Franklin TN Archives - There Goes Connie

Tupelo Honey Cafe: Great Food in Franklin, Tennessee

12/03/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Perhaps you’re planning a Christmas shopping spree at Cool Springs Galleria in Franklin, Tennessee, in the coming weeks. Or, maybe you’ll want to go there for after-Christmas sales. Whatever the case, my guess is that at some point, you’ll get hungry. I checked out a place recently that I think is worth the short drive across I-65 from the Galleria. I promise, it’s not far. Put it in your GPS — 2000 Meridian Boulevard Suite 110 in Franklin.

Tupelo Honey is not just a song written by Van Morrison. It is also the name for a delicious number of restaurants now appearing across the Southeast, originating from a tiny location in Asheville, North Carolina. Now, there are 4 in North Carolina, 2 in South Carolina, 1 in Georgia, 2 in Virginia, 4 in Tennessee, and the most recent ones have opened in Denver and in Frisco, Texas. I want to be one of the first in line when a Tupelo Honey Cafe comes to Alabama. Tupelo Honey is not exactly a chain or a franchise, since they are all owned by the same man, Stephen Frabitore, who bought the original Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville in 2008.

Tupelo Honey Cafe does a fabulous job of serving brunch. They open Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. But, you can also visit for lunch or dinner, and they are happy to take reservations. When you visit the website here, take note of the recipes included. I’m planning to try the walnut-stuffed apples for supper tonight, and the garlic-mashed cauliflower will be on a future menu.

Steve and I were seated promptly and had a fabulous server. The hot biscuits, blueberry jam and honey appearing at our table right away got things off to a great start.

I can rarely resist Fried Green Tomatoes, so we shared their version for an appetizer. These came with goat cheese grits, a roasted red pepper coulis and sprigs of fresh basil. Two thumbs up.

Steve ordered one of the breakfast combos where you can choose three items for only $10. He selected scrambled eggs, sweet potato pancakes and goat cheese grits. Pieces of baked sweet potato were visible in the pancakes (in other words, they were not “artifically flavored”), and we both agree that the grits were exceptional.

I chose the Pecan Pie French Toast with whipped cream and fresh blueberries. Totally decadent and delicious.

We particularly enjoyed the local art on the walls, which is a characteristic of all the Tupelo Honey Cafe locations. A favorite was this one of the Tennessee flag designed from remnants of the old Grand Ole Opry Building that was flooded along with almost everything in downtown Nashville in May of 2010.

I hope I’ve helped to put Tupelo Honey Cafe on your radar. I certainly plan to go back again ASAP.

2 Discoveries in Franklin, TN – Sopapilla’s and The Herban Market

04/03/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Franklin, Tennessee is a town where there are an endless number of places to eat and shop. And, with the projected growth in the area for the next 10 years, that fact is bound to continue and thrive. I want to tell you about 2 of my recent finds — places to which I’d definitely want to return.

Attractive exterior

The first is Sopapilla’s, a wonderful New Mexican restaurant at 1109 Davenport Boulevard. Notice that I DIDN’T say a new Mexican restaurant. I purposely capitalized New because the cuisine is that of the State of New Mexico, rather than typical Mexican. Owner Steve Dale, from both Phoenix and Albuquerque, came to Nashville to pursue a career in music and found much success in that area. What he DIDN’T find was food with the flavors he loved from “back home.” He enjoyed cooking for his friends after concerts and gained quite a reputation there, as well. After awhile, he chose to pursue his passion for great food, and Sopapilla’s was born.

Chips and salsa — fresh, fresh, fresh.

One of the not-so-secret ingredients in the dishes of Sopapilla’s are the chiles shipped from Hatch, New Mexico. The flavor is unique to other chiles, and the town is known far and wide for its peppers. Learn more by checking out this website.

Three of our grandchildren and their parents gave Sopapilla’s a big thumbs up when we celebrated a family birthday there recently. All of the dishes we had were wonderful, but Steve and I especially enjoyed the Guacamole with Grilled Pineapple and Sweet Glazed Shrimp. It was over-the-top good.

