Nashville: here is where locals eat…Bricktop’s on West End and also a new location downtown called The River House. Order the popovers, trout, Caesar salad. Dozen Bakery for the best baguettes and breakfast croissants. Degthai on Nolensville Road for Jay’s special with chicken. Also on Nolensville, King Tut and don’t miss the falafel. Locals also go to the Picnic for chicken salad sandwiches and fruit tea. They go to Food & Co for takeout lasagna and enchiladas. They (I) shop at Green Door Gourmet market for CSAs and fresh produce. For barbecue, I choose Martin’s and order the Redneck Taco (on a corn griddle cake) with smoked chicken. I’m stopping here but might add some more suggestions. Don’t be a tourist and stay on Lower Broad at the honkey tonks. Get out to see the Parthenon, Cheekwood and its gardens, the Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, and take a tour of Music Row.
Number one - my heart is broken for your friend, Anne. The injustice of her situation is staggering. Bless you for speaking out!
Number two - come for a visit to Toronto. You'll like Manita's on Yonge, Grey Garden's in Kensington Market and Sunny's Chinese in the same market, and my house for dinner.
Thanks for saying what must be said and often isn’t because it makes people uncomfortable. But we ought to be uncomfortable with what’s happening to people like your Canadian friend, to our closest allies, to the environmental rules and health standards that keep us safe, to the farmers who can no longer sell their goods abroad, to consumers who can’t afford tariff-inflated prices, to the thousands of government workers who have been fired for no reason, to those who have been unlawfully deported, and on and on. Where and when does it stop? Perhaps when we all speak out and stand up.
Thanks for your example, Anne—and congratulations on four years on Substack and your consistently excellent stories, recipes and writing.
Hi Anne! It's your friend from Hamilton, MT. First, let me say how I admire your courage to speak out in these treacherous times. So many are fearful of retribution for vocalizing their beliefs and thoughts. You have no idea how you have encouraged, strengthened and emboldened many people. You go, girl!
Now, for places to eat in Hamilton, MT....well, we're a small town of 4,600 people so our choices are somewhat limited. However, that said, there are several places in which my husband and I like to dine. One is Bouilla...kind of a fusion restaurant with a zen like atmosphere. They feature sandwiches made with their own ciabatta bread which is soft and yummy. (Wish I had that recipe!). Nap's Grill is famous for their hamburgers but the real deal is the Steak Platter...can't beat that Montana beef! What we really specialize in is specular natural beauty! Hamilton is located in the gorgeous Bitterroot Valley surrounded by incredible mountain scenery that comes pretty close, in my opinion, to rivaling Glacier National Park (which is an easy days drive away). Summer is the best time to check us out. Oh, did I mention that Yellowstone was filmed here? If you're curious about our area, just watch the series!
Maria, you have warmed my heart. We took our children to Glacier when they were young. Montana is spectacular. My husband’s grandmother is buried in a St. Helena cemetery. I believe we stayed in Hamilton but not certain. Thank you for sharing what you love about where you live. It’s important!
Read every word. Twice. Am making the muffins now. I particularly liked the first few paragraphs, however, which made me feel even prouder of you and that I discovered your columns.
In Montreal Schwartz is de rigour. Not fancy. Just mile high smoked meat sandwiches on rye that you will continue to think about for the rest of your life. And lots of other amazing restaurants.
You are fortunate in Montreal for all things delicious, Alice. Thanks for the rec. I still remember a Greek restaurant there so many years ago. It was the first time I had ordered grilled fish with Greek seasoning and all the wonderful sides. You picked your fish and they cooked it over what appeared to be charcoal. I haven’t seen that same scenario since.
Yes!! Thank you for speaking out for your friend. And thank you for your eloquent words about travel and experiencing new tastes and people!
In my home city of Seattle, if you ever find yourself in the upper left-hand corner of the US, please do visit the world famous Pike Place Market (everyone knows about that), but also visit our three year-round farmers markets: Ballard, University District, and West Seattle. They're full of produce and tasty treats, yes, but also gifts and crafts from local artisans. If you're in another neighborhood between May-October, there are about a dozen other neighborhood farmers markets too.
Seattleites also love our bakeries (all of which also have amazing coffee, of course). My favorites are: Coyle's Bakeshop, Ben's Bread, Sea Wolf, Fuji Bakery, Columbia City Bakery, and Macrina (local chain). I could go on about our seafood, sushi, breweries, and so on, but this is a good start. ;-)
It’s an excellent start, Carmen. Thank you! I do love Seattle and want to get back. I know the Pike Place Market and Ballard. Went to a wonderful bakery in Ballard. It’s been a while. So interesting about the bakery and coffee culture of the Pacific Northwest.
