Are we actually doing the “North Gulch” thing? I feel like anything with “gulch” in its name should actually be below street level, but it gets fuzzy in that gray area between Broadway and Church adjacent to I-40. Whatever you choose to call it, The Mockingbird has been a fun part of the dining scene in that neighborhood for seven years now, and they’re looking forward to celebrating their anniversary on Thursday, Aug. 29.
Mockingbird masterminds Maneet Chauhan and Brian Riggenbach will host what they’re calling Lucky Number Seven Supper starting at 6 p.m. In addition to a multicourse meal, the chefs will regale attendees with stories about how The Mockingbird was hatched. Tickets are $70 and include a welcome cocktail plus the seven-course supper. Buy your tickets at the event website.
They’ll continue to roll sevens at The Mockingbird with the return of the Supper of the Sensational Seven on Sunday, Sept. 8. This annual celebration of LGBTQ restaurants in Middle Tennessee is a fundraiser for the Big Queer Food Fest, a program designed to showcase "how incredibly diverse, influential and delectable queer culinary heritage truly is."
The $125 dinner features a five-course meal, welcome cocktails sponsored by Uncle Nearest and wine pairings sponsored by Empire Distributors. The culinary talent coming together has a lot to celebrate this year, with James Beard nominations, Nashville Scene Best of Nashville wins and other national recognitions. Here’s the talented crew that will come together to create the magical meal:
- Zach Van Nieuwenhuyza and Adam LaClave — Mystic Picnic, Springfield, Tenn.
- Arnold Myint — International Market, Nashville
- Star Maye, Nashville — Chopped champion, Best Dish guest judge, Food Network
- David Andrews — D’Andrews Bakery, Nashville
- Brian Riggenbach and Mikey Corona — The Mockingbird, Nashville
- Zach and Alex — Guerilla Bizkits, Nashville
- Sam Graham and Liz Komoromi — Golden Pony, Nashville
I attended the supper last year and can personally attest is what one of the most joyous and delicious meals of 2023. Grab your ticket at the special webpage at The Mockingbird’s site.
Chef Greg Kuzia-Carmel of Camper and Canteen
Over in Wedgewood-Houston, the brothers Poli are opening up the kitchen at iggy’s for a guest chef series. Ryan and Matthew Poli have three special events planned, kicking off the series with Californian chef Greg Kuzia-Carmel, executive chef and owner of Menlo Park restaurant Camper and European-inspired wine bar and restaurant Canteen on Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 5 until 9 p.m.
The menu for this collaboration dinner features a seven-course meal served family style:
Course 1: Smoky Tomato Salad with stracciatella, green olive oil and watercress
Course 2: Charred Squash & Zucchinis with chickpea panisse, black garlic and zhoug
Course 3: Saffron Arancini with mozzarella, tomato and 'nduja sauce
Course 4: Creamed Corn Agnolotti with puffed sorghum, chives and ricotta salata
Course 5: Lobster Risotto with summer squash, lemon zest and Thai basil
Course 6: Linguine with black truffles and taleggio fondue
Course 7: iggy’s soft serve
Here’s who is coming for the future dinners:
Oct. 23: Brad Kilgore, Kilgore Culinary Group (Miami)
Dec. 11: Brad Daniels, TRESINI (Philadelphia
Tickets for the dinner are $100 per person and are available for purchase via Tock.
Finally, in the wake of the tragic passing of Smokin’ Thighs founder Matthew Carney, the staff of the restaurant continues to bravely soldier on. They're planning to celebrate Carney’s legacy as part of a 10th birthday party for the restaurant on Sunday, Sept. 22, from noon until 6 p.m. Carney operated the business as a food truck before moving in at 611 Wedgewood in 2014, and loyal regulars have been patronizing the chicken restaurant ever since.
Old and new fans will convene for an afternoon of live music, giveaways and raffles, including the chance to win free nachos for a year! All you have to do is like this post on Facebook or Instagram to be entered for a chance to win. The lucky nacho winner will be announced at the event on the 22nd.
