Nfocus March 2022

MARCH 2022

Well Served Meet five fascinating women changing Nashville’s culinary scene

Step inside three of the city's hottest new restaurants

CLASSIC FUSION ORLINSKI

88 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com Hublot_nFocus_CFOrlinKGPav_257,175x355,6.indd 1

18K King Gold case set with diamonds.

Self-winding movement.

22.02.22 17:15

N EW ON T H E M A R K E T 1 0 2 West En d Clos e Na s h vi lle , T N $2,1 00, 000 4400 Sq Ft | 3 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths Temperature Controlled Wine Cellar, Rooftop Deck with Outdoor Kitchen & Garden, + Two Additional Terraces, 4 Stop Elevator, 2 Car Garage + Portico, Office, Den, 3 Fireplaces. Custom quality millwork throughout.

BETH MOLTENI FRIDRICH & CLARK 615. 5 6 6. 1610 C | 615. 3 2 7. 4 8 0 0 O beth@bethmolteni.com

NAVARRA COLLECTION

2 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com 3 8 0 5 G R E E N H I L L S V I L L AG E D R I V E , N AS H V I L L E , T N 372 1 5

nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

3

4509 Harpeth Hills Drive, Nashville, TN 37215 listed by Tristan Kinsley

Congratulations to our award-winning agents. Hand-selected for their tenure, values, and entrepreneurial spirit, these Nashville agents are transforming the city’s search and sell experience. Compass is proud to be home to these real estate professionals.

Greater Nashville REALTORS® Diamond Elite

Diamond

Gold

Silver

Sam Anto Jamie Brandenburg Brian Cournoyer Darin Cunningham Robert Drimmer Sara Evers Autumn Faughn Ron Hodges Megan Jernigan Brandon Knox Erin Krueger Gabriela Lira Katie Morrell Lacey Newman Lana Pargh Jessi Sgarlata Damon Smith Patricia Straus Fran Wolfe

Kay Cook Tyler Danalds Lisa Gaston Tristan Kinsley Nina Lampley Martha Montiel-Lewis Ali Noel Franklin Pargh Angela Peach Cindy Wallace Amy B Wyatt

Shameka Britton Terry Carter Shawanda Dodson-Crawford Anna Hollingsworth Larry Kloess David Koellein Matt Reed

Sara Beth Bivens Rachel Kant Kara McCormick Spencer Sadler Alton Sherick

Platinum

Sapphire

Top Team Selling

Jenilee Anthony Libby Bruno Ansley Goodheart Caroline Keenan Blair Teasdale Brittney Testerman Griffith

Debbie Beam Christa Hughes Angela Wright

The Knox Team

Rookie of the Year

The Knox Team

Top Team Listing

Tyler Danalds

Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. To reach the Compass RE office, call 615.475.5616.

4 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

5

Sip. Shop. Support.

11 : 0 0 A M

S AT U R D A Y, A P R I L 2 3 , 2 0 2 2

at the

RENAISSANCE NASHVILLE HOTEL

Wine Tasting • Exclusive Shopping • Key to the Closet • Wall of Wine

Seated Lunch • Auction Items • Best In Shoe Contest

and more

PURCHASE TICKETS TODAY! WineWomenAndShoes.com/Nashville

Presenting Sponsor

Key to the Closet & Best in Shoe Sponsor

Swag Bag Sponsor

Media Sponsor

WE KNOW KNOWLUXURY LUXURY WE Sophistication. Elegance. Class. Our RE/MAX Collection office Sophistication. Elegance. Class. Our RE/MAX Collection office offers all this and much more to affluent homebuyers and sellers offers all this and much more to affluent homebuyers and sellers around the world. Our RE/MAX luxury-home marketing program around the world. Our RE/MAX luxury-home marketing program provides exclusive advertising incentives, specialized training, and provides exclusive advertising incentives, specialized training, and distinctive marketing tools to our RE/MAX Collection real estate distinctive marketing tools to our RE/MAX Collection real estate professionals so they can better serve discerning clients like you. professionals so they can better serve discerning clients like you.

6540 RADCLIFF RADCLIFF DRIVE DRIVE 6540 NASHVILLE –– –– NASHVILLE Private,Corner Corner Lot Lot •• 1.29 1.29 Acres Acres Private, Devonshire Manor Manor Devonshire Beds//44 Full Full Baths Baths // 22 Half Half Baths Baths 44Beds 7,634SF SF|| SALES SALES PRICE: PRICE: $1,750,000 $1,750,000 7,634 PATHECKMAN, HECKMAN, 615.426.0397 615.426.0397 PAT

FOR SALE FOR SALE

FO OR R S SA F AL LE E

FFOORR SSAALLEE

1515SOUTH SOUTH13TH 13THSTREET STREET – –HISTORIC EAST – – HISTORIC EASTNASHVILLE NASHVILLE Completely • Covered CompletelyRenovated Renovated • Covered Screened Backyard ScreenedPorch Porch• •Fenced Fenced Backyard 33Beds Bath Beds/ /3 3Full FullBaths Baths/ /1 Half 1 Half Bath 2,689 SF | LIST PRICE: $1,650,000 2,689 SF | LIST PRICE: $1,650,000 DONNA DONNATISDALE, TISDALE,615.202.8799 615.202.8799

SIGNIFICANT SALE SIGNIFICANT SALE #1005 TWELVE TWELVE CONDO TWELVE TWELVE CONDO – NASHVILLE – #1005 – NASHVILLE – REPRESENTED SELLERS REPRESENTED SALES PRICE:SELLERS $911,800 LARRY 615.364.3333 SALESLIPMAN, PRICE: $911,800 LARRY LIPMAN, 615.364.3333

lipmanhomesandestates.com 2002 Richard Jones Road, Suite C-104 lipmanhomesandestates.com Nashville, TNJones 37215 Road, Suite C-104 2002 Richard Office: 615.463.3333 Nashville, TN 37215 Office: 615.463.3333 Each RE/MAX office is independently owned and operated.

Each RE/MAX office is independently owned and operated.

JACKIE ROTH KARR JACKIE ROTH KARR

SS OO LL DD

SS OO LL DD SIGNIFICANT SALE SIGNIFICANT SALE 9840 SAM DONALD ROAD 9840–SAM DONALD ROAD NOLENSVILLE – – NOLENSVILLE – REPRESENTED SELLERS REPRESENTED SELLERS SALES PRICE: $1,600,000 CHRIS MANNINO, 615.299.7995 SALES PRICE: $1,600,000 CHRIS MANNINO, 615.299.7995

FOR LEASE FOR LEASE

166 VAUGHNS GAP ROAD – WEST MEADE | NASHVILLE 166 VAUGHNS GAP ROAD – WEST MEADE | NASHVILLE This immaculately designed mid-century one-level home which sits on a large 2.8 acres in the heart of West Meade.

This immaculately designed mid-century one-level home which sits on a large 2.8 acres in the heart of West Meade.

The open concept floor plan spans the modern high-end kitchen and two living areas. The backyard boasts a The open concept floor plan spans the modern high-end kitchen and two living areas. The backyard boasts a covered outdoor patio with a gas fireplace adjacent to the pool, perfect for entertaining guests on warm nights. covered outdoor patio with a gas fireplace adjacent to the pool, perfect for entertaining guests on warm nights.

4 Beds / 4 Full Baths / 1 Half Bath | 4,381 SF | LIST PRICE: $2,300,000 4 Beds / 4 Full Baths / 1 Half Bath | 4,381 SF | LIST PRICE: $2,300,000 LARRY LIPMAN, 615.364.3333 LARRY LIPMAN, 615.364.3333

SS OO LL DD

SIGNIFICANT SALE SIGNIFICANT SALE 117 RANSOM AVENUE 117 RANSOM AVENUE – NASHVILLE – – NASHVILLE – REPRESENTED SELLERS REPRESENTED SELLERS LIST PRICE: $1,495,000 LISTROTH PRICE: $1,495,000 JACKIE KARR, 615.330.9779 JACKIE ROTH KARR, 615.330.9779

508 508 N. N. DIXIE DIXIE AVENUE AVENUE –– COOKEVILLE COOKEVILLE–– Historic Historic Estate Estate ••Elegant ElegantGardens Gardens 75 75 minutes minutesto toNashville Nashville 6 6 Beds Beds // 55 Baths Baths //11Half HalfBath Bath 4, 898 SF | Price Upon 4, 898 SF | Price UponRequeset Requeset LARISSA LARISSA FARLEY, FARLEY, 404.

404.372.6938 372.6938

FFOORR SSAALLEE

C O N T R AC T UU NN DD EE RRCO CO N T R AC T

BUSHSLANE LANELOT LOT13+14 13+14 0 0BUSHS GALLATIN– – – –GALLATIN 27.52ACRES ACRES 27.52 Gatlinburg-LikeProperty PropertyWith With Gatlinburg-Like AcresofofCleared ClearedHilltop Hilltop 3 3Acres LISTPRICE: PRICE:$374,900 $374,900 LIST CHRIS MANNINO, 615.299.7995 CHRIS MANNINO, 615.299.7995

SOLD

F AL LE E FO OR R S SA

LIPMANHOMESANDESTATES.COM LIPMANHOMESANDESTATES.COM

513 COVE LANE 513 COVE LANE – SAVANNAH – SAVANNAH – 11 –+/ACRE FARM 11 +/- ACRE BUYERS FARM REPRESENTED REPRESENTED BUYERS SALES PRICE: $587,500 STEVIE BELL, 904.472.5563 SALES PRICE: $587,500 STEVIE BELL, 904.472.5563

STEVIE BELL STEVIE

BELL

WESSEX TOWERS #709 WESSEX TOWERS Downtown Views #709 Downtown $1,400/mo + $715/moViews amenity fee $1,400/mo $715/mo amenity fee that includes+all utilities and more! that includes allBath utilities and 1 Bed / 1 Full | 935 SFmore!

JACKIE ROTH 615.330.9779 1 Bed / 1 KARR, Full Bath | 935 SF JACKIE ROTH KARR, 615.330.9779

PAT LARRY CHRIS LARISSA nfocusmagazine.com MARCH 2022 << HECKMAN LIPMAN MANNINO FARLEY PAT LARRY CHRIS LARISSA HECKMAN LIPMAN MANNINO FARLEY

|

DONNA 7 TISDALE DONNA

TISDALE

8 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

Contents March 2022 | Vol. xxix, No. 3

parties 19

En Pointe

43

Ballet Ball Patrons Party sets the stage for an exciting return 20

Perfect Prelude

60

Standing Ovation 64

Providing Possibilities

Music of the Night A triumphant return of La Bella Notte for the Nashville Opera

35

68

15

Something Old, Something New

76

Nroute North Georgia’s Barnsley Resort just keeps getting better

A Taste of Spain 78

Taking Vows Olivia Rose Sweitzer marries Holden McKee Mobley

From New York to Nashville 80

Pencil In Mark your calendar for these upcoming events

A Lasting Legacy The Junior League of Nashville celebrates 100 years of caring for the community

Glorious and Green

Behind the Scenes Getting to know restaurateur, author and cooking icon Daisy King

Chef Andrew Carmellini opens Italian chophouse Carne Mare in the Gulch 72

In Our Words Nashville is always hungry for more

Lola offers Spanish tapas and style in Sylvan Park

Equal Chance for Education holds a remarkable inaugural fundraiser 27

10

The Hermitage Hotel’s Drusie & Darr brings Jean-Georges to the South

The Blake McMeans Foundation hosts the 22nd annual An Evening of Promise 24

Well Served Five women to watch in Nashville’s growing culinary scene

An entertaining evening at La Bella Notte Patrons Party 23

departments

features

82

Best Behavior Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

The Antiques & Garden Show celebrates the beauty of home

84

Nretrospect A look back at the history of Varallo’s Chile Parlor

43 35

ON THE COVER

Seema Prasad photographed by Daniel Meigs at Miel. For more about Seema and other women to watch in Nashville’s culinary scene, turn to page 43.

64

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

9

Editorial

Herbert Fox, Jr. Nancy Floyd managing editor Jonathan Sims associate editor Holly Hoffman social correspondent Gloria Houghland contributors Beth Alexander, John Bridges, Whitney Clay, Geert De Lombaerde, Carrington Fox, Laura Hutson Hunter, Sandy Nelson, Ellen Pryor, Jennifer Puryear, Megan Seling, Varina Willse founding editor editor-in-chief

Art

Heather Pierce Eric England staff photographer Daniel Meigs contributing photographers Michael W. Bunch, Matt Masters, Jen McDonald art director

senior photographer

Production

graphic designers

Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck Christie Passarello

graphic designer /production coordinator

Marketing

events and marketing director

Olivia Moye Britton Robin Fomusa

marketing and promotions manager

Advertising

Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski Maggie Bond, Sue Falls, Richard Jacques, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, William Shutes, Mike Smith, Niki Tyree, Alissa Wetzel, Keith Wright sales operations manager Chelon Hasty advertising solutions associates Jada Goggins, Audry Houle, Caroline Poole publisher

advertising solutions consultants

Circulation Business

Owner

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

president Frank Daniels III chief financial officer Todd Patton IT director John Schaeffer FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Tuesday, March 22, 2022. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusmagazine.com. First-class subscriptions are available for $99 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call JENNIFER TRSINAR JEZEWSKI at 615-844-9261. Copyright ©2022 FW Publishing, LLC.

IN O UR WO RD S

Pass Me Another Nashville is always hungry for more For the past few months, the most common question I’ve received always starts with, “Have you been to...?” The Continental. Drusie & Darr. Carne Mare. Audrey. And on and on and on.

Nashville’s culinary scene was already thriving, but the influx of fabulous new restaurants — especially fine dining establishments — feels impossible to keep up with.

Every month, there is a new upscale, chef-driven, everybody’s-talkingabout place to discover. If you’ve also found it difficult to keep up with what’s new, we’re here to help.

In this issue, we’re taking you inside three of the most noteworthy new restaurants in town. We couldn’t fit every hot new spot in this issue, but you can explore even more new places on our website at nfocusmagazine.com.

Beyond new restaurants, we also checked in with five women who are changing the face of the city’s culinary scene for good. Get to know these fascinating ladies — a restaurateur, a brewer, a chef, a farmer and a confectioner — on page 43.

Parties continue to make a comeback, much to our delight, and we’re thrilled to take you inside the return of La Bella Notte (page 27), the Antiques & Garden Show (page 35) and more. And don’t forget to check Pencil In (page 80) to see what’s on the horizon.

There are a lot of other great stories to explore. Find out what’s new at Barnsley Resort (page 76), go behind the scenes with cooking icon Daisy King (page 15), and reflect on 100 years of remarkable service by the Junior League of Nashville (page 72). Happy reading!

BY NANCY FLOYD

Nancy is a reader of books, rider of bikes and lover of all things local. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Kyle, and beagle, Gus. Email her at nfloyd@nfocusmagazine.com.

10 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

G R OVE PA R K .C O M Brandon Jenkins

615.642.9992

S

omewhere, in the winding tree-covered

Connection to nature in your exercise

upheld to the highest standards of

roads of Brentwood, Tennessee, lies a

garden. Lazy days of relaxation poolside,

construction, homes at Harlan will be

piece of land so peaceful, beautiful, and

and joyous memories made on your tennis

immaculate expressions of luxury living.

bucolic, it’s hard to believe it’s only a

court or putting green. Reflections in your

Gated entry and natural surroundings

stones throw from the energy and bustle

own sculpture gallery will transform your

make Harlan a place to be revered.

of Nashville.

every day moments into enlightenment.

Gatherings will abound here, as the love

Life at Harlan is a life lived to

Like an old song made new,

of friends and family are cultivated by

the fullest. It is a life set apart; set apart

this poetic piece of land will give way

the generous living spaces. Meticulously

from the crowded hurried life, and fully

to transcendent outdoor moments—

designed by world-class architects and

realized. Every day. Every moment.

