The Mockingbird

Let's start with parking....there isn't any to speak of around the building. The few spots available are always taken. The parking lot in the back of the building is for chefs and the likes. Parking garages are within 5 minutes of walking, and Whole Foods validates if you make a purchase (we did). We had made a reservation, so being seated was fast. The wait staff was pleasant enough and helpful in making menu selections. Follow-up could have been better. The atmosphere was outdated and lacking. The floors looked worn and in need of better maintenance. I ordered gluten-free vegan and was impressed by the corn tortillas. The plate lacked freshness and color (personal opinion). Didn't eat much off my plate. My companion ordered a dish with potatoes, and they were "frosted" with salt. I always check the restroom for cleanliness, and it was well-taken care of. Check out the porcelain units in the restroom as they are interesting (not a complaint). I really expected more from a food celebrity (if your name is associated with the restaurant, you own the praise or criticism) on a well-known food network, and for these reasons, we had to ch*p you.

This restaurant is absolutely beautiful, as is to be expected from this restauranteur. Me and my ladies made a trip to Nashville to try out this lovely joint. The entree names are fantastic, and that is only outdone by the flavor. My lady friends started the meal with the donut of the day, and they seem to enjoy it a lot. I tend to eat more gluten-free, as most of you know, so I did not partake. It looked beautiful, though. I was very intrigued by the fries, so I ordered some of those to go with my meal. They were absolutely delicious, and the aioli was also delicious I am not generally someone who dips in anything mayonnaise like, but dip I did. The seasoning on the fries is absolutely amazing with that aioli. For my entree, I ordered the Hash yo' Mouth. Oh my goodness. I definitely did hush my mouth as I savored each bite I took. Both the potatoes and the pork belly were fried to beautiful perfection. I even commented to my lady friends that Apple was not something that I would have naturally put with this dish, but each bite that included apple was just a notch higher than absolutely amazing. My friends thoroughly enjoyed their meals. One of them did say the bread was a little tough on the BLT, But she also said the flavor was absolutely delicious. She wishes that she had noticed it had egg, as she would have asked for the egg to be over hard. She is one of those texture people that doesn't like runny eggs. My other friend ordered the Taco the Town and we were all a little surprised when it was more like an enchilada. Definitely not something you can pick up... but again absolutely delicious. This is definitely a place you should make the trip to try. I bet it would have been even better sitting outside on a wonderfully beautiful night.