Tag: Dining

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Entertainment

Post author By John Branston
Post date January 3, 2008

DINING SYMBOLS

B – breakfast

L – lunch

D – dinner

Br – beer served

Wi – wine served

FB – full bar offered

X – wheelchair accessible

$ – under $15 per person

without drinks or desserts

$$ – under $25

$$$ – $26-$50

$$$$ – over $50

MRA – member, Memphis
Restaurant Association

ABUELO’S MEXICAN FOOD EMBASSY—Serves quesadillas, carne asada, and chili rellenos, along with beef tenderloin, jumbo shrimp, and several seafood entrées. 8274 U.S. 64. 672-0769. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

ABYSSINIA RESTAURANT—Ethiopian cuisine is featured, with beef, chicken, lamb, fish entrées, and vegetarian dishes; also, a daily buffet. Closed Sunday. 2600 Poplar. 321-0082. L, D, Br, X, $, MRA

AMERIGO—Specializes in pasta and wood-fired pizzas; also serves steaks and cedarwood-roasted fish. 1239 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall. 761-4000. L, D, FB, X, $-$$$, MRA

ANNE’S BAKERY & CAFE—Serves sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries, and desserts. Memphis Pink Palace Museum, 3050 Central. 320-6407. B, L, X, $, MRA

ASHIYANA EXOTIC INDO PAK CUISINE—Specializes in Indian and Pakistani fare, including chicken masala and goat biryani; lunch buffet daily. Closed Monday. 835 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-5411. L, D, Br, X, $

ASIAN GRILL—Specializes in Pan-Asian cuisine (Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Malaysian) as well as fusion entrées. 2072 West (Germantown). 737-3988. L, D, Br, X, $

ASIAN PALACE—Chinese fare is the specialty, including shrimp with walnuts and oysters, Peking-style pork and duck; also crab, lobster, and vegetarian items. 2920 Covington Pike. 388-3883; 4978 Park (mainly takeout). 761-7888. L, D, Br, Wi, $

ASSAGGIO—Pan-seared citrus tuna and gorgonzola-stuffed filet are specialties at this Italian eatery. Closed Sunday. 8100 Macon Station (at Germantown Parkway). 752-0056. L (Tuesday-Friday), D (Monday-Saturday), FB, $-$$

A-TAN—Mandarin entrées include a chicken-pork-beef-shrimp combo and a seafood-vegetable stir-fry; also features a sushi bar. 3445 Poplar, Suite 17, University Center. 452-4477. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

AUTOMATIC SLIM’S TONGA CLUB—Specializes in American Southwestern/Asian/Jamaican cuisine, including coconut mango shrimp and whole red snapper. Closed for lunch Saturday and Sunday. 83 S. Second. 525-7948. L, D, FB, X, $$, MRA

BAHAMA BREEZE—West Indies ribs, Jamaican-grilled chicken, and coconut shrimp are among the entrées at this Caribbean-themed restaurant. 2830 N. Germantown Parkway, Wolfchase Galleria. 385-8744. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

BANGKOK ALLEY—Thai cuisine includes noodle and curry dishes, as well as duck, catfish, and seafood entrées. Closed for lunch Saturday and all day Sunday, Cordova location. 830 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 753-7250. 2150 W. Poplar at Houston Levee (Collierville). 854-8748. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$, MRA

THE BAR-B-Q SHOP—Dishes up barbecued ribs, bologna, chicken, pork shoulder sandwiches, and spaghetti, along with beef brisket, sandwiches, and salads. Closed Sunday. 1782 Madison. 272-1277. L, D, Br, X, $, MRA

BARI—Authentic Southeastern Italian cuisine emphasizes lighter entrées and fresh seafood, such as roasted striped bass, spaghetti carbonara, and fresh grilled sardines. 22 S. Cooper. 722-2244. D, FB, X, $$, MRA

BAYOU BAR & GRILL—Cajun fare includes jambalaya, gumbo, catfish Acadian, Cajun shrimp, red beans and rice, and muffulettas. 2105 Overton Square Lane. 278-8626. L, D, FB, X, $, MRA

BEAUTY SHOP—American/Southwestern/Asian cuisine served in a former beauty shop. Closed for dinner Sunday. 966 S. Cooper. 272-7111. L, D, FB, X, $$, MRA

BENIHANA OF TOKYO—Japanese steakhouse with sushi bar offers beef, chicken, and seafood items grilled at your table. 912 Ridge Lake Boulevard. 683-7390. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$

BHAN THAI—Serves curries, pad Thai noodles, and vegetarian dishes, as well as seafood, pork, and duck entrées. Closed for lunch Saturday and Sunday and all day Monday. 1324 Peabody. 272-1538. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

BIG FOOT LODGE—Hefty portions of prime rib, lobster, deep-fried Cornish game hens, catfish, and burgers (including the 4-lb. Sasquatch) are specialties. 97 S. Second. 578-9800. L, D, FB, X, $-$$$, MRA

BITTERSWEET RESTAURANT—Lobster pie and filet Oscar are specialties at this steak/seafood place with a New England flair. Closed Monday and for lunch Tuesday. 7685 Farmington Blvd. (Germantown). 624-9499. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$

BLUE COAST BURRITO—Build-your-own burritos with an array of steak, fish, chicken, and fresh veggies. Menu also includes fish tacos and made-to-order salads. 3546 Walker. 323-3730; The Avenue Carriage Crossing (Collierville). 850-TACO. L, D, $

THE BLUE FISH—Seafood specialties include pecan-crusted grouper with crawfish-crab relish. Also organic meats, free-range chicken, and oyster bar. Closed Sunday. 2149 Young. 725-0230. D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

BLUEFIN RESTAURANT & SUSHI LOUNGE—Serves fusion or “edge” cuisine featuring seafood and steaks; also, a sushi bar. 135 S. Main. 528-1010. L (Tuesday-Thursday), D, FB, X, $$, MRA

BLUES CITY PASTRY SHOP & COFFEE BAR—Downtown eatery offering a wide array of pastries, including éclairs, strudel, and muffins, as well as coffee drinks and breakfast items. 153 Main. 576-0010. $

BLUFF CITY BAYOU—Cajun specialties are gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and jambalaya, as well as po-boy sandwiches and muffulettas. Closed Saturday and Sunday. 694 Madison. 527-0860. L, X, $

BOILING POINT SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR—Louisiana-style seafood includes crawfish, shrimp and grits, catfish, pasta dishes, seafood platters, and more. 4975 Pepperchase Dr. (Southaven). 662-280-7555. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

BOL A PASTA—Serves shrimp scampi, baked pastas, steaks, and fresh seafood. 2200 N. Germantown Parkway. 384-7988; 3160 Village Shops Dr. 757-5609. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

BOMBAY HOUSE—Indian fare includes lamb korma and chicken tikka; also, a daily luncheon buffet. 1727 N. Germantown Parkway. 755-4114. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$

BONEFISH GRILL—Two specialties are pistachio-parmesan-crusted rainbow trout and tenderloin portobello piccata; steak and pork also served. 1250 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 753-2220; The Avenue Carriage Crossing (Collierville). 854-5822. L (Saturday-Sunday, Collierville), D, FB, X, $-$$

BONNE TERRE CAFE—Offers American/French/Continental cuisine, including roast rack of lamb, chicken Florentine. Closed Sunday and Monday. 4715 Church Rd. W., Nesbit, MS. 662-781-5100. D, FB, X, $$$, MRA

BOSCOS SQUARED—Serves pasta, seafood, steaks, sandwiches, and pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven; also a variety of freshly brewed beers; also Sunday brunch. 2120 Madison. 432-2222. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

BRONTE—Full-service restaurant in a bookstore setting serves seafood, steaks, pastas, quiches, sandwiches, and salads. Davis-Kidd Booksellers, 387 Perkins Extd. 374-0881. B, L, D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$, MRA

BROOKLYN BRIDGE ITALIAN RESTAURANT—Specializing in such homemade entrées as pasta in a vodka-tomato-cream sauce. Closed Sunday. 1779 Kirby Pkwy. 755-7413. D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

BROTHER JUNIPER’S—The focus is on breakfast with fresh pastries; lunch menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches. Closed Monday. 3519 Walker. 324-0144, B, L, X, $, MRA

BRUNO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT—Chicken marsala, eggplant parmesan, cannelloni, and seafood pesto are among Bruno’s specialties. Closed Sunday. 1354 Madison. 726-0770. L, D, X, $

THE BRUSHMARK—Serves sandwiches, salads, and crepes; a signature dish is African peanut soup. Closed Monday. Brooks Museum of Art, Overton Park, 1934 Poplar. 544-6225. L, D (every Thursday), FB, X, $, MRA

BUCKLEY’S FINE FILET GRILL—Specializes in steaks such as 8-oz. center-cut filets but also offers grilled chicken, seafood, and pasta. 5355 Poplar. 683-4538; 714 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 756-1639. Buckley’s Lunch Box, 919 S. Yates (lunch M-F and takeout only). 682-0570. L (Yates only), D (not Yates), FB (beer and wine only at Yates), X, $-$$, MRA

THE BUTCHER SHOP—Serves steaks ranging from 8-oz. filets to a 30-oz. porterhouse; also chicken, pork chops, fresh seafood. 101 S. Front. 521-0856; 107 S. Germantown Rd. 757-4244. L (Friday only, S. Germantown Rd.), D, FB, X, $-$$$, MRA

CAFE 61—American eclectic/Asian/Cajun entrées include blackened grouper, King Creole pork chops, and crispy duck waffles; also Sunday brunch. 85 S. Second. 523-9351. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

CAFE 1912—French/American/Creole cuisine, with Italian influences; seafood entrées include steamed mussels; also crepes and salads; offers Sunday brunch. 243 S. Cooper. 722-2700. D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$, MRA

CAFE GRILL—Asian/American entrées are chicken chow mein soup along with meatloaf, beef brisket, and certified Angus steaks; also a luncheon buffet. Closed Sunday. 120 W. Mulberry (Collierville). 853-7511. L, D, X, $

CAFE OLE—Chimichangas, shrimp diablo, fish tacos, vegetarian dishes, and daily specials are featured. 959 S. Cooper. 274-1504. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

CAFE PIAZZA BY PAT LUCCHESI—Cafe Piazza specializes in gourmet pizzas, panini sandwiches, and pasta. Closed Sunday. 139 S. Rowlett (Collierville). 861-1999. L, D, Br, Wi, X (except bathrooms), $-$$

CAFE SOCIETY—With Belgian and classic French influences, serves Angus beef, veal, chicken, and seafood dishes, along with weekly specials. Closed for lunch Saturday-Sunday. 212 N. Evergreen. 722-2177. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

CAFE TOSCANA—Serves contemporary Italian specialties, including parmesan talapia, along with other pasta and seafood. Closed Sunday. 5007 Black, Suite 150. 761-9522. D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

CAFFE ITALIA—Lasagna, cannelloni, and carpaccio are among dinner entréees; for lunch, panini sandwiches, salads. Closed Sunday-Monday. 102 Mulberry (Collierville). 850-8363. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

CAL’S STEAKHOUSE—University of Memphis basketball coach John Calipari lends his name and sports memorabilia to this restaurant serving steaks, pasta, and seafood. Double Tree Hotel, 5069 Sanderlin. 322-6666. B, L, D, FB, X, $-$$$, MRA

CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE—Prime steaks, seafood, pasta, and several Northern Italian specialties are entrées. 149 Union, The Peabody. 529-4199. B, L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL—Serves chicken marsala, calamari, various pastas, and other Old World Italian entrées. 5110 Poplar. 685-9900; 4600 Merchants Park Cr. (Collierville), The Avenue Carriage Crossing. 854-0200. L (Saturday-Sunday, Collierville; Sunday, Poplar), D, FB, X, $-$$

CASABLANCA CAFE—Rack of lamb, grilled salmon with mango sauce, moussaka, and vegetarian entrées are served at this Moroccan/Greek/Middle Eastern restaurant. 2156 Young. 725-8557. L, D, X, $-$$

