SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022
Now that the kids have gone back to school and the cicadas are out, that means one thing the beautiful fall colors are on the way. I hope you sit back and enjoy this issue, as we all had a tasty time putting this one together. You will find many food-related features throughout, and I hope that makes your tummy happy and brings a smile to your face. In this issue, I am excited to share with you some new restaurants as well as some that have stood the test of time. The cover shines the spotlight on Mama D’s Baked Mac N’ Cheese, a newer restaurant in Spring Hill. There are two features exploring different cuisines, one focusing on local favorites, and the other authentic international foods in the Nashville area. Learn how to elevate your kitchen and what the most versatile room in the house is. Serve in style with five must-have items to set the mood with your food, and meet a songwriter who has turned his passion for music into delicious Italian food. Rock the spectrum with a kid’s gym for all kids and for the women reading, learn how a mammogram isn’t simply routine, but a lifesaver. As we begin to enjoy fall weather and colors, remember to stop at your favorite restaurant to grab a meal and enjoy it with friends and family. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so schedule a mammogram it might just save your life! If you have not followed us on Instagram and Facebook, please do, and remember to use #WILLIAMSONCOLIVING when posting. The locally-owned businesses and restaurants that made this issue possible thank you for your patronage. Many colorful fall blessings, CONNECT WITH US @williamsoncoliving
4 | WILLIAMSON COUNTY LIVING | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022
A letter from the Publisher ISSUE 3 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2022
products
KATHY PUBLISHERFOX | EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITORPUBLISHERINCHIEF Kathy Fox CREATIVE | ART DIRECTOR Shelly Wells DIGITAL DIRECTOR Homer Alexis Olindo SENIOR EDITOR William Harwood CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Katie AmyWilliamKathyBakerFoxHarwoodMontgomeryDavidSotaKathrynYork PHOTOGRAPHERS Reed Brown Photography Allison Elefante Ross Jaynes Visual Media Co. Maiden and Moon Photo Co. Quan Mcfall ONLINE williamsoncoliving.com SOCIAL MEDIA @williamsoncoliving ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES musiccitypublications@gmail.com
Williamson County Living is a bimonthly magazine published by Music City Publications, Inc., and distributed via the United States Postal Service to some of Williamson County’s most affluent homes. Under the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Tennessee Human Rights Act, it is unlawful to discriminate in housing transactions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or family status. The entire contents of Williamson County Living are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without express written consent. Articles and content of Williamson County Living do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Music City Publications, Inc. nor does Music City Publications, Inc., assume responsibility for writers’ opinions and content or the and services advertised herein.
8 | WILLIAMSON COUNTY LIVING | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022 TABLE OF Contents 11 SPECIAL RESTAURANT FEATURE: SAVOR THE MOMENT 19 ATE-Y WAYS AROUND THE WORLD IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE 26 ELEVATING THE KITCHEN EXPERIENCE 32 MUSIC TO MENUS 36 WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM 39 SERVING IN STYLE 44 ROUTINE MAMMOGRAMS CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE 47 THE MOST VERTATILE ROOM IN THE HOUSE ON THE COVER: DANA COHEN, OWNER OF MAMA D'S MAC N' CHEESE 11 19 26 36 39 47
10 | WILLIAMSON COUNTY LIVING | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022
14 | WILLIAMSON COUNTY LIVING | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022
Vietnamese cuisine, as with many other Asian foods, likes to contrast hot and cold, sweet and salty, and soft and crunchy. There are a lot of vegetables, brilliant colors, and herbs making it always loaded with a ton of flavor. Vui’s Kitchen exemplifies the splendid flavors of Vietnamese fare in so many ways. To understand the flavors of Vietnamese foods one needs to understand that Vietnam is a small country, about the size of Italy, and its food was heavily influenced by China in the north with the stir-fries and noodle soups, and in the south influenced by neighboring Thailand and Cambodia. Since the weather in the south is more suitable for growing coconut, jackfruit, rice, and herbs, the food in southern Vietnam tends to be on the sweeter side. There is also a French influence on Vietnamese food due to the settlement of missionaries in the 18th century. The banh mi, the most obvious influence from the French, is a sandwich made using a French baguette filled with savory ingredients. Additionally, pho (pronounced fuh) is another example of the French influence with the blend of Vietnamese rice noodles and French-inspired meat broths. One theory is after the French colonist would butcher cattle in Vietnam, the Vietnamese cooks would use the scraps and bones to create pho.