Children’s menu

Sopapilla’s is grandkid-approved.

Guacamole with grilled pineapple and shrimp.

And, when our meal ended with the signature sopapillas, we were drooling, oohing and ahh-ing. All of that deliciousness AND honey? Oh my!

Soft, fluffy sopapillas with honey.

Before you leave the area, be sure to walk around to The Herban Market at 3078 Maddux Way, just a few stores down from Sopapilla’s. As the name implies, there are plenty of herbs and spices, but SO much more. You’ll find organic produce, an olive oil and balsamic tasting bar, local meat and dairy products plus fish shipped from Alaska, and even an organic juice bar. The Herban Market also encourages local artists with a wall dedicated to displays of their works. During our visit, good friend Kay Dekalb Smith had several paintings on that wall. I guarantee you’ll be tempted to take some products home and cook up something special.

Wall for local artists near the Juice Bar.

Goats milk soap.

Herbs in bulk.

Merridee’s Breadbasket and Gray’s on Main in Franklin, TN: Tasty Lunch Choices

04/27/2016 By: CCPearsoncomment

Let’s take a quick time-out from touring Louisiana Plantations.

Having 3 grandchildren only an hour and a half up I-65 from our house has a lot of benefits — not the least of which is the chance to explore their hometown of Franklin, TN. We recently had a 3-day babysitting gig while their parents were away that gave us yet another opportunity to explore . . . . and EAT! As a result, I want to blog about our 2 latest lunches. After all, Franklin has many festivals and reasons to visit. You definitely need to know where to eat. And, as you know, when I’m given a choice, I ALWAYS choose a non-chain. I want to support small business owners while soaking up local color and regional cuisine.

Our first lunch on this visit was enjoyed at Gray’s on Main — located specifically at 332 Main St. in downtown Franklin. The building was actually constructed in 1876, and in 1930, it was purchased by Frank Gray, Jr. and D. C. Kinnard. They established Kinnard Gray Drug Company. In the 1940’s it was renamed Gray’s Drug Company, and in 1952 the now-famous sign went up. More of this building’s history can be found on the website.

Steve had been hearing about the Hot Chicken that Nashville is becoming known for, so he ordered the Hot Chicken Sandwich. Let’s just say that his water glass had to be refilled numerous times. I had the crabcake with fried green tomatoes, roasted corn succotash and remoulade sauce. We were both very pleased.

The next day, we again drove down Main St., but this time we turned onto 4th Avenue South and parked in the free, 4-story parking garage. It’s a good thing Franklin has this — and probably they need to start building another one. We finally found an empty spot on the top level. A LOT of people like to go to downtown Franklin, TN.

Merridee’s was right across the street. Rightfully, it is officially called Merridee’s Breadbasket, and there are many very tempting baked goods for sale.

For this lunch Steve chose the smoked salmon roll-up, and I had what was called their “most popular sandwich,” the chicken salad. I am something of a chicken salad fanatic. It is one of my favorite things to order for lunch. Merridee’s chicken salad was good, but this time I think Steve’s choice won the prize. His roll-up was bursting with flavor and color. We shared some key lime pie — another thing we both have trouble resisting — and it was good, too.

A Taziki’s franchise is now open on Main Street, and there is a Mellow Mushroom at the end of the street. Puckett’s Grocery is very popular, but I haven’t tried it yet. We did try 55 South several months ago. We should probably give it another chance before I give you a definitive opinion. Maybe we just made unfortunate menu choices.

There are dozens of cute shops in the downtown area. Of course, Cool Springs is popular, but I believe you’ll find something special in the non-chain stores of this great town. And, don’t forget about my favorite preacher who “just happens” to pastor The Church at West Franklin at 700 TN-96. Tell him I sent you. 🙂

A Festival and Fettucine

12/21/2015 By: CCPearsoncomment

In the days leading up to Christmas this year, my Silver Fox and I have taken advantage of some delightful holiday events in the middle of our own shopping, decorating, baking, and gift-wrapping sessions. First, we went to see the amazing decorations at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville before watching the Iron Bowl with our son and his family. Even the outcome of the game couldn’t squelch our good moods. The next weekend we went to our Sunday School class party hosted by neighbors across the street. We were all in high spirits with laughter, good food, and an auction to raise money for the mission offering. Two days later we attended the BELLS OF CHRISTMAS Holiday Home Tour and oohed and ahhed over 4 gorgeous homes in Athens.

