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Le Loup
Atlanta-based chef and owner Ford Fry is slated to open three new dining, beverage, and live music concepts this spring in Germantown. The Optimist and Le Loup cocktail lounge will officially open their doors on Monday, March 30, while Star Rover Sound will follow three weeks later. The side-by-side sensory experiences will occupy nearly 13,000 square feet of 1400 Adams Street at Hammermill.
Learn more about each of Ford's spaces below before visiting at the end of this month.
The Optimist
Ford Fry first introduced the Optimist and his whimsical take on a seaside fish camp experience to Atlanta in 2012 and the restaurant's abundant success has led to its second location right here in Nashville. Led by executive chef Ryder Zetts, the menu will highlight parallels of classic technique and contemporary flair from Zett's take on "surf & turf" to more playful dishes such as chicken and dumplings with potato gnocchi, root vegetables and lovage, and corn milk hushpuppies, beignet style, with a side of cane syrup butter.
Designed by New York City-based design house Reunion Goods & Services, the Nashville outpost's design will serve as an extension of its Atlanta predecessor while still maintaining its own identity. The Optimist will evoke a moody yet luxe take on a classic Gloucester fishing village, set in a reclaimed warehouse and anchored by an impressive open kitchen with endless concrete countertops.
Venture outside and an expansive patio bar will transport you beachside and offer an air of excitement and action with bright accents, lawn games, shaved ice cocktails, and an unforgettable frozen Hurricane plus a selection of beverage manager and Nashville native Tracy Ardoin-Jenkins’ variety of the tried & true. A classically trained pastry chef turned master behind the bar, Ardoin-Jenkins has worked closely with beverage director Eduardo Porto Carreiro to conceptualize cocktail, beer, and wine lists that complement the individual Optimist, Le Loup and Star Rover experiences.
Hours: The Optimist will be open for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Le Loup
Nestled just upstairs from the Optimist, guests can sink into the plush leather at adjoining cocktail lounge Le Loup—a vintage inspired, craft cocktail bar that offers exceptional classic cocktails made with the most high-end ingredients for an added bout of luxury. The cocktail menu is curated by Nashville native and beverage extraordinaire Kenneth Vanhooser, who has made his way back down south after a decade of shaking things up in New York City's food and beverage scene. Combining classic Japanese-style cocktail and ice culture with southern hospitality, Vanhooser has concocted a dynamic and not-to-be-missed beverage program. The menu will boast over 50 cocktails featuring a mix of both familiar and forgotten classics and Le Loup originals.
Located at the top of an unassuming staircase, Le Loup is the hidden gem of Fry's Nashville trio. Skip the seated dinner and opt for Le Loup's decadent snacks including deep water oysters, smoked fish dip, and raclette-laced house "tots".
Hours: Le Loup will be open Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 6 p.m.
Star Rover Sound
Just off the Optimist's main dining room you'll find Star Rover Sound, a listening room and gathering spot for both new and old local talent alike. Emulating a live recording studio with quality sound and root country and blues vibes, the venue features everything a musician could ask for—from a full backline and Fender amps to a house drum kit and nightly sound engineer.
Let the music set the stage while you dive into Star Rover's bar snacks including the butter burger, fresh cocteles & aquachiles, chili cheese fries a la Superica, Tijuana-style street tacos, and churro soft serve with plantains and dulce de leche.
Experience the different sounds of Nashville nightly with Wednesday's blues, American tunes of Lauren Morrow Band on Thursday nights, rotating feature bands on Friday and Saturday, and jazz and bluegrass during brunch service on Saturday and Sundays.
Hours: Star Rover Sound will be open for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner Wednesday through Saturday beginning at 6 p.m.