Special Events at ZOLA!

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over. After a record year in 2007, the first part of ’08 has been incredibly busy for ZOLA and chef/owner Debra Paquette. The National Pork Board named Deb one of the five Celebrated Chefs of 2008. They flew her to New York City and Chicago on a five day press tour, to cook with and for, national magazine editors. This spring, she won the Nashville Scene “Iron Fork” competition at the Titan’s stadium, which matched her against four teams of Music City’s best chefs. The Secret Ingredient was……..Fiddle Head Ferns! Congratulations Deb on a super win! See food critic Carrington Fox’s blog at  http://blogs.nashvillescene.com/bites/2008/05/iron_sufficiency.php

It is also the peak of charity season and that keeps us busy as well. She and I recently worked the record breaking, L’ete du Vin, raising money for the American Cancer Society. Then we served over a thousand people at the St. Luke’s Community House benefit.

Chef Deb worked on two other great events supporting Second Harvest Food Bank, “Generous Helpings” and "Cooking Wild with Jeff Fisher" 

            Because of friends like you, we have been named “Best Romantic Restaurant” in AOL’s City’s Best 2008. Thank you so much for your belief in us. http://citysbest.aol.com/nashville/best-dining/romantic-restaurants/  

And finally, the reason we’re all really here, Deb’s food!! Her new summer menu is amazing. Why don’t we start out with the Lamb Sausage Stuffed Quail on Tennessee prosciutto with fig jam and a blackberry balsamic glaze. Back and even better, our Zolanella salad will transport you to the Mediterranean. The Porcini Seared Scallops with celery garlic mashers, pulled pork (remember, she is the Queen of Pork!), truffled smoked mushroom relish and a leek land & sea sauce is out of this world! You might try the Rosemary Seared Lamb Loin or the Black Angus Filet. Of course Renee has some wonderful new dessert selections for the summer. To see the whole menu, go to: www.restaurantzola.com

Chef and I recently returned from twelve days in the Basque Country of Spain. This was definitely an inspirational culinary pilgrimage. We dined at some amazing restaurants and met many wonderful people. The Michelin stars were shining as we ate at Arzak, Mugaritz, Extebarri, Martin Berasategui's Guggenheim Gastronomic Restaurant, and El Molino in Navarra. We also found some superb tapas restaurants in San Sebastian and around Pamplona. The cuisine, the friends, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees were all fantastic. We can't recommend it enough!

As always, thanks so much for your support.

Ernie Paquette

Every night is special at ZOLA!
Call 615-320-7778 for reservations