Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Alektor: a religious experience

Posted by Megan / no comments » / coffee, tea, vanderbilt, west end

“One of Nashville’s best kept gastro-spiritual secrets is a little cafe/bookshop near Vanderbilt. It offers the ambiance of Eastern Orthodox Christianity — calming ancient Russian hymns, walls of wooden icons — with a menu of sandwiches, hummus plates and espresso.” (from a review by The Tennessean)

I would have to agree whole-heartedly with the compliment! I was invited to meet a friend at this charming coffee and book store, and was pleased to uncover this charming intimate location which not only serves spice tea and coffee, but also small bites. It serves as the perfect place to catch up on some reading while enjoying a plate of homemade hummus. Part of the charm must the attributed to small-scale-ness of the operation. The father of the church himself is typically the one who prepares my order, somehow making my meal a little more special.

The menu includes such items as chicken salad, spinach lasagna, portobello mushroom sandwiches, and a variety of soups of the day. Their small menu can be viewed online at their website: http://www.alektorbooks.com/Menu.html

In the summer, they offer outdoor dining, with little tables under umbrellas, nestled against the older home which houses this business. If this is not enough to make you want to visit, consider the fact that this business operates as part of the mission of the St. John Chrysotom Greek Orthdox Church here in town. It’s within walking distance from Vanderbilt, just a couple of blocks away from the craziness of the jam-packed restaurants on 21st Avenue.

All things considered, it’s almost sinful not to give this place a try.

Alektor Cafe and Bookstore
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday – Noon – 5:00pm
Sunday – Closed

Alektor Cafe & Books
1807 Grand Avenue
Nashville, TN 37212

(615) 340-0098
Fax: (615) 340-0048
E-mail: alektor@bellsouth.net

Print Recipe Print Recipe   
Share
no comments

Leave a Comment