Friday, September 20, 2013

Alfresco Dining at the Carnton Plantation

Although Steve and I have only lived in Franklin for a short four weeks, we are already in love with this town. Live music while dining is everywhere! Our newest experience came last night. We enjoyed alfresco dining at the beautiful Carnton Plantation, sight of one of the monumental conflicts of the Civil War, the Battle of Franklin. A five course meal was served on vintage china next to the beautiful garden and live oak surrounding the historic home.




The night began with cocktails and appetizers. One appetizer consisted of biscuits topped with apple butter and goat cheese. I would have never thought of that combination, but it was wonderful. Now I'm thinking this is another way to enjoy Mom's homemade apple butter. There's no sense in saving it for breakfast anymore!


The other appetizer was a wonderful twist to traditional barbecue. It was served on sweet potato cornbread cakes, topped with pickles. Yum!


A charming espresso and coffee bar was also available:


Now for the rest of the menu:


First course:  Fire roasted tomato sweet corn bisque with country ham dust


Second course: A salad of baby spinach greens, beets, red onions and cranberries with a maple mustard vinaigrette, spiced pumpkin seeds and crumbled feta


Third course: Barbecue spiced gulf shrimp with white cheddar Anson Mills grits (my favorite!)


Fourth course: Smoked beef brisket, braised collards, turnips puree and pickled root vegetables. (The vegetables were so bad that I had to contain my giggles!)



Fifth course: Jack Daniel's pecan pie, whiskey creme fraiche, Olive & Sinclair chocolate (Steve's favorite course. Not even close.)


Open air. Full moon. Live music. Diverse crowd. Good food. Great conversation. Magnificent landscape. Rich history. What a fun experience!



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