I have been fortunate to dine at great restaurants but Kitchen 404 is my absolute favorite. The whole experience and relaxed aura helps you really enjoy every aspect. The staff is the best at what they do and are one of the reasons I will continue going back. My chiropractor was recently in Nashville and he asked my opinion on where to take his wife for "the best dinner in town". 404 will continue recieving every recommendation.
The servers are amazing! Galen is hands down the best server I've had. Perhaps the only time I've remembered my servers name for a continued period of time. My dad has always raved about him as well.
I don't know how to begin writing about the food because it akes me want to go back so bad. The menu is seasonal and contantly changing, I'll highlight some of my favorites. For starting the Pâté is my favorite, perfect balance and a great starter. The Borruta and Crudo have also been great. I always find myself asking my dad about dishes and trying to learn about food. I probably have asked him about Borruta umpteen times and have driven him nuts by now with my questions. Anything with Benton's Ham will be fabulous as well.
Thr Tri-Tip was incredible. Like I said earlier, Chef Matt Bolus is contantly changing his menu, using what is in season and available in markets to create efficient use of resources and not sacrifice quality. I don't care what they serve with the Tri-Tip it's probably going to be the best meal you ever have. My girlfriend tried the Swordfish and while I may be more of a red meat eater, hers was perfectly matched with a lemon orzo and made great contrasts with the citrus.
If Olive Oil Gelato is on the menu make sure to try it. After you finish in amazement, ask for Sous Chef Sam and thank him personally, that's the best damn dessert you will ever have.
It was Maria's birthday when we ate at Kitchen 404 last and the staff was so kind and made us feel like the only table at the restaurant...on a Summer Saturday at 8:00. You go to Kitchen 404 for great food and leave with a great experience. They are what should be a new model for restauranteurs in the future.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
Portugal
I've been rather non-committal to this blog but I am going to try my best to keep it up-to-date and sharing my insights better.
I recently was in Portugal for 11 days playing European Tour Qualifying School. What an absolutely beautiful Country! I never would've expected so much from Lisbon and Portugal as a whole.
For the first 9 days we stayed across the Rio Tejo in Alcochete. The city was really cool and had a great view across the Rio while the Lisbon lights danced along the water. I really, really enjoyed this part of Portugal, reminded me lots of parts in the Greater Toronto Area that weren't necessarily considered in the city. The people were some of the most friendly and accomodating I've ever encountered.
My mom and I stayed with a Brazilian lady Marinha who spoke NO english. Sometimes it was a little difficult but she was one of the most caring ladies I've ever met in my life. It was a great experience living with the locals and doing something a little out of my comfort zone.
The food of Portugal can be described as whole, delicious and large. Fish or meat was basically the choice most nights but it was so good you could eat the same thing every night and not be dissappointed. Local fare such as Bacalhau (Cod), Salmao (Salmon) and Garoupa (Grouper) was amazing. You better come hungry too because the Portuguese defied my notion of Europeans being relatively small eaters as compared to Americans. While salt and butter are used copiously the fish couldn't be any better. Ameijoas (Clams) were some of the best I've ever had. Oh, and Wine is cheaper than water! Loved that aspect.
I must say though not required the Quiejo Ovelha (cheese from Sheep) were the perfect appetizer every night and paired incredibly with bread (pao).
The last two days we were able to tour around and discover a little more of Portugal. We spent the first day in Cascais and Sintra. ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE is the only way to describe this experience, especially Sintra. If you ever go to Portugal it is an absolute must you visit Sintra and the Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace. I could write for days on it's beauty and the views of the mountains but they won't do it the justice it deserves.
Our last day we walked around Lisbon for 5 hours and didn't discover everything This city is suprisingly not as talked about for it's architecture and beauty as much as Paris and Rome. Having now been to all three, it is a tie as I can't possibly measure them up against each other. Bring comfortable shoes and enjoy. It felt like a dream where you could potentially be walking down a narrow hallway and turn a corner to an absolutely massive church that you had no clue existed. Don't take a tour bus, walk the city, discover a corner spot for lunch, grab a pasteis de nata (national pastry, fig pie) and discover why I rave so much about Lisbon. The view from the Parque Eduardo VII is astonishing.
I recently was in Portugal for 11 days playing European Tour Qualifying School. What an absolutely beautiful Country! I never would've expected so much from Lisbon and Portugal as a whole.
For the first 9 days we stayed across the Rio Tejo in Alcochete. The city was really cool and had a great view across the Rio while the Lisbon lights danced along the water. I really, really enjoyed this part of Portugal, reminded me lots of parts in the Greater Toronto Area that weren't necessarily considered in the city. The people were some of the most friendly and accomodating I've ever encountered.
My mom and I stayed with a Brazilian lady Marinha who spoke NO english. Sometimes it was a little difficult but she was one of the most caring ladies I've ever met in my life. It was a great experience living with the locals and doing something a little out of my comfort zone.
The food of Portugal can be described as whole, delicious and large. Fish or meat was basically the choice most nights but it was so good you could eat the same thing every night and not be dissappointed. Local fare such as Bacalhau (Cod), Salmao (Salmon) and Garoupa (Grouper) was amazing. You better come hungry too because the Portuguese defied my notion of Europeans being relatively small eaters as compared to Americans. While salt and butter are used copiously the fish couldn't be any better. Ameijoas (Clams) were some of the best I've ever had. Oh, and Wine is cheaper than water! Loved that aspect.
I must say though not required the Quiejo Ovelha (cheese from Sheep) were the perfect appetizer every night and paired incredibly with bread (pao).
The last two days we were able to tour around and discover a little more of Portugal. We spent the first day in Cascais and Sintra. ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE is the only way to describe this experience, especially Sintra. If you ever go to Portugal it is an absolute must you visit Sintra and the Moorish Castle and the Pena Palace. I could write for days on it's beauty and the views of the mountains but they won't do it the justice it deserves.
Our last day we walked around Lisbon for 5 hours and didn't discover everything This city is suprisingly not as talked about for it's architecture and beauty as much as Paris and Rome. Having now been to all three, it is a tie as I can't possibly measure them up against each other. Bring comfortable shoes and enjoy. It felt like a dream where you could potentially be walking down a narrow hallway and turn a corner to an absolutely massive church that you had no clue existed. Don't take a tour bus, walk the city, discover a corner spot for lunch, grab a pasteis de nata (national pastry, fig pie) and discover why I rave so much about Lisbon. The view from the Parque Eduardo VII is astonishing.
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