CASPIAN PERSIAN CUISINE—Fesenjon — i.e., pomegranate sauce with walnuts poured over chicken breasts — is a specialty; also grilled filets, chicken, and Cornish hens. 715 W. Brookhaven Cr. 767-3134. L, D, FB, X, $-$$$

CAYENNE MOON—Serves New Orleans-Southern cuisine, specializing in lump crabcakes and seafood gumbo; also steaks. Closed Sunday-Monday. 94 S. Front. 522-1475. D, X, $-$$, MRA

CELTIC CROSSING—Irish fare — including shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and lamb stew — is featured here. 903 S. Cooper. 274-5151. L, D, FB, X, $, MRA

CENTRAL BBQ—Dishing up ribs, sandwiches, hot wings, and more; also family packages. 2249 Central. 272-9377; 4375 Summer. 767-4672. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$, MRA

CHAO PRAYA—Thai dishes are panang seafood, gang koa duck, and green papaya salad. Closed for dinner Monday. 3588 Ridgeway. 366-7827. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$, MRA

CHEEBURGER CHEEBURGER—A true-blue burger joint, including the Serious (10 oz.), the Delirious (14 oz.), and the Famous One-Pounder (20 oz., to be more exact). All burgers and chicken sandwiches are made-to-order. Menu also includes a wide selection of shakes and malts. The Avenue Carriage Crossing. 861-6776. L, D, $

CHEZ PHILIPPE—Three-to-five-course meals offered with emphasis on French food with Asian flair. Afternoon tea also served 2 to 3 p.m. (reservations required). Closed Sunday and Monday. The Peabody, 149 Union. 529-4188. D, FB, X, $$$$, MRA

CHINA INN—Serves Chinese, American, and down-home-style cuisine; daily buffet featured. 4430 Elvis Presley Blvd. 396-0287; 2829 Covington Pike. 383-8211. L, D, Br, X, $

CIAO BELLA DA GUGLIELMO—Ciao Bella serves pasta, steaks, seafood, and gourmet pizza. 565 Erin Dr., Erinway Shopping Center. 205-2500. D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$, MRA

CIRCA—Regional French cuisine with such specialties as sorghum-cured rack of lamb; menu includes steaks, chops, seafood. Closed for lunch Saturday-Sunday. 119 S. Main, Pembroke Square. 522-1488. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

CITY GROCERY—Southern eclectic menu of steaks and seafood changes seasonally; shrimp and grits is a specialty. Closed Sunday. 152 Courthouse Square, Oxford, Mississippi. 662-232-8080. L, D, FB, X (downstairs), $$-$$$

COLETTA’S—Longtime eatery serves lasagna, ravioli, and pizza with barbecue or traditional topping. Closed for lunch Sunday, South Parkway location. 2850 Appling Rd. 383-1122; 1063 S. Parkway E. 948-7652. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

CONTE’S—Lasagna, baked ziti, chicken parmesan, and mussels in white wine sauce are menu items. Closed for lunch Saturday and all day Sunday-Monday. 149 Madison. 526-6837. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$

CORKY’S—Popular barbecue emporium offers both wet and dry ribs, plus a full menu of other barbecue entrées. 5259 Poplar. 685-9744; 1740 Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 737-1911; 743 W. Poplar (Collierville). 405-4999. L, D, Br, X, $-$$, MRA

COZYMEL’S—Serves coastal Mexican entrées from the Yucatan Especial to chicken flameado to sizzling fajitas; seafood entrées as well. 6450 Poplar. 763-1202. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

CREPE MAKER—Specializes in hand-held crepes, including Philly steak, pesto, chicken, and vegetarian; also desserts. Closed for dinner Sunday, Collierville. 175 Peabody Place. 522-1290; The Avenue Carriage Crossing (Collierville). 861-1981. B, L, D, Br, Wi (coolers), X, $

CRESCENT CITY—Entrées include red beans and rice, muffulettas, po boys, crawfish, catfish, and beignets. The Avenue Carriage Crossing (Collierville). 850-8580; 1315 Ridgeway. 763-7008; 6585 Towne Center Crossing (Southaven). 662-536-4013; 2362 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 213-9077. B (some locations), L, D, FB, X, $, MRA

CRUMPETS—British pub fare includes vegetable tarts, Cornish pasties, chicken salad, burgers, and chef’s sampler. Tea served 2-3:30 p.m. Closed Sunday-Monday. 262 S. Highland. 324-2221. L, Wi, X, $

CURRENTS—Offers a fusion of various cuisines: Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and Continental. Among the entrées are Dover sole, rack of lamb, and Tasmanian salmon. River Inn, 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3333. B, D, FB, X, $$-$$$

DAILY GRILL—Serves classic American cuisine; dinner entrées include filet medallions, short ribs, steaks, burgers, and seafood, along with meatloaf and chicken pot pie. Westin Hotel, 170 Lt. George W. Lee. 334-5950. B, L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

DISH—Specialties here range from deviled crab cakes to tempura prawns with spicy red pepper aioli; also tapas, i.e., “small plates”; choose from 45 items. 948 S. Cooper. 276-0002. D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

DO—This small Tokyo-style sushi bar features teriyaki, sushi rolls, grilled items, bento-box meals, salads, and more. Closed Sunday and Monday. 964 S. Cooper. 272-0830. D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

DRAGON CHINA—Specializes in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Szechuan cuisine, all-day buffet, and a 140-item menu. 1680 Madison. 278-8838. L, D, X, $

EDO—Known for its seafood dishes and sushi. Entrées include shrimp tempura and chicken teriyaki. Closed for lunch Saturday-Sunday and all day Monday. 4792 Summer. 767-7096. L, D, Br, X, $-$$

EL CHICO—This mainstay in University Center dishes out fajitas, chimichangas, fried ice cream, and other Tex-Mex fare. Enchilada specials on Wednesdays. 3491 Poplar. 323-9609. L, D, FB, X, $

EL MEZCAL—Serves burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, and other Mexican cuisine, as well as shrimp dinners and steak. 4688 Knight Arnold. 360-1838; 402 Perkins Extd. 761-7710; 694 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 755-1447; 1492 Union. 274-4264. L, D, FB, X, $

EL PORTON—Fajitas and steak ranchero are just a few of the menu items. 2095 Merchants Row (Germantown). 754-4268; 65 S. Highland, Poplar Plaza. 452-7330; 1805 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 624-9358; 1016 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-5770; 8361 U.S. Highway 64. 380-7877. L, D, FB, X, $

EL SIETE MARES—Specializes in carnitas, tamales, tacos, jumbo burritos, and seafood entrées. Closed Wednesday. 3681 Jackson. 386-1199. L, D, Br, X (except bathrooms), $

ELFO’S—Changing luncheon menu features such specialties as pink-peppercorn salmon with orange sauce and eggplant Napoleon, along with soups, sandwiches, salads, and homemade desserts. Closed Sunday. 3092 Poplar. 888-0402. L, FB, X, $, MRA

ENCORE—Chef Jose Gutierrez offers French and Mediterranean entrées at this European-style bistro. Closed Monday. 150 Peabody Place, #111. 528-1415. D, FB, X, $$, MRA

EP DELTA KITCHEN & BAR—Serving a fusion of Cajun, Creole, and Southern cuisine in the former Elvis Presley’s Memphis eatery. Specialties include lobster étouffée and smoked duck gumbo; also a late-night menu. 126 Beale at Second. 527-1444. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

EQUESTRIA—Serves American-global fusion cuisine with Southwestern accents; seasonal menu, weekly specials. Closed Sunday and Monday. 3165 Forest Hill-Irene. 869-2663. D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

ERLING JENSEN, THE RESTAURANT—Presents “globally inspired” cuisine; specialties are rack of lamb, fresh fish, and wild game. 1044 S. Yates. 763-3700. D, FB, X, $$$, MRA

FELICIA SUZANNE’S—Crispy oysters in New Orleans barbecue sauce and filet of beef tenderloin with applewood-smoked-bacon potato cakes are American-Southern specialties. Closed Sunday and Monday. Brinkley Plaza, 80 Monroe, Suite L1. 523-0877. L (Friday only), D, FB, X, $$$, MRA

FINO VILLA—Entrées include prime filet mignon, sea bass, lobster ravioli, and pollo Fino Villa. 875 W. Poplar (Collierville). 861-2626. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

FIREBIRDS—Specialties are hand-cut steaks, prime rib, rotisserie chicken, and fresh seafood, 8470 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 379-1300; The Avenue Carriage Crossing (Collierville). 850-1603. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves steaks, prime beef, and chops, as well as chicken and fresh fish. 6245 Poplar. 761-6200. D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

THE FLYING FISH—Serves up fried and grilled versions of shrimp, crab legs, oysters, catfish, and more. 105 S. Second. 522-8228. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$, MRA

FOLK’S FOLLY ORIGINAL PRIME STEAK HOUSE—Specializes in prime steaks, as well as lobster, grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, rack of lamb, and weekly specials. 551 S. Mendenhall. 762-8200. D, FB, X, $$$-$$$$, MRA

FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin, Szechuan, and Hunan cuisine, including sesame chicken, Mongolian and broccoli beef, and hot-and-sour soup. Closed Monday. 6685 Quince. 753-9898. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

FRATELLI’S—Serves hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and soups. Closed Sunday and Monday. Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry. 576-4118. L, X, $

FUJI CAFE—Offers traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi bar; specialties are teriyaki and tempura dishes. 875 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-7758. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $$

GERMANTOWN COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, ribs, nachos, and shrimp in a rustic atmosphere. 2290 S. Germantown. 754-5540. L, D, Br, X (except bathrooms), $, MRA

GOLDEN INDIA—Northern Indian specialties include tandoori chicken as well as lamb, beef, shrimp, and vegetarian dishes; also, a luncheon buffet. 2097 Madison. 728-5111. L, D, Br, Wi, $

GRIDLEY’S—Offers barbecued ribs, pork plate, chicken, and smoked turkey; also lunch specials. Closed Tuesday. 6842 Stage. 377-8055. L, D, X, $-$$, MRA

GRILL 83—European-style steakhouse serves prime steaks and fresh seafood, including a bone-in 16-oz. Kansas City filet, Atlantic salmon, and signature New Orleans-style seafood gumbo. 83 Madison, Madison Hotel. 333-1224. B, L, D, FB, X (except bathrooms), $$-$$$, MRA

FRANK GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT—Northern Italian favorites include pasta with jumbo shrimp and mushrooms; also seafood, filet mignon, and daily lunch specials. Closed for lunch Sunday. Embassy Suites Hotel, 1022 Shady Grove. 761-9462. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

RONNIE GRISANTI AND SONS—Specializes in handmade Tuscan cuisine. Menu items include ravioli and baked manicotti, along with seafood and steaks. Closed Sunday. 2855 Poplar.
323-0007. D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

THE GROVE GRILL—Offers steaks, chops, seafood, and other American cuisine with a Southern flair; entrées include shrimp and grits, and sweet potato and turnip green hash; also Sunday brunch. 4550 Poplar. 818-9951. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN—Serves chicken with signature spicy batter, along with homemade beans, slaw, and pies. 310 S. Front. 527-4877; 215 South St. (Collierville). 853-6005. (Original location: 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN. 294-2028.) L, D, Br, X, $-$$, MRA

HALF SHELL—Specializes in seafood, such as King crab legs; also serves steaks, chicken, pastas, salads, and sandwiches; oyster bar at Winchester location. 688 S. Mendenhall. 682-3966; 7825 Winchester. 737-6755. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

HAPPY MEXICAN—Fajitas, steak ranchero, and a shrimp cocktail are specialties. 385 S. Second. 529-9991. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

HARD ROCK CAFE—Tons to eat and tons of rock memorabilia at this popular franchise. Menu includes “Tupelo” chicken tenders, New York strip steak, grilled salmon, and more. 315 Beale. 529-0007. L, D, FB, $-$$

