March is named for Mars, the Roman god of war who was also regarded, albeit ironically, as a guardian of agriculture. His
month Martius was the beginning of the season for farming and now in the Northern Hemisphere it is the beginning of spring.
Let’s hope this comes soon. This coming month is full of exciting dinners, brunches and events that we need to get to and we
also have our trip to Nashville and Memphis confirmed.
Before we start hunting for eggs in March, we still have events in February to discuss. Thursday, February 18th, we head to a
long standing establishment on the Upper East Side, NINO’S. Nino has been serving homemade Italian for 35 years and is
providing a great menu, a live piano player and a singer. The following Sunday, February 21st, we head back to one of my
favorite dinners of 2014, ALTA. Their 25 Zagat rated menu will be another great meal this year. We will have a large multicourse
tasting menu just like last time.
Our March begins at the Culinary Institute of America. Join us Wednesday, March 2nd, at AMERICAN BOUNTY as we take
a ride out to Hyde Park, enjoy lunch and then a wine tasting at a local winery. You are welcome to meet out there, via train or
car, or ride with us from NYC (space limited). The following Sunday, March 6th, join us at an old-school Italian in Gramercy,
PAUL AND JIMMY’S. Restaurants these days don’t often last 2-3 years let alone 66 years, but this March, Paul and Jimmy’s
will be celebrating their 66th anniversary! We then have a special treat at THE FRIARS CLUB, as they welcome our group
back for another fantastic brunch. Our founder, Art Fischer, a long term honorary member has been bringing the group here
for years and they are still happy to accommodate us for what will be a fulfilling buffet brunch. Our next event is at an
incredibly delicious steak over on the far West side of the city, fittingly called, WEST SIDE STEAKHOUSE, Sunday, March
20th. Most dinners that we have are very memorable for me, but few have been as memorable for me as this dinner we ate 2
years ago. One of THE BEST steaks I have ever eaten and this year Nick, the very friendly owner has added Filet Mignon to
our 4-course menu. If you love a great steak, you will definitely LOVE this meal. The following Friday, March 25th enjoy a
more “social” event for the group. Join others (this event is not private) as we watch live art being produced at TRIBECCA
ART FACTORY. Sip wine, champagne and eat lite bites as we socialize with others, with the artist, and watch a painting
being created right in front of us. Give your input (or not), buy some art (or not) drink a little (or a lot) and enjoy this evening
with new and old friends. Finally, on Easter Sunday, we head to the Highline Ballroom for a brunch and an EDITH PIAF
show. I took my French wife and my mother-in-law here to test out the authenticity of this show, and it passed with flying
colors. Whether you like Edith Piaf or not, you will love this 90-minute show featuring the incredible voice of Yael Dray-Barel
as she recants Edith’s life through song, stories/comedy and history.
The following February events are still available for Single Gourmet Members and their guests:
1. Nino’s- 1354 1st Avenue (Between 72nd and 73rd) Thursday, February 18th, 5:45 optional drinks,
6:45 dinner. Live piano music and singing at 8pm $76 3- course, glass wine, coffee, tax /tip
2. Alta- 25 Rated Zagat. 64 West 10th Street (5th and 6th Ave, closer to 6th) Sunday, February 21st
5:30 pm optional drinks 6:15 Dinner $72-Muli-course shared tapas, gl of wine, tax & tip.
The following March events are available for Single Gourmet Members and their guests:
Culinary Institute of America
American Bounty Restaurant (then wine tasting)
1946 Campus Drive, Hyde Park, NY 12538
Wednesday, March 2nd- 12pm lunch
$72 If meeting us there (@12pm)
$99 taking van from 34th and 8th (9:30am)
$TBD extra at the winery (wine tasting cost extra)
3-course, 1 glass of wine, coffee, tax/tip
The Culinary Institute of American is recognized as one of the leading Culinary Schools in the world! With alumni
like Anthony Bourdain, Todd English, Rocco DiSpirito and Micheal Mina, it speaks for itself! We will dine at the
American Bounty Restaurant celebrating uniquely American cuisine since 1983, with fresh, inventive, and regionally
sourced ingredients. Afterwards, we explore the CIA and head to a local winery. Winery fees are $ extra depending on
the winery. We will meet in NYC and head together or you may train or drive and meet the group at the restaurant.
