Nashville, the vibrant capital of Tennessee, is best known for its musical legacy and as the epicenter of country music. However, in recent years, Music City has also been tuning its strings to a different rhythm: that of a diverse and evolving culinary scene. Among the many gastronomic wonders that the city has embraced, Paella—a rich, aromatic rice dish from Valencia, Spain—has found a special place. In this article, we’ll explore the best spots in Nashville to savor this Spanish delicacy.
The Magic of Paella
But first, a brief ode to paella. At its heart, paella is a communal dish, often cooked in large quantities, symbolizing gatherings, celebrations, and unity. The melding of saffron-infused rice with a variety of proteins—be it seafood, rabbit, chicken, or a mix—combined with vegetables and sometimes beans, results in a dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Canela Spanish Restaurant & Tapas
Location: East Nashville
The Experience: Canela, meaning ‘cinnamon’ in Spanish, offers an ambiance that is a blend of rustic and contemporary. Their paella, cooked to order, is a symphony of flavors.
Highlight: The Paella Mixta, a blend of chicken, shrimp, mussels, clams, and chorizo, stands out. The saffron-infused rice, with its slightly crusty bottom called “socarrat”, is sheer perfection.
Barcelona Wine Bar
Location: Edgehill
The Experience: Set in a cozy, wood-centric space with an expansive wine collection, this restaurant is a nod to Spanish culture. The paella here is a testament to authenticity and innovation.
Highlight: The Paella de Mariscos with its generous servings of seafood, perfectly compliments their wine selection. Pair it with a glass of Albariño for a sublime experience.
Santo Tapas & Tequila
Location: Midtown
The Experience: While the name might hint more towards Mexican cuisine, their paella offering is undeniably Spanish. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the rhythmic beats, sets the perfect backdrop for a paella feast.
Highlight: The Vegetarian Paella with its medley of fresh veggies and perfectly seasoned rice offers a delightful option for those seeking plant-based alternatives.
Rumba Cafe
Location: West End Avenue
The Experience: A laid-back vibe, colorful interiors, and a fusion of Latin dishes make Rumba Cafe a must-visit. Their paella, though with a slightly innovative twist, remains rooted in tradition.
Highlight: The Rumba Paella with its inclusion of prime rib and lobster tail is an opulent treat for the senses.
Mercado Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Location: The Gulch
The Experience: Drawing inspiration from traditional Spanish mercados (markets), this spot offers a range of tapas and, of course, paella. Their open kitchen concept allows you to witness the magic as it unfolds.
Highlight: Their Paella Valenciana, a tribute to the dish’s origins, with rabbit, chicken, and green beans, is a journey to the heart of Spain.
Tips to Enhance Your Paella Experience in Nashville:
- Wine Pairing: The right wine can elevate your paella experience. Usually, a white wine like Albariño or a light Spanish red complements the dish wonderfully.
- Savor the Socarrat: The slightly crispy rice at the bottom of the pan is a delicacy. Make sure to scrape it off and enjoy!
- Share: Paella is traditionally a communal dish. Order one for the table and share the joy.
Conclusion
Nashville, with its warm southern charm, has opened its heart to the world’s flavors. The rise in popularity of paella in the city is a testament to its evolving culinary scene. Whether you’re a paella purist or someone seeking a modern twist to the classic, Nashville offers a palette of options. So the next time you’re in Music City, amidst the guitar strums and drumbeats, let the aroma of paella guide you to a delightful culinary experience.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ’s)
Paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish from Valencia, known for its rich flavors, combining saffron-infused rice with various proteins and vegetables. In recent years, Nashville’s evolving culinary scene has embraced diverse global cuisines, with paella finding a special spot among food enthusiasts.
Rumba Cafe, with its Rumba Paella that includes prime rib and lobster tail, provides an innovative twist to the classic dish.
Santo Tapas & Tequila offers a delightful Vegetarian Paella loaded with fresh veggies, making it a great choice for those seeking plant-based alternatives.
Barcelona Wine Bar in Edgehill offers an authentic Spanish ambiance, combined with a traditional approach to paella, especially their Paella de Mariscos.
Yes, Mercado Tapas Bar & Restaurant serves Paella Valenciana, a tribute to the dish’s origins in Valencia, complete with ingredients like rabbit and green beans.
A white wine like Albariño is often recommended with seafood paella, while a light Spanish red can complement meatier versions. Most of the mentioned restaurants, especially Barcelona Wine Bar, have a curated wine list that pairs well with their paella offerings.
Socarrat refers to the slightly crispy, caramelized rice at the bottom of the paella pan. It’s a delicacy and considered by many as the best part of paella, adding texture and intensified flavor to the dish.
Nashville’s rich musical culture has fostered an environment open to diverse experiences. While paella itself doesn’t have a direct link to music, the city’s openness to global flavors and experiences, akin to its musical inclusivity, has made dishes like paella popular.
Nashville’s culinary scene harmoniously blends global flavors, and paella is a dish that resonates well with both locals and visitors. Whether you’re seeking tradition or innovation, Music City has a paella plate that’s sure to strike a chord with your taste buds.
