Searing Flame: While I Was Out

I decided to go on an adventure to Tennessee with some friends of mine. We came across some awesome food while we were out and about. I love to go to new places and try new foods. The experience lights me like a kid in candy shop. The 1 inch thick, dinner plate smothering, buttermilk panclock at Aretha Frankenstein's was awesome as always. Well that was not a new find, Mandi and I found these gems on our last road trip. This whole in the wall cafe, in a residential area of Chattanooga, never displeases me with their fluffy pecan cakes of divine greatness. We stopped by a place called Merchant's in downtown Nashville and I was pleasantly surprised by the country fried chicken dish I ordered. The chicken was tender, the breading crispy and light, the potatoes creamy and buttery, and the spinach wilted perfectly. With a splash of gravy on top, I was in artery clogging heaven. The other morsels I had here were delicious as well. The fried green tomatoes were tangy sweet with light breading and cooked until tender. If you know me well, you know that duck fat fried tater tots is something I had to try out. Sweet and simple, they were heaven in my mouth. I can only eat out so much before I body starts to scream at me to stop. When I crossed the line, I suggested we make a dish from scratch. My friends Jared and Allison have this awesome kielbasa and fennel soup they shared with us. It was hearty, healthy, and refreshing. The next dish was a creation of my own doing. Right before bed one night the idea popped into my head for a seared pork loin chop with apple, bacon, jalapeno jam served with roasted golden beets and sweet potatoes. Unfortunately, none of us thought to take pictures of the dishes we made as we all started to dig in without hesitation.