Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I hope you're decked out in green so you aren't harassed in the office all day. 

{The Friendly Son's of St. Patrick in Mobile's St. Patrick's Day Parade}

As promised in my last post, we are going to make more of an effort to highlight some of our favorite things about our hometown, Mobile, AL... not just the places we travel. And, how appropriate that today is St. Patricks Day... one of Mobile's best celebrations. Most Americans think Boston, Chicago, Savannah, etc. when they think St. Patrick's Day. But, if you want a local, laid back, secretly awesome (at least it's a secret to any non-Mobilians) St. Patrick's Day, head to Mobile. The St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off the festivities and my favorite place to end the day is with a green beer at Callaghan's Irish Social Club (which is also the home of my all time favorite burger).

{Callaghan's Irish Social Club St. Patty's Celebration} 

I know it's probably too late to make it down to Mobile to celebrate tonight. But, if you're near by, hop in the car and head our way... Mobile would love to have you celebrate with us!

-mrs.h 

Mr. & Mrs. M // Inside the boutiques of Ann & Sid Mashburn

We are back from ATL! And, what a perfect weekend getaway it was. One of my favorite stops was our jaunt to the boutiques of another husband & wife duo... Ann and Sid Mashburn. 

Their goods are perfectly curated and give classic, Southern style a fresh twist. Even if you're just in the mood to browse, it's worth a trip to walk around and be inspired by the interiors and merchandising in both shops. I'm obsessed with the residential feel of the boutiques. I seriously would move into these shops if I could. I'm enamored with way they seamlessly merged the his-and-hers look of both stores.  

Next time you're in Atlanta, make sure to stop by Ann and Sid Mashburn. And, while you're there mosey next door for a delightful treat at Jeni's (our all time favorite ice cream).

-mrs.h  

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What'll ya have?? // The Varsity

Sorry for the silence! We've been on the go so much that we haven't had enough time to sit down and write. 

We're about to leave again. This time we're heading to Atlanta, GA for the weekend. Oh, Hotlanta... home of Coca-Cola, Gone with the Wind, MLK, the '96 Summer Olympics, the world's busiest airport, and so much more!

Atlanta's food scene is exploding with new, exciting restaurants. But, nothing can beat the city's most famous restaurant... The Varsity. 

The drive-in that started in 1928 is now the largest drive-in in the world! And, for good reason. There are few things that top a Varsity Hot Dog paired with an FO (a.k.a. a frosted orange shake). The restaurant reportedly makes two miles of hot dogs, a ton of onions, 2500 pounds of potatoes, 5000 fried pies, and 300 gallons of chili from scratch daily! It is the ultimate home of greasy goodness!!

When you enter The Varsity's doors you enter a world in-and-of-itself. There is a lingo that developed as the fast moving cashiers tried to speed up orders. You’ve got to be ready when you approach the cashier. As soon as you hear, “What’ll you have?” you’ve got to spout your order in The Varsity’s language. Here’s a refresher on the lingo so you can make sure you have your “order in your mind” before your next trip to The Varsity.

-mr.&mrs.h 

{A VARSITY LINGO GUIDE}

Hot Dog	a hot dog with chili and mustard
Chili Dog	same as a hot dog
Naked Dog	a plain hot dog in a bun
M.K. Dog	a naked dog with mustard and ketchup
Regular C Dog	a chili dog with ketchup only
Red Dog	a naked dog with ketchup only
Yellow Dog	a naked dog with mustard only
Yankee Dog	same as a yellow dog
Heavy Dog	a hot dog with extra chili
Walk a Dog (or Steak)	a hot dog (or hamburger) to go
Steak	a hamburger with mustard, ketchup, and pickle
Chili Steak	a hamburger with chili
Glorified Steak	a hamburger with mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato
Mary Brown Steak (or Dog)	a plain hamburger (or hot dog) without a bun
Naked Steak	a plain hamburger
Sally Rand	a naked hamburger
Sally Rand Through the Garden	a naked hamburger with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise
N.I. Orange	a Varsity Orange without ice
F.O.	a frosted orange shake
Joe-ree	coffee with cream
P.C.	pure chocolate milk (always served with ice)
N.I.P.C.	a P.C. without ice
All The Way	with onions (on a hot dog, hamburger, etc.)
Bag of Rags	a bag of chips
Ring One	order of onion rings
Strings	French fries
Sideways	onions on the side
V.O.	Varsity Orange, the original carbonated orange soda drink
L.G.	Lazy Gordy, a Naked Dog and a Sprite

