Spotlight on Nashville: Moovers and Shakers

This weekend I'm headed back to my hometown of Nashville, TN, and I'm so excited to finally try Moovers and Shakers. Started earlier this summer by two Belmont students, this ice cream parlor on wheels is one of Nashville's newest food trucks, and this week, it's featuring a star-studded menu.

In honor of Country Music Awareness Month, the truck will have a special selection of country-inspired ice cream creations like the Man in Black Cherry (a chocolate float with black cherry topping), the the Achy Breaky Shaky (A chocolate rum extract shake blended with root beer), and the Dixie Stix (a vanilla milkshake with Pixie Stix sugar sprinkled on top).

I'm still deciding whether I want something newfangled like the the Backwoods Barbie (a strawberry float with ginger ale) or simple like The Impala (a traditional chocolate milk shake). Either way, I'll be visiting the truck this weekend.

Readers, be sure to check out the Moovers and Shakers Facebook page for this week's locations, and weigh in on your favorite food trucks in the comments section below!

Taste Test Tuesday: The Grilled Cheeserie

Last Saturday, the Grilled Cheeserie sat in Centennial Park amid guitar-strumming hipsters and deafening cicadas in equal-sized crowds. A staple of Musicians Corner, the large black food truck parked mere feet away from a Ben and Jerry's cart. It was enough to inspire fear in sufferers of lactose intolerance.

But my parents and I weren't there for the music, we weren't there for the ice cream, and we most certainly weren't there for the cicada serenade. We were there to try the cheesey food truck taking Nashville by storm.

Started in November of 2010 by Crystal De Luna-Bogan and her husband Joseph Bogan, the Grilled Cheeserie is a mobile restaurant bringing its customers the best of hand-held comfort food. "I knew I had to do something I loved to make or I'd get sick of it," said chef Luna-Bogan in an interview with The Nashville Scene  last fall. "It's really good bread and really good cheese."

She's not just tooting her own horn. These sandwiches are tasty and decadent with a hint of homemade flavor. While there are several "Specialty Melts" ($7), including a clever tuna casserole melt and a traditional Croque Madame, my party and I opted to make our own. I started with a base of sourdough bread and cheddar cheese for $4. Extras like tomatoes and local Benton's bacon brought the total up to $5.50. Add a side of homemade tater tots with a smokey tomato ketchup and a cool IBC root beer, and my meal totaled just over $10.

The sandwich was gooey and rich, a grown-up version of my childhood favorite, but the real stars of the show were the tots. Crispy on the outside, hot and mushy on the inside, these fried potatoes were perfectly seasoned and paired well with the truck's homemade "Tot Sauce."

My parents ordered soup as their side ($2 for a small cup), a tomato bisque infused with smokey-bacon flavor that was perfect for dipping. I might go so far as to say I liked the sides more than the sandwich!

With active Facebook and Twitter followings, the Grilled Cheeserie uses social media as its main form of communication with fans. Daily updates inform where the truck will park for lunch and dinner, and specials are always posted as well.

Readers, has the food truck trend taken over your city? What do you think of a mobile meal?

Spotlight on Nashville: More than Music City

I rolled into Nashville less-than 24 hours ago, and I've already stumbled upon two gorgeous pieces of art. The first, this stunning Nashville Scene cover photo by Eric England featuring dancers from the Nashville Ballet.

And the second, this playful illustration of Nashville's newest songbird, the cicada. Every 13 years these noisy bugs make an appearance on the Tennessee stage, and Anderson Design Group capitalized on this year's summer-time performance.

Even though I'm just here for a few weeks (more on my future plans later!), I love that Nashville's artsy attitude is still alive and well!

Nashville Fashion Week

I cannot believe I'm missing my hometown's inaugural fashion week. With Christian Siriano, Akiko, Betsey Johnson,  Leona Collections and Cooper by Courtney Warren all showing and speakers like Style Blogger Zarna Surti and PR maven Kelly Cutrone on the schedule, Nashville Fashion Week is proving itself a legitimate event even in its first year.

If you're in Music City and attending shows, parties or speakers this week, please leave a comment and let me know all the details. I'm dying for information!