Paul & Jimmy’s
123 East 18th (btw Park Ave South & 3rd)
Sunday, March 6th
5:30pm optional drinks, 6:30 pm dinner
$71 Includes 3-course dinner, gl wine tax/tip
For 66 years this red sauce ristorante has filled the bellies of New York’s Governors,
Mayors and celebrities from musicians to actors to sports stars. According to Zagat,
“they know what they’re doing at this family owned Gramercy Italian, supplying
solid, old school staples.” A true immigrant success story, Cosmo Azzollini started
waiting tables here in the 1950’s, borrowed to purchase the restaurant, handing it on to his son and current owner Lois
Azzollini, whose son Gregg is the executive chef. Chef Azzollini, started his restaurant experience as a child working
next to his father and grandfather, studied at the Institute of Culinary Education and worked with Mario Batali at Lupa
Osteria before moving to Tuscany to focus on the finer points of traditional Italian cuisine at Ristorante Tonino. Paul
& Jimmy’s was awarded “Five Star Diamond Restaurant Award” by American Academy of Hospitality.
THE FRIARS CLUB BRUNCH
57 East 55th Street (Park and Madison)
Saturday, March 12th- 12:00pm seating, 12:30 brunch
$73 Includes Buffet Brunch, 1 mimosa/bloody Mary, t/t
At least a dozen members have asked me when are we returning for this amazing
brunch. The Friars Club, a member-only show business hangout for all the talent in
the world, also has some talented chefs of their own. Our brunch includes: omelet
stations, carving stations, smoked fish, salads and award winning corned beef hash.
We had been doing this brunch with our founder, Art, and it’s important to continue the tradition. Art has also been
invited as my guest to join us, and we hope he accepts . For those interested in seeing him and saying hello, join us,
he would love to see y’all (Nashville twang) fill your bellies at this one of a kind event exclusively for our members.
West Side Steakhouse
597 10th Avenue (44th and 43rd)
Sunday, March 20th
5:15 optional drinks, 6:00pm dinner
$82 4-course dinner, glass of wine, coffee t &t
This unpretentious steakhouse in Hells Kitchen has been wowing the neighborhood
for years. We ate here years ago (discovered by Art Fischer) and I am still getting
requests to return. West Side Steakhouse features classic steakhouse dishes combined
with the old world charm of a traditional steakhouse and a modern look. With its
unique “Old New York City” motif, the West Side Steakhouse will have you dinning in
comfort and style. Our last dinner featured so much food, that when the desserts came,
everyone was full. Our menu starts with shared appetizers (slab bacon, shrimp
cocktail) then a salad course, then entrée choices of: 12 oz New York strip steak, 8 oz
filet mignon, grilled salmon fillet, roasted chicken or braised pork shank with rissoto
all complimented with sides of garlic roasted mash potatoes, sautéed broccoli and
sautéed mushrooms for the table, and finally dessert. Rated 5 stars on tripadvisor as one of the top 4% of all restaurants in NYC with
a Certificate of Excellence award, rated 4 stars on Yelp, 4.5 stars on Open Table and 4.5 stars on Menu Pages, the only reason this
restaurant is mostly unknown is their owner, Nick concentrates on a great product rather than hiring top PR!
Tribeca Art Factory
“Friday Night Live Art”
Friday, March 25th (RSVP by March 22nd)
55 Murray Street (W. Broadway and Church)
6pm – 9++pm (people often stay till 11)
$49 lite bites, wine, champagne coffee
($50 credit towards any art purchase)
As seen on Channel 11 PIX News, come join others for a social night of
drinking wine and champagne, eating (cupcakes, cheeses, breads, meats), watching and helping a known local artist as they paint
on canvas mixing their thoughts with the ideas of those of the audience. Enjoy a Q & A with the artist and socialize with new
friends. The Art Factory is a social experiment and casual affair that combines art and people. Socialize with strangers in a
vibrant and welcoming environment. You don’t have to be an expert of art to come, relax, make some new friends, and enjoy the
process as art is created right before your eyes. This is a social event as it involves the public as well as our group. Our members
who join will receive a $50 credit towards any art purchased valid anytime.
Edith Piaf Show @ Highline Ballroom
431 West 16th (9th and 10th Avenue)
Sunday, March 27th (NOTE: THIS IS EASTER!)
11:30am brunch- Entrée and Coffee only (no alcohol)
12:30-2pm Edith Piaf Show (90 minutes of music)
$68- Brunch Entrée, coffee, show, tax and tip.
