Today's Takeout Pick: The Southern V

Much of the restaurant industry had to rapidly change its business model due to COVID-19, and we’re highlighting the Nashville places that are attempting to stay open. As we hang out here in phase two, we’re continuing to give you a critic’s pick for a restaurant and a dish, as well as a running list of restaurants offering takeout and delivery that you can support. Today: The Southern V.

There's little difference between a Saturday and a Wednesday in the middle of a global disaster. Hours bleed into days bleed into months, and suddenly it's, what, June? Thursday. Wait, it's Tuesday? June, though, right? Oh, July? But still 2020? OK. Wow. Phew.

Now, weekends can feel special again thanks to The Southern V's Saturday and Sunday brunch and lunch offerings. The Southern V has perfected comfort food — they serve up fat, deep-golden-brown pieces of fried "chicken," peppery pools of "sausage" gravy and smoky, tender pulled "pork" with all the favorite familiar sides. There's macaroni-and-"cheese," baked beans, coleslaw, turnip greens ...

Oh, what's with those quotes, you ask? Well, none of the "meat" is actually meat at all. The Southern V's menu is 100 percent plant-based — tempeh, seitan and chickpeas stand in for bacon, chicken and even tuna, but you'd hardly be able to tell at first glance.

The Southern V's BBQ nachos (with smoked jackfruit playing the role of Porky Pig) are loaded with all the necessities — beans, onions and sour "cream." Their burgers are stacked high with the messy, flavorful additions you'd find at any meat-lovers destination — sautéed mushrooms, gouda "cheese," chipotle "mayonnaise," fried onion crumbs and more.

When I interviewed owners Clifton and Tiffany Hancock last year, Clifton explained their approach:

“We understand that at the end of the day, as humans, we’re really simple at the core. We enjoy the simple things. That was one thing [Tiffany] always wanted to keep pushing. Let’s not be flamboyant, let’s not be out-there — just simple. Give them macaroni, give them baked beans, give them fried chicken. For non-vegans, let’s win them over with the aesthetics. For vegans, let’s win them over with the nostalgia.”

Before switching to a plant-based diet, the Hancocks were big fans of Prince's fried chicken, and they put the same care (and appreciation for well-balanced spices) in the breading used on their chick'n. You can get it on a biscuit ($6.29), a sandwich ($12.29 with your choice of side), with a waffle ($10.29) or as a basket of tenders with your choice of dipping sauce and a side ($9.99).

I highly recommend getting the Fried Chick'n Salad ($9.99). It's a whole day's worth of vegetables — greens, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers — and the sweet mustard dressing (which they sell by the bottle for $5.99) is light and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness and tang to complement with the fried breading of the tenders.

Online ordering opens Saturday and Sunday mornings, and the food is prepared within an hour of placing your order. Once you arrive at the restaurant, just call to let them know you've arrived and they'll bring it out to you. (Important note: Sometimes orders are ready sooner than the predicted time, so I recommend getting there on the earlier side to ensure you can grab your meal while it's still hot and fresh.)

So what day is it now? Still Tuesday? UGH, GET HERE FASTER SATURDAY! I'm definitely getting a waffle next time.

Below is a list of Nashville restaurants (with links) remaining open for takeout and delivery during the COVID-19 shutdown. While some may have had existing relationships with delivery providers, most of this list are offering the service for the first time. Most offer curbside pickup, but check when you order. As this list is a moving target, please leave any changes, suggestions or omissions in the comments.

Megan Seling

Places with takeout or delivery as of Tuesday, July 28

Megan Seling

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