We’re dishing what you can expect from the new concept. | Photo by Mayter Scott Creative via Fancypants
Fancypants is trying fine dining on for size, but not without making it “a little less serious and a lot more fun.” You’ll see what we mean when the restaurant opens at 921 Dickerson Pk. on Friday, July 26 — but for now, we’ll give you a little taste test.
Falling into its groove
You’ll spy remnants of the building’s former life as a Piggly Wiggly with its industrial aged concrete and exposed trusses, but following a year of construction and menu planning with design collaborator Powell Nashville, the restaurant is leaning into its new (or rather old) ‘70s-inspired aesthetic.
The 2,200-sqft space is drenched in funky patterns, bold hues of burgundy, emerald green, and gold + luxe velvet drapery. Keep an eye on the action via the open kitchen design when you kick back in various seating options, from upholstered booths and banquettes to a communal bar, chef’s counter, and covered veranda.
Can you dig it in?
Now that we’ve built up your appetite, we’ll serve the menu. Its grid-style layout allows guests to choose from a list of vegetable-forward plates that can be “mixed and matched, shared or not.”
This includes a crispy turnip noodle lasagne with Parmesan foam and potato chip-crusted chicken fried cauliflower with coconut gravy — a mouthful, right? If that dish piques your interest, don’t go searching for a menu online. You’ll have to make your reservation to see the full thing.
Keeping with the theme of paving its own path, Fancypants’ dessert and beverage menu puts a creative spin on classics. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a touch of nostalgia by ordering the funfetti cheesecake or trying the interactive sundae bar. Then, cap off the evening by sipping something from the “recognizable cocktail” list with unusual ingredients, West Coast wine selection, or hyper-focused beer options.
Visit for dinner service Thursday through Sunday beginning at 5 p.m.
Booze-free Happy Hour | Friday, July 19 | 4-7 p.m. | Killjoy, 2020 Lindell Ave. | Free+ | Enjoy a variety of samples while mingling with fellow beverage enthusiasts — plus, get alcohol-free beers, wines, and cocktails by the glass for $5.
Saturday, July 20
Nashville Bonsai Society Annual Club Show | Saturday, July 20-Sunday, July 21 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Cheekwood, 1200 Forrest Park Dr. | Cost of admission | The show features plants cultivated in the traditional Japanese tray-planting style, local artists and vendors, and demonstrations + workshops.
Music City Drum Show | Saturday, July 20-Sunday, July 21 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Fairgrounds Nashville (Expo 1 Building), 401 Wingrove St. | $20+ | The 4th annual event offers drum displays, sales, networking, and clinics.
Franklin Summer Bash | Saturday, July 20 | 7:30 p.m. | The Factory at Franklin’s Liberty Hall, 230 Franklin Rd., Franklin | $29+ | See performances by Jack Blocker, McKenna Breinholt, Maddi Jane, and other “American Idol” and “The Voice” stars.
Sunday, July 21
Jazz on the Cumberland | Sunday, July 21 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Cumberland Park, 592 S. 1st St. | Free | Bring your lawn chairs for the 13th annual event with a live performance by the Dee Jones Jazz Band, a kids play zone, food trucks, and vendors — the first 250 cars park free.
“The Phantom of the Opera” Singalong | Sunday, July 21 | 7-8 p.m. | Sid Gold’s, 3245 Gallatin Pk. | Cost of purchase | Join the piano bar for this celebration of the longest-running Broadway show in history.
Monday, July 22
“Quiet” Book Club | Monday, July 22 | 6-8 p.m. | Bagelshop, 2708 Old Lebanon Rd. | Free | Bring your own novel to read in a tranquil setting with other book worms.
Tuesday, July 23
Nashville Sounds vs. Charlotte Knights | Tuesday, July 23-Sunday, July 28 | Times vary | First Horizon Park, 19 Junior Gilliam Way | $10+ | The Sounds take on the Knights in this six-game series featuring special promotions on Wednesday (Las Vihuelas reversible jersey) and Saturday (Sounds puzzle).
Explore INDYtoday, aka one of our sister markets, to plan your visit to Circle City. | Photo by Daniel Grose Photography
Psst... We’ll let you in on a secret, Nashville: Indianapolis, aka Circle City, is only ~four hours away, making it the ideal destination for a quick and easy weekend getaway.
Whether you’re looking for your next vacation spot (or, possibly even a place to relocate one day), Circle City should be on your radar. Don’t believe us? Hear it from the locals at INDYtoday.
From where to find the best cup of joe to iconic — and Instagrammable — landmarks, we’re giving Nashvillians a sneak peek at life as a Hoosier. Bookmark these guides for the next time you’re:
The Mall at Green Hills is growing its tenant profile. Men’s and women’s athleisure retailer Alo Yoga is setting up shop later this summer, and the storefront will mark the brand’s first Tennessee location, according to the website.
Announced
Dozens of artists were added to AmericanaFest’s lineup (Sept. 17-21), including special events “Songs of Yellowstone” and “A Tribute to Mary Gauthier.” Featured artists from the show discuss the role Americana music plays on the big screen before they perform + Gauthier takes the City Winery stage to celebrate 25 years of “Drag Queens in Limousines.”
Transit
Following passed ballot language for the “Choose How You Move” transit plan earlier this week, officials will unveil WeGo’s 300th bus shelter this morning. The new shelter is located across the street from the Bordeaux Library at the intersection of Clarksville Pike and Fairview Drive.
Outdoors
Putt on your gear and hit the green. Two area golf courses made Golfweek’s 2024 roundup of best public and private courses in every state. Old Hickory’s Hermitage Golf Course President’s Reserve (public) and Kingston Springs’ Golf Club of Tennessee (private) made the top five in their respective categories. Explore 18 local courses. (Golfweek)
Environment
Applications are open for this year’s Nashville Earth Day environmental grants, courtesy of $60,000 in proceeds from the April festival. The program primarily focuses on bees, trees, water, pollinator gardens, sustainability, and education. If you think your project is a good fit, apply by Monday, Aug. 12.
Drink Up
Clink, clink — we’d like to make a toast. Drink Up Week is coming Monday, July 22-Friday, July 26. To celebrate Nashville’s buzzy beverage culture, local businesses are offering fun drink deals throughout the week. Map your route and raise a glass.
Which tent are you stopping by first? | Photo by Jason Bihler via Humanities Tennessee
The Southern Festival of Books returns to downtown Nashville on Saturday, Oct. 26-Sunday, Oct. 27 — and the lineup is here.
Returning fan favorites
Student Day: Now in its second year, the festival will welcome 500 Davidson County students on Thursday, Oct. 24 for meet-and-greets, book giveaways, and writing exercises.
Community events: Mark your calendars the week leading up to the festival for a ticketed author talk with Erik Larson at Montgomery Bell Academy’s Paschall Theater (Thursday, Oct. 24) + a writer’s workshop led by Darnell Arnoult, Ann Powers, Justin Taylor, and more at the Tennessee State Museum (Friday, Oct. 25).
The lineup
This year’s lineup is stacked with local, regional, and national authors. Some major appearances include Joan Baez, TJ Klune, Jayne Anne Phillips, Ann Patchett, and Lisa Unger. Plus, hear from local authors like romance novelist Sarah Adams and cooking extraordinaire Anne Byrn.
I’m excited to see so many authors I haven’t yet had a privilege of reading at this year’s Southern Festival of Books — plus, some familiar favorites. I recently picked up Lisa Unger’s “Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six” if you’re looking for your next read.
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