A Universal Love Language
The topic of food tells so much about someone's history and upbringing. It speaks to tradition, culture, and shows love without actually using any words. We are connected to recipes through memories of places and loved ones, and the most special thing about it all is that we are able to share those memories with the ones around us through experiencing taste together. How cool is that?
Unfortunately, I'm not too proud to say that food is not my forte. I show up to my girls school with store bought cookies, my friends always assign me to bring the napkins and ice to any gathering, and scrambled eggs are my family's favorite "homemade" meal. I wish I had the desire, and even attention span, to cook from the heart! (2025 goals!)
I'm surrounded by so many friends and people who take food to the next level of community and connection. As I get older, I have realized the importance of this legacy in my own family. As my girls grow, I find it crucial to implement these traditions and connections of food with their upbringing.
The stories in this issue are so different from one another, but the common thread is food; the universal language. Food is the common thread in any culture, and it is how people from all across the globe gather with one another; that is the most important thing in life- sharing and learning from anyone and everyone around you.
Personally, this issue has inspired me so much! Nashville has quickly become such a hub for incredible cuisine experiences, and that brings so much life to this city. Bon appétit!
KAT SEATON GIARRATANO,
PUBLISHER
@MUSICCITYCITYLIFESTYLE
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Kat Seaton Giarratano | kat.seaton@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Morgan Raum | morgan.raum@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Morgan Raum
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Emily Dorio, Autumn Zimmerman, Mayter Scott, Joana Vargas, Legacy Of Love Photo & Film
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
Offering studio, one, two, and three-bedroom layouts to fit your vibrant lifestyle. Our apartments feature spacious floor plans, high ceilings, designer finishes and fixtures with views of downtown Nashville.
Onsite Coffee Shop with a Barista | Private Workplaces to Work From Home | 24/7 Expansive Fitness Center with Views of Downtown Nashville | Pet Center with Day Boarding, Day Care, and Much More | Resort Style Pool with Sundeck and Cabanas | Beautiful Clubhouse with Entertainment Kitchen and Games | Multiple Grilling and Outdoor Lounge Spaces
city scene
1-7: Music City City Lifestyle hosted the release of our September style issue at Joseph Martin's studio in Edgehill. We partnered with Actual Food, Marble Fox Brewing Company, and Christie Cookie Co. for a night filled with fun fellowship of the creatives in Nashville. Musical guest, John Goolsby, made for the perfect touch to such a fun night! Guests shopped one-of-a-kind hats from Joseph Martin and leather goods, jewelry, and clothing from Able.
TODD A. TRESSLER, II FOUNDER | CEO | ATTORNEY
Littlebranch Farm Receives Best Of Show Award
Littlebranch Farm, the Nashville based live edge & natural wood handmade furniture creators, received Best Of Show award for their collaborative design “Nature Life” at the 2024 Western Design Conference in Jackson, WY. Kelly Maxwell, owner of Littlebranch Farm, has grown a nationwide following for this handcrafted designs. Head to littlebranchfarm.com for more information on their impeccable work!
12 South Welcomes The Henry
12 South welcomes Sam Fox’s highly acclaimed “greatest neighborhood restaurant,” in its 12 South Collection location. Fox is also behind other sister restaurants in Nashville, including The Twelve Thirty Club, Blanco, Pushing Daisies, and Doughbird. The Henry has everything from simple but always satisfying smashed avocado toast to braised short rib. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s always a good time to drop by and discover a new favorite.
Fit Factory Nashville | Free 7 Day Trial
Don’t wait until the beginning of the year to set your fitness goals! Fit Factory Nashville is offering Nashville’s residents a FREE 7 day trial, and we’re sure you’ll be hooked. This midtown gym offers group classes with thoughtful and intentional programming to encourage community, and incredible coaching. Fit Factory’s coaches focus on long term results with their strength training and learning your personal goals. Head to fitfactorynashville.com for your trial!
A FAMILY-OWNED OPERATION STRIVING TO BRING CLEANER AND HIGHER-QUALITY LIVING TO NASHVILLE.
ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM
Smokin’ Oaks Farms is an Organic Market located off 8th Avenue in Nashville. Valuing the importance of clean and high-quality foods, the team at Smokin’ Oaks takes pride in offering fresh, local produce straight from Nashville’s farms to your table. Whether it's juicy, ripe fruits or crisp, vibrant vegetables, you can trust that every bite is bursting with flavor and goodness.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOANA VARGAS
As a family owned and run operation, when stopping into the shop, you’ll meet the person raising their animals and selecting their products. While they are best known for their exceptional pasture-raised meats, their shelves are brimming with so much more. Each product meets their high standards, representing the craftsmanship of passionate local and regional artisans.
Justin Head, farmer and owner of Smokin’ Oaks, shares that he grew up on a conventional farm in Robertson County, Tennessee – where their current farm operation is.
“We raised livestock, grains, and dark fired tobacco,” Justin shares. “I have
farmed all of my life… started working in the fields at around eight years old, and operating machinery at age ten.”
As Justin got older, he began to question what he was doing and where the crops were going, as the pesticides they sprayed were making him sick.
“I thought, well, this is going on food people are eating so it is certainly making people sick. I felt convicted to make some changes and looked into organic farming. The more I looked and researched, the uglier it got. I started transitioning the farm to organic in 2015, by 2021 we were completely organic,” Justin shares.
“AT SMOKIN’ OAKS, WE BELIEVE IN RAISING OUR ANIMALS THE RIGHT WAY – WITH CARE, RESPECT, AND ABSOLUTELY NO ANTIBIOTICS.”
Smokin’ Oaks remains the first and only farm to switch to purely organic foods in Robertson County. Before their Nashville storefront opened in 2021, they had only worked at farmers markets. Justin assures that his biggest priority is to guarantee they are producing the highest quality and cleanest food possible in addition to bringing in the highest quality, cleanest food possible in the market.
“The support from the Nashville community has meant everything… without that, we would not be here,” Justin says. “Starting out at the farmers market, I wasn’t sure how this was going to go, but folks around Nashville immediately supported
us. [Smokin’ Oaks continues to grow], and we continue to meet new folks daily that love our products. We are happy to serve.”
Supporting their community is the heart of what Smokin’ Oaks stand for. When you shop with them, you’re not just getting the best and freshest products – you’re supporting local farmers, sustainable practices, and a healthier way of living. From the finest cuts of meat to artisanal goods and fresh produce, there’s a whole world of goodness waiting to be discovered. At Smokin’ Oaks, they celebrate quality, community, and sustainability.
In addition to their market and butchery, Smokin’ Oaks also offers an array
of services. At their workshops, guests will be granted with the opportunity to collaborate with local culinary experts, as they welcome you into their space to learn something new. They also offer plenty of catering options to suit your occasion: including boxed lunches, sandwich platters and, during the holidays, seasonal platters. They even offer event space! You can host your next gathering at Smokin’ Oaks, available for rent by the hour.
For more information on Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms, visit smokinoaksorganicfarms.com or follow them on socials @smokinoaksorganicfarms.
shop online at nashvilleblanketproject.com
TNEYLACORTE’S JOURNEYINTHEMA
O R
ARTICLE BY KAT SEATON GIARRATANO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY DORIO
EXTRA DIRTY MARTINIS, SUPER DELICIOUS FOOD, AND NASHVILLE'S FAVORITE FOODIE CHICK.
"There is nothing better than a table full of delicious food with my friends and family..."
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO NASHVILLE?
My husband brought me here! I briefly dated someone who lived here, and I told my mom once after a trip to visit "I just have this feeling that Nashville will be home for me someday." Two years later, I was engaged to Chris and moving from Texas to Tennessee!
BEING THE PERFECT HOSTESS TAKES A LOT OF PRACTICE, BUT SOMETHING THAT COMES NATURALLY TO YOU. WHAT IS IT ABOUT GATHERING AROUND A TABLE WITH OTHERS THAT REALLY DRAWS YOU IN?
