Thursday, February 28, 2008

Nashville Restaurant Health Scores; February 27- March 4

HIGH SCORES:

Subway
99 White Bridge Road
Date Inspected: 2-22-08
Score: 85

Durango Mexican Grill
1088 Murfreesboro Road
Date Inspected: 2-19-08
Score: 88

LOW SCORES:

No low scores.

UPDATES:

No updates.

A thought of Nashville to prepare you for an upcoming video tour

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Can a Doorman in Las Vegas Make $500,000-a-year?



Getting into a Vegas nightclub often takes clout -- or big bucks. Vacationers routinely hire VIP services to help bypass hours-long lines at hot clubs.

Norm Clarke, man about town and author of the popular Vegas Confidential column for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, has written a bombshell article saying that the IRS is looking into what door staff at Pure make. It could be as much as $500,000 a year, he writes, since wannabe clubgoers routinely slip doorstaff big bucks in hopes of getting past the velvet rope and Pure has huge capacity (more than 2,000).

Clarke writes that authorities raided Pure headquarters Wednesday and took computers. He has heard of door staff pocketing as much as $10,000 a night before sharing tips with fellow staffers.

Read the entire article HERE.

Dan Tyminski Hits the Road With His New Band


By Tad Dickens The Roanoke Times

A traveling man can have a lot of homes.

Ask Dan Tyminski -- raised in Vermont, lived in Ferrum, moved to Nashville, Tenn., a couple of years back.

"I rarely unpack my suitcase," he said.

He's been busy for years with his main gig, backing Alison Krauss and Union Station. These days, Krauss is on a worldwide jaunt with her latest musical partner, Robert Plant, of Led Zeppelin fame.

Seems like there's no better time for a sideman with a great voice of his own to get a band together, make a record and hit the road.

Read the entire article about Dan and his band on the road in the Roanoke Times.

Nashville Art District Comes Together

The hope of an art destination spot on downtown's Fifth Avenue is becoming reality.

The street has been revived in the last year, as more art galleries have opened between Church and Union streets and in the Arcade.

Read the complete article in the Nashville Business Journal.

eBreaks®! Save at least 20% this weekend- Thursday 2/28 through Sunday 3/2

Alabama - Huntsville
$66-$79
New Hampshire - Manchester-Concord
$68-$87
Alabama - Montgomery
$68-$87
New Mexico - Santa Fe
$63-$87
Arkansas - Multiple Cities
$52-$79
New York - White Plains
$111-$127
California - Oakland
$71-$119
North Carolina - Asheville
$83-$127
California - Ontario-Riverside
$88
North Carolina - Fayetteville
$74-$89
California - Sacramento
$59-$111
North Carolina - Raleigh Durham
$55-$119
California - San Francisco
$63-$135
Ohio - Canton-Akron
$71-$87
Colorado - Boulder
$63-$135
Ohio - Cincinnati
$55-$126
Colorado - Colorado Springs
$71-$135
Oregon - Portland
$68-$95
Colorado - Denver
$55-$111
Pennsylvania - Harrisburg
$79-$87
Connecticut - Hartford
$67-$151
Pennsylvania - Multiple Cities
$71-$99
Georgia - Atlanta
$51-$111
Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
$75-$111
Illinois - Chicago
$55-$159
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh
$67-$191
Indiana - Indianapolis
$63-$120
Rhode Island - Providence
$87-$143
Indiana - South Bend
$63-$95
South Carolina - Greenville-Spartanburg
$63-$119
Iowa - Cedar Rapids
$64-$95
Tennessee - Knoxville
$71-$107
Maine - Portland
$71-$87
Texas - Dallas-Ft Worth
$47-$135
Maryland - Baltimore
$79-$207
Washington - Seattle
$71-$111
Massachusetts - Boston
$55-$183
Wisconsin - Multiple Cities
$71-$127
Michigan - Detroit
$51-$119
Michigan - Grand Rapids
$71-$88
Michigan - Lansing
$71
Minnesota - Minneapolis-St Paul
$56-$280
Missouri - Multiple Cities
$63-$79
Missouri - St Louis
$55-$123

Outside the U.S.

