Disconcerting crunching sounds as you walk up hills. Unpredictable swelling that makes it uncomfortable to move. Chronic pains that leave you laid up and reliant on ice packs and pain medications. Knee pain is, without a doubt, one of the most common and painful conditions an adult can go through. It can affect every aspect of your daily life, from picking up the kids from soccer practice to staying on a regular workout routine so you can remain healthy and active.
If you're suffering from knee pain, you're not alone - the American Academy of Family Physicians tells us that almost 25% of all adults in the U.S. suffer from some type of knee pain. In fact, diagnosed knee pain has risen almost 65% over the last couple of decades, adding up to nearly four million visits to primary care doctors annually. That's a lot of chronic knee pain that needs to be addressed.
Unfortunately, many doctors recommend prescription pain pills and invasive surgeries as knee pain treatments instead of non-invasive alternatives. But if you're looking for a way to avoid the need for a knee replacement and pain pills, there's good news to share. QC Kinetix's regenerative medicine in Southside, TN, is an all-natural, effective way to help heal prevalent issues like knee arthritis and knee pain without painful surgeries or long recovery times.
Whether you have been fighting through osteoarthritis for years or you've only recently suffered a knee injury, you're probably wondering how regenerative medicine for knee pain works. Regenerative medicine is a revolutionary field of medical science that taps into the body's innate ability to heal and renew itself.
Its main objective is to restore the function and structure of damaged or diseased tissues and organs by either boosting the body's own repair mechanisms or creating new healthy cells to replace the sick ones. For instance, in regenerative ophthalmology, doctors are using retinal progenitor cells to replace damaged retinal cells and combat some causes of blindness.
Regenerative medicine aims to provide a viable alternative to conventional treatments that often involve invasive procedures or long-term medication use. These treatments can cause significant pain and harm to the patient, leading to complications, excessive scarring, and drug dependency. In contrast, regenerative medicine seeks to treat degenerative diseases, injuries, and age-related deterioration by activating the body's natural healing processes and prioritizing the body's inherent capabilities.
Regenerative medicine for knee pain can provide a long list of benefits for men and women who deal with daily pain and discomfort. Some of the symptoms that knee pain can help reduce may include the following:
The benefits of regenerative medicine have been proven through numerous scientific studies and clinical trials. Patients who have undergone regenerative therapies like PRP and stem cell treatment have reported substantial relief from chronic pain, according to a study published in The Journal of Pain Research.
Today, regenerative medicine treatments are being pursued by prestigious institutions like Harvard and the Mayo Clinic. In fact, the National Institute of Health recognizes the field of regenerative medicine as holding great promise for treating and even curing various injuries and diseases.
Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, maintain strict oversight of regenerative therapies to ensure they adhere to high safety and efficacy standards. Additionally, professional organizations such as the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) promote ethical practices and ongoing advancements in the field of regenerative medicine.
The benefits of regenerative therapies for issues like knee pain are both promising and exciting, and can alleviate symptoms without:
The knee joint is made up of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Bursae, which are small sacs filled with fluid, help cushion the moving parts of the knee and prevent friction. Knee pain can occur due to various reasons like injury, aging, repeated stress, wear and tear on the joint, or inflammation of the bursa. Knee bursitis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the bursae and leads people to seek knee pain treatments.
Sports activities are a common cause of knee injury as they exert tremendous force on the knee joint. Although the knee can usually handle this stress, it can also cause painful injuries. Some athletes may need knee surgery to repair the damage, while others may delay surgery for years until arthritis develops due to the injury and becomes unbearable. The same goes for average men and women whose minor sprains eventually lead to osteoarthritis and other issues. Fortunately for both parties, regenerative medicine in Southside, TN represents a more cost-effective, non-surgical solution for knee pain.
Because of the knee joint's complexity, it is susceptible to a wide range of injuries. Some of the most common knee injuries include the following:
Degeneration and inflammation can impact the knees with chronic and debilitating pain, as seen in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Surgery may be used in severe cases, but for many, finding ways to manage the pain is the only option. However, there is hope in regenerative knee pain therapy, which can provide authentic pain relief, enhance mobility, and lead to a more active lifestyle. Contact QC Kinetix today to learn more about our revolutionary regenerative medicines for knee pain.