Life Set Apart

Fo u r H o m e S i t e s R e m a i n

$

6 – $1 5 M i l l i o n

B r a n d o n Je n k i n s

harlanbrentwood.com

615.642.9992

LIFE ADORNED

$4—8 MILLION residences in B R E N T WO O D, T E N N E S S E E Gated Community

ANNABYGROVEPARK.COM

contact BRANDON JENKINS at 615.642.9992

DISCOVER SHAKESPEARE’S DARK LADY

March 18–26 at TPAC Conceived, written, and choreographed

by Paul Vasterling Narration by Caroline Randall Williams Music composed and performed live

by Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi

PHOTO BY KARYN PHOTOGRAPHY

“W –Th ildly o e Ne ri w Y ginal” ork Tim es

P U RC H A S E T I C K E TS AT

NashvilleBallet.com

science of beer

Craft Beer Festival Meets Science!

Thursday, April 21 7pm - 10pm | 21+ Event

Learn more and buy tickets at AdventureSci.org/science-of-beer

14 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

BEHIND THE SCENES

Queen of the Kitchen Getting to know restaurateur, author and cooking icon Daisy King It’s no wonder that Daisy King is called Tennessee’s “First Lady of Southern Cooking.” For almost 50 years, she has been satisfying hungry locals with her scrumptious take on Southern fare. But really, she’s been cooking most of her life. She was only 6 years old when she made a pound cake with her grandmother, who did more than teach her how to cook. Her grandparents raised Daisy after the death of her parents, and they instilled in her a positive attitude, determination, belief in herself and faith. When she opened the first Miss Daisy’s Tea Room in downtown Franklin in 1974, those attributes, combined with her love for people and food, paid off.

The Basics Everyone so enjoyed Daisy’s menu that they Name: Daisy Pass King started asking her for the Profession/Title: Owner of Miss Daisy’s Kitchen and cookrecipes, and that’s when book author she released her cookHometown: Buford, Georgia book, Recipes From Miss Years in Nashville: 55 years Daisy’s, in 1978. The “little Number of cookbooks sold: yellow cookbook” was the Hundreds of thousands first of 14 she’s written and remains the most popular. Along with a move to Green Hills, Daisy quickly became a local celebrity, with numerous guest appearances on NewsChannel 5’s Talk of the Town and even Today and CBS This Morning. She has cooked for country music legends, television stars, senators and, most importantly, friends and family.

In 2018, Daisy opened Miss Daisy’s Kitchen in Franklin, where she does a brisk business with an array of made-from-scratch, heat-and-eat items, all prepared from her recipes. People snatch up her crunchy chicken casserole, spinach quiche, pimento cheese, pecan chicken salad, pumpkin bread, pies and more to enjoy at home. They can also pick up a cookbook to make that signature pound cake. We caught up with Daisy during a rare quiet moment at her eponymous store, and she dished on what she serves her guests, her favorite fundraisers and more.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

What is the first thing you remember cooking? When I was 6 years old, my grandparents were living with me. One day, my grandmother asked me if I wanted to bake some cookies. I said, “No, I want to bake a cake.” I had actually wanted to bake a pound cake because I was so used to seeing it on our kitchen table. That pound cake actually went on to become my trademark dessert.

several wonderful local vendors at Miss Daisy’s Kitchen. We sell Corner Market sesame dressing, Bratton Farms Best BBQ Sauce, Oakley’s pickles, Benton’s bacon, Noble Springs Dairy, Nashville Roast Coffee Company, Anne’s Cakes and Cakes by Pat Hicks. Tim from Cool Cafe (my restaurant neighbor) supplies us with Tim’s Cool Chips and special entrées.

What’s on the menu when you have family and friends over? I have prepared food for almost every occasion: creamed chicken with cornbread, cheese soufflé or popovers, my company meatloaf, my beef tenderloin with bordelaise sauce, [and] smothered pork chops with chanterelles are always a safe bet.

For some peace and quiet, where do you like to go or what do you do? There are three things that I like to do: I like to work in my flower garden, I love to walk the grounds of Cheekwood, and I love to read all of the food magazines and newspapers I can get my hands on.

What is your most memorable celebrity encounter? Oh, far too many to name them all! One of my favorite celebrity encounters was meeting Shirley Temple. I actually sat next to her as a guest for President Reagan’s inaugural ball.

What annual fundraising event do you look forward to? There are two: One is Sunday in the Park, which benefits Warner Parks.

The other is Steeplechase, which benefits Vanderbilt’s Children’s Hospital.

What’s your favorite place to dine out?

It varies greatly. I like typical Southern food, traditional ethnic restaurants, experimental fusion and even the occasional food truck.

Besides your own, what’s your favorite locally made product? We partner with

What makes Southern food so special?

Southern food is a gift of love and hospitality from the heart and hands.

What’s the one thing you hope never changes in Nashville? The continuing growth of our culture and the gracious hospitality of my fellow Southerners.

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

15

Diamond Elite

Greater Nashville Realtors

Experience, Service, & Integrity are our Trademarks Team

Congrats Shelly Bearden

Richard Bryan

Richard Courtney

for all your Hardwork

Margaret Davidson Ashna Tipnis

Team

Team

&

Dedication Donnel Milam The Milam Group

Starling Davis

Lydia Armistead

Lisa Peebles

Greater Nashville Realtors

Betty Finucane

Tom Repass

Shea Ghertner Whitney Musser

Greater Nashville Realtors

Diamond

Beth Molteni

Courtney Jenrath

Tommy Patterson

Team

Team

Marsha Simoneaux Tami Siedlecki

Mara Thompson Tim Bennett

Platinum

Cheryl Ewing

Daniel Hope

Sapphire

Greater Nashville Realtors

Teresa Beard

NASHVILLE • 615-327-4800

|

16 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

Keri Cannon

FRIDRICHAND CLARK.COM

|

Cindy Cook

Eric Grasman

WILLIAMSON CO. • 615-263-4800

Guiding you Home with Award Winning Service since 1966

Sapphire

Greater Nashville Realtors

Lucy Smith

Gold

Greater Nashville Realtors Greater Nashville Realtors

Valerie Roberts

Ann Marie Strickmaker

Sam Coleman

Leah Crutchfield

Lise Deschenes

Ruby Elshafei

Tom Fussell

Mary May

Elizabeth McGuire

Lisa Owings

Christy Reed

Jennifer Stadler

Jill Tidwell

Trish Woolwine

Team

Education Achievement recipient Cheryl Macey Cathy East

Silver

Greater Nashville Realtors

Scott Coggins

Hayden Avery

NASHVILLE • 615-327-4800

Megan Garrett

|

Karen Moore

FRIDRICHAND CLARK.COM

Jenny Perkins

|

Patricia Robbe

WILLIAMSON CO. • 615-263-4800 nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

17

18 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

PA R T I E S

En Pointe Ballet Ball Patrons Party sets the stage for an exciting return

C

Michael O’Hara

Laura Niewold, Sylvia Bradbury, Vicki Horne

Alyssa Eyster, Autumn Tierney

o-chairs Joanne Sowell and Brooke Trusley put on an elegant affair for the generous supporters of the Nashville Ballet at the lovely Green Hills home of Catherine and Frederick Grace. And if the upcoming Ballet Ball has the same energy as the Patrons Party, which it most certainly will, all can expect it to be an outstanding night!

Upon entering, guests were first wowed by the gorgeous florals, which were arranged by Bruce Pittman, the ball’s event planner. Next to grab their attention were the servers on either side of the blooms and their trays of Champagne. Everyone picked up a glass before exploring rooms to find friends and joyously greet them with hugs and air kisses (remember those?).

Another eye-catcher was a special showing and sale featuring the handcrafted designs of Patricia Marie Fine Jewelry.

Patricia Thacker, the talent behind the line, held court in the dining room amid the gleaming gold and gemstones, as ladies oohed and ahhed over the sparkling earrings, pendants and bracelets and couldn’t resist trying them on. Even the ballerinas got in on the fun and modeled stunning necklaces with their costumes.

In keeping with their theme of midcentury elegance, Joanne and Brooke brought in New Orleans crooner Michael O’Hara.

He added to the swanky atmosphere with a custom playlist of familiar Rat Pack-era tunes. He continued playing as guests parted and picked up their favors: two miniature Jack Daniel’s bottles with the clever tag, “One for my baby, and one more for the road.”

The Ballet Ball on Feb. 29, 2020, was the last major fundraising event in Nashville before the tornadoes and the pandemic shut everything down. After this special Patrons Party, it was clear these ladies and gents are looking forward to March 12, when the ball returns to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

Co-chair Joanne Sowell, Nancy Cheadle, Co-chair Brooke Trusley

Holly and Jeffrey Hayes

Emily Noel, Paul Vasterling, Dallas Wilt

Frederick Grace, Stefanie Carter

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

19

PA R T I E S

Perfect Prelude An entertaining evening at La Bella Notte Patrons Party

W

ith only a week to go before La Bella Notte returned as an in-person event, major supporters of the Nashville Opera’s signature fundraiser filled Betsy and Ridley Wills’ home for the spirited and, of course, melodic Patrons Party. The nearly 100 people in attendance could barely contain their excitement for the upcoming event, which has rhapsodic flair not ordinarily found at black-tie affairs.

Co-chairs Jay Jones and Rob Turner chose a trés dramatique theme, Fantôme de l’Opéra, for this year’s gala and planned an elegant evening for the Patrons Party, with assistance from Anne Whetsell. They placed deep red anemones and roses in every art-filled room and even outfitted a marble bust with a black velvet mask for the occasion!

Caterer Johnny Haffner dished up a creative French-inspired menu that began with a steady flow of passed appetizers, including warm gougères, andouille en croûte and decadent brie bisque. The theme continued into the cocktail supper, where guests filled their plates with shrimp and fennel vinaigrette, quiche Lorraine, mushroom ragout, asparagus garlic aioli and croque monsieur.

Following dinner, Nashville Opera Guild President Stacy Widelitz said a few words before the highlight of the night: a program from the Mary Ragland Emerging Artists. Everyone was delighted by the performances from the five artists, who also make up the cast of the opera’s 2022 education tour, which is performing in more than 60 elementary schools, public library branches and retirement communities in February and March.

The evening came to a sweet end with pots de creme topped with brightly colored macarons. Upon leaving, each guest received a parting favor wrapped in red ribbon and topped with a feathered gold mask holding a stemless wine glass etched with Fantôme inside. After the spectacular night, everyone was excited to see and hear what else Jay and Rob had planned for La Bella Notte the following weekend.

Bill and Anne Whetsell, Jim McGregor, Pat Hogg

Stephanie Hart, Baxter Matthews

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND Ridley and Betsy Wills

John Hoomes and Carol Penterman

Co-chairs Jay Jones and Rob Turner

20 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

Stacy Widelitz, June Bogle

You Zhao, Logan Dell’Acqua, Ivy Zhou, Christian Patterson, Emily Triebold

SO L D !

104 P RO P ERTIES IN 2 0 21 TOTA L ING $94,295,6 08 FROM

$76 ,6 0 0

TO

$3 ,850 ,00 0

With inventory at historic lows, now is the time to work with two of Nashville’s most experienced Realtors.

Richard Courtney License # 00205406

Broker, ABR, CRS, CRB richard@richardcourtney.com

(615) 300-8189

RichardCourtney.com

Recipients of the Greater Nashville Realtors® Award of Excellence.

Richard Courtney: 21-Time Winner Lifetime Award of Excellence Diamond Elite Award Lisa Peebles: Multi-Year Winner Diamond Award

Lisa Peebles License # 302166

Affiliate Broker, ABR, SRS lisabpeebles@gmail.com

(615) 456-8160

NashvilleLuxuryEstates.com

License # 2820

3825 Bedford Avenue - Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37215

(615) 327-4800

nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

21

YOUR HOME

A place to entertain, to gather with family and friends, and celebrate life’s moments...

We’re here to help you f ind the home that’s the perfect reflection of your entertaining style.

Tara McGuire & Happy Fulk Aff iliate Brokers

Tara 615.521.4663 | Happy 615.587.9116 Office 615.383.6600 happytarahomes.com

APRIL 28, 2022

THE RENAISSANCE NASHVILLE HOTEL GRAND BALLROOM 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

To purchase tickets, visit TheWomensFund.com

Benefiting The Women’s Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

2022 POWER OF THE PURSE® SPEAKER | TIFFANY DUFU Corporate professional, author, entrepreneur and philanthropist

22 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

PA R T I E S

Blake McMeans

Co-chairs Beth Johnson, Shelly Bearden and Caroline Cook

Tarves Brooks, Tony Lester

Standing Ovation The Blake McMeans Foundation hosts the 22nd annual An Evening of Promise

O

n a frigid Saturday evening in January, supporters of the Blake McMeans Foundation gathered at the Loveless Barn for the 22nd annual An Evening of Promise cochaired by Shelly Bearden, Caroline Cook and Beth Johnson.

After cocktails and mingling, everyone moved to elegantly decorated tables under the big white tent lit with crisscrossing string lights and candles for dinner provided by Loveless Cafe.

While the biscuits and preserves were, of course, what everyone truly wanted, guests enjoyed a dinner of delicious salad, beef tenderloin with asparagus and a trio of dessert bites.

Blake McMeans lost the ability to walk in a drunk driving accident in 1994, when he was just 17 years old. Twenty-eight years later, there in the Loveless Barn, he stood and walked across the stage using a walker for the first time to address the night’s rapt audience. He shared a message of strength and hope and warned against the dangers of drinking and driving.

After a standing ovation, someone from the crowd shouted, “Happy Birthday, Blake!” His family brought out a cake and everyone joined together to sing to him, as that night was also his 45th birthday.

After the program, the foundation auctioned off a handful of incredible trips, including five nights at Disney World, five nights in a villa on the island of Provo in Turks and Caicos, and four nights in Winter Park, Colorado. Everyone made their way back inside the barn as Boy Named Banjo took the stage and partygoers danced the night away.

As a thoughtful touch, considering the theme of the event, the organizers arranged for a free shuttle service to ferry any attendees who enjoyed alcohol that night safely to their homes.

Ginny Ripley, Mary Leyden Johnson

Louis and Karlen Garrard, Mary Catherine and Drew Healy

James and Meri Gordon

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATT MASTERS

Jeannine Blakley, Blaire Murfree, Trey Blakley, Blake McMeans, David McMeans, Cynthia Hickerson, Bailey and Cameron Bosson

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

23

PA R T I E S

Paul Stumb, Don Graham, Jon Meacham, John Seigenthaler

Heather and Curt Thorne, Mary Spalding, John Lee

Providing Possibilities Equal Chance for Education hosts a remarkable inaugural fundraiser

Nestor Rodriguez, David Holmes, Jaclyn Rodriguez Robert Lipman, Mike Spalding

Molly Haynes, Ashley Thomas, Michael Newland

Kathy Follin, Clare Armistead, Co-chair Lee Pratt

E

qual Chance for Education (ECE), the nonprofit founded

by Mike Spalding to help immigrant and undocumented students get college degrees, hosted its inaugural An Evening of Conversation Concerning Education at The Hermitage Hotel. Co-chairs Lee Pratt and Neil Krugman, board members and organizers were elated by the large turnout.

The gregarious crowd so enjoyed cocktails on the veranda and the cocktail supper in the lobby that it took quite an effort to get them into the ballroom for the program. Once seated, Executive Director Molly Haynes grabbed their attention with her welcome and introduction of esteemed journalists Jon Meacham, John Seigenthaler and Don Graham.

The trio engaged in a meaningful discussion on the value of providing a good education at an affordable cost to all and that programs like ECE have a positive impact on society. “This is exactly what we should be doing,” remarked Jon. Don, who co-founded TheDream.US — a national scholarship fund for DREAMers that, like ECE, helps undocumented immigrant youth get access to a college education — called Mike “an honest-to-God hero.”

