heart of Nashville's trendiest alternative night life scene.

Now this is not necessarily an issue for us, the truth is that is you broke down our professions, we raise eyebrows without rainbow stickers and leather chaps. However, I'll just put out there that this was the Doctor's choice and there is a door in the restaurant that links directly to Tribe.

Disclaimers done! Let's eat!

Shared plate Asian Fusion Heaven . . . OMG!

The decor is amazing and our table was covered with food. The pickiest of eaters could have something they love here. So what did we have . . . .

Five Spice Braised Pork Ribs . . . Chicken Katsu Bites . . . Sea Salt Edamame . . . Spicy Tuna & Cucumber Hand Rolls . . . Lump Crab Wontons . . . and on and on and on . . .

Here is the thing, almost a year later I can still remember almost everything we ate and what we talked about .  . .

Mission Statements! The October Sisters' Night ended with a homework assignment/ challenge.

What is the Mission Statement that directs your walk?

And during this dinner, homework was due!

The Preacher came with her statement, written on a napkins as I remember it. LOL.

The Doctor, bribed the Preacher to write her statement! The Doctor had the ideas, she just needed help shaping the statement.

And for myself, well I just happen to have it right here . . .

To courageously advance self, family and community as a reflection of God's unending faith and love.

(And this is an open challenge for the Preacher and Doctor to remember and post their mission statements.)

In closing, the food and setting of this restaurant is great! We eat a lot of different places and there are a numbered few that I have added my "go to" list of places to eat, but Suzy Wong's is now one of them. In the past year, I've taken The Husband here three times! But for some reason, they sent him an invite to the one year anniversary, instead of me.

And did I mention the Executive Chef/ Owner, Arnold Myint, was on Top Chef this past season. Add eating from a Top Chef contestant's restaurant to your Bucket List (and write your Mission Statement for the next year)!

The Social Worker

"That's that MF!" says the Preacher . . .

It's Thursday!!! So it's Sisters' Night!

And apparently the Doctor was offended by revealing she usually arrives 3rd, because she was seated at the bar when the Social Worker and I arrived.

mAmbu was the choice by the Doctor this month and April (or who the Doctor calls Natalie) is the person you want to get to know here. April (Natalie) has mastered the art of Lemon Drop martinis and they are only $5 during Happy Hour ($8 regularly)!

(As a side note, April can talk her tail off! No worries, take a social worker with you and "talkers" are always drawn to them.)

Moving on . . . starting with small plates, we filled the bar with a trio of hummus plate, corn fritters, and smokey BBQ ribs.

And medical questions abound . . .

MRSA outbreak on the Social Worker's work front.

"Seriously, what is that," I ask.

"Oh that is Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus," says the Doctor.

Wow, I'm glad you said that because I thought it stood for 'methadone- rubbing schizophrenia abound,' I'm a Preacher, not a doctor, and I have no further information then when we started! Natalie (April) also agrees she is no closer to understanding MSRA)

Moving on . . .

The Social Worker announces "she" has placed herself on a medication that I can't pronounce, but it sounds like "MF" and has even upped the dosage on it. After further questioning, this MF is responsible for her blurred vision, stomach upset, and endless desire for sugar over the past 4 weeks!

"You cannot just go around placing yourself on medication, stop looking stuff up on the internet!"

After ordering entrees we move to a table. On the menu tonight . . .

The Doctor

Chicken
Boneless chicken breast, with wilted spinach, garden vegeables, and potato mash

The Social Worker

Risotto with Sea Scallops
Saffron-scented risotto with local summer vegetables
surrounded by smoked tomato vinaigrette

Myself

Salmon
“Falls Mill” stone ground grits wrapped in bacon, Tabasco beurre blanc, black-eyed pea salsa and pickled green tomatoes

That MF, also has the Social Worker thinking my pickled green tomatoes taste like Old Spice. I don't even know why she knows what Old Spice tastes like. Although, the Doctor thought it tasted like Christmas!


Everything looked pretty. . .

*Note to self, have the Doctor take all pictures of food in the future, I don't know what this Social Worker was  doing when she took pics of the salmon and risotto.

The reviews of dinner were "ok" at best. Of note mAmbu does grow alot of their own vegeables (and mint for their mojitos).

"Well when me and my girlfriends go out, we always want to end with chocolate!" says April.

And the dessart menu is all chocolate or coconut items.

The Social Worker announces that The Husband has her on a budget, and she isn't a real chocolate lover, until she started taking the MF! And ultimately we all pass on the dessert menu.

Small talk of the evening . . . that the blog will be updated weekly and new posts will be made on Fridays. In between our monthly meetings, we will review the past 16 monthly meetings. (Next week Suzy Wong's House of Yum!)

So the take away of the night . . .

The Lemon Drop martinis are worth the trip all on their own. The happy hour and small plates menu is your best bet for food choices. And if you need someone to talk to April is your girl!

Also self diagnosis and medicating should be avoided!

The Preacher