Severe pain in the knee may result from the patella ( the kneecap), the connecting thigh bone, or one of the shin bones being fractured. Such fractures are usually caused by abrupt, high-energy impacts like falls from high altitudes or car accidents. The usual treatment for these injuries is to physically reset the broken bone. In some cases, plasma-rich growth factors can be used to help speed up the healing process associated with fractures.
Excessive strain on the knee tendons through activities such as running, jumping, or cycling can result in the tendons becoming inflamed (tendonitis). While rest, ice, knee brace compression, and elevation are commonly used to treat tendonitis, there are other non-surgical and proactive options available for knee pain treatment in Southside, TN.
When the bones in the knee shift out of place due to a traumatic fall, twisting of the knee, or high-impact collisions, it causes an injury called dislocation. It is essential to put the dislocated knee back into place, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Injuries to the knee can result in the tearing of the cartilage or meniscus, which serves as a cushioning pad and shock absorber. Although conventional treatment options are restricted to wearing braces or undergoing surgery, regenerative knee pain therapy can be a promising solution for this type of injury.
When the ligaments or tendons in the knee are overstretched or torn, it can result in a knee sprain or strain. This kind of injury is usually caused by sudden twists and can be quite painful. It often results in swelling and makes it difficult to walk. To help alleviate the pain, it's recommended to apply ice, elevate the knee, and rest. Another option for treatment is regenerative knee pain therapy.
Our non-surgical knee pain treatments can resolve your pain and restore your mobility, so it's worth exploring your options with us. During your Request Appointment, we will assess your current condition and needs with the utmost care and consideration. We understand the impact of pain, and we don't want to prolong your discomfort with ineffective treatments.
If we determine that surgery is the best option for you, we will advise you accordingly to avoid any delays in your recovery. However, if we believe that our regenerative knee pain therapy is a good fit for your needs, we will discuss your options with you in detail.
If you're under the impression that a total knee replacement is the only answer to your knee pain problems, think carefully about these potential downfalls first:
When people experience chronic knee pain, they often turn to knee replacement surgery as a solution. However, there are cases where the surgery can actually exacerbate the pain. Research has revealed that a substantial number of patients experience mild pain after the procedure, while others suffer from pain that is either equal to or more intense than their previous chronic knee pain. In some cases, patients have reported that their pain worsens even years after having undergone knee replacement surgery.
Reports suggest that those who are above 60 years old are at a greater risk of experiencing a heart attack after undergoing surgery. But why? The truth is that the stress and trauma that come with knee replacement surgery can be quite intense, which leads to an increased possibility of heart attacks. If you have heart disease, have had a heart attack, have a history of heart disease in your family, or are over the age of 60, it might be time to consider regenerative medicine.
After undergoing knee replacement surgery, there is a risk of wear particles causing harm to your body. These particles are small fragments of plastic, metal, or ceramic that break off from the replaced joint and can cause irritation to the surrounding tissue. In some cases, wear particles can even enter your bloodstream and lead to metal toxicity or the formation of pseudotumors at a genetic level.
Maintaining strong and healthy knees is essential for everyday activities such as walking, running, standing, or even just getting up from a seated position. Unfortunately, knee pain can significantly impact one's quality of life, making it difficult to perform simple tasks like bathing or dressing oneself.
Furthermore, it can prevent people from participating in enjoyable activities like hiking, biking, or gardening. It can even keep them from getting a good night's rest. Although knee surgery is a painful and extensive process, regenerative knee pain therapies can often provide relief without the need for surgery. These non-surgical treatments are accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are seeking relief from knee pain.
