1 Kitchen: 1 Hotel Nashville
With the massive influx of of name brand hotels having opened in Nashville the past few years, I have to be honest, it can be difficult to distinguish one from the other. Swanky, clean-lined lobby’s with grand bars and marble floors, mixed with galaxy-like carpet patterns and a second-story steak house seems to be the norm for a downtown stay. While I’m sure given the opportunity for a rib-eye, a dry red, and a city view I’d absolutely enjoy myself, I was oh-so-very pleasantly surprised to walk into the 1 Hotel.
Located directly across from the convention center on Demonbreun, you’ll spy an oversized, glowing “1” and an abundance of greenery. When entering street side, your first view is this wildly tall bar, lots natural, warm wood, and even more plants! The interior really gives that neutral, California-cozy feel. I truly have nothing else in town to compare it to, it all just felt very relaxed, but sophisticated farm-to-table feel without the typical southern odes. Seating areas included the lobby bar, a lounge area flourishing with textures, and the main restaurant, 1 Kitchen. In total Nashville fashion, acoustic live music began right around our arrival at 11, and we couldn’t help but notice that the space was very well soundproofed. We were both very glad not to notice all the “woooooo” girls (don’t get me wrong, I love the enthusiasm), loud cars, and general commotion if it passed by.
Because it was Saturday and it was brunch time, we both started with a drink. I went for the Berry Agave Mimosa [GH Mumm Napa Rosé, Nashville Jam Company strawberry & jalapeño, 21 Seed jalapeño & cucumber tequila, orange]. Given all the ingredients featured, I was worried it would be a little sweet for my taste, but everything really came together quite perfectly, and I’d order this over a classic mimosa any day! Tim requested his go-to cocktail from the bar; a spicy mezcal margarita. Can’t go wrong!
When it came to food, we knew we had to divide and conquer. While I hate being that person who gets the burger because, in my mind, the burger is there for the person that doesn’t know what to get, but it just sounded SOO GOOOOOD. And holy cow, it was! Two crispy patties, perfectly ridgey pickles, saaaaaucy, and fluffy overflowing lettuce — if you enjooy a good burger, get the 1 Burger [dijon, lettuce, tomato, pickle, pimento cheese, brioche bun]. Naturally, we got the side of Parmesan Truffle Fries and Garlic Aioli.
For lighter fare, I never shy from a Butter Lettuce Salad [Rocky Glade Farm radish, citrus, ricotta salata, sunflower seeds, shallot vinaigrette] with the Seared Salmon. And yes, it was wonderful, it never fails. And the salmon skin was oh so crispy, it was gone very quickly. The little bits of citrus (grapefruit I believe) were very nice treasures to find weaved into the lettuce.
For the sweet side of things, we went for the Waffle French Toast [grilled stone fruit, buttered pecan ice cream, maple syrup]. Absolutely no complaints.
Overall, I’d say this is one of few spots in the downtown area I’d go out of my way to come back to, and would definitely recommend it to any friends and family wanting to stay in the heart of Nashville, or staycation. Stay up-to-date on their Instagram for the opening of their rooftop bar, Harriet’s!