While most Americans are joining gyms, Marie Kondo-ing their homes, and trying to live their “healthiest” life, I am posted up at the chef’s counter sipping wine and eating all the things. Why? Two reasons: First, life is all about balance and second, Nicky’s Coal Fired just kicked off their second annual Guest Pizza Chef Series.
Read MoreWe are barely a week into 2019 and I’m sure I am not the only one finding it hard to abide by these resolutions and intentions I set forth. Am I right? Undoubtedly, many Americans vowed to eat healthier, exercise more or even participate in the infamous “Banuary.”
Read MoreEach trip to wine country presents its own unique, first world challenges. With over 400 wineries in Napa and Sonoma, it can be difficult to decide which new wineries to visit while making time to visit trusted favorites that have yet to disappoint.
Read MoreIn 2011, the Goldberg brothers, masterminds behind Strategic Hospitality, transformed the culinary scene in Nashville when they unveiled The Catbird Seat. Unlike any other restaurant in Music City, the Catbird Seat elevates the dining experience as guests gather around a twenty-two seat U-shaped bar and are entertained and enthralled by the stylings of the chef and his team.
Read MoreYou may have read the title of this blog post and immediately assumed that I was going to share my experience at The French Laundry. While that is not completely farfetched, I thought I would share another French treasure that can be found in Yountville, Bistro Jeanty.
Read MoreAs 2018 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on my travels and adventures throughout the year. I am incredibly grateful to have a chance to visit those places that are familiar and those that were foreign, but extraordinary. While I was doing so, I realized that I had not shared one of my most memorable moments of 2018. Although there are quite a few, this one was certainly momentous.
Read MoreMaking the list for travel in 2018 was Austin, Texas. This wasn’t my first trip to Texas. My college roommate was from Houston and I have visited Dallas and San Antonio with work. However, many of you may be scratching your heads and wondering why in the world would Austin make it on the list over so many other cities, especially since I live in Nashville.
Read MoreAt the beginning of every year, I put together a wish-list per-se of places I’d like to visit in the upcoming year. Of course, usual suspects like Chicago and San Francisco seem to always make the cut, but I make a concerted effort to incorporate a handful of new places that I have yet to explore. Aside from my colossal trip to Japan earlier in the year, Austin, Texas was one city that made the cut.
Read MoreChristmas came early for many as Nashville veteran chef John Stephenson re-emerged into the Music City culinary scene with the opening of his first restaurant, Hathorne, located in Sylvan Park. For my Nashville transplants and those who aren’t so familiar with this work, let me give you a little background on this notable Nashvillian.
Read MoreWith Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to snap out of that tryptophan trance, put away the stretch pants and officially welcome the holiday season. Break out the twinkle lights, whip up a batch of your booziest eggnog and don your ugliest Christmas sweater because some of Nashville’s bars are decking the halls from top to bottom.
Read MoreMaybe you caught my StyleBlueprint Nashville take over or you’ve seen my recent Instagram stories, but it’s no secret, Nicky’s Coal Fired is by far one of my Nashville favorites. From their delicious housemade pasta to their craft cocktails and crispy coal-fired pizza, I’ll gladly order one of everything on the menu. When I heard the news of bomboloni, breakfast pizzas, and mimosa kits, I knew where I’d be on Sunday morning!
Read MoreIf you’ve followed Blonde Voyage Nashville for any length of time, you know that Chicago has a special place in my heart. I’ve been traveling up there on a regular basis since 2011 and I continue to become more captivated with the the architecture, the culinary scene and the great people of the city.
Why Chicago?
Read MoreWe all have moments in our lives that can be considering defining or fundamentally changing, shaping us into the amazing humans we are today. Perhaps it’s getting your degree, persevering and finishing that first marathon, meeting the love of your life or taking your first trip abroad, each changes your perspective and outlook on life. The evening that I opened the door to Alinea was pivotal as my outlook on life and food was forever changed.
Read MoreLiving in Nashville, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of hot chicken, barbecue, burgers or craft beer. But when it comes to bakeries, it’s a bit of a different story.
From of charming cupcakes boutiques to the famous 100-layer donut, Nashville has you covered. When it comes to cakes, cookies, and other classic confectioneries, where do Nashvillians go to remedy their sweet tooth?
Baked on 8th.
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The sixth annual Music City Food and Wine Festival came to a close Sunday, September 16th. Those who were lucky enough to score tickets to the sold-out bash had a chance to sample some of the best bites and booze from across the country. The talent roster was an assortment of celebrity chefs, TV personalities, authors and local Nashville culinary masterminds. From book signings, cocktail throwdowns, chef panels, and a concert headlined by Kings of Leon, this weekend was a celebration of all things that make Nashville “Music City.”
Read MoreSeptember is by far one of my favorites months in Nashville. Not only does it signal cooler temperatures, autumnal leaves and the kick-off of SEC football, but there's no shortage of food and wine events. Once you have recovered from the Music City Food and Wine festivities, I hope I see you all at the Eat Y'all Connect Dinner Series hosted at the Leiper's Fork Distillery.
Read MoreOver the past few years, my best friend and I decided to celebrate our momentous occasions seeking out unique experiences where we could spend time together and do something that we enjoy. We were fortunate to celebrate Christmas in Chicago seeing the Broadway hit musical, Hamilton, and this year we decided to celebrate our birthdays in San Francisco having dinner at Lazy Bear.
Read MoreBalancing my passion for food and wine and a realistic daily caloric intake can be somewhat challenging. Who the hell am I kidding, it can be INCREDIBLY difficult. One more than one occasion, I have politely asked the universe for a miracle pill that will make the calories magically disappear. But haven't we all? Luckily, I've always been a person who loves to exercise. Well, maybe love is a strong word, but I do find it therapeutic.
Read MoreI am not afraid to admit I am a self proclaimed oenophile. While my friends were throwing back Jager Bombs and Red Bull Vodkas, I was at my local wine shop asking questions and looking for bottles that intrigued me. Don't let me fool you, I had my fair share of Red Bull, but my taste shifted.
Fast forward to 2018 and things haven't changed much. My passion for wine is greater than ever and my friends are now sipping on craft beers and Aperol spritzes.
Read MoreAfter spending an entire day tasting in Napa Valley, one can grow weary of wine. I didn't think it was humanly possible, but after visiting several vineyards throughout Napa and Coombsville, this girl needed a cocktail.
This particular trip to Napa was unlike any other. Ordinarily, I have our dinners along with our tastings planned out, but given the fact that I've logged several trips to Napa, I decided to roll the dice and let things happen as they may. Sometimes this is the best way to find out about new restaurants because despite what we think, not everything is on the internet! Ha!
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