Bourbon Steak & Bourbon Sky

Sep 06, 2019 at 03:39 pm by PaigeAtwell


 

By Anna Robertson Ham

JW Marriott Nashville has set the bar and it is set high... On the thirty-fourth floor, to be exact. Bourbon Steak is JW Marriott Nashville’s premiere steakhouse and one of the country’s five Michael Mina’s signature branded restaurants. The Mina brand consists of not only an incredible ambiance, but also a pride in their offerings of organic and hormone-free cuts of beef that are slow-poached in butter and cooked on a wood burning grill. All of the beef is hand-selected through their own auctioneer that finds all of the perfect cuts, ensuring top quality for the diners. Bourbon Steak also offers a wide selection of seasonal fish and shellfish, some being locally sourced, that can be accompanied by a wine selection of over 500 options of vino.

I recently visited Bourbon Steak and had what I could describe as a “wow” experience. From the 360-views of the Nashville skyline, beautiful décor by renowned hospitality designer Tihany Design, along with the excellent service, the restaurant definitely sets itself apart. Bourbon Sky is the bar portion of the restaurant with a separate menu, specialty cocktails and a terrace that extends past the building’s edge giving one the “floating on air” experience. I was in awe of the views while I visited the restaurant for a tasting of several of their signature and new menu offerings.

 

 

First, I sipped two of Bourbon Steak and Bourbon Sky’s signature cocktails - the “Rebellious” Negroni and the Traditional Whiskey Sour. Now, their cocktail menu has a twist with a traditional side and a “rebellious” option, thanks to their Head Bartender Seth Weinberg, who has been recognized for his genius mixology on a national level. The “Rebellious” Negroni - made with Havana Club Rum, Aperol, Campari, Kina L’Aero D’Or, Lillet and grapefruit bitters - is a sweet and satisfying option for someone wanting a cocktail that is easy to drink. The Traditional Whiskey Sour is made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, lemon, egg white, Angostura and topped with a rice paper printed image of a Memphis Gibson Guitar with edible ink - making this drink a piece of art. The Gibson Guitar artwork that tops the drink is a nod to the guitar headquarters, which is located right in downtown Nashville, and the owner, who frequents the eatery.

 

 

I tried a handful of appetizers including Duck Fat Trio Fries with accompanying sauces, a Beet Salad, Salmon Tataki, Benton’s Ham Crostini and Michael’s Tuna Tartare, which is a signature dish offered at all of the Mina-branded restaurants and consist of Asian pear, pine nut, habanero, qual egg and sesame. The Tuna Tartare is mixed together at the table, allowing guests to see all of the elements that blend together creating this favored menu staple. My favorite was the Beet Salad, which is a new menu item and includes red, yellow and candy-striped beets with a lavender goat cheese mouse, citrus gastrique and pea tendrils. The colors, textures and medley of flavors in this dish made it not only delightful but beautiful as well. Another beautiful dish was the Salmon Tataki, which had young ginger, snap peas, holy basil wand Shiro Dashi vinaigrette - keeping it on the lighter side.

 

 

Then, I had the opportunity to enjoy two entree offerings - the Broiled Whole Bucksnort Ranch Trout with ginger, scallions and Chinese black bean, as well as the 22oz 100-Day Dry Aged ‘Cowboy’ Rib Eye with Prime Angus Beef. All of the cuts of beef are hand- selected for Bourbon Steak, giving them the well-deserved reputation for being a signature steakhouse. Accompanying the entrees were the Mac & Cheese with Black Truffle, Charred Broccolini with toasted cashew and umami sauce, and the Mexican Street Corn with jalapeno, cotija and yuzu koshu. I love truffle and I think I will dream about the mac and cheese for quite some time!

 

 

The last course of tastings included two desserts - Michael’s Banana Tarte Tatin and the Seckel Pear Panna Cotta, which is a new menu item. The Panna Cotta was a delicious medley of Seckel pears, brown butter bourbon ice cream and vanilla streusel. Perfect for someone who wants a dessert that satisfies the sweet tooth but also leans on the lighter side when it comes to richness. The Banana Tarte Tatin is another dish that is put together right at your table and had citrus caramel sauce and puff pastry. Oh, my goodness... Absolutely mouthwatering. If one were to cheat on their diet - this would be the way to go!

 

 

Bourbon Steak and Bourbon Sky not only showcase amazing food and drinks, but also provide guests with an experience that is set apart from the rest. The staff and service were unmatched and you could feel the pride in what they were offering, whether you are there for a full meal, lite bites or just cocktails. And there was no shortage of offerings. I highly recommend dining in the sky yourself.

 

 

JW MARRIOTT NASHVILLE | 34TH FLOOR 201 8TH AVENUE SOUTH NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37203 615.291.8600 JWNASHVILLEHOTEL.COM