From candied pecan pie to golden fried chicken, the food of the American South is famed for being a challenge on the waistline, but good for the soul. Nashville-based chef and TV personality, Maneet Chauhan of Chauhan Ale & Masala House, takes The Club on a tour of Music City’s most delicious secrets

Breakfast worth getting up early for
You have to try cult-classic Biscuit Love for their famous southern biscuits (like a fluffy English scone, but without sugar or eggs), served as both sweet and savory dishes. However, their take on a donut – or ‘bonut’ as they call it –  is really to die for. On Sundays? Head over to Tànsuǒ (pictured page top) for a dim sum brunch, served between 10:30am and 2:30pm. The restaurant wheels out the dishes in traditional, full cart service style, and is super fun when you’re with friends.

A classic foodie souvenir you can take home
Loveless Café is a Nashville institution serving delicious fried chicken and southern biscuits for more than 65 years. You can buy their famous biscuit mix in-store or online. For another sweet treat, grab yourself a GooGoo cluster from the downtown store (below) – a classic southern candy featuring milk chocolate, caramel, peanuts and marshmallow nougat.

Dining experience worth leaving town for
I’d have to say Mantra Artisan Ales Taproom in Franklin, which is just outside Nashville. It doesn’t have dining, but is totally worth it for drinking. The beers made here are best-sellers in my restaurant, and each has its own exotic flavour.

The classic southern spot
It has to be Arnold’s Country Kitchen – a Nashville classic specialising in the southern tradition of ‘meat and three’ – one meat and three side dishes. Each day of the week they put on a slightly different menu of options, so you could call in every day and have something new each time.

Where to impress on a date
For something outstanding, it has to be Etch. They serve up adventurous food in a contemporary hip setting in the thriving 12 South neighbourhood of Nashville. Another great spot would be Rolf and Daughters (below) – classic Nashville with great food and even better vibes.

A great place for a post-dinner drink
The atmosphere at Bastion really makes it stand out, with cool, industrious decor and some of the best service in Nashville. I love to go in after a dinner meeting, or after a special event, for one of their great cocktails.

The best grab-and-go snack
Hattie B’s hot chicken – this is what Nashville is all about. There are three locations throughout Nashville and it really is one of the best destinations for classic diner grub. Try the hot chicken – it's a dish that originated in the city and is very spicy (not for the faint of heart), but so flavourful. 

Maneet Chauhan is the executive chef at Chauhan Ale & Masala House. To find out more, visit chauhannashville.com

Interview by Hannah Ralph

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This article has been tagged Food + Drink, Travel Tips