HARRY’S DETOUR—Eclectic American menu includes pecan-smoked meats and daily seafood specials. Closed Sunday and Monday, Cooper location; closed Sunday and Monday and dinner Tuesday, G.E. Patterson location. 532 S. Cooper. 276-7623; 106 G.E. Patterson. 523-9070. L, D, Br, X, $-$$

HELLO RESTAURANT—Lemon-grass chicken, vegetarian dishes, noodle soup, and stir-fry combos are among the Chinese/Vietnamese/American entrées. Closed Sunday. 5910 Mt. Moriah (just west of Ridgeway), Suite 103. 362-8875. L, D, Br, X, $-$$

HIBACHI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI BAR—In addition to Japanese-style grilled steaks and seafood, Hibachi serves salads, soups, and hand rolls. Closed for lunch Saturday-Sunday. 2809 Kirby Parkway, Suite 109. 737-2124. L, D, FB, X, $$

HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves salads, sandwiches, and pizzas, including barbecue pork, veggie, four-meat, and more. Pizza-by-the slice is available during lunch. 477 High Point Terrace. 452-3339. Closed Monday. L, D, $

HONG KONG—Cantonese and Mandarin standards are sweet-and-sour chicken and pepper beef. 3966 Elvis Presley. 396-0801. L, D, Br, X, $

HUNAN GOURMET—Serves authentic Asian cuisine and features a sushi bar, Hong Kong-style noodle bar, and Mongolian barbecue. 2965 N. Germantown Rd., Suite 102. 371-9329. L, D, Br, X, $

HUNAN PALACE—Menu items include Peking duck, orange beef, and “flower basket” of fish, chicken, and vegetables in a Mandarin sauce. 1140 N. Germantown Parkway, Suite 101 (Cordova). 751-8863; 7140 Highway 64. 388-7848. L, D, Br, X, $

INDIA PALACE—Tandoori chicken, lamb boti kabobs, and chicken tikka masala are among the entrées; also, vegetarian options and a daily lunch buffet. 1720 Poplar. 278-1199. L, D, Br, X, $

INN AT HUNT-PHELAN—Cuisine served in the mansion dining rooms is American with a Southern emphasis; also French entrées; smaller dishes served at the Veranda Grill; Sunday brunch. 533 Beale. 525-8225. Closed for dinner Sunday and all day Monday-Tuesday. D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

INTERIM—Offers American-seasonal cuisine. A specialty is Memphis barbecued pork chop with goat-cheese grits, bacon-wilted greens, and smoked tomato sauce; also a Gulf seafood of the day. Closed for lunch Saturday and all day Sunday. 5040 Sanderlin, Suite 105. 818-0821. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

INTERSTATE BAR-B-Q—Specialties include chopped pork-shoulder sandwiches, ribs, hot wings, spaghetti, chicken, and turkey. Closed Sunday, Southaven location. 2265 S. Third. 775-2304; 150 W. Stateline Rd. (Southaven). 662-393-5699. L, D, Br (S. Third), X, $, MRA

ITTA BENA—Cajun-American cuisine served here, along with steaks, chops, and seafood. Closed Sunday. 143 Beale (upstairs). 578-3031. D, FB, $$, MRA

JA JA’S THAI RESTAURANT—The menu offers some 40 traditional Thai entrées, including sweet and spicy pork; popular for its egg rolls. Closed Sunday and Monday. 192 Washington (Collierville). 850-5222. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $

JARRETT’S—Changing menu of American bistro cuisine includes horseradish-encrusted grouper and smoked trout ravioli with Arkansas caviar. Closed Sunday. 5689 Quince. 763-2264. D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

JASMINE THAI RESTAURANT—Entrées include panang green curry, masaman, and pad thai (noodles, shrimp, and peanuts); also seafood, vegetarian dishes. Closed Monday. 916 S. Cooper. 725-0223. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$

JIM’S PLACE—Features American, Greek, and Continental cuisine with such entrées as souflima (pork tenderloin) and Grecian lamb; also steaks and seafood. Closed for lunch Saturday and all day Sunday. 5560 Shelby Oaks. 388-7200; 3660 Houston Levee (Collierville). 861-5000. L, D, FB, X, $$, MRA

JIM’S PLACE GRILLE—An offspring of Jim’s Place, featuring contemporary American cuisine with a Greek accent. The menu features sandwiches (among them a Grecian lamb burger), seafood, steaks, and more, and also includes a selection of “Jim’s Place Favorites” from the original restaurant. Open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. 3660 Houston Levee (Collierville). 861-5000. L, D, FB, X, $$, MRA

JOE’S CRAB SHACK—Serves a variety of seafood, along with chicken, steak, and pasta. Closed for lunch Saturday-Sunday. 7990 Horizon Blvd. 384-7478. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

LA BAGUETTE—Offering soups, quiche, sandwiches (including paninis), and pastries in a French-style setting. 3088 Poplar. 458-0900. B (bakery), L, X, $, MRA

LA HACIENDA—Among the specialties are carnitas, shrimp adobe, and Mexican lasagna. 746 W. Poplar (Collierville). 850-7698; 1760 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 624-2920; 175-B Goodman Rd. W. 662-349-4484; 7034 Highway 64 (Oakland) 465-1505. L, D, FB, X, $

LA PLAYITA MEXICANA—Specializes in seafood, including red snapper and oysters; also offers steaks and a variety of Hispanic entrées. 6194 Macon. 377-0181. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

LE CHARDONNAY—Seafood, steak, and chicken entrées include Stilton-stuffed tenderloin and citrus-glazed grouper; also wood-fired pizzas. Closed for lunch Saturday and Sunday. 2100-5 Overton Square Lane. 725-1375. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

LEE KAN’S ASIAN GRILL—Offers Pan-Asian cuisine; pepper-orange steak and Hong Kong-style noodles are entrées; also sushi. 255 New Byhalia, Ste. 111 (Collierville). 853-6686. L, D, FB, X, $$

LEELAVADEE THAI CUISINE—Green curry with shrimp (or beef, pork, chicken, tofu, or vegetables) is a specialty here; also tom-yum soup. Closed Monday. 775 Goodman, Suite 11 (Southaven). 662-536-4699. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

LEONARD’S—Serves barbecue ribs, sandwiches, spaghetti, and catfish; also a lunch and dinner buffet. 5465 Fox Plaza. 360-1963. L, D, Br, X, $, MRA

LOBSTER KING—Specializes in Cantonese cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood, including crab, clams, and lobster. 32 N. Cleveland. 725-5990. L, D, X, $-$$, MRA

LOLO’S TABLE—Features regional classics. Specialties are pan-seared scallops and sautéed lump crab cakes. Closed for lunch Saturday and all day Sunday. 128 Monroe. 522-9449. L, D, FB, X, $$, MRA

LOS COMPADRES—Entrées are enchiladas, burritos, tamales, tacos, and vegetarian dishes. 2617 Poplar. 458-5731. L, D, FB, X, $

LOTUS—Serves Vietnamese-Asian fare, including whole boneless duck, lemon-grass chicken and shrimp, egg rolls, and spicy Vietnamese vermicelli. 4970 Summer. 682-1151. D, Br, X, $

MCEWEN’S ON MONROE—Southern-American entrées include pepper-seared beef tenderloin with a Dijon cognac cream sauce and sweet-potato-crusted catfish with mac-and-cheese. Closed for lunch Saturday, all day Sunday. 122 Monroe. 527-7085. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

DAN MCGUINNESS PUB—Serves fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and other Irish fare; also such entrées as herb-crusted salmon. 150 Peabody Place. 527-8500; 4698 Spottswood. 761-3711. B (Saturday-Sunday), L, D, FB, X, $-$$

MADIDI—Owned in part by actor Morgan Freeman, Madidi serves French cuisine with a Southern flair. Closed Sunday and Monday. 164 Delta, Clarksdale, MS. 662-627-7770/7724. D, FB, X (downstairs), $$-$$$

THE MAJESTIC—Offers American food, including pizza, shrimp, and pork tenderloin. 145 S. Main. 522-8555. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

MANTIA’S—A Mediterranean cafe, deli, and market serving soups, sandwiches, salads, steaks, pasta, and seafood. Closed Sunday. 4856 Poplar. 762-8560. L, D, Wi, X, $-$$, MRA

MARCIANO MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALIAN CUISINE—Greek beef with eggplant and seafood risotto are among the entrées at this ethnic eatery. Closed Monday. 780 Brookhaven Cl. 682-1660. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

MARMALADE—Southern homestyle entrées include catfish, fried chicken, pork chops, barbecued ribs, seafood gumbo, and chili. Closed Sunday and Monday. 153 G.E. Patterson. 522-8800. D, FB, X, $

MAYURI INDIAN CUISINE—Serves tandoori chicken, tikka masala, as well as lamb and shrimp entrées; also a lunch buffet, weekend dinner buffet. 6524 Quince. 753-8755. L, D, Br, X, $

MEDALLION—Offers steaks, seafood, chicken, and pasta entrées; buffets at both lunch and dinner. 3700 Central, Holiday Inn (Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality). 678-8200. B, L, D (except Sunday), FB, X, $-$$, MRA

THE MELTING POT—Steak, seafood, and poultry entrées prepared fondue-style at your table; also package meals. 2828 Wolfcreek Parkway. 380-9500. D, FB, X, $$-$$$$, MRA

MEMPHIS PIZZA CAFE—Homemade pizzas are specialties; also serves sandwiches, calzones, and salads. 2089 Madison. 726-5343; 5061 Park. 684-1306; 7604 W. Farmington (Germantown). 753-2218; 5627 Getwell (Southaven). 662-536-1364; 797 W. Poplar (Collierville). 861-7800. L, D, Br, Wi (Madison only), X, $, MRA

MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE—The focus here is on steaks, including a prime filet, a 24-oz. porterhouse, and a bone-in tenderloin; also, some seafood options. 5960 Getwell (Southaven). 662-890-2467; 88 Union. 527-5337. D, FB, X, $$-$$$

MIKASA JAPAN—Seafood and traditional Japanese dishes include sukiyaki, shrimp tempura, and chicken teriyaki; sushi buffet also featured. Closed for lunch Saturday and Sunday. 6150 Poplar. 683-0000. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

MISS POLLY’S SOUL CITY CAFÉ—Fried chicken and waffles are a specialty at this downtown restaurant; also serves chicken and dressing, pot roast, and other home-cooking favorites. 154 Beale. 527-9060. B, L, D, $

MISTER B—Features New Orleans-style seafood and steaks. Closed for lunch Saturday and all day Sunday. 6655 Poplar, Suite 107. 751-5262. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

MOLLIE FONTAINE LOUNGE—Formerly Cielo’s, this new eatery specializes in tapas (small plates) featuring global cuisine. Closed Sunday-Tuesday. 679 Adams. 524-1886. D, FB, X, $

MOLLY’S LA CASITA—Fajitas, chiles rellenos, a vegetarian combo, and bacon-wrapped shrimp are a few of the specialties. 2006 Madison. 726-1873. L, D, FB, X, $-$$ MRA

MORTIMER’S—Trout almondine, hand-cut steaks, and seafood pasta are among the offerings; also sandwiches, salads, and nightly specials. Closed for lunch Saturday. 590 N. Perkins. 761-9321. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

MOSA ASIAN BISTRO—Specialties include sesame chicken, pad Thai, and other Pan Asian entrées. Closed Sunday. 1825 Kirby Parkway. 755-6755. L, D, Br, X, $

MOVIE & PIZZA COMPANY—Offers a wide selection of pizzas as well as a wide selection of movies for rent. The menu includes meat and veggie pizzas as well as sandwiches. 110 Harbor Town Sq. 527-2233. L, D, Br, $

MULAN—Hunan chicken, spicy tofu, and orange beef served here; sushi too. 2059 Houston Levee. 850-5288. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$

MY GREEK Cafe—Various seafood and lamb dishes — including lamb brisket and smoked lamb ribs — are among the authentic Greek specialties. Closed Sunday. 345 Madison. 507-2720. L, D, FB, X, $

