Sewanee and Nashville Set to Welcome Exciting New Restaurants This Fall

Sewanee and Nashville are Buzzing with New Culinary Ventures!

Hey food lovers! If you’re in or around Sewanee, Tennessee, or Nashville, you’re in for some exciting news in the dining scene. Two remarkable restaurants are gearing up to make their debut, each promising to bring something special to their respective neighborhoods.

Judith: An American Tavern with a Historical Twist

Over in Sewanee, chef Julia Sullivan, known for her outstanding talent and James Beard nomination, is all set to open a brand-new restaurant called Judith this fall. Nestled close to the University of the South campus, this local gem is named after Judith Ward Lineback, a trailblazer who made history in 1969 as the first woman to enroll at the university. It’s such a lovely way to honor a pioneer!

So, what can you expect at Judith? Picture this: a cozy American tavern vibe, with a menu celebrating the seasons. You’ll find delightful shareable small plates and seasonal dishes that promise to please your palate. To complete the experience, Patrick Halloran, the beverage manager from Henrietta Red, will curate a drink menu that I’m sure will be equally impressive.

Judith will take over a historical building that once served as a steam laundry and later housed a bistro called Lumière. Sadly, that bistro closed following the unexpected passing of its owner earlier this year. However, with Julia Sullivan leading the kitchen, there’s a hopeful spirit surrounding the launch of Judith. We can’t wait to see what delicious dishes come out of this kitchen!

The Henry: A Culinary Delight with a Vibrant Atmosphere

Meanwhile, in the heart of Nashville’s lively 12 South neighborhood, restaurateur Sam Fox is bringing his beloved restaurant concept, The Henry, to life on September 25. This location will be the sixth of its kind, following in the footsteps of other successful branches scattered across cities like Arizona, Texas, California, and Florida.

Set within a stylish two-level space at the 12 South Collection, The Henry will offer a mouth-watering menu boasting dishes like spicy tuna and crispy rice, short rib potstickers, and Korean skirt steak with sensational fried rice. Sounds yummy, right? Plus, there’s a 68-seat bar where you can unwind with crafted cocktails.

Sam Fox, the founder of Fox Restaurant Concepts, expressed excitement about opening in this bustling neighborhood, saying, “The Henry is a place for everyone, whether you’re here for a business lunch, brunch with friends, or a date night.” That really captures the essence of what dining out should be all about, doesn’t it?

The Henry will be open daily, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a perfect spot for any meal of the day. Picture enjoying a leisurely brunch with your buddies or a cozy dinner; it sounds like the ideal spot to gather and share good food with great company.

Kisser: Celebrated Chefs Making Waves

chefs Leina Horii and Brian Lea? Those incredible talents from Nashville’s Kisser have just been honored on Food & Wine magazine’s prestigious Best New Chefs list! They focus on Japanese BBQ and have quickly made a name for themselves since Kisser opened in mid-2022.

Even more exciting, Kisser also earned recognition from Bon Appétit, which placed them at No. 12 on its list of 20 Best New Restaurants of 2024. It’s thrilling to see local chefs recognized on such a significant scale!

A Culinary Renaissance

Whether it’s the exciting opening of Judith in Sewanee or the upcoming debut of The Henry in Nashville, it’s clear that both cities are experiencing a culinary renaissance. Every day, it feels more like a food lover’s paradise. So, mark your calendars and prepare your appetites, because these new dining experiences are sure to shine bright in their communities!

Stay tuned, because we’ll keep an eye on these openings and share the delicious details. Here’s to more incredible food experiences in Tennessee!