An evening viewing the magnificent visuals of the Egypt collection at the Frist...and if that weren't enough...they have the Pulitzer Prize photograph display as well. If you live in close proximity to Nashville, this showing is well worth your time. Nashville should be proud of the Frist and its vision.
A highlight of The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt is a life-sized replica of the burial chamber of the New Kingdom pharaoh Thutmose III, who ruled Egypt in the 15th century BC(1479-1425 BC). The original chamber is part of the pharaoh's tomb complex, in the Valley of the Kings, in Egypt.
The chamber measures approximately 15.2 x 8.8 x 3 meters (50 x 29 x 10 feet) and its walls are fully covered with the first-known complete copy of the Amduat, an illustrated funerary text intended as a guidebook to the afterlife, primarily for pharaohs. "Amduat" means "what is in the netherworld," and it was believed that by describing the afterlife it would aid the king, for to possess knowledge of something was to have power over it.
It is really magnificent...walking through the tomb. A surreal experience for me as I am reading "Book of the Dead" about a murder in an Egyptian Tomb in a museum.
We also experienced dinner at the Margot Cafe and Bar. Wow! Another Nashville treasure. It was our first time there and will certainly not be our last.
A quaint and aristic decor makes for a pleasing experience when you walk through the door. Patti was our server and she was superb. Since I am not well versed on French, Italian or Spanish wines, she recommended a delicious wine for our meal. A Chateau du Trignon Gigondas. It was earthy, aromatic and chock full of taste and a delicious finish.
The starter featured what we soon found out to be one of the few staples on the menu (the menu changes each night-featuring a steak, game and two fish dishes) and also the local favorite. Its was Handcut Potato Chips with Aioli. Wow! Don't miss this when you go. We also had Marinated Olives with Fennel and Orange. It was amazing what the orange taste brought to the olives. Wonderful!
Then, first course was another stellar dish, Grilled Flatbread with Smoky Eggplant and Tomatoes. Again a delicious taste and treat.
Second Course for me was Pan Roasted Snapper (which was obviously flown in fresh) in a Saffron Tomato Broth with Artichokes, Fennel and Bacon. It was also superb.
My wife, Chris, (celebrating our 27th anniversary- a very special night) had the Grilled Tri Tip (a delicious Kobe steak) with Crispy Potatoes, Grilled Vidalia Onions, Spinach and Aioli. Also superb.
Our third course was complimented for me by a Graham's 20 yr. Tawny Port and outstanding decaf cofee delivered to the table in a coffee press (nice touch) for Chris. It was a Chocolate Orange Torte with Candied almonds and Meringue. Yum.
Rating (1-5 with 5 as best)
Ambience-5
Food Quality -5
Service - 5+
Value - 5
Overall - 5 (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)