Sunday was an ice cream lover’s dream come true. The Martha O’Bryan Center held its 23rd Purity Miss Martha’s Ice Cream Crankin’ Contest on the lawn of First Presbyterian Church in Nashville. Basically, it’s all the homemade ice cream you can eat, dozens of unique flavors, all for $8. After church, lunch, and a little naptime, you had better believe the Rutabagas were there for this one. All you can eat homemade ice cream. Who doesn’t love that? We even managed to drag the husband along.

Since 1984, Miss Martha’s Ice Cream Crankin’ contest has brought together people from many communities across Nashville to crank homemade ice cream and serve it up for a great cause. The contest, sponsored by Purity dairies, benefits the Martha O’Bryan Center, a non-profit organization providing integrated services to families in the James A. Cayce Homes, Nashville’s oldest and largest public housing development, as well as residents of surrounding East Nashville neighborhoods. Judging by the size of the crowd, and the large amount of paper sampling cups dispensed, I’d say that this year’s event was a success.

The Martha O’Bryan Center’s mission statement is as follows: “On a foundation of Christian faith, the Martha O’Bryan Center empowers children, youth, and adults in poverty to transform their lives through work, education, employment, and fellowship.” The ministry that is now known as Martha O’Bryan Center began in 1894, when Miss Martha O’Bryan organized The Gleaners Society at First Presbyterian Church, Nashville to assist her in delivering food, clothing, and furniture to families in need. During the next 50 years, the ministry met the needs of the community in a variety of ways including establishing Nashville’s first kindergarten, a girls’ settlement home, and a free clinic.

As I said before, Miss Martha’s Ice Cream Crankin’ is an ice cream lover’s dream. Even if you’re not feeling charitable, this event is a can’t miss. As one exuberant Rutabaga exclaimed, “This is better than Christmas!” (The presents part, not the Jesus’ birthday part, of course.) The weather was perfect, a nice breeze was blowing, and the tall trees that scattered the ample lawn in front of the First Presbyterian Church provided plenty of shade. There were four entertainment stages spread across the grounds to provide a little ambience. If that wasn’t enough, a random guy popped up here and there riding about six different types of unicycles and even managing to throw in some fire baton juggling.

Here’s the breakdown. After we parked our cars at the nearby John Overton High School and crossed Franklin Pike with the help of a lovely law officer/temporary crossing guard, we made our way over to the ticket table and paid our $8. This year, people who bought tickets online also received a coupon for a free pint of Purity ice cream. We did not do this and hope they provide this little online ticket incentive next year.

After getting all paid up, we were each given a paper bracelet, the kind you sometimes get at bars or fairs or amusement parks, a little blue paper cup, and a plastic spoon. Cups and spoons in hand, we were let loose to navigate the crowded tents and tables housing all sorts of coolers, cranks, and iced Tupperware containers. We were on a mission to try every flavor we could. There were chocolate based, vanilla based and sorbets, fruity flavors and alcohol mixes. The choices ranged from simply vanilla to “whoa, there is way too much going on in this cup.” The sampling sizes ranged from one tiny spoonful to a whole cupful of ice cream, depending on the server.

We made valiant efforts to sample every single flavor, but with over 500 gallons of ice cream available in who knows how many flavors, there was no way that was going to happen. No possible way. But we did have fun trying, and stuffing ourselves until we were almost sick. Here are a few of my favorite scoops: Wild Flower honey (the only table I went back to for seconds), pistachio, lemonade sorbet, tequila Mexican vanilla (because everything’s better when you add tequila to it), and double berry.

In the midst of all the ice cream sampling madness, there was actually a contest going on. Aside from all us regular folks, there were bona fide ice cream judges, consisting of Purity representatives, ice cream industry specialists, and local celebrities. Awards were given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the following categories: chocolate base, vanilla base, other, and youth created (Age 16 and under). A winner was chosen from each category, and the overall favorite was named the Miss Martha’s Crankin’ Contest winner.