The highlight of the night, when more than 20 graduates came to the front to thank Mike and share their collegiate successes, showcased ECE’s significance in the lives of these students. To close, each panelist was presented with a copy of Jack Spencer’s This Land: An American Portrait with inscriptions from ECE graduates.

In 2014, Mike learned a friend’s child was being denied the chance to go to college due to her legal status, so he started raising money and negotiating with colleges to take her and students like her. Today, ECE has provided scholarships to 486 students at 20 Tennessee colleges. He is, indeed, a hero in the eyes of students, families and supporters for making it possible for so many to continue on a path they may not have otherwise been able to take.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Mariana Ruiz, Melissa Gonzalez, Luz Gonzalez, Maria Gonzalez

24 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

REPRESENTED THE BUYER

SOLD

FOR SALE ­

FOR SALE

NEW TO MARKET

SOLD ­

SOLD

UNDER CONTRACT

FOR SALE

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

3912 Hillsboro Circle . Nashville . Tennessee 37215 . +1nfocusmagazine.com 615-297-8543

under contract

UNDER CONTRACT

UNDER CONTRACT

FOR SALE

| MARCH 2022 <<

� �� �� ���� �� � �������� ������ ������������ ��� ����� �� ����� ����� �� ��� ������� � ��� ���� �� � ������ ��� �� ���� �� � ��������� ��������� �� ��� ������������� ������������� � ����� � � � ��������� � � �� �������� ���������� � � �������� ������ ����� ������������ � ����� �����

25

Congratulations to our all our Greater Nashville REALTORS® Awards of Excellence winners. We are grateful to all of our agents for everything they do to make our company a success and are looking forward to another rewarding year.

DIAMOND ELITE TEAM

Theo Antoniadis

Brett Sheriff

Leigh Ann Emerson

PLATINUM

Chuck Curran

Sara Gooch

DIAMOND

Janet Denton Gatewood

Dana Griscom

PLATINUM TEAM

Thomas Rassas

Kevin Wilson

Barbara Keith Payne

Sheri C. Smith

SAPPHIRE

Will Hale

Shannon Barton

Denise Creswell

Jamie Granbery

SAPPHIRE

Sherri Smith Hoskins

Sarah Kilgore

Allison Klausner

Michael B. McKee

Marcie Nash

Betsy Peebles

Regina Smith

Donnie Stanley

Andrew Terrell

GOLD

Jeanie Barrier

Linda Johnston

Peter Ledet

Scott Pettus

Tyler Soffiantino

SILVER

Jackie Brown

Jane Jackson

Cole Kilgore

Becky Leppert

Greta Springer

SILVER TEAM

Ashley Payne

Mary Love Rose

Eric Wyse

Lisa Dunaway

Leif Pilkerton

INTOWN | 615.942.5830 | 1909 12TH AVE S | NASHVILLE, TN 37203 NASHVILLE | 615.383.7914 | 2021 RICHARD JONES RD, STE. 210 | NASHVILLE, TN 37215 BRENTWOOD | 615.371.2474 | 2 CADILLAC DRIVE | BRENTWOOD, TN 37027 PILKERTON.COM

26 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

PA R T I E S

Music of the Night A triumphant return of La Bella Notte for the Nashville Opera

T

Donna Summar, Cookie Richardson

Neil Krugman and Lee Pratt

Janet Kurtz and Ron Gobbell

he Nashville Opera returned to the stage in stunning black-tie fashion for La Bella Notte. The annual fundraiser, which went virtual last year, returned as an in-person event, switching venues this year to the new Grand Hyatt Nashville.

The Nashville Opera wisely tapped Jay Jones and Rob Turner to chair the event, and this dynamic duo planned a Fantôme de l’Opéra theme for the night. Never ones to shy away from going the extra mile, Jay and Rob incorporated the evening’s signature scarlet color into their tuxes, and Rob spent most of the night in a gold and burgundy bedazzled phantom mask. In addition to the tried-and-true Nashville Opera supporters, the crowd was filled with many new faces who showed up to support the couple and the cause.

The format of the event — which has always included a multicourse dinner with operatic performances between each course — remained the same, but Jay and Rob seated the room in the round so everyone had a great view of the stage. Not surprisingly, in keeping with the theme, a crystal chandelier hung above the stage, dark when guests first took their seats but blazing to life when the first performance — a lovely rendition of “All I Ask of You” from The Phantom of the Opera — began.

One of the more fun elements this year was an aria auction.

In addition to bidding on a few fabulous trips and dinners, guests had the chance to bid on a tableside performance. Between each course, an aria was auctioned to the crowd — “Maria” from West Side Story, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” and “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot — to be performed to the highest bidder. In a moving moment toward the end of the night, soprano Emma Grimsley, who played Christine in the North American tour of The Phantom of the Opera, surprised Jay with a tableside rendition of “Think of Me,” which had been coordinated by Rob. The evening ended, as always, with a sing-along to “La Bella Notte,” capping a lovely night with the Nashville Opera and their many enthusiastic supporters.

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS continued on page 28

Victor and Crystal Evans, Doreatha and André Churchwell

Anne Shepherd, Carolyn and Nate Yoder, Linda and Craig Nelson, Jocelynne McCall

Co-chairs Jay Jones and Rob Turner

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

27

PA R T I E S

Co-chair Jay Jones, Nancy Hearn, Suzanne Moore, Marlene Hays

John Hoomes, Morel Enoch

Emily Triebold, Ivy Zhou

Steve Sirls, Pam Taylor, Allen DeCuyper

Emma Grimsley, John Riesen

Sylvia Rapoport, Stacy Widelitz

Frederick and Catherine Grace, Kate Barnes, Hank Ingram

Marci and Stephen Houff continued on page 30

28 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

3600 Colewood Dr | Green Hills 4 BR | 3.5 BA | 3088 SF | $1,590,000

10 Old Club Court | The Fairways 4 BR | 3 Full / 2 Half BA | 5414 SF | $2,150,000

2047 Upland Dr | Franklin 3 BR | 2.5 BA | 1710 SF | $530,000

698 Dillon Rd | Milton, TN 4 BR | 3 BA | 3283 SF | 26 Acres | $1,200,000

C H A P E L

Egypt Rd Lot 4 7.260 Acres | $315,000

Diamond Elite Award of Excellence Recipient

H I L L

Smiley Rd. | 5 Acres & 11.82 Acres $225,000 & $535,000

Richard Bryan

nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

29

PA R T I E S

Loren Chumley, Ashley Herring, Vicki Horne

Sharon Sandahl

Emily Weiss, Cara Schneider, Lindsey Paola

John and Julie Schneider

John Riesen

Jason Bradshaw and Bob Deal

30 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

Emma Grimsley

Logan Dell’Acqua, Christian Patterson

Imagine an agent relationship that appreciates in value.

Congratulations to our 2021 Awards of Excellence winners and all they achieved this year!

N OTHI N G COMPAR ES.

G R E AT E R N AS H V I L L E R E A LTO R S AWA R D R EC I P I E N TS :

NATHAN MATWIJEC DIAMOND ELITE Award

Life Member

JULIE CASASSA SAPPHIRE Award

Life Member

SHAUNA BROOKS DIAMOND Award

Life Member

GAIL GREIL SAPPHIRE Award

Life Member

STEPHANIE KLEINER DIAMOND Award

Life Member

STEPHANIE LOWE SAPPHIRE Award

Life Member

MURPHIE CLEM GOLD Award

SUZANNE MCMILLAN GOLD Award

Between Life

Between Life

LINDA HILLIARD SILVER Award

TONY JACKSON SILVER Award

RHONDA SMART SILVER Award

New Life Member

First Year

First Year

First Year

JENNY TELWAR GOLD Award

JAY LOWENTHAL PLATINUM Award

Life Member

YVONNE KELLY SAPPHIRE Award

Life Member

Life Member

CAROLINE RIGSBY SAPPHIRE Award

Life Member

MISSY BROWER SAPPHIRE Award

Life Member

KIM BRANNON DIAMOND Award

AMI KASE DIAMOND Award

ANNA CAMPBELL PLATINUM Award

JESSICA TORRES PLATINUM Award

MIKE MATWIJEC SAPPHIRE Award

Between Life

Between Life

KIMBERLY DOUGHER SILVER Award

New Life Member

BROOKE DURR SILVER Award

First Year

ANGIE LANGFORD PLATINUM Award

BRAD LANGFORD PLATINUM Award

BOBBY JOHNSON SILVER Award

SIMON KERR SILVER Award

TIFFANY KLING SILVER Award

ALEX SLOAN SILVER Award

SARAH BETH LITZENBERG SILVER Award

SHAWN TATE SILVER Award

BRADY SMITH SILVER Award

SUNSHINE WEAVER SILVER Award

JENNIE ZAGNOEV SILVER Award

First Year

New Life Member

JACKIE BROWN SILVER Award

DANA BATTAGLIA SAPPHIRE Award

WILLIAMSON COUNTY AS S O C I AT I O N O F R E A LTO R S AWA R D R EC I P I E N TS :

First Year

Between Life

First Year

New Life Member

First Year

ZE ITL IN SOTHEBY’S INTER NATIONA L R E ALT Y Green Hills: 615.383.0813 | Belle Meade: 615.202.7777 | Franklin: 615.794.0833 Each office is independently owned and operated. | zeitlin.com nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

31

the best choice when you want best-in-class GREATER NASHVILLE REALTORS®

Happy Fulk

Happy Tara Homes

DIAMOND ELITE

Parks proudly applauds our best-in-class agents, awarded for excellence in sales and association involvement.

2021 Awards of Excellence

Tara McGuire

Allen DeCuyper

Happy Tara Homes

Hagan Stone

DIAMOND

DIAMOND

Elliott Thomas

The Thomas Twins DIAMOND

DIAMOND ELITE

Liz Zipperer

Jake Berisa

Chase Smith PLATINUM

SAPPHIRE

Pat Skow

Jennifer Claxton

Sydney McCullough

Peggy St. Peters

Grant Burnett

Madison White

Katie Christopher

Pamela Elcan

Wesley Harvey

Tammy Lyng

Justin Hill

Sarah Oglesby

Katie Pearson

Craig Cowan

Gina Sefton

Megan Smithwick

PLATINUM

GOLD

Bre Fears

PLATINUM

GOLD

Two Savvvy Blondes

Two Savvvy Blondes

John Dotson

Abigail Hale

SILVER

SILVER

GOLD

SILVER

GOLD

SILVER

GOLD

SILVER

GOLD

GOLD

SILVER

SILVER

SILVER

Jeff Skaggs SILVER

Anne Zadick

The Zadick Team SILVER

32 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

2022 GNR & WCAR Awards - NFocus 2pg Ad.indd 1

GOLD

parksathome.com • 615.370.8669

EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT

EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT

WILLIAMSON COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

2021 Celebration of Excellence Awards

Amy Pappas

Ashlee Baker

Lisa Culp Taylor

Maile Stover

Marabeth Poole

Margaret Flowers Orton

DIAMOND

DIAMOND

DIAMOND

DIAMOND

DIAMOND

DIAMOND

Megan Jones Campbell

Meredith Zeller

Vickie Freas

Susan Gregory

Hannah Dills

Loy Hardcastle

DIAMOND

DIAMOND

DIAMOND

Barbara Ann Jeter

Krista Jameson

Shawnna Simpson PLATINUM

PLATINUM

Lisa Davis

Marla Richardson

Amy Coliano

Josh Kile

Kim Shacklock

Sarah Oglesby

Susan Parker

Vanessa Dolberry

Linda Smith

LCT Team

LCT Team

TITANIUM

GOLD

Mary Ann Palise GOLD

Sherry Erickson

LCT Team

LCT Team

TITANIUM

GOLD

Megan Myers Smith GOLD

Bre Fears

LCT Team

LCT Team

GOLD

PLATINUM

Dolberry Group GOLD

TITANIUM

GOLD

GOLD

Cortney Reichert

Michelle Arnold

Tammy Lyng

Betsy Turnage

Brandon Blair

Kathy Danner

Kati Wooten

Shannon Hickman

Deltah Roberts

Two Savvvy Blondes

Laurie Williams

Amy Westbrook

Jaimelyn Kulesza

SILVER

GOLD

TITANIUM

LCT Team

Teresa Chiles

SILVER

Two Savvvy Blondes

SILVER

DIAMOND

LCT Team

Leann Morello

SILVER

SILVER

LCT Team

SILVER

BRONZE

SILVER

SILVER

BRONZE

SILVER

SILVER

BRONZE

nfocusmagazine.com

SILVER

SILVER

BRONZE

| MARCH 2022 <<

33

2/23/22 4:42 PM

2021 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

Congratulations to our award-winning agents who have been recognized for their commitment to excellence in their business and involvement within the industry and community.

When you’re ready to find your place, our agents are here to help.

Mark Deutschmann

Scott Evans

Andrea Woodard

DIAMOND ELITE

DIAMOND ELITE

DIAMOND ELITE

The CityLiving Group

Your Team Nashville

Your Team Nashville

Suzy Mills

DIAMOND ELITE

Nick Irwin

Lee Pfund

Andy Allen

Kate Nelson

Robby Stone

Mary Brooke Bonadies Megan Manly

Kathleen Timberlake

Emilee Warner

Chandler Whitley

Crystal Morgan

Christine Quillin

Chad Sain

PLATINUM

SAPPHIRE

GOLD

SILVER

PLATINUM

SAPPHIRE

SAPPHIRE

GOLD

SILVER

GOLD

GOLD

SILVER

John Chambers SAPPHIRE

GOLD

Kristopher Esqueda SILVER

Jan Walters SILVER

VILLAGEREALESTATE.COM

Mary Beth Thomas

Kelly Ladwig

Brent Cooper

Virginia Degerberg

Zachary Opheim

Virginia Rogan

Sylvia Giannitrapani

Dan Groover

Rebecca Cooper

Anna Hatch

DIAMOND

SAPPHIRE

GOLD

SILVER

EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT

nfocusmagazine.com 34 >> MARCH 2022 | 21ST AVENUE 615.383.6964 | FRANKLIN 615.790.3400 | EAST NASHVILLE 615.369.3728

DIAMOND

SAPPHIRE

GOLD

SILVER

EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENT

PA R T I E S

Glorious and Green The Antiques & Garden Show celebrates the beauty of home

T

he Antiques & Garden Show Preview Party kicked off the three-day gauntlet of shopping and lectures with what was most certainly a record-breaking crowd. It was impossible to take a few steps and not run into someone you knew. In fact, the crowd was so large, it took a bit of work to track down co-chairs Ashley Smith and Julia Spickard to tell them just how fabulous everything looked.

Ashley and Julia were tapped to be the 2021 chairs, and they had chosen the theme “Home Is Where Your Story Begins” in early 2020. Little did they know that home would soon take on a whole new meaning for all of us or that the 2021 event would not take place. The extra year gave them the chance to deliver one of the prettiest shows in recent memory.

The garden designers conjured up glorious settings.

Cheekwood’s entry garden, overseen by Peter Grimaldi, its vice president of gardens and facilities, was inspired by garden follies and fabric tents. Gracie Studio’s timeless wallpaper graced every aspect of this year’s show, but nowhere was it more breathtaking than the four arches of hand-painted wallpaper panels that soared over lush plantings of all-white flowers.

Elsewhere, Kentucky-based landscape designer Joseph Hillenmeyer created an inviting heritage garden with a Hartley Botanic greenhouse and water feature surrounded by daffodils.

Anne Daigh and Wade Rick of Daigh Rick Landscape Architects designed a whimsical wonderland with a charming cottage and willow tunnel that, intended or not, became a major photo op for the crowd.