Hosting has become second nature to me because I have been throwing dinner parties since high school! My mom was the queen of hosting, and I remember thinking "I can't wait to do this one day." She spilled her hosting secrets and from that I've developed my own entertaining style. With age, I have become more relaxed - especially post kids. Never again dusting my baseboards for
a dinner party, haha! There is nothing better than a table full of delicious food with my friends and family making my favorite memories and bonding!
CHEESE GAL HAS EVOLVED INTO MORE THAN CHEESE! HAS THIS BEEN THE DREAM ALL ALONG?
I am so grateful for where this journey has taken me. I am living out 5 year old Cortney's dream. I used to pretend to have my own cooking show with two teddy bears named Dan (yes, both named Dan). My heroes were (and are) Martha, Ina, and Julia! I wanted to be them when I grew up. After starting the business, I opened my shop, which I thought I needed to maintain for legitimacy, and to build my following in and out of Nashville. When we decided to close and focus on my social platforms, I was surprised (and delighted!) to learn I didn't need to run a physical location in order to build a great community and a strong business. So, it was certainly the dream...I didn't know how it would unfold! There is no doubt that cheese is to thank for all of it!
"I am so grateful for where this journey has taken me. I am living out 5 year old Cortney's dream."
WHAT HAS BEEN MOST SURPRISING ABOUT YOUR CAREER JOURNEY?
Discovering that you can love your job as much as I do! There are hard days, but to be able to look at my life and say that I get to do this, is a blessing and so humbling to show my girls that they can do whatever they want to do!
YOU MAKE IT LOOK SO EASY, AS A WORKING MOTHER. YOU ARE SO DOWN TO EARTH AND APPROACHABLE. ARE THERE ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB THAT YOU FIND DIFFICULT?
Well you just made my day - That's such a compliment, thank you! I’m with my babies daily and have my own schedule. I work when I am traveling! The hardest part is that I can work more and there's no "clocking out" when it comes to posting on social media. I have to set a boundary, and remind myself 10x's, to turn the phone off and be present!
HOW HAVE YOU INCLUDED YOUR KIDS INTO YOUR WORLD OF FOOD?
All I've had to do is hold up the camera and press record! My girls have so much personality and also love food (no idea where they get this from). So, it fits into my content. People love their videos!
YOU ARE NOT JUST NASHVILLE’S CHEESE GAL ANYMORE; YOU’RE THE CHEESE GAL! WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE TO YOUR NATIONWIDE FOLLOWING AND OPPORTUNITIES?
I watched my account boom in Nashville due to word of mouth, reshares, etc, and it's been the same thing with expanding beyond Nashville! But the "Dirty Martini Journey" was a catalyst for that. The Dirty Martini Journey is: I tried a different dirty martini recipe everyday for a month, until I arrived at the "perfect" recipe, and posted the whole experience in real time on instagram. People were tuning in everyday like they were watching their favorite show- ha! This was the first time that I saw that people were interested in what I had to say beyond making a cheeseboard, and outside of Nashville.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR CHEESE GAL?
[Oversharing] I am writing my first cookbook that comes out in 2026! Regularly, I look at my husband and say, "did you know she's an author?”
ANY ADVICE TO GIVE TO NEW ENTREPRENEURS?
Lean into what makes you and your business unique! Don't be afraid to stand out! It's what will set you apart from everyone else. I'll never forget when Alli Webb spoke CONTINUED >
at the event of Dry Bar Nashville. She spoke of leaning into their niche of being a blowout company was crucial to the success of the brand. They didn't ever try to be something that they weren't, and offer services that weren't in the realm of what they were 1. good at and 2. known for. That advice always stuck with me.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN NASHVILLE?
Restaurants are my hobby!! In no particular order:
Locust - the dumplings and the tartar wrap with caviar.
Epice - my go to when I don't know where to go.
Folk - the clam pizza forever.
Drusie and Darr - prettiest bar in Nashville. Great hospitality, food, and vibe.
Radish - favorite fast casual healthy lunch and I could drink her ranch dressing.
