Since opening last summer, Ellington’s Mid Way Bar & Grill at the downtown Nashville Fairlane Hotel has earned some foodie fans for their convenient location near the Tennessee Performing Arts Center for a pre-show meal and their cool “Mad Men” vibe thanks to the classy remodeling job hotel owners undertook in the 1970’s-era former bank building. Offering a menu of updated American classic cuisine in a dining space featuring a wraparound terrace with lounge seating and fire pits as well as two private dining rooms, both with a dedicated outdoor terrace section, Ellington’s nicely combines a mid-century throwback feel with modern sensibilities. The food and the ambiance are quite appropriate considering that the restaurant is located on the fourth floor of the Fairlane, a space that previously housed the executive offices and dining room of the former Fidelity Federal banking company.
They have recently made an exciting change in the kitchen by adding local culinary favorite Kristin Beringson as their new executive chef. Beringson graduated with a Culinary Arts degree from The Art Institute of Tennessee and has served in leadership positions at notable Nashville restaurants including Holland House, City Winery, Silo and The Green Pheasant where she demonstrated prowess preparing all sorts of different cuisines. Along the way, Beringson competed on the Food Network’s TV series, “Chopped,” where she was named “Chopped Champion.”
The Fairlane is happy and lucky to have her. “Our Fairlane Hotel and Ellington’s teams are thrilled to welcome our new executive chef. As a seasoned veteran to the Nashville restaurant scene, Chef Kristin offers fresh and inspired flavors and worldly ideas that elevates her cuisine. She prides herself on the utilization of local and sustainable ingredients and while her cuisine is characterized by classic French technique, elegant plating, she has a fondness for Mediterranean flavors, and an unwavering commitment to flawless execution,” said Michael McGeeney, Fairlane Hotel Food and Beverage Director.
Beringson is currently developing a new menu for Ellington’s which she will debut in December. Nashville looks forward to the results of her efforts!