The night was full of reconnecting with friends and favorite dealers and forging relationships with new vendors and the next generation of supporters. There was so much inspiration at every turn — stunning furniture, rugs, art and gardens — that, whether you bought anything or not, everyone was sure to have something for the next chapter in their home’s story.

Ben and Libby Page, Andrew and Marianne Byrd

Elizabeth and Les Coble

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS continued on page 36

Co-chairs Julia Spickard and Ashley Smith

Jessica Woosley, Katherine Woosley, Allie and Edward Coble

Vince Dreffs, Amos Gott

Amanda Church, Alice Goldberg

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

35

PA R T I E S

Leigh Hendry, Clare Armistead, Gloria Houghland Bunny Williams, Janette Smith

Neely and Sally Coble

Fred Norman

Liz Beck, Jason Parker Counce, Libby Callaway

David McClellan, John Chadwick, David Vandewater continued on page 38

36 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

50 Years of Guiding You Home

thank you

Nashville NAMED

AWARDED

TOP 5%

GOLD

of Nashville Realtors

Lifetime Member

Greater Nashville Realtors

Nashville Real Producers

Awards of Excellence

RUBY ELSHAFEI

Recently Sold 110 Lynnwood Blvd 4 BD | 4/2 BA | 6197 SF $2,670,000

4401 Tyne Boulevard 5 BD | 5/2 BA | 6914 SF $2,850,000

UndeR Contract 2119 Ashwood Ave 3 BD | 3 BA | 3577 SF for $827,000

2807 Hemingway Dr

*represented buyer

5 BD | 5/1 BA | 5346 SF for $3,000,000 *represented buyer

Julie Dretler Office: 615.327.4800 | Mobile: 917.929.2747 jdretler@realtracs.com

Nashville 615-327-4800

FridrichandClark.com

nfocusmagazine.com | MARCH 2022 37 Williamson Co. 615-263-4800 <<

PA R T I E S

Tate Casper, Kasey Siegel, Jordan Winston, Christina Manzo

Jane Anne and Dale Pilkinton

Randy Farmer, Michael Moore

Gen Sohr Josh and Brooke Trusley Jodi Banks, John Sampietro, Mary McEniry

Peggy Kinnard, Cannon Kinnard

Fuller Hanan, Anne Daigh

38 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

O C ER D UN

N

T C A TR

FAIRLANE PARK 4907 MADELINE DR $295,000

SOL

D

GREEN HILLS

3302B HOBBS PLACE $765,000

HAL ROSSON

615-271-2705 halrosson@freemanwebb.com www.halrosson.com

SOL

D

GREEN HILLS

3309 GOLF CLUB LANE $375,000

Representing Real Estate Buyers and Sellers Since 1971 Freeman Webb Companies 3810 Bedford Avenue, Nashville, TN 37215 | MARCH 2022 << 39 615.271-2700: Office

nfocusmagazine.com

Greater Nashville Realtors

2021 Awards of Excellence Recipients Diamond Elite

Diamond Elite

Life Member

Life Member

LAURA BAUGH

Sapphire

FIONA KING

Gold

Silver

Silver

Life Member

Life Member

Award Recipient

Award Recipient

STEVE TOWNES

BROOKS SPELLINGS

JENNIFER COOKE

ML DAVIS

2021 Outstanding Sales Achievements

EMILY ROSEN

GUY RICHIE

RHONDA BRANDON

TAMMY PORTER

ROBIN THOMPSON

JEN FULLER

ELAINE REED

CAROLINE COOK

MELANIE JEANSONNE

STEPHEN PARKER

TRICIA ERICSON

KITSIE HAYLES

We Proudly Welcome Our New Agents

ALISON COOKE

BETTY WENTWORTH

MIKE FAORO

>> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com 4040 B U R TON HILLS B OULE VARD, SUITE 230, NA SHVILLE 37215 | 615-250-7880 | W O R T H P R O P E R T I E S.CO M

Congratulations!

IN OUR CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE, WORTH PROPERTIES CONGRATULATES OUR GREATER NASHVILLE REALTORS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS AND OUR NOTABLE SALES ACHIEVERS ON ANOTHER OUTSTANDING YEAR. WITH AN AVERAGE SALES PRICE OF $1,330,562.00 IN 2021, WE THANK YOU FOR CONTINIUNG TO TRUST US WITH YOUR BIGGEST INVESTMENT...YOUR HOME.

nfocusmagazine.com 2022 << 40 B U R TON HILLS B OULE VARD, SUITE 230, NA SHVILLE 37215 | 615-250-7880 | W O R T H P R O|PMARCH E R T I E S.CO M

41

CONGRATULATIONS GREATER NASHVILLE REALTORS® AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE DIAMOND ELITE AWARD

DIAMOND AWARD

PLATINUM AWARD

LIFE MEMBER

PLATINUM AWARD

LIFE MEMBER

LIFE MEMBER

LIFE MEMBER

SAPPPHIRE AWARD

LIFE MEMBER

GOLD AWARD

NEW LIFE MEMBER

SILVER AWARD

WILLIAMSON COUNTY ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

SUMNER COUNTY ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

OFFICE LOCATIONS 2010 8th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37204 • (615) 292-3552 | 5107 Maryland Way Suite 100 Brentwood, TN 37027 • (615) 661-7800 ©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

F E AT U R E

Well Served Five women to watch in Nashville’s growing culinary scene

Every month seems to bring a new marvel to Nashville’s dining scene, each met with a more jubilant reception than the last. And it’s not just restaurants that are getting people excited; it’s breweries, distilleries, bars, bakeries, farms and more. The local hospitality industry has exploded in recent years and shows no sign of slowing down, but it’s still largely a male-dominated world. Fortunately, there are some superstar women rising to the top in every one of the city’s culinary realms. We chatted with five women who are running some of the most impressive kitchens and businesses in town to find out what makes them tick. Keep reading to get to know these extraordinary ladies, who are changing the face of Nashville’s epicurean landscape for good. continued on page 44

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

43

F E AT U R E

Seema Prasad Proprietor, Miel

When Seema Prasad came to Nashville from Seattle in 2001, she brought a wealth of experience in food and wine. She worked at the service counter, cooked, managed and catered at Pasta & Company — think Seattle’s Dean & DeLuca — before going on to run her own restaurants and buying and crafting the wine lists. Her passion never waned, and in 2008, she opened Miel in the not-yet-happening Charlotte Avenue corridor. Word quickly got out about her keen aesthetic, attention to detail and inventive menu, and diners have been flocking to the restaurant ever since. Over the years, she has added a cozy patio and The Barn for classes, events and celebrations.

A hallmark of Miel is its commitment to locally sourced products, and Seema grows a variety of vegetables and herbs on-site, including greens, French breakfast radishes, baby carrots, figs, plums and peaches. While diners enjoy these ingredients in cocktails, salads or fruit tarts, her kitchen frequently comes up with more creative applications as the harvest comes in. Seema shared her favorite winery, how she starts her day and what to expect at Miel soon.

JOB PERKS I love curating the experience for the guest. From the smallest detail in the dining room to the big-picture decisions, I enjoy making a guest’s visit memorable and special in some way.

JOB CHALLENGES Restaurants are a lot of little challenges at once. I’m constantly juggling many variables — some that are out of my control — and trying to make it seem effortless.

FAVORITE WINERY Do I have to pick just one? OK, Chateau Musar in Lebanon (the country, not the nearby town). These are wines that transport you, become more youthful with age and have complexity in ways so unique that you will quite literally dream about the flavors. Seriously.

FAVORITE LOCAL BITE As for restaurants — Henrietta Red: lots of oysters, Champagne or an amaro spritz of some sort. [It] reminds me of home. Cafe Roze: steak frites and something great from their wine list. Spot on every time. And I love the carnitas tacos with green sauce from La Mulita Express taco truck on Charlotte. They are delicious!

BEST ADVICE Do it only if you are excited and inspired by it every day. It can physically hurt,

require life sacrifices and pay poorly (in comparison to other jobs you may be qualified to do). But if you are good with all that, jump in, learn everything you can [and] find a mentor or two. We are all here to help each other.

MORNING ROUTINE 7 a.m., hydrate, Pilates, meditate, answer emails, review wine tasting notes from the previous day, juice, plan my day (mostly done the night before, but emails can change that plan quickly), walk the Greenway or 15 minutes of intense cardio, shower, eat. Hopefully it is not after 10 a.m. at this point!

MEMORABLE MEAL Chef Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford, England. It still stands out — the rabbit, the stunning salad greens, the mushroom tart, the wine list, the cheese cart.

IN THE KITCHEN [My favorite dishes to make are] curries — always spicy, with vegetables, chickpeas and sometimes chicken thighs. Often, I’ll prepare one on Monday, and it gets me through Friday. It only gets better throughout the week.

WHAT’S NEXT I am excited about the expanded outdoor space that is being honed for increased use. Miel will have many new wine events focused on both fun and education, tastings and meals. And for me, personally, wine! 2022 will be a busy year!

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

44

>> MARCH 2022

|

nfocusmagazine.com

F E AT U R E

T HE RESTAU RATEU R

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

45

F E AT U R E

T HE B R E W E R

46

>> MARCH 2022

|

nfocusmagazine.com

F E AT U R E

Bailey Spaulding Founder and CEO, Jackalope Brewing Company

While getting a degree in biological anthropology from Harvard and a law degree from Vanderbilt isn’t the typical path for a brewer, it was the journey for Bailey Spaulding, founder of Jackalope Brewing Company. The inspiration to start brewing her own beer struck during a conversation with colleagues while working at the Natural Resources Defense Council in New York between semesters. And when she came back to Nashville for her second year of law school, she immediately started brewing her own beers and learning everything she needed to know to make her dream a reality.

Bailey grew up surrounded by a thriving craft beer culture in Vermont, which gave her an early love for great beer. After passing the bar exam, instead of heading back home to Vermont, she and her friend Robyn Virball decided to stay in Nashville and open their brewery here. Bailey’s background in biology gave her an understanding of the science of making the beer itself and of the process of repeated experimentation, and her law degree helped her navigate the practical and legal hoops for making and serving alcohol.

Bailey now operates the extremely successful craft brewery with former intern and current COO, Steve Wright, and together, they create “legendary beers for legendary folks,” with inventive seasonal and small-batch brews alongside their classic year-round staples — Thunder Ann pale ale, Bear Walker Maple brown ale, Sarka pilsner and Fennario IPA — which they now distribute around Tennessee and, more recently, New York. Bailey took time out of her busy schedule to talk with us about her favorite things about her job, her best advice for getting into brewing and more. continued on page 48

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

47

F E AT U R E

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Starting Jackalope was my first job in the industry! I went straight from graduating law school to working on the brewery. I remember, about five minutes before we opened for the first time, I looked at the cash register and realized I didn’t know how to use it. Now that I’ve been in it for a while, I definitely have the perspective that everyone should work in hospitality at some point in their lives.

JOB PERKS I love the feeling that we are able to make a difference in our community, while at the same time doing something that we love. I don’t take that kind of satisfaction for granted. I also really love the people I get to work with every day and the spirit that they bring to it.

BEST RESTAURANT My favorite restaurant in Nashville is Tailor, and it’s not just because my husband, Luke Williams, works there. The food is incredible, and the concept is just hospitality personified. I love that it’s not just a meal; it’s a shared experience.

FAVORITE LOCAL BEERS I’m really impressed with what the Nashville brewers are putting out across the board these days. Everybody has their own style and vibe, and that makes it all the more fun to be a part of. This is a tough question for me because I don’t want to leave anyone out when I think we’re all busting our butts to create something amazing!

FAVORITE LOCAL BITE Excluding Jackalope beer (ha!), I would say the creamy basil pop from Las Paletas. It is pure, fresh, summer deliciousness. I used to walk my dog to Las Paletas weekly in the summer and get us each a popsicle (his favorite is peanut butter), so even thinking about it makes me very nostalgic. Even though they don’t have a permanent location right now, I’m really hoping Las Paletas does another pop-up this summer.

BEST ADVICE I would say don’t be afraid to ask questions, and you belong here!

In my experience, brewers are generally really excited to talk about what we do, so as long as we aren’t totally in the weeds, we’ll generally be happy to share any knowledge we can with someone who is looking to get into it. Also, educate yourself, whether it’s reading and homebrewing on your own (which was my path), attending a brewing course or even getting an advanced degree in fermentation science!

Brewing has been happening for literally thousands of years, so there is a lot to learn out there.

WEIRD SCIENCE [The strangest ingredient I’ve used is] maybe mustard greens? We were trying to see if we could use them for bittering, which is generally a job for the hops, but it turned out that the bitterness they put out was too intense on the palate.

GET INSPIRED I get a lot of inspiration from the people I’m around, so really, the Jackalope crew. I like when ideas escalate into something bigger and exciting for us all and then we pull it off and can look back on what we’ve done and how we got there. I think we’ll have a lot of that happening in 2022.

IN ANOTHER LIFE I would probably be practicing environmental law. That is what I went to law school for and even passed the bar exam while I was working on the business plan for the brewery.

MEMORABLE MEAL I think it’s a two-way tie. Number one would be the first time my now husband (then boyfriend) cooked for me at the restaurant he was working at, Hot & Hot Fish Club in Birmingham. I got to sit at the chef’s counter and watch him work, which was really special. The second would be at Hiša Franko in Slovenia with my family. The food they prepare is so imaginative yet also so tied to the land and traditions of the country. And the bread, a sourdough made with fermented apple peels, was probably the best I’ve ever had.

IN THE KITCHEN My baking specialty is canelés de Bordeaux, which are these little pieces of French pastry heaven that are custardy on the inside and crunchy and caramelized on the outside. They are very finicky, and you really need to know your oven and your molds, but once you have your process down, they are amazing. I’ve made them with my 2-year-old daughter since she was a baby, and she now knows all of the ingredients and how they go together. The hardest part for her is that after they come out of the oven, you have to let them cool and set for about two hours before you eat them. Pure torture!

WHAT’S NEXT I think, at Jackalope, we’re really excited to get back into the swing of what we do best, which is create fun! The past two years have been challenging but still full of growth, so I’m excited to pair what we’ve been doing as far as growing our limited release beer program with more social events at the taproom this spring and summer.

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

48

>> MARCH 2022

|

nfocusmagazine.com

MELANIE SHADOW BAKER Affiliate Broker, REALTOR (c) 615.300.8155 melanie.baker@zeitlin.com

UNION STATION NASHVILLE YARDS

follow me on Instagram @melaniebaker_realestate

O PE NING NAS HVILLE ’S F INEST D O O RS

$550M

$31M

M E L A NI E ’S TOTA L SA L ES

SOL D IN 2021

325

22

P RO P E RT I ES SO L D

YE ARS IN LUXURY R E AL ESATE

Top 5%

an epicurean journey

O F NASH VI L L E ’S 1 9,000 R E A L ESTAT E AGE NTS (Source: Real Producers) Z EIT LIN SOT H EBY ’S IN T ERNATIONAL REALTY zeitlin.com | 615.383.0183

from historic to hip

The BAR is Open.

Bar Menu All Night Every Night

343 53rd Ave N NASHVILLE 615.298.3663

STATIONAIRYNASHVILLE.COM 1 0 0 1 B R O A D WAY

(615) 726-1001

nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

49

F E AT U R E

Kelsi Armijo Executive Chef, Drusie & Darr

Kelsi Armijo’s culinary career began as an act of chance, but after seeing what she’s capable of in the kitchen, it seems more like destiny.

While studying nursing in Las Vegas in 2007, Kelsi signed up for a plated desserts class on a whim, just to fill up her schedule — and because she’s got “a horrible sweet tooth” — but her instructor, who was working as the executive pastry chef for the two-Michelin-starred Picasso in Las Vegas, recognized her natural talents and passed along his contact information. A few months later, she decided to change career paths and ended up as an intern at Picasso. Through that job, she met the executive chef at Prime, a Jean-Georges restaurant, who hired her on New Year’s Day in 2008.