Brazil - Costa Do Sauipe
$234-$266
Canada - Halifax
$87-$95 CAD
Canada - Montreal
$84-$146 CAD
Dominican Republic - Santiago
$74

Sunday, February 24, 2008

My Nashville- Episode One

A Quick Taste of the Beer Tasting


Excuse the talking about the cheese but do be envious if you weren't there because the beer was really good and they offered some good variety. It was a very fun but relaxed atmosphere with people sampling, talking, mingling and just enjoying the social scene.
~~~~~~~
Below is a list of the beers tasted.

Popperings Hommel - $9.99/750 ml
A light, sweet, fruity beer from Belgium.

Petrus Blonde - $15.99/4 pk
Another light ale from Belgium. Compare it to the Hommel and let us know what you think.

Petrus Dubbel Bruin - $15.99/4 pk
A dark ale with a subtle caramel flavor.

Petrus Gouden Tripel - $10.99/750 ml
Smooth, rich and golden. Perfect as an aperitif - or with desserts.

Ettaler Curator Doppelbock - $4.99/500 ml
A dark, complex German beer with figs, cherry, raisin and toffee flavors.

Fort Collins Double Chocolate Stout - $6.99/650 ml
Loads of chocolate, just as you'd expect. Not to be missed!

Bluebird Cafe Calendar; February 24-March 1

Sunday, February 24
Sunday Spotlight
6:30 PM
Jabe and the All Night Circus
no cover

8:00PM
Writers Night with special guest Jon Robbin
no cover

Monday, February 25
6:00 PM
Open Mic hosted by Barbara Cloyd
no cover

9:30 PM
Mike Henderson Band with Willie Domann, Kevin McKendree and Pat O'Connor
$7.00

Tuesday, February 26
6:00 PM
In The Row with Tom Bohn, Elizabeth Marlowe, Chris Caminiti and Kristin Massey
no cover

9:00 PM
D4A$,
A Cheap Date with Don Schlitz
$1.00

Wednesday, February 27
6:00 PM
In The Round with Paul Jefferson, Sherrie Phillips, Vee Maurice and Boh Cooper
no cover

9:00 PM
In The Round with Robert Ellis Orral, Billy Yates, Fred Wilhelm and Steven Lee Olsen
$8.00

Thursday, February 28
6:00 PM
In The Row with Brooke Ludwick, Melissa Cusick, Jim Reilley and Casey Kessel
no cover

9:00 PM
An Evening with The Refugees: Cindy Bullens, Wendy Waldman and Deborah Holland
$10.00 -

Friday, February 29
6:30 PM
In The Row with Mason Douglas, Lucie Diamond, Kent Blazy and Cory Batten
no cover

9:30 PM
An Evening with the Jimmy Hall Trio
$10.00

Saturday, March 1
6:30 PM
In The Round with Amy Loftus, Justin Thompson, Josh Stevens and Meg Allison
no cover

9:30 PM
In The Round with Craig Carothers, Tony Arata, Rob Crosby and Randy Sharp
$10.00

3rd & Lindsley Calendar; February 25-March 1



Monday, February 25
Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses w/ Georgia and Basia Bulat – 7:00 pm

Tuesday, February 26
George Ducas – 6:00 pm
Jackie Bristow – 8:00 pm
Steven Lee Olsen w / Ashley Thomas & Jesse Sheely – 9:30 pm

Wednesday, February 27
Steven Clauson – 6:00 pm
Chuck Glass – 7:30 pm
The Wooten Brothers – 9:30 pm

Thursday, February 28
The Lucky Bucks – 6:00 pm
Chris Mitchell And The Collection – 8:00 pm
Treva And The Suits w/Justin Hulsey – 9:00 pm

Friday, February 29
The Fortunate Sons
Gary Nicholson, Reese Wynans, Chad Cromwell,Michael Rhodes, Kenny Greenberg with Ashley Cleveland – 8:00 pm

Saturday, March 1
FAB – 7:00 pm
The Jack Pearson Band – 10:00 pm

Tennessee is Number 1 and so is UT


Bilde

It was one for the ages, one that lived up to the hype, and one that will be remembered for decades.

And Monday, UT will be the No. 1 team in the nation.

It was a 40-minute sprint featuring dazzling speed and enough talent to fill an entire conference. And when it was over, No. 2 Tennessee made history and beat No. 1 Memphis 66-62 before a rowdy crowd of 18,389 at FedExForum.

Read the complete story in the Tennessean Newspaper
.

Kix Brooks wants to be paid for Fan Fair/CMA Music Festival

Here is a story from the local paper....

Kix Brooks has caused quite a stir.

Last week, Brooks — a CMA board member and half of superstar country duo Brooks & Dunn — warned Nashville business leaders that Nashville’s annual CMA Music Festival is somewhat of a house of cards. The success of the four-day event depends a great deal on its ability to draw big names during peak touring season, but artists who come to perform aren’t paid.


Read the rest of the story in the Tennessean newspaper.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Wimpy's Little Step, "Cabin Fever Classic" is coming to Murfreesboro





Come to Murfreesboro and see a wonderful reining horse show and visit our booth while there. Be sure to get all the Show information.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Free Beer Tasting at Vinea this Saturday, February 23



If you've tried strong, hoppy microbrews or mass-produced beers and didn't like the taste, we hope you'll come see us this Saturday.

We're sampling beers from Belgium, Germany, and Colorado that pair well with great food, and dispel many of the traditional notions you may have about beer.