NAGASAKI INN—Grilled chicken, steak, and lobster are among the main courses; meal is cooked at your table. 3951 Summer. 454-0320. D, FB, X (except bathrooms), $-$$

NAM KING—Offers luncheon and dinner buffets and such specialties as fried dumplings, pepper steak, and orange chicken. 4594 Yale. 373-4411. L, D, Br, X, $

NAPA CAFE—American eclectic specialties are prime dry-aged beef with red wine shallot demi-glace, rack of lamb, and potato-encrusted halibut. Closed for lunch Saturday and all day Sunday. 5101 Sanderlin, Suite 122. 683-0441. L, D, FB, X, $$, MRA

NEELY’S BAR-B-QUE—Serves pork ribs, sandwiches, spaghetti, hot wings, nachos, and smoked turkey. 670 Jefferson. 521-9798; 5700 Mt. Moriah. 795-4177. L, D, Br, X, $, MRA

NEW ASIA—Specializing in authentic Chinese food. 2075 Exeter (Germantown). 758-8388. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$

NEW HUNAN—Chinese eatery with more than 80 entrées; also lunch/dinner buffets and a sushi bar. 5052 Park. 766-1622. L, D, X, $

OLD VENICE—Lasagna, pizzas, paninis, and various pastas are among the specialties here, including the “Pasta Maria” and the “John Wayne Pizza.” 368 S. Perkins Ext. 767-6872. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

ON THE BORDER—Dishes out such Tex-Mex specialties as fajitas and steak-and-shrimp combination. 8101 Giacosa Pl. (Cordova). 372-8883; 4552 Poplar. 763-0569; 7935 Winchester. 755-6404; 6572 Airways Blvd. 662-536-0901. L, D, FB, X, $, MRA

OWEN BRENNAN’S—New Orleans-style menu of beef, chicken, pasta, and seafood; jambalaya and crawfish etouffée are specialties; also Sunday brunch. Closed for dinner Sunday. The Regalia, 6150 Poplar. 761-0990. L, D, FB, X, $-$$$, MRA

PANCHO’S—Serves up a variety of Mexican standards, including tacos, enchiladas, and mix-and-match platters. 3600 Broadway (West Memphis). 870-735-6466; 717 N. White Station. 685-5404. L, D, FB, X, $, MRA

PANDA GARDEN—Sesame chicken and broccoli beef are among the Mandarin, Szechuan, and Hunan entrées at this popular eatery. 3735 Summer. 323-4819. L, D, BR, $-$$

PA PA PIA—Entrées at this new Italian eatery are homemade manicotti and grilled pizzas; also ricotta cheesecake. 83 Union Ave. 521-4331. L, D, FB, # $-$$

PASTA ITALIA—Northern Italian cuisine featuring handmade pastas; specialties include ravioli, cannelloni, and seafood dishes. Closed for lunch Saturday and all day Sunday-Monday. 101 N. Center (Collierville). 861-0255. L, D, Wi, X, $$-$$$

PAULETTE’S—Presents fine dining with a Continental flavor, including such entrées as crepes Florentine; also grilled steaks, chicken, salads, and rich desserts; offers weekend brunch. 2110 Madison. 726-5128. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

PEARL’S OYSTER HOUSE—Downtown eatery serving seafood, including oysters, crawfish, and stuffed butterfly shrimp, as well as beef, chicken, and pasta dishes. Closed Sunday. 299 S. Main. 522-9070. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

PEI WEI ASIAN DINER—Serves Pan Asian cuisine (Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, and Japanese) including General Tsao’s chicken. 1680 Union, #109. 722-3780; 2257 N. Germantown Pkwy. 382-1822. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $

PEKING—Chinese specialties include orange beef, ginger ribs, and house duck. Closed Sunday. 3241 Elvis Presley Blvd. 346-8930. L, D, Br, $

PETE & SAM’S—Serving Memphis for more than 50 years; offers steaks, seafood, and traditional Italian dishes. 3886 Park. 458-0694. D, Br, X (except bathrooms), $-$$

PETRA DELI & CAFE—Serves Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern sandwiches and entrées. Closed Sunday. 2140 W. Poplar Ave. (Collierville). 853-3521; 6641 Poplar. 754-4440. L, D, Br, X, $

PETRA RESTAURANT—Offers primarily Greek cuisine, with some Middle Eastern and Korean dishes. Closed Sunday and Monday 1761 Madison. 726-6700. L, D, Br, X, $$

P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO—Specialties are Mongolian beef and chicken in lettuce wraps; also vegetarian dishes, including spicy eggplant. Park at Ridgeway, Park Place Centre. 818-3889. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

PHO VIETNAM—Offers traditional Vietnamese cuisine, including stir-fry, spring rolls, and egg rolls. 1411 Poplar. 728-4711. L, D, Br, X, $

THE PIER—Specializes in steaks, prime rib, and seafood, including King crab and lobster tails; has excellent river views. 100 Wagner Place. 526-7381. D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

PIG-N-WHISTLE—Offers pork shoulder sandwiches, wet and dry ribs, catfish, spaghetti, and stuffed barbecue potatoes; also homemade pies. 2740 Bartlett. 386-3300; 6084 Kerr-Rosemark. 872-2455. L, D, Br, FB (Kerr-Rosemark), X, $-$$

RED LOBSTER—Specializes in crab legs, lobster, and shrimp dishes; also pastas, salads, steaks, and chicken. 6222 Winchester. 794-5567; 8161 Highway 64. 387-0056; 6555 Airways (Southaven). 662-536-1960. L, D, FB, X, $-$$$

RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS—Menu includes a large selection of gourmet burgers from the 5 Alarm with jalepeno peppers and salsa to the Monster Burger with two beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. 1231 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 754-5501; The Avenue Carriage Crossing (Collierville). 854-7645. L, D, FB, $

RENDEZVOUS—Menu items include barbecued ribs, chicken, beef brisket, nachos; also cheese plates, skillet shrimp, Greek salads. Closed Sunday-Monday. 52 S. Second. 523-2746. L (Friday-Saturday only), D, Br, Wi, X, $, MRA

RIO LOCO—Authentic Mexican entrées include fajitas, burritos, and seafood selections, including shrimp and tilapia. 117 Union. 523-2142. L, D, FB, X, $

RIVER OAKS—Crab cakes are among the specialties at this East Memphis restaurant serving “French-American classics”; also free-range/organic meats. Closed for lunch Saturday-Sunday. 5871 Poplar. 683-9305. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL—Offers Northern Italian cuisine, including pasta Milano and penne rustica; also steaks, seafood, and salads. 6705 Poplar. 753-6588; 2859 N. Germantown Parkway. 266-4565. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

ROOKS CORNER—American bistro serving steaks, seafood, pasta, sandwiches, and salads. Memphis Hilton, 939 Ridgelake Blvd., 762-7477. B, L, D, FB, X, $-$$$, MRA

ROUSTICA—Pastas and breads made from scratch are specialties at this new eatery in the former site of Marena’s Gerani; also fresh seafood and prime meats. Closed Sunday-Monday. 1545 Overton Park. 726-6228. D, FB, X, $$

ROYAL PANDA—Hunan fish, Peking duck, Szechuan chicken, and a seafood combo are among the specialties. 3120 Village Shops Dr. (Germantown). 756-9697. L, D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE—Offers prime steaks cut and aged in-house, as well as lamb, chicken, and fresh seafood, including lobster. 6120 Poplar. 761-0055. D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

SAIGON LE—Vietnamese/Chinese specialties include pork chops with mushrooms and shrimp in black-bean sauce; vegetarian options too. Closed Sunday. 51 N. Cleveland. 276-5326. L, D, Br, X (except bathrooms), $

SAITO STEAKHOUSE—Japanese cuisine cooked at your table; sushi bar has 100 offerings. Closed for lunch Saturday. 6600 Stage, Suite 101. 373-1957. L, D, FB, X, $$

SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties. Closed Sunday. 2060 West. 758-8181. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

SALSA—Specialties include carnitas, chiles rellenos, and fajitas; also Southwestern seafood dishes such as tilapia with fresh pico de gallo. Closed Sunday. Regalia Shopping Center, 6150 Poplar. 683-6325. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

SAUCES—Specializes primarily in seafood — including grouper, mahi, and halibut — accompanied by diners’ choice of complementary sauces, such as rosemary tomato basil and lobster cream. Closed Monday. 95 S. Main, Suite 106. 473-9573. L, D, FB, X, $, MRA

SAWADDII—Among the Thai entrées are grilled sea bass with curry sauce and mahi-mahi with spicy chili sauce. 121 Union. 529-1818. L, D, FB, X, $-$$, MRA

SEKISUI OF JAPAN/SEKISUI PACIFIC RIM & SUSHI BISTRO—Authentic Japanese cuisine, fresh sushi bar, grilled meats and seafood, California rolls, and vegetarian entrées. Pacific Rim cuisine at Poplar location. Closed for lunch Saturday-Sunday at Belvedere, Union, Poplar, Collierville, and Goodman locations. Closed for lunch Saturday and for dinner Sunday at Horn Lake location. Humphreys Center, 50 Humphreys Blvd. Suite 14. 747-0001; 25 Belvedere. 725-0005; Union at Second, Holiday Inn Select. 523-0001; 4724 Poplar (between Perkins and Colonial). 767-7770; 1884 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 309-8800; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). Suite 107. 854-0622; 1255 Goodman Rd. W. (Horn Lake, MS). 662-536-4404. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

SHANG HAI—Offers Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai cuisine; one specialty is shrimp wrapped in bacon and noodles. Closed Sunday. 1400 Poplar. 722-8692. L, D, Br, X (except bathrooms), $

SHANTI STEAK HOUSE—Serves steak, chicken, pork chops, and seafood, including shrimp. Closed Sunday. 336 New Byhalia. 861-7177. D, Br, X, $-$$

SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT—Entrées include tempura, teriyaki, and sushi, as well as grilled fish and chicken entrées. Closed for lunch Saturday. 2324 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 384-4122. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

SIDE PORCH STEAK HOUSE—In addition to steak, the menu includes chicken, pork chops, and fish entrées; homemade rolls are a specialty. Closed Sunday and Monday. 5689 Stage. 377-2484. D, FB, X, $-$$

SPINDINI—Judd Grisanti offers regional Mediterranean fare, featuring steaks, seafood, and chicken dishes, cooked in a wood-burning oven. 383 S. Main. 578-2767. D, FB, X, $-$$$, MRA

STELLA—”Southern/global” fine-dining cuisine features steaks, fresh seafood, lamb, and more. Closed Sunday. 39 S. Main (at Monroe). 526-4950. D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

STIX—Hibachi steakhouse with Asian cuisine features steak, chicken, and a filet-and-lobster combination; also sushi. Closed for lunch Sunday. The Avenue Carriage Crossing (Collierville). 854-3399. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

SWANKY’S TACO SHOP—Burritos and tacos are made-to-order at this fast-casual restaurant, which also features a tequila bar. 6641 Poplar (Germantown). 737-2088. L, D, FB, $

SWEET, THE EXQUISITE DESSERTERIE—Offering desserts ranging from chocolate fondue and brioche pudding to baklava and homemade marshmallows. Also serving savory appetizers as well as coffee drinks. 938 S. Cooper. 726-4300. $

THE TENNESSEAN—Set in an old train car on Collierville’s town square. Changing seasonal menu of contemporary Southern cuisine includes steaks, fish, poultry, and pasta. Closed Sunday-Monday. 123 N. Rowlett. 853-9447. L, D, FB, X, $-$$$

TEXAS DE BRAZIL—Serves beef, pork, lamb, and chicken dishes and Brazilian sausage; 60-item gourmet salad area; weekend brunch. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 103. 526-7600. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

THREE OAKS GRILL—Rack of lamb, filet Paulette, prime New York strip T-bones, and crab-stuffed halibut are among the entrées. Closed for lunch Saturday. 2285 S. Germantown Rd. 757-8225. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

TIMBEAUX’S—Creole/French specialties include fish stew in a tomato saffron broth, steak bordelaise, crawfish pizza, and jumbo shrimp and grits. Closed for lunch Saturday and all day Sunday. 333 Losher. Hernando, MS. 662-429-0500. L, D, FB, X, $$-$$$