“My first night there, he put me in the inside expo, and it was this beautiful, organized chaos. And I absolutely fell in love,” she recalls.

From there, she worked her way up through various award-winning kitchens, including a stint on the opening team of Jean-Georges Steakhouse at ARIA, several years working under James Beard Award-winning chef Shawn McClain at Sage in Las Vegas and, ultimately, serving as the executive chef at The Peninsula in Beverly Hills. It was during her time at The Peninsula when she received the call about helming the kitchen at The Hermitage Hotel’s Drusie & Darr, the newest Jean-Georges restaurant and the legendary chef ’s first location in the South.

Kelsi moved to Nashville in September of 2021, and although she’s new to the city, she’s already garnering a lot of attention, and rightly so. This chef is one to watch as her star is most certainly on the rise. Kelsi stepped away from the fabulous Drusie & Darr kitchen to chat with us about the perks of the job, her favorite dishes to cook at home and more.

JOB PERKS For me, it all comes back to the food. I love to feed people! I also love the rush of organized chaos in the kitchen, the challenge of fitting the puzzle pieces together; it’s an extremely exciting job!

FAVORITE LOCAL BITE Would it be cheating to say Drusie & Darr’s fried chicken? I also really enjoyed the chicken liver at Henrietta Red. What amazes me about Nashville is that I haven’t had a bad meal since I arrived.

FAVORITE CHEF I am still new to Nashville, but I have been blown away by the number of prominent female chefs in this city.

BEST ADVICE The sky is the limit! The only limitations are those we put upon ourselves.

GET INSPIRED I was fortunate to be introduced to the kitchen at an early age, standing on a chair, cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen from the time I could hold a spoon. My stepmom, Lori, was also a tremendous influence on my cooking, as she taught me culinary skills at an early age. From Rob

Moore to Jeannie Glass to Stephanie Boswell to David Codney and, of course, Jean-Georges, I’ve worked with a number of brilliant chefs who have had a pivotal influence on my career path.

MEMORABLE MEAL My most memorable meal would have to be my first meal at a restaurant I worked at. I took my grandmother to Jean-Georges Steakhouse for her 70 th birthday as a surprise, and it all finally came together in my mind — how the service affects the food and how special a meal can be in the right environment. That meal gave me a new perspective — not to mention, the chef sent out a number of extra dishes to try, and I definitely got to be the favorite grandchild for the evening.

IN THE KITCHEN I have a powerful sweet tooth, so cookies are my go-to. I also had an Italian grandmother, so I frequently revisit her red sauce with pasta.

WHAT’S NEXT The next thing on the horizon for our team at The Hermitage Hotel is the opening of The Pink Hermit, followed by expanding Drusie & Darr’s hours to include breakfast and lunch!

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

50

>> MARCH 2022

|

nfocusmagazine.com

F E AT U R E

T HE CHEF

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

51

F E AT U R E

T HE FA R ME R

52

>> MARCH 2022

|

nfocusmagazine.com

F E AT U R E

Lauren Palmer Owner-Grower, Bloomsbury Farm

As a social worker with a master’s degree in management, Bloomsbury Farm’s Lauren Palmer doesn’t sound like your typical farmer.

And she’s not. Lauren fell in love with farming during a summer internship and knew she wanted to switch careers. In 2009, she left her job and started planting organic vegetables and sprouts on her family’s 400-acre spread near Smyrna, and things quickly took off.

Bloomsbury Farm now grows more than 100 varieties of fruits, herbs, sprouts, flowers and vegetables, from roots to greens. All are of the highest quality, healthy and both GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) and Organic certified. The produce can be found in wholesale and retail locations, including Turnip Truck, The Produce Place and Whole Foods, as well as on the menus of many restaurants. Needless to say, Lauren is thrilled that local restaurants are supporting hers and other farms, and she hopes that, when people dine out, they consider those restaurants that are supporting the local farming community.

Lauren continues to use her degrees in creative and unexpected ways while running Bloomsbury Farm. She has built a wide-ranging community by sharing her knowledge with budding growers and opening up the farm once a week during the season so families can do their weekly shopping. In addition to running the agriculture side of the farm, Lauren holds dinners and movie nights, hosts weddings and special events, runs a summer camp and operates an AirBnb on the property. Early in the pandemic, she founded the Bloomsbury Farm School, a forest school, where her daughter and other children are thriving while learning in nature. Lauren made time in her very busy schedule to chat with us about the perks of her job, who inspires her and upcoming plans for the farm. continued on page 55

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

53

f o s r a e y 5 2 g n i t a r b e l e C " ? e i v o M A d n A r e n n i D t u o b A "How ! s s e c c u s a s i h t g n i k a m r o Thank you f

54 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

F E AT U R E

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS [My] first job in farming involved interning with a small market farm in Williamson County, Arugula’s Star. That was 13 years ago. We worked all day, took a break for lunch and were fed the most glorious intern meal as payment. I could not have asked for a better example of what I saw for myself. It was a summer gig on the weekends while I was a social worker at [then] Baptist Hospital. We harvested and washed, cleaned and weeded, all for their CSA and market clients. I fell in love with the life of farming and knew I wanted to farm for a living.

JOB PERKS What I love most is feeding people, and I don’t mean cooking for them but feeding them organic produce grown and cared for right here. The farm is able to do that in more ways than I ever dreamed of — educating aspiring growers, having room to create a beautiful event, a flower program, new herbs and canning our own tomatoes.

Yes, we are still feeding 400 CSA members, restaurants and grocery stores, but man, it feels good to feed souls too.

JOB CHALLENGES Farming and challenges go hand in hand. It’s inevitable on a weekly basis, and now, nothing scares me. Vehicles not acting right and technology not working is definitely the most frustrating. Mother Nature gives us challenges regularly, but it is all part of the farming daily life. The biggest blunder was someone accidentally putting gasoline into a diesel truck — ouch.

FARM LIFE It’s hard! But the beauty outweighs the difficulty. The seasons excite me, and I never get tired of seed shopping [for] what we will eat months in advance. We are like the fashion industry and plan for summer in winter; at least, that’s how I think about it. Trendy new veggie alert.

BEST ADVICE Women makers and growers have a warmth, [and] they care about the quality of their livelihood. We look for passion for farming because it’s not for everyone. I come from a long line of passionate, self-employed women, and telling our story is also important. Come study with us; we love to be a launch pad for women farmers.

MORNING ROUTINE I am so lucky to live, work and play all on our farm. It works for me. I’d

imagine some might need an escape, but I feel fortunate to take a dirt bike to the barn to work. I enjoy coffee on Monday mornings. I do my best thinking first thing and enjoy a walk about for field crop checks before staff even arrives for the day.

GET INSPIRED [My] inspiration is my mom! If you have met her, you know; [she’s an] endless source of motivation for me and many more. My dad is smart, kind and a lifelong grower. I love to say I am a fun mix of both of them.

I’m energized by our team members, some who have been here from the beginning. They surprise me with talents that anyone would love to have on their team.

IN ANOTHER LIFE With a degree in social work and loving the aspect of working with patients in a hospital setting to develop a plan for them to return to living their best life, I would likely continue on with that journey. I’ve always said my education in social work continues with farming. I feel we are still helping people develop a plan for living and nourishing them to live the best they can.

MEMORABLE MEAL I took a trip to Stone Barns in New York right before I took the all-ornothing plunge to full-time farming. We arrived early, toured the farm and then sat down to dinner. The thought and care behind the meal blew me away. I was able to tour the kitchen, and the attention to detail was unlike anything I had ever experienced.

IN THE KITCHEN I am a lifelong vegetarian and could eat salads for every meal. [The ingredients] change with the seasons. I tend to snack while I am out in the field; fresh is best. Edible flowers on a salad at a dinner party always thrills; that’s my favorite.

WHAT’S NEXT We started a nonprofit school that educates in nature. I am the most proud of its humble beginnings. We are starting a building campaign for the new schoolhouse [and are] hoping to start construction this year. We pivoted to farm school very early on [during the pandemic], and it has taken on a life of its own. My daughter and her fellow students have blossomed with their education. [Also], I see more opportunities to stay on the farm, with more lodging and more hospitality. I love it when you can eat, drink, play and stay all with us.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

55

F E AT U R E

Claire Crowell Founder and CEO, Hattie Jane’s Creamery

Claire Crowell grew up in the Nashville area food scene. Her father is Andy Marshall, owner of Puckett’s Grocery in Leiper’s Fork and in downtown Franklin. By the age of 12, she was making biscuits, stocking the coolers with fresh drinks and helping serve customers. After graduating with a degree in French, she moved back home and found herself excited for the future of A. Marshall Hospitality while discussing her father’s plans, and she wanted in. Claire learned the ropes, worked her way up and eventually became the COO for the restaurant group, which now includes Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, Scout’s Pub, Deacon’s New South, Americana Taphouse and Burger Dandy.

While working in the Columbia Puckett’s location, she daydreamed for years about using the empty space next door for her own ice cream shop. After her first daughter, Hattie Jane, was born, she put the plan into motion and opened Hattie Jane’s Creamery, a small-batch craft ice cream, milkshake and baked goods shop, in that empty space. Making her own base with milk from a local dairy farm, Claire pushes the envelope every day, with delicious and exciting flavors and brilliant concoctions that reflect and influence Middle Tennessee’s ever-evolving food scene. The sweets expert opened up about her career, her favorite things and what the future holds.

BEST RESTAURANT I am a little biased because my family owns restaurants. Puckett’s will always be a second home for me, and I love what the team at Deacon’s New South does with both food and service. Outside of the fam, though, I always go back to City House.

FAVORITE ICE CREAM I like going to specialty grocery stores, like Turnip Truck and Whole Foods, to check out what other brands are doing around the country.

BEST ADVICE First, think really hard about what path you want to take. There are three ways to do an ice cream business. The first is to resell premade ice cream, which is the easiest but least creative way. The second is to order an ice cream mix and add in premade flavors. The third is to make it from scratch, which is the most challenging [and] expensive, but perhaps most creatively rewarding, way to do it.

This is what we do, and while it is definitely difficult, it is also a lot of fun. Second, like in any business, you have to assemble a great team that cares for and trusts each other.

GET INSPIRED Local growers and producers in our region always inspire me. I also

love digging through cookbooks for inspiration, especially old community cookbooks like the ones my grandmother has passed down to me.

MEMORABLE MEAL When I lived in France in college, my American friends and I organized a Thanksgiving potluck dinner for our French friends and other foreign exchange students. I made a five-cheese baked macaroni with French cheeses. The local pub let us use their back room, and we had about 30 people there from all over the world. We all made little construction paper “hand turkeys,” like we Americans do when we’re kids, and everyone decorated them with their country’s flag colors.

IN THE KITCHEN I actually don’t make a lot of sweets at home, funnily enough.

Maybe because I have a freezer full of ice cream. I love cooking family meals. I get most excited to cook when my garden is in season from summer through fall. I’m working on a year-round garden!

WHAT’S NEXT We are working on a larger production kitchen in Columbia and, hopefully, another location in Nashville this year.

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

56

>> MARCH 2022

|

nfocusmagazine.com

F E AT U R E

T HE C O NFECTI ONER

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

57

D A

S T L S A J R M G B R D M

GREATER NASHVILLE REALTORS

congratulates our

2021

S T M R S S A K H J

REALTO R ® O F TH E YEAR

KAREN ROACH

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS

THE WILSON GROUP

S

T

TOP TEAM LEASE AWARD

JIM YOUNGBLOOD THE DESELMS TEAM

TOP TEAM SELLING TOP TEAM LISTING AWARD

BRANDON KNOX

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

RISING STAR AWARD

TYLER DANALDS

REBECCA COOPER

COMPASS

VILLAGE

COMPASS

G A R M A F B E G N T F D S B K W

L L J B D P A T F A

D TOP INDIVIDUAL LISTING AWARD

TOP INDIVIDUAL SELLING AWARD

TOP INDIVIDUAL LEASE AWARD

GOOD NEIGHBOR AWARD

GRANT HAMMOND

DARIN CUNNINGHAM

THERESE WINNINGTON

LaTONYA MARTIN

METROPOLITAN BROKERS, LLC

COMPASS

T. LEWIS REAL ESTATE & DESIGN

GRANDE STYLE HOMES

T H A N K YO U S P O N S O R S !

Rudy

title & escrow

INSPECTIONS.

TESTING.

CONSULTING.

AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR

ANNA COOK CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE, LLC Mortgage

L T S K B T A L B S L J A D A S

C T S J T K N M A F T B A L T T

M

®

58 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

DIAMOND ELITE AWARD WINNERS Sam Anto, The Anto Team, Compass Theo Antoniadis, Brett & Theo, Pilkerton REALTORS Laura Baugh, Worth Properties Shelly Bearden, Fridrich & Clark Realty Amanda Bell, At Home Realty Jamie Brandenburg, Compass Richard Bryan, Fridrich & Clark Realty Missy Chandler, Parker Peery Properties Grace Clayton, Engel & Völkers Nashville Brian Cournoyer, Compass Richard Courtney, Fridrich & Clark Realty Darin Cunningham, Compass Margaret Davidson, Davidson-Tipnis, Fridrich & Clark Realty Starling Davis, Fridrich & Clark Realty Tara DeSelms, The DeSelms Team, DeSelms Real Estate Mark Deutschmann, The CityLiving Group, VILLAGE Robert Drimmer, Compass Scott Evans, Your Team Nashville, VILLAGE Sara Evers, Compass Autumn Faughn, The Lira Group, Compass Kyle Felts, Bradford Real Estate Happy Fulk, Happy Tara Homes, Parks Jack Gaughan, The Gaughan Team, RE/MAX Choice Properties Shea Ghertner, Whitney Musser - Shea Ghertner, Fridrich & Clark Realty Tove Gunnarson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Grantland (Grant) Hammond, Metropolitan Brokers, LLC Alex Helton, Helton Real Estate Group Ron Hodges, Barkley & Hodges Group, Compass Megan Jernigan, The Jernigan Group, Compass Aaron Joyce, Keller Williams Realty Fiona King, Worth Properties Brandon Knox, The Knox Team, Compass Erin Krueger, The Erin Krueger Team, Compass Gabriela Lira, The Lira Group, Compass Nathan Matwijec, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Tara McGuire, Happy Tara Homes, Parks Flor Melgar, Mi Casa Realty Donnel Milam, The Milam Group, Fridrich & Clark Realty Suzy Mills, Village Beth Molteni, Fridrich & Clark Realty Katie Morrell, Compass Whitney Musser, Whitney Musser - Shea Ghertner, Fridrich & Clark Realty Lacey Newman, Heard Newman Team, Compass Lana Pargh, The Pargh Team, Compass Jessi Sgarlata, The Southbound Group, Compass Brett Sheriff, Brett & Theo, Pilkerton REALTORS Damon Smith, Damon Smith Team, Compass Patricia Straus, Patricia Straus, Compass Ashna Tipnis, Davidson-Tipnis, Fridrich & Clark Realty Therese Winnington, T. Lewis Real Estate & Design Fran Wolfe, Compass Andrea Woodard, Your Team Nashville, VILLAGE

