Something On A Sunday

Rotier's Restaurant 03.05.10

Part of the urban legend of Nashville, at least something I heard once, was that Rotier's is the home of the "Cheeseburger in Paradise". Now obviously this is a fact that I can't verify. I suppose the only person who really knows is the gentleman who wrote the song.

But, let's consider a few facts. Jimmy Buffett once lived and worked in Nashville. He moved here to begin his music career. He wrote a song entitled "West Nashville Grand Ballroom Gown", which indirectly references one of Nashville's oldest and grandest country clubs and society venues. Some of his mid-Eighties albums were recorded in Nashville and for a time the Coral Reefer Band was staffed with studio musicians (the best of the best) from here. Rotier's is just down the street from the Exit/In, one of Nashville's premier music venues. Once you could walk down the street on Elliston Place, home of the club and the restaurant, and maybe you'd see a young Dan Fogelberg busking on the curb just outside the club. Inside, Jimmy Buffett was playing.

So, is Rotier's the home of the "Cheeseburger in Paradise"? Probably not. But, it could be. And it makes for a good story to tell while you're waiting for a table with out-of-town family or friends.