These are full and rich, with flavors and aromas that make them a nice choice instead of wine.

We'll be pouring Saturday from 2-5 next door at Corrieri's Formaggeria. See you Saturday.

Popperings Hommel - $9.99/750 ml
A light, sweet, fruity beer from Belgium.

Petrus Blonde - $15.99/4 pk
Another light ale from Belgium. Compare it to the Hommel and let us know what you think.

Petrus Dubbel Bruin - $15.99/4 pk
A dark ale with a subtle caramel flavor.

Petrus Gouden Tripel - $10.99/750 ml
Smooth, rich and golden. Perfect as an aperitif - or with desserts.

Ettaler Curator Doppelbock - $4.99/500 ml
A dark, complex German beer with figs, cherry, raisin and toffee flavors.

Fort Collins Double Chocolate Stout - $6.99/650 ml
Loads of chocolate, just as you'd expect. Not to be missed!

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Opry This Week; February 22-23

Friday, February 22
8:00 – 8:30
The Whites
Jim Lauderdale
Ashley Monroe

8:309:00
Jimmy C. Newman
Jack Greene
Emerson Drive

9:009:30
George Hamilton IV
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Kathy Mattea

9:3010:00
Jim Ed Brown w/ Helen Cornelius
T. Graham Brown
Joe Nichols


Saturday, February 23
Early Show
6:30 – 7:00
Jim Ed Brown w/ Helen Cornelius
Jack Greene
Dan Tyminski Band

7:008:00
Jo Dee Messina
Keith Anderson
Tracy Byrd
Randy Owen

8:008:30
The Whites
Jan Howard
The Time Jumpers
Opry Square Dancers

8:309:00
George Hamilton IV
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Restless Heart


Late Show
9:3010:00
Jim Ed Brown w/ Helen Cornelius
Dan Tyminski Band
Keith Anderson

10:0010:30
Jimmy C. Newman
Randy Owen
Jo Dee Messina

10:3011:00
The Whites
Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Tracy Byrd
Opry Square Dancers

11:0011:30
George Hamilton IV
The Time Jumpers
Restless Heart

Nashville Restaurant Health Scores; February 20-26

HIGH SCORES:

Sir Pizza
7648 Hwy 70 South
Date Inspected: 2-11-08
Score: 93

Papa John’s
251 Old Hickory Blvd
Date Inspected: 2-14-08
Score: 93

Wendy’s
4843 Nolensville Road
Date Inspected: 2-14-08
Score: 94

Chicago Italian Beef
5017 Nolensville Road
Date Inspected: 2-14-08
Score: 96

LOW SCORES:

No Low Scores

UPDATES:

Fattoush Cafe
1716 Charlotte Avenue
Passed Reinspection

Ouyang House
4523 Nolensville Road
Passed Reinspection

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Marriott eBreaks offer discount rates for February 21-24

Arkansas - Little Rock
$71
North Carolina - Greensboro
$71-$87
California - Anaheim-Orange County
$63-$151
Ohio - Canton-Akron
$71-$72
California - Oxnard
$79-$111
Ohio - Cleveland
$63-$127
California - San Francisco
$87-$223
Ohio - Dayton
$59-$95
Colorado - Fort Collins
$87-$95
Oklahoma - Oklahoma City
$79-$96
Connecticut - Multiple Cities
$71-$199
Oregon - Portland
$68-$103
Delaware - Wilmington
$71-$119
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh
$67-$119
District Of Columbia - Washington Metro
$55-$167
South Carolina - Hilton Head
$135
Florida - Tallahassee
$67-$103
Tennessee - Chattanooga
$59-$135
Idaho - Boise
$71-$119
Tennessee - Kingsport
$79
Indiana - Multiple Cities
$60-$87
Tennessee - Nashville
$56-$151
Indiana - South Bend
$63-$95
Texas - Dallas-Ft Worth
$47-$127
Kentucky - Lexington
$55-$111
Vermont - Burlington-Williston
$79-$87
Kentucky - Louisville
$60-$127
Virginia - Multiple Cities
$83-$95
Louisiana - New Orleans
$79-$199
Virginia - Richmond
$71-$119
Michigan - Grand Rapids
$71-$87
Virginia - Williamsburg-Newport News
$71-$111
Michigan - Lansing
$71
Washington - Multiple Cities
$87
Minnesota - Minneapolis-St Paul
$56-$280
Washington - Seattle
$71-$175
Mississippi - Multiple Cities
$63-$79
Wisconsin - Milwaukee
$55-$124
Nevada - Reno
$87-$127
New Hampshire - Portsmouth
$71
New Jersey - Trenton-Princeton
$71-$95
New York - Albany
$80-$103
New York - Long Island
$87
New York - New York
$119-$271
New York - Rochester
$119-$175

Outside the U.S.

Aruba - Palm Beach
$375-$495
Canada - Guelph
$95-$103 CAD
Canada - Ottawa
$123 CAD
Canada - Vancouver
$90-$153 CAD
Guatemala - Guatemala City
$84

Nashville Seeing Growing Success Despite Country's Recession Worries



In a time where a slowing economy is on everyone's mind, Nashville continues to see positive travel industry growth.

Tourists and business travelers continue to flock to the famous Music City, notes Butch Spyridon, President of the Nashville Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB).

"Nashville is in a great position to minimize any impact from an economic downturn,' says Spyridon. 'Our diverse economy has created a very stable economic environment--health care, automotive, education, government, music and hospitality are all significant economic engines for the area. In addition, we are experiencing one of our best sales years ever and have just received initial approval for a new $600 million downtown convention center."