High Ponytails Paired with High Fashion at the Oscars

Most mornings I'm so rushed my beauty routine is practically non-existent. I brush on some mascara, gloss my lips, throw my hair up, and I'm out the door, so I was loving the high ponytail trend at the Oscars last night.

 (Photo Credit: Getty Images vs Stylelist)

On the red carpet, Reese Witherspoon (who, spotlight on Nashville, is an alum of my high school!) looked like a retro Barbie with her sleek up-do and simple black-and-white gown. I know, I know, the hair wasn't exactly a true ponytail, but close enough for me.

(Image Credit: Michael Caulfield via Beauty High)

Anne Hathaway had an insane amount of costume changes as host of the Academy Awards last night. So many that soon-to-be mama and Oscar stylist Rachel Zoe almost said her final "I die." There were lots of highs and a few lows, but my absolute favorite look had to be the Lanvin tuxedo accessorized with metallic pumps and a soft, high ponytail. The perfect pairing of femininity and strength, Hathaway's outfit was edgy and chic in contrast with her elegant floor-length gowns.

What trends stood out to you last night? Are you a fan of the sleek pony? 

Spotlight on Nashville: Rumor Has It

While I'm devastated over the loss of long-time local Nashville bookstore, Davis Kidd, talk of what's coming to the Green Hills Mall is beginning to peak my interest. Rumor has it that Michael Kors, Tory Burch and David Yurman are all moving in!

Fellow Nashvillians--what have you heard about the mall situation? Are you excited for these new stores? Or still mourning the loss of Davis Kidd and Pottery Barn? Let me know if you hear any rumors!

Girls in White Dresses: The Bal d'Hiver

 

Well readers, this is my first blog post as an official member of society. Is my writing any different?

Over Thanksgiving break, I had the privilege's of taking part in Nashville's Bal d'Hiver. As the Bal is a traditional debutant ball with all the trappings,  the 60+ participants wore floor-length white dresses with long gloves. It was quite the fashion show.

Surrounded by girls covered in lace, sequins and rhinestones, my gown appeared simple in comparison because I chose a strapless, classic design--I've never been a huge fan of dresses with lots of bling.

Before presentation all the girls were abuzz with nerves behind the scenes praying we wouldn't trip and fall down the stairs, but fortunately, everyone survived without mishap. After dinner and a father/daughter dance, the band played all night and everyone, parents included, tore up the dance floor. 

While the debutante tradition began in America as a way for wealthy families to advertise their daughter's eligibility to marry, a modern deb ball is really more of an excuse to get dressed up and throw a party.

There are more pictures after the jump!

 Getting ready with my sister!

 At the event

 Floral Arrangements

 With my escort Patrick at dinner

 Girls before presentation

Hallemann kids

Flannel, Formal, and Fall Leaves: A Life Update

It's nearing the end of fall semester, and I've been so busy with school and the Wake social scene that I've neglected my blogging. I hate to make empty promises, but as I enter the home stretch of this semester, I'll make an effort to post more frequently. In case you've been itching for an update, here's what I've been doing in my absence from the blogosphere.

(Me and my friend Aveen in our flannel waiting to go out on the boats)

Mountain Weekend
Visualize a serene mountain setting with cozy cabins, picturesque rocking chairs, and a lack of cell phone reception. Now impose over that peaceful scene a crowd of rowdy college students sporting flannel, blaring music and generally disrupting the crisp, cool Rocky Mountain air.

Two weekends ago I attended a fraternity formal in Fontana Dam, North Carolina, where activities included everything from floating pontoon boats to swing dancing at the formal. Needless to say, my weekend attire ranged from sweatshirts to stilettos. It was a nice break from campus life, but far too brief. Missing a weekend of studying threw me into an academic whirlwind once we made it back to Winston-Salem.

Public Art Final Projects
This semester I enrolled in a public art course to finish up my Studio Art minor. Basically this class is run as a guided independent study with an exhibited piece of public art as the final project. Naturally, I decided to go about my project the difficult way, and am in the process of creating a series of temporary public art pieces  inspired by the poetry of Wake Forest Alum, A. R. Ammons.

