Thursday, June 21, 2012

Elegant Nashville Eating

Southern eating is usually reserved to fried chicken and grits, especially in the quintessential town of Nashville.. However that city is changing its' culinary habits. Thanks to local chefs, the city is becoming a gourmet mecca, Food is changing however it still maintains its' Southern flair.

This was the topic of an article in today's New York Times Dining section. It was written by regular Kin Severson. She sampled the various dishes and went to some of the hipster restaurants too. After all Nashville is also a music city , attracting celebs like native Sheryl Crow and newcomer Nicole Kidman and her husband , country singer Keith Urban,, Some of the food is artisanal, being reminiscent of what's happening in Brooklyn's foodie scene,Chefs are making their own chocolate and curing their own meats, This gives dishes a homemade yet gourmet flavor.

Some of the stars on the Nashville scene are Mas Taco Por favor. This Mexican favorite started in 2008 out of a Winnebago - no less. Its' soup is famed around town  It''s a smooth blend  of chicken and lime and has attracted a cult following in Music City. The restaurant's carnitas are also very good , being a blend of fresh beef and spices. Nashville's gem, The Catbird Seat has a national following and has been featured in many food magazines.It is known for its' unusual concept of having a large table where chefs come out and serve dish after dish. There is a beef tartare that is made with burnt bread crumbs and juniper. The eggs come sous-vide and yogurt dishes are infused with sweet hay.

Nashville has long been known as the country's music capitol. Now it's being known for its' food as well. It's fine country dining with a sophisticated twist.

Taco Bell's Meets Doritos

Everyone loves Taco Bell and Doritos. Imagine combining the two for a tastier meal or snack. Well, that's exactly what Taco Bell has done. The result is an interesting blend of fresh veggies mixed with that spicy flavor we all know so well.

This was the subject of an article in yesterday's New York Times Dining section by William Grimes. He decided to try the newest concoction by one of America's leading fast food chains. His findings? So so. The shell may be very good but the fillings are just basic fast food stuffings. The tomatoes are not good while the sour cream was dismal.At least the beef was flavorful as it often is with any Taco Bell product along with the shredded cheddar which was pronounced sharp. Maybe if would be better with a chicken version.A cool ranch version is in the works

As with any Taco Bell product, the Doritos flavored taco is low in calorie (as well a sin price .it;s a cheap $1.49 .Despite all the different ingredients in it it still only 170 calories. This is much less than its' in house competitor, the Doritos Loco supreme, a weighteir version of it. It has 200 calories. Still compared to what other fast food chains are giving out, Taco Bell is still the healthiest. There's not that much grease, fat or carbs to deal with. Also the flavor is a lot betterand dosn''t have an aftertaste.The doritis spicigns will amp up the food a bit and probably garner more fans

There's nothing like the spice of a Doritos and the tastiness of a taco. Taco Bell has managed to combine the two into a tasty treat for the summer.it'sa  fine blend of a popular snack food and a well loved fast food.