We each had the good fortune of living in Houston, Texas for several years. During our time in Houston, we became very familiar with the Tex-Mex culture, especially the good food! We now consider ourselves somewhat connoisseurs, so when it comes to finding good Tex-Mex, we’re probably three of the toughest critics around.

La Terraza On Murfreesboro Road

Living in Nashville, you might not think you would be able to find that distinct flavor that only comes from South Texas, but we were wrong. Zac and Damon Forbes introduced us to the La Terraza Taquería on Murfreesboro Road. From the first bite, we knew this was going to be a frequent dining spot. Taquería is Spanish for “taco shop”, a title usually given to Tex-Mex establishments that specialize in tacos and/or burritos. We’ll preface this blog by stating that everything we have ever eaten is great, La Terraza seems to specialize in everything!

The first thing you’ll notice about the Taquería is the clean appearance. La Terraza is neatly organized and extremely clean. The last time we dined there, the sanitation score was 100%, which is practically unheard of when it comes to restaurants. On a “bad” day, the score might drop to a 95%.

The second thing you’ll be impressed with is the level of service. You’ll immediately be greeted and ushered to a table. Friendly servers will quickly drop off chips and salsa, take your drink order and allow time to peruse their extensive menu. We should also point out the salsa is very authentic and tastes incredible. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were at a local taco shop in Houston.

La Terraza On Murfreesboro Road Makes For A Pleasant Dining Experience

The food is fresh, hot, and the taste is second to none. Two of our favorites are Chile Colorado and the grilled fish and shrimp combo. This Colorado dish features tender tips of beef covered in your choice of salsa verde or salsa rojo. The dish was rounded out with refried beans, rice, and soft, warm, flour tortillas. Chile Colorado is not too spicy and not too bland, it’s just right! The grilled Tilapia and shrimp rivals the very best seafood restaurants and along with well-prepared brown rice and salad mix, is a grand meal indeed. We had to carry half of the food home because of the generous portion size. Last, but certainly not least, the value is great. We could easily split either dish into two meals and at a cost of around $13, that’s a deal that anyone can afford!

J. Fowler
B. Forbes
T. Forbes

Hot Kabobs - Authentic Persian Cuisine

There are many benefits to the life of a musician. One perk shared among most traveling professionals is the opportunity to eat at different places on a regular basis. We get to enjoy the various cuisines and cultural elements that are often distinctively related to the food. As a guy who really had never enjoyed lamb that much, I dared try it on the advice of a good friend at Hot Kabobs – a little Persian Restaurant owned and operated by Mehdrad (pictured right), with staff Hamid and Sahra (left and right) an Sanaz (not pictured). After trying their spectacular food, the lamb kabob has now become one of my overall favorite foods. The chicken kabob (inset) and many other Persian delicacies are all equally as authentic, incredibly delicious and well prepared. So treat yourself, a friend or your family to some wonderful food – served by friendly professionals who fortunately chose Nashville as the place to share their unique and interesting culture.

Hot Kabob's Chicken Meal

- Bruce A. Forbes, CEO – Equation Audio

Chicago Style Gyros

I love the five dollar foot long sub as much as anyone, and sometimes my budget forces me to order off of the dollar menu at the local fast food joint, but when I want a really tasty sandwich that isn’t made up of ham, roast beef, turkey, or swiss, I head to Chicago Style Gyros. This quaint, little Gyro shop is located about a mile or so from Equation’s office. The owners are friendly and although they might not always remember your name, they always remember your face. My personal favorite is the gyro sandwich. The lean strips of meat, lettuce, tomato, and pita bread all combine to make a really good sandwich at a fast food price. They also feature yummy appetizers such as grape leave wraps, hummus, and falafel.

Chicago Style Gyros

Then there’s the chicken plate. The chicken plate features lean chunks of chicken on a bed of rice with a small salad. If you’re carb conscious, they can put the chicken on the salad and omit the rice. The way these guys marinate and grill their chicken (and beef) may look familiar, but the taste is about as good as grilled meat of any kind anywhere and it’s always tender too! On all their plates, they add a side of quarter-sliced pita bread, with your choice of ranch and other dressings and hot sauce for those who like it spicy. And the saffron rice…they make it themselves and like their grilled meat, the rice just doesn’t get any better. If you want something a little different, that tastes great, is well prepared, and served by a friendly and professional staff at a great value, then you need to visit Chicago Style Gyros!

PS Noodle Pot

Not long after arriving in Nashville to establish a headquarters for Equation Audio, my wife and I and my youngest son were looking around for a place to eat lunch and we found a little restaurant called PS Noodle Pot. A friendly woman we learned to call ‘Pang’ took our orders and served us quite promptly, with generous portions of food.

The spicy rice was that and a great deal more. Incredibly delicious and unique to Pang, her Laotian roots and years of cooking various Asian cuisines, including extraordinary Thai, has elevated her game to that equal to restaurants of fame and fortune. After months and now years of ordering various dishes, including her special Hot Pots and such, we’ve concluded that when the palate calls and the will to drive is strong, Pang gets our business a bit more often than our other few favorites in the Nashville area. Remarkably she seems to remember each person’s particular little twist on a special meal. Often her husband ‘Sook’ and daughter Miranda are there to add to Pangs exceptionally friendly and accommodating service.. As my friend and Equation staff member writes below, we southerners like (liked) our fried chicken and country style vegetables, “but that doesn’t mean we’re not cultured!“

If you’re ever in the Nashville area and you want to try your hand at some spicy Thai cuisine, PS Noodle Pot is definitely a must! One of our personal favorites is the signature “Hot Pot.” The hot pot features a hearty broth, rice noodles, lots of crunchy vegetables, and your choice of chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp. Or if you’re hungry enough, ask the head chef, Pang, to include everything except the kitchen sink! Not only will she customize your order, she’ll likely remember the way you like it on your next trip! You won’t even have to remind her! PS Noodle Pot also features a delectable Pad Thai, General Tso’s Chicken, and Garlic Chicken dish that will fill you up nicely! Regardless of what you order, you can assure that you’ll leave PS Noodle Pot stuffed! The portions satisfy the biggest of appetites and you can also get any of these items on a budget! PS Noodle Pot is reasonably priced and well worth the money. Try them out today!

PS Noodle Pot is located at 1307 Bell Road, Nashville, TN 37013. Their number is 615-445-4990. Give them a call and dine elegantly on a dime!

B. Forbes
J. Fowler
11.10.09