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Hot Chicken Goes High Society With Thomas Keller

Apr 1st, 2010
by Jason Kirk.
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Even a top chef can appreciate hot chicken.

Writer Jennifer Justus and world-renowned chef/2010 James Beard Award nominee Thomas Keller ventured out this week to what is arguably the defining spot for hot chicken, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, while the chef was in town for a book signing over in Green Hills.

In one sense the chef was completely out of his element: Justus notes in her piece that nine-course meals at Keller’s French Laundry restaurant in California go for more than $200 per person, while all the chicken and sides they ate at Prince’s cost just $35 total. But in another sense, Keller was completely within his element – after all, he is a chef, and true food people often appreciate the simple things the most. “I’m tempted to do this more,” Keller told Justus as they finished their meal. “It kind of captivates you, the spiciness of it.”

So, if you ever doubted how lucky you are to have hot chicken right here in your backyard, remember: at least one man held in high esteem by the food world thinks it’s something special. If you can’t find the time to make it to Prince’s or any of Nashville’s other hot chicken spots in the near future, at least make sure you get over to the Hot Chicken Festival at East Park in July.

Check out the full Thomas Keller article over at the Tennessean. And check out more from Jennifer Justus at her blog, A Nasty Bite.

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Gwyneth Paltrow Loves East Nashville Food

Mar 19th, 2010
by Jason Kirk.
1 comment

Gwyneth Paltrow digs the food here in East Nashville.

Academy Award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow recently spent several months living and working here in the Music City. Along the way she discovered what those of us who live here already know: East Nashville has excellent food options.

As has been noted in celeb gossip rags like People, the Hollywood star also acquired a taste for hot chicken while she was here. She made the solid choice of stopping at EastNashvilleBlog.com’s favorite from last year’s Hot Chicken Festival, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. Maybe the committee for this year’s festival should consider making her this year’s grand marshal for the festivities?

Among Paltrow’s favorite spots in East Nashville was the Family Wash. She describes it as “worn-in” and “comfortable,” and raves in particular about one dish: “The Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie is spectacular, made of layers of perfectly seasoned lentils, mashed potatoes and cheddar cheese.”

When it was time to get a taste of something a little more European, Paltrow and friends stepped out to Margot Cafe and Bar in Five Points for its menu of food made from local and seasonal ingredients. Another favorite was Margot’s sister business, Marché Artisan Foods. In the mornings she grabbed her coffee at Ugly Mugs on Eastland before getting to work for the day, and when it was time to shop for organic groceries she headed out to the Turnip Truck.

“Never have I met such warm people, heard such good music, eaten so much fried chicken. I could go on and on,” Paltrow wrote of her time here. So far as we’re concerned, she’s welcome back anytime.

You can check out the full list of Gwyneth Paltrow‘s favorite spots in town, including establishments throughout the city and not just in our East Nashville backyard, at her GOOP newsletter.

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Spicehead Paradise: Nashville’s Third Annual Hot Chicken Festival Recap

Jul 7th, 2009
by Bobby Shamwell.
1 comment

Ahhhhh. Another East Nashville Fourth of July, where endless pops of fireworks begin two days before and continue for at least another week. I ask other friends (westies and southies) if people continue to play with explosives after America’s special day. Usually the answer is “no.” I guess we just have more fun over here in Maxwell Heights. Go play with your sparklers, tea sippers!

This isn’t really what I wanted to talk about. You see, the other EastNashvilleBlog.com food writers (J. Kirk and M. Lavigne) are lame-o types who left town during East Nashville’s Fourth of July debauchery. So now I (Bobby) must play the foodie role in describing my experience at the Third Annual Hot Chicken Festival at East Park.

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