Well folks, the day so many men – even the bravest among us — dread is quickly approaching. The day where men spend too much money, and women are consistently disappointed.
Valentine’s Day.
OK, turn that dread into something of the past. Make this Valentine’s Day tasty by perhaps trying out one of the following recommendations:
1. For an early dinner with your main squeeze, perhaps before your third viewing of Black Swan, I recommend Burger Up, a relatively new 12 South spot. The small burger joint not only offers delicious food, but is also “cutesy,” describes fellow dining buddy AJ Bentz, with community dining option.
“All our beef is raised and purchased from Triple L Ranch in Franklin, Tenn.,” said owner Mike Pontes. “We try to get everything locally, from the veggies to the buns.”
Prices ranging from $8-15, the menu offers gourmet burgers and mounded salads without depleting the cowhide in your back pocket. The menu offers new takes on old burgers, and an option to upgrade to truffle fries (totally worth the extra buck).
2. For the next level of dining atmosphere, try Tavern Mid Town. With its opening last Monday, Tavern is making its stamp on the trendy area of Nashville. The assorted menu, ranging from $6-19, is not only tasty, but filling. Culinary Director Robbie Wilson and Executive Chef Ray Whitlock use fresh ingredients, from the salmon to the in-house guacamole. The location is also convenient walking distance to after-dinner venues.
2. Bring out your big guns and try a Nashville classic, Jimmy Kelly’s. The old steak house (literally an old house), directly across the street from Café Coco, serves prime cuts of beef and fish, old-school style. Price tags for the a la carte menu range from $10-45. Included with the expenditure of your monthly allowance is a fantastic, dimly lit atmosphere and often times an in-house violinist, sure to spark a swoon from the one you’re with.
So whether you throw on your denim for a burger, your skinny jeans for some appetizers, or your tie for a steak, with these options you’re sure to cease and desist from past years of bad dining and over-spending.
These are strictly food recommendations. The romance is up to you.