Posted by Adam
I’m going to relate some unfortunate news – Davis-Kidd is closing. My memories of the place flooded in, as I rekindle them, and the news hit me. It’s like the memory of your grandparent’s place – even though you can’t get there anymore, it still brings back good memories. That’s the kind of feeling I get when I think of Davis-Kidd. This isn’t strictly about food, especially since Bronte is now closed (fair warning foodies), but it is very much about Nashville.
See, the thing is, I was a part of that lucky Nashville generation that grew up with Davis-Kidd. It’s only been around since the 80′s, so there aren’t too many of us like that. Every year we would be there on some occasion, either looking through the summer book lists for something that sounded adventuresome, with each school’s lists printed in a notebook to browse, or having lunch in the upstairs cafe. It represented one of those places that I just knew I was in Nashville, and the likelihood of running into friends was high. I would walk in, passing the newspapers which lined the passageway to the expansive interior, turn to see the light on that huge interior staircase, and begin my trek. I dashed straight for the fantasy fiction section where my best friends’ favorite novels were. We scoured every nook of the section, which unfortunately was right near the check-out lines so we couldn’t drop our attempts to look respectable and adult-like as we read about elves and dwarfs.
At Grace’s Plaza, the cafe’s locale was one of the most interesting in town. If you came up that massive stairway, wound your way through the greeting cards on the right, and got in line, you could look out over the entirety of the bookstore – through the massive square emptiness on the second floor which allowed the natural light to fill the first floor, with a second floor lined by balcony railing – your unobstructed vision passed all the way to the shelves and check-out lines beneath you on the first floor. You would grab a menu from atop the glass case which held some gorgeous pies and sides, and pick from the expansive menu of salads and lunch-items. Just after the ordering section, the tables flooded out into the main hallway of Grace’s Plaza, which enjoys a white marble flooring and several upper-class stores like a portrait gallery and watch repair store. It was an instant change from the green/brown theme of Kidd’s interior. The ceiling of the hallway is impressive: arched skylights span the length of the interior, reaching about fifteen foot across. My best memory is eating there when a rainstorm passed overhead and the rain pummeled the skylights as we ate.
I won’t discuss my shock and disappointment when they moved to the mall. Like the replacement of Opryland Themepark with Opry Mills, some things just aren’t worth beating your head against a wall. We’ve had that battle and it isn’t worth rehashing here.
I have several good memories of the location in Green Hills. I went back today, albeit to its new incarnation within the Green Hills Mall, upon hearing the news that the bookstore was closing its doors, hoping to catch a few of those memories and have lunch at Bronte for a final time. I looked around for a clerk to bother, putting my best junior school smirk on my face – finding none – I dove right into that same fantasy fiction section I had marauded as a youngster. There they were, my fantasy fiction series, no longer the entire-shelf-engulfing power that they once were, but at least still available for the next generation to enjoy. I aimed for downstairs and Bronte, and was reminded of another great series – Harry Potter.
More important than my private recollection, Davis-Kidd was the only place to be when Harry Potter was released. I actually went just to see what kind of a show they could put on, even though I would wait to get the book in a few days. I remember the animal shelter took part and brought their owls into the store, teaching everyone about their work. Live Owls, giving friendly hoots and looking around at the filled upper floor. Hundreds of people were there for this party, innumerable children, and volunteers played characters from the novels and read fortunes for kids – who had just waited in one of the longest lines I have ever seen. Everyone (except me it seemed) was in costume…one family had come fully prepared, mom and dad were in professorial Potter gear, and dressed their infant up in a black robe, and he fell asleep on his father’s shoulder, still grasping his wand. This event outclassed competing events by far, with the culminating moment being the midnight release. Huge crates, forklift sized and cellophane-wrapped, rolled in from the interior of the mall with the most recent release stored within. Kids noticed that they could see the covers through the protective wrapping, as the line twisted and turned with excitement upon their approach. It was a beautiful time to be at Davis-Kidd.
I thought of this as I wound my way down the interior staircase, obviously designed to imitate the landmark stairway at Grace’s Plaza. I noticed an atypical darkness as I descended. I was too late. Bronte is already closed. The store will be gone soon – December actually. But that doesn’t stop me from telling you about my favorite meals within those walls.
After eating there for years, I always knew what I wanted. The chicken pot pie. It was low-slung and enjoyed a flaky crust, and always seemed like one of the more hearty options on the luncheon-focused menu. I never quite felt that it was large enough to quiet my appetite, so I would pull the flaky crust from around the sides of the dish to make the most of the dregs of my pot pie. Wonderful.
The family often goes to Bronte after church, and we have enjoyed the fare. Particularly enjoyable was the pot roast, which surprised me with its strength, and once or twice outclassed my perennial favorite of the pot pie. Emily always selected the spinach artichoke quesadilla, which always made a good impression. The last two times we were there, in that back corner of the basement level of Davis-Kidd (much different from my skylights of old), I noticed the pot pie was off the menu. Alas, after all those years – looks like they took a champion and retired it early. They also knew their desserts, and I remember them having a staple of pies, brownies, or cobbler to put a finishing touch on the meal.
Of course, we at Nashville Foodies don’t know enough to participate adequately in honoring the literary aspect of Davis-Kidd’s work, but we’ll give our brief thoughts and point you toward the experts. Davis-Kidd has always been ground-central for nationally known authors to speak and offer book signings, ranging from our local talent right up to Stephen King. When locals produced works, Davis-Kidd would do its part, offering a speaking venue, signings and support as the venture got off the ground. But don’t take my word for it. (anyone get that reference?) If you’re interested in reading about Davis-Kidd from someone who is a local author and has first-hand knowledge about its impact on the community, check out this article from the Nashville scene: https://www.nashvillescene.com/nashville/at-stake-in-davis-kidds-closing-is-much-more-than-where-to-buy-books/Content?oid=1969155
It seems like a tough job to say goodbye.
Thanks for your indulgence, foodies, and we’re looking forward to some interesting features coming up in December.
