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UP FRONT
10
FEATURES
28 28 Dates for 28 Days
Romantic adventures in the River City. ~ by candice baxter
2026 Readers’ Restaurant Poll
42 To Tell the Truth . . . About Jim Cortese
The onetime Commercial Appeal editor roller-skated across Texas, lived in a nudist camp, and walked up the Empire State Building. ~ by clayton trutor
54 FROM THE ARCHIVES At Home With John Grisanti
A visit with Memphis’ most colorful restaurateur. ~ by mary loveless
61 2026 MemTech Awards
Honoring the best in local technology.
69 SIPS
Docking at The Cove
Michael Kuntzman II serves up a mean “Midnight Manhattan.” ~ by chris mccoy
72 CITY DINING
The city’s most extensive dining listings. 79 PET ADOPTION Aren’t We Fetching?
Introducing a few sweet goofballs waiting for you at the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County.
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Spread love, not germs by having your rugs disinfected.
CEO AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF anna traverse
EXECUTIVE EDITOR michael finger
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SENIOR EDITORS jon w. sparks, abigail morici, bruce vanwyngarden
STAFF WRITERS michael donahue, alex greene, chris mccoy
EDITORIAL INTERN sey neuringer
CONTRIBUTORS candice baxter, tom jones, vance lauderdale, mary loveless, jane schneider, clayton trutor
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february 2026
Here at Taghavi’s, we would like to do our part to help stop the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus. Recent studies have shown that the virus can be brought into your home, by your shoes and can live on surfaces like your rugs and floors anywhere from two to nine days. In order to help curb the spread, we at Taghavi’s, recommend that you stop wearing your outdoor shoes into your homes and to have your rugs cleaned and disinfected. Quality rug cleaning can only be accomplished by in-store professional rug cleaners. Call us for disinfecting and cleaning of your rugs.
CORRECTION: In our December "Books" column, we said that author Elaine Blanchard was a pastor of First Congregational Church in Cooper-Young. For the past eight years, she has been the pastor of First Christian Church in Union City, Tennessee, which is a Disciples of Christ congregation. We apologize for the error.
member: City and Regional Magazine Association member: Circulation Verification Council
Gossett Porsche
Gossett Porsche
No Comment
BY ANNA TRAVERSE
Ihad yet to be born when MEMPHIS MAGAZINE published the results of its fi rst-ever restaurant poll, in July 1983. We titled the poll results “Readers Digest” — groan-inducing headlines being so tantalizing, now as then — and included just 18 categories. You can find the 1983 dining poll on p. 38 of this issue.
Most of the winning establishments have since shuttered, but those that remain, almost 43 years later, offer lessons in longevity.
Folk’s Folly, Formosa, Buntyn, Coletta’s, and e Peabody: all won categories in 1983, and all endure today. On the surface, these establishments might not seem to have much in common, but I would posit that they’re united by key qualities: consistently good food and welcoming service, surely, as well as some difficultto-quantify singularity. e places that have endured are distinctly, completely themselves. ( e 1983 poll does show its vintage. One of the
“specialty categories” listed was “Oriental” [cringe]. And whereas today we strive to honor local restaurants, the winners back then included Red Lobster and Shoney’s. A different time!)
Compared to 1983, our restaurant poll today is voluminous. Whereas then we considered 18 categories, now there are 49, each with a first-, second-, and third-place winner.
e process, as you might imagine, has changed over the years, too. In the early days, readers voted via paper ballot, sent to our office in the U.S. Mail for tabulating. In 2026, the entire voting process is
conducted online, as it has been for many years.
One thing that hasn’t changed: We don’t fiddle with the results. Our readers cast their ballots, then we tabulate the votes. is means that occasionally we see a winning restaurant who may not totally fit the category it won! And yes, sometimes a restaurant climbs up the ranks by campaigning for itself. Whenever someone asks why such-and-such deserving place didn’t win, our answer is always: Did you vote? In our experience, many people have opinions that they register in the form of ballots — but many more people only volunteer their opinions after the fact. If you didn’t vote this time, make sure you do in the future! ( ere is an obvious parallel here to local and national elections. Ahem.)