At QC Kinetix, we offer patients several regenerative medicine options to help treat and ultimately eliminate knee pain symptoms. Some of the most popular therapies our patients choose to help with knee pain like osteoarthritis include the following:
You can think of plasma therapy as preparation for the other regenerative treatments we use to treat knee pain. As part of a non-surgical regeneration plan, plasma contains incredible growth healing factors that can help decrease inflammation in your knees and across your body. Once inflammation goes down, your pain is reduced, and you become more receptive to additional forms of regenerative medicine in Southside, TN.
Research indicates that A2M has the ability to alleviate knee pain by disabling particular enzymes that have the potential to deteriorate cartilage cells. When the cells in the cartilage of the knee begin to break down, the bones that combine to form the knee joint are subjected to greater friction during movement, leading to the inflammation of tissues and irritation of nerves.
BMAC is a concentration of regenerative cells obtained from the soft, spongy tissue found in the center of bones, called your marrow. Marrow is often found in areas such as the hips or pelvic bone. These specialized cells can replicate themselves into various types of tissues and promote tissue growth, boosting the body's natural healing abilities to speed up the healing process. By allowing your treatment area to heal naturally and more rapidly, you can find relief from knee pain quickly and more effectively.
In order for the body to heal an injury, it requires blood flow to provide the necessary cells and nutrients. Unfortunately, certain areas within the body have limited blood flow, making it more challenging to heal when injured. This is particularly true when it comes to the meniscus and cartilage in your knees, which have poor blood flow. So, how can you enhance the healing potential of tissues with inadequate blood flow? One option is to utilize PRP, which involves injecting concentrated platelets that contain high volumes of growth factors and proteins. This signals and drives the body's natural healing responses. When used as part of a personalized non-surgical regeneration plan by QC Kinetix, PRP therapy is often an MVP in regenerative medicine treatments.
Many of the physicians and regenerative health providers at QC Kinetix have a background in sports medicine, where they worked with professional athletes to mend broken bones and repair torn ligaments and tendons. It can be incredibly fulfilling to help these individuals recover, but unfortunately, many people - not just athletes - are eager to return to their activities before they have fully healed from surgery. This can be problematic because surgery can often cause more harm than good, leading to a long and painful recovery period.
Regenerative medicine for knee pain takes a different approach by tapping into your body's own healing and repair abilities to address knee pain and damage. During your free consultation, we will assess your current condition and needs and recommend the best course of recovery for your unique body. We prioritize effective treatments and minimizing pain, so if surgery is the best option, we will let you know upfront. However, if our regenerative knee pain therapy is a good match for your needs, we will explain your options in detail, so you can get relief as soon as possible.
If you're sick and tired of your knees holding you back on a daily basis, it's time to reduce your pain and reclaim your mobility. Contact QC Kinetix today to take the first step toward reclaiming your life.
Monday, Mar 4, 2024Kimora Currie commands the offense for Hawks winKimora Currie commands the offense for Hawks winRecap: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Macon County Tigers Monday, Mar 4, 2024Basketball Game Preview: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Dyersburg Trojans...
Kimora Currie commands the offense for Hawks win
Kimora Currie commands the offense for Hawks winRecap: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Macon County TigersBasketball Game Preview: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Dyersburg Trojans
Basketball Game Preview: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Dyersburg TrojansPreview: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Dyersburg TrojansCongratulations to Kimora Currie for being selected the Jackson South Side player of the game
Stats have been entered for the Jackson South Side vs. Macon County on Saturday, Mar. 2, 2024.
48Points12Assists32ReboundsOn Saturday, Mar 2, 2024, the Jackson South Side Varsity Girls Basketball team won their 3A Sectional game against Macon County High School by a score of 48-23.
Macon County23FinalBasketball Game Preview: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Macon County Tigers
Team Reports•Mar 1, 2024Basketball Game Preview: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Macon County Tigers Preview: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Macon County TigersCongratulations to Zandria Cohill for being selected the Jackson South Side player of the game
Zandria Cohill leads a balanced attack to beat Chester County
Team Reports•Feb 29, 2024Zandria Cohill leads a balanced attack to beat Chester CountyRecap: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Chester County EaglesStats have been entered for the Jackson South Side vs. Chester County on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024.