Non-refundable ticket purchased upon RSVP
Ransack the Louvre, scour every patisserie, interrogate every mime — you will not find anything more French than the music
of Edith Piaf, whose quavering voice instantly summons images of a bygone, bohemian world of heartache and longing. So what
better way to celebrate Sunday brunch to honor France’s greatest star? Join us as the voice of Edith Piaf comes to life through
Yael Dray-Barel as she perform’s selections from Piaf’s incomparable repertoire, which includes “La Vie En Rose”, “Non, Je Ne
Regrette,” “Hymne a L’amour,” “Milord,” “La Foule,” “L’accordeoniste,” ” Padam …Padam,” and many more at the elegant
Highline Ballroom (same owners as Blue Note and BB Kings). Yael Dray-Barel is a French/Israeli singer influenced by jazz, and
her songs often incorporate the five languages she speaks. Gabriel Hermida is an Argentinian guitarist, infusing his
compositions with the essence of classical tango, flamenco and contemporary jazz. The music is not only fantastic, but Yael
recounts Edith through history and a time-line of her music as we listen to songs written for her and by her. There is elevator
access. Please rsvp early as tickets need to be purchased in advance.
Culinary Institute of America- SAVE THE DATE
The Bocuse Restaurant- Special Event
1946 Campus Drive, Hyde Park, NY 12538
A Tribute to Paris- with silent auction
Thursday April 21st- Limited Space, restaurant will sell out
12:pm 3-course lunch, tax and tip (no wine).
$72- If meeting us here @ noon
$99 If riding with us @ 9:30am 34th and 8th.
Sleek and contemporary, this French restaurant is named for the most famous chef in
France, Paul Bocuse. The Bocuse re-imagines the execution of classic French cuisine through the lens of ultra-modern cooking
techniques, with casual yet sophisticated service. A silent auction will be held during lunch and part of the proceeds from
the lunch event will go directly to families of restaurant workers who lost their lives during the Paris attacks. Classic French
meal includes: Basket of gougères and truffle/foie gras butter. Choice of French onion soup, Gruyère flan with black truffles,
Escargot in Pernod butter, Mouclade of mussels in curried cream. Second course: Hanger Steak with truffled Dauphine
potatoes, Lemon Sole Meuniere with Parisian potatoes, or Blanquette of Veal with seasonal vegetables Braised endive, Frisée
salad with Lardons and Dessert.
To reserve at any or all the events please go to our website and view our dashboard event calendar or call us at (646-825-0268), email us at
aaron@thesinglegourmet.net or mail checks with events chosen to:
The Single Gourmet, c/o Aaron Lefkowitz, 69 west 9th Street Apartment #6A, New York, NY 10011
1. Nino’s- Old-style Italian, piano and singing Thursday, Feb 18th 5:45pm $76______________
2. Alta- 25 ZAGAT, Incredible Mediterranean Sunday, Feb 21st
5:30pm $72______________
3. Maison Hugo- Outstanding New French Sunday, Feb 28th 5:45pm $86______________
4. American Bounty Restaurant @ The CIA Wed, March 2nd 9:30am in NYC 12pm lunch $72 / $99
5. Paul And Jimmy’s- 66 year old Italian Sunday, March 6th 5:30pm $71______________
6. Friars Club Brunch Saturday March 12th 12:00 pm $73______________
7. West Side Steakhouse- 4-Courses of delicious Sunday March 20th 5:15pm $82______________
8. Tribeca Art Factory- Friday Night Social Friday, March 25th 6pm $49______________
9. Edith Piaf Brunch @ Highline Ballroom Sunday.March 27th 11:30am $68 _______________
10. Culinary Institute- Tribute to Paris. RSVP early- Thursday, April 21st
9:30am NYC $72 / $99 ___________
Nashville & Memphis- Memorial Weekend Thursday May 26th- May 31st- $3250 $1600 Deposit
Name: __________________________________________
Check _____or CC Number_______________________Expiration ________ZIP__________
Phone number____________________ email _________________-__________
Signature______________________________I understand these events /deposits are non-refundable
Nashville and Memphis (Memorial Weekend)
Spend 5 nights in Nashville with 1 full day-trip to Memphis: Thursday May 26th to Tuesday May 31stt- $3250.
This event is happening as I already have almost as many paid deposits as we had join us for Austin.
Includes airfare, 5 nights’ accommodation at either the Loews Vanderbilt or the top rated boutique Hutton Hotel. Both
ranked 4-stars and are top 10 hotels in Nashville. All included tours, lunches and dinners (no breakfast).
Deduct $200 if choosing NOT to go to Memphis, deduct $250 if flying on your own, deduct $300 if sharing a room.