From the perspective of a Nashville airport hotel, the Nashville Airport Marriott continues to steady increase in group proposals through the CVB.

'We've seen a 148% increase in the number of group bookings we saw in January, verses the same time last year,' notes Jim Kintzler, Director of Sales and Marketing at the Nashville Airport Marriott. 'In addition to draw of the Nashville market overall, our clients are very pleased with our multi million dollar renovation and once again we rank in the top 10% of all North American Marriott hotels in guest satisfaction. We're proud to show our guests the kind of hospitality for which Nashville is known."

There's no wonder that even in the midst of a time when travelers are hesitant about spending money on hotels, dining and travel, the Airport Marriott's Nashville accommodations are booked, and out-of-towners are happily experiencing all that Nashville has to offer.

Read the entire Press Release.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Riding the train in Germany

Yet another great week at 3rd & Lindsley



Monday, February 18
7:00 pm
Minotaur- A collection of Jugglers, Acrobats, Belly Dancers, And Aerialists W/ Of Echoes and Analog Missionary

Tuesday, February 19
7:00 pm
Anthony Gomes
9:30 pm
The Players
Brent Mason, Michael Rhodes, John Hobbs, Eddie Bayers, Paul Franklin

Wednesday, February 20
6:00 pm
Joanna Cotten "proceeds benefit Chuck Fields "
8:00 pm
Kree Harrison
9:30 pm
The Wooten Brothers

Thursday, February 21
6:00pm
The Lucky Bucks
9:30 pm
Erin McCarly, Cassino, Trigger Code

Friday, February 22
7:00 pm
Soul Cages"The Music Of Sting And The Police"
9:30 pm
Jonell Mosser

Saturday, February 23
7:30 pm
Jeffrey Steele w/ Jabe Beyer & The All Night Circus and Ryan Weaver

Sunday, February 24
8:00 pm
The North Mississippi All Stars w/ Ryan Bingham and The Dead Horses

Featured Wines This Week; Episode One

Free Wine Tasting at Corrieri's Formaggeria- February 16 from 2-5pm

Friday, February 15, 2008

Blue Heron Cruises and their eagle nest cruises

Blue Heron Cruises launches its seventh season in business with 3-hour Eagle Nest Cruises on the Cumberland River.

Wildlife lovers will get the thrill of a lifetime by cruising within close (and ecologically respectful) range of an active eagle nest. The mated adults may be seen soaring, swooping, perching on the nest, or even feeding the fledglings. This is the best local guided tour of bald eagles and their territory.

Three-hour eagle nest tours board at 1 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, February 16th through March 31st. Ticket prices are $12 for adults and $10 for ages 2-12; prices include free hot beverages. Passengers are encouraged to bring binoculars and bird identification guides, and to dress warmly.

The Blue Heron 24-passenger pontoon boat is partially enclosed and heated with a restroom onboard. Many passengers eat before or after their cruise at the boat’s host dock, Riverview Restaurant and Marina, 110 Old River Road in Ashland City, Tennessee.

Reservations are required and may be made by calling 385-7007. Photos of the boat and wildlife may be viewed at
blueheroncruises.com.

A Tidbit of Nashville News for the Weekend

New Restaurant
B & C Market BBQ
900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd (8th Avenue North)
770-0032
This restaurant is the first new tenant during the ongoing renovations of the Market House section of the Farmers Market. Serving up breakfast and lunch. Menu items include pulled pork, beef brisket, ribs, cobblers, breakfast biscuits and more.
Hours are Mon - Sun, 7am - 3pm

Extended Hours
Agave
118 12th Avenue South. 254-9997
Agave is now open for lunch. They also have an extended catering menu and offer delivery. Hours are Monday - Friday, 11am - 3am and Saturday - Sunday, 4pm - 3am

Scat Springs at The Standard
Friday, February 15
The Standard
167 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard (8th Avenue North)
254-1277
7 - 9pm
$39.95
Scat Springs "Mr. Entertainment" performs. Ticket price includes a prime rib dinner and the show.

Discussions about the Bible: Making Ends Meet
Friday, February 15 and Saturday, February 16
Christian Science Reading Room
202 6th Avenue North
256-1068
12:15pm - 1:00pm
Join in on discussions about the Bible: Making Ends Meet.
Bring your lunch. Everyone is welcome.

"Inspirational Spaces"
Exhibit Closing Soon
Closing Sunday, February 17
Main Library
615 Church Street
862-5800
Free
Last chance to view the inspiring and private spaces of five iconic
writers: Thomas Wolfe, Carl Sandburg, Eudora Welty, Flannery O'Connor,
and William Faulkner. "Inspirational Spaces," an exhibit of rich sepia
tone photographs by Nashville's own Bob Schatz.

