Is it just me or does it feel like January has been three months long this year? Luckily, the shortest month of the year is coming up, and it’s already jam-packed with culinary opportunities for you. Open your calendar and get ready to fill it up.
If you want to learn more about wine while drinking your homework, Saint Elle is hosting the latest edition of its Dive Into Wine series on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 5 until 7 p.m. at 1420 Third Ave. S. This informative class will explore the wines of the Bordeaux region of France, so you can expect to sample floral sémillons, crisp sauvignon blancs, peppery malbecs and velvety cab savs during the two-hour class.
Your $50 ticket (plus $5.20 in fees) includes tastings of six wines plus small bites. Grab your spot at the table by buying a ticket here.
For coffee connoisseurs looking to up their brew game, 8th & Roast is offering a special Coffee Lovers class at the training lab and roastery at 1637 Grandview Ave. on Saturday, Feb.8, from 2 until 4:40 p.m. 8th & Roast’s head of shop operations and education, Ben Cureton, will lead the class, which will cover the basics of choosing, brewing and tasting coffee while discussing the company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and direct farm relationships.
Attendees will taste through several of 8th & Roast’s varieties and blends to discover the nuances behind the beans. Since if one-half of a couple gets all jazzed up on caffeine at 4:30 on a Saturday, both of them should be equally caffeinated, so tickets are $50 per couple. Your ticket includes the educational class, facility tour, tastings and small bites including a charcuterie board to snack on.
My inbox has been overfilled with Valentine’s Day (and … Galentine’s Day) options asking to be shared with you all, and frankly it’s been a bit overwhelming. But there is one opportunity coming up that I feel compelled to publicize, because Scene readers have named it the Best Romantic Dinner four years in a row.
Of course I’m talking about Daddy’s Date Night, courtesy of Sean Porter and his crew at Daddy’s Dogs. It’s an event so full of love that Big Daddy has spread it over three nights — Feb. 13 through 15. This year’s theme is a throwback to prom nights of the 20th century, “Enchantment Under the Sea.”
In truth, Porter might have chosen that theme because the event will be held under a big tent in the parking lot of his headquarters in the Nations at 5205 Centennial Blvd., and there’s always a chance that mid-February will be chilly and rainy … like you’re actually under the sea. No worries, because Big Daddy promises an atmosphere romantic enough to keep you warm!
Here, in Daddy’s Dogs’ words, is what he promises:
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Menu: Sink your teeth into our most tantalizing menu yet. Think exotic seafood-inspired bites, tropical cocktails that’ll have you feeling tipsy in love, and of course Daddy’s signature hot dogs, dressed to impress.
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Photo opportunities: Snap a shot in our “Enchantment Under the Sea” photo booth. With seductive lighting and ocean-themed props, you’ll want to keep these memories on your nightstand.
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Immaculate vibes: Sure, it’s in a tent outside, and yeah, the weather’s probably going to suck — but isn’t snuggling up with your date while the rain pounds on the tent kind of sexy? We’re turning our shop into a sultry underwater playground, complete with twinkling lights, enchanting decor and cozy corners perfect for sneaking a kiss or two. Bring a jacket, grab a drink, and let the chaos be part of the charm.
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Romance: They haven’t named us most romantic dinner four years in a row for nothing. Whether you’re here for your first date or 400th, this is the perfect place to set that romance bar high.
New this year is a special Chef’s Table opportunity for six couples per night, dining cart-side hibachi style while Big Daddy himself acts as your private chef. Grab your tickets for dinner and/or the full Big Daddy experience before they sell out. The people have spoken four years in a row, so you know it’ll be popular!
On the heels of the big announcement of Nashville’s multiple James Beard Foundation awards semifinalists, I wanted to remind you that the JBF is bringing its traveling roadshow to town on Thursday, Feb. 20, for the Taste America series of tasting events. From 6 until 9 p.m. at Saint Elle in Wedgewood-Houston, an all-star team of local culinary talent will offer up bites for a walk-around tasting.
This year’s featured chef will be Mailea Weger, most recently of Lou, recognized as one of the industry’s finest culinary talents and changemakers as part of the Foundation’s annual class of TasteTwenty chefs. She will be joined by a stellar array of talent, including:
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André Prince Jeffries and Tamara Kelly of Prince’s Hot Chicken
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Arnold Myint of International Market
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Colby Rasavong of Bad Idea
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Deb Paquette of etch and etc.
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Dung “Junior” Vo of Noko
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Jason La Iacona of Miel
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Josh Habiger of Bastion
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Julio Hernandez of Maíz de la Vida
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Margot McCormack of Margot Cafe
In addition to these fantastic chefs, drinks will be available at stations around the room, offering more than 15 stops along your culinary odyssey. Proceeds from the event will support the James Beard Foundation’s national impact programming in support of equity, sustainability, women’s leadership and a future in which all can thrive for the culinary industry and beyond as part of the Food for Good initiative.
“We are delighted to bring Taste America to Nashville, a city known for its rich food culture and vibrant independent restaurant community,” says Siobhan Flaherty Haber, vice president of events at the James Beard Foundation. “It is sure to be an unforgettable culinary experience, and we’re thrilled to highlight our Good Food for Good mission as well as the exceptional talent, inspiring story and community commitment of our TasteTwenty chef Mailea Weger and local guest chefs.”
Tickets for Taste America are $150 for general admission or $225 for a Premier Ticket, which includes one-hour early access to the cocktail and tasting reception, along with a dedicated bar, a special bite and VIP lounge access throughout the evening.
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