My favorite moment in compiling the 2026 restaurant poll came relatively early. After voting closed, our digital
director, Kristin Pawlowski, emailed the winners list to me and a few colleagues. Michael Finger, our executive editor, replied-all to ask why on earth our readers were punking us with a write-in campaign for the “Best New Restaurant” category. What could it possibly mean, he wondered, that dozens of people had written in “no comment”? Was this some sort of organized absurdity? What was going on?!
I replied (through giggles) that yes, indeed, a restaurant opened on Central Ave. last year called No Comment. It’s a wine bar with an eye-catching neon pink sign, a trendy food menu (several tinned fish options), and jauntily named cocktails.
I love that after so many years, we’re still capable of being surprised (and even confused). at’s the delight of telling the city’s stories: e city is always evolving, always changing — and so are we.
FEBRUARY 2026
COMPILED BY ABIGAIL MORICI
MEMPHIS TIGERS BASKETBALL Feb. 1 vs. Tulane, Feb. 8 vs. Charlotte, Feb. 22 vs. UAB, Feb. 26 vs. Wichita State. FEDEXFORUM
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES BASKETBALL Feb. 2 vs. Minnesota, Feb. 20 vs. Utah. Feb. 23 vs. Sacramento, Feb. 25 vs. Golden State FEDEXFORUM POPOVICH COMEDY PET THEATER Audiences will delight in this extravaganza of Europeanstyle clowning, juggling, balancing acts, and very talented pets, all adopted from animal shelters. BUCKMAN ARTS CENTER, FEBRUARY 5, 5 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.
ECHOES OF REFLECTION: SPATIAL POLYPHONY AND ANTIPHONY Experience the Brooks Museum as both a concert hall and a time machine. MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART, FEBRUARY 5, 6 P.M. 2026 TN SONGWRITERS WEEK This annual statewide celebration of songwriters honors the craft that shaped Tennessee’s rich musical history. STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC, FEBRUARY 5, 6 P.M.
DIANA KRALL Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Diana Krall is bringing her unique artistry to Memphis. ORPHEUM THEATRE, FEBRUARY 5, 7:30 P.M.
JOB This psychological thriller delves into mental health, social media, and generational divides. PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE, THROUGH FEBRUARY 15
THE TAMING OF THE SHREW See William Shakespeare’s comedy in the form of a World War II radio station show. TENNESSEE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY, THROUGH FEBRUARY 15
JAGGED LITTLE PILL Playhouse on the Square presents a musical inspired by Alanis Morissette’s 1995 album of the same name. PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE, THROUGH FEBRUARY 22
DREAMGIRLS This smash-hit Broadway musical follows an all-girl Motown singing group on the path from obscurity to superstardom. HATTILOO THEATRE, THROUGH MARCH 8
“BLACK ARTISTS IN AMERICA: FROM THE BICENTENNIAL TO SEPTEMBER 11” The Dixon presents its final installment of the “Black Artists in America” series, which explores African-American art during the last quarter of the twentieth century. DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS, THROUGH MARCH 29
“FOOD: SCIENCE, CULTURE, AND CUISINE” This exhibition examines the intersections of food with history, technology, health, and culture. PINK PALACE MUSEUM & MANSION, THROUGH MAY 24
“MEET THE DIXONS” Discover the story, collections, and legacy of Margaret and Hugo Dixon. DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS, THROUGH MAY 31
BRAHMS SYMPHONY NO. 4 & TRUMPET
VIRTUOSO Memphis Symphony Orchestra presents the profound and majestic work by Brahms, plus Alexander Arutiunian’s Trumpet Concerto. SCHEIDT FAMILY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, FEBRUARY 1, 2:30 P.M.