$20 Tickets to the Symphony
Through February 17, tickets for all 2007/08 Nashville Symphony
Classical concerts scheduled from March-June are just $20! Or, upgrade to the
best seats in the house for just $50! Choose from all remaining SunTrust Classical Series concerts, First Tennessee Summer Festival concerts and more. Offer is available online at nashvillesymphony.org, at the Nashville Symphony Box Office, or by calling 687-6400.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Grand Ole Opry; February 15-16

Friday, February 15
8:00 – 8:30
Marty Stuart
Connie Smith
Del McCoury Band

8:309:00
Jimmy Dickens
Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press

9:009:30
Bill Anderson
Charlie Louvin
Cherryholmes

9:3010:00
Hal Ketchum
Jim Ed Brown
Josh Turner


Saturday, February 16

Early Show
6:30 – 7:00
Jimmy Dickens
Jimmy C. Newman

7:00 – 7:30
Jim Ed Brown
Mel McDaniel
Jim Lauderdale

7:30 – 8:00
Hal Ketchum
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Jack Greene

8:00 – 8:30
Marty Stuart
Connie Smith
Del McCoury Band
Opry Square Dancers

8:30 – 9:00
Bill Anderson
Jan Howard
Darryl Worley


Late Show
9:30 – 10:00
Jimmy Dickens
Jimmy C. Newman

10:00 – 10:30
Hal Ketchum
Mel McDaniel
Jim Lauderdale

10:30 – 11:00
Marty Stuart
Connie Smith
Del McCoury Band
Opry Square Dancers

11:00 – 11:30
Bill Anderson
Jack Greene
Darryl Worley

To purchase tickets or to find more information, visit Opry.com.

Vanderbilt Skins the Wildcats

This one surprised me and not because of Vanderbilt winning the game but in their dominance of Kentucky. I listened to it on the radio and I actually had to call a friend to have them turn the game on and verify the score. I'm so proud of the Commodores and hope that they continue to win and impress and go far in March.
~Corey



Revenge, oddly enough, wasn’t the motivation Vanderbilt took into Tuesday night’s Southeastern Conference matchup with visiting Kentucky.

Embarrassment? That was another story.

Still stinging from their performance in a double-overtime loss in Lexington a month ago — a loss that ended their 16-game season-opening winning streak — the Commodores turned the tables in a big way and sent the Wildcats home on the bad end of a 93-52 beatdown.



Read more in the Tennessean.

Restaurant Health Scores in Nashville; February 13-19

HIGH SCORES:

Arnold’s Country Kitchen
605 8th Avenue North
Date Inspected: 2-05-08
Score: 93

Taco Bell/Pizza Hut
312 Harding Place
Date Inspected: 2-06-08
Score: 93

Mrs. Winners
5644 Franklin Pike Circle
Date Inspected: 2-04-08
Score: 93

Nyumba Cafe
1310 Antioch Pike
Date Inspected: 2-06-08
Score: 93

E. Milano’s Pizzeria
6601 Sugar Valley
Date Inspected: 2-05-08
Score: 94

LOW SCORES:

Fattoush Cafe
1716 Charlotte Avenue
Date Inspected: 2-06-08
Score: 56
Major Violations:
· Employee exited kitchen, re-entered, then touched grill, but never washed their hands
· Rat poison not in bait box, sprinkled on floor in prep area by chemical storage baker’s rack
· Mice droppings on floor in prep area by baker’s rack

Ouyang House
4523 Nolensville Road
Date Inspected: 2-04-08
Score: 54
Major Violations:
· Eggs on prep-table are out of temperature
· Employee with band-aid handling clean plates – not wearing gloves
· Sweet and sour chicken out of temperature
· Mouse droppings below hand-sink @ wait station by ice cream freezer

UPDATES:

No updates for the week.

Marriott ebreaks, February 14-17



Alabama - Florence
$103
New Jersey - Newark
$55-$135
Alabama - Huntsville
$66-$79
New Jersey - Trenton-Princeton
$71-$111
Alaska - Anchorage
$71-$72
New York - Rochester
$119-$175
Arizona - Tucson
$95-$279
New York - White Plains
$111-$127
Arkansas - Little Rock
$56-$87
North Carolina - Greensboro
$71-$143
California - Oxnard
$95
North Carolina - Raleigh Durham
$59-$119
California - Sacramento
$67-$111
Ohio - Cincinnati
$55-$96
Colorado - Boulder
$63-$87
Ohio - Cleveland
$63-$127
Colorado - Colorado Springs
$71-$79
Ohio - Toledo
$71-$79
Colorado - Denver
$47-$159
Ohio - Youngstown
$71-$79
Connecticut - New Haven
$63-$91
Oklahoma - Lawton
$71-$83
District Of Columbia - Washington Metro
$55-$151
Oklahoma - Oklahoma City
$95-$103
Idaho - Boise
$63-$119
Pennsylvania - Harrisburg
$79-$103
Illinois - Chicago
$55-$143
South Carolina - Columbia
$63-$95
Illinois - Multiple Cities
$66-$73
South Carolina - Greenville-Spartanburg
$56-$119
Kentucky - Multiple Cities
$63-$71
Tennessee - Knoxville
$63-$95
Maine - Portland
$71-$87
Tennessee - Memphis
$63-$80
Maryland - Salisbury
$67-$71
Virginia - Richmond
$71-$119
Massachusetts - Boston
$55-$135
Virginia - Williamsburg-Newport News
$71-$111
Massachusetts - Multiple Cities
$63-$111
Wisconsin - Milwaukee
$55-$79
Michigan - Detroit
$63-$119
Missouri - Kansas City
$63-$111
Missouri - St Louis
$55-$123
~~~Outside the U.S.