I participated in rehearsals and performances of An Athens Christmas at our church and loved seeing so many people who came to enjoy our efforts and hard work. We still have the Joe Wheeler Home Christmas Tour on the calendar along with Christmas Eve services at church. Then, at noon on Christmas Day the Pearson 20 will arrive, and everything will culminate with hugs and this happy Momma counting ALL the noses. 🙂 Can’t you just hear “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” in the background and smell the cinnamon of the cookies in the oven as I type?

But, I must tell you about our adventure last Saturday, thus leading to the title of this post. We attended Dickens of a Christmas in downtown Franklin, TN. Oh my! That town knows how to put on a festival. So many of the townspeople decked out in Dickens-era costumes. (Be sure to click on each picture to get a closer look at the details).

lovely ladies

even the policemen get in the spirit

Thousands of visitors were there right along with us, enjoying the vendors, musicians, and the festively-decorated shops. Traffic was completely blocked off from the roundabout in the center of town and for at least 3 blocks in all 4 directions from there.

view down Main St.

Gray’s, a shop on Main St. decorated for the occasion

a Dickens couple poses with me

This year marked the 31st time the event has been held. Obviously, it has grown in quality and in quantity from its beginnings. These two days every December are completely filled with entertainment, food, arts and crafts, carriage rides and Town Sings. I wholeheartedly recommend that you go ahead and mark your new 2016 calendar to attend next year.

street vendor selling candy

almost irresistible cookies

merry fiddlers

Steve and I resisted all of the great-smelling foods for sale on Main Street because we had lunch reservations at Maggiano’s Little Italy in nearby Nashville.

Maggiano’s Little Italy exterior

We normally avoid chains in favor of one-of-a-kind places, but we made an exception in this case. Maggiano’s has grown to numerous locations since its first restaurant opened in Chicago and welcomed the one and only Frank Sinatra at its Grand Opening. But, there are VERY FEW in the southeast. I haven’t found any in Alabama or Mississippi, and I’m pretty sure there’s only this one in Tennessee. Besides, my friend Marie told me this was her favorite Italian restaurant, so I had to check it out. Mercy, it was good!!

I strongly suggest making reservations. Maggiano’s is popular! The day we were there, not only were the holiday shoppers and party-goers out en masse, but also it was Graduation Day at nearby Vanderbilt, so lots of happy families celebrated. The place literally hopped. In spite of that, our service was prompt and attentive.

Imagine red-checked tablecloths with white overlays, lots of brick, mirrors, and windows. Very much a vintage look. Jazzy holiday music was playing. Ahhhhh.

Our waiter brought a complimentary appetizer of zucchini fritte to our table since we were first-time guests. Nice touch. He explained that everything on the menu was made “in house.” We started with salads. I chose a spinach salad with bleu cheese, colored peppers, applewood bacon, pine nuts, red onions, and an incredible vinaigrette dressing. It was amazing — so fresh and crisp.

spinach salad

For entrees, we chose Lighter Take Fettucine Alfredo with grilled chicken and asparagus, and Lighter Take Baked Ziti with Italian chicken sausage, mozzarella cheese, and Pomodoro sauce. Both were exceptional.

fettucine alfredo with chicken and asparagus

baked ziti

They “just happened” to have a seasonal dessert offering of 5 mini canolis with chocolate chip ricotta filling and the ends dipped in dark chocolate and finely chopped nuts. No. We did NOT decide to skip dessert. 🙂 We shared and loved every bite. (Don’t tell my trainer. He’ll never let me off that elliptical next week).

canolis filled with chocolate chips and ricotta

So, I’ll just tell you straight out that I am most assuredly in the Christmas spirit this year, and I hope you are, too. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!”

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