Chico ate my homework…read more
Okay. Well... I think we all know that I'm lying but I just had to attempt to find an excuse on why my adoring review of pop-up restaurant Buttermilk Road is just now being posted.
What is Buttermilk Road, you ask?
This is what proprietor and chef extraordinaire Lisa Donovan has to say:
"Buttermilk Road Sunday Supper is a pop-up restaurant based in Nashville, Tennessee that is meant to celebrate the tradition of the community-family Sunday feasts."
I digress a bit and note that while it is certainly all that she describes, it is also just so much more than that too...
Last November, I was lucky enough to secure a spot for the "back to nature" vegetarian supper that was hosted at East Nashville darling Barista Parlor. For a suggested $80 donation, I enjoyed 4 courses of innovative yet thoughtfully prepared cuisine, carefully curated cocktails and beverages, and satisfying appetizers while enjoying breaking bread (a Pain Brie Normandie at that!) with a small community of culinary aficionados.
The casual elegance of Barista Parlor was the perfect platform for Lisa and her team to build a beautiful evening filled with the fragrant scent of scrumptious sustenance and undeniable charm. Many milled around the space and mingled while sipping on the Hot Apple Cider that was concocted of Lairds Apple Jack Brandy and Prichard's Tennessee Whiskey. Although, I knew that I should pace myself due to the bountiful courses ahead of me, I couldn't resist nibbling on the appetizers that were laid out. The Crostini with Eggplant Caponata and Fried Cippolini Onions was dangerously tasty while the Wild Mushroom Pate with Cumin Marinated Olives and Pain de Campagne still resonates with my taste buds. I'm a vegan so I passed on the Cheese Selection but I did thoroughly enjoy the Fresh Figs and Quince.
And, to think... those were just the appetizers.
I had contacted Lisa ahead of time to thank her for organizing a vegetarian themed supper as I was literally salivating at the opportunity to attend one of her events. Some of my friends were just raving on and on about how incredible their experiences were at a supper hosted at Burger Up while others were literally gloating about The Catbird Seat edition that was just a couple of weeks before. Lisa graciously replied that she would be happy to "vegan-ize" the menu for me and was as delightfully adorable as those revered little biscuits that she's known for.
Throughout the evening, I couldn't help but smile as familiar faces were both sitting at the long rustic tables and also scooting out of the kitchen to giddily serve fine fare to the diners. I can't honestly think of another occasion where I was itching to join a kitchen or event crew in preparing and serving others. Perhaps, it was the intoxicating mulled wine but I'm certain the real reason is that these passionate folks are "sharing" a truly beautiful experience and not just "serving" supper.
The first course consisted of Warm Asparagus Salad with Arugula, Walnut Vinaigrette and Poached Farm Fresh Egg but again, Lisa and Co. were able to alter this dish for me and I was more than satisfied with the tweak. The lust-worthy Buckwheat Crepe comprised of Housemade Ricotta, Roasted Fennel, Leeks, Romesco Sauce, and Fried Green Spanish Olives was a flavorful second course. The combination of the sauce and Spanish Olives burst with flavor. For the third course, one of my favorite beans was featured front and center with Artichoke, Pepper, and Chickpea Tagine served with Preserved Lemon, Chermoula, and Housemade Harissa. Seriously, it just doesn't get much better than that folks. We all know what is next... the final course. Hello, dessert! Along with cupping local favorite, Drew's Brew Coffee Service, we savored a Maple Cream Panna Cotta with Caramelized Pears and Oatmeal Crumble. My, oh, my. Lisa's extensive experience as a renowned pastry chef (with pedigreed stints at Margot, City House, and now Husk) really shine here. Her desserts aren't an afterthought of saccharine or fluff but instead has brought baking and "sweets" to a whole 'notha level.
The evening ended nearly as magical as it started with many lingering around for a bit to bond and chatter about the wonderful circumstances that brought us all together to share such an intimate supper together. With Lisa's new role at Husk and the rising popularity of Buttermilk Road in other markets that have beckoned this pop-up to hit the road (a Southern Baking Class was hosted recently hosted in NYC), my only concern is that BR will start to resemble the well-intended family who initially dined together while sharing funny stories and playing games... However, as work deadlines loom and the kids grow up, these frequent meals become exclusive only to holidays or special occasions. I hope that the Buttermilk Road is a tradition that will live on at the dinner table and beyond.
TIP: BR can also be commissioned to cater and plan private events too!