Instead of Blogging …

I am watching the Olympics. I LOVE the Olympics. I love the athleticism, the competition, the sportsmanship. I love the excitement and suspense. I love the symbolism, the peace, the unity. I love the back stories of the athletes, the struggles, the obstacles, the overcoming, the realizing the dream. I love the sense of pride for my country I feel when one of ours takes home the gold. I love hearing our national anthem played on an international stage. I love the Olympics. Michael Phelps is my hero. Go Team USA!

Dave Barry on Restaurants

I have studied American eating preferences for years, and believe me, this is what people want.  They don’t want to go into an unfamiliar restaurant, because they don’t know whether the food will be very bad, or very good, or what.  They want to go into a restaurant that advertises on national television, where they know the food will be mediocre.  ~Dave Barry

I say bring on the unfamiliar.  Who wants mediocre?  Not me (although sometimes I do want soup, salad, and breadsticks from Olive Garden – that national television commercial is just so enticing).

Way-FM’s Summer Brown Bag Concert Series

Monday marked the return of the WAY-FM Summer Brown Bag Concert series in Franklin, and you’d better believe I was there for it. My co-worker Nita and I took a little extended lunch break, borrowed a blanket from a soccer mom (thanks, Deb), and set out to enjoy (as best we could in the heat) the blazing summer sun and rocking sounds of Article One and Superchick. Even though we had to leave before the concert was over to get back to work, it was still worth the short trip and the sweat (we don’t think our co-workers minded).

Brown Bag concerts, sponsored by WAY-FM and Kemp Orthodontics, are FREE, family-friendly, start at noon, and take place on the grounds of The People’s Church in Franklin. All you need is a blanket or lawn chair, big sunglasses, a little sunscreen, and maybe even a giant beach umbrella. Did I mention that the concerts take place at noon – in the glaring heat of the midday sun? You can bring you own lunch or a little extra cash to buy lunch from one of the food vendors, like Chick-fil-A and Blue Coast Burrito (who both gave away coupons for free stuff). There was even a Purity ice cream vendor on hand with ice cream sandwiches and other cold treats to provide a little respite from the heat. For the younger kids, there was a play area with games and fun inflatable things.

The artists performing were Article One and Superchick. Article One is a Christian alternative pop/rock group (with an electric violinist – I love violinists) from Ontario, Canada. Their latest album is Colors and Sounds. Superchick is a Christian pop/punk/rock band whose music has crossed over into mainstream media. Their latest album is Rock What You Got.

Whoever came up with the Brown Bag Concert idea is a genius. It’s great for moms with bored or overly energetic kids who need to get out of the house for a bit. And since it’s during the lunch hour, it gives the workaholics a chance to take a little out of the ordinary break in a busy day. Sometimes, a break in the monotonous work routine is all you need to help get you through the rest of the week.

The next scheduled Brown Bag Concert is on Monday, July 21st. Christian rock band Sanctus Real and former American Idol contestant turned contemporary Christian artist Chris Sligh will be performing. I love Chris Sligh. He was one of my favorite AI contestants. I’m thinking about just taking off work for the whole day so I can enjoy the entire concert this time … and maybe even get a chance to meet one of my American Idols. That would be absolutely fab.

Must haves: blankets or lawn chairs, sunscreen, sunglasses

Could have done without it: the hot, glaring sun

What makes it special: It’s a Christian music concert for your lunch break. I think that’s pretty special. My usual lunch break consists of plain turkey and The View.

Know before you go: It’s going to be hot, so come prepared.

Parking: There’s plenty of parking at the People’s Church. But if you want to avoid the crowd a little, I would suggest coming in the back way by taking the road that runs in front of the Franklin YMCA.

Price: FREE

Website: waym.wayfm.com

Phone: 1-888-33-WAY-FM

Address: People’s Church, 828 Murfreesboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064

Schedule: The next concert is Monday, July 21, noon

Related:

The Second Installment of Way-FM’s Summer Brown Bag Concert Series

Goonies Never Say Die! Nashville Scene’s Movies in the Park

Person Chris Sligh

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Ode to Chicken and Biscuits

The Cheesecake Factory:

Chicken and Biscuits

Cajun Jambalaya Pasta

http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com

Hello Bloggerites

This blog is my new little project – trying out new restaurants and such and then writing about them.  It’s perfect because it combines two of my favorite things in the entire world: food and writing.  Besides, it has always been a little dream of mine to be a restaurant reviewer, mostly because I LOVE food, especially when it’s free, or better yet, if you get paid to eat it.  I’m not sure if I’m cut out for the job, but this is a good way to test the waters.  If not, I’ll still love every minute of it.

Most of this blog will center around the Nashville area, since that is where I live.  It will also mostly feature restaurants, but I will throw in some other venues, events, and whatnot, just for fun.  And on the rare occasions that I am able to travel, I’ll try and blog about those places as well.

I would like to thank the beautiful Britt S. for giving me the idea to start a food blog over cookie dough egg rolls at Jackson’s.  I hope y’all enjoy this as much as I will.  Feel free to chime in with your own comments and ratings.  I would love to know what y’all think.