Vui’s Kitchen offers an incredibly healthy and dietary-friendly Vietnamese menu loaded with flavor. Vui Hunt, a co-founder of Vui’s Kitchen along with her husband, created many of the recipes as her interpretation of food from her childhood, but also made the menu approachable and not intimidating for guests. Fresh and tasty Vietnamese favorites from pho noodle soup, a twelve-hour combination bone broth with beef or chicken and rice noodles, to their signature banh mi sandwich will delight any foodie. Whether you are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, or soy-free the menu can accommodate your wish. Vui’s only uses whole food ingredients full of fresh herbs, where nothing is fried and there is no MSG. Vui’s Kitchen is literally a happy place, as “vui” means happy in Vietnamese. Stop by Vui’s Kitchen in Franklin, or either of their two Nashville locations, to experience fresh house-made flavorful Vietnamese favorites. A new world of flavors awaits in pho noodle soup, bahn mi, bowls, salads, and so much more plus we know you will leave happy! Visit vuiskitchen.com to see the menu or order online and follow them on social media at @vuiskitchen Beef Pho Noodle Bowl with Pork Belly, handmade Edamame
Summer Rolls with Shrimp,
Dumplings, and Coconut Pudding VUI’S KITCHEN OFFERS AN LOADEDVIETNAMESEDIETARY-FRIENDLYHEALTHYINCREDIBLYANDMENUWITHFLAVOR. Vegetarian Bahn Mi Sandwich
VUI'S KITCHEN 1201 LIBERTY PIKE • FRANKLIN (615) 567-5962 | vuiskitchen.com
15WILLIAMSONCOLIVING.COM | MAMA D'S MAC N' CHEESE 5075 MAIN STREET • SPRING HILL (615) 302-8033 | mamadsbakedmacncheese.com
If you love cheesy mac and cheese, then look no further as Mama D’s Baked Mac N’ Cheese uses eight different kinds of cheese to make their homemade gourmet baked mac n’ cheese. The delicious cheesy mix is the perfect comfort food and is something everyone in the family will enjoy.
Dana Cohen, aka Mama D, founder of Mama D’s Baked Mac N’ Cheese started baking mac and cheese for her family and friends more than two decades ago. She enjoyed bringing her mac and cheese to family gatherings and holiday celebrations because it put a smile on everyone’s face. However, as time went on people started asking her to bring it to gatherings and soon she had to start bringing more than one dish because it was devoured so quickly. For years, her friends would ask her to sell it to them but instead, she would give it to them. Finally, her husband Terrell suggested it was time to begin selling it since there were so many people wanting to purchase it. At first, Cohen thought about starting with a food truck, but shortly thereafter a space in Spring Hill opened up where Delta Bound used to be. That was an opportunity she had to jump on and Mama D’s quickly came to fruition. Mama D’s is a family-owned and operated restaurant. In fact, all of Cohen’s immediate family members are listed on the LLC paperwork to prove it. The recipes are all hers, but it is a family endeavor as they work together daily with her. Each gourmet dish of mac and cheese begins with her signature eight cheese sauce and then is baked with different toppings.
Cohen’s favorite is the Nashville Hot Chicken. This mac and cheese dish is topped with chicken and Mama D’s homemade Nashville Hot Chicken recipe garnished with pickles five stars, for sure! Terrell’s favorite dish is Little Italy because it reminds him of the first time Dana ever cooked for him. He was only 19 years old at the time, but he knew she was special! When you visit Mama D’s make sure to save room for some of her delicious desserts too. At Mama D’s, each dessert is homemade and a true labor of love from the cakes to the cookies and brownies. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, you must try either the carrot cake, Southern caramel cake, or the insanely delicious chocolate cake. Your taste buds won’t be disappointed! Nashville Hot Chicken, Southern Caramel Cake, and The Memphis
Visit mamadsbakedmacncheese.com to view the menu, and follow them on social media for daily updates at @mamadsbakedmacncheese DANA COHEN, AKA MAMA D, FOUNDER OF MAMA D’S BAKED MAN N’ CHEESE STARTED BAKING MAC AND CHEESE FOR HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS MORE THAN TWO DECADES AGO. SHE ENJOYED BRINGING HER MAC AND CHEESE TO FAMILY GATHERINGS AND HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS BECAUSE IT PUT A SMILE ON EVERYONE’S FACE.
BAKED FRESH AND SERVED UNTIL OUT!
