GQ Rumours and The Patterson House

First order of business: Congrats Nashville. You made GQ's top ten list of drinking cities. Thanks to our friends at Grimey's for scanning the article: http://www.thebasementnashville.com/gq.pdf

Last evening we decided to dinner hop. We would start out at Rumours East in one of our favorite hoods, East Nashville. The plan was to drive to the East Side, have a glass of wine and a couple of small plates, then drive across the river to mid-town.

Rumours East just might have the best patio in the city. The wine list is impressive as expected and the array of tapas-sized offerings is also nice. We dined on watermelon salad and a wonderful cheese plate as the sun set and a cool breeze blew in. This is a great place to either start or finish your night, and our waiter knew this was just the beginning for us. When he asked where we were off to next, I responded "The Patterson House". His eyes grew wide and he could barely contain his excitement as he lamented over being bound to his table-tending responsibilites . "My favorite place" he smiled "Damn I wish I could join you."

The Patterson House quietly opened it's doors this spring on Division Street in the stately old house that is the former home of Patrick's and Edisto.  I was beginning to think this just might be a cursed venue before this joint's rave reviews began to accumulate. Believe me, the review's are well-deserved. Upon entrance, you're greeted, carded and escorted through a veiled doorway into the dark, rich and sophisticated main bar room. We were seated at the huge bar that is the obvious main attraction here. If you've ever felt an aversion to paying eleven bucks for a drink; Get over it. I started with a Blinker. It's a bourbon and grapefruit concoction tamed with housemade bitters and rasberry syrup. It was easily the most amazing mixed drink I've EVER put to my lips. The layers of flavors blew me away and the precision with which the barstuds do their thing is unbelieveable. Did I mention the food? The chef is an alumnus of Fat Duck in London and Craft in NYC, and trust me, this ISN'T your everyday bar food. What it IS, is amazing. Confit of chicken wing, Shrimp Corndogs with curry ketchup, Black-Eyed Pea Hummus, and the already legendary ELVIS. (peanut butter, banana and bacon panini?!)  Don't wait to check this place out.

http://www.rumourseast.com/
http://www.thepattersonhousenashville.com/