It’s not only the restaurant scene that is exploding in Nashville; the dessert scene is getting more diverse, as well. Today, we’re highlighting new places to pick up treats in Sylvan Park, Germantown and Wedgewood-Houston, as well as a couple of new Nashville-based online stores. Worth noting is that each is owned and operated by some amazing women in our community. So, while much of Nashville stares at bikini-clad women in the “Sports Illustrated” swimsuit catwalk on lower Broad today, we’re opting to celebrate some local women for their accomplishments as business owners … that feels like a good counterpart. Let’s hear it for the ladies making this city an even sweeter and more delicious one in which to live!
Tempur Chocolate Shoppe
Hours:
Monday — 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m
Tuesday – Thursday — 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday — 7:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday — 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday — 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Neighborhood: Germantown
1201 Fifth Ave. N., Nashville • (615) 454-5432
This shop in Germantown, which opened December 22, 2014, is primarily dedicated to chocolate, glorious chocolate. To “temper” chocolate means to heat it to a high heat, let it cool and then heat to a moderate temperature. This creates a beautiful, tasty, shiny chocolate. Tempur plays with the verb temper and changes the “e” to a “u” to convey the pure ingredients that are used to make these artisanal treats. Throw in French-pressed coffee, traditional French breakfasts, cheese plates and wine (and, soon, Belgian waffles and quiches), and you can see why Tempur Chocolate has made such a splash in the Nashville food scene.
If you want a serious departure from your run-of-the-mill day, slow down and enjoy the smells, sights, tastes, sounds and feel of Tempur Chocolate. You may not be able to get to Paris this week, but Paris is waiting for you, right here in Nashville.
(Photos for Tempur Chocolate were shot by Jamie Clayton.)
Dozen Bakery & Cafe
Hours (which will be extended soon):
Monday – Saturday: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday: 9Â a.m. – 3 p.m.
Neighborhood: Wedgewood-Houston
516 Hagan St., Nashville • (615) 712-8150
We’ve been Claire Meneely fans for years as she’s grown her wholesale business. If you haven’t have had her pecan squares (shortbread crust with a honey pecan topping), you have not experienced one of the best bites in all of Nashville. She has now established her own storefront, next to David Lusk and Zietgeist galleries, where you can find her specialty pastries, as well as lunch items. Want a morning savory snack? Try the ham and cheese croissant or the bacon and cheddar scone. Kid approved? A couple of high chairs in the corner assure that little ones are welcome. And my older kids loved their blueberry muffins, croissants and chocolate croissants. We haven’t been for lunch, but Dozen just opened last week and we know we’ll be back. Be sure to order coffee, as it’s from Crema and it’s fabulous!
You’ll find Dozen’s sweet treats and savory breads at area stores including Crema, Pinewood Social, Bang Candy Company, The Well and more.
Vegan Vee
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Neighborhood: Sylvan Park
306 46th Ave. N., Nashville
Since a gluten-free gal was put in charge of writing this article, the fact that Vegan Vee sells vegan treats that are also gluten-free makes my heart sing. Just opened in Sylvan Park near the intersection of 46th and Charlotte, next to Classic Handyman, everyone trying to enjoy sweets without animal products and/or gluten can rejoice. After trying the donuts, muffins and my favorite, the oatmeal cream pie, I can say with all certainty that these will satisfy even the pickiest, gluten-embracing, bacon-loving palates. You, too, will see that vegan and gluten-free can mean eating glory.
You may have tried some of these delicious options, as they are sold at Produce Place, 8th & Roast, The Wild Cow, Thistle Stop Cafe and many more. And, true to the store’s philosophy, even their coffee is fair trade with only dairy-free options for creamer. To owner Vivi Peatman: Thank you!
Online specialties:
Projet Chocolat:Â projetchocolat.com
This recently launched venture by Nashville’s own Sophia Contreras Rea curates a rich chocolate experience that encourages you to slow down and enjoy each bite of your favorite sweet treat. Among the various products offered, The Les ArĂ´mes du Chocolat sells for $350 and is akin to a college-level class on the beauty of chocolate, delivered in a beautiful box. Share with a larger gathering or experience it on your own. Consider all there is know about wine and turn that rich learning experience to chocolate; you too can be a chocolate connoisseur!
Each kit contains 24 vials of the most prominent chocolate scents, along with a color wheel filled with information to guide your exploration. This is a way for you learn about all the nuisances of chocolate. If your sweetie is a foodie, this may be your perfect splurge gift.
There are similar kits available for wine, tequila, bourbon and coffee. However, all of these other kits are made with synthetic aromas. Happily, the Les Arômes du Chocolat kit is made of all natural ingredients and the packaging is also eco-friendly.
Le Macaron:Â lemacaronnashville.com
Anna Linn Currie opened up this online macaron shop in March 2014. After graduating from college and trying to decide what she was going to do, she realized that there was not a specialty store in town dedicated to macarons, and her goal was to fill the niche. Her best-selling flavors include Cannelle (cinnamon decorated shell with Olive & Sinclair dark chocolate cinnamon spice ganache) and Framboise (a plain pink shell with a raspberry jam filling). While Le Macaron is currently available online only, look for a storefront by the end of 2015. Also, Anna Linn hopes to be back at the 12 South Farmers’ Market when the season begins.
And for more fabulous sweet offerings, be sure to read the SB Guide for the best bakeries and sweets.