DIAMOND AWARD WINNERS Lydia Armistead, Fridrich & Clark Realty Tim Bennett, Thompson-Bennett, Fridrich & Clark Realty Shauna Brooks, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Kay Cook, Compass Brian Copeland, Doorbell Real Estate, LLC Tyler Danalds, Compass Allen DeCuyper, Parks Leigh Ann Emerson, Pilkerton Realtors Betty Finucane, Fridrich & Clark Realty Steve Frye, Keller Williams Realty Lisa Gaston, Parks Janet Gatewood, Pilkerton Realtors Alicia Griffith, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services, LLC Dana Griscom, Pilkerton REALTORS Adam Helton, Benchmark Realty LLC Suzan Hindman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Courtney Jenrath, Fridrich & Clark Realty Tristan Kinsley, Compass Stephanie Kleiner, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Jacob Kupin, The Kupin Group, Bradford Real Estate Tim Kyne, Keller Williams Realty Kelly Ladwig, VILLAGE Nina Lampley, Compass Martha Montiel-Lewis, Compass Ali Noel, Compass Franklin Pargh, The Pargh Team, Compass Tommy Patterson, Fridrich & Clark Realty Barbara Payne, Pilkerton REALTORS Angela Peach, Compass Lisa Peebles, Fridrich & Clark Realty Tom Repass, Fridrich & Clark Realty Tami Siedlecki, Tami Siedlecki & Marsha Simoneaux, Fridrich & Clark Realty Marsha Simoneaux, Tami Siedlecki & Marsha Simoneaux, Fridrich & Clark Realty

Sheri Smith, Pilkerton Realtors Hagan Stone, Parks Jessica Tammaro, JeTy Homes brokered by EXP, EXP Realty Elliott Thomas, The Thomas Twins, Parks Mary Thomas, VILLAGE Mara Thompson, Thompson-Bennett, Fridrich & Clark Realty Cindy Wallace, Compass Amy Wyatt, The Pargh Team, Compass

PLATINUM AWARD WINNERS Jenilee Anthony, Compass Isam Aziz, simpliHOM Chelsea Bailey, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Meaghan Baker, EXP Realty Amanda Beam, The Beam Team, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Jake Berisa, PARKS Lakeside Libby Bruno, The LB Group, Compass Kelly Cannon, Crye-Leike Realtors Chuck Curran, Pilkerton Realtors Cheryl Ewing, Fridrich & Clark Realty Michael Gallagher, Crye-Leike REALTORS Mike Geiger, Benchmark Realty, LLC Sara Gooch, Pilkerton Realtors Ansley Goodheart, Compass Will Hale, Our House Nashville, Pilkerton REALTORS Bob Hoff, DeSelms Real Estate Daniel Hope, Fridrich & Clark Realty Nicholas Irwin, VILLAGE Stephanie Jameson, Nashville Property Partners, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Joe Jennings, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Michele Johnstone, Parker Peery Properties Caroline Keenan, Compass Maria Kemp, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services, LLC Elizabeth Kirby, Zach Taylor Real Estate Cindy Lockhart, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Jay Lowenthal, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Sarah Milligan, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services, LLC Deneen Murphy, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Abby Murphy, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services, LLC Carrie Peery, Parker Peery Properties Lee Pfund, VILLAGE Thomas Rassas, Pilkerton Realtors Dianne Rucker, RE/MAX Choice Properties Elizabeth Smith, RE/MAX Choice Properties Chase Smith, Parks Rachel Barry Stinson, TYLER YORK REAL ESTATE BROKERS Shira Sturm, Boxwood Properties LLC Tony Tabb, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Blair Teasdale, Compass Brittney Testerman Griffith, Compass William Wilson, The Hammonds Group Kevin Wilson, Our House Nashville, Pilkerton REALTORS Eric Workman, Keller Williams Realty Jim Youngblood, The DeSelms Team, DeSelms Real Estate Liz Zipperer, Parks

SAPPHIRE AWARD WINNERS Andy Allen, VILLAGE Shannon Barton, Pilkerton REALTORS Dana Battaglia, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Debbie Beam, Compass Teresa Beard, Fridrich & Clark Realty John Brackeen, RE/MAX Choice Properties Missy Brower, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Keri Cannon, Fridrich & Clark Realty Julie Casassa, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty John Chambers, VILLAGE Jennie Clements, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Cindy Cook, Fridrich & Clark Realty Brent Cooper, VILLAGE Molly Copeland, Doorbell Real Estate, LLC Denise Creswell, Pilkerton Realtors Kimberly Cunliffe, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services, LLC Virginia Degerberg, VILLAGE Dawn Franklin, Benchmark Realty, LLC Jamie Granbery, Pilkerton REALTORS Eric Grasman, Fridrich & Clark Realty Gail Greil, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Sherri Hoskins, Pilkerton Realtors Christa Hughes, Compass Yvonne Kelly, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Allison Klausner, Pilkerton Realtors Stephanie Lowe, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty LaTonya Martin, Grande Style Homes Michael McKee, Pilkerton Realtors Robyn Morshead, Weichert, Realtors - The Andrews Group Marcie Nash, Pilkerton REALTORS

Kate Nelson, VILLAGE Julie Norfleet, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services, LLC Mindy Orman, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Betsy Peebles, Pilkerton REALTORS Caroline Rigsby, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Valerie Roberts, Fridrich & Clark Realty Tish Roney, Weichert, Realtors - The Andrews Group Pat Skow, Parks Regina Smith, Pilkerton Realtors Lucy Smith, Fridrich & Clark Realty Donnie Stanley, Pilkerton Realtors Robby Stone, VILLAGE Ann Marie Strickmaker, Fridrich & Clark Realty Andrew Terrell, Pilkerton REALTORS Rae Thomas, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services, LLC Jay Toms, Southern Life Real Estate Steve Townes, Worth Properties Katie Wayne, Clearbrook Realty, LLC Angela Wright, Compass

SILVER AWARD WINNERS

Fo Abdullah, Southern Life Real Estate Billie Alberts, The Agency South Hayden Avery, Fridrich & Clark Realty Shannon Bell, Southern Life Real Estate Sara Beth Bivens, The Pargh Team, Compass Laura Boldt, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services, LLC Suzanne Brandt, Suzanne & Susan, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Jackie Brown, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Jackie Brown, Pilkerton Realtors Mark Buchanan, French King Fine Properties Shanelle Burton, Historic & Distinctive Homes, LLC Edwin Caldwell, Weichert, Realtors - The Andrews Group Jennifer Cooke, Worth Properties Brad Copeland, Doorbell Real Estate, LLC Craig Cowan, Parks Amanda Crist, Ragan’s Five Rivers Realty & Auction Company Leigh Ann Cyphers, Weichert, Realtors The Andrews Group Mary Lynn Davis, Worth Properties GOLD AWARD WINNERS Dawn Doll, simpliHOM Eric Alvarez, RE/MAX Choice Properties John Dotson, Parks Beth Baker, Crye-Leike Realtors Kimberly Dougher, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Jeanie Barrier, Pilkerton REALTORS Lisa Dunaway, Pilkerton|Dunaway, Pilkerton REALTORS Mary Bonadies, VILLAGE Brooke Durr, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Shameka Britton, Compass Kristopher Esqueda, VILLAGE Grant Burnett, Parks Breanna Fears, Two Savvy Blondes, Parks Amy Cannon, Cannontown Real Estate Justin French, Keller Williams Realty Terry Carter, Compass Megan Garrett, Fridrich & Clark Realty Katie Christopher, Parks Sylvia Giannitrapani, VILLAGE Jennifer Claxton, Parks Deborah Gregory, RE/MAX Choice Properties Murphie Clem, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Dan Groover, VILLAGE Sam Coleman, Fridrich & Clark Realty Tim Guilfoil, Crye-Leike, Inc., REALTORS Karen Crouch, ERA Real Estate Professionals Abigail Hale, Parks Leah Crutchfield, Fridrich & Clark Realty Dawne Harris, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Cherie Cunningham, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty Woodmont Realty Justin Hill, Parks Angela Deal, The Wilson Group Real Estate Services, LLC Linda Hilliard, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Lise Deschenes, Fridrich & Clark Realty Susan Hussey, Suzanne & Susan, Berkshire Hathaway Shawanda Dodson-Crawford, Compass HomeServices Woodmont Realty Cathy East, Cheryl Macey & Cathy East, Momoko Imai, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fridrich & Clark Realty Woodmont Realty Pamela Elcan, Parks Jane Jackson, Pilkerton REALTORS Ruby Elshafei, Fridrich & Clark Realty Tony Jackson, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Logan Frye, Keller Williams Realty Bobby Johnson, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Tom Fussell, Fridrich & Clark Realty Rachel Kant, The Pargh Team, Compass David Gordon, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Simon Kerr, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Woodmont Realty Cole Kilgore, Pilkerton Realtors Sydney Grigg, Parks Tiffany Kling, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Gharib Haji, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Brianna Latham, EXP Realty Woodmont Realty Becky Leppert, Pilkerton Realtors Steven Haley, Parker Peery Properties Janice Luckett, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Deborah Harper, Parker Peery Properties Woodmont Realty Wesley Harvey, Parks Tammy Lyng, Two Savvy Blondes, Parks Anna Hollingsworth, Compass Kara McCormick, Compass Katherine Johns, Murray Specialists, Carolyn McHaney-Waller, Benchmark Realty, LLC Engel & Völkers Nashville Ashlee McVoy, Red Bird Realty Rachel Johnson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Denise Moore, Benchmark Realty, LLC Woodmont Realty Angela Moore, Realty Executives, Hometown Living Linda Johnston, Pilkerton Realtors Gwendolyn Moore, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Mary Kate Jordan, Benchmark Realty, LLC Woodmont Realty Jackie Karr, RE/MAX Homes and Estates Karen Moore, Fridrich & Clark Realty Sarah Kilgore, Pilkerton Realtors Crystal Morgan, VILLAGE Larry Kloess, Compass James (Jim) Morris, The Kupin Group, David Koellein, Compass Bradford Real Estate Peter Ledet, Pilkerton Realtors Amanda Morris, Keller Williams Realty Cheryl Macey, Cheryl Macey & Cathy East, Adam Myers, Weichert, Realtors - The Andrews Group Fridrich & Clark Realty Sarah Oglesby, Parks Megan Manly, VILLAGE Kent Patterson, Southern Life Real Estate Mike Matwijec, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Ashley Payne, Pilkerton Realtors Mary May, Fridrich & Clark Realty Elizabeth Payne, Coldwell Banker Southern Realty Garren McCloud, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Katie Pearson, Parks Woodmont Realty Jenny Perkins, Fridrich & Clark Realty Elizabeth McGuire, Fridrich & Clark Realty Leif Pilkerton, Pilkerton|Dunaway, Pilkerton REALTORS Suzanne McMillan, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Cheryl Pitney, ERA Real Estate Professionals Thomas Murray, Murray Specialists, Richard “Chip”, Potts, Southern Life Real Estate Engel & Völkers Nashville Christine Quillin, VILLAGE Zachary Opheim, VILLAGE Samantha Remington, Parker Peery Properties Lisa Owings, Fridrich & Clark Realty Patricia Robbe, Fridrich & Clark Realty Scott Pettus, Pilkerton REALTORS Mary Love Rose, Pilkerton Realtors Matt Reed, Compass Spencer Sadler, Compass Christy Reed, Fridrich & Clark Realty Chad Sain, VILLAGE Virginia Rogan, VILLAGE Sherry Sander, Engel & Völkers Nashville Mika Sesler, ERA Real Estate Professionals Jamie Shea, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Jaclyn Smith, Weichert, Realtors - The Andrews Group Woodmont Realty Tyler Soffiantino, Pilkerton REALTORS Alton Sherick, Compass Brooks Spellings, Worth Properties Heather Sisemore Warmbrod, The Wilson Group Greta Springer, Pilkerton REALTORS Real Estate Services, LLC Peggy St. Peters, Coldwell Banker Lakeside Jeff Skaggs, Parks Jennifer Stadler, Fridrich & Clark Realty Alex Sloan, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Joshua Stimpson, Reliant Realty ERA Powered Rhonda Smart, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Jenny Telwar, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Brady Smith, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Jill Tidwell, Fridrich & Clark Realty Jason Sparrow, Southern Life Real Estate Kathleen Timberlake, VILLAGE Debbie Spurlock, Red Bird Realty Cynthia Twisdale, Parker Peery Properties Beth Thornton, Parker Peery Properties Patricia Vance, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Mary-Kate Waddell, The Wilson Group Real Estate Woodmont Realty Services, LLC Emilee Warner, VILLAGE Laura Wall, Keller Williams Nashville Urban Debra Waters, Benchmark Realty, LLC Jan Walters, VILLAGE Christina Webb, Live Love Music City, Sunshine Weaver, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty Keller Williams Realty-Nashville Kate Webster, Benchmark Realty, LLC Madison White, Parks Brandie Wiehl, Vision Realty Partners, LLC Chandler Whitley, VILLAGE Charles Wilson, The Kupin Group, Bradford Real Estate Chip Wilkison, Engel & Völkers Nashville Eric Wyse, Pilkerton REALTORS Trish Woolwine, Fridrich & Clark Realty Anne Zadick, The Zadick Team, Parks J.D. Young, Southern Life Real Estatenfocusmagazine.com MARCH 2022 << Jennie Zagnoev, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty

|

59

Something Old, Something New The Hermitage Hotel’s Drusie

& Darr brings Jean-Georges to the South

The name Jean-Georges Vongerichten is synonymous with excellence, and now, thanks to the newly opened Drusie & Darr at The Hermitage Hotel, it’s a name that will forever be linked to Nashville. As part of an ongoing revitalization of the 112-year-old hotel, the former Capitol Grille and Oak Bar underwent a complete transformation in 2021, bringing a renewed elegance to the dining destination while staying true to the architectural integrity and sophistication of the historic building. Named for the brother and sister who lived at the hotel with their father, who was the general manager, the restaurant is the internationally renowned chef and restaurateur’s first in the South.

Overseeing the restaurant’s redesign was Danish architect and designer Thomas JuulHansen, known for commercial projects with Jean-Georges, David Yurman and others, as well as an impressive portfolio of elite residential properties. Many of the space’s original BeauxArts details, including the arched ceilings and the oak walls, were preserved and restored, but custom furnishings, dramatic lighting from L’Observatoire International and an open kitchen give the restaurant an entirely new feel. Accented with blue velvet banquettes, mother-of-pearl pendant lamps and curved lines throughout, the new Drusie & Darr and accompanying lounge feel airier, more contemporary and more approachable, while still delivering a world-class culinary experience.

The true star of the restaurant, of course, is the menu. Featuring a diverse roster of American dishes with Japanese influence that helped make Jean-Georges one of the most well-known and celebrated chefs in the world, Drusie & Darr promises — and delivers — a truly remarkable experience on every visit. The menu, which will see slight seasonal changes throughout the year and feature Tennessee produce when possible, is robust, including appetizers, salads, pastas, pizzas, seafood, steaks and more. And while the food is quintessential fine dining and spectacularly executed by executive chef Kelsi Armijo and her team, the atmosphere and presentation is approachable and unfussy. There are no tableside theatrics continued on page 62

THE FACTS Address: 231 Sixth Ave. N. Phone: 615-345-7116 Website: drusieanddarr.com Hours: 5 p.m.-10 p.m., seven days a week (breakfast and lunch coming soon) Parking: Complimentary valet Reservations: Yes Patio: No Takeout: No

60 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

LOCAL FLAVOR

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHY VISIT

WHAT TO ORDER

This isn’t the same old Capitol Grille and Oak Bar you’ve been visiting for years, so expect something new, surprising and fresh. With Jean-Georges’ recipes making up the menu, you can be certain you’re in for a world of flavor with every bite.

The restaurant simultaneously feels posh and comfortable, and you’ll be talking about the meal for days or weeks to follow.

It’s time to see what all the fuss is about. JeanGeorges chose Nashville for his first Southern restaurant, and the team has held nothing back in developing a world-class restaurant in the heart of downtown. Treat yourself to a decadent meal at one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. And while you’re there, make sure you stop in the women’s restroom, which also received an oh-sopink makeover. It finally rivals the men’s room as a photo-worthy stop.