JAZZ IN THE BOX: BRYAN ENG TRIO The New York-based jazz pianist, singer, composer, and arranger performs in the hottest little jazz club around. GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, FEBRUARY 6, 7 P.M.
IRON MIC COALITION The Memphis-based hip-hop collective brings its underground boom bap music, reminiscent of Golden Era Hip Hop, and conscious rap music to Crosstown. GREEN ROOM AT CROSSTOWN ARTS, FEBRUARY 6, 7:30 P.M.
STITCHLESS IN SEATTLE: SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE Bring your needlepoint, knitting, crochet, or embroidery and enjoy a classic movie. PINK PALACE MUSEUM & MANSION, FEBRUARY 10, 5:30 P.M.
YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND The driving force in roots music for nearly three decades and a key player in the progressive jamgrass movement comes to GPAC. GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, FEBRUARY 13, 8 P.M.
MANDY BARNETT SINGS PATSY CLINE Mandy Barnett pays tribute to the life and legacy of Patsy Cline. BARTLETT PERFORMING ARTS & CONFERENCE CENTER, FEBRUARY 14, 7:30 P.M.
VALENTINE’S DAY WITH KORTLAND WHALUM Join the Memphis Symphony Orchestra with special guest Kortland Whalum for a night of music and romance. SCHEIDT FAMILY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, FEBRUARY 14, 8 P.M.
VICTORIAN MOURNING CUSTOMS & JEWELRY Memphis-based mourning jewelry expert Virginia Shelton will share her personal archive. ELMWOOD CEMETERY, FEBRUARY 15, 2–3 P.M.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC See the famous story of Maria and the von Trapp family come to life on stage. ORPHEUM THEATRE, FEBRUARY 17–22
BOTANICA AFTER DARK (21+) Experience an elevated, after-hours plant experience featuring cocktails, hands-on terrarium planting, and
YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
MARKET
exclusive shopping in a refined, adultsonly setting. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, FEBRUARY 20, 6–8 P.M.
BOTANICA MARKET Shop rare and triedand-true houseplants, create your own terrariums and hanging pots, and enjoy live demonstrations at this boutique-style plant market. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, FEBRUARY 21, 9 A.M.–4:30 P.M.
LUNAR NEW YEAR This vibrant, family-friendly celebration features lion dancers, fan dances, live music, and art-making activities. MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART, FEBRUARY 21, 10 A.M.
MEET THE AUTHOR: MARK GREANEY Novel welcomes Mark Greaney to celebrate the release of his new book, The Hard Line. NOVEL, FEBRUARY 21, 2 P.M.
RISE Collage Dance presents a program honoring resilience and collective strength with world premieres and Memphis debuts that speak to the richness of Black identity and the beauty of forward motion. CANNON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, FEBRUARY 21–22, 2:30 P.M.
EUNBI KIM & IRIS MUSICIANS Eunbi Kim, accompanied by Iris Collective musicians, puts on an intimate experience that transcends the conventions of a piano recital. GREEN ROOM AT CROSSTOWN ARTS, FEBRUARY 21, 7:30 P.M.
KANDACE SPRINGS This jazz/soul singer, a mentee of and collaborator with Prince, comes to GPAC. GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, FEBRUARY 21, 8 P.M.
MARGARET RENKL & BILLY RENKL AT THE DIXON: THE WEEDY GARDEN In partnership with the Dixon, Novel welcomes Margaret Renkl and Billy Renkl to celebrate the release of their new children’s book, The Weedy Garden DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS, FEBRUARY 22, 3 P.M.
“MEMPHIS COLLEGE OF ART, 1936-2020: AN ENDURING LEGACY” In this exhibition, 90 faculty, administrators, and graduates reflect on the Memphis College of Art’s historical impact and celebrate its continued legacy. MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART, FEBRUARY 25-SEPTEMBER AUDREY WRIGHT New York Philharmonic’s Audrey Wright plays Zwillich’s Violin Concerto CROSSTOWN THEATER, FEBRUARY 27, 6:30 P.M.