31Points8Assists32ReboundsOn Wednesday, Feb 28, 2024, the Jackson South Side Varsity Girls Basketball team won their game against Chester County High School by a score of 31-23.
Chester County23FinalJaidynn Askins Game Report
Team ReportsFeb 28, 2024Jaidynn Askins Game ReportBig game from Askins as Jackson South Side won 49-29Jaidynn Askins leads Jackson South Side to victory over Creek Wood
Team ReportsFeb 28, 2024Jaidynn Askins leads Jackson South Side to victory over Creek WoodRecap: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Creek Wood Red HawksCongratulations to Jaidynn Askins for being selected the Jackson South Side player of the game
Basketball Game Preview: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Chester County Eagles
Team Reports•Feb 27, 2024Basketball Game Preview: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Chester County EaglesPreview: Jackson South Side Hawks vs. Chester County EaglesStats have been entered for the Jackson South Side vs. Creek Wood on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024.
49Points12Assists22ReboundsOn Monday, Feb 26, 2024, the Jackson South Side Varsity Girls Basketball team won their game against Creek Wood High School by a score of 49-29.
Troy Keith of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, left, and Jasmin Jeffries of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency present an update of cleanup efforts at the Southside Chattanooga Lead Site on Monday photo by Hannah CampbellThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation continue to clean up lead waste left by area foundries in eight residential neighborhoods in Chattanooga’s Southside. The EPA has cleaned up 285 home sites to date since ef...
Troy Keith of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, left, and Jasmin Jeffries of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency present an update of cleanup efforts at the Southside Chattanooga Lead Site on Monday photo by Hannah Campbell
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation continue to clean up lead waste left by area foundries in eight residential neighborhoods in Chattanooga’s Southside. The EPA has cleaned up 285 home sites to date since efforts began in 2011.
EPA Remedial Project Manager Jasmin Jeffries and Troy Keith, environmental consultant at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, presented a cleanup update to the Regional Health Council Monday.
Ms. Jeffries estimated that 40 to 50 percent of the 5,500 home sites identified for testing will qualify for cleanup. The estimated cost of $113.5 million is up from the $25 million original estimate. Ms. Jeffries said $22 million will be spent in 2023 alone.
She said the designated Superfund site has access to $3.5 billion from the Infrastructure and Investment and Jobs Law of 2021.
Residents continue to queue up for testing, and the post-cleanup outlook is bright, it was stated.
“These sites are being successfully redeveloped all the time,” said Mr. Keith. Though the 60 foundries have disappeared, and liability with them, cleanup is working and testing shows that groundwater is not affected at all, he said.
The EPA Southside Chattanooga Lead Site includes the neighborhoods of Alton Park, Cowart Place, East Lake, Highland Park, Jefferson Heights, Oak Grove, Southside Gardens and Richmond. The EPA began to investigate the sites after a Fort Negley man suffered lead poisoning in 2011 and tests of his yard revealed 2,000 parts per million, up from the standard danger level of 400 ppm. The Superfund site was added to the National Priorities List in 2018.
For more than 100 years, from the mid-1800s to the passing of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in 1976, residents could request a delivery of the spent foundry sand, which looks like coffee grounds, as nourishing topsoil.
“We’ll never find it all,” said Mr. Keith, but that most of it is concentrated in neighborhoods around the foundries. It sits up to two feet deep on top of native Chattanooga clay.
“It is a veneer,” Mr. Keith said.
EPA uses a composite sampling method to sample a home’s soil, which takes about 15 minutes to collect. Residents get test results within a month. Testing is voluntary and this program does not test commercial or industrial property.
Properties with greater than 1,200 ppm are prioritized, then properties with greater than 360 ppm.
Cleanup involves shaving the contaminated topsoil away, to the property’s borders. If an X-ray fluorescence screening reveals more lead, another layer is excavated, up to two feet deep. Then orange snow fence is spread flat as a signal to other diggers, then clean topsoil and sod grass.
The dirty soil goes to the project’s new 36-acre staging site on East 38th Street, recently donated by the city of Chattanooga, and then to its permanent home in the Bradley County Landfill.
