Caviar and Bananas is not a common combination but is a name to remember. The small chain with five locations in three cities was started by a couple with a passion for food. After researching many restaurants, cafes and markets in New York City they crafted their own dining experience by combining their favorite aspects of each.
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Walking into the gorgeous corner location in Nashville, Tennessee, the floors are a light wood, the ceilings are high and pops of color catch your eye left and right. Black and white tiles pattern the floor perfectly, making shapes and spelling "YAY WINE!". The light fixtures are mixed and matched through the location, made with exposed light bulbs and brushed brass details. Around the floor sits a jungle of tables with small succulents and stations filled with salad, sandwiches, chips, sweets, cheese and of course, wine.
While wandering through all the food stations you come across fresh meats and vegetables, a large selection of cheeses and caviar. They use locally sourced produce and make each dish with the freshest ingredients available. I had the small plate of Harissa spiced smoked chicken wings, made with cilantro yogurt and kombucha pickled onions as well as the pimento BLT made with homemade pimento cheese, applewood smoked bacon, pickled green tomatoes and bib lettuce toasted on sourdough bread. To drink I had a blood orange San Pellegrino from the cooler and a Frosé which is essentially a rosé slushie. For dessert I had the feature cake which was three layers of champagne soaked vanilla cake with champagne infused strawberry frosting, chocolate ganache and sprinkles.
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My compliments to the chef, each piece was hand crafted and made with such attention to detail. Each ingredient was balanced almost effortlessly with no complaints on the taste and harmony of the food. While the portion for the small plate was small (hence the name small plate) it is made to go with wine where you would eat and drink slowly as opposed to as a meal the way I ate it.
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The prices were surprisingly average. The branded items like my San Pellegrino were the same price as places like target and the crafted dishes were no more expensive than Panera or Jason's Deli, maybe even cheaper.
As I sat and watched people I saw someone from every walk of life come through the door. Next to me was an older couple who sat across from each other with a bottle of wine and a cheese platter enjoying a romantic evening. College students in Vanderbilt sweatshirts and pajama pants came in to get ice cream before they headed back out into the weather. People came in to pick up an item or two, others picked up large catering orders and some just came in to get some a bottle of wine.
I had not been to a market style eatery in years but this was a refreshing change. I highly suggest that anyone who is visiting the area should take their time to visit. It is a refreshing eating experience and worth the trip down the other end of Broadway.
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