Coco Loco was the winning creation, dreamed up and mixed up by a pair of 13-year-old boys.  Coco Loco is made of chocolate ice cream, caramel swirl, and Take 5 candy bars. If all goes as planned, meaning Purity can duplicate the flavor for mass market, we’ll be seeing this new flavor in stores sometime in February. Sadly, I missed out on trying the winning flavor. Since I’m not a huge fan of chocolate ice cream, I skipped the chocolate-base section to make sure there was room in my tummy for everything I wanted to try. Despite this seemingly brilliant plan and my efforts to eat as little as possible all day, there wasn’t. Maybe next year.

Speaking of next year, I can’t wait until next summer just so I can do this all over again. It was that good, y’all. I’m sure all the Rutabagas would agree.

Must haves: a lot of room in your tummy for a lot of ice cream and maybe a couple bottles of water. If you’re anything like me, all that ice cream will make you thirsty. Luckily, this year, the weather was perfect. But that may not always be the case. Come prepared for hot, August weather if you decide to come out for the Crankin’ contest next summer, which you will because I said to, right?

Could have done without it: the reusable cups. You have to use the same cup and spoon throughout the entire sampling process. They got pretty nasty toward the end. I kept rinsing mine out with bottled water.

What makes it special: There are all kinds of homemade ice cream flavors, mixtures you would never think of yourself. This is more than your churches summer ice cream social with the vanilla and chocolate and occasional peach, strawberry, or banana. When it comes to ice cream, Miss Martha’s Crankers don’t play.

Know before you go: You’re pretty much going to be walking around the whole time, so don’t worry about bringing lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Also, the restrooms are the portable variety, and if you’re like me, you try to avoid those as much as possible.

Parking: For this year, the parking instructions were the following (though this may change before next year): You may park at the following locations adjacent to the Crankin’ along Franklin Road the day of the event. Trolleys will pick you up and return you to where you parked coming to and from the Crankin’. Franklin Road Academy, John Overton High School, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Due to major construction, there will be no parking on-site at First Presbyterian Church the day of the Crankin’ or at Judson Baptist Church. I would expect that last one to change before next year.

Price: Adults $8, Children (Ages 2-5) $5, and Children under 2 are FREE

Website: www.marthaobryan.org

Phone: 615-254-1791

Address: First Presbyterian Church, 4815 Franklin Pike, Nashville

Schedule: Check the Web site next summer for updates

Related:

• The Second Installment of Way-FM’s Summer Brown Bag Concert Series
• Bobbie’s Dairy Dip and an Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social

Monday brought the second installment of the WAY-FM Summer Brown Bag Concert series in Franklin, and you’d better believe I was there for it in spite of the heat warnings. I even took a day off work (I really needed a break) so that I could stay for the whole shebang this time. If you read my post on Part One of the Brown Bag concert series, you know that one of my goals for this one (aside from taking off work for the whole day) was to meet one of my “American Idols.” More on that later. Don’t get too excited.

Brown Bag concerts, sponsored by WAY-FM, are FREE, family-friendly, start at noon(ish), and take place on the grounds of The People’s Church in Franklin. Though this this was my first year to attend one of the concerts, they are somewhat of a summer staple. Way-FM hosts the concerts most summers, usually on weekdays during the lunch hour. All you need to enjoy this concert is a love for Christian music, a blanket or lawn chair, big sunglasses, a little (make that a lot of) sunscreen, and maybe even a giant beach umbrella or tent. Did I mention that the concerts take place at noon – in the glaring heat of the midday summer sun? Come prepared.

You can bring you own lunch or a little extra cash to buy lunch from one of the food vendors, like Chick-fil-A. 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, fun inflatable things, and shaved ice (or sno cones, as we like to call them in the Deep South).

The artists performing were Chris Sligh and Sanctus Real. Chris Sligh is a former American Idol turned Christian music artist. Chris was one of my favorite Idols from Season 6 (or of all time). Not only was he a great singer, but he also had a wicked sense of humor a great deal of wit. I mentioned earlier that I hoped I would get a chance to meet Chris Sligh, take a picture, tell him that I voted for him on Idol, you know, the usual. This did not happen, however, and it saddens me. Chris disappeared into the bus before I got the chance. Maybe to make up for it, Melinda Doolittle can perform next summer and then do a meet and greet afterwards and then invite me to go on tour with her (even though I don’t really sing). After all, she is my American Idol.

