👋 How to help our unhoused neighbors this winter

👋 Helping Our Unhoused Neighbors This Winter

When the temperatures drop below freezing, Open Table Nashville volunteers hit the streets to canvass our unhoused neighbors, help them get to shelter, and make sure they’ve got what they need. As a City Cast Nashville podcast exclusive, Open Table’s Kelly Chieng trains us on everything we need to know to step up and help out. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

😞 Saying Goodbye

The Nashville Scene is paying homage to the Nashvillians we lost this year, from East Nashville singer-songwriter Todd Snider and Santa’s Pub owner Elmer Denzel Irwin, to Germantown attorney Dorothy “Dot” Dobbins and Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s first Black resident, Dr. Harold Jordan. [Nashville Scene]

🏗️ Second Avenue Reopens After Christmas Bombing

Today, downtown’s Second Avenue will reopen to vehicles and pedestrians for the first time since the Christmas Day bombing decimated the street five years ago. While the final phase of construction is complete, many businesses are still struggling with insurance disputes, and favorites like the Old Spaghetti Factory are closed for good. [Nashville Banner]

🧑‍💼 Beaman Dropped From TVA Nominees

Local car magnate Lee Beaman will not sit on the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors, as U.S. Senate confirmations concluded this week. Beaman was removed from consideration, likely due to a conflict of interest, since Beaman rents two D.C. rowhouses to various Congressional leaders, and worked as Rep. Andy Ogles’ campaign treasurer in 2022. [Tennessee Lookout]

• There’s speculation that Pres. Trump seeks to privatize the Tennessee Valley Authority, which would likely raise electricity bills. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

Hungry? Nashville has so many excellent new restaurants and bars opening every month. Here are our favorites from December!

Golden Prawn #3

Craving Chinese takeout? Golden Prawn in East Nashville has finally opened. Get classics like sweet and sour chicken and egg drop soup, and don’t forget the fortune cookie, which has Nashville-themed fortunes.

Potluck Teahouse

I cannot wait to check out this newly opened teahouse in East Nashville. There’s also a pottery studio inside, and handmade pottery for sale. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, with morning and evening hours.

Maggie’s Place

The Nation’s newest neighborhood bar is open every day of the week, with happy hour Monday through Friday from 3-7 p.m. It has a large outdoor area with games and a fire pit, where kids and dogs are welcome.

Ninki

Open for 14 years in the Belle Meade Plaza before its demolition, this beloved hibachi and sushi restaurant is reopening at One Bellevue Place in time for the holidays. Ninki will be open on Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s! No reservations necessary.

Ladybird Taco

Ladybird Taco has opened its third Nashville spot in The Gulch. Grab yourself Texas-inspired breakfast and lunch tacos, plus coffee. Its other locations are in East Nashville and 12 South.

Alligator Bar

The newest addition to Nashville Yards is a playful nod to two alligator pools that sat at The Union Station’s track level from 1900 to 1919. For December, check out its holiday-themed Naughty or Nice pop-up.

Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café

This Houston-based crêperie opens in Nashville Yards this week. Expect delicious Parisian-style breakfast foods all day long.

Surefire Coffee Co.

Surefire Coffee Co. has opened its fifth location, on Broadway. The coffee shop has free parking and Wi-Fi, plus plenty of indoor and patio seating.

Beignets & Brew

Find beignets, specialty coffees, and other breakfast treats at Beignets & Brew’s first Nashville location in downtown. It’s currently serving holiday-themed drinks and treats.

Expresso Bar

Warm up with coffee or tea at this new Bordeaux coffee shop. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, with pretty affordable prices!

Five Iron Golf

Get your golf on and enjoy elevated takes on classic bar fare and creative cocktails at this new indoor entertainment venue in Midtown.