I did it. I broke my Monday routine completely. I left work early rushing home to pop the tag off my new holiday dress from Lemon. I curled my hair and slipped on my heels just in time to leave for Nashville at 4 p.m.
Double dating is always fun with close friends. Our first stop of the night was The Farm House, south of Broadway in the heart of downtown Nashville. This restaurant is a true farm-to-table experience with from-scratch ingredients that tasted absolutely delicious.
Here’s the rundown for all my fellow foodies. We ordered pimento cheese beignets along with deviled eggs. The pimento had the perfect amount of spicy kick in each bite.
The main meal didn’t disappoint. In order to sample multiple dishes, Ross and I split a side, main meal and small plate. My favorite was the Italian sausage with spaghetti squash and pesto. Ross preferred the trout with fall squash. Our side of roasted sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar and pecans served as our dessert.
Now for the main event – Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas. From our restaurant, we walked across to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, a magical venue, especially at Christmas with garland and pre-lit Christmas trees.
If you’ve never heard of Drew and Ellie Holcomb, don’t feel bad. I hadn’t either until recently, but I recommend you give them a listen.
They are a husband and wife Americana duo from Nashville. Shortly after their marriage in 2006, they began touring together with Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors. Although Ellie is no longer a touring member of "The Neighbors," she has found success in a solo career as a Christian singer/ songwriter.
Not only did Ellie look like an angel in a gorgeous sequin white gown, but her voice is captivating. It’s raspy, gentle and earnest just like her soul. I loved how down-to-earth she was as she talked about her family. She even restarted two songs because she forgot the lyrics, but she did it with such grace and humor that no one minded.
As for their duets, Drew and Ellie’s covers of holiday classics are now some of my new favorites. It was entertaining to watch them dance and cut up with each other on stage. As for original tunes, “It's Christmas" was by far the funniest, upbeat Christmas song I’ve heard in the longest. We were cracking up at the lyrics. Here’s a sample:
“People laugh and say that I am crazy
They talk about how Christmas is amazing
They're all stressed and they're all broke
Sometimes I think it's all a joke
We laugh it off and say it must be Christmas”
After the concert, we made the drive home knowing Tuesday morning would be rough. Still, it was worth it. Sometimes it’s refreshing to take a spontaneous trip somewhere new. So don’t be a fuddy-dud. Have a little fun when you get a chance.
Standard reporter Lacy Garrison can be reached at 473-2191.