THE TOWER ROOM AMERICAN GRILL—Offers steaks, seafood, pasta, lamb, and chicken dishes; also, vegetarian upon request. Clark Tower, 5100 Poplar, Suite 3300. 767-8776. L (Monday-Friday), D (Wednesday-Saturday), FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

TSUNAMI—Features Pacific Rim cuisine (Asia, Australia, South Pacific, etc.); also a changing “small plate” menu. Closed Sunday. 928 S. Cooper. 274-2556. D, FB, X, $$-$$$, MRA

TYCOON—Among the Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai entrées are spicy garlic shrimp and coconut-curry chicken. 3307 Kirby Pkwy. 362-8788. L, D, Br, X, $

UMAI—Japanese-French fusion specialties include spinach gyozas stuffed with wild mushroom duxelles and marinated duck breast; also, Sunday brunch. Closed Monday-Tuesday. 2015 Madison. 405-4241. D, Br, Wi, X, $-$$, MRA

WANG’S CHINA BISTRO—Among the specialties here are crisp duck, shrimp, and scallops in garlic sauce and grilled chicken with cucumber. 4002 Park. 327-4089. L, D, FB, $, MRA

WANG’S MANDARIN HOUSE—Offers Mandarin, Cantonese, Szechuan, and spicy Hunan entrées, as well as vegetarian and weight-watcher specials. Closed for lunch Saturday and Sunday. 6065 Park, Park Place Mall. 763-0676; 113 S. Main. 523-2065. L, D, FB, X, $, MRA

WASABI SUSHI & SAKE BAR—In addition to sushi, Wasabi serves various lunch and dinner combos. Closed for lunch Saturday. 1134 N. Germantown Pkwy. 754-0567. L, D, Br, Wi, $-$$

WHOLE HOG CAFE—Offering a large menu of barbecue beef, pork, and chicken dishes, including the “Whole Hawg Platter,” which features pulled pork, beef brisket, baby back ribs, beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and dinner roll. 5727 Quince. 682-8882; 1250 Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 757-5255. L, D, $-$$

WOMAN’S EXCHANGE TEA ROOM—Chicken-salad plate, beef tenderloin, soups-and-sandwiches, and vegetable plates are specialties; adjacent shop features handmade items. Closed Saturday and Sunday. 88 Racine. 327-5681. L, X, $

YIA YIA’S EUROCAFE—Wood-roasted salmon and pork chops with smoked mushroom sauce are among the entrées; also steaks, pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, and salads; also, Sunday brunch. 7615 West Farmington at Poplar, Shops of Saddle Creek. 756-4004. L, D, FB, X, $$

ZANZIBAR—Specializes in New World cuisine; entrées include Thai-glazed chicken wings, peanut soup, and various sandwiches and salads. Closed Sunday (except for brunch), Monday-Tuesday. 412 S. Main. 543-9646. L, D, FB, X, $-$$

NIGHTLIFE

From downtown Memphis to out East to Oxford, Mississippi, if the nightlife is your thing, these places represent the best of what the Mid-South has to offer.

BARTLETT

Bel Air Club

6195 Macon

388-1474

Bob’s Sports Bar & Grill

2244 Whitten

386-9051

Hog Head Saloon at the Billiards Club

2686 Kirby-Whitten
362-8685

Jordan’s Karaoke Cafe

5806 Stage

379-1311

BEALE STREET
Alfred’s
197 Beale

525-3711

B.B. King’s Blues Club

147 Beale

524-KING

Beale St. Tap Room

163 Beale

527-4392

Blues City Cafe

138 Beale

526-3637

Blues Hall

182 Beale

528-0150

Club 152

152 Beale

544-7011

Double Deuce Beale St.

340 Beale

524-0934

EP Delta Kitchen and Bar

126 Beale

527-1444

King’s Palace Cafe

162 Beale

521-1851

King’s Palace Patio

162 Beale

521-1851

New Daisy Theatre

330 Beale

525-8979

O’Sullivan’s on Beale

183 Beale

522-9596

The Pig on Beale

167 Beale

529-1544

Rum Boogie Cafe

182 Beale

528-0150

Superior Bar

159 Beale

523-1962

Westin Memphis Beale Street Hotel

170 Lt. George W. Lee

334-5900

Wet Willie’s

209 Beale

578-5650

COLLIERVILLE

Bangkok Alley

2150 W. Poplar at Houston Levee

854-8748

Central Park in the
Avenue Carriage Crossing

4674 Merchant’s Park Circle, Suite 432
854-8240, ext. 6

Fino Villa

875 W. Poplar, Collierville

861-2626

Huey’s Collierville

2130 Poplar

854-4455

CORDOVA

Bahama Breeze

2830 N. Germantown Pkwy.

385-8744

Esplanade

901 Cordova Station
315-7211

Fox and Hound English Pub & Grill

847 Exocet

624-9060

Huey’s Cordova

1771 N. Germantown Pkwy. 754-3885

Joe’s Crab Shack

7990 Horizon

384-7478

Southern Crow

1204 N. Houston Levee

757-7736

T.J. Mulligan’s 64

2121 N. Houston Levee

377-9997

T.J. Mulligan’s Cordova

8071 Trinity

756-4480

DOWNTOWN

Best Western
Benchmark Hotel

164 Union

527-4100

Brinson

341 Madison

690-1058

Cafe Soul

492 S. Main

859-0557

Dan McGuinness Pub

150 Peabody Place

527-8500

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

130 Peabody Place

523-8536

The Gibson Beale Street Showcase

145 Lt. George W. Lee

544-7998 ext. 4080

High Point Café

111 Jackson

525-4444

Huey’s Downtown

77 S. Second

527-2700

J&J Bar and Grill

1065 N. Thomas

523-9823

Kudzu’s

603 Monroe

525-4924

Marmalade Restaurant & Lounge

153 G.E. Patterson

522-8800

Mollie Fontaine Lounge

679 Adams

524-1886

The Peabody

149 Union

529-4000

Sawaddii

121 Union

529-1818

T.J. Mulligan’s Pinch

362 N. Main

523-1453

Zanzibar

412 S. Main

543-9646

EAST MEMPHIS

Barbie’s Place

3660 Summer

327-8350

Brookhaven Pub & Grill

695 Brookhaven Circle

680-8118

The Cockeyed Camel

6080 Primacy Pkwy.
683-4056

Dan McGuinness Pub

4698 Spottswood
761-3711

Doc Watson’s

1817 Kirby

755-2481

Folk’s Folly

551 S. Mendenhall
762-8200

Huey’s Poplar

4872 Poplar

682-7729

Old Venice

368 Perkins Ext.
767-6872

Owen Brennan’s

6150 Poplar

761-0990

The Paragon Lounge

2865 Walnut Grove
320-0026

The Premier

5020 American Way
365-0077

Salsa

6150 Poplar

683-6325

Silver Spoon

6063 Mt. Moriah

365-6881

Sports Pub

5012 Park

767-8632

T.G.’s Lounge

3870 Macon

324-7999

T.J. Mulligan’s Quince

6635 Quince

753-8056

Willie Moffatt’s

2779 Whitten

386-2710

The Windjammer Restaurant

786 E. Brookhaven Circle 683-9044

FRAYSER/MILLINGTON

RJ’s Sports Restaurant

120 Quinton Dr.

840-2004

The Roadhouse

2961 Overton Crossing

353-0640

Time-Out Lounge

206 Tracy

837-2226

VFW Post 7175

4681 Cuba-Millington

872-7175

GERMANTOWN

Swanky’s Taco Shop

6641 Poplar

737-2088

MIDTOWN

Backstreet

2018 Court

276-5522

Beauty Shop

966 S. Cooper

272-7111

Blue Monkey

2012 Madison

272-BLUE

The Blue Worm

1405 Airways

327-7947

Boscos Squared

2120 Madison

432-2222

The Buccaneer

1368 Monroe

278-0909

Cafe Ole

959 S. Cooper

274-1504

Callie’s Place

1243 Walker

942-7410

Celtic Crossing

903 S. Cooper

274-5151

Crossroads Bar & Grill

1278 Jefferson

272-8801

Daddy Q’s Night Club

831 Jackson

578-4556

The Dregs

1688 Lamar

581-2381

Fresh Slices

1585 Overton Park

725-1001

Full Moon Club

Above Zinnie’s East at 1718 Madison

274-7101

Hi-Tone Café

1913 Poplar

278-TONE

Huey’s Midtown

1927 Madison

726-4372

Hughes Uptown

1217 N. Thomas

859-7509

Java Cabana

2170 Young

272-7210

Madison Flame

1588 Madison

278-0569

The Metro

1349 Autumn

274-8010

Murphy’s

1589 Madison

726-4193

Neil’s

1835 Madison

278-6345

Otherlands Coffee Bar

641 S. Cooper

278-4994

P&H Café

1532 Madison

726-0906

Paulette’s

2110 Madison

726-5128

Live music Fridays-Sundays.

The Poplar Lounge

2586 Poplar

324-1233

Printer’s Alley

322 S. Cleveland

725-9809

Roustica

1545 Overton Park
726-6228

Senses The Night Club

2866 Poplar

454-4081

Wild Bill’s

1580 Vollintine

726-5473

Young Avenue Deli

2119 Young

278-0034

NORTH MISSISSIPPI

Alvee’s

On Jamison Rd. in Marshall County, MS

Ben’s Place

3964 Goodman, Southaven, MS

662-893-5029

Huey’s Southaven

7090 Malco, Southaven, MS

662-349-7097

Mel’s Bar

8690 Highway 51 N., Southaven, MS

662-280-2860

Mesquite Chop House

5960 Getwell, Southaven, MS

662-890-2467

Mi Tierra

201 State Line
662-280-1127

Two Stick

1007 Harrison, Oxford, MS

662-236-6639

RALEIGH

Cat’s Music & DVDs

3249 Austin Peay
385-2287

Flashbacks

5709 Raleigh-LaGrange

383-7330

Muggs

4396 Raleigh-LaGrange

372-3556

Stage Stop

2951 Cela

382-1577

SOUTH MEMPHIS

The Red Wagon

5275 S. Third

785-9476

SUMMER/BERCLAIR

The Cottage Restaurant

3297 Summer

324-4447

UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

Liquid Lounge

557 S. Highland

452-6553

MO’s Edge Coffeehouse

3521 Walker

413-1315

Newby’s

539 S. Highland

452-8408

South Park Bar

887 S. Highland

324-7676

WEST MEMPHIS

Southland Park Gaming and Racing

1550 N. Ingram
870-467-6182

WHITEHAVEN/AIRPORT

Java, Juice, & Jazz

1423 Elvis Presley
774-3004

Marlowe’s Restaurant

4381 Elvis Presley Blvd.

332-4159

Rock-n-Roll Cafe

3715-5 Elvis Presley, at Elvis’s After Dark
398-5692

The Rose

1441 East Brooks Road (inside the Airport Inn)

348-4722

VFW Post 4935

1942 Lynnbrook Place

398-0157

The View Sports Bar & Grill

3222 Airways

332-3800

WINCHESTER/HICKORY HILL

Cactus Jack’s

4069 Lamar

566-1109

Cheyenne Country

1976 E. Shelby Dr.
332-9428

Divine Wings & Bar

3279 Kirby

367-9111

Half Shell

7825 Winchester
737-6755

Huey’s Southwind

7825 Winchester
624-8911

Sports Bar & Grill

3569 S. Mendenhall
794-7626

COFFEEHOUSES/

BOOKSTORE CAFES

In addition to gourmet coffees and drinks, these eateries generally serve sandwiches, soups, and salads, and some have a wider range of menu items.

BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS—2774 N. Germantown Parkway, Wolfchase Galleria. 386-2468; 6385 Winchester. 794-9394.

BLUES CITY PASTRY SHOP & COFFEE BAR—153 S. Main. 576-0010. MRA.

BOOKSTAR—3402 Poplar. 323-9332.

