Haute Potato

Well, it's finally happened. After years and years of attempts at becoming a REAL city, Nashville finally steps up to the plate with the addition of Spudz, a hole-in-the-wall shitbox out on Charlotte Avenue that serves nothing but giant-assed baked potatoes filled with various carcinogens. Don't talk to me about tapas bars! I don't want to hear about specialty martinis! Shut up already about wine bars with plates of cheese! I want a baked potato joint!

Sister Meg remembers places in malls back in the 80s or whenever that served various stuffed potatoes, but I don't have any memory of that, but then again I was not a mall-hanger-outter. And since I discovered this place, I have since been informed that there are two outposts of something called Tater Shack within spitting distance of town. You would think that in this carbophobic day and age, a baked potato restaurant would be a risky proposition, but I guess not.

Anyway... Spudz has about twenty different fillings for their potatoes, including Chicken Cordon Bleu, Philly Shrimp, Sloppy Joe, Chicken Teriyaki, Ham and Swiss....the list does go on a bit. Needless, to say, I've been twice in a week.

The first trip out, I ordered the "Chicken Parmesan potato" which had very little to do with the charming Italian town of Parma and a whole lot more to do with artery-clogging. One plus of this particular potato: you know exactly what it's going to look like when you throw it up later because it already looks conveniently pre-masticated. I will say: it was pretty damned good. The actual potato part was one of the best baked potatoes I've ever had; the chicken parm part was just hot and cheesy.

On my second trip, I partook of the "Philly Cheesesteak potato." In comparison to the Chicken Parmesan one, this thing was practically health food. Therefore, I discourage getting it.

One other thing: this place is REALLY cheap. I think the most expensive potato on the menu is only $4.29 and they all weigh about three pounds. That's a lot of bang for the buck, if you ask me.