Angie Muir, a US Navy veteran, and her husband Bill founded the Franklin Bakehouse to not only satisfy their entrepreneurial spirit but to provide a long-needed community market for downtown Franklin residents and visitors. The mission at the Franklin Bakehouse is to nourish and connect people on a more meaningful level, aim to source the best ingredients for their prepared foods, and carefully hand-select items for the marketplace’s retail shelves. They believe food naturally brings people together and creating a gathering place that allows their guests to purchase freshly baked bread or a deliciously prepared dinner to take home should be an uplifting experience. Their talented team is up early serving baked fresh items for breakfast, served Monday through Saturday until 11 am. Assorted pastries, cinnamon buns, egg sandwiches, bagels and cream cheese, and smoked salmon are some of the options available. As they say, “Baked fresh and served until out!” Include an espresso and you are set to start the day.
For those who like to experience the indulgences of food during travel and the little European cafés, then the Franklin Bakehouse is your spot. After a decade-long desire and a remarkable trip to Italy, the dream to open the Bakehouse was born into reality in early 2019.
16 | WILLIAMSON COUNTY LIVING | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022
FRANKLIN BAKEHOUSE 100 EAST MAIN STREET • FRANKLIN (615) 628-8493 | franklinbakehouse.com
Turkey KeyTomatoBaguetteBasilSoupLimePie
For lunch, choices include a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads with an assortment of ready-made salads with house-made dressings for those on the go. The Parisian Baguette filled with ham and herb butter or the Italian Focaccia with Genoa salami, mortadella, soppressata, basil aioli, provolone, red onion, and arugula will transport you back to your favorite European café experience. The recently added Marketplace, at the back of the Bakehouse, offers locally sourced items as well as a large assortment of wine and spirits crafted in Tennessee. Shoppers can stop by and grab everything from milk to cheese, selected local fruits and vegetables, specialty gourmet items, and a whole lot more ofdowntownisThedeliciousness.FranklinBakehouseconvenientlylocatedinFranklinandis a must-stop for delicious baked goodies, food items, and now wine and spirits. If you require catering, they can help with that too. Visit franklinbakehouse.com for additional information and follow them on Instagram at @franklinbakehouse n
Around the World
IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE B y William Harwood
PHOTOS BY NATHAN ZUCKER AND KATHY FOX
Come expecting friendly service, the scent of frankincense, and lots of authentic Ethiopian food. This amazing cuisine is served communally, typically on a round tray placed in the middle of the table. Your cutlery is already on the palms of your hands. To help scoop up the savory stews and succulent sauces, the base of the meal is made up of injera, a somewhat spongy, slightly sour, fermented flatbread that is easy to tear into pieces and dunk into the dishes.
21WILLIAMSONCOLIVING.COM | ❱❱ GOJO ETHIOPIAN CAFÉ AND RESTAURANT
As for the dishes themselves, options such as red and yellow lentils and Ethiopian cabbage ensure vegans will be happy. However, if dietary restrictions allow, two words: doro wat. Arguably the most emblematic dish of Ethiopia, doro wat which translates as “chicken stew” in Amharic is nothing like the chicken stew your grandma used to make. (Unless your grandma comes from Addis Ababa.) Doro wat’s punching-above-its-weight flavor profile owes its impact to niter kibbeh, a spiced, clarified butter, and to berbere, a spice blend that typically includes fenugreek, paprika, hot chiles, cardamom, and coriander. If the place isn’t too busy, request the traditional Ethiopian coffee. As much a ritual as it is an extraordinary cup of joe, the beans themselves are roasted and ground in house and served in a traditional jebena.
It is reasonable to assume that most folks here have no idea whether or not they like Uzbek cuisine. It is also reasonable to assume that, outside of Uzbekistan itself, there are few places on the planet better than Nashville to discover the answer. That is because Nashville is home to OSH, a gleaming gem of a restaurant tucked inside a basic strip mall. In early 2022, this place took 9th in the nation on Yelp’s Top 100 list. Not bad for a family-owned restaurant that only opened in 2020! As for the food, Uzbekistan once straddled the Silk Road, the perfect place to blend the flavors flowing back and forth between Asia and Europe. A great way to dive into this cuisine is simply to select from all the courses. For starters, try the lamb somsa, a crispy pastry filled with lamb and onions and spices (above). For salad, consider the vinegret, a colorful combo of diced beetroots, boiled potatoes, onions, pickles and green peas. The lagman soup is next, a tomato-based soup with lamb and vegetables and noodles. The main is osh itself, the most traditional Uzbek dish. It is a heaping plate of rice pilaf with braised lamb, carrots and spices, served with homemade yogurt and achichuk, thinly sliced tomatoes and onions seasoned with spices and basil. Make sure to save room for the irresistible flaky
platter. On it are familiar items such as grape leaves, tabbouleh and hummus, but also some items less familiar: ezme, a mixture of fresh tomatoes, red and green peppers, onions, parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, and Turkish spices; Baba ganoush, roasted eggplants puree mixed with garlic and seasoned with fresh lemon juice, olive oil and salt; and Haydari, a creamy yogurt mixed with walnuts, garlic, mint, and melted butter. For the mains, consider the tavuk sis, the chicken shish kabob (below), or the adana kabob, chargrilled lamb and beef mixed with herbs and spices (top of page 23). Don’t leave without enjoying the Turkish kunefe for dessert.
