Interviews and Stories
Uncovering the passion, struggle, and triumphs of people through compelling stories and interviews.
Nashville Loves Food: Kennys Farmhouse Cheese
By Sheri Oneal Almost everyone loves cheese…right? While working on the “Nashville Loves Food” project I had the opportunity to visit Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese located about 85 miles from Nashville in Kentucky and owned by the Mattingly family. My assistant, Erik Lara and I arrived around 5:30 AM hoping to catch some great sunrise pictures of the farm but the weather didn’t cooperate. The guys had already rounded up some cows (above photo) and were running them through the milking area (below photo). It was my first time seeing cows being milked with machines and I found it very interesting to watch the whole process. I couldn’t believe how big these…
Nashville Loves Food: Smoke Et Al
Smoke Et Al: Nashville’s Award-Winning BBQ Powerhouse It’s the heart of BBQ season here in the South, and if you haven’t heard of Smoke Et Al, you’re truly missing out on some incredible food! I had the fantastic opportunity to meet owner Shane Autry last year for my Nashville Loves Food project. This year, Shane truly outdid himself, becoming the 2014 Golden Skillet winner of $10,000 on the Travel Channel’s “Chow Masters” TV show! The day we captured these images was scorching hot, but the irresistible aroma from the smoker kept me motivated. This isn’t your average food truck! Smoke Et Al is a “smokin’ boutique on wheels” that goes…
Nashville Loves Food: KLD Farm
By Sheri Oneal Last year around this time I had the opportunity to visit Ken Drinnon’s KLD Farm in Ashland City, Tennessee for the Nashville Loves Food series. This 82 acre family owned farm allows plenty room for his Angus cattle to roam, with lots of natural grass, hay and clean water. Ken doesn’t use steroids, growth hormones or antibiotics of any kind with his cattle. His beef is USDA inspected and 100% chemical free, it is healthier and has a much richer taste than what you get at the grocery store. Ken and his wife Lucy greeted my team when we arrived at his farm. He first drove us…
Nashville Loves Food: Delvin Farms
By Sheri Oneal It is strawberry season and for my Nashville Loves Food series I wanted to introduce you to Delvin Farms, the best local farm around for the juiciest strawberries you will ever put in your mouth! Upon my early morning arrival, I was given a tour of Delvin Farms by Amy, daughter of Hank Sr. and Cindy Delvin. We started with a picture of the family (below) members that were around that morning, Amy, Cindy, Hank Sr. and Hank Jr. Hank Jr.’s two kids were so cute I wanted to grab a photo of him with the munchkins as well. Delvin Farms is a 140-acre family farm located in…
Nashville Loves Food: Local Farmers Markets
By Sheri Oneal My favorite thing to do on a Saturday morning in the summer (other than hitting garage sales) is head to a local farmers market and get my fresh vegetables for the week. After the long winter we have had I can’t wait to get outside and going to the farmers market is a perfect way to start a weekend! While working on the “Nashville Loves Food” project last year with Lithographics, Inc., Melissa Corbin and Joe Smith I was introduced to “Hip Donelson Farmers Market” and “12 South Farmers Market”. I was pleasantly surprised at the size of both and the items their vendors had to offer. The 12 South Farmers Market located over in Sevier…
Nashville Loves Food: Holland House Bar and Refuge
By Sheri Oneal Last year I was introduced to executive chef Kristin Beringson, of the Holland House Bar and Refuge for part of our “Nashville Loves Food” project with Lithographics, Inc., Melissa Corbin and Joe Smith. She introduced me to the kitchen, the staff and created one of her fabulous menu items for us to photograph. I was pleasantly surprised by the show bartender Graham “Guice” Fuze gave me with his mixology while making this Jack Daniels speciality drink (above)! Meat from a local farm is prepared by Sous Chef Ben Hauk. The Holland House (HHB&R) is located in East Nashville and offers seasonal dining in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. They utilizing fresh culinary artistry…
Nashville Loves Food: Porter Road Butcher
By Sheri Oneal If you are a vegetarian you might want to stop reading now and cover your eyes but I have to say I am excited that us folks on the West side of Nashville now have our very own Porter Road Butcher shop! While working on the Nashville Loves Food project I was introduced to PRB’s owners, Chris Carter and James Peisker while shooting for the Lithographics, Inc. marketing piece “Nashville Loves Food” with Melissa Corbin and Joe Smith. Over the past few years in my quest to be healthier I have found that I enjoy fresh quality grass fed meat best (there is a huge difference in flavor). As an independent small business owner I also see…
Nashville Loves Food: The Frothy Monkey
By Sheri Oneal I love the choices we have for food in Nashville and I also love coffee! One of my favorite places to go is the Frothy Monkey, they have great coffee and food! I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing restaurateur Ryan Pruitt and the chef Chase Ingalls last year for the “Nashville Loves Food” marketing piece I did for Lithographics, Inc. with Melissa Corbin and Joe Smith. I had a great visit as always and enjoyed the experience, boy do I love my job! These are two great guys, and the Frothy Monkey is an awesome place to have business meetings. They have several locations throughout Nashville…
Made in America: The Hermitage
By Sheri Oneal Earlier this year I was asked to shoot some photos of The Hermitage in Nashville Tennessee for an editorial assignment in American Spirit Magazine. This historical landmark is perfect for my “Made in America” blog series so I wanted to share it with you all. The Hermitage is a plantation and a museum that attracts tourists from all over the country. It was owned by President Andrew Jackson from 1804 until his death in 1845. The magazine article centered around Andrew Jackson’s historical home, what inspired him to build this beautiful living space and the history behind his historical mansion. A copy of the article can be…
Made in America: Elliston Place Soda Shop
By Sheri Oneal With everyone striking up their grills for Independence Day, I wanted to share some photos for my Made in America series of the iconic Nashville restaurant “Elliston Place Soda Shop.” As one of the oldest eating establishments in Nashville it represents the simplicity of American food. I didn’t live in that time when date night was a burger and a shake and soda shops were as common as fast food chains but my parents did and they remember it well. I do remember sitting at the soda fountain at Woolworth as a child with my grandmother eating grilled cheese sandwiches and I loved the show “Happy Days!” Originally…