Canada - Halifax
$87-$95 CAD

Wine Tasting at Vinea on Saturday, February 16


Join the folks at Vinea this Saturday, February 16, for a Chilean treat.

From 2pm-5pm at Corrieri's Formaggeria they will be showcasing - and sharing tastes of - select wines from Santa Rita, one of Chile's most respected producers, and one of the first to plant European grape varieties in Chile.


Santa Rita Reserva
Youthful, fruity wines, perfect for any occasion.
Join us to sample the following varietals.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Enjoy with beef, pork, pasta, and cheeses.
Merlot
Concentrated and balanced - a perfect pairing with casseroles, pasta, and paella.
$13.99


Santa Rita 120
A tribute to 120 soldiers who fought during Chile's 19th century fight for independence from Spanish rule, these wines are an excellent value.
Enjoy tastings of the following varietals.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Smooth, great with winter comfort food.
Merlot
Perfect with burgers, pastas, and pizzas.
Sauvignon Blanc
Great as an aperitif or with seafood.
Carménère Excellent with lamb, chicken, or stews.
$8.99


Banfi Rosa Regale
An Italian sparkling wine that's perfect for Valentine's Day.
Lightly bubbly, with soft hints of raspberry, strawberry, and rose petals.
$14.49 (375ml)
$26.99 (750ml)


Gruet Blanc de Blancs
We still have a few bottles of this elegant, crisp sparkling wine from New Mexico.
When they're gone, they're gone.
Don't miss out!
$25.99

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Ellendales Lunch Buffet; February 11-15



Lunch buffet week of February 11 - 15

Entrees
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Alfredo Dihon Cream Sauce
BBQ Pork Ribs
Roasted Sirloin with Caramelized Shallot Demi Glaze

Vegetables
Broccoli with Hollandaise
Southwestern Corn
Candied Carrots
Pastas
Eggplant Rigatoni with Aflredo
Vegetarian Lasagna

Rice & Potatoes
Rice Pilaf
Loaded Baked Mashed Potatoes

Salads, etc.
Chicken Salad
Pear Salad
Couscous
Italian Pasta Salad
Red Pepper Hummus
Caesar Salad
Fresh Fruit
Soup du Jour

• Bonus dish: Italian 4 Cheese Fondue •

Monday, February 11, 2008

Need a romantic place to take that special someone on Valentine's Day? Take them to White Castle