❱❱ OSH RESTAURANT & GRILL
23WILLIAMSONCOLIVING.COM | ❱❱ KING TUT’S As the little food truck that could, there’s no denying that King Tut’s will make you believe you are almost in the Nile as they serve up genuine family recipes from the Nile Valley in southern Egypt. In any case, this hyper-charming kitchen on wheels with its pleasant, fenced-in patio could easily make you think you are sitting in some Cairo bistro, and the authentic, flavorful food might even convince you that you are. To get a wide variety of tastes, start with the sampler, a plate piled with hummus, pickle, fried eggplant, falafel, and cabbage slaw. For the main, consider the Royal Plate (photo on page 19) a generous serving of gyro chicken and lamb with saffron-enhanced basmati rice. n
24 | WILLIAMSON COUNTY LIVING | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022 101 NORTH JAMES M. CAMPBELL BOULEVARD | COLUMBIA, TN factoryatcolumbia NATIONAL EUROPEAN ANTIQUE IMPORTER TO THE TRADE (615) 499-1292 | Vintique.com NATIONAL ANTIQUE BOOK SUPPLIER TO THE TRADE (615) 499-1292 | LeatherBooks.com imagine ... More than sixty years ago, the building hummed of sewing machines and production at one of the largest shirt factories in southern Tennessee. Now fast forward to find this incredible 71,000 square foot industrial facility converted to its present-day grandeur with the original steel windows and doors, an outside deck for music and entertainment, food, gifts, specialty tea, a boutique resale shop, and so much more. There is ample parking, and you can expect the unexpected from music on Saturdays, to rare antiques and treasures of all kinds every day of the week. Plan your day at the Factory at Columbia and experience all these wonderful retail and dining establishments under one roof. WE DO ... Private Events • Markets Meetings and More CONTACT US AT events@factoryatcolumbia.comMOVIESANDLIVEMUSIC FREE childrenʼs movies. (Bring your chairs!) Awesome lineup of top tier live music on our new stage and 15,000 square foot music venue. Stop by for coffee or cocoa from Jerrico Coffee and enjoy the new 10' fire pit.
25WILLIAMSONCOLIVING.COM | AUTHENTIC YOGA STUDIO (Also in Spring Hill) (931) 505-4100 | lotusrisingtn.com AN ARTISAN BAKERY AND CAFÉ (931) 922-8195 | bsaltyandsweet.com MIDWEST TAVERN STYLE THIN CRUST PIZZA (931) 374-1515 QUINTESSENTIAL SOUTHERN COASTAL SANDALS (615) 377-4644 | southernpolished.com NASHVILLE TEA HOUSE, CAFÉ, & TEA BAR (931) 982-6083 | nashvilletea.com STREET TACOS | ARTISAN TACOS | CRAFT COCKTAILS (615) 714-3597 | asylumtacos.com
When creating or renovating a kitchen for a client, Beck begins by visualizing moving through the space as she designs the layout. A large kitchen may need the added luxury of multiple sinks or dedicated workstations for baking & food prep in addition to one or more islands for entertaining or seated dining. While the extras in a large kitchen are fun to incorporate, Beck remains focused on keeping what she calls “the main work triangle” (sink/fridge/cooktop) in sync with the needs of the primary cook. TBEKTU kitchens focus on a minimum of 42" of floor/aisle space between cabinets and even as much as 48" or more if there are two cooks.
UNINTERRUPTED BACKSPLASHES
Beck installs under-mount power strips with light switches and USB ports beneath the cabinets so that the backsplash can remain free of any receptacle cutouts.
Smaller kitchens are even more hyper-focused on organization as Beck points out, “Efficiency is the key word in my book. Although aesthetics are certainly important, function is by far the most important.” The kitchens in the TBEKTU portfolio come with unique features Beck has developed from her many years of personal experience and her dedication to staying on top of the latest in industry wide trends. Clients can expect the following options for their kitchen:
Teresa Beck of TBEKTU Design + Development has made a career out of taking the basic use of a kitchen and elevating it into a “mindful concept for living” for her clients. As an Allied ASID designer with numerous awards over her 30+ years, Beck has made a name for herself in Middle Tennessee as a thoughtful designer with an eye for style and penchant for details. Her vision for a home’s kitchen originates by hand in her personal home office and incorporates the needs of her clients plus her own preferences as a cook. “Designers who cook have the added benefit of knowing exactly where you need a particular item to be to perform a certain task efficiently. In the homes I design, kitchens must provide easy maneuverability, adjacencies that makes sense for cooking and clean-up, access to every item, plenty of work surface and lots of storage.”
