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Katie Davis

@PopCultureCuisine

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Love in Tennessee

Friday, May 6, 2011 @ 08:05 AM

161It’s May, and although it hasn’t warmed up much yet, we are at least seeing some sunshine this week, which I will take any day over all the rain we have had. Still, I’m really looking forward to summer and all that good summer grub that comes with, but in the meantime I want to keep playing catch up from all the wonderful spots we visited in 2010 and thus far in 2011 so that you PCC’ers can incorporate some of these stops into your summer travels.

I am lucky enough to have lived a fair amount of places in my life allowing me to experience the local culture and cuisine that come with a new city.  Additionally, I have family spread out around the country which stinks when I can’t see them as much as I would like, but makes for a great excuse to travel to their cities from time to time. And on those trips….I get to experience the food of that city, which I love!  One such individual is my younger brother Christian and his new wife Amy who live in the great city of Nashville, TN; and back in October when we were driving back from Florida, we stopped in to stay with for the evening…which also made a good stopping point for the long drive.

Now Nashville has a lot of culture and if you are a country music lover than I’m sure you’re aware of all the fun this city has to offer. Along with that, it also has some pretty famed food joints….one in particular being The Loveless Café…one of the most famous down home eateries in the land.  Adam and I were very familiar we this spot after seeing it featured on countless food programs, magazines, and even movies…most recently The Loveless was a top spot on Travel Channel’s “Breakfast Paradise.”

Originally called the Harpeth Valley Tea Room in 1951, they were then known around the country by travelers riding down US Highway 100 as a place to stop in for their famed fried chicken and biscuits…, the same biscuit recipe that is served today.  While it has changed hands and been remodeled over the years, one thing that has always remained the same is that secret biscuit recipe.  Only a few people have ever known this recipe…one in particular. I’m referring to Miss Carol Fay…, the famous “biscuit lady.” If anyone, she was one who really gave notoriety to Loveless….and mostly because of her biscuits.  Already famous in its own right, she managed to make the cafe even more popular with her charisma, often leading to television appearances and showcases.  Bobby Flay even tried to take her on in a biscuit making “Throwdown!” Take a look…

Source: http://www.youtube.com/user/KScopeMedia
Source: http://www.youtube.com/user/KScopeMedia
Source: http://www.youtube.com/user/KScopeMedia
Source: http://www.youtube.com/user/KScopeMedia

As I said, things may have changed over the years, but not the crowds! The travelers and locals alike still come daily for a taste of their famed fried chicken, country ham, red eye gravy, and of course the biscuits and preserves.  With that much notoriety we knew a visit was for sure in order and luckily with a call ahead from my lovely hubby, we were able to secure a reservation, which they rarely (if ever) grant.

Now…my sister-in-law Amy grew up just down the street from the Loveless and has been to visit many times. But the other 3 of us were ready for our first Loveless biscuit experience.

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It didn’t take us long to be seated, and as a nice surprise we found out that your table is promptly served with warm biscuits and fresh preserves upon arrival.  We all promptly dug in and enjoyed these soft little pillows of dough…

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What I noticed immediately was how light they were for a biscuit, so much so that it was almost hard to describe them as such.  They aren’t flaky as many other biscuits you will find, nor are they very large. But they are still very satisfying and taste wonderful with their homemade preserves.

For our meal, rather than chalking this up to our last meal out, I instead ordered something I never choose…, and egg white omelet. After the culinary adventure we had just been through the week before, my body was craving something healthy…so I lost my mind a bit upon ordering. However, the others went with some of the Café’s really eye catching specials, which I was supremely jealous of once the plates arrived.  Luckily Adam ordered the southern sampler platter, so I was still able to try bites of everything, including their delicious country ham….with the red eye gravy.

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You really can’t go wrong with a good breakfast and they are certainly serving one up.  I think we all enjoyed our meals, but next time I would opt not to go for the egg white omelet, however. Not that it wasn’t tasty…, but if you are venturing to the Loveless, there are many more exciting things to try on their menu; and from the bites of ham I had, I loved how home-style it truly was…, just salty enough with a great all around flavor.

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SIGNATURE DISH: The Loveless Café has a variety of southern and regulars, both breakfast and dinner favorites alike, but what they are best known for are their fried chicken, country ham, and of course the biscuits.  Their biscuits are so famed in fact that their former Biscuit Lady was featured nationwide on television and in magazines talking about these little dough delights.  And know that along with these great staples they are also serving up tons of other dishes you are sure to enjoy.

TASTE: We very pleased with everything we tried. It all tasted all around “homey,” southern, and good; and while I have had better biscuits in my lifetime, these still hit the spot, especially when paired with their homemade preserves.

AMBIANCE: When you step inside the Loveless Café, it truly feels as if you are stepping into someone’s home.  Adorning the walls are tons of photos of all the country music stars and other celebrities who have paid a visit. Once you reach the dining room it feels just as if you are in someone’s home…, all dining together.  Also, the grounds are fun to walk around with tons of photo opp locations and little stores to go into. It is all very comforting and the only other way I can think of to describe it is “full of southern hospitality.”

SERVICE: Our waiter was very kind and knowledgeable about the Loveless.  He was patient as we ordered and our food, which arrived to us very promptly.  I was also grateful he wasn’t too taken off guard by an embarrassing hand shake move I offered by accident near the end of our meal, but rather just seemed to roll with it, which a good server always needs to be able to do. I mean….as I said, I’m sure he thought I was crazy, but at least he didn’t show it. Thanks, sir!

PRICE: I would say this place is perhaps a bit pricier than your standard greasy spoon, but the quality of food they are churning out is much higher. Also, as a result of their notoriety, I’m sure the prices have crept up a bit.  Just be prepared that most of the meals average around $10.

Overall we had a really wonderful time experiencing all that the Loveless Café had to offer and we especially loved spending time with Chris and Amy.  I certainly think we will have an opportunity to visit again. Regardless, I highly recommend it to anyone passing through who is looking for a 4 ‘Little Piggies’ experience!

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One Response to “Love in Tennessee”

  1. how cute and quaint! I love the photo cut-out to take pictures with!