Once again, the calendar is bulging just a little too much to fit everything into the Monday Menu — plus we’ll be taking a day of rest on Monday to recognize Memorial Day. So here’s a trio of upcoming ideas for your culinary calendar.
First is a special Lao New Year Guest Chef Dinner at Bad Idea this Sunday, May 25. To be honest, any meal at Bad Idea is pretty special, and chef Colby Rasavong made me look like a genius to a couple of friends I sent there for a special date night recently. He definitely made some new fans that night, and I’m certain he just cooked like he normally does. Which is to say, magnificently.
But when it’s time to celebrate the Lao New Year during AAPI Heritage Month, Rasavong has invited a trio of talented chefs to join him in the kitchen for a special à la carte dinner this Sunday in honor of Pi Mai.
Two-time James Beard finalist Jeff Chanchaleune of Ma Der in Oklahoma City and L.A.-based chef Boby Pradachith will be returning to Bad Idea following their previous late-night menu takeovers. They’ll be joined by a member of Food & Wine Best New Chefs 2020: Donny Sirisavath, who made quite the name for himself cooking Lao food in Texas.
In the official announcement of the dinner, Rasavong shared a fact that I was unfamiliar with:
“Every April, Lao people celebrate Pi Mai with rich cultural traditions centered on celebratory customs, feasting, family gatherings, and deep-rooted connection — this year, in Murfreesboro, which is home to a vibrant Laotian community and hosts one of the largest celebrations in the U.S., will be holding their celebration this weekend, Friday through Sunday at the Wat Lao Buddharam temple.“
So if you want to be a part of the Pi Mai celebration, make a reservation for Sunday at Bad Idea — and come hungry!
Speaking of Chef Rasavong, he’ll be one of the featured chefs at this year’s Nourish fundraising dinner on Thursday, July 17, at Marathon Music Works. The annual event supports The Nashville Food Project and the organization’s efforts to provide food security in our community.
The participating chefs have already visited the Growing Together farm, and will craft a multicourse meal for guests using seasonal produce provided by refugee and immigrant farmers who raise food on NFP-provided farm plots. Joining Rasavong this year in the kitchen are:
Sean Wen and Adam Lathan of Curry Boys
Chris and Emma Biard of S.S. Gai
Amy Watson and Clinton Spruill of Saap Sapp BBQ
Ana Aguilar and Josh Cook of Tantisimo
Mason Hereford, Lauren Agudo and Will Mondros of Turkey & the Wolf Ice House
That’s quite the lineup of culinary talent! In addition to the fantastic food, guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres, a multicourse meal with wine pairings, and an exciting live auction for $275. Tickets are available at the event website.
Finally, if you are a recent graduate from elementary, high school or college and you live in Franklin, The Harpeth Hotel has a little graduation present for you. Until June 14, graduates will get a free meal at McGavock’s Coffee Bar + Provisions to celebrate their achievements.Â
Of course, there’s a little small print in the deal. You wouldn’t want to start your post-grad career with a reputation for being greedy, so:
“Visit McGavock’s or 1799 May 22–June 14, 2025, and Graduates will receive a free entrée with the purchase of any Regular paid entrée.
Valid during regular business hours. The following items are not valid as part of the offer: Bullbourne Bison Market Cut, Leiper’s Fork Bourbon Washed Tomahawk, Prime Filet Wellington. Promotion does not apply to nor includes alcohol. Not Valid at 1799 Bar Room or Lounge Area.
Finally, if you drop by McGavock’s sister restaurant, 1799 Kitchen + Bar Room for brunch on this Sunday, May 25, grads can also enjoy a free brunch with the purchase of another brunch at regular price.
Congrats to all the graduates and the families who support them!