Loews Vanderbilt- Voted to Travel + Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World in 2015; the only AAA Four Diamond
hotel in the state of Tennessee to receive the award; Awarded the AAA Four Diamond designation for 30 consecutive
years. $20 million in hotel renovations in 2015, TripAdvisor’s top 10 hotels in Nashville, Certificate of Excellence.
Hutton Hotel- The premier boutique hotel in Nashville, AAA 4 diamond hotel, TripAdvisor’s top 10 hotels in Nashville,
Certificate of Excellence, Forbes leading hotels in the world, a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”, Travel &
Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels- We will stay at either one of these 2, I have not decided yet which one.
RSVP ASAP with deposit- It is important to our tour schedules, hotel reservations and to guarantee Opry tickets!
Friday to Monday- If interested in just joining us for the weekend Friday to Monday please contact me to discuss.
For those who were unaware, I lived in Nashville for 5+ years and I know the city and nightlife extremely well.
This IS the current itinerary. Subject to change based on group size: Historically weather is 60-80 degrees.
Thursday- 4+-hour “Discover Nashville” van tour. See sites such as Bicentennial Capitol State Park, Vanderbilt
University, The Parthenon (see why Nashville is called, “The Athens of The South”), Tennessee State Capitol, Riverfront
Park, Music Row (record labels and studios), “Honky Tonk” Row (music venues), Fort Nashborough and Downtown
Nashville. Take a personal tour of the Ryman Auditorium (one of the most famous concert halls in history), RCA
Studio B (Elvis recorded 262 songs at Studio B, his piano is housed here, Dolly Parton, Eddy Arnold, Tammy Wynette,
Charlie Pride and Roy Orbison recorded here and over 1000 hits were recorded here) and a self-guided tour of the
Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. Dinner at a top Zagat restaurant (We can go out after for music downtown)
– Friday- 10am—10pm: First climb aboard the General Jackson-The largest showboat in the world that will take
guests past natural and historical sites along the banks of Nashville’s beautiful Cumberland River. Four massive decks
offer excellent opportunities to see the beautiful scenery of Nashville skyline and the stunning countryside of central
Tennessee. This majestic vessel was designed to recreate the impressive showboats that cruised the waters of America’s
rivers in the 19th century. Then enjoy a savory Southern-style buffet in the Victorian theater (drinks not included) as
we listen to a lively variety show called “Nashville Live.” The world-class cast includes two country artists, a fiddle
player, guitar soloists and a live band.
After the cruise we then head off to tour the stage and backstage dressing room of the Grand Ole Opry to get
a behind-the-scenes, look at country’s most famous show. Hear the stories that make up the history of the Opry, and
stand in the very circle where the brightest and best of Country Music plays. Then visit the beautiful and famous
Gaylord Opryland Resort and enjoy a guided tour of the incredible nine-acre resort with beautiful lush indoor
gardens and waterfalls. If we have time, we will ride on a Delta Flatboat down the indoor river that navigates through
this truly amazing resort. After an early ‘casual’ dinner on Friday night we head to The Grand Ole Opry 7pm-9:30
show. For more than 90 years the greatest country music stars in the world grace the Opry stage for its terrific show.
This is one of the most famous music shows in the world! What began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today a
live entertainment phenomenon, dedicated to honoring country music’s rich history and dynamic present. The Grand
Ole Opry showcases a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps.
The Opry, an American icon and Nashville’s number-one attraction, is world-famous for creating one-of-a-kind
entertainment experiences. It’s been called the “home of American music” and “country’s most famous stage.”
– Day 3- Saturday: Day trip to Memphis: 7am-10pm. (-$200 if opting out of this). Come experience the legendary
character of Memphis, TN and see why this city is mentioned in more song lyrics than any other place on Earth!
Memphis is the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the capitol of Blues and home to some of the best BBQ. We walk in the
footsteps of legends and celebrate 60 years of Rock ‘n’ Roll with a visit to Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland. We will
see the burial site of Elvis, walk through his car museum and see airplanes that he used for tours then we will have a
casual quick lunch is at Graceland. In the afternoon, we are off to learn what accident set Rock ‘n’ Roll in motion at
Sun Studios in the heart of Downtown. Take a guided tour to see what the recording process used to be like and hear
the stories of how the legends got their start: Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the King. Take time on
your own to explore Beale Street and dive into some Blues. We might see the famous Peabody Ducks if we have time,
then enjoy one of the best BBQ dinner’s before heading back.