MAMMA MIA! See this classic jukebox musical based on the songs of ABBA. THEATRE MEMPHIS, FEBRUARY 27–MARCH 29
MEET THE AUTHOR: LISA PATTON The Memphis native celebrates the release of her novel, Kissing the Sky NOVEL, FEBRUARY 28, 2 P.M. TIGER PRO WRESTLING Featuring wrestlers from all over the country, including Memphis, this event brings high-impact action and excitement to crowds of all ages. GREEN ROOM AT CROSSTOWN ARTS, FEBRUARY 28, 7:30 P.M.
A & R Bar-B-Que
Techniques passed down through generations set apart this family-owned local business.
BY MICHAEL DONAHUE
Rose
Customers often ask what the “A & R” stands for in “A & R Bar-B-Que.” Andrew Pollard provides the answer: “I’m the ‘A’ and my wife is the ‘R.’ It could have been ‘R & A,’ but alphabetically that would have been wrong.”
Andrew and Rose are the owners of the A & R Bar-B-Que location that opened in January 1983 at 1802 Elvis Presley Boulevard. eir son, Brian Pollard, runs that location. eir daughter, Lashun Pollard Turner, is owner of the A & R at 3721 Hickory Hill Road.
Over the years, the couple has served thousands of customers, including Isaac Hayes, Rufus omas, David Porter, and Jimmy Hart, and the restaurant has been featured on national TV.
e menu originally included pork shoulder, smoked sausage, rib tips, hot dogs, and hamburgers, but they added catfish and other items over the
years. Andrew used to make all the desserts, but now he personally makes only the fried pies, which include sweet potato.
He says he learned how to barbecue from his father, Alonzo Pollard. “Out in the backyard, he’d get a big old tub, and put a rack out of the oven on top of it.”
Andrew continued to barbecue pretty much like his dad. Lots of
barbecue restaurants use fireboxes, he says: “Fire on one side and the heat travels over the meat. e way we do ours is, fire under the coals goes straight up through the meat.”
e pits themselves are made of high-gauge steel and lined with fire bricks to hold the heat — and the smoke. “ at’s the way my dad cooked his,” he says, “with the coals on the bottom and meat on top. We haven’t made any changes, and don’t intend to.”
Rose contributed the barbecue sauce recipe, which she got from her sister. Andrew later changed it a bit, removing beer from the mix because, Rose says, “a lot of people don’t do alcohol.”
“You couldn’t taste it anyway,” Andrew says.
A & R Bar-B-Que was not an instant hit. At first, no one knew about the place “except maybe church members, where we attended church,” says Andrew. “Also, my wife worked across the street at the bulk mail center. We would fix lunches for them every night.”
ings changed after e Commercial Appeal reviewed the restaurant in 1988. “We had started
making barbecue spaghetti because that’s what Rose liked,” says Andrew. “People started coming from everywhere. at’s what really caused it to take off.”
e current address Is not their original location. “We used to be in a little red building across the street. ey’ve torn it down now, but it was only one room, about the size of a nice-sized kitchen.” ey moved because “we had grown so much and so fast people didn’t have a place to park.”
A & R eventually expanded to five locations, though only two remain today.
ey’re proud of how many regular customers visit. “ ey’re the most faithful customers you can have,” Andrew says. “I’ve got some that came in when we had the other building years ago.”
“Remember that guy that used to come here?” Rose asks her husband, “the one who got those double burgers?”He used to get two burgers at a time, Andrew says, “and our burger weighs a half pound. Each one.”
“So, he was eating a pound of ground beef every day,” Rose says. “ at was a lot of ground beef,” Andrew agrees, adding, “It’s hard to eat just one of our burgers.”
