Chez Philippe chef de cuisine, Jose Gutierrez, has decided to leave the roost he’s ruled for more than 20 years, and his departure is prompting some changes at The Peabody, which will be celebrating its 80th anniversary in September.
Under Gutierrez, Chez Philippe earned national recognition and awards for its French cuisine. Hotel management is looking for Gutierrez’ replacement and plans to preserve the restaurant’s French style while spicing it up a bit with Asian fusion.
Gutierrez, who will leaving in mid-August, is opening his own restaurant in Peabody Place. His new restaurant, called Encore, will feature the casual elegance of a Mediterranean-style café.
Gutierrez was born in Provence and trained at the Professional Culinary School in Manosque, France. Since coming to Memphis in 1983, the chef has been recognized as one of the first to combine classical French training with elements of traditional Southern food, a style that has flourished with other Memphis chefs. In 1995, Gutierrez was admitted to the ranks of Master Chef of France.
Even with changes underfoot, The Peabody will celebrate its 80th year with a series of dinners, month-long specials, and a brunch. Anniversary dinners will be held at the Capriccio Grill on September 9th and at Chez Philippe September 16th. The cost for each event is $50 per person. On September 25th, a champagne brunch will be served in the Grand Ballroom from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
When planning the events, executive chef Andreas Kisler found inspiration in menus from the 1930s. The four-course dinner at Capriccio will include braised prime-beef ribs, which were adapted from a 1939 menu, as was the appetizer, Oysters Peabody.
For more information about The Peabody’s anniversary, call 529-4000.
home-style Southern cooking and the twang of a banjo in this turn-of-the-century country home overlooking the once bustling (now paved over) train depot in Oakland, Tennessee, make you feel like you stepped back in time.
When owners and sisters-in-law Monica and Deborah Choate opened Anna Renae’s Tea Room and Gift Shoppe in November 2003, they preserved the character of the 1912 house that boasts 20-foot ceilings, original chandeliers, hardwood floors, and a fireplace in nearly every room.
The restaurant has earned recognition among locals for its lunch menu and its quaint gift shop. And starting August 5th, the restaurant will begin serving dinner every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.
“Every Friday, we’ll have a different special to go along with our regular menu,” says Monica. The regular menu features salads, sandwiches, and homemade desserts prepared by Deborah’s mother, who is also named Deborah. But for dinner, Monica and Deborah plan to also offer traditional home cooking, including stuffed bell peppers, cream corn, and glazed carrots.
Anna Renae’s is open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 6-9 p.m. Fridays only.
Anna Renae’s, 14520 Hwy. 194 (465-0245)
Camille “Camy” Archer is delivering something new.
Archer has added more items to “Camy’s Fine Food Delivered to You” menu and is now offering corporate catering.
In the 12 years since opening, Camy’s has become well-known for its pizzas and oven-baked sandwiches. Now Camy’s also offers hot wings with a choice of hot or barbecue sauces. In addition, there are four new salads for the summer. The Caesar and Greek salads have new-and-improved dressings. The mandarin chicken salad has grilled chicken and mandarin oranges, and the steak salad features a 6-ounce ribeye grilled to order.
The catering menu now includes an assortment of party platters, such as meat and cheese, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
Camy’s is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Camy’s, 3 South Barksdale (725-1667)
