If you haven’t yet been to Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, you must find a reason to go soon.  And here’s that reason.  Run, don’t walk.

A Taste of the South

Mark your calendar to join us for our 10th annual Taste of the South event on January 9-12, 2014, benefiting the Fellowship of Southern Farmers, Artisans and Chefs and the Southern Foodways Alliance!

Get ready to make your reservation for Taste of the South on September 17, as we open up the phone lines for the first time for this exclusive, sellout event! 

Don’t miss this weekend as we celebrate the Southern table with dinners, cooking demonstrations, tastings and teachings from the likes of Chefs Michelle Bernstein, Rodney Scott, Rob Newtown and featuring Vintner Andy Peay, mixologist Alba Huerta and special guest speaker Francis Lam!

Reservations open on September 17th at 9am.  Call 800-557-8864 to book your stay before the event sells out!

Imogene & Willie

While in Nashville, a must-shop is Imogene & Willie.  I had read about them a few years ago but hadn’t actually made it to Nashville to check them out until last week.  It’s not a huge shop but they pack in lots of great stuff.  From the semi-custom jeans they are known for to Warby Parker glasses, homewares and more recently Shinola products (like that orange bike) from Detroit.  I picked up a toothbrush made out of charcoal that is supposed to make my teeth pearly white, a field guide of Nashville, a super cute bandana and of course, some super cool jeans.  It was a good day.  :)

Family Get Together

I’m not sure what you guys were doing for the 4th of July, but most of my family got together in Tennessee this year.  On the one evening it wasn’t raining, we grilled pizzas, drank some amazing Jarvis wine and then devoured my aunt’s angel food and berry cake.  I have only three words: 

A

MA

ZING!

2013 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards

Ok so this is like the foodie world’s Oscar.  It’s intense.  A number of amazing people won but this is my one big shout-out - if you ever end up in TN, please good lord make your way to Blackberry Farm.  I’ve been multiple times and it’s simply one of the most fun, delightful, delicious experiences I’ve ever had.  Click thru to all the winners via Eater.

Best Chef: Southeast - Joseph Lenn @ The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN.