Road’s Nashville Coffeehouse Awards
Coffeehouses in Nashville go by many names. Breakfast spot. Reading place. Study corner. Freelance headquarters. Depending on the time of day, you’ll see bed-head musician, traveling salesperson, and college student all standing in line at various beaneries in every pocket of the Tennessee capitol. As a former resident, I took some time to pass out some faux hardware for what makes each shop pretty special.
Best counter display
In honor of the Pope’s stateside trip, we begin these inaugural awards at the holy of holies in Nashville – Bongo Java near Belmont. Yesterday, around 11 a.m., the line ran 10 deep for lattes and espressos. So, I put my bag down to save a window table (I do this after getting someone nearby – usually a woman for some reason – to agree to watch my stuff) and stood my turn. While waiting, I set my eyes on what’s known at Bongo as the "Nun Bun," a 1996 cinnamon roll that looks – no kidding – like Mother Teresa. The folks at Bongo display the once-stolen saintly sweetthing in a makeshift shrine. Media like the Washington Post, CNN, BBC, Paul Harvey, and David Letterman have covered this bakery miracle.
You’re having…an apple pie (drink). Ciderific hot stuff on the porch.
Best previous life
I don’t believe the website when it tells me they named the place after the sixth century goat herder’s dog who discovered coffee. Oh. They were kidding. Ah. Fido though, no joke, is a serious gathering spot in Hillsboro Village.
A former pet shop (just see the neon sign out front), the two rooms stay full pretty much all day every day. Fido is the intersection of Vandy, music row, and normal Nash folk. I once sat outside studying for an exam around 9 pm and Dolly Parton walked by me. She’s even prettier in person. Seriously.
You’re having…"simply eggs" and cheese grits with straight coffee. Breakfast here is incredible. Great alternative to long lines at famous Pancake Pantry down the block.
Best disguise
Portland Brew, the location on 12th Ave S, does a good job of looking like a hurtin’ coffeeshop. Cinderblock simplicity, sometimes questionable art work, construction on-going. But, the place is nearly always full. And loyalty is not something you can buy. Friendliness and seriously good coffee makes PB my go-to spot for on-the-road emailing and writing. Those sheeny yellow chairs are heaven. And their cubbies (currently closed off for some renovations) make for excellent secret meeting spots and deal-making, so it seems.
You’re having…an Irish Creme brew if it’s available. And a scone.
Best bungalow-ness
Sam and Zoe’s near 100 Oaks sits back off Thompson Lane (which is the same thing as Woodmont eastbound) right next to the best burrito place in Nashville (Baja). If I could live upstairs in the little coffeehouse bungalow S&Z’s, I would, because I could have granola and coffee for breakfast at home and a fantastic burrito for lunch. Then, I’d go grab an iced coffee and sit on my sweet front porch and watch all the cars drive up to my side-window for a to-go cup of joe. All while I check email on free WiFi. Doesn’t that sound perfect? (Though I do close at 7 p.m.)
You’re having…an apple-berry tea.
Best Starbucks
Starbucks, the great demise of the Mom&Pop. Actually, I kind of like the ‘buck, as my friend Abby who worked there called it. I love Starbucks because they give health coverage to part-time employees (honorable) and they rock a solid jukebox (cool). Plus, I always feel comfortable when I go to an out-of-town Starbucks. I recognize the lay. Nashville’s best is on West End Ave, near Belle Meade, where White Bridge crosses. This ‘buck is spacious, offers a covered patio, and seems free of college-kid overflow.
You’re having…a grande 180 degree 1 centimeter foam 1% soy latte in a venti cup. Or just a coffee.
On the map…
One time, I saw Wynona Judd pull up outside Fido. She was in a blue range rover and her hair was tall. Then I went back to drinking my coffee and eating a Fido special breakfast burito. I miss Fido like the deserts miss the rains. – JB
Blueberries are shrubs, not vines, and if you have to trim them regularly to produce a certain shape, you’ll probably get very little fruit. Also, they don’t like competition from other shrubs. I also question why you’d want blueberries growing on top of an arbor, because they produce fruit at the top and that would make harvesting difficult.
the tory burch handbags is so cool,thank you for your tory buch shoes.
Now, I have never been a fan of coffee houses, mainly because I don’t drink coffee. Also, I’ve always thought they were for pretentious artsy types trying to act non-pretentious.…
The Minister himself with his sisters husbands returning from Boston a little after the engagement
These observations I have thought it material to offer to you; and if, in the execution of your duty, any difficulty should arise, I should be very glad to give you any assistance which is in my power.
They at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified. Wherefore, because of their iniquities
Ana I will fortify this land against all other nations, and he that fighteth against Zion, shall perish
Oh, my dear sir, her throat is so much better that I have hardly any uneasiness about it. Either bathing has been of the greatest service to her, or else it is to be attributed to an excellent embrocation of Mr. Wingfield’s
which we have been applymg at times ever since August.”It is not very likely, my dear, that bathing should have been of use to her
and if I had known you were wanting an embrocation, I would have spoken to”You seem tome to have forgotten Mrs. and Miss Bates,’ said Emma
have not heard one inquiry after them.”Oh, the good Bateses—I am quite ashamed of myself; but you mention them in most of your letters. I hope they are quite well.
Mr. Woodhouse had been safely seated long enough to give the history of it, besides all the history of his own and Isabella’s coming
Emma’s being to follow; and had, indeed, just got to the end of his satisfaction that James should come and see his daughter, when the others appeared, and Mrs. Weston, who had been almost wholly engrossed by her attentions to him
But at present there was nothing more to be said. Mr. Woodhouse very soon followed them into the drawing-room.
They are jealous even of his regard for his father. In short I can feel no dependence on his coming, and I wish Mr. Weston were less sanguine.
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