NASHVILLE, TN
AVO was our first destination after touching down in Nashville. I could hardly wait to try one of the drool-worthy dishes I’d been scoping out online in preparation for this trip. And coincidentally, we returned for our last meal before jetting back to Los Angeles—the food was absolutely worth a second round.
Owned and operated by the beautiful and kind Annie Choo, AVO isn’t just a great place for a healthy, plant-based meal; it’s also perfect for unwinding with friends. Pro Tip: AVO offers a happy hour menu Tuesday through Friday, 4:30p to 6p, and it includes the frozen Avocado Margarita for only 9 buckaroos.
Kale Caesar
Come hungry because Chef James Ford not only crafts exquisite vegan meals but artistically plates them in generous portions, like the Kale Caesar that made my jaw drop when brought to the table. I didn’t think I could finish it all, but it was so delicious and satisfying that not a single chopped leaf was left. The salad is piled high with tomato, roasted garlic, crispy chickpeas, hemp, and cashew parmesan and tossed in a walnut Caesar dressing. I loved the crunchy chickpeas as a clever alternative to croutons.
Mommy dearest went with the raw pasta entree: zucchini noodles, tomato sauce, hemp, basil pesto, almond ricotta, and tomato. Doesn’t she look gorgeous? I snuck a few bites from Mom’s plate and feelings of envy set in. I wanted all of my food and hers too. 😁
Lentil-Walnut Burger
AVO’s Lentil-Walnut Burger was one of the greatest burgers I’ve ever had. The patty—a combination of lentils and walnuts—is topped with vegan muenster, lettuce, tomato, onion, beet ketchup, and chickpea mayo. I ordered roasted potatoes as a side and happy danced in my seat with every mouthful.
If we had a few more days in Nashville, I would have loved to try the Buffalo Cauliflower Wrap—seasoned and roasted florets, kale slaw, tomato, and red onion wrapped in a spinach tortilla and served with house ranch and buffalo sauce—and the Raw Pad Thai—zucchini and kelp noodles, shredded carrot and cabbage, Thai peanut sauce, sesame, and coconut flakes. Maybe I’d squeeze in the Cheese Board and Kimchi Spring Rolls also.
For you wild ones, AVO offers a selection of red and white wines, brunch accompaniments—Cinnamon Pear Mimosa and Bloody Mary—and cocktails like Professor Pecan, Marmalade Skies, and Mom’s Meletti: Sombra mezcal, Meletti, espresso, demerara, orange, and Angostura bitters.
Avocado Margarita
Full or not, there was no way I could leave without trying AVO’s signature Avocado Margarita, a creamy blend of reposado, cilantro, lime, and of course avocado. Garnished with orange dust and lime salt, this icy treat definitely lives up to the hype.
With a nice mid-afternoon buzz, we were off to the next stop on our agenda. (Mom got to be the designated driver.)
For more deliciously kind vegan food in Nashville, check out The Southern V!
EXPLORING THE CITY
We did not limit ourselves to the tour of vegan restaurants. Oh, no. Our last afternoon in Nashville was spent souvenir shopping downtown. The chilly weather and holiday decorations added a nice touch. Lucky for us, we found plenty of things we absolutely did not need, like keychains, shot glasses, beer koozies, magnets, and t-shirts. 🙄 Ahh, whatever. It was a good time!
2nd Avenue, Downtown Nashville