Sanctus Real is a Dove Award-winning Christian rock band from Toledo, Ohio. Their latest studio album, We Need Each Other, was release in February 2008. They’ve been around for quite a while, releasing their first independent album in 1998, according to Wikipedia, but this was my first experience with them. And I have to say, I quite liked it.

There was even an appearance by Audio Adrenaline’s front man, Mark Stuart. He was promoting the charitable efforts of World Vision and his Hands & Feet Project. But he didn’t leave before leading the crowd (despite his vocal cord troubles) in a very short version of “Big House,” oh yeah.

Like I said before, the Brown Bag Concert idea is brillz. 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. I don’t know if WAY-FM will pick the Brown Bag concerts up again next year, but I sure hope they do.

Must haves: blankets or lawn chairs, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, pretty much anything that will keep you cool in the middle of one of the hottest days in July

Could have done without it: the heat

What makes it special: It’s a free 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: Check the Web site next summer for updates

Related: Way-FM’s Summer Brown Bag Concert Series

Update: I realized that I may have given a bad impression of Chris Sligh earlier when I said he disappeared. I wanted to add that he did stay after his set through the entire concert and rocked out in the front row during Sanctus Real’s performance. After their set ended, everyone (including Chris) rushed for the air-conditioned buses before I was able to make my way to the front. I can’t really blame them. It was like 100 degrees out there, after all.

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).

The rutabagas headed downtown and grabbed a spot on the east side of LP field for the Independence Day fireworks.  We had a great view, but we could only faintly hear the Nashville Symphony in the distance.  The show was AMAZING.  Everyone who lives in Nashville should go at least once.  Heck, you could even make it an annual tradition.

Must haves: a good spot with a clear view of the Batman building

Could have done without it: the long walk

What makes it special: It only happens once a year, and it’s one of the best Independence Day pyrotechnics shows in the nation.

Know before you go: The show usually starts a little before 9:30, but you should head over at least an hour early to deal with parking and to get a good spot.

Parking: Good Luck!  There was an estimated 100,000 people downtown for the celebration, so plan for the crowds and head out early.  You can find a place to park, but you may have to walk a good ways to get to your viewing spot.

Price: FREE

]]> http://rutabagas.wordpress.com/2008/07/06/fireworks-are-pretty/feed/ 0 laurajeanette http://rutabagas.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/bobbies-dairy-dip-and-an-old-fashioned-ice-cream-social/ http://rutabagas.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/bobbies-dairy-dip-and-an-old-fashioned-ice-cream-social/#comments Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:08:15 +0000 Laura http://rutabagas.wordpress.com/?p=120 ]]>

Bobbie’s Dairy Dip, located on Charlotte Avenue in Nashville, is the embodiment of small town American charm. Multicolored light bulbs and a shiny, metallic American flag banner outline the long-established drive-up burger joint and ice cream stand, lending the distant yet familiar nostalgia of the good old days – the ones that passed long before I was born. The long line of customers enduring the heat of the pavement in front of the sliding glass window entices passers-by to ditch their air-conditioned cars and join the crowd.

Bobbie’s Dairy Dip has been serving up burgers, fries, hot dogs, milkshakes, soft-serve ice cream, floats, banana splits, hot fudge cake sundaes, and the like to Nashvillians and tourists for over fifty years. Now that’s a long time; at least it is to a young’un like me. In my opinion, this is a “must try at least once” for anyone who lives in the Nashville area and loves ice cream. Though the place has gotten a few negative reviews on Citysearch, my experience at Bobbie’s was quite swell.

Our little trip to Bobbie’s was for their summer Ice Cream Social, featuring folksy-type artists Caitlin Rose, James Wallets, Sawgrass, and Danger and The Steel Cut Oats. A note on the music: it was intimate and entertaining. Caitlin Rose was quirky and cute, wearing an oversized sweatshirt (she told us not to ask why), side ponytail, and giant red sunglasses. Sawgrass was a pleasure. And Danger and the Steel Cut Oats ended the whole show with an audience participation version of Oasis’ “Wonderwall” that sent them into the crowd as we all sang a cappella, swaying back and forth with cell phones in the air, while cars drove by, most likely gawking and mouthing “WTF?”

