Otaku Ramen Pops Up Again; Smiling Elephant Adding Much Needed Seating

EAST NASHVILLE - While Otaku Ramen continues to move closer and closer to opening their permanent Gulch location, they've decided to revisit their old stomping grounds with a "pre-flight pop-up" at POP Nashville. The first event begins at 5 p.m. tonight (11/9), with another taking place later this month on the 16^th. On the menu will be two variations of ramen, TN tonkotsu and shoyu, along with hot chicken buns. Reservations will not be accepted for these events. [EaterWire]

8^TH AVENUE SOUTH - Local Thai favorite The Smiling Elephant is expanding their dining area, adding 30 additional seats in an enclosed sunroom at the back of the restaurant. The renovation is already underway, and restaurant management hopes to conclude the expansion work by Christmas. Now maybe that wait for seating won't be so long? [EaterWire]

EAST NASHVILLE - New Inglewood coffee shop and wine bar Perk and Cork soft opened last month, but their official grand opening will take place this Thursday, November 12. Guests who come out between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. can enjoy a free small house brew, and those stopping by later in the day can take advantage of discounted wine, with twenty percent off food offered all day. [Facebook]