Hi Carmen! I definitely second our year-round neighborhood markets, I feel so fortunate to have one here in West Seattle. It's a part of our Sunday routine most weekends--even though we also have a CSA delivery every Saturday. Can't support our local farmers enough!!
Ooh, that's a great question. The first thing that came to mind was a really great loaf of sourdough bread baked with grains grown and milled just to the north in the Skagit Valley. The second thing was a pie filled with whatever fruit currently bountiful in the gardens, farmers markets or local picking: rhubarb, blackberries, huckleberries, cherries..... Quintessentially Seattle/Pacific NW.
Some of the best breakfasts I have enjoyed have been out West. Thanks for these recs! It’s a strange time in our country, and it can’t end quickly enough for me.
Your writing continues to inspire me in so many ways beyond food; I admire your fearlessness.
Hometown: Southport, a small island in mid-coast Maine. The island store’s sandwiches, baked goods and hot suppers will keep you fed for days. Naturally, there’s a seafood joint, Robinson’s Wharf, for shore dinners (lobster, steamers, corn on the cob, potatoes) and also serves up a pretty fine vegetarian farro bowl.
Dessert, blueberry pie with Maine blueberries—the ONLY blueberries worth mentioning. I will die on this hill.
This post both breaks my heart and fills it to overflowing. The international connections that will suffer-- and never be born--because of the president's foolish, short-sighted ideas are something I'm mourning daily.
Nashville: The Picnic is a weird ritual most of us on the west side of town must honor-- totally unchanged and steady despite moving locations.
Of course Muddy’s! Thank you for this weigh in, Kat. I’ve wanted to try Beauty Shop and have added Calvary Waffle Shop bc of tomato aspic, fudge pie, peppermint ice cream. Shrimp mousse and chicken salad right out of a Jr League spiral bound cookbook!
Four Years! Wow! That's Great! Congrats! I live in Central Virginia, right by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Orange County. We like to eat at Jack's Shop Kitchen, The Barbeque Exchange and The Exchange Cafe. In a nearby county, our favorite Italian restaurant is Itavie Grill and Bakery. The desserts there are incredible!
Clayton, Georgia (the town near Lakes Burton, Rabun and Seed in the North Georgia mountains) :
Stekoa Creek--steaks and accompaniments, Rabun Social (sushi along with burgers, salads and pasta), Fortify Pi for great pizza, The Vandiver in the Bridge Creek Hotel on Main Street for pasta, salmon, burgers, delicious rolls, good Cosmopolitans, mountain trout, and other well-prepared entrees. To pick up wonderful meat (including Waygu Beef) head to Farmhouse Market on Savannah Street. U Joint serves good pub food and salads--eat on the lovely outdoor patio for the best ambience. There are several new and promising restaurants opening during the rest of 2025.
A bit further afield in Sautee Nacoochee, GA, near Helen, GA is Harvest Habersham--SO lovely and the closest to truly upscale, creative, food prepared from local sources by an extremely talented chef in the area, and offering great wine (and special wine dinner events). Make your reservations well in advance--they fill most nights.
Anne I’m just so sad for your friend, but she is in a better place. Go visit her when you can.
I’m living in the tropics, in Australia. Summer has drawn to and end at last, the mangoes and lychee’s gone for the season but mangosteens and guava’s are coming into our growers market. Fenugreek leaves or methi, a cooler climate crop will also be in my basket in the coming weeks. The aloo methi season and methi paratha is here.
Lovely flavors, Lisa. I have not traveled to Australia or New Zealand and should have added those to my list. As for my friend, she is settling in. She is a strong woman with a supportive Canadian family.
Nashville: here is where locals eat…Bricktop’s on West End and also a new location downtown called The River House. Order the popovers, trout, Caesar salad. Dozen Bakery for the best baguettes and breakfast croissants. Degthai on Nolensville Road for Jay’s special with chicken. Also on Nolensville, King Tut and don’t miss the falafel. Locals also go to the Picnic for chicken salad sandwiches and fruit tea. They go to Food & Co for takeout lasagna and enchiladas. They (I) shop at Green Door Gourmet market for CSAs and fresh produce. For barbecue, I choose Martin’s and order the Redneck Taco (on a corn griddle cake) with smoked chicken. I’m stopping here but might add some more suggestions. Don’t be a tourist and stay on Lower Broad at the honkey tonks. Get out to see the Parthenon, Cheekwood and its gardens, the Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, and take a tour of Music Row.
Number one - my heart is broken for your friend, Anne. The injustice of her situation is staggering. Bless you for speaking out!
Number two - come for a visit to Toronto. You'll like Manita's on Yonge, Grey Garden's in Kensington Market and Sunny's Chinese in the same market, and my house for dinner.
