When it comes to getting restaurant recommendations, most would assume that a professional model would be the last person to ask. Based on popular opinion, most runway-worthy bodies exist on lots of caffeine and little else. Not so with Nashville’s beloved supermodel, Lily Aldridge, who celebrates all of the flavors in the city along with her husband, Caleb Followill, who could have easily become a chef if not for the business of being a world-famous rock star along with his Kings of Leon band members.
In fact, while most famous fashion faces are steering clear of good eats getting in shape for the season’s shows and shoots, Lily is most looking forward to sampling all of the offerings of the upcoming Music Food and Wine Festival that her husband co-founded. She believes it’s an ideal place to try a variety of top chefs, as well as gather with her famous friends to enjoy the event’s Harvest Night festivities. We’ll be anxious to find out her MCFW favorites after the upcoming weekend but for now, we are taking her suggestions on the best dining spots in Nashville to heart when making our own plans for exploring the local food scene.
Read Lily’s Full Feature in Our Fall Print Issue Here
Lily Aldridge and Caleb Followill’s Essential Nashville Eats
PART OF THE FAMILY
“You’ll often find us at Giovanni Ristorante where the owners
and staff have become like members of our family. It’s a wonderful Italian place for
a romantic meal but also perfect for a big family gathering.”
NEW YORK FEELING
“We are big Jonathan Waxman fans, with his New York restaurants
being among our favorites there. When he opened Adele’s in Music City,
we immediately became regulars.”
DATE NIGHT
“Any date night that includes Catbird Seat is sure to be a special
experience. The menu is always changing and never disappoints.
You also might find us at O-Ku in Germantown or sampling the
menu at Bourbon Steak at the JW Marriott.”
CITY HOUSE REGULARS
“We love City House—and chef Tandy Wilson—so much that one week
we went every single night. The salads are a must and getting a pizza
with a fried egg on top is not to be missed.”
FEELING FANCY
“Getting dressed up for a lovely brunch inside the historic
Hermitage Hotel is a bit like stepping back in time- so beautiful.”
FAMILY FAVORITE
“Martin’s Barbeque is a family favorite and a true
Nashville Original that never disappoints.”
SWEET TOOTH
“Nothing beats The Buckeye State—a chocolate and salted
peanut butter—flavor at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for curing a
sweet tooth. I am also a huge fan of the ice flavors at Las Paletas.”
BEST PLACE FOR MEETINGS
“I head over to Café Roze in East Nashville when it’s time for
business meetings or visits over coffee with friends.
For cocktails with girlfriends, Patterson House is a top choice.”
FAMILY FRIENDLY
“The family-pleasing menu at True Food Kitchen in Green Hills
is both delicious and healthy. We love it!”
Of course, all of the fun can’t be about food when you come from such a musically inclined family. After dinner on a typical weekend, Lily suggests checking out the live music offerings at Robert’s Western World, The Ryman Auditorium or Station Inn. During the festival, it will be dancing along with famous friends and MCFW patrons to DJ Case Bloom and Chicago Plays the Stones.
