Chow hound report: Restaurants coming and going

Hungry? Chow hounds like myself have much to celebrate in Brentwood these days, but we also have some sad news to report.

Anyone who’s been keeping an eye on the construction has probably noticed that First Watch, the new breakfast and lunch restaurant going in at the Harris Teeter-anchored Pear Tree Village shopping center is coming right along. Original estimates were for an August opening. Promise I’ll check with the powers that be to get the scoop this week.

I haven’t eaten there yet, but I did stop by and pick up a menu at the new Satay Thai Grill located in the Brentwood House shopping center on Franklin Road and can’t wait to go back and give it a try. Its owner will be in front of the city’s Beer Board, read that City Commission, tonight hoping to add to its beverage selection.

All in the name of research, I not only stopped by and bought a treat from Beignets Bakery and Cafe, the new little neighborhood spot located near the corner of Franklin Road and Moores Lane. I didn’t get one of its namesake beignets, one of the deep-fried pastries rolled in powdered sugar that many travel all the way to New Orleans to enjoy. Mixed online reviews, however, make me glad I tried a chocolate croissant instead. Delicious.

And then there’s Joey’s House of Pizza. The Italian restaurant that has been a Maryland Farms’ mainstay for almost a decade is moving to a new location on Elm Hill Pike in Nashville. Friends and fans are devastated but owner Joey Macca and his family who run the restaurant assure me it’s going to be a good move for them. He also says that those who need their Italian fix probably won’t have to wait too long before the space smells of oregano again. Details will be forthcoming as soon as I can confirm them.

Continuing our restaurant theme, McAllister’s Deli in Brentwood Place wants everyone’s help so that Brentwood can be named Tea Town USA. Turns out there’s a corporate contest going on that will end with a nonprofit of the winning store’s choice receiving up to $7,500. The Brentwood store is competing for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. The Greater Nashville Race for the Cure returns to Maryland Farms on Oct. 29.

It’s easy to cast a vote for Brentwood. Just visit McAllister’s home page, click the link, and type in Brentwood, Tenn. As of Sunday, it only had 105 votes – far below leading Joplin, Mo. With 7959 (which honestly, deserves all the help it can get after its recent tornado.), Longview, Texas is in second with 5032 votes, and Charlotte, N.C. with 2197.

We have until July 28, which has been declared Free Tea Day. Let’s hope turnout doesn’t rival that of the last city commission election – when few voters cast votes than either Joplin or Longview have received for their iced tea.

And finally, on a non-food related topic, I hope we see a huge crowd Tuesday night at the Brentwood Library for our third BHP Night at the Library. I first became aware of Dr. Jim Wellborn when he spoke to the Parents of Teens Sunday School class I belonged to several years ago. I instantly became a fan. He’s an engaging and open speaker who “tells it like it is” when it comes to today’s teens, and more importantly, different parenting styles.

If you have teens or preteens, consider joining us. It starts at 7 and yes, refreshments will be served.

Susan Leathers is editor of Brentwood Home Page. Click here to read previous columns. Email her at susan@brentwoodhomepage.com