Mas Tacos with a Side of Rustic Americana

There's a Mexican food phenomenon sweeping through Nashville these days called Mas Tacos. Known as some of the tastiest and trendiest tacos out there, Mas Tacos isn't actually a restaurant. It's a 1970's Winnebago that has been converted into a mobile taco truck. Throughout the week it parks randomly around Nashville and communicates with fans about it's location via twitter. After hearing about a lot about them, I decided to try them out for myself a few weeks ago.

I must say, these tacos really lived up to their name. They were simple, fresh and delicious. The menu offered us two choices: chorizo or avocado. I got one of each. The chorizo was spicy and heavy while the avocado was light and refreshing make the two together a perfect balance.

This time, Mas Tacos parked at trendy 12 South jeans shop called Imogene+Willie. Started by hipster/Ralph Lauren wannabes, Imogene+Willie make there own line of custom jeans. I was immediately impressed with their Rustic Americana style and luckily, after much back and forth with the owner, I was granted his almighty permission to take just a few pictures.

Designers use old Singer machines like these one.

Jorts.

They hang their jeans patterns above. It was my favorite part of the decor.

Brilliant idea to revitalize an old chandelier.

You may recognize Imogene+Willie from Gwyneth Paltrow's blog, Goop. Since then, the store has taken on a whole new level of coolness. And teaming up with Mas Tacos only makes them cooler. Mas Tacos+Rustic Americana= Great Saturday!

Lonny Mag Picks

Lonny Mag issue four hit the virtual mailbox this weekend. I can't help but love this magazine and therefore can't stop myself from posting about it even though it's a feature on almost every design blog I read.

If you got your Lonny this weekend, did you happen to notice all the lovely glass tables featured? I'm so glad they're in again. Also, I noticed most living rooms with the glass coffee tables are paired with a very graphic rugs like a zebra stripe or chevron pattern. I like this look because it lets your accessories be the noticeable accents in the room. The table almost disappears in the midst of all else taking place.

I can't wait to get my paws on a table like these!

Twice Is Nice

You don't want to miss it! Twice is Nice, the Junior League of Nashville's new spring fundraiser, is taking place April 9-10, 2010 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Twice is Nice Rummage Sale will provide pre-owned quality furniture, antiques, electronics, clothing, books, kitchenware, and more to the Nashville community at very reasonable prices in order to raise funds to support the Junior League’s mission of enriching the lives of women, children, and their families. These items will be donated by Junior League members, friends, family, community members, and local retailers.

As a JLN member, I worked one of the drop off shifts. Women were bringing Gucci shoes and barely worn chaises as donations. So you know what that means? This sale is going to be good.

Hope to see you there!

Chicken in Riesling

I have to admit, Gourmet Magazine's Chicken in Riesling dish exceeded my expectations on flavor. Similar to the traditional French Coq Au Vin, it was composed of almost all the same ingredients but used white wine instead of red.

The success of the recipe is achieved by braising the chicken in the creamy, sweet sauce. After browning the meat to get a nice crust, the chicken is combined with a mixture of shallots, leeks, carrots, and wine to braise in the oven for 25 minutes. At the end, creme fraiche is added along with a hint of lemon juice and red potatoes. I thought the sauce could have been a hint thicker, but the flavor was spot on. Because of the braising, the chicken was infused with the wine's same sweetness. The creme softened this sweetness and the lemon juice added enough acid to balance the boldness of both the wine and dairy.

The only thing I would change about the process of making this meal was cutting the chicken myself. I decided to buy the meat try carving it, but I learned that is not my best skill. Next time I plan on having the butcher do this for me!

We ate our chicken with a lovely Riesling wine called Clean Slate.

Browning the chicken

The freshly seasoned potatoes

Finished product

The cherry on top: Clean Slate Riesling

Cindy Gallop's Apartment

I've never seen anything like it. It's bizarre, amusing, and glamourous all at the same time. Entrepreneur Cindy Gallop's apartment reveals a great deal about her personality and interests (let's just say that many of the photo weren't blog appropriate). Although I find some of her home interior a little disturbing, I do like it. You can't say the lady doesn't have a personal style!

Grenades and cigars...

A glass skull to hold your moonshine

Who knew Gucci made chainsaws...

And guns for that matter

Wanna Buy It Wednesday: 700 Bowling Ave, Nashville, TN

It's my favorite day of the week again and I'm excited to show you the lovely home I found for Wanna Buy It Wednesday! This 5,000 square foot home sits on half an acre in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville. Although it has been newly remodeled, it was originally constructed in 1927 and still maintains much of the character from this time period.

I love the spacious and bright rooms of this home and even though the decor isn't necessarily my taste, it has great hardwoods, bathrooms and kitchen making it perfect to move into and add your personal touch. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths.

Here is a photo of the master bedroom. Notice the floors and unique corner window.

Vintage details. And what a beautiful tub! Also, separate vanities are a very important thing in a relationship :)

They didn't miss a beat in this kitchen. Do you see the glass door on the fridge? I love this look even though I'm probably not organized enough to pull it off.

Any guesses to what this room is? I'm going to say laundry room. By the way, this family did a great job on light fixtures in this home. They're all stunning.

Great built-ins.

Large foyer and the floors look original.

If I owned this home I would spend most of my time on this lovely patio.

Rainbow Bright

A new trend has come about that I love love love: Rainbow colors. Check out these very pretty options on the market right now. The multi-colored chair is my favorite.

Dransfield & Ross

Old Hickory Tannery

Isis Dinnerware

Bumble Belly Designs via Etsy

Dransfield & Ross

Company C Inc.

Hello Spring!