The Catbird Seat

There are a lot of exciting things happening in Nashville right now. There is construction everywhere. It has elements of a big city but with a laid-back feel. There’s music, art, food, fashion, sports, good coffee, over 20 colleges and universities, and the airport is only 15 minutes away. They could use some tips on how to turn left at the light but it was a small price to pay and quite refreshing to hear lots of manners being used all over the city like: Hello, Please, Excuse Me, and Thank You.

Ryan Poli, originally from Chicago, has spent the last few years traveling around the world and also cooking at Blue Hill Stone Barns, Noma and the Noma pop-up in Japan. I was able to get a taste of his cooking upon his return at a pop-up held at Chicago’s Jam Restaurant, and before that, at the now closed, but swanky Tavernita and lively Barcito.

I was thrilled to hear Ryan was taking over the kitchen at The Catbird Seat in Nashville. It’s the perfect place to nourish and develop ideas from his inspirational travels and turn it into good food.

The menu was dynamic yet cohesive with Japanese, Italian and New Nordic influences. The flavors and textures were balanced, ranging from bright and acidic to fresh and crisp with comforting bites like pasta or risotto stepping in at all the right moments. The pacing of the courses flowed nicely and was the perfect amount of food but they really should have let me eat 10 more cookies even though I was full. 😉

The staff was friendly, the energy was fun, the food was phenomenal. Ryan Poli really is sitting in The Catbird Seat.

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Chips and Cultured Dairy
Chips and Cultured Dairy
Winter Squash and Caviar Tart
Winter Squash and Caviar Tart

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Hama Hama Oyster, Mushroom Broth, Pine Nuts
Hama Hama Oyster, Mushroom Broth, Pine Nuts
Catching up with friends at The Catbird Seat
Catching up with my beautiful friends at The Catbird Seat
Duck Custard Chawanmushi Style Steelhead Roe
Duck Custard Chawanmushi Style Steelhead Roe
Risotto of Sunflower Seeds, Fermented Sunflower Root
Risotto of Sunflower Seeds, Fermented Sunflower Root
Fork tie clip
Fork tie clip
Holy Mackerel, Miso, Citrus, Garlic
Holy Mackerel, Miso, Citrus, Garlic

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Wakame Seaweed Bucatini, Yuzu Kosho Topped with Shaved Scallop Jerky
Wakame Seaweed Bucatini, Yuzu Kosho Topped with Shaved Scallop Jerky

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Hamachi, Cashew, Lardo
Hamachi, Cashew, Lardo
Bear Creek Farms Strip Loin Umami Crust, Shisho, Eggplant
Bear Creek Farms Strip Loin Umami Crust, Shisho, Eggplant
Panna Cotta of Very Good Milk and Lemony Olive Oil
Panna Cotta of Very Good Milk and Lemony Olive Oil

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Toppings for Panna Cotta dessert
Toppings for dessert
Bitter Chocolate, Orange, Matcha, Roasted Seaweed
Bitter Chocolate, Orange, Matcha, Roasted Seaweed

The wines (champagne not shown). Click on the collage for larger photo and description.

Ryan Poli at The Catbird Seat Nashville
Ryan Poli at The Catbird Seat Nashville
Cookie time
Cookie time
Cookie time
Cookie time
Cookies! Roasted Sesame, Bitter Chocolate, Orange Matcha
Cookies! Roasted Sesame, Bitter Chocolate, Orange Matcha
Menu at The Catbird Seat
Menu at The Catbird Seat
The Catbird Seat family
The Catbird Seat family

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Info

The Catbird Seat | 1711 Division St, Nashville, TN | 615 810 8200

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