The Yellow Porch in Berry Hill

It's the beginning of spring and the famed herb garden in front of The Yellow Porch restaurant, at 734 Thompson Lane, showed off a colorful display of Little Mother-In-Laws (well, that's what we call pansies in Swiss German).

In any case, this eatery, according to my husband, could have been taken straight from East Nashville. If you like Yuppie-business chic with an extended wine menu and a distinct bar, you're at the right place.

The ambiance is definitely artsy. Along the black, red and yellow walls we were able to enjoy modern art displays for sale. I love artsy.

But I like "light" or legere artsy. Overall, the restaurant lighting was rather dark for my taste  - and it was only 5:30 p.m. when we got there. Plus, the tables were a little crowded. As I said, we were early, so patrons were just starting to come in. I can imagine by the time this eatery is packed, it's rather noisy. However, there was a nice porch. I just didn't want to enjoy the nice afternoon watching gas-guzzlers racing up and down Thompson Lane.



Moroccan Spiced Salmon



The menu was a rather nice surprise. You can order an entree for $18 (the range was about $15-$27). Hubby chose the Marinate Chicken Breast with Linguini Pasta Pie, Spinach and Shaved Fennel - the herbs and Cacciatore sauce made the meal. He started with a house salad and the following comment for my blog, "It's the kind of place where you ask for a house salad and are not given a choice of dressing. It comes automatically with a vinaigrette."

He really liked the Lignuini Pasta Pie, which he said reminded him of a quiche (disclosure: we both are rather partial to a good quiche).

Now to my choice. I went with the Moroccan Spiced Salmon.

I love coconut and the Coconut Ginger Basamati Rice really hit the spot. The salmon was delicious, but the most outstanding feature of my meal definitely was the Shiitake Crab Ponzu Broth.

In my capacity as a Henauer Non-Connoisseuse, I am officially granting the Yellow Porch the Gold Metal of the Non-Connoisseuse Blog for the Shiitake Crab Ponzu Broth. Congratulations!

Doggy Bag Revue

Stanley is a highly sophisticated dog. He holds a doctorate degree in Tasteology and has an IQ of 25. His eclectic taste buds ("taste butts" for his many doggie followers) hold a reputation beyond the Tackett family yard.

While he is often victimized for his outstanding evaluations and sharp tongue, he knows how to manipulate his way into the hearts of all visitors and thus, regularly snaps the best bites directly from the table.

Here are his comments:

The selfish brood of masters did not bring me much of a doggie bag. I only managed to get a taste of the Gold-metalled sauce, which was truly worth the taste. It was easy on the tongue, smooth to the tooth and rolled down my throat like a waltz.

Five wags for the Shiitake Crab Ponzu Broth.