One thing I think people are keenly aware of when living in a town growing as fast as ours is the worry over the potential loss of that feeling of community; the sense that the places where you live, shop and eat feel like part of a local neighborhood -- friendly, convenient and familiar.

For residents of north Hanford who desire a great dining experience, they don't have to look far to find a neighborhood restaurant that's close by -- within walking distance for many. It's got great food, too. That place is Nashville's Bar and Grill.

One balmy evening last week, we put on some comfortable shoes and took the three-block walk down to Nashville's for dinner. We figured if we walked both ways, we might have a hope of burning off at least some of the calories we were about to consume.

What we found was a sort of Westernized version of "Cheers," the place where everybody knows your name.

As we walked in, the first thing we noticed was that even though it was a Tuesday night (a night most of my restaurant owner friends tell me is the slowest night of the week), the bar was filled with laughter and high spirits -- and was packed.

I think it occurred to me then that Nashville's has become something of a neighborhood gathering place, with folks stopping in on the way home from work for a drink or some dinner.

And while it was tempting to have a seat at the bar, we were there for dinner, so we went over to the restaurant side of the place, took our seats and ordered a couple of beers there, while we perused the menu.

Despite the fact that we were burning calories walking there and back, I still wanted to eat a reasonably light main course, and Nashville's Bleu Shrimp Salad fit the bill for me. My husband had more of an appetite and decided on a half-rack of Nashville's ribs, along with some onion rings.

It should be noted that we splurged on regular menu items, but Nashville's also offers several yummy-sounding selections on their "Value Menu" list, which only price out at around $6 apiece -- a value for anyone wanting a night out on a budget.

The service was friendly and efficient, and it seemed to take no time at all before our food arrived. I had ordered my salad without the candied walnuts which came with it, due to a nut allergy, and when it arrived, the salad was made-to-order, chock full of everything but the nuts. (Anyone with a food allergy can tell you how much it's appreciated when those requests are honored!)

My salad was huge, and it was delicious. Worked in with the grilled shrimp, blue cheese, tomatoes and carrots was one odd ingredient -- thinly sliced pears which, believe it or not, blended perfectly with the other flavors in the salad and were a delight.

My husband's short ribs, smothered in barbeque sauce, were also great (I stole one for a bite!). I don't know what the secret ingredient is in Nashville's barbeque sauce, but it is a mildly sweet sauce with a definite kick to it. If you order something with the sauce, be sure and ask for an extra side of it for dipping -- it really is that good.

And the onion rings... oh my. They are not battered in the traditional crunchy batter, but rather in a lightly crispy tempura-type batter, and they are to die for. Dip them in your extra barbeque sauce and you're on your way to heaven in no time.

Of course no meal is complete without dessert, so we wrapped up our Nashville's experience by ordering one of their most popular dessert items, a "cookies and cream" dish featuring a large, crispy chocolate chip cookie, a big scoop of Superior vanilla ice cream, and a mountain of whipped cream covering the whole thing. It might be a bit much for one person to eat, but as a shared dessert it's the perfect size.

If there was any downside at all to the meal, it was only that with a full bar, at times the entire restaurant can seem a bit noisy. But since the "industrial cowboy" decor lends something of a honky-tonk feel to the place, the noise level is not out of place. But if it's one of those nights when you're looking for a quiet meal with conversations held in low tones, you may want to save Nashville's for another time.

Once we were done, we strolled back home with full bellies and satisfied palates. I'm glad we have a place like Nashville's in our neighborhood, but even if you don't live at the north end of Hanford, Nashville's is a place well worth taking a short drive in order to get to. It's a little bit of Southern taste and hospitality right here in the heart of Hanford.

(Oct. 9, 2009)