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America's Classic: Arnold's Country Kitchen

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May 19, 2009

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Whether it’s a clam shack near the shore, a barbecue joint on the outskirts of town, or a sub shop on the busiest city street, chances are your favorite local restaurant is a James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award winner. Each week at Delights + Prejudices we profile one of these classic restaurants. Next up, Nashville's meat and threes paradise Arnold's Country Kitchen. Co-owner Jack Arnold favors overalls and foulard bow ties. He began his restaurant career as a dishwasher, at the age of 12. While studying art at Vanderbilt University, he managed the campus cafeteria. By 1983 he had his own place, Arnold's Country Kitchen, a concrete block building, outfitted with a steam table and a tray line. Along with his wife, Rose, and his son Kahlil, Jack has won a citywide reputation for excellence in meat-and-three fare. Although he roasts a beautiful haunch of beef, vegetables are Arnold's specialty. His long-simmered greens, perfectly crisp fried green tomatoes, and cooked-to-order cornbread have won the allegiance of downtown business types, country-music show folks, and workaday Nashvillians alike. Arnold's Country Kitchen 605 8th Ave. S. Nashville, TN Click here for a complete list of America’s Classics Award winners.