belle chèvre // elkmont, al

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had an incredible one. We went to my hometown and spent Thanksgiving with my family. A few years ago, my parents started a new tradition called the "Christmas Adventure." They plan a surprise trip to places that are within a few hours drive from our home. This year they did the Christmas Adventure during Thanksgiving since we weren't going to be together over Christmas. 

{the cheese plate}

{honey goat cheese ice cream}

This year's adventure had two stops. The first was Belle Chèvre  in Elkmont, Alabama. Belle Chèvre is a world renowned goat cheese creamery and when you taste their cheese you know why! It's mild and each flavor (which include fig, honey, tuscan, pimento, and more) is incredibly delicious. Belle Chèvre has a small cafe (The Cheese Shop) that offers cheese plates, sandwiches, and fondue... all of which feature their cheeses. And, you can't leave the cheese shop without trying the goat cheese ice cream - it was one of the best ice creams I've ever tasted in my life!!!

{the creamery}

{cheese makers at work}

{my siblings playing with the goats}

Then we toured The Creamery, where the cheese is made. We got to peek into the cheese making and play with the goats! The Creamery is housed in Elkmont's old cotton warehouse. Belle Chèvre has done an incredible job renovating the building. If you need a day trip from TN, GA, or MS, Elkmont is in North Alabama and it's an easy drive from many surrounding cities. And, if you are a cyclist, bring your bike. The Richard Martin trail has made Elkmont a popular destination for many cycling enthusiasts. Maybe you and your family could make Belle Chèvre a Christmas Adventure of your own!
-mrs.h

unforgettable night on frenchman street // new orleans

Mrs. H and I just got back from a weekend couples trip to New Orleans. Being from Mobile, I went to New Orleans several times a year growing up. I have always loved the city, but this trip gave me the opportunity to see New Orleans from a different angle.

We crashed at the home of some friends - on Bourbon Street no less. People watching from their balcony could be a weekend getaway in itself (i.e. the across the street neighbor who sat indian style and stared at us as if we were invaders to [his/her???] space). 

A highlight of the weekend was exploring Frenchman Street, the authentic first cousin to Bourbon Street. We started our time by exploring the Frenchman Art Market, the refreshingly uncluttered street market with art you might actually want to display in your home. 

Frenchman Art Market

Everybody needs light-up furniture

The Spotted Cat took the crown as my new favorite bar in New Orleans. I'm no bar critic, but I have well defined opinions of what I don't like. Upon entering The Spotted Cat, I could tell we were in for a treat. 

Meschiya Lake and The Little Big Horns were playing, and we all were rapt from the first note. After doing a little research, I discovered the Meschiya has quite the story to tell (she was a light-bulb eating burlesque clown in a former life - no lie). I don't think I have ever seen a group perform at a bar with so much passion. The musicians were like school boys who had just held a girls hand for the first time. Needless to say, The Spotted Cat can expect to have a repeat visit from Mr. and Mrs. H.

The Spotted Cat Music Club // Meschiya Lake & The Little Big Horns

-mr.h

marché | nashville

Our favorite brunch spot in Nashvegas is hands down Marché. Marché is the brainchild of Margot McCormack, who has spearheaded the revival of East Nashville's food scene. The atmosphere is ideal for brunch -- it's sunny and happy. You feel like it's the perfect weekend morning every time you enter Marché's doors. Plus, it's located in an old telephone switching building that's full of character and personality. 

