Sole Mio (Nashville, TN)

My date loves pasta. So, I sought recommendations for Italian in Nashville. A trusted source highly recommended Sole Mio. How'd it go? Well....I'm not sure if it was a cruel joke....or they just had sadistic intentions, or both.

My date order the gnocchi, our favorite pasta.

I ordered the garlic brined pork chop, medium. The gnocchi had the consistency and flavor of rubber bands. My pork chop had the consistency of jerky and the flavor of cardboard. Not to sound cruel; but the food was only edible because we were starving. 

Hopefully this was somehow just the worst night in the history of this kitchen; but I highly doubt it. All for the price of $150....

The good news - The service was excellent. Not that it matters because sadly, the servers don't have much of a product backing them.

Why go? Don't. Just don't. Nashville has too many incredible offerings to waste one moment here. If somehow you feel the indescribable urge to go, just set fire to $150 and save the real pain of dining here.

The Patterson House (Nashville, TN)

Nashville isn't exactly short on watering holes. But none quite like The Patterson House.

The Patterson House is small, dimly lit cocktail bar located in The Gulch; a swanky,  emerging area of Nashville.  A historic, legal themed speakeasy with exceptional ambiance. While only separated by a short ride from the beer flowing, honky tonks on Broadway; they couldn't be further apart.

You enter into a law library with the entrance to the bar hidden behind a curtain. The me

Its truly mixology at its finest. The cocktails are all high end. All exceptionally prepared. There's also a small food menu. Although really good, I doubt anyone goes there for the food.

Everything is incredible. My favorites were The Jennings (not on the menu) which is a house hickory smoked cola and Jack Daniels; and the Penicillin made with smokey/peated scotch.

 

The only disappointment is the lack of focus on Tennessee whiskey. Not my personal preference of libation by any means, but I try to enjoy the local flavor of wherever I happen to be.

Why go:

Perfect for a guys night, date night with a wife/girlfriend, or a drink with a first date. However if you're looking for single ladies, there are better options.