27WILLIAMSONCOLIVING.COM |
28 | WILLIAMSON COUNTY LIVING | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022
WARMING LIGHTS
LIGHTING Beck is a firm believer in proper lighting, “There must be lighting to illuminate the workspace of counter-tops, general ambient lighting that provides good overall lighting of the entire kitchen, and island lighting that illuminates the island surface for homework, food prep, food service and dining.” Beck also suggests accent lighting under upper cabinets, inside cabinets, in the toekick space under lower cabinets, on top of upper cabinets, and lighted drawers. “Multi-white lighting is now available, so different color temperatures can be had in the same space: from daylight white to warm white to all levels in-between it’s a game changer, and can be controlled by app or voice” Beck says. She currently replaces the old 6" recessed lights with tiny 3" openings in the ceiling that provide superior light, but are most invisible in the ceiling.
After purchasing a commercial grade range for her own kitchen 26 years ago, Beck saw the benefit of warming lights at the cooktop/range instead of base cabinets with warming drawers. Beck recommends, “Whether you are dashing in the door with a burger that you want to keep warm while you grab a shower or are preparing a meal for a large group and want to keep some items warm while you prepare/cook other items— the warming light scenario is perfect!”
In 2016 Marino ventured into his first restaurant concept and opened Red 7 Pizza. “I learned a lot about what it takes to open a restaurant. There are so many moving parts, from the food side to the business side. We made a lot of mistakes, especially in the early years, but we’ve learned a lot too,” Marino explained. For the past few years Marino had been considering a new venture, a fusion of Italian and Southern fare and in 2020, opened Barino Italian Southern Eatery. “I built Barino from the ground up; from the name and the design of the logo to the interior, the lighting, and the furniture to the creation of most of the menu items. I spent a year coming up with the idea of blending Italian with flavors here in the South,” stated Marino. “I toured all over the country for years and became sort of a restaurant junkie, so when I started formulating ideas for a restaurant, I built it around a concept I would like with an inviting atmosphere.”
Music to Menus By David Sota
CO.MEDIAVISUALJAYNESROSSBYPHOTO
32 | WILLIAMSON COUNTY LIVING | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022
According to songwriter Paul Marino, a good song and good food both start with a great concept. Over the past 35 years, he has made his living as a songwriter, producer, and performer. Recently he co-authored Spark Studios VBS 2022 which made it to #1 on the Kid’s Top 100 Albums and 63 on the All Genre’s Albums list. These past few years, Marino has taken that same inspiration he poured into his music into developing menus. “I love the creative process and have an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Marino. “I wanted to try something outside of music to use my creativity.”
In December 2019, Marino began building out his vision in a building he acquired in the Columbia Arts District, just off the downtown square. He set out to create a restaurant with a menu that encompassed Italian items along with an Italian and Southern fusion. Some of the recipes came from family and some were born out of inspiration from traveling the country and various trips he took to Italy. In some ways, you can say he is passing down recipes from generations as well as his own family. Furthermore, Marino came up with many of his own creations along with wonderful recipes he has adapted from friends he met along the way.
Barino Italian Southern Eatery is a casual, fine-dining restaurant where nearly everything is made from scratch, from the house-made pasta, sauces, dressings, and desserts. “We use quality ingredients as well as locally grown produce as it is available. We even smoke our own brisket and pork,” exclaimed Marino. It is a labor of love and, for diners at Barino, they experience that love in the food and atmosphere. From their classic spaghetti with marinara and fettuccine alfredo to their signature brisket Marsala and marinara infused with house-made BBQ sauce and topped with pulled pork. Marino remarked, “People are loving the unique and interesting choices on our menu.” Marino knows just like music, food is more fun and often much better when working with a team of chefs, cooks, and talented like-minded people. Marino commented, “One of the strengths for both Red 7 and Barino is our quality staff and excellent service to our customers. Great service is a byproduct of a team that loves their work. We focus diligently on providing an excellent work atmosphere and training each employee uniquely. We treat each other with politeness, kindness, and respect and that gets passed on to our customers.” By simply creating a great atmosphere and a quality dining experience, both Red 7 Pizza and Barino Italian Southern Eatery are community favorites in Columbia. Reservations for Barino Italian Southern Eatery can be made online or by calling (931) 505-8141. Buon Appetito Y’all! n BY SIMPLY CREATING A GREAT ATMOSPHERE AND A QUALITY DINING EXPERIENCE, BOTH RED 7 PIZZA AND BARINO ITALIAN SOUTHERN EATERY ARE COMMUNITY FAVORITES IN COLUMBIA.
