The Arts

Staycation #12: The Beauty of Belcourt

Staycation #12: The Beauty of Belcourt

Cindy McCain

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It’s cool to be one of the Village People…sans YMCA hand motions. Whether you’re high art, low brow, or slapstick… Steve Martin, Prince or Igor Stravinsky, Belcourt Theatre, Nashville’s most majestic and eclectic art house, has patrons still huddling round the hub of its culture and history. Dating back to silent films in the 20s and Opry performances in the 30s Belcourt has provided the Nashville community entertainment value.

Whether you’re left Breathless by Bombay Bellywood, Coco Chanel, or Mrs. Robinson, a variety of memberships reduce admission on the live theater, music, and films offered. Belcourt has survived and thrived as one of the last operational neighborhood theaters in the US. Distinguished by its non-profit agenda, it is still the cool place to go—literally—on a hot summer afternoon (where a patron can pick up a cool one with popcorn at the Belcourt Bar).

Tonight, as part of the Second Saturday Outdoor Cinema you can catch The Jerk on the parking lot out back. But if humidity or rain drives you inside, there’s Monty Python and the Holy Grail next month. Meanwhile…
for those tonight who prefer seeing the landscape of Nice and Milano to feeling the Tennessee heat outdoors, I Am Love is playing tonight in one of the auditoriums. I saw it yesterday and given I was both places last summer and rarely miss an Italian film I’ll be blogging about it next…Stay tuned.

For movie listings, showtimes, and more information, visit http://www.belcourt.org.

The theater below is in my hometown, Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Belcourt reminds me of The Princess, and though I was surprised this summer to see a sign of the times below, I’ll always remember it as the place I first saw Rhett kiss Scarlett.
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Staycation #9: The Golden Age of Couture

Staycation #9: The Golden Age of Couture

Cindy McCain

When my sister and I married in the 80s we didn’t appreciate our mom’s wedding gown (pictured above). Though I also opted for Chantilly Lace, I now covet the classic design of her dress. My dad teased her about her “Killdeer legs” accentuated by the layers of crenoline but I would now kill to have her wedding waist (at 98 pounds and a 5’7″ frame you do the math). Now my daughter, interested in a fashion career, is excited about the exhibit at the Frist, The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947-1957.

I saw the exhibition last night at Frist Fridays. While the crowd grooved to Anthony David, Grammy nominated neo soul singer/songwriter outside… ladies stormed the galleries inside. Not since opening night of SATC2 have I seen so many women so excited. In fact, though I’ve seen many-an- art- enthusiast enjoying exhibits at the Frist, I’ve never been bumped along in a crowd as happy…downright jubilant…as last night. Females flocked and cooed around ballgowns and suits, hats and shoes, pictures and videos in celebration of fashion that pays tribute to femininity, class, and style. Though the exhibit lasts till September, see it soon in case you want to book a flight to London to see the icon dressed by Dior in the Grace Kelly exhibit this summer. For those of us staying put, I look forward to watching the Princess of Monaco in movies with my daughter and taking her to the Frist.

Nashville Staycation Stop #3: Garden Brunch Café

Cindy McCain

Brunch has always been my favorite meal to eat out. While I enjoy the eveningwear and candlelight of dinner-on-the-town, nothing is more relaxing than a cup of coffee and a carafe of mimosas shared in a sunlit room. While I was primed to start naming my ‘ole faithful brunch spots in my Summer Staycation Series, my friend, Haz, tempted me today off the beaten path and led me down a garden one. I’m so glad he did.

The Garden Brunch Café, located at 924 Jefferson Street, provides comfort and class with delicious dishes and an amiable, downright winsome staff. The atmosphere is charged with warmth…from the red entrance hall… to the paintings and sculptures of local artists… to the fresh flowers… to the R&B and jazz. The vibe is that of big city cool sans pretension

We shared the Germantown West Benny and the Banana Foster Pancakes. The house special–over easy eggs, smoked salmon, sautéed spinach, tomatoes, onions, capers, and hollandaise sauce served on an English muffin—lived up to its star status. And the pancakes– slathered with a buttery sauce and sautéed caramelized bananas and walnuts—were the best I’ve had anywhere (but without the line). On the next trip, I’ll try the salmon cakes.

This summer Garden Brunch Café will host a live jazz series. June 25th there will be a Chocolate and Wine Pairing/Tasting with chocolate cakes and confections from the Cocoa Tree. Check the website for a July date to be announced for a family picnic/barbeque. Summer Hours are Tuesday-Thursday 11AM-2PM and Friday-Sunday 9AM-2PM.

As Southern as brunch among the rose beds was the hospitality shown from the host to our server, Donald, to the Chef, Jennifer Carpenter, and her husband, Karl, who came out to visit with us. “Chef Jen,” a former realtor, told us their story. After moving to Nashville seven years ago from Washington, DC, her husband lost his executive job after eighteen years with the company, prompting them to open the restaurant in May 2009. The mom of five would cook for customers her family’s favorites—dishes from scratch using olive oil and butter, fresh ingredients (many grown in her own herb and vegetable garden), and healthy choices, such as turkey substituted for pork.

Turning the attention away from herself, she told the stories of the artists whose works (which are for sale) decorate the cafe. Some paint or sculpt as therapy for chronic illness, and while the artists receive the full price for their pieces, most give back part of the proceeds to charities such as The Ronald McDonald House.

Cleaning our plates, we left full and refreshed. More than a business, Garden Brunch Café seems a Community Oasis. A place that supports the arts and values people. A nice place to sit a spell.


Owners Karl and Chef Jennifer Carpenter