It’s hard to imagine having a bad bite of anything here, so follow your heart — and stomach — when ordering and you won’t be disappointed. There are a few standouts, though, that shouldn’t be missed.

The egg toast — two sous-vide egg yolks between crisp, buttery toast and topped with 10 grams of osetra caviar — is exceptional in every way. And don’t sleep on the fried chicken, which is quite possibly the best you will ever try. The crispy sushi is a must-order starter, the black truffle pizza is divine, and the salted caramel sundae topped with caramel corn is Chef Kelsi’s favorite dessert.

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

61

LOCAL FLAVOR

with your meal, and servers are in chambray shirts, jeans and Chuck Taylors. It’s as suitable for a special date night as it is for a quick bite before a show. The restaurant is currently open seven days a week for dinner, with breakfast and lunch service coming soon. The lounge, which has been expanded from the old Oak Bar and now holds twice the capacity, serves the full menu. And The Hermitage Hotel’s streetside cafe, The Pink Hermit, will be opening soon, as well, offering quick, casual options for breakfast and lunch, along with cocktails and wine in the evenings, providing even more fabulous opportunities to dine and drink at the hotel.

“As Nashville’s social epicenter for over a century, The Hermitage Hotel is excited to introduce a new gathering place in step with the times and where everyone feels welcome,” says Dee Patel, The Hermitage Hotel’s managing director. “Our wish is for guests and neighbors alike to return for years to come.”

With a beautifully revitalized space, expertly prepared dishes and a truly welcoming staff, Drusie & Darr is already on its way to becoming one of downtown’s most beloved and popular destinations, for both locals and tourists.

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESTY OF DRUSIE & DARR BY JEAN-GEORGES

62 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

Like new, custom built & privately located in the back of Legends Ridge

6 Bedrooms | 6.5 baths | 7946 SF | 4 car garage | $2,699,000

Arches, grand staircase, marble, beams, coffer ceilings, tall doors, hardwoods, upscale appliances, walk-out basement, large storage area, elevator to three floors, & two screened porches for beautiful views.

MLS 2357035

Nancy Tice

M: 615.207.3758 | O: 615.263.4800 nancyt@realtracs.com

MAGNIFICENT & TIMELESS Northumberland

4 BR, 5.5 BA, 8014 SF home in 24-hour security gated, Northumberland.

1 STRAWBERRY HILL $3,500,000

JENNIE GARTH LOVVORN M: 615.308.7653 O: 615.327.4800 LOVVJG@hotmail.com nfocusmagazine.com

Scan to learn more

| MARCH 2022 <<

63

LOCAL FLAVOR

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHY VISIT

WHAT TO ORDER

White walls offer a contrast to the dark wood beams on the cathedral ceiling. In the entryway, to dramatic effect, black and white tiles are inset into a concrete floor. White marble-top tables with black metal bases dot the restaurant, which seats about 50. A concrete and clay tile bar is surrounded by high-backed, light wooden stools and flanked by an antique, arched mirror that reflects an array of spirits.

A highlight of the restaurant is folding glass doors that open onto a patio that seats 25. Situated on a corner of Murphy Road that’s become a bustling restaurant hub, the patio is perfect for people-watching. The lively music, craft cocktails and large selection of Spanish wines — not to mention, a charcuterie board featuring Spanish meats and cheeses — makes Lola a fun spot for a date night or any other occasion.

The croquetas, which are thin, crusted croquettes with fillings like slow-roasted duck, branzino or mushroom, are a favorite. Octopus with spiced chorizo is also a highlight, as is the charcuterie board — all prepared with a commitment to authenticity. Whether it’s peppers, crackers, olives or a variety of other menu items, “we are basically at the place,” says Bradley, “that if we can’t make it from scratch, it has to be imported from Spain.”

64 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

A Taste of Spain Lola offers Spanish tapas and style in Sylvan Park

There’s no need for a passport or a packed bag. The culinary spirit of Spain is as close as Sylvan Park. Lola, a Spanish tapas restaurant, is the latest eatery from Siege Hospitality, which includes Santo, Epice and Kalamatas. Owner Maher Fawaz’s longtime love of Spain was the impetus for Lola. It was there that he met Juliana Aguiar, who has decades of experience as a chef in Madrid and still lives in Spain part time. Juliana, along with culinary director Matthew Ralph, oversee the kitchen.

Juliana brought Spanish cuisine to Epice for several summers before Lola opened. “Once a week, we would do a five-course dinner,” says Bradley Ryan, a partner with Siege. “You can have the Epice menu or the Spanish menu, essentially. We did that for a few summers as we were concepting this Spanish restaurant out.”

The team prides themselves on practicing traditional, old-school techniques. “It’s like our tomato toast, pan tumaca,” says Bradley. “It takes us four-and-a-half hours to make the tomato sauce. It’s not an easy process, but we’re dedicated to doing it in the sort of ancestral kind of method in a way to bring out the rustic flavor the dish demands. You can’t cheat tomato sauce.

Any Italian grandma will tell you that.”

The design of the newly constructed building is also meant to conjure up images of Spain, from the terra cotta roof tiles to the restaurant’s open interior, fashioned to feel like a food hall in downtown Madrid. Chris Nonno of Louis + Partners Design, headquartered in Ohio, and Katie Vance with the locally based Powell architectural firm, worked on the project.

BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW THOMAS LEE continued on page 66

THE FACTS Address: 4401 Murphy Road Website: lolanashville.com Phone: 615-830-5499 Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Thursday, Sunday and Monday; 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday Parking: Small parking lot and street parking Reservations: Yes Patio: Yes Takeout: Yes

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

65

LOCAL FLAVOR

66 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

36 YEARS 4 0,0 0 0 D E S I G N S E X P E R I E N C E M AT T E R S

Find out why Nashville’s top designers, homebuilders, architects, and 40,000 of your neighbors continue to place their trust in us.

(615) 742-1955 W W W . C L O S E T C O M P A N Y. C O M

FOR SALE | 20 MIN FROM DOWNTOWN

14,000 long stem Tulips will bloom in March at Ostara Gardens

Visit us in person or online to experience our exceptional local flowers!

1021 Whites Creek Pike | OstaraGardens.com

JUST SOLD | THE GULCH

TWELVE TWELVE | UNIT 2102 2 BD | 2.5 BA | 1563 SF | $1,780,000

1254 WEBB RIDGE RD | KINGSTON SPRINGS 30 ACRES | 5679 SF | $2,900,000

THE GULCH

TWELVE TWELVE | UNIT 1315 IN-HOME RECORDING STUDIO, GYM, HOME OFFICE

2 BD | 2 BA | 1221 SF | $990,000 SOLD OVER ASK

listed by

listed by

931.273.5510

615.828.4064

Lara K. Kirby

Kindy Hensler

21ST AVENUE

FRANKLIN

WEDGEWOOD-HOUSTON EAST NASHVILLE

615.345.4611 VILLAGEREALESTATE.COM | 21ST AVENUE 615.383.6964 | FRANKLIN 615.790.3400 | EAST NASHVILLE 615.369.3728 615.790.3400 615.369.3278 615.383.6964

nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

67

THE FACTS Address: 300 12th Ave. S. Phone: 615-379-9000 Website: carnemarenashville.com Hours: 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday; 5 p.m.11 p.m., Friday and Saturday Parking: Complimentary valet Reservations: Yes Patio: Yes Takeout: No

From New York to Nashville Chef Andrew Carmellini opens Italian chophouse Carne Mare in the Gulch

The W Nashville is the newest addition to Nashville’s growing portfolio of luxury hotels, and with it comes Carne Mare, a fine dining Italian chophouse from James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Carmellini. The restaurant is one of 18 in Andrew’s NoHo Hospitality Group, and it’s the second Carne Mare, after the chef opened one on Pier 17 in New York City’s historic seaport in the summer of 2021.

The Nashville outpost of the restaurant is sultry and cozy, featuring a barrel-vault ceiling, walnut millwork and leather banquettes. Designed to be a modern take on an Old World Italian trattoria, the restaurant’s elegant and sophisticated aesthetic is the perfect complement to the refined cuisine. A glass wall on the far end of the 84-seat dining room allows patrons to see into the kitchen, where USDA prime and wagyu steaks are cooked over a wood-fired grill. Rounding out the space is a patio that can accommodate an additional 40 guests, as well as a private dining room for 22. In the bar room, at the entrance of the restaurant, the curved, wood-paneled bar is topped with green quartz and lined with 13 leather stools, providing a sleek spot for an afterwork drink or a pre-dinner cocktail.

The menu boasts exactly what you’d expect from an upscale Italian chophouse, with a few notable surprises. “I think you go to a chophouse because you want a certain thing,” Andrew says. “Before I even walk in the door, I’m thinking martini, as cold as possible, with three olives.

I’m thinking oysters and/or a Caesar salad, and I’m thinking a steak with a couple sides.”

When developing the menu, Andrew visited a lot of steakhouses across the country and tried to find the right balance between the customer’s expectations and new things he wanted to surprise diners with. “I think now, more than ever, from a chef ’s perspective, it’s a little bit less about showing off but us all threading the needle between making something fun and also approachable,” he says.

The offerings are as robust as the cuts of prime and wagyu beef, including everything from salads to pastas to seafood, with traditional flavors served in unexpected ways, like a gorgonzola-cured wagyu striploin or mozzarella sticks topped with caviar. Whatever you end up sampling, you’ll undoubtedly leave more than satisfied and eager to return.

BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPHS BY MJ MCGEENEY

continued on page 70

68 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

LOCAL FLAVOR

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHY VISIT

WHAT TO ORDER

The menu is a collection of traditional chophouse cuisine, expertly prepared and beautifully plated.

The service is exquisite, and many dishes include a tableside presentation as a callback to fine dining experiences in previous generations. “It just creates a lot of joy,” Andrew says. “People really, really like it.”

Some days just call for a good steak, an exceptional glass of wine and impeccable service.

When you're looking for the quintessential chophouse experience, you won't be disappointed here. Whether you’re entertaining clients or planning a celebration, Carne Mare is ideal for a special night out.

In addition to the gorgonzola-cured wagyu and the mozzarella and caviar, Chef Andrew recommends starting with the spicy king crab lettuce cups with Italian chili crisp. “You get this spicy crunch and this really fresh, cold crab and this crisp lettuce — they’re really good,” he says. He also loves the Milanese veal cowboy chop. “It’s served very simply, like you would have a veal Milanese in Milan,” he says. “There’s just something so elemental about it when it’s cooked properly.”

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

69

LOCAL FLAVOR

70 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

Luxury.

Social.

Lifestyle.

$24 BOTTOMLESS MIMOSAS FRIDAY BRUNCH 9 AM – 2 PM

NOT ALL BRUNCHES ARE CREATED EQUAL

Delivered to your door:

SHOPNFOCUS.COM

Fridays at Makeready L&L, we’re elevating the brunch game, giving brunch-goers much more than your classic menu favorites.

Featuring an all-new menu filled with exciting flavors, delicious bites, and bottomless mimosas for just $24.

Get an early start to the weekend – we’ll keep the bubbles flowing.

200 FOURTH AVENUE N. | 615.610.7835

M @MAKEREADYNASHVILLE | P @MAKEREADY_NASHVILLE

nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

71

A Lasting Legacy

The Junior League of Nashville celebrates 100 years of caring for the

community

In 1922, a group of women wanting to serve Nashville in a volunteer capacity founded the Junior League of Nashville (JLN). In the 100 years since, the JLN has been at the forefront of groundbreaking programs and services to address needs in our community. It began when the Junior League Home for Crippled Children was founded in 1923, and members did everything from preparing meals to assisting physicians, as well as raising the money to maintain it. This commitment to providing funds with service became the JLN’s calling card.

The JLN’s legacy of giving that began with the home continues today. For 100 years, it has addressed issues facing women and children and created collaborative solutions by founding new programs or enhancing existing ones. As members look forward to commemorating this milestone anniversary during its Centennial Celebration, it’s time to look at a few of the lasting contributions that this all-woman, all-volunteer organization has made to benefit so many Nashvillians.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF NASHVILLE

The Junior League of Nashville is chartered with 47 founding members, making it the 30th member of the Association of Junior Leagues of America.

1922 The Junior League Home for Crippled Children opens at Ninth Avenue and Monroe Street to provide free care to children with polio whose parents can’t afford it.

1923 1930

A new Home for Crippled Children opens at 2400 White Ave. JLN volunteers assist in multiple ways, including occupational therapy and driving patients.

The Arts and Interests Committee starts the Children’s Theater (now the Nashville Children’s Theatre). Its first production is Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp.

1931 1940

The Junior League Home for Crippled Children opens an outpatient clinic and serves nearly 1,000 children in the first year.

1956 1962 The Junior League Home for Crippled Children becomes an accredited hospital.

72 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

1969

Nashville's first mental health center (renamed the Dede Wallace Center in 1971) is established on White Avenue.

The then-state-of-the-art facility grows into the nation’s largest community mental health organization, Centerstone.

The Volunteer Placement Service (now Hands On Nashville) is formed in partnership with the Council of Community Services to match the needs of agencies with volunteers.

F E AT U R E

2016 A $1.5 million gift establishes the Center of Excellence in Sickle Cell Disease and Asthma at the Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center, bringing together local doctors under one roof for patients.

2012 2002

All Booked Up, a free program designed to inspire young readers in the community, launches as part of the JLN’s focus on literacy.

Lily’s Garden at Fannie Mae Dees Park is built as the state’s first fully accessible playground for children who use wheelchairs.

1997 League and community leaders establish the Nashville chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

1996

The Oasis Center’s Teen Outreach program launches to prevent youth from dropping out of school and to educate them on healthy behaviors and life skills.

The JLN and the local chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women jointly found and fund CASA, Nashville’s chapter for Court Appointed Special Advocates.

A $50,000 grant helps found Renewal House, Nashville’s first long-term residential, comprehensive recovery community for mothers with addictions and their children.

1992 Our Kids, a child abuse intervention program, is started in partnership with General and Vanderbilt hospitals.

1987 1983 1981

The Home for Crippled Children moves into the Children’s Regional Medical Center at Vanderbilt Hospital (now Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt).

1971

The Curiosity Corner, an interactive learning center at the Cumberland Science Museum (now Adventure Science Center), and the Museum Experience Room at the Tennessee State Museum open.

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

73

F E AT U R E

25,000

$

JLN makes the first major capital gift to the construction of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The funds are designated for a new Home for Crippled Children to be built within it.

JLN’s first gift made to Vanderbilt Hospital in 1971 provides for an education and reading room for the relocated Home for Crippled Children.

47 Number of founding members in April 1922

$

2,000,000

The Junior League of Nashville by the Numbers

50,000

Average number of volunteer service hours given annually by members to community agencies

Granted to 16 community partners in 2022.

All agencies receive funding and volunteers for programs that address the JLN’s current focus areas of cradle-tocareer literacy and human trafficking.

1,507

4 The JLN has published four cookbooks: Nashville Seasons in 1964, Nashville Seasons Encore in 1977, Encore Nashville in 1982 and Notably Nashville in 2002.

$

359,407

One hundred years of women giving service and advocacy to improve the quality of life in Nashville really adds up

Total number of members in 2021-22.

Currently, with 561 Actives, 148 Provisionals and 798 Sustainers, the JLN is consistently among the 15 largest leagues in the nation.

74 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

17

$

MILLION Given to support programs at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt since 1971. In addition to the initial children's home, other hospital programs created and invested in by the JLN include the Children’s Lung Center, the Respite Care Center, the Family Resource Center, the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, and more recently, an endowment to the Child Life program.

750,000

$

In funding for the Children’s Department of the new downtown Nashville Public Library.

The 2001 gift assures that children’s reading materials are accessible to all children.