Packing now! Better mind my Ps and Qs as my mother used to say so I can get back in the US of A!
Thanks for saying what must be said and often isn’t because it makes people uncomfortable. But we ought to be uncomfortable with what’s happening to people like your Canadian friend, to our closest allies, to the environmental rules and health standards that keep us safe, to the farmers who can no longer sell their goods abroad, to consumers who can’t afford tariff-inflated prices, to the thousands of government workers who have been fired for no reason, to those who have been unlawfully deported, and on and on. Where and when does it stop? Perhaps when we all speak out and stand up.
Thanks for your example, Anne—and congratulations on four years on Substack and your consistently excellent stories, recipes and writing.
Ruth, it’s exhausting just to list all the reasons this president needs to step down. Just terrible. Thank you! 💕
Hi Anne! It's your friend from Hamilton, MT. First, let me say how I admire your courage to speak out in these treacherous times. So many are fearful of retribution for vocalizing their beliefs and thoughts. You have no idea how you have encouraged, strengthened and emboldened many people. You go, girl!
Now, for places to eat in Hamilton, MT....well, we're a small town of 4,600 people so our choices are somewhat limited. However, that said, there are several places in which my husband and I like to dine. One is Bouilla...kind of a fusion restaurant with a zen like atmosphere. They feature sandwiches made with their own ciabatta bread which is soft and yummy. (Wish I had that recipe!). Nap's Grill is famous for their hamburgers but the real deal is the Steak Platter...can't beat that Montana beef! What we really specialize in is specular natural beauty! Hamilton is located in the gorgeous Bitterroot Valley surrounded by incredible mountain scenery that comes pretty close, in my opinion, to rivaling Glacier National Park (which is an easy days drive away). Summer is the best time to check us out. Oh, did I mention that Yellowstone was filmed here? If you're curious about our area, just watch the series!
Maria, you have warmed my heart. We took our children to Glacier when they were young. Montana is spectacular. My husband’s grandmother is buried in a St. Helena cemetery. I believe we stayed in Hamilton but not certain. Thank you for sharing what you love about where you live. It’s important!
Read every word. Twice. Am making the muffins now. I particularly liked the first few paragraphs, however, which made me feel even prouder of you and that I discovered your columns.
Thank you, John!
In Montreal Schwartz is de rigour. Not fancy. Just mile high smoked meat sandwiches on rye that you will continue to think about for the rest of your life. And lots of other amazing restaurants.
You are fortunate in Montreal for all things delicious, Alice. Thanks for the rec. I still remember a Greek restaurant there so many years ago. It was the first time I had ordered grilled fish with Greek seasoning and all the wonderful sides. You picked your fish and they cooked it over what appeared to be charcoal. I haven’t seen that same scenario since.
Yes!! Thank you for speaking out for your friend. And thank you for your eloquent words about travel and experiencing new tastes and people!
In my home city of Seattle, if you ever find yourself in the upper left-hand corner of the US, please do visit the world famous Pike Place Market (everyone knows about that), but also visit our three year-round farmers markets: Ballard, University District, and West Seattle. They're full of produce and tasty treats, yes, but also gifts and crafts from local artisans. If you're in another neighborhood between May-October, there are about a dozen other neighborhood farmers markets too.
Seattleites also love our bakeries (all of which also have amazing coffee, of course). My favorites are: Coyle's Bakeshop, Ben's Bread, Sea Wolf, Fuji Bakery, Columbia City Bakery, and Macrina (local chain). I could go on about our seafood, sushi, breweries, and so on, but this is a good start. ;-)
It’s an excellent start, Carmen. Thank you! I do love Seattle and want to get back. I know the Pike Place Market and Ballard. Went to a wonderful bakery in Ballard. It’s been a while. So interesting about the bakery and coffee culture of the Pacific Northwest.
Hi Carmen! I definitely second our year-round neighborhood markets, I feel so fortunate to have one here in West Seattle. It's a part of our Sunday routine most weekends--even though we also have a CSA delivery every Saturday. Can't support our local farmers enough!!
Thank you Cynthia! Is there a baked good that is uniquely Seattle?
Ooh, that's a great question. The first thing that came to mind was a really great loaf of sourdough bread baked with grains grown and milled just to the north in the Skagit Valley. The second thing was a pie filled with whatever fruit currently bountiful in the gardens, farmers markets or local picking: rhubarb, blackberries, huckleberries, cherries..... Quintessentially Seattle/Pacific NW.
Both will do just fine!
Not sure two comments are allowed, but just because I am here now, Da Enzo's in Rome. My all time favourite.
Anything with Rome is allowed. Fried artichokes especially!
I am sorry about your friend. I have a close friend in Helsinki who visited us last year and won’t come again until the administration has changed.