Nashville area White Castle restaurants will offer reserved candlelight dining on Thursday, February 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you crave the steam grilled goodness of White Castle then you have found the perfect dinner destination to share with your favorite Valentine.
~~~
Reservations are filling up quickly and can still be made by calling 615- 895-7977.
~~~
To read the entire article, click HERE.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

ZAP Cars and Stuff






Since 1994 ZAP has been a world leader for electric and advanced technology vehicles, delivering more than 100,000 electric vehicles in more than 75 countries. Whether it's a Xebra Sedan electric car or Xebra Truck, Zapino or Zappy 3 scooter, we can help you go green today with 100% electric and solar-electric hybrid transportation. Also, Recharge your mobile electronics with ZAP's new Recharge-It-All line of battery rechargers. Checkout our ZAP-X and ZAP Alias electric cars that we are developing with Lotus Engineering.
~~~
The past year marked an important milestone for ZAP. With all the talk about electric cars and the environment over the past year, we are proud to be one of the only companies in the world today with a full line of affordable, production electric vehicles and a sales and service network helping to bring them to communities all over the world. We are particularly proud to be offering our first production electric cars, the XEBRA line of sedans and trucks. The XEBRA truly is an affordable way we can all make a statement in support of the environment.

Visit ZapWorld to see more cars, scooters and offroad vehicles. Cool stuff, indeed...

Piano House



I think Billy Joel would love this house. Just imagine him singing, "I ammm a piano mannnn, oh yess I ammm in a piano house", or something like that.





I found this at Offbeat Homes. Check them out for more cool and funky houses.

News Photos of the Week


Swimmers start a heat of the women's 100-meter butterfly at the Good Luck Beijing 2008 Swimming China Open at the National Aquatics Center, known as the Water Cube, in Beijing. The event was one of a series of events held to test the venues for the 2008 Olympic Games.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Lambert, 30, from Plainview, Ark., shares his rations with an Iraqi boy in Beijia village in Arab Jabour, south of Baghdad, Iraq.


A carnival float depicting Usama bin Laden taking a bath in blood is seen during the traditional carnival parade in Duesseldorf, Germany. Street spectacles in the carnival strongholds of Duesseldorf, Mainz and Cologne are watched by millions of revelers, marking the highlights in Germany's carnival season.

~source~
Fox News-Photos of the Week

Saturday, February 09, 2008

Nashville Cowboy is here


132 2nd Avenue North.
259-8922
New retail store features western wear and boots by Manuel, Liberty, Brazil Roxx, Patricia Wolf and more.
Hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 am - 8 pm
Friday-Saturday, 10 am - 9 pm
Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm

An incredible, upcoming week at 3rd & Lindsley; February 11-16



Monday, February 11
Misty Loggins – 6:00 pm
Clay Cumbie – 7:30 pm
My Space Monday – 9:30 pm
Josh Grider, The Donald Austin Trio, Sequoyah Prep School, And The Four Kicks

Tuesday, February 12
George Ducas – 6:00 pm
Monte Montgomery w/ J D Simo and The Bittersweets – 8:00 pm

Wednesday, February 13
Lady Antebellum w/ Kree Harison – 7:00 pm
The Wooten Brothers – 9:30 pm

Thursday, February 14
Valentines Day

Mandy Barnett w/ Kree Harrison – 7:00 pm
Amanda Williams w/ Kata Rhe – 9:30 pm

Friday, February 15
Michael Inge w/ Ginny Owens and Charlyn Carpenter – 7:00 pm
Mark Selby, Greg Foresman, Rufus Huff Feat Greg Martin "Kentucky Headhunters" – 10:00 pm

Saturday, February 16
Webb Wilder
– 7:00 pm
Layne Wrye w/Jenny Gill – 10:00 pm

Are you in need of good chocolate for Valentine's Day?

Here are some options for some really good, gourmet chocolates. Yes, she will know the difference when she tastes it so go out and do something to impress her.


Xoconochco
Historic Downtown Franklin
434 Main Street
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 599-0236

Cocoa Tree
121 3rd Ave N
Franklin, TN 37064
(615) 599-1989

Pralines by Leon
138 2nd Ave N # 102
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 254-5030

Chocolate Tasting with Dorie Greenspan



After baking authority and author Dorie Greenspan did a Valrhona chocolate tasting with the company's sensory expert, she stopped by the show to share what she learned. As she and Lynne sampled Valrhona's Manjari Grande Cru, Dorie explained the seven steps involved in tasting chocolate:

Look: note the color and sheen (shininess is a sign of good tempering)
Smell: breathe in the odor (what you smell when breathing directly through your nose)
Break: assess the "snap." A crisp snap indicated good tempering.
Put in mouth: note the texture.
Melt in mouth by pressing the chocolate against the roof of your mouth with your tongue.
Distinguish aromas: fruity, floral, warm, heavier (toasted nuts, woods)
Taste: you taste acidity first and bitterness last



This comes from the Splendid Table.

The Darjeeling Limited



This was a really good movie that could really sneak up on you and make you laugh. I really enjoyed it and loved the pace and the setting of the movie. I recommend it.

Plot Outline:
Three American brothers who have not spoken to each other in a year set off on a train voyage across India with a plan to find themselves and bond with each other -- to become brothers again like they used to be. Their "spiritual quest", however, veers rapidly off-course (due to events involving over-the-counter pain killers, Indian cough syrup, and pepper spray), and they eventually find themselves stranded alone in the middle of the desert with eleven suitcases, a printer, and a laminating machine. At this moment, a new, unplanned journey suddenly begins.

We watched "Martian Child" on the flight from Germany



We watched this movie on the flight back from Germany and I have to tell you that it won me over. I got a little misty-eyed, laughed alot and overall just loved it. It was cute, sweet and I felt his pain as I am learning to deal with two teenage boys.

I realize it isn't easy and that I don't know what to do very often or how to be a role model and yet I realize that I just need to be me and let them be themselves then we do alright. I still have a lot to learn but I wouldn't trade my life with my fiance and her children for anything. I learn so much about myself from them while also trying to give them just as much back.



Visit the "Martian Child" website.

"Lost Highway" by Bon Jovi and the connection to Nashville



Watch and hear how Nashville and the immense talent located here inspired and brought out great stuff from Bon Jovi.

Friday, February 08, 2008

Encore Lightning in Nashville


Find more cool stuff at My Quiet Life by Chris Wage.

Bluebird Cafe Schedule; February 8-12

Friday, February 8
6:30PM
In The Row with Belmont at the Bluebird featuring Gordon Kennedy, Roger Murrah, Molly Reed and friends
no cover

9:30PM
Marshall Chapman and the Love Slaves with Eddie Angel, Jackie Street, Lynn Williams, James Hollihan
$15.00

Saturday, February 9
6:30PM
In The Round with Jan Schim, Jen Foster, Warren Wilken and Jim Parker
no cover
9:30PM
In The Round with Bob DiPiero, Gary Burr, Jim Photoglo and Victoria Shaw
$12.00

Sunday, February 10
6:30PM
Sunday Spotlight Gareth Asher
no cover
8:00PM
Writers Night with special guest Erin Enderlin
no cover

Monday, February 11
6:00PM
Open Mic hosted by Barbara Cloyd
no cover
9:30
Mike Henderson Band with Willie Domann, Kevin McKendree and Pat O?Connor
$7.00

Tuesday, February 12
6:00PM
In The Round with Aaron Scherz, Jimmy Yeary, Valerie Bolin and Clay Cumbie
no cover
9:00PM
In The Round with Fred Wilhelm, Odie Blackman, Trent Summar and Jay Knowles
$8.00
~~~
Bluebird Cafe
4104 Hillsboro Road
Nashville, TN
615-383-1461