BORDERS BOOKS AND MUSIC—6685 Poplar (Germantown). 754-0770.

CREMA—5101 Sanderlin Centre, Suite 114. 685-6833. MRA.

DAVIS-KIDD BOOKSELLERS—387 Perkins Ext. 683-9801.

GLORIA JEAN’S—2760 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Wolfchase).

383-1312.

HIGH POINT COFFEE—4610 Poplar. 761-6800; 1680 Union. 726-6322.

JAVA CABANA—2170 Young. 272-7210.

LATTE DA GOURMET COFFEE & TEA—1138 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 105. 756-9048.

OTHERLANDS—641 S. Cooper. 278-4994. MRA.

PRECIOUS CARGO EXCHANGE—381 N. Main. 578-8446.

QUETZAL—668 Union. 521-8388.

STARBUCKS—1850 Union.

729-4288; 4465 Poplar, Oak Court Mall. 761-0052; 3388 Poplar. 320-1021; 1645 N. Germantown Pkwy. 759-9411; 5201 Poplar. 818-9954; 2955 Kirby Whitten. 266-2497; 150 Peabody Place. 525-2451; 180 Goodman Rd. E. 662-349-0342; 9155 Poplar. 757-4202. Check phonebook or online for more listings.

MOVIE

THEATERS

Bartlett Cinema 10

2809 Bartlett Blvd., Bartlett

www.malco.com

385-7294

Cineplanet 16

79 Atoka Munford, Atoka

mycinematimes.com

876-3456

Towne Cinema (Collierville)

380 Market Blvd., Collierville

www.malco.com

850-0522

Cordova Cinema

1080 Germantown Pkwy., Memphis

www.malco.com

309-8550

DeSoto Cinema 16

7130 Malco Blvd., Southaven

www.malco.com

662-349-6601

Forest Hill Cinema 8

3180 Village Shops Dr., Memphis

www.malco.com

756-8299

Hollywood 20

6711 Stage, Bartlett

www.moviepage.com

380-1121

Majestic 20

7051 Malco Crossing, Memphis

www.malco.com

758-2484

Muvico Peabody Place

150 Peabody Pl. #300, Memphis

www.muvico.com

248-0100

Palace Cinema

5117 Old Summer, Memphis

www.moviepage.com

763-3411

Paradiso

584 S. Mendenhall, Memphis

www.malco.com

682-1754

Raleigh Springs Mall

3384 Austin Peay, Memphis

www.malco.com

385-8182

Ridgeway Four

5853 Ridgeway Center Pkwy., Memphis

www.malco.com

681-2047

Southaven Cinema 8

2010 Stateline, Southaven

www.mrmovietimes.com

662-393-0373

Stage Cinema 13

7930 Highway 64, Memphis

www.malco.com

377-3108

Studio on the Square

2105 Court, Memphis

www.malco.com

725-7151

Summer Drive-In

5310 Summer, Memphis

www.malco.com

767-4320

Winchester Court

6740 Winchester, Memphis

(Reduced Admission)

www.malco.com

366-9994

Wolfchase Cinema

2766 N. Germantown Pkwy., Memphis

www.malco.com

384-4677

Casinos

Bally’s Casino Tunica

800-382-2559

Fitz Casino & Hotel

800-766-5825

Gold Strike Casino Resort

888-245-7829

Grand Casino Tunica

800-946-4946

Resorts Tunica

662-363-7777

Hollywood Casino

800-871-0711

Horseshoe Casino & Hotel

800-303-7463

Sam’s Town Casino

800-456-0711

Sheraton Casino & Hotel

800-391-3777

Hotels/Inns

The Cottage Inn

800-363-2985

Quality Inn

800-999-2922

Best Western Tunica North

662-363-6711

Holiday Inn Express

800-465-4329

Hotel & Cafe Marie

800-363-6307

Key West Inn

800-833-0555

King’s Inn

800-928-5464

Treasure Town Inn

800-201-3040

Bed & Breakfast at the Lake’s

662-363-2000

Levee Plantation Guest House

662-363-1309

Grandvista Resorts

800-404-0339

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Tags Dining, Dining Guide, entertainment, going out, restaurants

Food & Wine Food & Drink

The Cove Opens (Softly) Tonight

Post author By John Branston
Post date December 7, 2007

When Midtown dining institution Anderton’s closed last year, interior designer Jim Marshall managed to acquire most of the decor — the ship bar, the retro chandeliers, and the nautically-themed murals. He also managed to acquire the old Beer Joint location on Broad Avenue.

So Marshall decided to open a new bar using Anderton’s sea-faring decor in the old Broad Avenue dive. It was the perfect marriage of two former pillars of Midtown. The Cove, as it’s being called, will host a soft opening tonight beginning at 5 p.m. at 2559 Broad.

Since the bar has yet to acquire its liquor license, they’ll only be selling beer, oysters, and pizza. But a full bar and a full menu are coming soon.

Tags Bar, Dining, The Cove

Food & Wine Food & Drink

Serving Up Sunday

Post author By Simone Wilson
Post date December 6, 2007

CREDIT: Justin Fox Burks

For those of you whose idea of a perfect Sunday doesn’t include cooking, here are a few new options:

At Sweet, the Exquisite Desserterie, brunch isn’t the usual eggs and pancakes.

“I asked customers and friends what they would like to see for brunch,” says Paula Pulido, the restaurant’s chef and owner. “Everybody wanted something different from the standard eggs Benedict, French toast, and Belgian waffles.”

Sweet’s “something different” includes an antipasti buffet to start and a dessert buffet to finish. In between, diners can nibble on fresh popovers with potato/leek soup, followed by a baby-greens salad, a mimosa “intermezzo,” and a choice of beef or vegetable en croute, all for $21.

Sunday brunch at Sweet is available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sweet, 938 S. Cooper (726-4300)

Currents, a fine-dining restaurant at the River Inn of Harbor Town, also recently started offering Sunday brunch. The more traditional items include cinnamon French toast, Monte Cristo with vanilla-stewed berries, Golden Apple pancakes, and a chèvre omelet with roasted mushrooms, artichokes, and heirloom tomatoes. Other dishes are pan-roasted Tasmanian salmon, grilled Nyman Ranch pork loin, saffron risotto with lobster, and grilled filet of beef.

Sunday brunch at Currents is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Currents, 50 Harbor Town Square
(260-3300)

If you want to grab a couple of friends for a relaxed, end-of-weekend dinner, try the Majestic Grille’s Sunday Suppers. One supper, served family-style, feeds four.

“This is something we have wanted to do for a while, and we thought the holidays would be a perfect time to try it out,” says Deni Reilly, who owns the restaurant with her husband Patrick, the Majestic’s chef.

The menu changes every week and typically includes home-cooking favorites with a twist, such as braised pork loin with roasted apples and cider and mashed root vegetables. The Sunday suppers are served during regular dinner hours and cost $60.

The Majestic Grille, 145 S. Main
(522-8555)

The Flying Fish is offering a “Preacher’s Special” to all oyster lovers. Every Sunday, all day, you can satisfy your oyster craving for 25 cents per oyster. If oysters aren’t your thing, the restaurant offers plenty of other seafood dishes, such as catfish, tilapia, snapper, salmon, and crawfish.

The Flying Fish, 105 S. Second
(522-8228)

Need a dash of culinary inspiration for your holiday cooking? Stop by Williams-Sonoma this month for free demonstrations, technique classes, and a taste of some of the store’s holiday favorites.

On Sunday, December 9th, discover the secrets to throwing an elegant holiday cocktail party. Demonstrations about the best cup of cocoa, holiday confections, easy desserts, gifts for the cook, festive drinks, super stocking stuffers, and more are offered almost every day throughout December from 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Call the store for a detailed scheduled.

Williams-Sonoma, 7615 W. Farmington (737-9990)

You have until Saturday, December 15th, to cast your vote in support of a local farmer, chef, restaurant, or food-related business or person for the Edible Communities 2007 Reader’s Choice Local Hero Award.

Edible Memphis, a quarterly magazine that debuted last spring, is one of 30 “Edible Community” publications around the United States that focus on local foods and farmers.

Each Edible Community will vote on its heroes, and the winners will be announced in January at the Edible Communities annual publisher’s dinner in Charleston, South Carolina. Winners will then appear in the spring 2008 issues.

Eligible locally for the award are the places and people featured in Edible Memphis throughout the year: Downing Hollow Farms (Lori Greene), Neola Farms (Michael Lenagar), Whitton Farms (Jill and Keith Forrester), Delta Grind (Georgeanne Ross), Tripp Country Ham (Charlie Tripp), Magevney Kitchen Garden, the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, Tom Singarella (baker), Jose Gutierrez (Encore), Karen Carrier (Automatic Slim’s, Beauty Shop), and Nancy Kistler (Entourage catering).

Go to ediblememphis.com to cast your vote.

Tags Brunch, Currents, Dining, Edible Communities Reader's Choice, Edible Memphis, Food, Majestic Grille, SWEET, Sweet, the Exquisite Desserterie, The Flying Fish, Williams-Sonoma

Food & Wine Food & Drink

Wines To Warm Up To

Post author By Michael Hughes
Post date November 22, 2007

It’s nearly winter and time for palates to adjust from lighter dishes and wines to something more substantial. And while full-bodied reds and rich dessert wines are delicious year-round, they are even more enjoyable when there’s a chill in the air.

One of the most versatile and food-friendly red grapes is Syrah. The earthy flavors of a bubbling pot of diced lamb, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomato, red wine, rosemary, and Yukon gold potatoes are a perfect match for a well-made Syrah. In the U.S., quite a few regions produce top-quality wines with this grape, which is native to the Rhône Valley of France. Washington State winemakers are creating wines reminiscent of those from the northern Rhône. Earthy flavors are prominent, along with hints of spice, smoke, and bacon. Many winemakers in the Central Coast area of California are also producing impressive Syrahs. In addition to aromas of dried meat, their wines are typically laden with blueberry, blackberry, and plum.

Malbec is another grape that matches wonderfully with winter dishes. Its traditional home is the Cahors region of southwest France. It’s also used in Bordeaux but merely as a blending grape to add certain flavor, texture, and color dimensions to their wines. Likewise, in Northern California vintners harvest the Malbec grape for the purpose of blending into Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated wines. However, in Argentina this hearty berry is the star.

Nicolas Catena is a perfect example of the ingenuity and forward-thinking occurring in Argentina’s wine world. He brought this humble grape to the world-renowned level that it enjoys today. The Malbec typically produces a full-bodied, bold, spicy wine with hints of mocha, black licorice, blackberry, and earth. What Catena does so well is offer different expressions of Malbec at different price points for different occasions. If it’s a Tuesday-night red wine to sip on while reading a book, he has the Alamos brand. To pair with a rib-eye on a Friday night, choose the Catena Malbec. For a special occasion, the Catena Alta Malbec is the choice. The berries that go into this Alta Malbec are hand-selected from vineyards as high as 3,800 feet above sea level in the Andes. The stress of growing at such an altitude forces the grapes to work hard, thus producing concentrated berries with flavors and textures that are haunting.

Dessert wines can add another layer of warmth and comfort to a meal. However, many wine drinkers still don’t experiment with them the way they do with reds and whites. These wines are written off by many as merely sweet. Much as the right red wine can combine with a piece of meat to create amazing flavors, a luscious dessert wine can pair beautifully with a gorgeous dessert or cheese.

One of the best pairings is Vin Santo, or “Ice Wine,” and Cabrales (a blue-veined cheese from Spain, available locally at Mantia’s). Vin Santo is a dessert wine produced in the Chianti region of Tuscany. The grapes are hung in drying rooms to concentrate into rich nectar, leaving very little juice behind to ferment into wine. The lively acidity prevents the wine from being too sweet.

There are other unbelievable dessert wines being produced around the world. But be forewarned: They can be expensive due to their labor-intensive production and limited amounts. That doesn’t mean there aren’t values available to begin a journey into dessert wines.