Families who get their yards tested are also encouraged to test their children.
Construction has continued on Southside Flats, and the final finishing touches were completed last week. The ribbon cutting, originally scheduled for April 13, may have been canceled, but the first residents have begun to move in and make their apartments feel like home.“We have other properties in Knoxville, but this is our first affordable low-income for KCDC (Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation),” said Tim Stewart, director of Lease Ups for Elmington Capital, which developed and now manages the complex....
Construction has continued on Southside Flats, and the final finishing touches were completed last week. The ribbon cutting, originally scheduled for April 13, may have been canceled, but the first residents have begun to move in and make their apartments feel like home.
“We have other properties in Knoxville, but this is our first affordable low-income for KCDC (Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation),” said Tim Stewart, director of Lease Ups for Elmington Capital, which developed and now manages the complex.
From the property management office to the exterior of the apartments, Southside Flats has beautiful touches.
Southside Flats is a 172-unit complex comprising 84 one-bedroom units, 54 two-bedroom units and 34 three-bedroom units.
Rental rates run from about $720 to $1,200, according to the website.
On April 23, 30 units were already occupied, with 19 more leased, and those tenants will occupy their new apartments within the next 30 days, according to Stewart. “As of late last week, we have completed all of the community,” he said. “We completed it with just a three-week delay due to formalities. We weren’t really impacted by COVID-19.”
Stewart said the property management office has been very involved during this time. “They are assisting with rent payments, providing links to resources and setting up a website specifically for payment arrangements during the pandemic,” he added. “That is unique and we are trying to go above and beyond for our residents.”
New residents with young children have been receiving welcome bags including information about school registration and after-school activities provided by Dogwood Elementary and the Great Schools Partnership. “That was just something we try to do for everyone,” said Stewart. “It’s a standard practice to welcome them with swag, that’s another thing that makes us unique.
“Southside Flats are built specifically for low-income residents,” said Stewart. “We are offering superior products: granite countertops, hardwood-style floors, the garden soaking bathtubs. Based on the market for affordable housing, these are all class-A features.”
The Southside Flats are located on land that has been vacant for a long time behind the recently remodeled Shoney’s restaurant on Chapman Highway. The complex is just minutes south of the Tennessee River and an easy walk or bike ride away from downtown and other outdoor activities. “We also have a bike rack room,” said Stewart. “You won’t find that anywhere else.”
Other amenities include a playground, community and computer rooms.
Elmington Property Management usually recognizes different holidays and throws renewal parties to help build community. “Of course, we are limited with social activities,” said Stewart. “We have an early bird special for people that pay rent before May 1; they will get entered into a drawing for a $250 gift card. We have a lot of things we want to offer residents when we can do them safely.”
It is important to note that the city supported the Southside Flats development with $360,000 from its Affordable Rental Development Fund and $540,000 in federal HOME funds. Former mayor Madeline Rogero established the ARDF in response to the community’s lack of affordable rental housing.
“We have three other projects in the works in Knoxville which will also be affordable and class-A products and we are looking forward to continuing to work with KCDC,” added Stewart.
While we’ve been hungrily anticipating the opening of Greko Greek Street Food, a joint effort of the Darsino family, we’ve learned a little about the familial ties and their restaurant heritage. There’s brother and sister Tony and Katerina, both of Gondola House Pizzeria in Hermitage. Their cousin Sam is a...
While we’ve been hungrily anticipating the opening of Greko Greek Street Food, a joint effort of the Darsino family, we’ve learned a little about the familial ties and their restaurant heritage. There’s brother and sister Tony and Katerina, both of Gondola House Pizzeria in Hermitage. Their cousin Sam is at the helm of Darfons Restaurant and Lounge in Donelson. Sam’s older brother Bill oversees Southside Grill out Nolensville Pike. It pointed up the fact that we had never dined at these places. Time to remedy that — starting with Bill Darsino’s Southside Grill.
