Hidden Gem in Bedford County, Tennessee

USPA NEWS - Tucked away in the southeast corner of Bedford County, Tennessee just a few miles out of Shelbyville sits a truly hidden gem, the Cortner's Mill Restaurant, owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. David Hazelwood. The Mill hosted a "Locavore" Food & Wine event feature locally produced foods and wines.

Locavore Event a Huge Success!

NORMANDY, TN, AUGUST 2, 2014- Tucked in the southeast corner of Bedford County, Tennessee about eight miles from Shelbyville sits a Gem, Cortner´s Mill Restaurant. The original Cortner Mill was built in 1825 on the banks of the Duck River, and after a fire destroyed the original mill in 1888, the Cortner Family rebuilt it and continued its operation as a Mill for the residents of Normandy and the surrounding areas until its closing in 1956. Charles and Martha Parish renovated the historic mill in 1974. Cortner Mill has been part of the Parish Patch Farm & Inn, owned and operated by David and Claudia Hazelwood since 1992.

Last night, Cortner´s Mill Restaurant hosted the “Locavore Food and Wine Dinner“ at the Mill. In Mr. Hazelwood´s words the term “Locavore“ is mainly misunderstood of unknown, he stated “everyone knows the term Carnivore means to eat meat, Locavore means to eat locally grown and sourced foods“. The entire six course meal was produced using locally grown ingredients, which were paired, beautifully with locally produced wines from various Vineyards including Beans Creek Winery (Manchester), Arrington Vineyard (Arrington), and Natchez Hills Vineyards (Hampshire). Cortner´s Mill´s Chef, Mason Heath, gathered, and in some cases “picked Himself“ the items that were served during the dinner, and what a dinner it was.

Mr. and Ms. Hazelwood have been able to find one of the most talented young chefs whose talents are out of this world. Mason Heath, originally of Charlotte, North Carolina and a graduate of the Johnson & Wales University, has been in our area for two and a half years. Chef Heath previously worked at the Four Star, Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge in Charlotte, NC, which is a part of the Luxury Collection of Starwood Resorts.

The Locavore Event was a full-house event which everyone in attendance seemed to enjoy, including a large party from the Chattanooga Times-Free Press who came to celebrate the Promotion of a member of their Editorial Staff.

Cortner´s Restaurant is a “must see“ in our area if you had not previously been able to enjoy the culinary masterpieces of Chef Heath, or the hospitality of the Hazelwood´s as well as their staff. Cortner´s Mill Restaurant hosts a variety of events, such as the one last night, on a monthly basis, all of which you can be alerted to by signing up for their newsletter on their website at www.parishpatch.com or e-mailing them at inn@parishpatch.com. They also have a full menu for other days and are open by reservation only, this information is also available on their website or by contacting them.

Cortner´s Mill Restaurant is truly a Hidden Gem and a must for anyone who enjoys great food, amazing service, and superior hospitality.