A & R Bar-B-Que, 1802 Elvis Presley Blvd. and 3721 Hickory Hill Rd.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL DONAHUE
Andrew and
Pollard at the original 1802 Elvis Presley Boulevard loation now run by their son Brian Pollard (center right).
Michael at work.
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Our history expert solves local mysteries: who, what, when, where, why, and why not. Well, sometimes.
BY VANCE LAUDERDALE
The Sombrero’s colorful menu not only claims it’s our city’s oldest Mexican restaurant, but the South’s as well.
DEAR VANCE: Looking through a box of old papers, I came across a menu for a restaurant here called El Patio. Somebody told me this was our city’sfirst Mexican restaurant. Is this true? — G.T., MEMPHIS.
DEAR G.T.: My immediate answer was NO, but I thought I’d supplement that terse reply by saying: The oldest, as everyone surely knows, is Pancho’s. en, my job here done, I thought I’d resume my daily eight-hour nap, before I trudged upstairs and went to bed. is job is exhausting! But wait a minute. Something (besides sheer laziness) was nagging at me. So the next day, I decided to pull myself out of my La-Z-Boy, and look into this. It’s a good thing I did, since I discovered how wrong I was — by more than 20 years.
First of all, Pancho’s opened their first establishment in West Memphis in 1956. e story goes that Morris and Clemmye Berger returned from a vacation in Mexico and wanted to share that country’s unique cuisine with diners in our area. ey had owned and operated the Plantation Inn nightclub just outside of town, and when that ancient building burned down, they opened the first Pancho’s — notable not only for its food (especially the cheese dip) but the “authentic” Mexican decor, inside and out. Two years later, they expanded to Memphis, opening Pancho’s #2 at 1676 South Bellevue, across from Forest Hill Cemetery.
El Patio, the restaurant whose menu you own, also opened in Memphis in 1958, so I guess we can call it a tie with Pancho’s,
but I want to come back to that. Because right now I’d like to announce — drum roll, please — that the oldest Mexican restaurant here was e Sombrero, which opened at 2693 Lamar way back in 1936. Its origin story is rather vague, but it seems a fellow named Frank Lynche opened a small cafe at 2693 Lamar, in town close to Pendleton. He remained involved with this eatery for only a few years, when another owner, Boris Alexander (according to city directories) took over, and changed the name of the place to South of the Border Restaurant. But then Alexander dropped out of the picture. With no listing in the city directories, that usually suggests he either passed away or moved elsewhere. At any rate, in 1946, Eugene and Carolyn Lawson purchased the restaurant
and ran it for the next quarter century, give or take a few years.
In the early 1940s, those same hard-to-read city directories showed that Eugene — Gene to his friends — was serving in the U.S. Navy. e listing didn’t provide any clues about his, or his wife’s, restaurant backgrounds, or suggest what prompted their involvement with the property on Lamar. e first thing they did, though, was change the name back to e Sombrero.
e Lawsons also began to search for a different location.
ey had already purchased a house at 4003 Lamar, just north of Winchester, where they lived for several years, and sometime around 1955, they converted their home into e Sombrero. ( e original restaurant, at 2863 Lamar, became Henry’s Drive-In.)
Facebook has a number of local history pages, and on one of them a comment about e Sombrero provoked a dozen responses, with one person saying, “It was the first place I had Mexican food,” and quite a few others writing, “It was my family’s favorite restaurant” and “We ate there many times.”
Customers remembered a specialty of the house was the “Mexican Hamburger,” though they didn’t explain what made it “Mexican.” I haven’t (yet) located a photo of the restaurant, but somebody else recalled, “ ey had a big fiberglass cactus out front, surrounded with white rocks, and red, green, and blue lights shining on the trees and the building.”
