Esprit de Corps

Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photo by Dune Baydoun

Gallatin Avenue is becoming a destination for food and wine lovers, thanks in part to the boundless energy of Melvil Arnt, a transplant from Paris who arrived in Nashville only five short years ago. Since opening Once Upon a Time in France in 2019, Nashvillians have had the opportunity to experience cuisine traditionelle française in our own East Nashville backyard. Once Upon a Time in France is a true family affair with Arnt’s father Laurent in the kitchen and mother Valérie in the dining room.

Arnt’s newest venture, The Authentique, is a cozy 800 square foot space a stone’s throw from Once. Since the restaurant familial does not accept reservations, The Authentique can handily serve as a chic waiting area to enjoy a glass of wine before your table is ready.

Behind the Paris Metro-style hand-painted sign, bold Art Nouveau patterned wallpaper and a punched tin ceiling lend that savoir-faire to the space. Seating is at intimate bistro tables or stools along the long wooden bar. Approximately fifty percent of the wines are sourced from France and served by the bottle and glass.

Even if you are not in the neighborhood for Once’s escargots, Joues de Boeuf Bourguinon, or Steak Frites, you can linger at The Authentique and enjoy cheese or charcuterie plates. Selections will rotate, but most recently, the offerings have been a cheese plate of Spanish Manchego, Old English cheddar, Roquefort, walnut-garlic goat cheese, Brie Triple Crème, and 18-month Gouda. The charcuterie plate was heaped with Rosette de Lyon, Italian prosciutto, rosemary ham, pancetta, dry salame, and duck prosciutto, with traditional French accompaniments of walnuts, pecans, butter, and cornichons.

After The Authentique is open, Arnt will turn his sights a little further down the Pike to Overlord—inspired by the soldiers who liberated Europe in World War II at The Battle of Normandy. Overlord will offer cocktails, beer, and wine in a 1940s Bohemian atmosphere. We look forward to visiting Arnt’s newest victory and know we will enjoy it as much as his other delicious and stylish projects.

The Authentique / 925 Gallatin Avenue Suite 103, Nashville, TN 37206 (615) 649-8204 / Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 4:30pm-11:00pm, Closed Sundays Once Upon a Time in France / 1102 Gallatin Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206 (615) 649-8284 / Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 4:30pm-9:00pm, Closed Sundays and Mondays Overlord / 2503 Gallatin Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206 (615) 913-2567 / Hours: TBD