Whether it’s a clam shack near the shore, a barbecue joint on the outskirts of town, or a sub shop on the busiest city street, chances are your favorite local restaurant is a James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award winner.
Each week at Delights + Prejudices we profile one of these classic restaurants. Next up, Nashville's meat and threes paradise Arnold's Country Kitchen.
Co-owner Jack Arnold favors overalls and foulard bow ties. He began his restaurant career as a dishwasher, at the age of 12. While studying art at Vanderbilt University, he managed the campus cafeteria. By 1983 he had his own place, Arnold's Country Kitchen, a concrete block building, outfitted with a steam table and a tray line. Along with his wife, Rose, and his son Kahlil, Jack has won a citywide reputation for excellence in meat-and-three fare.
Although he roasts a beautiful haunch of beef, vegetables are Arnold's specialty. His long-simmered greens, perfectly crisp fried green tomatoes, and cooked-to-order cornbread have won the allegiance of downtown business types, country-music show folks, and workaday Nashvillians alike.
Arnold's Country Kitchen
605 8th Ave. S.
Nashville, TN
Click here for a complete list of America’s Classics Award winners.