Another diner remembered “the brown serving bowls with cheese and the great food.” Someone else had fond memories of Carolyn Lawson, saying she was “quite a character” and “seemed to be the only person there who spoke English, taking our orders and giving them to the kitchen staff.” e Lawsons ran small ads in The Commercial Appeal, describing
Facebook has a number of local history pages, and on one of them a comment about The Sombrero provoked a dozen responses, with one person saying, “It was the first place I had Mexican food,” and quite a few others writing, “It was my family’s favorite restaurant” and “We ate there many times.”
The Sombrero as “Memphis’ oldest and finest Mexican restaurant.” One ad from the early 1960s told readers, “Tonight’s the night for that Mexican dinner,” and reassured them, “Casual Dress Accepted.” That dinner included guacamole salad, meat taco, enchilada, tamale, frijoles, arroz, and a “Mexican salad” — quite a meal for only $1.75.
The Memphis Public Library is a treasure trove, as I’ve said before, and their Memphis and Shelby County Room holds a collection of menus from more than a thousand local restaurants — including The Sombrero. It’s not dated, but must be more recent since the price of the “Special Mexican Dinner” had increased to $3.15. Items you might not expect to find included regular hamburgers, barbecued chicken, and even T-bone steaks (only $5.50).
All of these promotions stopped running in the newspapers after 1970, so I presume that’s when the place closed. La Tropicana nightclub stands on the site of The Sombrero, and a small playground occupies the
restaurant’s original location.
Okay, now that we have that settled, let’s finally talk about El Patio. The grand opening of “The All-New Mexican Restaurant” took place October 28, 1958. Located at 3886 Park Avenue, this was the second restaurant venture of Arkansans Jimmy Wirtz and Lucille Seifert, who had recently opened an almost identical establishment in Little Rock.
This wasn’t some cozy cafe. According to a Commercial Appeal story, “Mrs. Seifert said the restaurant seats 186 people without crowding and offers a full line of Mexican food, children’s plates, and charcoal-broiled steaks. She trains all the cooks.”
Inside, diners found things a bit fancier than at The Sombrero. “The interior of El Patio features a fountain near the entrance and has candlelighted tables. Decorations are in the Mexican motif.”
Customers probably didn’t leave hungry. The “regular dinner” offered “spiced tomato juice cocktail, chili con queso, guacamole salad, enchilada, chili, tamale, rice, beans, and meat taco.” For $2.00, you also got a drink
(punch or coffee — no mention of tea or soft drinks), and even sherbet ice cream for dessert.
In contrast to The Sombrero’s ads claiming they were this city’s oldest Mexican restaurant, El Patio always made the point of saying they were “Memphis’ Newest and Finest Mexican Restaurant.”
Within a year of opening, though, El Patio began to run ads suggesting — to me, anyway — that they were interpreting “Mexican restaurant” rather liberally. In 1959, their newspaper ads began to promote the new “Chuck Wagon Buffet,” which offered an astonishing “60 Delicious Dishes,” emphasizing this was an “American-style buffet” featuring a “Special Hot Entree Table, Cold Food Wheel, and a Delightful Dessert
Cart.” Dinner was $2, lunch only $1, and children ate at half-price, with drinks included.
Perhaps El Patio was ahead of its time. G.T., your menu offers subtle clues that maybe Memphians weren’t quite ready for the full Mexican experience. Inside, I noticed such assurances as “It is proper to eat the tacos and tostados with your hands. Our food is not hot. Hot sauce is served with each order of Mexican food.”
Your menu also includes almost half a dozen typed and even handwritten additions stapled to the inside — offering steaks, fried chicken dinners, a luncheon special, and a child’s special — which tells me they were tweaking their original offerings, especially since all the notes covered up the main entrees.
Despite all these enticements, a good location across from the new Park Plaza Shopping Center, and ads encouraging groups to hold their luncheons and special events there, El Patio barely lasted two years. As far as I can tell, they closed in 1960.