The weather was nice and there weren’t any annoying children, so we didn’t mind waiting in the long, long line. For dinner, I ordered a regular cheeseburger and then shared an order of onion rings and an order of fries with a friend. We ordered their sweet potato fries, but they gave us the regular kind. This was my one big complaint for the evening. We decided we didn’t want to wait any longer to have the order changed and just went with it. The wait to hear our names called at the pick-up window was a bit long for standing in line, but I guess that just means that our burgers were made to order and hadn’t been sitting under a bacteria-multiplying heat lamp for who knows how long. If you order anything that has to be cooked, this is not fast food. Our friends who had all ordered grilled cheeses were finished eating before our burgers and fries arrived at the pick-up window.

Once our order was served, we headed over to the brightly colored picnic tables to enjoy the food and the music. We shared our table with total strangers who then became friends, further enhancing the small town feel. After reading reviews online, I didn’t expect much from my burger, but it did exceed expectations (though they were pretty small to begin with). It wasn’t small or dry like others have experienced (granted, this was a special occasion). In fact, I found it pretty homemade-ish, like it just came off the old charcoal grill in the backyard and placed on a quite lovely sesame seed bun. Of course, it’s not going to be a gourmet burger. This is a burger stand, not a five-star restaurant. It tasted like a burger from a burger stand – somewhere between McDonald’s and I guess your casual dining establishment of choice. The fries (though not the ones we actually ordered) ended up being sparse and only so-so, but the onion rings were delish. I love onion rings.

When the line had thinned, our food had disappeared into our bellies, and the fabulously quirky Caitlin Rose had finished her set, we headed back to the walk-up window to order our ice cream – the thing we really came for. To be honest, I can’t tell you exactly what all was on the menu (the usual ice cream shop stuff: shakes, sundaes, and of course, dips) because once I saw the Heath Bar Swirlie, a generous amount of crushed Heath Bar chunks mixed into rich, creamy soft-serve ice cream, I stopped looking. Ever since the Sonic (a major part of my small-town adolescence) quit serving their Heath Bar Blasts in favor of the fluffy, not quite as good Butterfinger Blast, I have been missing it something terrible. And Bobbie’s brought it back to me. Ah … it was a sweet, sweet reunion.

As I said, I would recommend Bobbie’s Dairy Dip to anyone (except for maybe hardcore dieters, as I don’t recall seeing any salads on the menu). So drive on over to 5301 Charlotte Avenue, park your car, walk on up to the slide-glass window, and get yourself some rich, fattening, marvelous ice cream. It’s what they’re know for. The rest of the menu is just there in case you get hungry. I hope I make it back before they close up for the winter. I seriously need to try one of those milkshakes and indulge in a ginormous hot fudge cake sundae. I’ve also heard the Banana Boat is a “must have,” but I don’t like bananas.

Must haves: anything from the sweet treats portion of the menu. The Heath Bar Swirlie is perfection, and the hot fudge cake sundae comes highly recommended, as does the Banana Boat.

Could have done without it: The ice cream melted pretty quickly in the sun, and the fries were nothing special. I’d skip those and pick the onion rings instead.

What makes it special: its nostalgic charm. Plus, it’s been around so long, you can almost say it’s a historic landmark … or at least a part of Nashville history.

Know before you go: There are no restrooms, so keep that in mind. And Bobbie’s does take plastic now, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t have cash.

Parking: Parking can be a little tight, but they do have a few drive-up spaces.