Merlot Brownies recipe from Tennessee Wineries

MERLOT BROWNIES

1 cup Tennessee Merlot
3/4 cup butter
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup White Lily all-purpose flour
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly butter a 13x9-inch baking pan. In a small saucepan, simmer wine over medium heat until reduced to 1/4 cup. Pour into a large bowl and set aside. In top of a double boiler, melt butter and chocolate over simmering water. Pour into wine and whisk until smooth.

In top of double boiler, whisk together sugar, eggs and vanilla over simmering water until very light and thick. Pour into chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth. Stir in flour and ½ cup of pecans. Pour into prepared pan and sprinkle with remaining pecans. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool and cut into squares. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen.


Tammy Algood
Pick Tennessee Products Spokesperson
~~~
Remember how amazing treats tasted when you were eight? How sweet and perfect every cookie, every cupcake was?

“Well, those days are over,” says Tammy Algood. “Lots of things have changed since way back then, including the number of active taste buds you have and how each taste center in your mouth now experiences food. You’re likely to be a little disappointed when you try sweets from your childhood and they seem a little too much, or just don’t taste the way you remember.”

“But don’t despair,” says Algood, a food expert. “With age, you come to have a deeper, richer understanding of life. You see that things are a lot more complex than when you were young.

“In the same way, adults tend to be able to appreciate tastes that are much more complex. You can still be sent over the moon with a great dessert, just like when you were a kid— it just needs to be as complex and grownup as you.

“Merlot brownies are the perfect remedy for a palate that craves surprise along with sweet.”
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Read more at Tennessee Wineries.
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Visit the Pick Tennessee Products website.