Food and music are among Tennessee’s chief cultural resources, and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has created a campaign to highlight these riches. The Sound Bites campaign pairs chefs with musical artists to explore how “sonic seasoning” — a research concept by University of Oxford experimental psychologist Dr. Charles Spence — shows that elements like tempo, pitch and instrumentation can influence how the brain perceives sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami tastes.

As guests arrived at Southall Farm & Inn, Franklin’s luxury resort, the Orchard Event Center was filled with the din of chatter as longtime friends greeted one another. Turning Tennessee’s three Grand Divisions — East, Middle and West — into a three-course tasting experience, the team at Southall planned an exquisite, progressive event.

Beginning in the event center, guests enjoyed hearty dishes like suckling pig and pinto beans with crafted cocktails — all paired with a specific soundtrack. Kix Brooks served as emcee for the evening, kicking off the event with a Q&A featuring Lee Brice and chef Jeff Carter. The collaborations are featured in three short films available at TNSoundBites.com. 

The second course was served during a seated dinner at January, recently added to the Michelin Green List. As each course was presented, the music shifted.

2260808338.jpg

The first course — hamachi crudo and grilled Island Creek oysters — made its way to the table, paired with songs including “Starting Over” by Chris Stapleton, “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus and “Molly’s Chambers” by Kings of Leon.

Course two featured warm butternut squash bisque paired with “Cardigan” by Taylor Swift, along with a salad of Southall greenhouse lettuces, as songs like “Whiskey Lullaby” by Brad Paisley featuring Alison Krauss, “Dead Horse” by Hayley Williams and “Stay Fly” by Three 6 Mafia played in the background.

The entrée course offered Bear Creek Farms coppa pork steak, Arctic char and a 100-day dry-aged strip served with roasted sweet potatoes and farro verde. The soundtrack grew livelier with selections like “All I Have to Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers, “Lazaretto” by Jack White and “Hatin’ Somebody” by Brothers Osborne. Brooks again took the stage to speak with singer-songwriter Ben Rector and chef Philip Krajeck about their collaboration.

Finally, guests were transported to the exclusive speakeasy Dottie’s for dessert and more music. Chocolate truffles, chess pies and hand pies were served as guests heard from the final group of the evening — West Tennessee, specifically Memphis. Lil Wyte, Boo Mitchell, Southern Avenue and chef Felicia Willett spoke about their collaboration.

To learn more about Sound Bites, look for the full article in our March issue, on newsstands Feb. 26.