Foodie Fridays: My Favorite Places to Eat in Nashville

Sadly, whenever I plan a trip home, one of the main things that my sister and I plot out is the restaurants we want to go to while I'm in Nashville. Although we should probably venture out and try more new places, here are my tried and true places to get a bite to eat in Nashville:

Anatolia: I know that there must be excellent Turkish restaurants in Boston, none that I have tried compare to Anatolia. Although this restaurant is situated in a strip mall, the food here is first rate. From the fresh bread and spiced olive oil served before each meal to the hearty (and generous) entrees to the decadent baklava, everything I've ever had here has been excellent. The one caveat to the place is that the service can be inconsistent, but I am willing to overlook a less than friendly waiter for the good food (and the good prices). If you are going through Hot Kabobs withdrawal (like my sister, who loved this tiny Nashvillian restaurant), Anatolia is a good choice.

Bobbie's Dairy Dip: I used to eat here so much that it is embarrassing. Besides being deliciously retro (it is housed in an old drive-in), this restaurant also serves wonderful burgers, fries (Belgian style), onion rings, and soft serve ice cream.

The Cupcake Collection: Cupcake places seem like a dime a dozen in almost any city, but The Cupcake Collection has a number of advantages over many (if not all) of them. In addition to the excellent frosting to cake ratio (they don't go overboard on the frosting, which is very important to me), the cake is always moist and light. This bakery also offers some delicious flavors, including strawberry (my sister's favorite), sweet potato, coconut cream, key lime, and red velvet. When added to the fact that the cupcakes are only $1.50 each (take that, Magnolia Bakery!) and that the staff is always friendly, this just might be cupcake heaven.

The Loveless Cafe: While it is a bit of a tourist trap, the Loveless has great country-style cooking (biscuits, fried chicken, country ham. My personal favorite things about the Loveless are the sweet tea and the biscuits and preserves that come with most (if not all) of the meals. If you can't make it to Nashville, the Loveless also ships its preserves, biscuit mix, and other items. While the biscuit mix can't compare to getting the real thing in the restaurant, it is an acceptable substitute.

Pancake Pantry: This is another tourist trap, but it has certainly earned its reputation as being a place to go when in Nashville. With over 20 varieties, the pancakes are the main draw here, but definitely try the hash browns. Also, avoid this place on the weekend, unless you feel like waiting in line for what seems like an eternity.

Satay: Located near Vanderbilt, this Asian grill is a hidden jewel among all of the fast food joints and chain restaurants in the area. Not only is it fast, it is also a pretty cheap place to grab a nutritious and tasty meal.

What to Do When You're in Nashville

Sorry I've been MIA recently, but I just got back from a quick trip to my hometown. Even though I like Boston, there is a lot I love about Nashville. Although Nashville is probably best known for country music (sigh), it is far from the only thing worth visiting in the city. If you are headed down to Tennessee but have no idea what to do once you get there, here are a few humble suggestions:

Take a stroll through Centennial Park: Not only is the park beautiful, but it is also home to a replica of the Parthenon, complete with a statue of Athena. While someone had the terribly misguided idea to gild Athena at some point during my high school/college years, standing at the foot of the statue is still an awe-inspiring experience (just don't look at her too long - you might be blinded). As an added bonus, Centennial Park also has some great programs in the summer, including Movies in the Park and Shakespeare in the Park.

Spend some quality time in the main branch of the Nashville Public Library: The Nashville Public Library holds a special place in my heart. Besides being gorgeous, the main branch has a great non-fiction section and a wonderful cafe. Even though parking can be a bit tricky, spending the day there is definitely worth the minor hassle.

Visit the Frist Center for the Visual Arts: Another beautiful building in the city, the Frist hosts a number of rotating exhibitions as well as some work by local artists.

Window shop in downtown Franklin: One of my friends once said that downtown Franklin has a quaint, almost Mayberryish feel to it (with a little Stepford thrown in for good measure). While she didn't mean it in a complimentary way, I actually like downtown Franklin's square and their assortment of (mostly) independent shops. My personal favorite place to visit there is Bathos, which is like a less aggressive version of Lush (which I love but find too fragrant sometimes).

Pet the kittens and puppies at Love at First Site: Before I got a cat, I got my kitten-fix at this kitten and puppy adoption center in Sylvan Park. The staff is super-friendly, and the kittens and puppies are beyond cute.

Stay tuned for my favorite places to eat in Nashville!

My Hometown Under Water

While my current home of Boston has recently had some water issues (namely, a busted water main and a boil water order), my hometown of Nashville has had it considerably worse.

Luckily, my friends and family seem okay. However, the city as a whole is devastated, and with the focus on the oil spill in the Gulf and the car bomb in New York, Tennessee hasn't gotten a lot of national coverage.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

If you are able to, please donate to the Middle Tennessee Red Cross or to The Community Foundation. While the people of Tennessee are a plucky folk, the city and state will need all of the help it can get.