Price: $1-10

Website: myspace.com/bobbiesdairydip

Phone: (615) 463-8088

Address: 5301 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209-3001

Hours: Open late April through late October

Monday: 11am-7pm (kitchen close 7pm)

Tuesday-Thursday: 11am-9pm (kitchen close 8:30pm)

Friday-Saturday: 11am-10pm (kitchen close 9:30pm)

Sunday: 12pm-9pm (kitchen close 8:30pm)

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

Last night at Movies in the Park, Dirty Dancing edition, I decided to give A&W a chance at redemption. This time, I skipped the horrendous Cool Springs restaurant middle man and went straight to the source … a nice, cold can of A&W root beer straight from the bottler (or is it canner in this case? cannery, maybe? Hmm, moving along …). It was perfectly chilled with just the right amount of fizz. Ah, refreshingly delicious. I could not have asked for more. It almost made me forget about that whole other incident. You know the one I’m talking about.

Hey, A&W, a little advice for you: drop the partnership with KFC. Those guys are only brining you down.

I was practically salivating when we got to the counter. We ordered KFC popcorn chicken and requested our free root beer floats. Yum, yes? Uh … no. The root beer was not only warm, but it was also flat, and not just root beer flat … really flat. I didn’t even finish it. And I was super thirsty from a long, hot workout. On top of all that, the whole place was kind of gross. There were flies attacking the buffet. I would not recommend the Cool Springs A&W to anyone. I would probably only go back if they were offering free floats again in hopes of undoing the damage caused to my taste buds.

Oh, A&W, why do you have to entice me with your promises of sweet root beer float goodness only to disappoint me so? Why? Why?

A picture of false promises and shattered dreams … sigh

Summer is here. Classes are over. The kids are bored. Even those of us who don’t have the summer off from work still get a little antsy as soon as the days get longer and the sun gets hotter. What’s a person to do? The answer is simple – Movies in the Park!

Every Wednesday during the month of June, Centennial Park hosts the Nashville Scene’s 13^th annual Movies in the Park. It’s basically a family-friendly movie shown on a big screen in the amphitheater section. Everyone brings their blankets and lawn chairs and BFFs to relax, make conversation, and enjoy a good movie, usually an older “classic” (I use that term loosely). There are food vendors, radio stations, games, and prizes before the movie starts. Movies begin at sunset (usually 8 p.m.) at the Centennial Park Band Shell, West End Ave. There’s also a rain date of July 5 in case of inclement weather.

Being fairly new to the Nashville area, this is my first summer to enjoy the summer magic that is Movies in the Park. And I loved it. I joined a few friends for Jurassic Park on opening night. Then, we were recruited several other friends and strangers last Wednesday for The Goonies – one of my all-time favorites. Goonies never say die! Our night included about 15 people spread out (or maybe crowded in) on five blankets, Jelly Bellies, popcorn, a cute little puppy, Uno, Calypso nachos, and occasionally stimulating conversation.

For those who are wondering, “What’s the big deal?” you should know that Movies in the Park is more than just a movie. It’s an experience. It’s moonlight and stars and the park and blankets and all your besties (or your significant other, or kids if you have them) and a picnic dinner and a classic movie, all in one. Plus, the “quiet in the theater” rules don’t apply here. And the best thing about Movies in the Park is … it’s free! You should definitely make this one an annual summer tradition.

The remaining movie schedule is as follows:

June 18 – Dirty Dancing

June 25 – Shrek III

Check the Movies in the Park Hotline (244-7989, ext. 341) each week for movie listings and weather conditions. Movies generally start around 8:00. If you have a large group or want a good spot, get there early (by at least 6:30) because the space fills up rather quickly. There are tons of kids and teenagers. If you’re bored on a summer Wednesday night, are looking for a fun, creative day night adventure, or need something to keep you kids entertained for a few hours, Movies in the Park is the place to be.

Must haves: blankets or lawn chairs and your fave snacks

Could have done without it: the humidity

What makes it special: Sure, you can order The Goonies from Netflix, buy how often do you get the chance to watch it under the stars?

Know before you go: If you want a good spot, you have to come early.

Parking: Follow directional signs for free parking in designated areas. Cars parked on the grass or parked illegally will be ticketed or towed.

Price: Free

Web site: Movies in the Park

Address: 301 25th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203

Phone: For more information, including cancellations due to inclement weather, call the Movies in the Park hotline at 615.244.7989 x341 each Wednesday after 12pm.

Hours: June 18 – Dirty Dancing; June 25 – Shrek III; movies start at sunset (usually around 8:00)