It never fails. Every spring, somewhere around mid-April, there’s a tangible shift in the air. The daily pace seems to kick up a notch or two. The calendar fills up with events, parents start freaking out about school getting out, kids start bouncing off the walls and there is just so. much. going on! And just as there’s plenty going on in our personal lives, sweet Nashville has been cranking too! There’s plenty of growth and change to report after what was a wildly busy April. Hold on to your hats. Here’s what’s taking root …

Brunch is the New Black

That’s it. Nashville shall henceforth be called Brunchville. With the ever-expanding list of restaurants opening, there’s an even faster-growing list of places offering brunch. Frankly, that’s not a bad problem to have. Two new brunch menus are now available (or will be starting tomorrow) for all you brunchheads.

Our friends at Fifty First Kitchen & Bar announced that starting tomorrow, after taking some time off, they’re bringin’ back the brunch. Every Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., patrons can come make painstaking selections from a mouth-watering menu. Options like rum caramel cinnamon rolls and smoked salmon flatbread with caper crema and pickled red onion tempt the palate. And if you need a hair of the dog, try a Bloody Mary, mimosa or a True Hemmingway, which is Papa’s Pilar rum, grapefruit and lime. Yep, that’ll do just fine!

Also now offering brunch is Porta Via Ristorante e Bar. Every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can enjoy an Italian-inspired meal from a menu that includes standards like Eggs Benedict and frittatas, as well as more authentic Italian options like Crepe Gianduiotto and the open-faced Italian egg panini. Peruse the menu for yourself here.

Kudos to the Folks at Fontanel!

It was announced last week that the Inn at Fontanel, a boutique bed and breakfast and part of the Fontanel Nashville family, is the newest member of the Southern Living Hotel Collection. As one of only four properties in the state of Tennessee with that distinction, the Inn at Fontanel is in good company, along with Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN, the Hermitage Hotel downtown and Kingston’s own Whitestone Country Inn. Criteria taken into account for this honor includes “perfectly crafted rooms and restaurants to breathtaking natural surroundings.” “We are extremely proud to join the elite group associated with Southern Living’s Hotel Collection,” says Kellie Lapelle, Director of Guest Services of the Inn.

If you haven’t been out to tour Fontanel mansion, seen a show at its Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater, ridden on the ziplines, hiked the expansive property or indulged in any of its other unique offerings, we highly encourage a visit! Learn more about Fontanel here.

Back on the Beat!

Saint Thomas Health announced earlier this month that they have re-launched their heart transplant program following certification from the United Network for Organ Sharing, which allows them to perform heart transplants. The first hospital in the state to offer transplants back in 1985, Saint Thomas suspended their transplant program in 2011. With their newly reinstated certification, the expectation is that the first transplant surgery could be performed at Saint Thomas West within six months, great news for patients who may be eligible for new hearts.

Martha’s New Digs

Renowned local chef and Nashville native Martha Stamps has a new location out of which to run her catering business, and she will soon be serving up fabulous fare from said new space as well. Slated to open on May 16, 2016,  Bergamot Market, located at 336 White Bridge Road, will offer delicious grab-and-go fare made with locally sourced ingredients. Until then, sign up for the newsletter here, see what she’s making and place your order to pick up.

Nashville Welcomed Carolina

Herrera, that is. Yes, the world-renowned fashion designer paid a visit to Music City earlier this week as the honored designer for this year’s Symphony Fashion Show. Our own SB staff attended the fabulous affair, which included champagne, light bites, plenty of photo ops, a performance by Sara Evans and, of course, the opportunity to be in the presence of fashion royalty! The entire evening was gorgeous and one more win for Nashville’s ever-growing fashion scene.

New Tenants Announced for Edgehill Village

Edgehill Village is a hot spot in town, no doubt. Just this month, two new retail tenants and a new restaurant were announced. There’s something new for guys and girls with American Threads, a women’s brand, and Alton Lane for men, both slated to open this summer. And for the foodies, prep your palates for Barcelona Restaurant and Wine Bar, which will be the largest tenant and is set to open this fall. Keep up with all-things-Edgehill here.

Grab Your Putter! It’s Time for a Sounds Game!

Wait, what? Yes, if choosing between baseball and golf feels like Sophie’s Choice, this is your lucky day! Strategic Hospitality, whose portfolio includes Le Sel, Pinewood Social and The Catbird Seat to name a few, have an already-established presence at First Tennessee Park (home of the Nashville Sounds) with The Band Box. And this July, in partnership with the Sounds and OZ Arts, a new concept will be added right next door. The Country Club at The Band Box, a nine-hole miniature golf course, will be up and running, featuring different local and regional artists at every hole. “We are thrilled to create this fun and cultural new element at The Band Box for Sounds fans to enjoy,” says Strategic Hospitality co-owner Max Goldberg. Look for The Country Club at The Band Box in the right field area of the park.

Puckett’s Sauces Now at Kroger

Fans of the ever-popular Puckett’s family of restaurants can now have a taste of Puckett’s in the comfort of home. The Puckett’s line of sauces, spices and rubs are now available in Middle Tennessee Kroger stores in the “Pick Tennessee” section. The line of marinades, barbecue sauces, rubs and seasonings range in price from $3.99 to $4.99 each.

Poppy & Monroe Offers New Services

Natural nail and beauty boutique Poppy & Monroe is rolling out additional services for their customers this spring. New hair removal options offered at the Germantown business include sugaring, which is an all-natural hair removal technique, and waxing. Also, 30-, 60- and 90-minute facials and makeup application are now available. See the complete menu here.

Urban Cookhouse Now Open!

Urban Cookhouse, a rapidly growing Southern restaurant group whose motto is “Buy local. Eat Urban.” is now open in Midtown. The local franchise, owned by Leah Bentley (who also owns Snap Girls in the Hill Center Green Hills) offers a refreshing option in modern fast-casual fare for those looking for convenience and quality (yes, they can co-exist!). The menu consists of standard options like wraps, sandwiches, salads and the like as well as a children’s menu, but it’s not your average fast food in that ingredients are locally sourced and fresh, which takes it to a new level of yum. Urban Cookhouse is located at 1907 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. Learn more at (615) 953-6449 or visit their website by clicking here.

A Heartfelt Farewell

We would be remiss if we didn’t make mention, pay honor and say farewell to a fellow Nashville journalist and media presence Jim Ridley. The Nashville Scene editor passed away on April 8, 2016, after suffering a cardiac event and never regaining consciousness. His resume is long and impressive, his warmth and compassion was immeasurable, and his passing is tragic and just plain heartbreaking. Our condolences to his family, friends, co-workers and all those who knew and loved him.

Got news you want to share? Email it to [email protected].

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