33WILLIAMSONCOLIVING.COM |
We
36 | WILLIAMSON COUNTY LIVING | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022
Welcome to Tennessee's first inclusive sensory gym and recreational destination for children of ALL abilities, We Rock The Spectrum Kid’s Gym in Franklin. The 5,600+ square foot state-of-theart facility is filled with a variety of the latest and greatest occupational therapy equipment and sensory-based activities designed for all kids to use and enjoy. The mission at We Rock The Spectrum (WRTS) is to provide a safe, fun, and welcoming environment while also providing a Play With A Purpose™ experience to each child and adult. The Play With A Purpose™ approach is exercising and stimulating any of the seven senses through positive physical, emotional and social development. These seven senses include sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch, the vestibular system, and proprioception. There is specifically designed sensory-safe equipment and the classes offered all work to promote the seven senses. All children can benefit greatly from this equipment and by allowing children of all ability levels to play together they are able to learn from each other which becomes the best motivation for success on every level. THERE IS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED SENSORY-SAFE EQUIPMENT AND THE CLASSES OFFERED ALL WORK TO PROMOTE THE SEVEN SENSES. Rock THE SPECTRUM A KID’S GYM FOR ALL KIDS PHOTOS BY QUAN MCFALL
Franklin residents and owners, Steven and Samantha Komarnitsky, are honored and proud to have brought the first We Rock The Spectrum franchise to Tennessee. They are both dedicated parents to their son Nash (8) and daughter Colette “Coco” (6) and at the age of four Nash was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. While researching resources for him, they discovered WRTS. Initially, WRTS was a place for Nash but once they introduced Coco to the gym, they soon realized how beneficial it was for ALL children to experience We Rock and help promote acceptance and inclusivity through play.
n
n
THE WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM FRANKLIN STAFF IS COMPOSED OF THE MOST CARING, UNDERSTANDING, AND ENERGETIC PEOPLE AROUND.
n
WRTS offers open and after-school play, birthday parties, and private facility rentals and, since it is an indoor play gym, the weather won’t ever be a bother. Centrally located on Murfreesboro Road in Franklin, WRTS is a place for ALL kids, so stop by and check it out! For additional information, follow them on Instagram at @wrtsfranklintn or call them at (615) 807-1627 n
n Fine motor, arts, and crafts area for improved hand-eye coordination
n Indoor play structure for climbing and increasing playground skills
37WILLIAMSONCOLIVING.COM |
Crash mats and crash pillows for fun, motor planning, and strength
n Private 750 sq. ft. room for birthday parties, private events, and classes
n Sensory-based toys and equipment for improved auditory processing and fine motor skills
Universal ergonomic adjustable changing tables (adult and child size) WHY We Rock!
Trampoline for building leg and core strength
Suspended equipment with swings for balance and vestibular treatment
n
n
Every WRTS gym includes twelve pieces of specialized play equipment and even occupational therapists for children with special needs often come to the gym with them to observe and provide therapy while using the equipment. This allows the therapists and kids access to amazing specialized equipment, which might not be present in other settings, and the therapist can also take advantage of support from the staff. The We Rock the Spectrum Franklin staff is composed of the most caring, understanding, and energetic people around. The staffers and volunteers who come in to assist the gym, and its goal of aiding children with special needs in growing beyond the expectations of doctors and therapists, all have a passion for helping children, especially those with special needs.
Zip line for stress release, joint, and body relaxation
n Calming room for regulating emotions and reducing negative sensory input
By Kathryn York Food — it’s often the centerpiece of any gathering. So, the way you display or serve food can really set the mood when entertaining guests. No matter if your gathering is casual or elegant, it’s important to find a healthy balance between practicality and style with your serveware. Whether you’re purchasing catered dishes or creating a spread of your own, these five essential items can save the day when it comes to serving your guests in style and leaving them in anticipation of your next event.
