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Nashville earned its nickname, Music City, for good reason. It is home to the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium (widely considered the Mother Church of country music). Plus, it is a hotbed for up-and-coming country music artists that peddle their songs at the many honky-tonk bars and other establishments that can be found throughout the city. However, overlooking the burgeoning food scene of this town that is exploding with growth would be a big mistake. You can find some of the most mouthwatering down-home southern culinary creations here. Keep reading to find out which dishes you cannot miss during your time in Nashville.

Country Ham and Biscuits

If you want to truly experience the Southern way of eating, you must try the country ham and biscuits served up in one of the restaurants where home cooking is revered. The Loveless Café makes what may be the most popular ham and biscuits in Nashville. You will not be able to get the biscuit recipe – the staff guards it closely – but your taste buds will not care as they will be in loooovvvee!

Roasted Cauliflower

Whoever said vegetables were boring never tried the roasted cauliflower at Etch. This deceptively decadent dish consists of cauliflower, red pepper puree, feta crema, and truffled pea pesto. Niçoise olives and Marcona almonds are the perfect accompaniment to the cruciferous vegetable.

BBQ Nachos

One of the most pleasing cultural cuisine fusions you will ever taste is BBQ Nachos prepared by Peg Leg Porker. A mountain of nacho chips is drenched in a creamy cheese sauce along with tangy BBQ sauce, perfectly smoked pork, and jalapeños to add just the right amount of spice.

Egg in a Jar

Pinewood Social serves its landmark dish with great fanfare in a hinged-lid glass jar. The many layers of this unique offering include shaved ham, truffles covered in Mornay sauce, crunch toast, and a poached egg sprinkled with chive. We are confident you will not find another breakfast dish quite like it.

Oysters on the Half Shell

One of the most popular types of gatherings in the South in autumn is oysters and it is for good reason. They are well worth the effort it takes to shuck, but fortunately, you will not have to do so when you eat oysters on the half shell at The Southern Steak & Oyster. Designated shuckers take care of the job for you, opening the three to five varieties available daily.

Cantina Salad

Comfort food is far from the only type you can find in Nashville. The cantina salad at Silly Goose is proof positive of that. Dark greens are topped with caramelized butternut squash, goat cheese, quinoa, spiced pecans, and apples. Four-herb vinaigrette finishes off the ultra-fresh dish.

Chicken Liver Pâté

Chef Hal Holden-Bache was so committed to his chicken liver pâté recipe, he prepared the accompanying smoked peach preserves years before debuting the dish at Lockeland Table. He was certain that the chicken liver pâté would be included on the menu, despite changing the menu several times prior to the opening.

Tortilla Soup

What does the perfection of simplicity look like? The tortilla soup at Mas Tacos Por Favor. This savory dish contains juicy chicken, avocado, lime, cherry tomatoes, queso fresco, and the namesake tortilla strips.

The music scene in Nashville is rivaled only by its food scene.  A delicious variety of Southern staples combined with flavors from around the world offers something for everyone.

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Jim Bozzelli