Last week, the library held a symposium honoring the poet, and I was fortunate enough to read a poem aloud during the final lunch. On the tails of the conference, I displayed my first work of art, a piece inspired by Ammons' poem "Rapids," pictured above.

Wake readers, keep your eyes peeled for the remaining works in my series. They'll be popping up on campus soon alongside the other final pieces from my class.

Semi-Formal

Right before Thanksgiving break my sorority had our last event of 2010, semi-formal. After internally debating my outfit for what seemed like days, I settled on a Plenty by Tracy Reese dress that I've had for a few years. Filled with dancing and food, formal was great. I couldn't have asked for a better night, but I am so happy to have a brief hiatus from Wake Forest for the next couple days.

(This print is part of Anderson Design Group's "Spirit of Nashville" Series)

Thanksgiving Break
After a day of traveling, I'm so excited to be back home in Nashville. I can't wait for all my family and high-school friends to get into town!

Readers, has your fall been flying by? Can y'all believe it's Thanksgiving tomorrow?

Spotlight on Nashville: Couture Exhibit at the Frist Center

Before I left Nashville, my mom and I made it a priority to visit the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. I always have a good time exploring the museum, but this trip was especially exciting. The Frist is currently hosting a collection of couture clothing and fashion photographs from the Golden Age of Couture (1947-1957). In a word, the dresses were breathtaking. So many of the silhouettes are as wearable now as their were in the 50s, and the level of craftsmanship in each piece is almost unfathomable in today's world of mass production.

The dress pictured above was one of my favorites from the exhibit. Worn by Princess Margaret in 1951, this Jean Dessès cocktail gown is even more stunning in person than it is in photographs.

If you're around Nashville, you really should check out the exhibit. The pieces will remain on display until September 12. For information about tickets and more images from the show, click here to visit the Frist's website.

Katy K and Local Honey

Non-Tennessee readers--sorry for all the Nashville-related posts lately. I'm trying to cram as many blog-worthy activities into my last week at home as I can! I can barely believe I leave for my senior year of college on Friday! Eek! Ok, onto the shopping.

The 12th South distract of Nashville is known as an up-and-coming area of town, full of unique stores and tasty restaurants (see a review of a couple here). Tucked away, down a residential street is Local Honey, an edgy boutique that sells a mix of vintage and locally-designed clothes and accessories. I walked away empty-handed, but not before I tried on half the store. Fit was my issue more often than not, and when it comes to vintage, if it doesn't fit me perfectly, I tend to pass. If you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind piece, I recommend the boutique's in-house label, White Rabbit. 

A little further down 12th Avenue is the iconic Katy K, home to all things western and fabulous. Seriously, if anyone has plans of being a cowgirl for Halloween, head over there ASAP. There are enough boots and hats to keep Hank Williams Jr. outfitted for the next 15 years. Again, I walked away empty-handed. Saloon chic was never really my style, but if I ever need to invest in some authentic cowgirl boots, Katy K's will be the first place I look.

Beeline A-Lines

While exploring East Nashville's Tomato Art Festival this weekend, I stumbled upon what has now become a favorite Esty site. Beeline A-Lines is the product of Meg Giuffrida, a sewist from Nashville who creates one-of-a-kind skirts from vintage fabrics. I wasn't able to try any of her products on, but they sure look cute! A-line skirts are universally flattering, and I'm certain these are no exception. Retailing at $65 a piece, these skirts would make a unique addition to any wardrobe.

Readers who are your favorite Etsy sellers?

I Say Tomahto

Let's be honest. Tomato-themed art is all well and good, but the best part of this festival is the food. After all, it is an event celebrating a fruit. Armed with growling stomachs, my mom and I hit East Nashville full force this morning searching for the perfect tomato dish. This is our illustrated food diary.

 

Appetizer: Guacamole BLT from The Heirloom BLT Stand
This savory sandwich was an excellent way to commence our culinary adventure. I mentioned in an earlier post that I love bacon, so the traditional coupling of tomatoes, bacon and lettuce left me satisfied. The unique guacamole added a touch of flavor and was a healthy alternative to the expected mayonnaise spread. My one complaint? The sandwich was slightly messy, making it difficult to eat while exploring the festival.

