Radius 10 represents its city well - a cuisine with a clear southern lineage but one that is augmented with modern (and international) technique. The practicalities of running a restaurant in Nashville have probably prevented Jason Brumm’s cuisine from realizing his ultimate vision, but it is certainly a worthwhile visit in its current manifestation. Radius does not eschew comfort and deliciousness as some of its contemporaries might; rather, it uses that as a base for its modern technique. The end result is a unique voice in today’s food scene.

The View from the Chef’s Bar

Radius 10 is a lot of fun too. There is a chef’s bar where one can watch (some of) the action and talk to the chefs. I became somewhat of a minor celebrity that night through my road trip tales (or is that trials & tribulations?)

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(some day i’ll get this camera figured out)

Frank Stitt is a nationally recognized chef who is trying to bring back southern aspects to continental cuisine. A Chez Panisee alum, he has an influential cookbook, Southern Table, and stresses fresh ingredients and “deliciousness” in his cuisine.

Thanks to a friend who made the reservation for me, I was treated like a king here - the true definition of southern hospitality top to bottom - and definitely one of the better single diner experiences I’ve had.

The food was pretty tasty. This isn’t cerebral food; it may not wow you; but it is a very good meal when your travels take you through Birmingham. They offered me a tasting menu, but everything was at least appetizer-portioned - bring your appetite.

1. Lump Crabmeat in Avocado w/ Sherry Dressing

Simple, refreshing, lightly dressed (a rarity anywhere), and the crab had a very sweet ocean taste - some of the best I’ve had in recent memory. Very Good.

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Blackberry Farm is tucked away on the Tennessee border of the Smoky Mountain range. Its mystique conveys a moneyed southern charm - a place where good ol boys run the south over sips of artisinal whiskey while their wives spend the afternoon on horseback riding. I thought this place would be the equivalent to a remote French Michelin 3*** hotel - stunning grounds, opulent rooms, and world-class cuisine; afterall, the price tag is certainly that ambitious.

What I got was 3*** grounds, a no star hotel room, and 1* food - Keyah Grande this was not. The grounds are manicured, calculated, expansive, and gorgeous. They certainly convey a certain well-off Tennessee lifestyle that (I suspect) few people actually live. The hotel room was tiny and surprisingly noisy; if politicians do indeed stay here, they will want to speak in hushed tones. The food was delicious and safe with its southern influences but strayed a bit when trying to impart a world-class elegance.

The Route

If you decide to go, allot an extra 2.5 hours, and take the scenic route - it is stunning. Take I75 south of 321 to 78, drive east to 360, and then continue east on 43. Once you hit 360, you will see a range of picturesque scenery - cow and horse fields, battered barns, rivers, waterfalls, small hills, and pretty forests. Then you start ascending the mountains where there are multiple vantage points. Some random pics:

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