As far as places to eat in Cheyenne Mondello’s pizza and Italian restaurant for lunch and dinner and The Luxury Diner for breakfast.
Some of the best breakfasts I have enjoyed have been out West. Thanks for these recs! It’s a strange time in our country, and it can’t end quickly enough for me.
Your writing continues to inspire me in so many ways beyond food; I admire your fearlessness.
Hometown: Southport, a small island in mid-coast Maine. The island store’s sandwiches, baked goods and hot suppers will keep you fed for days. Naturally, there’s a seafood joint, Robinson’s Wharf, for shore dinners (lobster, steamers, corn on the cob, potatoes) and also serves up a pretty fine vegetarian farro bowl.
Dessert, blueberry pie with Maine blueberries—the ONLY blueberries worth mentioning. I will die on this hill.
I packing for Maine right now. It’s on my list. I want to taste those blueberries. Thank you, Amie!
This post both breaks my heart and fills it to overflowing. The international connections that will suffer-- and never be born--because of the president's foolish, short-sighted ideas are something I'm mourning daily.
Nashville: The Picnic is a weird ritual most of us on the west side of town must honor-- totally unchanged and steady despite moving locations.
So right Lou Ann. Picnic is steady. 💕
Come back to Memphis soon! :)
+ Beauty Shop for lunch AND dinner- fun vibes, incredibly poppin' flavors with unexpected but absolutely perfect pairings and fresh textures
+ Swamp Bar for late dinner- funky, bold, global flavors
+ Barksdale's- old school breakfast and meat n' three
+ Sweet Musings- Taiwanese bakery in Cordova
+ Calvary Waffle Shop- if you come during Lent, enjoy chicken salad, tomato aspic, shrimp mousse, fudge pie, and peppermint ice cream
+ Libro for lunch or early dinner- lovely cafe with a slight bend toward Italian style, in the bookstore
+ Mosa for lunch or dinner- delicious, ultra-fresh, flavorful Chinese and a great Szechuan menu
+ Muddy's Bake Shop-- obvs. ;) Come bake with me!
Of course Muddy’s! Thank you for this weigh in, Kat. I’ve wanted to try Beauty Shop and have added Calvary Waffle Shop bc of tomato aspic, fudge pie, peppermint ice cream. Shrimp mousse and chicken salad right out of a Jr League spiral bound cookbook!
Four Years! Wow! That's Great! Congrats! I live in Central Virginia, right by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Orange County. We like to eat at Jack's Shop Kitchen, The Barbeque Exchange and The Exchange Cafe. In a nearby county, our favorite Italian restaurant is Itavie Grill and Bakery. The desserts there are incredible!
Good to know, Gina, and thank you! Much of the South drives through Virginia to head up east. It’s a gorgeous state.
Burlington, NC Local Spots-
Prego’s for Italian,
Michelle’s Kitchen Table (Thursday to Sunday only),
Take-Out Hursey’s BBQ or a casserole from
Gluten-Free at “Rose and Roxy”
Thank you, Nancy! What kind of barbecue is popular in Burlington?
Clayton, Georgia (the town near Lakes Burton, Rabun and Seed in the North Georgia mountains) :
Stekoa Creek--steaks and accompaniments, Rabun Social (sushi along with burgers, salads and pasta), Fortify Pi for great pizza, The Vandiver in the Bridge Creek Hotel on Main Street for pasta, salmon, burgers, delicious rolls, good Cosmopolitans, mountain trout, and other well-prepared entrees. To pick up wonderful meat (including Waygu Beef) head to Farmhouse Market on Savannah Street. U Joint serves good pub food and salads--eat on the lovely outdoor patio for the best ambience. There are several new and promising restaurants opening during the rest of 2025.
A bit further afield in Sautee Nacoochee, GA, near Helen, GA is Harvest Habersham--SO lovely and the closest to truly upscale, creative, food prepared from local sources by an extremely talented chef in the area, and offering great wine (and special wine dinner events). Make your reservations well in advance--they fill most nights.
Clayton has boomed! I recall the Dillard House, was that Clayton? Such a beautiful part of the state and the South. Fabulous suggestions!
Anne I’m just so sad for your friend, but she is in a better place. Go visit her when you can.
I’m living in the tropics, in Australia. Summer has drawn to and end at last, the mangoes and lychee’s gone for the season but mangosteens and guava’s are coming into our growers market. Fenugreek leaves or methi, a cooler climate crop will also be in my basket in the coming weeks. The aloo methi season and methi paratha is here.
Lovely flavors, Lisa. I have not traveled to Australia or New Zealand and should have added those to my list. As for my friend, she is settling in. She is a strong woman with a supportive Canadian family.