Who Is Cheese Gal?
Cortney LaCorte is a home and entertainment content creator located in Nashville, TN. In early 2019, Cheese Gal was born out of a small Nashville kitchen, inspired by her mom, Darci, who taught her everything she knows about entertaining, and her Godmother, Kar, who influenced her cheese and charcuterie board business. Cortney quickly learned that not only are cheese plates a great way to feed and impress guests, but that they have a magical way of bringing people together.
Now, Cortney has expanded her content creation to YouTube, hosting the Cheese Gal cooking show teaching anyone that you don’t have to be a professional chef to curate a great meal. Follow along for more at @cheesegal.
The Bunny Hive is an elevated social club for little ones, age two weeks to kindergarten, and their grownups. We offer a wide variety of regularly scheduled classes that grownups attend with their children, including art, music, sensory, ballet, baby massage, culinary, storytime, and more – as well as social events for grownups and an event space for your next party!
SHINING LIGHT ON ZION BOTANICAL
ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEGACY OF LOVE PHOTO & FILM
A look inside the Nashville-based interior plant design company.
Zion Botanical is an interior plant design company owned by Alesha Sebie. Located here in Music City, Zion Botanical serves the greater metropolitan area, and is truly a dream brought to life. The foundation was built by a life-changing trip to Zion National Park and a love for houseplants. When the Covid-19 pandemic drove the country into lockdown, it initiated an urgency to fill the void left by a lack of routine and socialization. Therefore, plant care became an outlet of expression and solace for many.
Alesha is a Tennessee transplant native to Wisconsin. Nine years ago, she relocated to Nashville to pursue her graduate degree in social work. During her cross-country trip to Zion, her love for plantscapes and textural design took root. Inspired to use her Master of Science in Social Work in untraditional ways, Alesha hopes to provide an alternative type of therapy through plants.
Alesha, unintentionally, began her business when her friend Kate Ross first opened a coffee shop and restaurant, known as Hearts, in the peak of 2020.
“I was helping her unpack boxes and setup the bar and she had such great light shining in, I was like, ‘you should get plants in here’ and she said, ‘I don’t have time to do that,’ so I told her I would do it for her,” Alesha recalls.
Kate took her up on her offer and hired Alesha to go out and buy pots and plants. Soon after Hearts officially opened its doors, customers continually praised the restaurant’s greenery and inquired on who did the plant design. Kate handed them Alesha’s contact information and in a happenstance way, she received her very first call from a future customer while on her road trip through Zion National Park. From there, Zion Botanical was born!
Since then, Alesha has done botanical designs for Nashville favorites Urban Grub, Lockeland Table, Audrey, D’Andrews, Perfect Plant Hemp Co., and Faherty, in addition to having several residential design and maintenance clients. She is also anticipating two upcoming collaborations with Haysboro Inglewood and Subtext Midtown residential condos and rooftop terraces.
The team at Zion understands the important role that plants have in creating a positive environment, both in homes and businesses. Their mission is to create a space that exudes comfort and beauty. With an eye for design and the knowledge to assist in all stages of the plant care process, Zion Botanical is here to meet your unique needs.
While Alesha never planned to make a business around her love for plants, she shares that it all feels very full circle.
“It’s such a fun feeling to watch something grow that you’ve been taking care of continually… getting to share [my love for plants] with other people [has been rewarding],” Alesha shares.
As a self-taught plant enthusiast, she learned how easy it is to keep plants alive and thriving. She enjoys helping others appreciate the beauty of plants as well, sharing that finding the perfect plant that brings her client’s vision to life is her favorite part of being a botanical designer.
Zion Botanical offers design consultations, installation of plants and décor, customized shelf installation, customized hanging planter installation, customized grow light installation, scheduled plant maintenance -including establishing a watering schedule, pruning and staking, and other related care specific to each plant’s needs, potting and re-potting, as well as customized care instructions for all plant installations.
For more information on Zion Botanical or to schedule a design consultation, visit zionbotanical.com or follow them on socials @zionbotanical.
