The Mockingbird is a modern diner in Nashville that comes from the same hospitality group as Chauhan Ale & Masala House and Tansuo. 



It serves up "global fare and delicious fun," and is "led by the talented culinary duo of Executive Chef / Partner Brian Riggenbach [winner of Season 14 of 'Chopped'] and front-of-house extraordinaire / Partner Mikey Corona. Inspired by the restaurant's namesake, Brian has created The Mockingbird's menu to mimic its surroundings, offering comfort food favorites influenced by the many global elements that make up American culture and cuisine. He has crafted the menu so that no two dishes are alike, pulling inspiration from the country's melting pot of cultural diversity to create a truly exciting menu of varied flavors. The restaurant plays with a special sense of whimsy that is evoked in Brian's menu. Playful in nature, each dish at The Mockingbird is a nod to the experience that Brian and Mikey want their diners to have." 



Bri and I opted for just dessert at The Mockingbird. I went for "Bowls Deep," which had dulce de leche & chocolate pot de creme with cake crumbles and peans. Bri ordered the "Butter Believe It" with butter cake, pie crumbles and strawberries. 



While I liked mine, the pot de creme was a more bitter chocolate. I loved all the goodies on top and mixed those around to try a bit of this and a bit of that.



Bri won this round with here with the cake because the strawberry flavor was fresh, there was more texture, and it was just sweeter - like me.



Grade: B

Yellow Brix was the closest restaurant when I made a pitstop in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The aptly named yellow brick house offers soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas and chargrilled cuts of meat.



I ordered the steak tacos with rice and beans. And I can see why this type of food is popular in locations where it is super hot. It was refreshing and filling without being super heavy because as soon as I stepped outside, I was sweating. Fresh veggies, thick cuts of steak - all tasty. I would've preferred a different cheese, and the beans were pretty bland. Still, a solid lunch.



Grade: B