PHOTOS BY MAIDEN AND MOON PHOTO CO. BY MEREDITH JOI MUST-HAVE ITEMS TO SET THE MOOD WITH YOUR FOOD
From cheeses to chicken, a board can be used as a plate or even a platter. With the ongoing popularity of charcuterie boards, you can find so many beautiful and unique varieties of boards in multiple designs, shapes, and sizes. Even more, boards can beautifully display both savory and sweet foods. All in all, boards are a win-win for guests who love to graze while mixing and mingling, so having a few marble or wood boards handy at all times will set you for success when entertaining guests.
BOWLS
From dips to desserts, having a good stash of serving bowls on hand is a must! Maybe you love pulling out your heirloom serving dishes. Or you just can’t wait for the right occasion to use your favorite wood salad bowls. Or maybe you just need a good reason to pull out your white porcelain or clear glass serving bowls. All of the above can really put the spotlight on your food. Larger bowls are perfect for salads, trail mixes, side dishes, and cold desserts or fruits, whereas smaller bowls lend well to dips, garnishes, and dressings.
BOARDS
40 | WILLIAMSON COUNTY LIVING | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022 Vanderbilt University Nashville, Tennessee.
UTENSILSarrive!
From spoons to spurtles, it’s important to have proper serving utensils (and a good variety) for guests to indulge and partake in your delicious food spread. A perfect segue from pinch pots, know that you can never have too many small spoons in your serveware stash. Small spoons work like a charm for dips, olives, and spreads, whereas large slotted spoons and ladles are a must for serving sides, soups, and even desserts. You also can’t go wrong by keeping cake or pie servers, salad claws, tongs, and small forks just a drawer’s reach away.
PINCH POTS
41WILLIAMSONCOLIVING.COM |
From honey to hummus, pinch pots can take the place of any bottle or jar. Consider pinch pots as fancy ramekins. They are great board accessories, and they work well on their own alongside larger bowls or platters. Available in a variety of styles from marble to wood to copper to stainless steel and more, pinch pots can definitely be the conversation piece of your entire spread, as guests will enjoy adding everything from herbed butters, jams, jellies, olives, and spreads to their plates all from these small and simple serving dishes. Bonus: you can put marble and stone pinch pots in the fridge an hour before use to keep your dips and spreads chilled and ready to serve before guests
GLASSWARE
SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022
From water to wine, a variety of glassware goes a long way when entertaining guests. Some guests may not partake in food, but almost every guest will need something to drink while mixing and mingling at your gathering. So, have fun with your glassware by keeping a couple of different options that will accommodate both casual and formal settings. While cocktail and wine glasses may be top of mind, don’t forget a timeless goblet or drinking glass that can be friendly to any beverage of choice.
Regardless of your style or serveware selections, make sure to keep practicality as your top priority. There’s a multitude of beautiful yet practical serveware options out there that will not only make your food shine bright but will also withstand the test of time when it comes to cleaning and using it time and again. n
KATHRYN YORK is the owner and curator of Smith & York Company, a modern home boutique located on the square in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, and Lime & Loaf, a kitchen shop located at New South Marketplace in downtown Columbia. Both shops are open seven days a week, Smith & York Co. offers a diverse selection of home goods, including tabletop accessories, barware, lighting, textiles, planters, and gift items, while Lime & Loaf offers a wide selection of kitchen essentials for cooking and baking. Learn more at smithandyork.co and limeandloaf.com
ABOVE ALL, KEEP IT PRACTICAL
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Johnson and Strain urge women not to put off their annual mammograms. “My story would have been drastically different if I had waited a few months,” Strain said. “We may think screenings like this are a hassle but be grateful that we live in a time and place where we have access to these types of screenings.” n Williamson Medical Center’s Turner-Dugas Breast Health Center offers personalized, convenient care from experts. To schedule your mammogram or learn to learn more about the Turner-Dugas Breast Health Center at WMC, visit WilliamsonMedicalCenter.org THANKFULLY, AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED IN OCTOBER 2021, STRAIN UNDERWENT A MASTECTOMY LAST NOW
The medical providers at Williamson Medical Center’s Breast Health Center seek to offer patients the best care available. When breast cancer is detected, the breast health staff follows the gold standard of care, following up with an MRI. To help identify all instances of disease, physicians may also use ultrasound as an additional tool. “With MRI, we’re looking to make sure there’s no evidence of disease that’s so early it may not be picked up by mammogram or ultrasound,” Johnson said. “We are finding so many patients who have instances of contralateral breast cancer in the other breast that is so small it would not be detected by mammogram.”