– Sunday- Historic Nashville Tour- 9am-4pm- first we visit The Hermitage- the home of President Andrew
Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. Considered to be the most authentic early presidential home in
the nation, the Hermitage consists of the Jackson family mansion, garden, slave quarters, and the original log cabin
the family occupied in 1804. The Hermitage is one of the largest and most visited presidential homes in the United
States. Today, The Hermitage is a 1,120-acre National Historic Landmark with over 30 historic buildings, that welcome
200,000 annual visitors. Historians consider President Jackson’s Hermitage the best preserved early presidential
home. A guided tour of the mansion and self-guided audio tour of the museum and grounds are included as we explore
The Hermitage just as President Jackson and his staff did back in 1836. Stroll the lovely formal gardens, then visit the
slave quarters, the estate’s original 1804 cabin and the sight where the President and his wife were laid to rest. The
Hermitage was once home to 150 slaves in addition to the Jackson family. A trip through the plantation grounds gives
us an idea of what it would have been like to be a member of an elite family – or a slave – in the Antebellum South. Next
we have a guided tour of The Belle Meade Plantation-As the premier thoroughbred racing and breeding farm in
the South for over a century, The Belle Meade Plantation was THE center of hospitality in the 1800s. Established in
1807, this home-site tells the history of the Harding and Jackson families and the impact they had on the city of
Nashville and their contribution to the development of thoroughbred racing horses in the US. Five United States
Presidents have enjoyed the hospitality of the Harding and Jackson families, and the 5,400 acres that made up the
Plantation were home to some of the greatest horses in racing history. As we wander the mansion and cross the
grounds, our guide divulges facts about famous visitors, such as President Cleveland and General Ulysses S. Grant.
After the tour of the Greek-Revival mansion and grounds, enjoy a wine tasting at the on-site winery. Includes a
Southern-style cuisine at the Harding House restaurant located on the plantation grounds.
– Memorial Day- 9am-4pm We will visit the historic town of Franklin TN est. 1799 (where I owned my music venue),
14 miles from Nashville, Downtown Franklin boasts an award-winning Main Street, brick sidewalks, a stunning
collection of Victorian buildings and a host of “Best of” accolades. It continues to earn national recognition as an
authentic place that offers an atmosphere that reminds locals and visitors alike of a simpler time in our history – a
place where community mattered. Honored as one of the best downtown areas in the nation when it received the “Great
American Main Street” award held by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Franklin’s accolades have included
the “Best Small Town in Tennessee,” “America’s Most Romantic Main Street,” and “One of America’s Greatest Antique
Destinations,”. Franklin was ranked #4 “Best Places to Visit for Historic Preservation.” Travel + Leisure Magazine
named Franklin 8th best town in the nation and Garden & Gun magazine named Franklin the “Best Southern Town.”
Fittingly it is on Memorial Day, that we visit Franklin and step back in time to 1864 and the Civil War’s Battle of
Franklin on a guided, 7-hour tour. The Battle of Franklin was one of the worst disasters of the war for the Confederate
Army, known as the five bloodiest hours of the Civil War and THE turning point that ended the Confederacy. During
the American Civil War, the Battle of Franklin was fought in the city resulting in 10,000 casualties. We will see parts
of the landmarked historic town of Franklin, view its historic sites and visit the Lotz House and/or Carter House and
the Carnton Plantation for guided tours to learn about their roles during the Civil War and American History. Our
casual southern lunch is at the famous Puckett’s Grocery. Dinner back in Nashville at a top rated restaurant.
Restaurants are the last thing I work on as it is easier when I know the group size but these are a few we are working
with already. Subject to change (we might not be dining at all of these, but working with them all currently).
The Southern- 25 food, 25 décor Zagat- “Incredible” “gourmet twists” on Southern classics keep the room “buzzing” at
this all-day SoBro eatery, a “real winner” for “high-grade” grass-fed steaks and a “phenomenal” oyster bar in “supercool”
environs that “put you in a good mood”; with “fantastic” servers to round out the ever-“popular” experience, most
agree “you’re getting your money’s worth.”
Prima- 23 Food, 27 Décor- Sleek” and “oozing sex appeal”, this “breathtaking” This Gulch Area New American gives
off a “movie-set feel” with “dramatic” optical-fiber chandeliers, “luxurious booths” and a marble bar; the “thoughtful’
cuisine and “exceptional” service round out a “must-try” experience – provided “you’re willing to spend a pretty penny.”