Recommended Wines

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2003, Columbia Valley, Washington $15.99

Ventana Syrah 2003, Monterey County, California $21.99

Cusumano Syrah 2005, Sicily, Italy $16.99

Clos la Coutale 2005, Cahors, France $18.99

Alamos Malbec 2005, Mendoza, Argentina $11.99

Catena Malbec 2005, Mendoza, Argentina $24.99

Catena “Alta” Malbec 2003, Mendoza, Argentina $55.99

Jackson Triggs Ice Wine 2005, Ontario, Canada $20.99

Rudolf Muller, Eiswein, Germany $19.99

Alois Kracher Cuvée Beerenauslese 2005, Austria $33.99

Felsina Vin Santo 1999 Chianti, Classico, Italy $35.99

Tags Dining, grapes, holiday, Malbec, recommend, Red, Review, Syrah, Vin Santo, wine

Food & Wine Food & Drink

One Sweet Santa

Post author By Simone Wilson
Post date November 22, 2007

CREDIT: Justin Fox Burks

So what do you do with one pound of marshmallows, 60 pounds of Rice Krispy treats, 22 pounds of white chocolate, and 90 pounds of Royal icing? If you’re Konrad Spitzbart, The Peabody‘s executive pastry chef, the answer is obvious: Make a life-size Santa as part of the hotel’s holiday display.

“Last year, we did several smaller items, and I wanted to do something different this time,” Spitzbart says.

While the base of the Santa was built out of plywood and PVC pipe by the hotel’s engineering department, the rest of it is edible. Spitzbart, however, doesn’t recommend the indulgence. “We made this holiday display so it lasts for four weeks — not so it tastes good,” he says.

The trickiest part for the pastry chef will be getting Santa from the third-floor pastry kitchen into the hotel lobby. “We measured to make sure he’ll fit in the elevator, but we might have to tilt him a little,” he says.

If all goes well, Santa and his candy sleigh will be on display right in time for The Peabody’s tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, November 23rd, at 5 p.m.

The Peabody, 149 Union (529-4000)

Having served dinner for the past nine years, Ben Smith, chef/owner of Tsunami, felt the time was right to offer Memphis diners a new option.

“We have been open for lunch since the beginning of October but kept a rather low profile,” Smith says of the restaurant’s new hours. “There’s so much more going on in Cooper-Young since we first started, and it seemed like a good time to start opening for lunch.”

For the mid-day shift, Smith hired David King, who was part of Tsunami’s original staff and recently returned to Memphis from cooking stints in Denmark and San Francisco. Also back on board is Marissa Baggett, who left Tsunami several years ago to learn the ins and outs of sushi-making and went on to head the kitchen at Dō.

Lunch at Tsunami isn’t just a mini version of the dinner menu. It’s a different menu with a few favorites and several new dishes, such as seafood saimin, a Hawaiian-style noodle bowl with fresh seafood in a miso-dashi broth, and a traditional Thai beef salad with flank steak, tomatoes, cucumbers, and spicy lemongrass dressing.

Entrées and sandwiches cost between $8 and $12; soups and salads from $3 to $8. The restaurant serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner Monday through Saturday from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Tsunami, 928 S. Cooper (274-2556)

Ubee’s (not in anyway related to Newby’s, btw) is a new fast-casual restaurant on Highland in the University of Memphis area.

The first score for Ubee’s: Parking is available in the back so you don’t have to spend 15 minutes searching for a spot on the street in this busy neighborhood. The restaurant’s interior is light and modern, with an open kitchen almost extending the full length of the restaurant. A sleek and simple bar at the end of the dining room is framed by cobalt-blue booths.

The menu at Ubee’s reads like a text-message. Starters include “Yummus” and “Edu.Mame” (described as a “lipsmacking soysnacking nod to the University of Memphis”). Burgers include the “UBurger,” “UB Cheesy,” and the “DoubleU.” Paninis, salads, and treats continue along the same lines, with the “French 101,” the “Go-Go Granny,” and “Sweetie Pie.”

The second score for Ubee’s: “If U can’t come to Ubee’s, then Ubee’s comes to U,” with delivery service to the surrounding area.

Ubee’s, 521 S. Highland (323-0900)

Sushi is a new addition to Umai‘s menu. Chef/owner Ken Lumpkin currently offers three choices on the main menu and several daily sushi specials. Snapper sashimi with homemade vinaigrette and California greens; seared scallops with spicy sriracha sauce and apple salad; and tuna tartare with capers, scallions, and hazelnut oil are the options on the menu. Specials include a sushi appetizer from selected fish and a sushi platter.

Umai, 2015 Madison (405-4241)

Tags Ben Smith, Dining, Food, holiday, Ken Lumpkin, Konrad Spitzbart, Peabody, Santa, Tsunami, Ubee's, Umai

Food & Wine Food & Drink

Market Report

Post author By Simone Wilson
Post date November 1, 2007

CREDIT: Justin Fox Burks

The River Inn of Harbor Town is the new kid on the block in the downtown hotel market. The 32,000-square-foot luxury boutique hotel is located at the corner of Harbor Town Square and Harbor Town Circle and offers 28 rooms and suites. The hotel also adds two new restaurants to Memphis’ dining scene.

Currents, River Inn’s fine-dining restaurant, opened the week of October 22nd, and Tug’s, the inn’s more casual alternative, is scheduled to open on November 7th. In charge of both restaurants is executive chef Brian Flanders.

Currents’ menu reads like fine dining at its best. Appetizers include foie gras torchon with muscat gelée, sour cherries, and salted pistachios and a black peppercorn-port wine syrup; duck confit risotto with butternut squash sage and roasted pumpkin-seed vinaigrette; and a frisée and watercress salad with honey-lavender vinaigrette, Berkshire blue cheese, spiced walnuts, and poached pears.

Entrées include Kurabuto pork trio; pan-roasted loup de mer with English pea-morel ragout, sunchoke mousseline, and truffle beurre blanc; and a grill section for steak lovers, offering beef tenderloin, New York strip loin, and Porterhouse steaks with à la carte side items.

Tug’s offers an array of salads, including roasted chicken, Caesar, and Nicoise. Among the sandwiches are a classic Reuben, a lobster BLT, the River Inn sirloin burger, and a grilled chicken wrap. For entrées, there’s jumbo lump crab cake, pan-seared salmon, pan-roasted Mississippi pond catfish, and meatloaf.

Currents (260-3300) is open daily for breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. and dinner from 5 to 11 p.m. Tug’s (260-3344) opens daily at 11 a.m. and is open for breakfast at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The River Inn of Harbor Town, 50 Harbor Town Square (260-3333)

Looks like the Memphis Botanic Garden‘s farmers market, which ended its first season last week, will be returning.

“We had been thinking about offering a market out here for a while,” says Jana Gilbertson of the Botanic Garden. “Things started falling into place this summer when Melissa and Kjeld Petersen from Edible Memphis and Slow Food Memphis made us realize that there is a need for a market in the middle of the week.” The Botanic Garden is planning to bring back the market for the May-through-October season.

The downtown Memphis Farmers Market, which also has concluded its season, will mark its successful second year with Harvest Celebration, the market’s annual fund-raiser, on Sunday, November 4th.

This year, the market had more than 80 vendors (twice as many as last year) and expanded beyond the Central Station pavilion. Between May and October, more than 40,000 people shopped at the market, which added a wider range of certified organic products this season.

“The money we raise with this event, which is our only fund-raiser, goes toward our operating budget and to pay for such things as a part-time market manager, insurance, security, and advertising,” says Ellen Dolich, the market’s vendor committee chair. “We also need funds for future expansions. A lot of people don’t understand why we need donations. All of our board members are volunteers, most with full-time jobs. If it weren’t for them, there wouldn’t be a market. At one point, we would like to hire an executive director and full-time market manager, but that takes money.”

The event will feature food from local restaurants and live and silent auctions with more than 100 items, including a weekend getaway for two at the Alluvian Hotel in Greenwood, Mississippi, complete with a cooking class and tour of the Viking headquarters; a Thanksgiving dinner for eight prepared by Felicia Willett of Felicia Suzanne’s; and a cooking class and crash course in Japanese vegetables and ingredients with Umai chef/owner Ken Lumpkin.

Tickets for the event are $40. Tickets are available at the door or can be ordered by calling 575-0580.

Memphis Farmers Market Harvest Celebration, November 4th, 4 to 7 p.m., Central Station’s Hudson Hall, 545 S. Main

Tags Currents, Dining, Food, Harbor Town, restaurant, The River Inn of Harbor Town, Tug's

Food & Wine Food & Drink

Lounging Around

Post author By Simone Wilson
Post date July 5, 2007

Although Karen Carrier once said she has no interest in adding another restaurant to the four she currently owns (Automatic Slim’s, Cielo, the Beauty Shop, DŌ), that doesn’t mean she’s going to sit back and relax. It’s just not her style. So Carrier recently set out to reinvent Cielo, her fine-dining restaurant in downtown’s Victorian Village.

“I’m not fine-dining,” Carrier says. “I’m casual. I’m funky. I want my restaurants to reflect that. I don’t want this place to be a special-occasion place. I want it to be a place where people can hang out, listen to live music, have a couple of drinks, and order a few small items from the menu without busting their wallets.”

In true Carrier fashion, Cielo has been turned upside-down and inside-out, stripped, painted, and wallpapered to re-emerge as the Molly Fontaine Lounge, scheduled to open in about two weeks.

Molly Fontaine Lounge

“I’ve been going to estate sales for seven months. I have looked at books of European lounges from all eras over and over again, and I have this picture in my head of social clubs in New York City years ago,” Carrier says, describing the concept for the lounge.

“To me, making this home into a lounge is like taking it back,” Carrier says. She’s referring to the mood set a few decades back by a previous owner, a notorious ladies’ man, and his friends. “It was a big party house with a different woman on every floor,” she says.

The building that houses the soon-to-be lounge was built in 1886 as a wedding present for Molly Woodruff Fontaine and is one of the few homes of its type in Victorian Village that didn’t get torn down during the 1960s. Carrier’s late husband Bob bought the house in 1985.

Initially, the house was both home to the couple and an outlet for Carrier’s newly established catering business, Another Roadside Attraction. A few years later, with a $35,000 loan from her dad, Carrier renovated the home’s carriage house and moved her catering business there. Eventually, the couple started to look for a place that was better suited for a growing family. In fact, Carrier even tried to sell the main house.

“I knew I wanted to keep Roadside where it was, but nobody wanted to buy just the main house, so I decided to turn it into a restaurant,” Carrier says. She started the rezoning process in 1994 and opened Cielo two years later.

More than 10 years have passed since opening day, and Carrier says it is time for a change.

“We are still going to be very accessible for everybody,” she explains. “We can still accommodate private parties, because we can mold the space according to the event. One of my guys from the Beauty Shop custom-made the bars and put them on casters so they can be rearranged or moved out of the way if needed.”

The Molly Fontaine Lounge will offer a Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-influenced small-plate menu and a happy hour with cool cocktails, as well as live music.

Molly Fontaine Lounge, 679 Adams

(524-1886)

Encore chef/owner Jose Gutierrez will be offering Saturday cooking classes. The summer cooking series starts on July 14th with a class on crepes, followed by a class on brunch, Bloody Marys, and champagne cocktails on July 21st. On July 28th, students will forage for fresh produce at the Memphis Farmers Market to prepare a summer meal.

Classes are held on Saturdays at Encore from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. except for the Farmers Market class, which will meet at the market at 11 a.m. Classes are $50 per person plus tax, and registration is required.

Encore, 150 Peabody Place (528-1415)

Summer cooking classes are also available at Mantia’s in East Memphis. This Saturday, July 7th, learn the differences between pure olive oil and extra virgin olive oil by participating in a blind tasting. On Thursday, July 12th, Marisa Baggett, former sushi chef at DŌ will share the secrets of making classic sushi rolls in your home kitchen. A “Picnic in Provence” is the theme on Thursday, July 19th, and a Spanish garden dinner is on the menu for Monday, July 30th.

