2023 Louisa Nelson Awards honorees Nelle Blevins, Terry Vo and Chakita Patterson
Every year since 2016, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery has presented the Louisa Nelson Awards to recognize three Middle Tennessee women who exemplify the spirit of Miss Louisa, the progenitor of the current co-founders who ran the distillery for years after the death of her husband.
In recognition of their achievements, dedication and impact on the community, each winner receives a $5,000 grant to bestow upon a charity of their choice along with a custom NGB barrel head as a plaque. On Oct. 19, distillery co-founder Andy Nelson gave out the awards to Nelle Blevins, co-owner and designer of Manuel Zeitlin Architects; Chakita Patterson, founder and CEO of United Street Tours; and Terry Vo, founder and president of API Middle Tennessee (and newly elected Metro councilmember).
In turn, the three honorees granted $5000 to the Nashville Industry Fund, The Black Business Boom and API Middle TN. We’ll keep you posted on when you can submit nominations for the 2024 Louisa Nelson Awards.
8th & Roast, 116 20th Ave. S.
Caffeine options in Midtown just got a lot better as 8th & Roast Coffee Co. opened its fourth retail location at 116 20th Ave. S. in The Broadview at Vanderbilt, joining previous shops on Eighth Avenue South, Charlotte Avenue and at the airport. The Vanderbilt-adjacent store now serves 8th & Roast’s “Relationship Coffee,” which the company ethically sources from international growers before roasting it locally for peak freshness at a new 4,000-square-foot complex. The new building houses roasting operations, wholesale and direct-to-consumer fulfillments, team meeting space and a tailor-made training lab.
In addition to specialty coffee drinks, the shop will also serve a menu of house-made breakfast sandwiches, pastries and snacks, adding to the morning meal options in the neighborhood. “Our expansion in Nashville is something we’ve done thoughtfully, and we couldn’t be more excited to serve the Vanderbilt community and the general public in this new midtown location,” says co-owner Q Taylor. “The new shop is absolutely beautiful and designed for both types of coffee drinkers — those who want to stay and work, and those who want their drinks on the go. We’ve also fine-tuned our house-made food offerings and have launched a robust breakfast sandwich and pastry menu in conjunction with the opening.”
If you’re looking for a cuppa, a quick meal or some bags of beans to take home, drop by and check the new shop out. (Bonus: There are even some parking spots reserved for retail customers, a rarity in Midtown!)
Even though the last of the summer produce has been gathered from the fields, the Nashville Farmers’ Market continues to showcase the best seasonal options available. For November, that means turnip greens — the excellent braising veggie that is currently available in abundance.
To shine a light on the humble turnip topper, the NFM is holding its 25th Turnip Green Festival on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the market. Farm shed stalwart Smiley’s Farm has signed on as an event sponsor and will be offering greens for $22 a bushel or two bushels for $36. Fellow farmers Plano Produce and Hancock Family Farm will be selling their greens for the same bushel price or $2 per pound.
Additionally, Smiley's is partnering with Market City BBQ for a barbecue pop-up, offering pulled pork plates along with braised turnip greens and white beans for $15. Attendees will also be able to purchase extra pork and side dishes separately to take home. Nashville All-star Band will provide soulful live entertainment outside from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. during the festival, so stop in and make a day of it.