Upon arrival, we realized we’d dined here in its first incarnation: Sophie’s Bistro. Darsino opened this upscale eatery in 2006 — a time when Nashville’s culinary landscape was light years leaner. In 2010, he rebranded it into a casual bar and restaurant that has since become a neighborhood mainstay.
We’d heard from one friend that Southside serves the best $5 martinis in town; he goes every Friday for one — or two. (Judging by the crowd, we could tell the 4-7 p.m. happy hour is a sure draw.) Another swears by the grilled octopus.
As we waited to be seated, the couple ahead of us, self-identified as regulars, offered their recommendations.
“If you order the lamb chops, ask for them ‘the Old Way’.” Which is? “Over linguine and sautéed spinach.” Ahh.
Inside is dark and cozy; the enclosed patio, which we chose, is light-filled and open. While you consider the menu, which combines Greek and American dishes, your server will present a basket of warm sliced crusty bread followed by a pour of Greek olive oil into a bowl for dipping — it is green-gold, slightly peppery and very good.
The "Mediterranean Plate" is more of a platter, ideal for sharing: Along with traditional hummus and grilled pita, it’s laden with kalamata olives, sliced tart green apple, and sliced cucumbers, an excellent tzatziki dip, and our groups favorite: Baguette rounds baked with goat cheese and a touch of honey.
It had been braised to tenderness and char-grilled in lemon and olive oil to caramel sweetness. A simple pleasure to eat, it was one of the highlights of the meal.
“We wouldn’t be good Greeks,” our server informed,” if we didn’t have good octopus.”
We were also pleased with "Warm Lump Crab Salad," a juxtaposition of gently warmed crabmeat strewn over cool chopped romaine, pickled fennel, sliced orange, pine nuts and crumbled blue cheese. It’s well suited for lighter summertime dining, yet the generous amount of lump crab gives it richness.
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More good things from the sea: A beurre blanc sauce sparked with dill and capers cloaks three pan-seared Maine sea scallops. Orzo, (a combination of traditional and whole wheat) and roasted Brussels sprouts round out the plate.
For heartier dining, you can’t wrong with the housemade meatballs, prepared with finely ground filet and ribeye. Red-sauced, spiced with oregano and cumin, served over macaroni folded in feta cream: The Greek version is a welcome departure from the more familiar Italian dish.
We did ask for the grilled lamb chop entree “the old way” and were readily accommodated. Five juicy chops came dabbed in “Greek Village” sauce — which has lemon, garlic, and a touch of honey. They were luscious with the feta-flecked spinach and pasta. Next time, we’ll try them the current way — over goat cheese mashed potatoes and spinach.
“They have them specially made," patrons at a nearby table told us. “We always get the coconut cake.”
Indeed, the cakes have an appealing old-fashioned look and taste. The coconut would get your great-grandmother’s seal of approval. The carrot cake has bits of pineapple in it — always a hit in our book — and the cream cheese icing is not too sweet.
What: Southside Grill
Where: 6601 Sugar Valley Drive Suite 101 Nashville
Hours: Monday -Thursday 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sunday dinner 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Reservations: Accepted.Alcohol: Full bar.Food: Greek influenced American.Cost: Starters: $7-$15; Salad: $6-$15; Burgers/Sandwiches: $13-$15; Entrees: $14-$26; Sides: $5; Dessert: $6.Parking: On site lot.
Anchoring the 5th + Broadway mixed-used complex, The Assembly Food Hall clocks in with some impressive numbers: At over 100,000 square feet, it houses three levels of dining and entertainment showcasing 20 eateries, two full-service restaurants. 10 bars and three live performance stages.Phase 1 of this ambitious project opened to the public this past March, with the bridge to the southside (Phase 2) still closed. In late May came the unveiling of Phase 2. We recently crossed the bridge to sample some of t...
Anchoring the 5th + Broadway mixed-used complex, The Assembly Food Hall clocks in with some impressive numbers: At over 100,000 square feet, it houses three levels of dining and entertainment showcasing 20 eateries, two full-service restaurants. 10 bars and three live performance stages.
