NASHVILLE KEY MAGAZINE - DINING

APPLEBEES NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL AND BAR
There are 21 locations in Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky to serve you! For locations, directions and menu information look us up on the web at www.applewow.com. Try our To Go or Carside ToGo service! It's not fast food, it's Applebee's food fast!

FIESTA MEXICANA DOWNTOWN
416 4th Ave. South. One of the most popular downtown restaurants, this authentic Mexican establishment is located one block from the Country Music Hall Of Fame. Voted “Best Restaurant Deck With A View”. Proprietor Esther Gonzales brings years of experience in Mexican cuisine to her customers and as locals know, the lunchtime crowds tell the tale of quality and service. All your favorites are served 7 days a week beginning at 11am. go to www.nashville.citysearch.com/profile/34114984. Call 615-259-0110 for evening hours.

GENERAL JACKSON SHOWBOAT
For a unique dining experience, take a cruise on a 300ft paddlewheel riverboat! Midday cruises offer a southern lunch buffet and a great country music and comedy show by Tim Watson. You will be wowed by Tim’s amazing fiddle playing. A special Gospel Brunch Cruise on June 18 will feature the Gospel Enforcers. Elegant evening cruises include a three-course dinner and a Broadway-style music show entitled Sing! Climb aboard to hear some of Music City’s most talented performers. TIP: For the best seats in the house and white glove service, ask about the Captain’s Table available on evening cruises. Get your tickets at any Ticketmaster location or by calling 615-458-3900. www.generaljackson.com.

H.R.H. DUMPLIN'S RESTAURANT AND BAKERY
428 Main Street. Historic Downtown Franklin. Serving some of the most delicious homemade bread, unbelievably-sized desserts, and wonderful lunch fare in one of Franklin’s fully restored historic buildings, just 15 miles south of Nashville off I-65 (take exit 96 and follow the signs to Historic Downtown.) Open 7 days a week, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 791-4651 for the most current information.

JACK'S WORLD FAMOUS BBQ
Two locations, 416 Broadway, 254-5715, and 334 Trinity Lane, 228-9888. Jack’s is a Nashville institution, serving mouth-watering bar-b-que to please anybody: Tennessee pork shoulder, Texas beef brisket and St. Louis style rib cuts. Just look for the neon sign with the flying pigs! For more information, log on to www.jacksbarbque.com.

JOHN A’s GOOD FOOD AND GOOD TIMES IN MUSIC VALLEY
Enjoy great catfish, steaks, seafood and more at this Music Valley hotspot. After the Opry or any time you’re in the area join the crowd for live entertainment Monday-Saturday nights. Convenient to all Music Valley hotels, open 3:00pm-midnight, 7 days a week. Beer and drink specials daily. One free house draft per customer per visit. 2421 Music Valley Drive. 615-885-1540. See ad on page 30 for valuable coupon.

LA HACIENDA TAQUERIA AND SUPERMERCADO
Long the center of social life in Nashville’s thriving Hispanic community, this authentic Mexican restaurant and next-door market continue to provide homemade tortillas, tacos, soups and margaritas to an ever growing and extremely loyal clientele who appreciate the hospitality of the Yepez family. This family-friendly establishment features beautiful murals and is consistently voted among the top Mexican restaurants in Nashville. 2615 Nolensville Road just off I-440, 615-256-6142 and their newest location at 3744 Nolensville Rd just north of the Nashville Zoo. 615-781-2802; www.lahaciendainc.com.

LOVELESS CAFé
Nationally acclaimed, frequented by celebrities, world travelers and local appetites alike, the Loveless Cafe remains unchanged in the quaint country charm and genuine Southern cooking that has made it an eating landmark of the South since its doors opened in 1951. Featuring complete breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, the Loveless Cafe is sure to satisfy your craving for one of "the best meals you've ever had." Visit the Loveless Ham & Jams Country Store for lots of take home and gift goodies. 615-646-9700. www.lovelesscafe.com.

MIDTOWN CAFE
102 19th Ave. S. Intimate atmosphere with fresh seafood, steak, crab cakes and lamb. Extensive wine list. Open for lunch Monday - Friday 11:00a.m. - 2:30p.m.; dinner Sunday - Thursday 5:00p.m. - 10:00p.m.; Friday and Saturday until 11:00p.m. Reservations recommended for dinner. Handicapped accessible. Call 320-7176.

MIKADO JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
410 Metroplex Dr., across from YMCA. Take I-24 east to Harding Place exit 56. Enjoy delicious food prepared right at your table in the traditional Japanese fashion. Choose from lobster, shrimp, scallops, steak, chicken, and Japanese vegetables, or try an exotic drink from the cocktail lounge. Open from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call 832-8300 for the most current information. V, MC, AE, DC.

