Most people come to Nashville for the music, but my family is more focused on food and shopping (we’re doing our part to stimulate the economy). We did get to SEE the Ryman though.

The spectacular auditorium was first opened as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in 1892. It was built by Thomas Ryman (1843–1904), a riverboat captain and Nashville businessman who owned several saloons. After his death, the Tabernacle was renamed Ryman Auditorium in his honor.

A National Historic Landmark, the Ryman Auditorium served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-74, and was completely renovated in 1994. The Ryman, voted one of the Top Ten “Best Live Music Venues” in the nation by Citysearch patrons, continues its more-than-100-year music tradition by offering the best in live entertainment.

For more information, visit www.ryman.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com.

William Jones samples olive oils from around the world.

I love visiting Nashville where my son William lives. You can get into all kinds of trouble, and yesterday was over the top - I got to stalk some celebrities, set off the burglar alarm at a major department store and sample some of the most fabulous cuisine the city has to offer. This promises to be a memorable trip.

My family typically follows a strict routine during these visits. We do not unload our gear or sit down and visit. We proceed immediately to the Whole Foods Market so I can see what’s new in the world of groceries.

(I understand the locals refer to it as the ” Whole Paycheck Market” ).

This weekend we entered the Whole Foods market where our senses were assaulted by the color and textures unlike any I have seen in my home town. We were welcomed by a tapestry of purple artichokes which were beautiful to behold, followed by a baskets of huge purple emu eggs that sold for $19.99 each. (Bet they would make a whale of an omelet.) There were morel mushrooms that were priced at a hefty $39.99 a pound.

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We strolled along beside Nicole Kidman and her beau, singer Keith Urban. I tried to take their picture but William took my camera away and charged me with being a dispicable member of the papparazzi.

Food samples are passed out freely throughout the store. If ever I become destitute, I will simply move to Nashville and live on the park bench in front of the store. You can eat your weight in samples and not spend a cent. I’m especially fond of the olive oil bar where you can sample some of the world’s finest brands of EVOO with sour dough bread.

On the way out I captured Nicole and Keith (we’re now on a first name basis) as they went to pick up their car, but you can’t really identify them. You just have to take my word for it.

4 red bell peppers - de-seeded and coarsely chopped
2 red onions - finely chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika powder
2 cups tomato juice
1 teaspoon maple syrup
Dash of cayenne pepper
Salt
Freshly cracked black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté the pepper and onions for 2-3 minutes, then sprinkle with paprika. Allow to cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Pour in the tomato juice and maple syrup. Add the dash of cayenne pepper, salt and pepper and simmer covered for 20 minutes.

With a blender or food processor, puree the soup finely. If you find it too thick add some more tomato juice, however my recommendation is that this soup tastes best thick and creamy.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream.

My taste in music has taken a nosedive lately. I’ve become fascinated with American Folk Music as evidenced by the work of Coley Jones - no relation that I know of. You can hear one of his more bizarre tunes by clicking the triangle to the right of the song which was recorded in 1952.

Drunkards Special by Coley Jones

Mississippi Boweavil Blues by Masked Marvel