Last week, I had the delightful opportunity to visit Miel Restaurant in the vibrant city of Nashville, TN. Having recently relocated to the area, I’ve been enthusiastically exploring the local culinary scene, and Miel exceeded all my expectations. This culinary gem is expertly helmed by Chef Jason LaIacona and the talented Seema Prasad. It’s a place brimming with creativity, an unwavering commitment to using pure, locally sourced ingredients, and an exceptional wine list curated by Seema, who is a true treasure trove of knowledge.
In the words of Seema Prasad herself, “Miel represents my deep passion for the dining experience—celebrating the seasons, the artistry and craftsmanship of cooking, and the subtle nuances of flavors in both food and beverages. Miel is my 15-year-long dinner party, and I eagerly anticipate continuing to tantalize palates and craft special experiences for my remarkable guests.”
Miel offers weekly events centered around the exquisite pairing of food and wine. During my visit, I had the pleasure of attending their Oyster & Oyster Wine party, an extraordinary experience. We savored oysters prepared in three delectable ways, each expertly paired with unique wines. The evening began with a glass of the 2020 Bruno Cormerais Folle Blanche, Gros Plant—an intriguing choice not often found on wine lists but a true delight for sommeliers like myself. This was accompanied by the Oysters Roasted with Wakame Butter, an absolute culinary revelation.
Following this, we relished Raw Oysters with Apple Mignonette, perfectly complemented by a 2022 Sancerre, a classic and harmonious pairing that never disappoints. The grand finale was the Fried Oysters with Kosho Aioli, paired with a 2012 Chateau de Chasseloir, “Compte de Loup” Muscadet Sevre et Maine. This pairing was nothing short of heavenly, with the aged Muscadet making a captivating appearance on the wine pairing menu and the fried oysters, I must confess, were the finest I’ve ever had. After the oyster pairings we decided to enjoy the bread, warm olives, and butter which I highly recommend!
As I learned from Seema, Miel is celebrating its remarkable 15-year journey this year. It’s a testament to her years spent in gardens, wine cellars, and the kitchens of neighbors. The dining experience at Miel is nothing short of extraordinary, making it the perfect choice for an intimate dinner or one of their fabulous wine events and pairing dinners. Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend Miel to anyone seeking a culinary haven.
Want to see it from start to finish? Check out my Instagram Reel HERE to see the whole experience!
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