"Audrey in East Nashville is a solemn temple to fine dining and a place that never disappoints for a special occasion. It’s got that wow factor you’re looking for in a celebration spot—the larger-than-life front door to the gleaming kitchen in the middle of the room sets the bar right away. And everyone here seems to be celebrating something special over clinking glasses of wine and steamy plates of chicken and dumplins. The menu does shift seasonally, but you’ll always find ancient grains and ingredients native to the South. Think: perfectly crumbly cornbread and creamy grits made with Cherokee White Eagle corn, hickory-grilled beef short rib with charred ramp, and desserts that make quick work of the tropical-tasting pawpaw fruit. Afterward, keep the celebration going with a nightcap upstairs at the newly-branded Bar Audrey." - jackie gutierrez jones 2, ann walczak