photo courtesy of Etc.

This past weekend I had the pleasure to have an advance peak at the much anticipated Etc. in Green Hills. Headed by none other than Deb Paquette, it’s a smaller, cozier version of Etch.

We are long time fans of Chef Paquette going back to the days of Zola, so another eatery was happy news to us. If you’re a big fan of Etch, you’ll love Etc. as uniquely combined ingredients show up on colorful plates as expected. The menu is a little more scaled down, but the dishes are not more humble.

photo courtesy of Etc.

Etc. in Nashville will continue to satisfy the loyal fans of Chef Deb Paquette

Beginning with the decor, the wood walls are a new modern interpretation of the paneled room at the “club.” Black tablecloths and seating for a little more than 60 guests create a sense of intimacy. The succulents lined on shelves and sitting on tables keep everything simple in a zen kind of approach, because the food is the star, and is prepared to amuse the visual senses as well as taste and texture.

photo courtesy of Etc.

The wait staff is friendly and articulate, chiming in with suggestions, descriptions and service that is well done. This was one of the most together “soft openings” I’ve ever attended. Usually I wait a month and make a few trips to a restaurant before I write about it. But, after years of eating this chef’s food, it’s safe to say, we like it a lot.

The stand out in the simple, clean, yet warm decor is the attention to sound. You can have a conversation, something not so easy in too many restaurants around town.

The Cocktails at Etc. Nashville

Let’s start with drinks. The bar has a gold, glittery ceiling worth gazing at and the drinks are smart and sophisticated. The cocktail menu is concise with six cocktails, each highlighting a different spirit. The wine list is also concise and carefully selected, and if you’re drinking wine by the glass, I recommend the cab blend (cabernet savignon/cab franc) from Tuscany.

photo courtesy of Etc.

I ordered one of the signature cocktails, Corsair’s Aged Gin. This gin is aged in bourbon barrels, and is most intriguing because you can taste the bourbon and then a smattering of floral notes. It’s a short, dark and handsome drink, worthy of going back for, but I’d still like to try the vodka, beet with spicy ginger beer.

Aged Gin, Orange Flower Water, Orange Peel

The Starters at Etc. in Nashville Green Hills Provide Small Plate Options

We started with a scallop crudo that was a surprising mixture of textures and mild flavors. Made with roasted poblano pepper orange olil, blck lava salt, orange segments, watermelon radish and watercress tempura. This was absolutely delicious in every bite.

The beet salad is no disappointment with bacon, sambal and sorghum goat cheese layered between golden and red beets with cherry coconut vinaigrette, and roasted cantaloupe lime leaf sauce.

I had a hard time deciding between the grilled strip steak that I spotted at another table or the lamb. I ended up getting the lamb, which was melt in your mouth tender.

Lamb, pea mint chutney, grilled okra, ginger masala sauce, smoked date yogurt served with crispy coconut potatoes.

We also had the ravioli stuffed with pork and sits atop a spicy seafood medley, because Chef Deb breaks all the rules with this one.

Portuguese Ravioli Esopado: pulled pork linguica ravioli, fish of the day, scallops, shrimp, mussles, slaw of celery, fennel, asparagus

Something Sweet

We also had a chance to have a long conversation with Megan Williams, illustrious pasty chef from Etch, who is now overlooking both places. We loved her chocolate panna cotta and I especially was smitten with the caramelized plum upside down cake which she paired with ginger thyme goat cheese ice cream and big piece of brittle that lays across the plate. Everything Etc. cooks or bakes has many details, many moving parts which is why we always love it.

At this writing, Etc. is brand new and just opened a few days ago. This means they will tweak here and there and if it’s this good at first bite, we will be enjoying Etc. in Nashville for a very long time.

Etc. resides in a new neighborhood in Green Hills (close to the mall), and serves lunch and dinner. Make sure you check the website for revolving menu and hours.