The dominant color at the 2008 CMT Music Awards just may have been blue — as in frozen blue lips, with coordinating goosebumps. Women dressed for spring in skin-baring short dresses shivered their way into the Curb Event Center in Nashville as they got a dose of Tennessee’s “dogwood winter,” with temperatures in the low 40s at show time.

The cool air didn’t chill the heat on the purple carpet, however. Carrie Underwood sizzled in a flowing, royal blue one-shouldered Badgley Mischka mini with a beaded neckline. LeAnn Rimes channeled a space-age flapper in a super-short silver-gray scalloped mini, accessorized with long necklaces. Jewel looked as fresh as a warm spring day in a pale cream fitted mini accented with a bow around the empire waist.

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“I kind of always had a romantic notion about what Nashville was like,” says Katy Kattleman, better known as the fashion designer Katy K. “It’s funny, I thought Nashville people were going to be dressed in Western all the time and I’d find Nudie suits in thrift stores.”

Beginning in the early ’80s and after attending fashion school, Kattelman began making and selling her own designs at a trendy hotspot in New York. When stylish petty coats became all the rage, she found herself dressing the likes of Cyndi Lauper and Whitney Houston. She quickly found herself moving up the fashion chain and continued to hold onto her love for Western wear and ’50s style. By the time the mid ’90s rolled around, Tower Records was taking over her building and she began feeling the crunch of high-priced New York rent. So, she packed her bags and fashion expertise and made the big move to Music City.

From the time she opened, she’s helped dress the likes of Dixie Chicks, Alan Jackson, Emmylou Harris, Nicole Kidman, Montgomery Gentry and Jack White, to name a few. “When Porter Wagoner came in last summer, I was so excited,” she said. “He was just so nice and just to see somebody like that. I meet so many different people in the store and it still is a thrill for me.”

Kattleman’s clothing isn’t simply limited to Western wear. She designs and/or sells burlesque garments, 50s and 70s influenced attire, rockabilly wear, Manuel-inspired suits, vintage apparel, children’s clothing, unique boots, hats, belt buckles and custom-designed clothing. “I adapted a lot when I came down here,” she said. “It wasn’t what I thought Nashville was going to be but I really like it. I like the way things have turned out.”

I am not what you would call a breakfast enthusiast. Eggs, bacon, grits, even French toast piled high with heaps of syrup and butter do not appeal to my rather picky palate. In fact, nothing about breakfast makes my mouth water or my tummy rumble … until recently.

Pancake Pantry is a must when family and friends are visiting me in Nashville. However, I had never ventured out of my comfort zone to try the breakfast until now. Despite rave reviews and the droves of people wrapped around the building waiting in line, I’ve always been too nervous to order the breakfast. This time, I chose the sweet potato pancakes. Topped with cinnamon sugar and butter, I savored each and every bite. The flavors were skillfully blended to create a certain fluffy and rich, yet sweet taste. Don’t be discouraged if sweet potatoes are not your cup of tea. There are more than 20 different kinds of pancakes, from wild blueberry to orange walnut to Caribbean pancakes topped with bits of shredded coconut.

But you don’t have to take my word for it. Garth Brooks likes to frequent the Pantry and so does Lyle Lovett. When LeAnn Rimes has nothin’ better to do, she comes in for a hot bite to eat. Pancake Pantry owner David Baldwin says even Keith Urban often occupies a seat at one of his tables, but to his woe, only one seat. (He’s anxious to meet Nicole Kidman.)

For 47 years, Pancake Pantry has remained a staple of Nashville and for good reason. The delectable food is freshly prepared and the service is always friendly. Their hospitable atmosphere makes the customer feel as though they’re at a family gathering. Like their menu reads, “You are always welcome at our table.” I can proudly say the Pancake Pantry has converted this breakfast brooder to a flapjack fanatic.

See photos.