As Shelby Eatenton in the classic – notice I did not say “old” – movie Steel Magnolias said, “Pink is my signature color.”   While I am not quite as over-the-top about pink as Shelby with her “bashful and blush” themed wedding and top to bottom pink bedroom, it is my favorite color.  When I found out that an ‘all-pink’ rooftop restaurant and bar was opening in my hometown of Nashville, of course I was intrigued. Given that Nashville is such a hot spot for travel right now, I thought I would share my experience for those who may be traveling through the area or planning a trip, or for those who just enjoy reading about interesting places to put on their wish lists.

 

When I found out this cool new place, White Limozeen, was not only all pink, but inspired by Dolly Parton, I had to go.   Dolly is one of those rare gems that when I get asked the “if you could invite five people over for a dinner party who would it be” questions that come up as an icebreaker activity on a Zoom call or during a long road trip trying to pass the time, she automatically comes to mind.  She is an amazing person, entertainer, businesswoman, and humanitarian.  And I wanted to see the all-pink Dolly-inspired restaurant!   By the way, Dolly was part of the all-star cast of Steel Magnolias – what an ironic and interesting twist, right?

 

My visit to White Limozeen, named after Dolly Parton’s twenty-ninth solo studio album released in 1989, was quite the experience.   My visit was in late May when things were beginning to open again in Nashville after the pandemic and one of the first weekends after the mask guidelines were revised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. EVERYBODY was out. Every. Body. It was nice to see the excitement and energy in Nashville, and at this cool rooftop restaurant and bar.  Located at the top of the Graduate Hotel in downtown Nashville, White Limozeen is a sight to see.   The hotel, which has separate ownership from the restaurant, is spectacular with an elevator that takes you right up to an explosion of pink everywhere – pink awnings, couches, draperies, and a tiny but cute Governor’s Pool on the outdoor patio which requires a separate reservation ($40 per person as of May 2021). The patio also features a giant mesh head of Dolly Parton made of chicken wire and which is the perfect backdrop for a photo opp with friends.  You can eat inside at the oval-shaped bar complete with chandelier, at any of the over-the-top assortment of seating options in the indoor area including a large round, fuzzy pink bed, or on the patio at one of many festive umbrella-covered patio tables or cabanas. It was somewhat pricey, loud with plenty of what appeared to be bachelorette gatherings, slow service, and the usual parking issues if you don’t opt for the pricey valet – all of which are typical for a busy Nashville Saturday morning, but it was FUN, we had an awesome view, and I had great company.  A win!

 

The brunch menu was varied, though my friend and I had the Garden Vegetable Hash and Le Grand-père with scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits with whipped butter and pepper jelly, charred tomato, & White Limozeen Hash Browns.  They were unfortunately out of the French Onion Quiche at the time which is what I had wanted to order.  They also offered a Bread Pudding French Toast, which also sounded good. Both sound amazing for next time. We both had fresh squeezed pineapple juice though bar options were plentiful – “Exotic Mimosa,” “Queen of the Rodeo” (a “gussied up Cosmo”), “Forget me Not” (pink wine, raspberry, and Pino Sherry), or a Lightening Bug (a sparkling martini) were just a few of the choices offered.  Definitely call to make a reservation if you are traveling through Nashville as they do take walk-ins, but reservations are really the way to go as busy as it seems to stay.

 

As we sat, people-watched, dined on our selected edibles, and viewed the Nashville skyline, it felt good to just escape for a few hours and enjoy being outside and OUT again, enjoying life. The pink and fun atmosphere made it even better and I left refreshed and recharged which always happens when leaving the company of good friends. And the pink did not hurt either.  Will I go back again? Probably. After all, designer Lilly Pulitzer said it best, ““Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink.”