Palate Cleanser: Cherry Ice Pop courtesy of Mad Donnas
An unexpected addition to our dining itinerary, this cherry ice pop was of the standard, grocery store variety. That's not to say it wasn't appreciated! Unfortunately I forgot to snap a pic :(

Entrée: Fried Green Tomatoes with Crab Meat Salad from Margot's Cafe and Bar
This is one of the best things I've ever eaten in my entire life. The tomatoes had a perfect crust and the crab meat was cool and refreshing. Everything was seasoned perfectly--just thinking about it is making my mouth water. My mom and I each ordered the dish, and we both had to restrain ourselves from licking the plates clean. Margot had a special menu this afternoon in honor of the tomato festival, but if the dish ever shows up on the menu again, I highly recommend it.

Dessert: Chocolate Ice Cream from Pied Piper Creamery
Located in a converted house on South 11th Street, Pied Piper is known for punny flavor names and excellent ice cream. My mom went out on a limb and ordered a small Chai Curious while I kept it simple and stuck with chocolate. At the end of a hot day, it was just what I needed. Rich and creamy, this ice cream hit the spot.

Even though we didn't eat there today, Mas Tacos deserves a mention. If I had unlimited space in my stomach, I certainly would have ordered a chicken taco. We also passed up The Jolly Rogue and I Dream of Weenie this year (See a previous review here), but they both had specialty tomato-themed menus that looked enticing. Unfortunately, there's just not enough time in the day!

We came, we saw, we conquered. Overall, a successful Tomato Fest :)

You say Tomato

During the summer of 2004, Meg and Bret MacFayden hosted a small art show honoring the tomato and planned a handful of neighborhood events to promote their business, The Art and Innovation Gallery. Six years later, The Tomato Art Festival is East Nashville's premier summertime event. With over 100 street vendors, a New Orleans-style parade, musical performances, a tomato 5k, and of course, the tomato art that started it all, The Tomato Art Fest has something for everyone.

 (Image Credit: Delgado Guitars)

Around 10 this morning my mom and I headed over the river and through the 'hood to East Nashville's five-points area, the crux of the festival. Having attended the event since 2006, we like to consider ourselves seasoned tomato veterans. This year, we slept in and missed the parade, so we made the Art and Innovation Gallery our first stop, in an effort to beat the crowd. This year's tomato art contest winner was a beautiful mandolin embellished to resemble everyone's favorite summertime fruit. The piece was handcrafted by Manuel Delgado of Delgado Guitars.

 Pictured above is all of our tomato fest loot. My mom's piece of folk art, a tomato magnet, bumper sticker and commemorative coffee can from Bongo Java.

After making a few tomato-themed purchases, we decided to peruse the hoards of booths crowding the streets. There were restaurateurs, insurance salesmen, book vendors and clothing designers. You name it, there was probably a vendor selling it. I pocketed a handful of business cards, but couldn't commit to purchasing anything today. At 90+ degrees, it was just too hot to carry anything. My mom, on the other hand, picked up a piece of wooden folk art.

We finished the day at Fanny's House of Music. This instrument store doubles as a haven for vintage lovers. I walked away empty-handed, but there were some fabulous pieces. Now that it's on my radar, I'll definitely be going back.

If you're in the Nashville area and missed out on this morning's activities, don't fret. There are still events going on! Click here for a complete schedule. And don't think we starved ourselves during this celebration of food. The culinary experiences of The Tomato Fest deserve a post of their own. Check back later tonight for all our dining adventures!

For more photos from the festival click below!

 Every year the festival hosts a bumper sticker contest. These are some of the winners from years past.

 My mom and I both entered the "Guess how many tomatoes are in a jar" contest at Wonders on Woodlawn.

 My mom bought her folk art dove from the man who owns this van!

 The star of the show!

 Being a musical theater nerd, I thought this was hilarious!

 How cute are these tomato tutus?

We stumbled upon this fabulous vintage Lilly dress in Fanny's House of Music. The silhouette wasn't my style, but I absolutely loved the pattern!