Partners Patrick Burke and co-chefs Jess Benefield and Trey Burnette of Seed Hospitality Group (Two Ten Jack Nashville and Chattanooga) are pleased to announce the opening of The Green Pheasant, located in the SoBro district of downtown Nashville at 215 1st Avenue South, across the street from Ascend Amphitheater; www.thegreenpheasant.com. The Green Pheasant, named after Japan’s national bird, which symbolizes power, strength and abundance, explores the interrelationships between Tennessee and Japan’s cultural traditions and cuisine.
At The Green Pheasant, chefs Benefield and Burnette maintain the same approachability as with Two Ten Jack’s neighborhood izakaya-style pub food, but with a greater focus on more refined dishes and techniques, while combining local and Southern flavors with traditional Asian ingredients sourced from Japan, including fresh seaweeds, artisanal soys, and decades old miso.
“Our goal is to honor Japanese culinary traditions while also celebrating regional foodways and ingredients,” says Benefield. “The Green Pheasant’s menu reflects our interpretation of seasonal Japanese cuisine, utilizing fish and ingredients sourced directly from Japan as well as continuing to source meats and produce from our local farmers, including The Nashville Food & Growing Together Projects, No. 9 Farms, and Marmilu Farms, to name a few.”
Menu highlights include: Okonomiyaki, a Japanese pancake made with potato, smoked ham, bacon and scallops; A5 Miyazaki, grilled rib-eye cap from Japan that is available by the ounce; American Mishima Reserve Wagyu, from Mishima Ranch, available in six-ounce steaks; and Whole TN Trout, wok-fried in ginger oil, sansho, and served with steamed buns and tobanjan slaw. The Green Pheasant also offers an inventive selection of noodles, including Mazemen, with spicy crab, garlic butter and chile threads; and Curry Udon, with Japanese curry and whipped baked potato.
Rounding out The Green Pheasant’s team is Kristin Beringson as chef de cuisine; Michael Seale as general manager; andTwo Ten Jack alum, Kynsey Hunter, beverage director and certified kikisake-shi (sake sommelier). Under Hunter’s direction, the bar program highlights sake’s diversity, breadth and depth, featuring cocktails on tap, including Ichi-san, Ni-san, and San-san; Chu Highs, or shochu highballs that are popular in Japan; and an extensive list of sake and shochu. A curated list of wine and beers, both local and imported, is also available.
The 184-seat restaurant combines the work of several local artisans and craftsmen, partnerships that were a priority for Seed Hospitality to fully convey the fun, convivial vibe of downtown Nashville. Artisans and craftsman include: Powell Design Studio, architecture, interior design and construction; furniture by Matt Alexander with Holler Design and Chris Barber with Barber Woodworking; sculptural installation and art and patterns by New Hat; architectural metalwork by Ferrin IronWorks; architectural concrete by Set in Stone; upholstery by King’s Interiors; interior landscaping by FLWR Shop; carpentry by Wudwerx; and lighting by Adam Gatchel with Southern Lights Electric.
“It was important to us that we work with local makers and artisans on The Green Pheasant to help reflect our concept as we continue to explore the interrelationship between Tennessee and Japan’s culture and cuisine,” says Burke. “The design elements compliment The Green Pheasant’s mission, while reclaiming this unique corner of downtown with a locally owned, chef-driven restaurant. We think that is important right now in Nashville.”
The unique art installation, created by New Hat, features a composition of origami inspired by The Green Pheasant’s namesake bird, with elements of rubbed charcoal, suspended by a delicate framework of brass poles above the bar. Aligning with The Green Pheasant’s roots in Japanese cuisine and the cultural crossovers that define international style, the compositions convey sensations of movement, transformation and individuality. These qualities speak to a mission The Green Pheasant and New Hat share: to make work that transcends the sum of its parts, exists to be shared with others, and inspires reflection and joy.
The Green Pheasant is located at 215 1st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37201 (located in the 222 2nd Avenue South building) in downtown Nashville, directly across from the main entrance to Ascend Amphitheater. Self-parking and valet is available in the 222 building garage. The Green Pheasant is open Monday-Thursday, 5pm-10pm and Friday-Saturday 5pm-11pm. Sunday supper and lunch service will follow this fall. Reservations can be made at www.thegreenpheasant.com or by calling 615.205.5400.
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