Bartender Jane Lopes, Beverage Director, The Catbird Seat Restaurant, Nashville, TN, Tennessee, Recommendations, Where to drink, Where to eat, Where to shop, Bartender’s Recommendations, Ingredients, Coffee, Cocktails, Best Bartenders in Nashville, Where to drink cocktails in Nashville, Hibiscus Flowers, Asian Markets, Markets, Shops, Newq American ,Vietnamese, Italian

Q & A with Beverage Director Jane Lopes

Q. Tell us about The Catbird Seat:

A. The beauty of The Catbird Seat is you don’t order dishes. You get the full experience no matter what. It is a tasting menu comprised of 10 courses, give or take, that is constantly evolving. I do recommend that you order the pairings to get the complete experience, though. We offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to accompany the meal, that I (full disclosure: the beverage director!) believe enhance the meal.

Tips & Advice

Ingredients | Hibiscus Flowers

I've used hibiscus flowers since day one at the restaurant, for both our house tisane (herbal tea) and for non-alcoholic pairings. When steeped in hot water, they turn it this amazing bright pink color, and have great acidity to them. You could also infuse a spirit with them -- perhaps a tequila or gin -- for a cool effect.

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Recommendations | Nashville

Find | Markets & Food Shops

K & S World Market

There are two locations in Nashville, specializing in Asian foods, but with a large selection of Hispanic and Middle Eastern as well. Great for seafood and produce, but also for obscure delicacies you can't find anywhere else.

Table 3 Market

Connected to Table 3 Bistro in the Green Hills mall, the market offers a fun selection of sandwiches, baked goods, as well as various oils and jams, Le Creuset pots and pans, and wine glasses.  

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Eat | Restaurants

Where I’d Take A Visiting Chef Or Sommelier

City House

This one's a no-brainer. Tandy Wilson is doing modern Italian food in a comfortable atmosphere, with great cocktails and a largely Italian wine list. Always awesome, but especially fun on Sunday nights for their ever-changing ‘Sunday Supper’ menu. Order all the ‘pork snacks!’

F. Scott's

A Nashville institution, with one of the best (if not the best) wine lists in town, run by the talented and gregarious Elise Lohr. Go after 9pm and all food is 50% off!

Off The Beaten Track

Kien Giang | Miss Saigon

There are several good Vietnamese places by my house, like Kien Giang and Miss Saigon (bad name, great restaurant). The Pho at both places is good, and I love the pork vermicelli at Kien Giang.

Quintessential Nashville

Arnold's Country Kitchen

The ultimate ‘meat & three.’ Everything is good, but if they have jalapeno grits and bread pudding, those are not to miss.

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Drink | Cocktails

Bar 308

Great cocktails in a laid back setting. Sunday night Disco Party is always a blast.

The Patterson House

The best trained bartenders in town, making delicious takes on classic cocktails. A quiet den to have a intimate conversation.

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Drink | Coffee

Crema

I'm not a coffee drinker, but this is where to get the best cup in town. A nice place to just hang out and study or read the paper, too. You're guaranteed to run into at least one person you know.

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Cocktail Recipes

- Gin Cordial

Recommendations

Details of Jane Lopes’ recommendations on where to eat, drink and shop in Nashville, TN.

City Guides

- Nashville City Guide: Download