NASHVILLE NIGHTLIFE BREAKFAST AND DINNER THEATER
Nashville's premier Country Music dinner theater has the music and stars that made Music City a household name worldwide. Featuring stars like Diana Murrell, "Just When I Need You Most"; Tommy Cash; Steve Hall and Shotgun Red as well as your favorite Grand Ole Opry Stars. There is entertainment for the entire family. Breakfast shows are at 7:45a.m.; the Great Southern Buffet is at 5:30p.m. and there are dinner shows at 6:30p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Don't miss this Nashville tradition. Dinner and show is $34.95; show only is $22. Call 615-885-4747 for reservations or visit the website at www.nashvillenightlife.com. Located at 2620 Music Valley Dr., 1/4 mile beyond Santa Fe Cantina.

OPRY MILLS RESTAURANTS
ALABAMA GRILL - This 450-seat theme restaurant offers a full bar, entertainment, “World Famous” ribs, freshly prepared salads, seafood and country favorites. A tribute to country music - dine with the stars! Call 514-7000 for information.
AQUARIUM - Dine in this unique atmosphere, surrounded by a 200,000 gallon tank filled with fish from all over the world. Open daily from 11:00a.m. Call (615) 514-FISH for more information or check nashvilleaquarium.com.
JILLIAN’S - This entertainment and dining megaplex offers a full service restaurant, the Video Cafe, serving classic American favorites. Eat, drink, watch sports, shoot pool or get virtual on over 150 of the latest electronic games. Monday - Wednesday from 11:00.m. - 1:00a.m.; Thursday - Saturday 11:00a.m. - 2:00a.m. and Sunday 11:00a.m. - midnight. Call 514-1200 for information.
JOHNNY ROCKETS - An authentic recreation of a 1940s hamburger malt shop. Fresh made burgers, hand-dipped shakes and malts, delicious onion rings and tabletop jukeboxes that play those wonderful familiar old tunes. And the servers may even do a song and dance for you. Call 514-3663 for information.
PICNIC IN THE PARK FOOD COURT - Dining options include Burger King, Carvel, Chili’s Too, Cinnabon, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the Great Steak and Potato Company, Jody Maroni’s Sausage Kingdom, Kelly’s Cajun Grill, Ranch*1, Sbarro, Starbucks Coffee and Yeung’s Lotus Express.
RAINFOREST CAFE - This unique dining concept is an adventure through a realistic indoor rainforest with lush foliage, cascading waterfalls and giant aquariums. The menu has Mexican, Italian, Cajun and Caribbean flavors, and ranges from exotic to traditional. The children’s menu will please your little “wild ones”. Unique souvenirs in the Retail Village. Call 514-3000

RESTAURANTE ZOLA
3001 West End Ave. Zola features an imaginative menu from one of Nashville’s favorite chefs, Debra Paquette. She creates her own, updated interpretation of classic Mediterranean sensibilities, and it is always unique. Zola also has a wine cellar acknowledged three years in a row by Wine Spectator. To see a current menu or for more information, go to their website at www.restaurantzola.com. For reservations, call 320-7778.

SITAR
116 21st. Avenue North, just off West End Avenue. Voted Nashville’s Best Indian Restaurant every year since 1995. Great food and service, moderately priced. Catering any size party. Also in Knoxville. Accepting major credit cards. 321-8889.

SUNSET GRILL
2001-A Belcourt Ave. Nationally acclaimed menu featuring seafood, pastas, steaks, vegetarian and eclectic specials, plus 70 wines by the glass and 300 selections. Featured in Southern Living and on ABC’s 20/20. 2000 DiRona Award winner. Open for lunch Tuesday - Friday 11:00a.m. - 4:45p.m.; dinner 7 nights 5:00p.m. - 1:30a.m. Handicapped accessible, valet parking. Call 386-3663 (FUN-FOOD) or visit www.sunsetgrill.com.

VALENTINO’S RISTORANTE
1907 West End Avenue. For an enjoyable dining experience, Valentino’s is Nashville’s best. Specializing in Northern Italian fare and featuring entrees of veal, chicken, pasta, and beef, along with a wide array of seafood. To complement your meal, choose from a full Italian wine list or perhaps a specially-prepared dessert. Lunch and dinner are served Monday through Saturday. Valet service is available. Major credit cards and reservations accepted. Call 327-0148.

WILDHORSE SALOON
Located downtown at 120 Second Ave. N., the Wildhorse Saloon does double duty as a restaurant and country music club. Open for lunch at 11:00am Thursday ˆ Sunday and dinner nightly. An extensive menu is served including their famous barbecue, steaks and delicious salads. Get out on their huge dance floor and learn the latest dance steps with free dance lessons and live bands every weekend. Kick up your heels and have some fun! Hours subject to change due to private events. 615-902-8200. www.wildhorsesaloon.com