Nashville Vegan
By Nathaniel Corn
A diverse and cultured city, Nashville, Tennessee might be known for country music, bridal parties, football, and cowboy boot stores. But the spaces between are filled with art, entertainment, and of course, food. The latter is what concerns us here. Each year I visit my southern hometown on multiple occasions, and to my delight, more vegan-friendly businesses have popped up.
Avo
Among all the restaurants out there serving up vegan eats, none pairs simple ingredients with elegant flavor so successfully as Avo. The food options range from a veggie burger to inventive homemade cheeses and elegantly crafted desserts. It's difficult to eat something so beautiful, but thankfully you Instagrammed it. The ultimate test: taking my father, who is often unimpressed with vegan food, for a meal. Not at Avo! The ambiance and food were up to snuff for him, and he has even gone back! www.eatavo.com
Franklin Juice Co.
FJC has my number and it's 1-800-give-me-acai. I have been known to order the large acai, eat it, then return for a deja-vu session. Get a smoothie, juice, granola, or bowl and sit on the funky furniture in the communal space of The Factory, a cast iron stove factory turned shopping center. Order without honey! Two locations. www.franklinjuice.com
Graze
From my first meal here, Graze became my fave veg spot in Nashville. They somehow make everything I ever wanted to eat, with a variety of modern and traditional dishes. Even something as simple as loaded potatoes pops with flavor. Their fresh berry cobbler has the warm, buttery comfort of your mama's recipe, but the spice level makes you ponder how all other dessert now seems bland. Their brunch is not to be missed, with tofu rancheros on grilled tortillas and at least three kinds of biscuits. www.grazenashville.com
Vegan Vee
This place is open Thursday to Sunday. What I loved best was knowing I could get anything from the vegan and gluten-free bake shop to share with my two-year-old nephew. His little dairy-free, egg-free eyes lit up when he got to enjoy snickerdoodle cake and vegan ice cream for his grandpa's birthday party. And so did mine. No place to sit at Vegan Vee, so get your stuff and go. www.veganvee.com
Veggie Village
Located in a house in west Nashville, the menu here is on a chalkboard that changes daily. The limited options make the experience simple and foster a connection between diner and chef. Jerk seitan, spicy smoked cabbage, Caribbean beans and rice, and ginger tea were all layered with flavor and served with love. www.facebook.com/veggievillagenashville
The Wild Cow
Solid gold oldies vegan eats. The Wild Cow has classic sandwiches like seitan and mushroom French dip and kid-in-you-satisfying gooey, cheezy queso with chips. You can't go wrong with their buffalo tempeh, and the sautéed kale is like a local legend. The staff has an energetic buzz that is more entertaining than reality TV, and the restaurant hums along like clockwork. www.thewildcow.com
Nathaniel Corn is a Nashville native and vegan of 10 years. He runs ultramarathons and has a thing for vintage hats. Among his friends, he's known for making epic kombucha.
