A restaurant that sets itself apart from the pack in many ways. It starts with the location, because it's tucked away on the second floor of Grace's Plaza in Green Hills. You're lost already? Yeah most are but it gets better because it's not obvious from the street and it doesn't have a massive sign in front to let you know that it's there but if you make the effort to visit Macke's, you will realize at once that it is truly a jewel in the Nashville culinary world.
Once you get inside there two areas to dine and they are inside the main dining room and and an "outside" area which is just outside the main door in a hallway. Now I know you're thinking that you don't want to eat in a hallway but they have created an ambiance that makes you forget that it's a hallway and thus they pull it off. Even this is an interesting combo because you walk into the main dining room and feel like you are on the first class deck of the Titanic. Grandness and opulence surround you and you realize that with this type of setting the food has a lot of work to match the decor and ambiance.
Well, my friends they pull it off and they do it with style and substance. Not only does the food look and smell good but the taste is always amazing. It has yet to disappoint and I'm often left with a sigh of pleasure as I close my eyes and just let the flavors wash over me. I have often been intrigued with how chefs can imagine and create dishes that you and I wouldn't think to put on the same dish, let alone the same fork, but then it works. It's like magic to me and it never grows old. I think much of that though that they will try things and have a love for what they do and that comes through in the food.
Now when you see what the folks in the kitchen can do and you are loving that the only way it gets better is with good service, right? Well, they have that as well because they are kind, informed and very attentive to your needs and wants. The nice part is when they do little things before you even realize that you needed it. I have seen a moment here and there that could be polished or improved but they have always been small things. Let me make it clear that this is a place that you can take someone who is picky as can be or someone who is relatively clueless about going out to nice restaurants and they would all be happy.
Also their hours make it pretty easy to get out and experience what they do. You can do lunch or dinner through the week and brunch on Sundays.
I had some friends in from out of town and took them and new friend to Macke's this past Sunday for brunch. None of them had never been to Macke's before but love it and the friend in Franklin took a menu because she wants to share the experience that is Macke's with more people. That is when you know you are doing it right. When people are so passionate after the experience that they want to go out and tell their family, friends and overall the world, you got it. So kudos for that to all of the folks at Macke's and for another fantastic experience.
Okay, what we had was a variety of dishes...
We started with a bread plate that had homemade banana nut bread and blueberry muffins. Delicious but we didn't want to to much of that because we had to save for the entrees.
Tilapia - normally seasoned and delicious but my friend couldn't do all the seasonings so she ask if they could make it with just butter, salt and pepper. They were more then happy to work with her needs and yes it was still delicious and she also had a side of asparagus. Now I must tell you that the tilapia was simple and beautiful in it's presentation and she truly enjoyed each bite.
Pancakes - We had a 12 yr old with us who ordered the pancakes with a side of bacon. The pancakes looked and tasted amazing with warm syrup that had me salivating and I'm not even a big fan of pancakes. The bacon on the other hand was crispy and the aroma wafted across the table and made me want my own plate of bacon. You know how many 12 yr old boys are about food, if it's not a burger or something they aren't impressed but he truly enjoyed his food and experience. He was a big fan of the overall appearance and grandness of the restaurant.
Southern Egg Benedict - This is what I had and it was outstanding. I tried it because I love eggs benedict and this sounded like a great but odd pairing of ingredients to make a twisted eggs benny. Check out these ingredients...Biscuit, Fried Green Tomato, Country Ham, Poached Egg and tops with Hollandaise sauce. It came with a side of country potatoes and a bowl of fresh fruit. A really unique mix of flavors that left me smiling because again I just would've never thought about making an eggs benedict like this. One word sums it all up for me, YUM!!!
Lobster BLT Wrap - This was huge, beautiful and full of flavor. Probably the best BLT you will ever try and I definitely recommend that you try this one. The colors and flavors were stunning and for me it brought back memories of the lobster mac & cheese that I've had from Macke's before. She had a side of fries to go with it.
Macke's
2nd Floor, Grace's Plaza
4009 Hillsboro Pike
#212
Nashville, Tn
615-292-3838
mackesrestaurant@bellsouth.net
http://www.mackesgreenhills.com/index.html