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But, onto the most important aspect... the food. Although you can't get attached to one "favorite" because the menu focuses on seasonal cuisine and is ever-changing, you won't be disappointed with any new item you choose. The blood orange mimosas are usually on the menu and are the perfect counterpart for any brunch order. 

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Be forewarned, Marché's line for brunch is typically out the door. Either arrive early or prepare to wait. The good news is that you can enjoy Marché's delicious coffee while you wait. Hope you get to taste this brunch bliss soon! (Sidenote: Marché's sister restaurant, Margot Café, is one of Nashville's other standouts that you don't want to miss.) 
-mrs.h

mansion on forsyth park | savannah, ga

{Mansion on Forsyth Park}

Savannah, Georgia is one of my favorite spots in the South East. I love the way that tradition and cutting-edge creativity both prosper there. It seems to me that most cities have a hard time finding the balance that Savannah enjoys. Many cities either become so focused moving forward that they forgetting their history or they do the opposite and hold onto history so tightly that they dig their heels in the ground and won't allow creativity and change to flourish. 

{Forsyth Park}

With a nickname like "The Hostess City of the South" you know hospitality will not be lacking in Savannah. To experience the graces of Savannah's hospitality, I'd recommend staying at the Mansion on Forsyth Park. This 1888 mansion has been carefully restored and sits across from the beautiful Savannah landmark, Forsyth Park. The hotel's design reflects the character of Savannah's history in the building's classic exterior and the city's thriving creative scene in it's modern interior.  

{shopSCAD}

The Mansion on Forsyth Park is also situated in the perfect location to venture out and explore all the wonder Savannah has to offer. The possibilities are endless... from meandering through the surrounding historic district to discovering the nearby art galleries. Savannah is also the home to the Savannah College of Art and Design, which is a hub of the Southern art scene. The school has a great shop, ShopSCAD, which features art by SCAD's students. ShopSCAD is also in walking distance from the hotel and sits next to several other neat shops and eateries. 
-mrs.h

la petite grocery | new orleans

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Clearly, we love traveling and we love food. Needless to say, traveling to a food city makes our hearts sing. On a recent trip to New Orleans, I finally got to try La Petite Grocery. I'd been trying to make it there during our last few trips to Nola, but hadn't been able to. Fiinnnallllllyyyyy, I was able to tastes the delights of this wonderful place. And, I was not disappointed!! In the midst of restaurant greats (Galatoire's, Commander's Palace, etc), it totally holds it's own. In fact, it may be my no. 1 pick in New Orleans right now. I loooooved it. 

The Blue Crab Beignets are one of the best appetizers I've ever put in my mouth. I was with a group of friends and every entree ordered was amazing. I love the restaurant's design -- it feels classically New Orleans with a little freshness added to the mix. It's housed in an old grocery store (hints the name). And, you know my love for historic architecture... I was in heaven. To sum La Petite Grocery up in a phrase: "what's not to love?" My only regret was that I waited this long to try it. 

-mrs.h

The Local's Look @ Nashville | Allyson & Lyle Phillips

Want an insider's guide to Music City? Look no further. This Local's Look at Nashville comes from one of Nashville's coolest couples, Allyson & Lyle Phillips. As you know, one of our core values at mr.&mrs.h is living life with passion and adventure. We were so excited for these two to give to give us a tour of their city because that's the way they "do life" in Nashville -- full of passionate purpose and adventure. Who better to show us around? 

{all photos of Allyson&Lyle via Teale Photography}

MMH: To start, what do you love about Nashville? 

A&LP: We love so much about Nashville. We love the effortless meld of both big city and small community vibe. The people seem to be so unique due to the artistic and musical draw that Nashville seems to have. We love how comfortably southern yet cultured the city feels. 