Capitol Grille- 26 food, 26 décor-Diners celebrating “special occasions” fill this “old-school” Downtowner in the
“beautifully restored” Hermitage Hotel for “top-notch” Southern classics; “outstanding” service comes with the
territory, along with an “expensive bill”, and don’t miss a peek at its “world-famous” art deco men’s room.
Tours- According to TripAdvisor we will be doing the #1,#2,#3,#5,#6,#8,#10 top things to do in Nashville.
Why Nashville?- In 2015 Nashville was crowned “Destination of the Year” in Travel + Leisure magazine’s Readers
Choice poll. They go on to say- “Receiving 15.8 percent of the votes — nearly twice as many as second-place destination,
Charleston. Music City topped the list of ALL international and domestic locations beating out international hot spots
like Australia, Cuba, Greece, Iceland, Istanbul and Paris as well as fellow domestic darling, New Orleans.” According
to Travel + Leisure, “Nashville is a perennial tourist favorite, reveling in its ‘It-City’ status for a while now, but
the Tennessee capital only gets more exciting each year… the real pull for travelers visiting Nashville in 2015
was the food!!!”.
“Constant restaurant openings by top chefs are solidifying Nashville’s place as THE culinary capital in the
new ‘American South”. According to GQ- Nashville has “Food Worth Flying For”- The city’s creative energy touches
everybody – and the ingenious chefs are no exception. This is talent you can literally taste. Whether it’s humble
Southern fare or haute cuisine you’re after- you’ll find authentic Nashville flavors all over town.”
The New York Times writes, “Nashville’s farm-to-table eateries are making major waves on the foodie scene, with
an infusion of creative genius-chefs moving to Tennessee’s capital to carve out a name for themselves in this emerging
epicurean culture.” Eateries throughout Nashville have also received accolades from Conde Nast- “New hotels and
tours, emerging food scenes, and special events makes Nashville one of the hottest travel destinations with enterprising
chefs that are now the new country-music stars, bringing refined yet unfussy restaurants to Music City. Conde Nast
goes on to say, “Nashville seems to be where everyone has just been or is on their way to right now, from friends to
colleagues everyone is heading out there and there’s enough going on food-wise to warrant a trip solely for eating,
which we and local tastemakers have been telling you about for a while. If you don’t get out to Nashville soon, you
might find yourself in the tragically unhip category.”- Conde Nast
Nashville is No. 5 on Forbes.com’s list of cities Americans are “flocking to”, and The New York Times lists Music City
#15 on their list of “52 Places to Go”, and more impressively, one of the most “coveted international travel
destinations” for foreigners. In fact, Tripadvisor listed Nashville #1 for international travelers.
The Times goes on to tout Nashville’s music scene as well, “Nashville’s music scene rivals the other greats such as
Austin, New Orleans, New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.” It ranked second on Travel+Leisure’s, “America’s Favorite
Cities” survey and 2nd for America’s best live music city (after New Orleans) though the experts (journalists, musicians,
academics, producers) ranked Nashville #1 Best Live Music City!
According to Forbes, “Nashville scored highest in a Metro Music Index as a center for musicians and the music
industry. Almost every venue in town offers live music: coffee shops, restaurants, bars and even the airport! Music
continues to define this city’s heart and soul. No doubt about it: Nashville is the center of the universe for country
music fans. Just take a short walk down almost any street to see the countless clubs, bars, and restaurants made famous
by country stars, past and present. And none of these venues is more legendary than the Grand Ole Opry. Everyone
who’s anyone has performed there.”
Nashville is the only U.S. city on Lonely Planet’s high-profile Top 10 list for 2016- “‘Music City’ pulls off a neat
trick: meeting your expectations at the same time as subverting them. Yes, country is still the soul of the place, but
Nashville is also experiencing rapid gentrification….the crooners on lower Broadway may still sing of heartbreak and
ruin, but everyone else is having a ball in this Southern boom town….as tastemakers are busy opening hip breweries,
coffee roasters and independent fashion stores and transforming once-abandoned warehouses into creative retail
space and top notch restaurants. The new dining scene in particular is unrecognizable: while carnivores shouldn’t miss
the region’s signature barbecue and ‘meat and three’, celebrated chefs and food talent are bringing a sleeker brand of
eatery to town. Many new Nashville restaurants have been listed as some of the country’s finest new restaurants.”-
Lonely Planet. The popularity of the TV show “Nashville” has helped boost tourism as Nashville hosted a recordbreaking
13.1 million tourists and it continues to grow. Times are good in Nashville and the spoils are there for the
taking.
