Big Kids | The Quintessential Love Letter To The '90s
Before social media, screen time, and smart TVs took over the world, there was the decade that gave us grunge music like Nirvana and Pearl Jam and fashion trends like chokers, acid-washed jeans, and Dr. Martens.
Ah… the 90’s. What a time to be alive.
Why You Need To Make Reservations ASAP For S.K.Y. Chicago
After a year of canceled plans, multiple COVID tests, and restricted travel, I’m ready to get back to doing what I love, eating my way through the Windy City. The pandemic lockdown forced me to stay at home, get creative in my kitchen, and prepare my meals (gasp!). Let’s say there are only so many ways you can make that bagged salad from Trader Joe’s look appealing. If I’ve learned anything in the past year, it’s a newfound appreciation for travel and the fact that I will never take dining in a restaurant again.
Culinary Creativity Abounds At Dollywood
When someone says Dollywood, what comes to mind? Perhaps its owner and namesake Dolly Parton or maybe the 150-acre theme park or even sweet, Southern hospitality, but rarely do people associate fine dining with the name. Last week I had a chance to experience the Flower and Food Festival Celebration Menu at Song & Hearth and admittedly was pleasantly surprised. Let’s jump into all of the delicious details, shall we?
It's Great To Be Back, Chicago!
After a year of being locked down and unable to freely move about the country or anywhere other than the four walls of your home, it seems as if the world is slowly starting to reopen. While each city and country is opening up at its own pace, it’s great news for travelers and adventure-seekers alike.
Stop and Smell The Rosé At Santo
Spring is officially here! While the longer days and warmer temperatures may drive some into a deep cleaning frenzy, I’ll be embracing the season with alfresco outings, rooftop cocktails, and soaking up sunsets. Come on, if you’re not perched on a patio sipping a cocktail is it even springtime in Nashville?
Hendersonville Hotspots
There’s something incredibly special about the relationship between hairstylists and their clients. Oftentimes, these relationships last longer than most romantic relationships, even marriages. Within 30 minutes of sitting down, I’ve already spilled the tea. Family drama, dates, gossip, you name it, and we’ve talked about it.
No Matter How You Slice It...
No matter how you slice it, pizza and beer make a great combination.
Sunday Brunch At The Patterson House
New year, new me, same appetite! Am I right? While a new year can signify a fresh start for many, I’m over here planning out the most important meal of the weekend, brunch!
The Best Bites Of 2020
When I sat down to plan several of my blog posts for the year, the Best Bites of 2020 was one that I looked forward to writing. This stroll down memory lane allows me to relive some of my favorite and not so favorite dining experiences, all while realizing I’ve consumed a million + calories in the past 365 days. C'est la vie!
My Music City Hit List
As a Nashville native and a food and wine enthusiast, I’m always in pursuit of legendary restaurants and amazing food. If my Instagram and bathroom scale are to be believed, the past few years have been extraordinary.
The Catbird Seat: The Fifth Iteration
Even though I have found a sense of contentment in my hometown, I miss traveling terribly. There’s something so exhilarating about tasting new food and trying new wines. You can learn more about culture and heritage in one meal than you often can reading a book or wandering through a local museum.
Spiced Harvest Mint Julep
Like many of you, I’ve wanted to hit the fast forward button on 2020. Astrologers, psychics, heck, even the Farmers’ Almanac did see this one coming. The pandemic has literally turned the world upside down multiple times, in fact. Instead of wishing away the remainder of 2020, I’m looking forward to what the fall season has in store. There’s nothing better than pulling your favorite sweater out of the back of your closet, curling up near a fire, and sipping on your favorite autumnal cocktail.
Alebrije X Bastion
Is it possible to feel normal when nothing is normal?
Let’s face it, we are six months into this pandemic, and living our best life looks and feels drastically different. Pre-COVID-19, all I needed were my keys, cellphone, and the occasional handbag. Now, I am masking up and making sure that I have an arsenal of hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and gloves readily available. Hugs and high-fives have been replaced by a friendly social distanced nod and travel seems to be a distant memory as COVID-19 cases continue to spike and more borders close.
Size Matters At Daddy's Dogs
From Coney Island to your favorite baseball stadium or backyard barbecue, hot dogs are indisputably one of the most relished foods in all of American cuisine and no summer gathering is complete without them. In fact, some might argue that they are a quintessential piece of Americana. With hot dog season officially upon us, Nashvillians are celebrating this momentous occasion at gourmet hot dog mainstay, Daddy’s Dogs.
Brightside Bakeshop: Baking Days Brighter For Nashvillians
2020, I’d like a do-over.
To say it’s been a hell of a year, is the understatement of the century, especially for those of us who live in Nashville. First, deadly tornadoes swept through Nashville in early March causing severe devastation in East Nashville, Germantown, and other surrounding areas.
Chefs Warehouse At Maison
South Africa is well known for its wildlife and wilderness, but did you know it has a thriving food and wine scene? Even though I spent most of the trip in the African bush, I had a few days to explore Franschhoek, an area known for its magnificent landscapes, charming vineyards and fine cuisine. Many would argue that it has become the culinary capital of South Africa.
Haute Chocolate At Honest Chocolate
I’ve never met a piece of chocolate that I did love. It’s been my weakness for as long as I can remember. So, when one of my friends suggested checking out Honest Chocolate while we were wandering around Capetown, it was a decision that I fully supported.
How To Host An Effortless Friendsgiving
‘Tis the season for all things family as the holiday season is officially upon us. While many of us have time-honored Thanksgiving traditions like watching the Macy’s Day Parade and making our great-grandmother’s cornbread dressing, others may be a little apprehensive about these so-called family gatherings. Navigating dinner conversation while avoiding topics like politics, religion and your current dating situation can be tricky. Let’s face it, people are often better at passing judgment than the potatoes sometimes, am I right?
The Best Booze And Bites of Music City Food And Wine Festival 2019
Major road closures, football matchups, and multi-stage music festivals did not hinder locals and tourists alike from attending the seventh annual Music City Food and Wine Festival. After all, If there’s one thing Nashvillians love, it’s good food and booze.
A Perfect Ending To A Week In Geneva: Le Flacon
Finance by day food by night is the mantra that I have been living by since I started Blonde Voyage Nashville three years ago. While I spend my days as a project manager who’s often eyeball deep in spreadsheets or slide decks, my evenings are filled with food tastings, checking out Nashville’s newest establishments and networking with some of Music City’s most enthusiastic foodies. Life is all about balance, right?
Every city has that one restaurant that people whisper about with a mix of reverence and urgency. It’s on every listicle and when brought up in conversation, “You have to go” is usually the general response. In Mexico City, that place is Máximo Bistrot. Tucked into a leafy corner of Roma Norte, it’s equal parts refined dining room and neighborhood favorite, and somehow manages to feel both important and unpretentious simultaneously.