MMH: Food+Beverage: Favorite _______?
A&LP:

➺ Breakfast - We love The Perch. It's a little crepe and omelette restaurant in Brentwood. It is small building that is always bustling with people.

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➺ Lunch - Burger Up. Hands down, a Nashville favorite. We love the atmosphere and the local beef and produce served at this hip burger joint. They have two locations and both are always busy. They have homemade ketchup and a burger called the Black and Blue burger that is just to die for!

➺ Dinner  - This is a toss up between two Asian restaurants, Peter's Sushi and Fulin's Asian Cuisine. Peter's has amazing sushi and dishes and they always seem to be busy! Fulin's is a bit less popular, but has just as amazing food and service. We love going to both places for dinner. We are huge fans of Asian food!

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➺ Coffee shop - Fido in Hillsboro Village in downtown Nashville has always been a favorite. Aside for having wonderful local coffee, including a honey latte that is to die for, they also have wonderful food and they serve breakfast all day long. So good!

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➺ Health/Wellness - The Juice Bar in Brentwood. It has all organic fruits and veggies in it's hand crafted juices and smoothies! And, it's just a block away from The Perch.

➺ Bakery - The Flour Shop is an absolute darling bakery in Brentwood. Iris, the owner, makes beautiful cakes, cookies, and other baked goods!

➺ Sweet spot (ice cream, cupcakes, dessert spot, etc.) - Sweet Cece's is our favorite frozen yogurt place. When in Nashvlille it's a must visit! Especially the original store in Franklin! 

➺ Dive - Thai Phooket. It's an amazing dive in Nashville. It serves amazing authentic Thai food. It never disappoints! 

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MMH: Favorite shops? What are their goods? 

A&LP: This one is a definite tie between Imogen + Willie and Pangaea. Imogene + Willie has amazing raw denim. They are a little expensive; however, for all the wear you will get out of a pair, it is worth every penny! Pangea is a boutique store. It has tons of women's clothing and jewelry for girls with daring taste. It has a Free People vibe with a local twist!

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MMH: Your favorite area in Nashville (neighborhood, part of town, etc.) and why? 

A&LP: We love most of Nashville but one our favorite places to venture around and hang out is definitely East Nashville! It has a ton of thrift stores and adorable vintage stores. It also has beautiful houses and amazing restaurants!

MMH: Your "must see or do" while in Nashville. 

A&LP: We think everyone who visits town must see a local show! Any given night in the city you can find a good local show with local talent. Blue Bird Cafe is a must go to if you want to hear amazing talent!

MMH: Are there any cool markets (farmers markets, flea markets, etc)? 

A&LP: There are a couple markets in Nashville. The Farmers' Market is a popular one in Downtown! They always have tons of amazing produce and products!

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MMH: What's your favorite greenspace in your city (park, outdoor area, etc.)? 

A&LP: We love Centennial Park! There is a ton of green lawn to hang out on and there are always fun things going on at the park year round including Swing Dancing and plays! There is also a replica of the Parthenon that always attracts visitors.

MMH: Your perfect Saturday (or Sunday) in Nashville looks like...? 

A&LP: For us Sundays are unique! We rest during the day and then we get to go to our Sunday night service of the church we pastor. It is our favorite day of the week!

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MMH: Is there a touristy spot that's actually worth the visit while in Nashville? 

A&LP: Opryland Hotel, especially if you come during Christmas! The lights that they put up are beautiful and romantic! It's also an amazing place to stay while visiting!

MMH: Is there anything/anywhere that you'd tell a friend not to miss while visiting Nashville? 

A&LP: Don't miss out on the charm of Nashville. Get out and go explore. The city is beautiful and so are the outskirts of the city!

Allyson and Lyle, thanks so much for sharing your love for you city and your insider tips! This makes us want to plan a trip to Nashville asap!!

-mr.&mrs.h