I have heard nothing but exceptional reports of culinary wonder at one of Nashville’s newest restaurants City House http://cityhousenashville.com/ and I gave it a whirl last week with saddeningly mediocre results.
I was excited when I walked in, because my friend and I were dining sans reservations and we were seated cheerfully and promptly. I couldn’t help but notice the modern but rustic feel of the decor, it is really gorgeous inside City House.
I started with the Citrus Salad with shaved fennel and was very pleased. It was light, bright, and accomplished everything for me that a citrus salad should.
(I only wish there had been more!)
I had a difficult time deciding between the Painted Hills Tri Tip, with Turnip Greens, Parmigiano, and Lemon, or the North Carolina Trout, with Bread Crumbs, Peanuts, Raisins, Lemon, and Parsley Stuffing.
I don’t eat red meat too often and the mood struck me so I went with the Tri Tip.
Although the meat was cooked a perfect medium rare and beautifully presented, both the beef and the turnip greens were so painfully salty that I emptied my water glass anxiously before I was halfway finished.
I don’t consume a tremendous amount of salt in my diet, so I chalked it up to a difference in preferences, but I wished that I had gone with the Trout after all.
I know I could have sent the dish back and ordered something else, but I didn’t want to waste food and/or cause a scene in front of my friend…so whatever.
I took a picture of the Tri Tip, but it was dark and came out crappy. So, sorry. Here it is and yeah, it’s crappy, but I want you to get an idea at least…
I’m still saving up for a new camera!!!
My friend’s gnocchi was also really dry and super doughy. He only ate half of it, though he said it was tasty. I took a bite, it was uninspired and dry.
Dessert I was super excited for because I’ve been working out a lot and avoiding anything remotely sugar-laden.
I ordered the Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Torta di Biscotti, with Drew’s Brews Zabaglione.
It was good, but the Zabaglione was melted.
Like really melted.
And it didn’t really sing the way I had hoped it would.
Maybe this is how Zabaglione is supposed to be?
I dunno.
I’m planning on going back in a few months when they’ve changed their menu up a bit.
Although I wasn’t really thrilled like I expected to be, based on the roaring cheers of my foodie friends…I always give restaurants second chances.
I’ll be requesting a lighter touch with the salt this time.