Phase 1 of this ambitious project opened to the public this past March, with the bridge to the southside (Phase 2) still closed. In late May came the unveiling of Phase 2. We recently crossed the bridge to sample some of the fare. Following is a round-up of our initial foray into the food hall’s southside.
But first, here are some things to know before you go.
It’s cashless. Use your debit or credit card, or stop by one the food hall’s kiosks to buy an Assembly Food Hall Pass. All vendors accept these options.
It’s breezy. (and that’s great.) Walls of windows open up; there’s abundant airflow throughout. Even with rising vaccination rates and lowering Covid cases, it’s good to be inside a high traffic public space that doesn’t feel close, or closed in. Also, the balcony and rooftop views of the Ryman and lower Broadway are spectacular.
Variety abounds. What’s your pleasure? With Nashville hot chicken, Philly cheesesteaks, wood-fired pizza, falafel wraps, smashed burgers, made-to-order sushi, handcrafted pork-shrimp dumplings, red curry and rice, eclectic tacos, there’s easily something for everyone. (The same goes for booze and sweets.) So many decisions—and plenty to bring you back.
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Single Barrel is a bar dedicated to brown liquors, offering all manner of bourbons, whiskeys and ryes. We started our evening’s peruse of the hall’s southside there with a cocktail. You can get a potent Manhattan, made true to form using Sazerac rye.
For a tall, cool quaff, try the Tennessee Mule. It’s a refreshing stir of Jack Daniel Old No. 7, lime, and ginger beer, garnished with crystallized ginger.
It’s exciting to have Prince’s Hot Chicken, the O.G., the true king of Nashville Hot, in the house. In the interest of efficiency, they have limited chicken offerings—wings and tenders. (Remember, it’s takes a while to fry bone-in thighs and breasts.) You can specify your heat level, which ranges from XXXsupa-hot to none at all. And, you can mix it up—they will label what’s what in your basket. We ordered wings, mild and medium, which were crunchy, juicy and cloaked in that compelling fiery blend. Everybody’s different, but I prefer medium. The menu offers several sides: greens, mac-cheese, potato salad, slaw, even a cup of pickles, if you need a little something extra to cut the heat.
Across from Prince’s is Saffron Kitchen, specializing in Indian/Pakistani cuisine. They’ve got street snacks—samosas, bhel puri, vegetable fritters, as well as rice bowls and tandoori grill specialties. We ordered a bowl of Vegetable Biryani, at medium level of heat. Fragrant basmati rice, folded with onions, peppers, carrots, beans and cauliflower imparted heady spice. It actually makes a splendid accompaniment to Prince’s chicken.
The Pharmacy, an East Nashville mainstay since 2011 known for its craft burgers, housemade wursts and brews, has two counters in the food hall: one for those burgers, the other for sausages and wursts. We hadn’t eaten a Pharmacy burger in a long while, and the White Oak BBQ Burger, dressed in provolone, bacon crispy onions and the house Coca-Cola barbecue sauce was as good as we remembered. Note: the potato bun captures the whole shebang well, and can be easily cut in half to share. And, it comes with a mound of hand-cut fries to share too.
At last, Hattie Jane’s Creamery has arrived in Nashville. Started by Claire Crowell in 2016, the small-batch scoop shop made its debut in Columbia Tennessee. Using local ingredients, including milk from Tennessee dairies, the creamery combines Southern small town nostalgia and modern tastes. Vegan and gluten-free options for both ice cream and cones are available. We chose a housemade waffle cone with two scoops: Strawberry Jam, a non-dairy coconut milk base spun with jam from local organic farm, Green Door Gourmet and Goo Goo&Jack, a whiskey imbued custard rippled with fudge, caramel, and chunks of America’s first combination candy bar. Luscious! And, it lived up to the Hattie Jane's slogan, “Ice Cream Makes Me Happy.”
Level 2 South
5055 Broadway Place Nashville 37203 assemblyfoodhall.com
Hours: Daily 9am-1am (hours vary with individual establishment)
Parking: on site pay garage (there are also several others in the area )
615-437-3265