45WILLIAMSONCOLIVING.COM |
DECEMBER AND IS
CANCER-FREE.WEMAYTHINKSCREENINGSLIKE THIS ARE A HASSLE BUT BE GRATEFUL THAT WE LIVE IN A TIME AND PLACE WHERE WE HAVE ACCESS TO THESE TYPES OF SCREENINGS. RIGHT NOW, WE ARE SEEING MORE PATIENTS BEING DIAGNOSED WITH ADVANCED DISEASE AND LYMPH NODE INVOLVEMENT. IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE ANNUAL SCREENINGS BECAUSE THINGS CAN CHANGE IN THE BREAST RAPIDLY.
During the pandemic, many people delayed routine screenings such as mammograms, especially if they considered themselves at low risk for developing cancer. It’s a trend Johnson said they’ve noticed at the Breast Health Center. “Within the last year or so, we have seen patients who delayed or skipped screenings,” Johnson said. “Right now, we are seeing more patients being diagnosed with advanced disease and lymph node involvement. It’s important to have annual screenings because things can change in the breast rapidly.”
For those who have experienced an abnormal screening or been diagnosed with breast cancer, the Turner-Dugas Breast Health Center isn’t only a resource. It is a full-service imaging center and offers routine screenings such as mammograms as well as 3D mammograms to all patients. The Breast Health Center abides by NCCI guidelines, which recommend patients with normal risk begin mammograms at age 40. If a patient is at greater risk of developing breast cancer, routine screenings should start earlier. “If an immediate relative — mom, grandmother, sister or daughter — has developed breast cancer, there are recommendations that support an at-risk patient have their first mammogram 10 years prior to when their immediate family member developed breast cancer,” Johnson explained. “So, if their mother or grandmother was diagnosed at age 45, that patient would want to have a mammogram at 35.”
47WILLIAMSONCOLIVING.COM | By Amy Montgomery PHOTOS BY ALLISON ELEFANTE THE MOST VERSATILE ROOM IN THE HOUSE
Over the years, formal dining rooms were becoming outdated because they were so infrequently used. However, because of the pandemic what is traditionally called the formal dining room is getting another look in a multi-functional way. Most homes have a space that is designated as the formal dining room, whether you love the pomp and circumstance, formal isn’t quite the word being used today. A multi-functional space that can be dressed up or down as needed is a great way to put rarely used space to good use.
When we decided to renovate our former home in Nashville, we had this odd space that was not quite a room but more than a space in between the living room, dining room, and the keeping room off the kitchen. In its previous life it had been a sun porch and at some point was even enclosed. We removed all traces of the outside of the house, brick, exterior doors, and of all things still inside the house, an exterior window.
I feel many things in a home should have a secondary purpose, so we decided to give this room a dual use and create a library and dining room in one space. As the project began, the contractor AND my husband gave me googlyeyed odd looks when I said I wanted the bookshelves to extend around and over all four doorways that opened into this room. Because we had many books, including an extensive collection of cookbooks, this space would allow all my books to be in one place. To fill in the narrowest shelves over the doorways, we purchased some vintage Reader’s Digest bound books to close the gaps. Well, it worked beautifully creating a functional library with colorful bookshelves including a long narrow table with chairs in the middle to finish the library.
I FEEL MANY THINGS IN A HOME SHOULD HAVE A SECONDARY PURPOSE, SO WE DECIDED TO GIVE THIS ROOM A DUAL USE AND CREATE A LIBRARY AND DINING ROOM IN ONE SPACE.
48 | WILLIAMSON COUNTY LIVING | SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER 2022 PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSS JAYNES VISUAL MEDIA CO. NELSON HOUSE HOTEL
AMY MONTGOMERY has 25 years of design experience and owns Amy Montgomery Home located in Columbia, Tennessee. She is a lifestylist focused on home, food, and flowers and delights in working one-on-one with customers. Visit amymontgomeryhome.com for additional information and follow on social media at @amymontgomeryhome
49WILLIAMSONCOLIVING.COM |
Most of the time, the narrow library table is set with stacks of coffee table books, bowls of collected items, decorative goodies, and occasionally a few fresh flowers. At any given time, someone will be sitting at one end of the table with a laptop or the errands for the day will be lined up at one end ready for tasking and completion. This long table in the library room adds the versatility to give it a secondary purpose as an essential space to entertain at home a dining room. In our previous home in Nashville, the library table worked well for dinner party overflow seating as it was right off the dining room and had a full view of the dining room. During the holidays it served as the buffet table for the spread of Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve food for the entire family. Additionally, when we had one or two couples over for dinner, the library table made the perfect intimate space for dinner. The library truly can be one of the most versatile rooms in a house. By combining two different and unique spaces, the library dining room combination is a great way to achieve dual functionality while also adding charm and style to any house. Who knows, sometimes you might even read a book there! n