At Marble Fox Brewing, we offer more than just a space—we offer a personalized experience. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, wedding, or corporate event, our modern taproom provides the perfect backdrop. With flexible indoor-outdoor spaces, including a beautiful patio and open garage doors, your event will have the ideal atmosphere. Plus, we work with local caterers and restaurants to make it seamless.
A TUAL REAL FOOD C
Plan Your Next Event With Actual Food Nashville; a one-stop-shop that values quality over quantity.
ARTICLE BY MORGAN RAUM
BY AUTUMN ZIMMERMAN & MAYTER SCOTT
PHOTOGRAPHY
“We strive to exceed your expectations and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
Actual Food Nashville is a full-service catering company that offers all levels of food and bar. Their philosophy focuses on high quality and local ingredients to create clean, delicious, and beautiful meals, which become the focal point of any event. Their menus include classic southern, modern Mediterranean, Asian fusion, vegan, and various other cuisines – a special touch as their menus, cocktails, and services are all rooted in cultural backgrounds.
“Every event is an opportunity to celebrate someone's personal story,” Dan Forberg, Owner and Founder, shares. “Through food, drink, and service, we find ways to incorporate that history by connecting with each client to uncover not just the baselines of a family heritage, but true authenticity to each individual.”
Whether it be paying homage to a specific cultural dish made in your house or the cocktails you and your fiancé ordered on your first date, Dan continues to share that they want to add the
touches to your event that honor the traditions of both you and your guests, while creating a special experience. “These are the kinds of [things] that help us dive deep into personalizing each event and create special experiences," he says.
With a dedicated, long-standing event staff, and services ranging from backyard barbecues to black tie galas, Actual Food Nashville prides themselves on bringing healthy and creative offerings to the table while providing guests with a world of flavors to explore. Their sister business is an eclectic neighborhood cocktail bar called the Inglewood Lounge. There, they have learned the importance of building community, providing down-to-earth service, and serving delicious cocktails and food.
The team at Actual Food Nashville is passionate about what they do and love to be a small part of someone’s big day. For more information on Actual Food Nashville, visit actualfoodnashville.com or follow them on socials @actualfoodnash.
VACATION RENTAL HOMES BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER
FLOUR & GRAIN FLOUR & GRAIN FLOUR & GRAIN Smokin’ Oaks Organic Farms
STONE MILLED WITH LOVE IN CEDAR HILL, TN
STONE MILLED WITH LOVE IN CEDAR HILL, TN
STONE MILLED WITH LOVE IN CEDAR HILL, TN
Discover the wholesome goodness of Smokin' Oaks Organic Grains, where our heritage of regenerative agriculture enriches every grain. Originally known for our tobacco smoked in oak barns, today we channel our legacy into crafting high-protein, flavorful wheat flour. It’s not just flour; it’s a testament to our commitment to nurturing the land. Our stone-ground, glyphosate-free wheat supports not only the soil but also your gut health. Why skip on glyphosate? Because we believe in protecting your wellbeing—glyphosate has been under scrutiny for its potential impacts on gut flora and overall health. Choose our flour, and you're choosing a healthier gut and a healthier planet.
7177 Forrest Oaks Dr. Nashville, TN 37221
4 Beds | 3 Baths | 3,403 SqFt.
This home now offers an additional 700 sq ft with a converted garage, now a home office and podcast studio. The new living space features an open-air wall of sliding doors, perfect for those who work from home. The first floor includes a full bath with a spa-like shower and custom tile work, along with a new water heater. Recessed lighting and custom built-in shelves enhance the living room. Upstairs, beautiful LVP flooring replaces the carpet to match the downstairs hardwood floors.
Electric retractable shades on the backyard patio, a sink in the spacious laundry area, a new bathtub in the third bathroom, and a basement safe room complete with a custom-built bench provide added safety. Zoned for a top elementary school, this home is within walking distance to the park, close to shopping, near Warner Park’s system, and on a hill with no flooding concerns. Ideal for those who value both privacy and communal spaces.
Addy Biggers Director of Sales
