More Nashville Culinarians (And Beerinarians) Appearing on Your TV Screen

The eyes and cameras of the nation continue to focus on Music City as two new programs feature local restaurants and breweries during the month of May. The first airing is as a part of Adam Richman's new series Man Meets Food, airing on Travel Channel this Wednesday, May 6. at 8 p.m.

Man Meets Food is Richman's latest incarnation of his experiential television shows about discovering and devouring great food across the country. Here's how the network describes the series:

In the new original Travel Channel series Man Finds Food, the foodie and in-the-know host crisscrosses the country on the ultimate quest to uncover unique, surprising, delicious and hidden food treasures. Having spent years on the road introducing viewers to America’s most interesting eating establishments, Richman has tasted nearly every dish imaginable and learned of many cuisine secrets lurking around the American food scene. He unveils a combination of off-the-menu items and off-the-grid restaurants — some that are even hidden to locals!

So what has Richman discovered in Nashville? According to the episode guide, it doesn't sound like he found anything that most regular Bites readers haven't heard about, but it does look like a fun ride:

The blurb goes on to report that the show visits Nashville's Pepperfire, Gabby's Burgers, Mason's and Pinewood Social:

Adam Richman's food quest in the country music capital of the world begins in East Nashville, Tenn. Richman’s in-the-know about Pepperfire — a restaurant known for serving up Nashville-style hot chicken, and an off-menu spin on it unlike anything ever seen before: The Apple Jack. Pepperfire's Isaac Beard takes Richman through the steps to creating the tasty concoction, which he describes as a kaleidoscope of flavors. Next up is a Wedgewood-Houston burger joint known as Gabby's Burgers & Fries, where Richman is ready to try an off-menu hot dog known as The Big CC Dog. Next, Richman visits Mason's Southern Provisions to experience their take on classic Southern fare, and an off-menu dessert only advertised to those who follow the chef on social media: Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Soda. Mason's Executive Chef Brandon Frohne prepares this scientific treat by freezing his own special ice cream base with the rather unusual addition of liquid nitrogen. Ready to see the rest of this experiment, Richman whispers the secret phrase to his server and is served a truly "cool" surprise.

Richman’s last stop is a location that proves to be difficult to find. Pinewood Social in Rolling Mill Hill may be loaded with an espresso bar, restaurant, bowling alley and even a karaoke room, but Richman's here for one thing: off-menu fried chicken and waffles. Culinary Director Josh Habiger shows Richman the secret to Pinewood's fried chicken — a pressure fryer to lock in the moisture and keep the crust extra crispy. These elements, along with a maple syrup dipping sauce, make for an off-the-grid Southern staple and the perfect way to cap off this Tennessee expedition.

In honor of Chef Brandon Frohne's appearance on the show,

at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel at 2100 West End is throwing a watch party tomorrow night from 7:30 to 9 p.m.. Patrons can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres inspired by the dishes created for the show, plus happy hour specials including $5 house wines and draft beers. (Little birds are also chirping that this won't be the last time we see Frohne on television this year.)

Earlier this year, I told you about the Brew Dogs show filming event at Tennessee Brew Works. Apparently, TBW wasn't the only spot they visited in town, so you'll be able to see a few of your favorite breweries is you catch the premiere of their Nashville episode on May 27.

To celebrate, Tennessee Brew Works is holding a premiere party from 5 to 10 p.m. May 27. In addition to showing the episode, they'll also clear some of their tap handles to showcase beers from their friends at Blackstone Brewing Company, Black Abbey Brewing Company, Fat Bottom Brewing, Jackalope Brewing Company and Yazoo Brewing Company, which are also featured on the episode.

Tennessee Brew Works will have live music from 6 to 8, at which time they will broadcast the episode, an hour before it shows up on cable television on the Esquire network. It should be quite the hootenanny! (But not produced by Hootenanny.)