The olive-oil tasting, which is $15, begins at 3:30 p.m. All other classes are at 6 p.m. and cost $35 per person.

Mantia’s, 4856 Poplar (762-8560)

Tags cooking classes, Dining, Molly Fontaine Lounge, preview, Review

Food & Wine Food & Drink

How Lovely

Post author By Simone Wilson
Post date February 8, 2007

If you want to beat the Valentine’s Day dinner crowd and dine for a good cause, Encore has you covered this Sunday, February 11th, with a Chocolate Fantasy benefit dinner for the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee. Encore chef/owner Jose Gutierrez teams up with Reinaldo Alfonso, chef de cuisine at Chez Philippe, and guest chefs Andre Renard with Sug’ Art Artistic Pastry School and Serge Decrauzat from Valrhona chocolate for this special dinner. Cost for the dinner, which includes wine pairings, is $125, plus tax and gratuity.

Serge Decrauzat

Encore, 150 Peabody Place (528-1415)

At the newly opened Interim, Valentine’s Day diners can choose raw oysters with champagne vinegar mignonette, lobster salad with mango and avocado purée, or potato cakes with goat cheese, pancetta, and apple sauce for their first course. The second course offers roasted butternut soup or mixed green salad. Entrée options include chicken breast with buttery orzo and spinach-olive tapenade, pan-seared scallops with Yukon gold potato purée, or grilled rib-eye with fingerling potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and cognac sauce. For dessert, it’s a trio sampler for two. Cost for the four-course dinner is $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Champagne toast is offered for $10 per couple.

Interim, 5040 Sanderlin (818-0821)

At La Tourelle on Valentine’s Day, dinner starts with a choice of asparagus bisque, pâté de campagne, oysters with three sauces, or a salad of sweet and bitter greens. Lobster-loving couples can share the split Maine lobster gratinée with wild-mushroom risotto and Gruyère sauce. Other choices include veal T-bone with porcini sauce and creamy carrot polenta and poached salmon in a champagne cream sauce with wild rice and shallot risotto and petite carrots. For dessert, it’s whatever your heart desires from the Queen Mother Cake over lemon curd tart and Choco Lovers Cups to a cheese plate. Cost for the three-course menu is $50 per person. Diners have the option of adding an extra course, which brings the cost to $58 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

La Tourelle, 2146 Monroe (726-5771)

At the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, guests can enjoy an art tour with associate curator Stanton Thomas and follow that tour with a four-course dinner at The Brushmark from Chef Wally Joe. This Valentine’s Day dinner starts with chilled Kumamoto oyster shooters with passion-fruit sparkling water or chilled jumbo lump crab, followed by date- and foie-gras-stuffed roasted quail on caramelized salsify and ginseng-spiked sweet-and-sour glaze or seared Maine Dayboat sea scallops with butternut-squash risotto. Then choose between grilled Angus beef tenderloin or seared veal medallions with crispy lobster-potato cakes, baby carrots, and truffle veal jus. The meal’s finish is a choice of chocolate pain perdu (similar to French toast) with dried cherries, melted truffle, spicy chocolate malt, roasted banana ice cream, and gratin of lemon-lime. Cost for the four-course dinner, including museum tour and champagne, is $90 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art,

1934 Poplar (544-6225)

The Peabody hotel’s Capriccio Grill and Chez Philippe both have something special planned for Valentine’s Day diners.

Capriccio Grill has two menus that day. One offers about a dozen choices for first course and entrées and close to half a dozen options for side items and desserts. This three-course menu is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. A champagne toast is $10 per person. The four-course chef’s-special menu includes a glass of champagne and starts off with zucchini-wrapped, herbed goat cheese and baby lettuce with fresh strawberries. The entrée is a filet mignon and lobster surf-and-turf, followed by passion-fruit and raspberry tart with champagne coulis. Cost for the chef’s-special menu is $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Chez Philippe surprises diners with a menu that features three aphrodisiacs per course. The meal starts out with an amuse bouche of pickled Kumamoto oysters. Thai curry-carrot bisque with Dungeness crab and mustard-seed tempering is the first course; second is baby arugula salad. Pan-roasted Atlantic salmon with asparagus and Maine lobster “beggars purse” or coriander-dusted filet of beef with caramelized cipollini relish and black-truffle/potato purée are the entrée options. A white-chocolate dome with a passion-fruit center is the grand finale. Cost for the four-course menu is $95 per person without wine pairings and $133 per person with wines, plus tax and gratuity.

Capriccio Grill (529-4199) and Chez Philippe (529-4188) at The Peabody,149 Union

Tags Dining, Review, Valentine's Day

Food & Wine Food & Drink

15 Years and Still Wacky

Post author By Simone Wilson
Post date November 23, 2006

Automatic Slim’s Tonga Club celebrates its 15th anniversary this Friday with music by the Coolers, the restaurant’s former house band, with the Wild Magnolias as the opening act. Diners can order off the original menu and pay the prices from 1991, when dishes were in the $9 to $16 range and had peculiar names such as the Cowboy Travis Steak.

Although Automatic Slim’s actual anniversary date was on July 18th, owner Karen Carrier chose not to celebrate it then because she felt that too many people would be on summer vacation and thus wouldn’t get a chance to be part of the party. Then, just three weeks ago, it occurred to Carrier that many of those people would be in town for Thanksgiving, so the party was on.

What was Automatic Slim’s like 15 years ago? “Crazy. It was just crazy,” says Carrier. “People literally went nuts. The Coolers played every Saturday, and when they started playing, the restaurant transformed into a wild nightclub in a matter of minutes,” Carrier remembers. “The band had this thing they called the ‘love train.’ Everybody would jump up and start dancing, and people danced out the door up on Second, around the block, down on Union, and back to the restaurant — partying like that until 2 a.m.”

In 1991, you better believe that there was nothing like Slim’s downtown, much less Memphis. The menu reflected an eclectic mix of Southern, South of the Border, Asian, and Cajun/Caribbean cooking: a seemingly tame corn chowder served with grated cheese and roasted poblano peppers ($2); coconut mango shrimp that has since made its way from menu to menu to menu for 15 years and is still one of the restaurant’s top sellers ($6.75); the Caribbean Voodoo Stew, described as an island bouillabaisse ($13.95); and the Huachinanga, a whole crispy red snapper with marinated tomato, red onions, and jalapenos ($15.95).

The restaurant’s interior was recently revamped with a newly designed mezzanine by Wayne Edge, new seating (except for the oh-so-loved bar stools), lighting, and a stage for the bands (finally!).

Over the past 15 years, Automatic Slim’s has become a downtown institution, and Carrier has since put what a reviewer called her “ingenious, wacky, and very dedicated” mark on Cielo, the Beauty Shop, and DŌ. What patrons find at the restaurant could be described as wacky and eccentric, but Automatic Slim’s remained consistent in its eccentricity for 15 years. Now, if that isn’t a reason to celebrate …

Automatic Slim’s way back when

Automatic Slim’s Tonga Club’s 15th Birthday Party is Friday, November 24th. Dinner service starts at 5 p.m.; live music starts at 9:30 p.m. and continues, as Carrier puts it, “’til the cows come home.”

Automatic Slim’s Tonga Club,

83 S. Second (525-7948)

From an August 1991 Flyer review of Automatic Slim’s by Tim Sampson:

“This restaurant is like a cross between Pee Wee’s Playhouse and a chic island getaway where Truman Capote might have jotted cocktail-napkin notes for his Martinique-set story Music for Chameleons. …

“As far as I’m concerned, the city can build all the Pyramids, trolley lines, and revamped Mid-America Malls it cares to, but it’s little, innovative, breath-of-fresh-air places like this that give Memphis some semblance of being the kind of cosmopolitan city it’s begging to be.”

siba@gmx.com

Tags Automatic Slim's, Dining, Karen Carrier

Food & Wine Food & Drink

Aw, Shucks

Post author By Andria Lisle
Post date November 9, 2006

CREDIT: Justin Fox Burks

“Men have enjoyed eating oysters since they were not much more than monkeys.” — from M.F.K. Fisher’s 1941 book, Consider the Oyster

Although my parents are both natives of Louisiana and I’ve spent considerable time on the open waters of the Gulf Coast, I’m a latecomer to oyster eating. It wasn’t until I reached my early 30s when I learned to appreciate the dazzling display of a dozen live mollusks, served on a bed of ice at the legendary Casamento’s Restaurant in uptown New Orleans.

In Memphis, I discovered Anderton’s, where I ate baked oysters dressed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce and finished in the Rockefeller or Bienville style. I slurped down raw oysters offered at a bargain price of $4 per half-dozen, and I even tried them stewed in half-and-half. Then the Midtown landmark closed, and I’ve been oysterless ever since.

If, like me, you’ve been hankering for an hour at the oyster bar, where shuckers patiently eye your plate, awaiting the nod for another dozen, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of local places where you can get your fix.

Blue Fish, in Cooper-Young, has a gleaming, tiled oyster bar where you can try all the traditional dishes or nouvelle variations, such as the oysters baked in a Memphis Mary mignonette sauce. Along with the Gulf Coast oysters harvested in Houma, Louisiana, executive chef Richard Grenamyer also offers varietals, including the Kumamotos from Puget Sound; the Maryland-harvested Rappahannock; and the ever-popular Northeastern Blue Points.

“We have suppliers everywhere in the world, so getting them isn’t the issue — the price is,” Grenamyer wryly notes, adding that Kumamotos are currently going for $100 per bushel of 120 oysters. He sells the pricier, more uncommon species à la carte, allowing diners to sample a variety of flavors without — pardon the pun — shelling out a ton of cash. His Gold Band Gulf Coast oysters also fetch top price, costing $14 per dozen on the half shell.

If you want that familiar Anderton’s taste, head east to either of the Half Shell’s locations, on Mendenhall or on Winchester. In business since 1973, the Half Shell has procured their Gulf Coast oysters from Amite, Louisiana, company Joey Oysters Inc. — the same outfit that supplied Anderton’s — for the last eight years.

“We go through 60 to 80 bushels a week. That’s more than 2 million oysters we’ve gotten from Joey,” says Half Shell executive chef Darrell Smith. “Mr. Anderton and I were the only two places in town to run that exact same oyster. If we got into a bind, we’d call each other.”

Justin Fox Burks

Smith has six shuckers per restaurant “who can really produce” raw oysters, which run $8.75 per dozen. He also offers weekly oyster specials, including a Rockefeller Nuevo, which features fried oysters topped with a Pernod cream sauce. On November 15th, Smith is rolling out a two-week long “Oyster Festival,” with raw, served on the half shell samples of Pacific oysters, including the Canadian Chef Creek oyster and the Washington State Maple Point and Windy Point varietals; and Atlantic oysters such as the Tatamagouche, from Nova Scotia; the Cockenoe, from Long Island Sound; and the Wellfleet, from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He’ll also be making an “oyster-laden menu” replete with oyster loafs, oyster stew, and oyster sauces during the festival. (Also see page 48 for information about an oyster dinner at Grove Grill.)

While some landlocked oyster lovers are skittish about the current crop of Gulf Coast mollusks, neither Smith or Grenamyer has seen much of a drop-off in quality since hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

“We have seen a little change in the last few months, because so many beds were ravaged by the storms and the harvest hasn’t had a chance to catch up,” says Smith, who maintains that size but not taste has been somewhat affected.

“Put one on a saltine, add a touch of hot sauce, and I’m ready to rock-and-roll,” he says.

“The Gulf hasn’t had a good year. Counts are down, and fishermen aren’t harvesting as many, but that’s cyclical,” says Grenamyer. “Because the oyster functions as a filter, you can take one out of horribly polluted water and put it in pristine water, and, within 30 days, it will clean itself out. It will be totally edible, which is what makes an oyster different from a fish or a shrimp. The ones we’ve had this year are as juicy and meaty tasting as ever.

“Yes,” Grenamyer admits, “people have gotten ill from eating raw oysters, but that’s because they’re eating dead, rotten oysters, not living ones.

“I’m a raw guy. I just like to slide ’em on down.”

Tags Dining, Oyster