Trust your investments to the best Couture • Wedding Gowns • Environmentally Non-Toxic

FREE PICK-UP & DELIVERY

FOLLOW

US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

NFOCUSMAGAZINE

OakwoodCleaners.com | Nashville - 615-620-6095 | Hermitage - 615-885-1281

6 1 5 . 7 9 4 . 74 1 5

T E N N E S S E E VA L L E Y H O M E S . C O M nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

75

A Near Escape North Georgia’s Barnsley Resort just keeps getting better If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Barnsley Resort in northern Georgia, you know well that it’s an unexpected little slice of paradise replete with the finest Southern charm. The quaint, yet luxurious, cottages arranged along tree-lined lanes provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, featuring world-class dining and a staff that truly understands the meaning of hospitality. But you might not know that Barnsley has been enjoying a bit of a renaissance for the last few years, fashioning exciting new experiences, amenities and even a new inn.

Barnsley Resort has always been a choice destination for anyone who enjoys being outdoors, with trails for walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding or UTV excursions; a lake for canoeing and fishing; and thousands of acres of land for golfing, sporting clays and hunting. In an effort to make every trip unforgettable, they’ve also added introductory experiences for archery and axe throwing, a sport that is skyrocketing in popularity. Guests can join one of the knowledgeable instructors for a crash course in techniques and safety, then enjoy a little friendly competition amongst friends and family or other guests.

With two 14-station clay courses and nearly 3,000 acres of land for hunting quail, pheasant and chukar, whether you’re an expert marksman or you’ve never held a firearm, there’s a shooting adventure waiting for you at the resort. In a unique partnership with the legendary Italian firearms company Beretta and John Burrell’s world-renowned, high-end outdoor experience guide service, High Adventure Company, Barnsley offers hunting opportunities perfect for experts and beginners alike. Even more impressive is the resort’s Swarovski 1,000-yard challenge, in which newcomers can learn to shoot accurately over incredibly long distances, visiting groups can enjoy a little friendly competition with each other and where professionals come to claim titles in official events.

One of the most noteworthy changes, if it’s been a couple of years since your last visit, is the newly built 55-room Inn at Barnsley Resort that welcomes you as you head onto the property. Great care was taken to ensure the building fits right in with the aesthetic of the resort. The cozy rooms and suites offer the finest comforts for rest and relaxation, although you’re more likely to be somewhere outdoors, with everything there is to explore and enjoy on the property.

There’s something for everyone at Barnsley Resort, from the top-tier, Jim Faziodesigned golf course featuring a performance center decked out with state-of-theart instruction and fitting technologies to the full-service spa with 10 treatment rooms offering soothing massages and rejuvenating sensory and spiritual experiences. And no trip is complete without enjoying the walking paths that wind through the immaculate gardens around the ruins of the historic Barnsley estate.

Visiting Barnsley Resort feels like stepping back to a simpler time in a remote world without sacrificing modern luxuries. As they like to say, “Far, far away has never been so close.”

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BARNSLEY RESORT

76 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

A GEORGIA SPIN Few things are more quintessentially Southern than bourbon, and next to the peach, nothing is more iconically Georgian than pecans. In a stroke of brilliance, Barnsley's mixologists have developed their own unique method of infusing entire bottles of Woodford Reserve with cold-smoked pecans using a cold brew drip tower. What’s left is a darker, nuttier bourbon that is used in dishes, desserts and cocktails around the resort.

For a sample of this beautiful concoction, you can join one of the resort’s bourbon tastings in the common area of the inn.

NROUTE

ON THE HUNT With the greatest attention to safety and experience, High Adventure Company takes Barnsley guests on exciting excursions around the beautiful and serene Beretta Shooting Grounds, a 3,000-acre expanse for hunting quail, pheasant and chukar. You can either participate in the hunt using their finest firearms or simply watch the gorgeous flushing and pointing spaniels hard at work.

DINING WITH CHEF JAVIER Executive chef Javier Cuesta joined the Barnsley Resort team in December and has already made an indelible mark on the dining concepts around the resort. With a background and expertise in fine French cuisine, the Spanish-born chef has brought with him a mastery of luxury hospitality to develop new menus and create culinary experiences at the resort’s three main restaurants: the upscale Woodlands Grill, the casual outdoor Beer Garden and the newly opened Rice House, where he has been hard at work creating a world-class fine dining experience.

nfocusmagazine.com

|

MARCH 2022 <<

77

TA K I N G VO W S

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIN MCCALL

eitzer w S e s o R a i Oliv Marries e Mobley e K c M n e Hold

Olivia Sweitzer and Holden Mobley met in February 2015, when they were students at Belmont University. He was a philosophy major and played basketball for the Bruins, and she was studying music business.

They became engaged in December 2019 on a trip to New York. Olivia was led by rose petals to a private rooftop terrace in Lower Manhattan, where Holden was on one knee to pop the question.

They married on a Sunday in May 2021 at 14TENN in Nashville, with the groom’s brother Hunter officiating and pianist Christopher Phillips playing the wedding music. The bride wore a custom dress and cape by New York designer LEIN Studio with blue Carolina Herrera shoes. The groom wore a custom blue suit by Stephen Richards Jr. of Richards Bespoke and blue leather shoes to comple-

ment his bride’s. FLWR Shop designed Olivia’s bouquet of white roses.

For the reception, the bride changed into a vintage yellow Carolina Herrera gown. DJ Aaron Traylor brought the tunes, G Catering provided the dinner and Dessert Designs created the Hallelujah Cake.

Music City Tents & Events designed the tablescapes and décor, and Sumner Smith of Sumner Smith Events + Design coordinated the celebration.

On Friday, the groom’s parents kicked off the festivities with a welcome party on their front lawn on Woodmont Boulevard. Fox’s Donut Den provided warm donuts for the occasion. Saturday morning, the wedding party, along with family members, gathered downtown at Noelle for the rehearsal luncheon, with live music provided by Jaimee Paul and

Leif Shires. Guests took home mugs and cookies specially designed by the groom’s sister Campbell and Lauren Rives of Peak Cookies.

After a wedding trip to Miami, the couple returned to Nashville, where Olivia is a fashion stylist with The Only Agency and Holden is a wealth manager at Taylor Wealth Solutions. They are both graduates of Belmont. Olivia grew up and went to school in Madison, Connecticut, and Holden is an alumnus of Ensworth School at Red Gables, Montgomery Bell Academy and University of Kentucky College of Law. Their parents are Kristina and Scott Sweitzer of Madison, Connecticut, and Diana and Jeffrey Mobley of Nashville.

BY SANDRA NELSON

78 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

Advertorial sponsored by Cool Springs Wine & Spirits

Barrels of Fun Team Chad’s spirited event returns to The Bedford On a chilly February Saturday night, patrons at Team Chad’s Barrels at the Bedford warmed up with plenty of bourbon and cigars. The 2nd annual event showcased barrel aged spirits with particular emphasis on distilleries from Tennessee and Kentucky. Cool Springs Wine and Spirits, one of the evening’s presenting sponsors, hosted a table with 12 different single barrel selections that welcomed all guests as they entered the party. VIP patrons were treated to tastings from 11 allocated bourbons that included Pappy Van Winkle, Willet 4 Year Cask Strength and William LaRue. Poppa P’s Smoke Shoppe hosted a cigar bar, which featured selections from Perdomo.

Guests enjoyed a dinner buffet of black kale salad with Vidalia onion dressing, smoked brisket mac and cheese garnished with caramelized onions and tangy BBQ sauce, and boneless short ribs in a root vegetable gravy provided

by Mack and Kate’s Events and Catering. While party goers enjoyed their sips and nibbles, Michael Biscotto kept everyone entertained with his rhythmic guitar.

The evening concluded with a spirited live auction led by auctioneer Matt Rogers and Team Chad board member, Bret Moore. The most sought-after item of the night was a Weller Full Proof barrel that helped make for a record setting live auction. The evening’s proceeds of $162,000 benefited Team Chad, a local non-profit that financially supports cancer patients and their families. In the words of presenting sponsor, Sonic Automotive regional Vice President Kevin Gaither, “Team Chad is an awesome charity that supports those going through the battle of their lives. We couldn’t think of a better place to give.”

Emily Haraf, Brooks Moore and Ashley Klekamp

BY EMILY WALKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY KIKI MORTON

Jennifer Laux

Ryan and Madison Haynes, Holly McDaniel and Maher Fawaz

Kendall Blomquist, Taylor Hancock, Nan Bumpus, Genifer Goldsmith

PENCIL IN

M A RC H MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

5

12

BALLET BALL MARCH 12

The Nashville Ballet’s fabulous black-tie gala returns to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center this month. Co-chaired

by Joanne Sowell and Brooke Trusley, the evening will have a theme of midcentury elegance.

Bruce Pittman will return as event planner for the evening, and Kristen Winston will prepare the multicourse dinner.

The Nashville Ballet will perform to a selection of Frank Sinatra tunes, as well as an original piece alongside a live performance from Grammy-nominated folk artist Allison Russell. nashvilleballet.com/ballet-ball

MARCH 5

With the Olympics capturing the world’s attention once again, the Gordon Jewish Community Center is hosting the annual Big Night Out with the theme of Go for the Gold!

Co-chairs Julie Eskind Galbierz and Caroline Moses Sprouse have an exciting night planned with a cocktail hour, dinner, some lighthearted Olympic competition and a big silent auction. Oh, and they’re encouraging everyone to wear Olympic-themed attire. nashvillejcc.org

MARCH 31

The TPAC Gala is moving to spring this year, and the performing arts center will kick off the festivities with an elegant Patrons Party on the veranda at The Hermitage Hotel.

Co-chaired by Adam Sansiveri and our own editor-in-chief, Nancy Floyd, the cocktail party will include live music, a bourbon tasting, a gin experience with Simon Ford of Ford’s Gin and delicious light bites from Drusie & Darr chef Kelsi Armijo. tpac.org/support/fundraising-events/tpac-gala/

ROARING BACK WITH HISTORY & MUSIC AT FISK MARCH 3

3

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Fisk University’s incredible Jubilee Singers, and to celebrate, the Metro Historical Commission is hosting an evening of excellent music and fine food in Jubilee Hall to raise money for the university, which is the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville. nashvillemhcf.wixsite.com/roaringback

31

BIG NIGHT OUT

TPAC GALA PATRONS PARTY

OTHER NOTEWORTHY EVENTS A RED CARPET EVENING MARCH 27

27

It’s time to hit the red carpet in your finest attire as the Belcourt Theatre welcomes cinephiles to take their seats in front of the big screen for the most beloved Oscars watch party in town. The fun-filled event includes a cocktail buffet, a robust silent auction and, of course, snacks from the concessions stand, and VIPs can start the party early in the Diamond Lounge behind the silver screen. belcourt.org/redcarpet

80 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

March 27: Art Splash Gala (Moves & Grooves) March 31: JLN Centennial Patrons Party (Junior League of Nashville)

For a full listing of upcoming events, visit calendar.nfocusmagazine.com

Vincent font

Presented by

The battle is back!

April 28, 2022 / 6-9:30pm / First Horizon Park

Four chefs. One secret ingredient.

tickets on sale now!

Benefitting

IRONFORKNASHVILLE.COM #IronFork22

nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

81

BEST B E H AV I O R

Now That It’s Over Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

SEPARATION ANXIETY A friend of mine is throwing a party for herself. That seems odd enough, but she’s throwing it to celebrate her divorce. She’s inviting a group of her single women friends, including me, and some of her single men friends too. She says that she doesn’t want to be left alone now that the divorce is final. That makes sense, but her ex-husband and I are still close. And a lot of other people on her list are close to him too. I said I wasn’t going to choose sides after the couple split. So what do I do? — Anonymous, Brentwood

Purchase all of your favorite party photos at nfocusmagazine.com We’ll ship prints right to your door @NfocusMagazine

You don’t have to go to the party, but when you don’t show up, it will look like you’re making a choice. And that’s precisely what you’ll be doing, even if you claim a cold or a dose of the latest COVID variant. The newly free-and-available self-hostess is doing an enviable job of painting you — and apparently everybody else she knows — into a corner. Maybe she assumes that the makeup of her guest list will get back to her ex. But if you want to stay friendly with both sides of the ex-couple, you don’t want to cut her off with no explanation. Be straightforward. Go ahead and give her a call, not an email or an Instagram DM. Explain to her that showing up will make you feel uncomfortable. She may — or may not —take your explanation at face value. If you do show up, you may see a few friends, make a dinner date or two, and maybe share a phone number here and there. If the speeches of congratulations start, head for the door. Play it safe in this game and keep your distance, at least for a while. Of course, you don’t have to be in contact with the ex, either. I bet his life will go on, with no celebrations.

OVER AND DONE It drives me crazy in restaurants when the server looks down at my clean plate and says, “Boy, looks like everything was good,” or even worse, “Glad you didn’t like that.” Worst of all is “Are you still workin’ on that?” It happens way too often, and I don’t like the insinuation. I’d like a quick comeback, but maybe I’m being overly sensitive? — Anonymous, Hillwood That’s what happens when you dine at the finest of restaurants. The servers’ standard repartee, wherever it comes from, seems to be on the menu any time “sweet or unsweet?” is the question of the day. The servers may think they’re clever, or they may be fishing for a compliment or hoping you’ll up your tip, although none of those seem likely options. They’re probably just trying to move you along to the cashier’s counter at the front door (there’s sure to be one there).

Who knows if any insinuation is involved? If your plate is empty, it’s empty.

There’s no reason to get into the high fun of the moment or get yourself into high dudgeon. Your quick response might be, “I’m done. How about the bill?”

It’s probably in their back pocket already.

Nashville’s Only Engraving Printer Add a timeless, prestigious look to your invitations, stationery and business cards using this centuries old technique. Combine it with other methods to enhance the tactile experience.

Call us today to find out more!

111 Oak Valley Drive | Nashville, TN 37207 615.327.1758 | www.midtownprinting.com Digital | Offset | Letterpress | Engraving | Bindery | Specialty Finishing

82 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

BY JOHN BRIDGES

John is the author of How To Be a Gentleman and the co-author, with Bryan Curtis, of other books in the GentlemannersTM series. Send your Best Behavior questions to jbridges@nfocusmagazine.com, and check out his up-to-theminute advice on life’s puzzling problems every Friday at nfocusmagazine.com.

NfocusMagazine.com.

Your Online Guide to Nashville‘s Social Scene

EVENTS

ARTS + CULTURE

FOOD + DRINK

Party coverage and photos from the city’s most exclusive events

Noteworthy live performances, gallery news and local artists you should know

Restaurant recommendations, chef interviews, delicious recipes and more

FASHION

HOMES + INTERIORS

TRAVEL

Style tips and trends, shopping guides, designer profiles and more

A look inside some of the most spectacular homes and businesses in the area

The hottest destinations, resorts and travel tips

Let’s stay connected!

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. @nfocusmagazine

@nfocusmagazine

@nfocusmagazine

Let’s keep in touch!

Sign up for our email list at nfocusmagazine.com/email. nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

83

NR E TR O S P E CT

H VARALLO, 1938

RA URTESY OF DEBO

PHOTOGRAPH CO

One More Bowl A look back at the history of Varallo’s Chile Parlor Long before DoorDash and Uber Eats were even a thought, Frank Varallo Sr. was delivering meals to the homes and offices of hungry patrons. With a menu based on family recipes handed down to him, Varallo’s Chile Parlor opened in 1907 on Broadway before moving to the corner of Eighth Avenue and Church Street. The restaurant was a longtime favorite lunch spot for prominent politicians and business leaders who filled up on the popular “3 Way” chili while discussing pressing issues of the day. Today, Varallo’s is the oldest restaurant in Tennessee, and it carries on a tradition of delicious food and fine hospitality that has lasted more than a century.

84 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com

nfocusmagazine.com

| MARCH 2022 <<

89

Exclusively at

90 >> MARCH 2022 | nfocusmagazine.com