The Standard

167 Rosa L Parks Blvd
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 254-1277
http://www.thestandardnashville.com

Some friends and I recently heard about a wine tasting event at The Standard on Thursday nights for $5, so we decided to try it out last night. The menu included four wines from Mendoza, Argentina paired with appetizer plates. The wines and appetizers were incredible, and all very well paired. Chef Joe Shaw took time with each to help us understand why he made the pair, and in general why each wine went well the type of food.

The pairings included:

• Trivento Torrontes, Mendoza 2006
  Raw Apalachicola Oyster with Ganache Rose Mignonette
• Terrazas Chardonnay, Mendoza 2006
  Shrimp and Corn Fritter with Cherry Tomato Salsa
• Crois de Susana Balbo Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2004
  Cinnamon Cured Duck Breast with Black Cherry Sauce and Cream Grits
• Diseno Malbec, Mendoza 2005
  Veal Marsala with Wild Mushrooms and Garlic Custard

We enjoyed the wine tasting so much that we decided to stay for more. Owner Joshua Smith treated us to a tour of the beautiful house, and then we headed out to the newly renovated courtyard. We ordered a bottle of wine (Bollini Pinot Grigio) and a couple of appetizers to share. I was very excited to try the fried mirliton with andouille sausage, Louisiana crawfish, and hollandaise sauce. As with all of the food from the wine tasting, this was delicious, and I would highly recommend it. We also ordered the artichoke crab meat and goat cheese salad on grilled potato bread. This was pretty tasty, though not quite as great as the mirliton.

Overall, we really enjoyed The Standard. The wine and food were all amazing. However, while the wine tasting was a great deal, the menu prices are steep. Soups and salads range $5-8, appetizers range $10-14, and entrees range $18-30. Wines range $8-15 by the glass, $30 and up by the bottle. The lunch menu looks great as well, and is more reasonably priced. We will definitely continue to attend the wine tastings, and I would recommend lunch or dinner to anyone who has a larger budget.

The Nashville Scene recently reviewed The Standard, and you can read their article here:
http://www.nashvillescene.com/Stories/Columns/Dining/2008/05/15/Setting_a_New_Standard/