Memphis diners can still find excellent food at this location, but it won’t be Mexican. It seems that in the late 1940s, two cousins, Pete Romeo and Sam Bomarito, opened a small Italian restaurant on Airways. Business was good, and they wanted to expand. In 1960, they moved to the former location of El Patio on Park Avenue, just west of Getwell. You know the place today as Pete and Sam’s.
ONLINE: memphismagazine.com/ask-vance Or visit him on Facebook.
The Art of Dining in Memphis Turns 20
Artist and publisher Joy Bateman talks about how her book continues to have a merry life of its own.
BY JANE SCHNEIDER
It’s not often a local author gets to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of a book concept. But then, Joy Bateman isn’t just any author. As the creator of e Art of Dining restaurant guides, she’s produced 10 books that feature tempting recipes of memorable dishes from fine dining restaurants in Memphis, Nashville, and beyond — all illustrated with her original artwork.
e staff at Novel bookstore saluted Bateman’s milestone anniversary last fall with an afternoon soiree that brought together fans, food lovers, and chefs who graciously whipped up tasty hors d’oeuvres and sweets as part of the gala celebration.
Bateman is no stranger to the publishing world, as she worked for several publishing groups over the course of her 42-year career. She began selling advertising at the Memphis Business Journal in 1983 and joined Contemporary Media, Inc. (CMI) during the mid-’90s, where she became a senior account executive for Memphis Magazine Bateman then spent five years as an account executive for Delta Magazine in Cleveland, Mississippi, before retiring.
ART AND FOOD
Her idea for the restaurant guide was inspired by a trip to Manhattan years ago where she saw a book that married recipes with original artwork. As a long-time artist (her mother, Joyce Gingold, taught art at St. George’s and St. Mary’s Episcopal School for many years), Bateman began considering how she might create paintings to accompany a collection of recipes.
“When I saw that book,” she says, “I thought, if they can do it, then so can I.”
Her first book, e Art of Dining in Memphis, was published in 2005 and quickly became a hit. Over the next 20 years, it would be followed by four more Memphis editions. As her franchise took root, Bateman began to venture further afield, producing books on the dining scenes of Nashville, Knoxville, Amelia Island (Florida), and her most popular destination, New Orleans.
in 2022 titled, Voices From e Soul. It contains illustrated quotes she compiled, offering “wisdom for bad times and good.”
ere are 39 restaurants represented in her fifth Memphis edition, ranging from Acre and Cafe 1912 to Char, Brother Juniper’s, and Erling Jensen, among others. Bateman’s playful artwork, which accompanies each restaurant entry, captures memorable vignettes — a cozy corner, a recognizable painting, a noteworthy entrance — all of which may remind readers of their own festive occasions, gatherings that are heightened when sharing a meal with those we love.
Bateman also offers notes with each recipe, as well as an occasional shout-out for some of her personal favorites. Paulette’s is one entry you’ll find here. Alas, the recipes shared don’t include their memorable popovers (one can’t give away the store, after all). But we think you’ll find the Lobster Bisque and Chocolate Decadence worth recreating. Just don’t faint at the ingredients, as this chocolate cake calls for 32 eggs. Decadence indeed!
DINING OUT AS A CHILD
The story behind Bateman’s introduction to the food scene might surprise you. Her parents, Lester and Joyce Gingold, seldom cooked at home. “Unless they were taking a dish to an ailing friend,” she remembers. “Mother could make chocolate soufflé for friends or a loaf of bread, but not for us — my brothers and me.”
In honor of her mother’s life, Bateman published a smaller book
Joy Bateman
Instead, her childhood was spent eating dinner out almost every night at the Knickerbocker restaurant at Poplar and Perkins, where she’d have a cup of bean soup or a child’s plate of roast beef. Sometimes she’d ask for a cookie, “because we didn’t have cookies at my house.”
ere were also family meals at the Luau, a popular Polynesian-themed eatery in the 1960s across from East High School on Poplar. Later in life, Paulette’s would become their home away from home. e meals
were often nothing lavish, but they helped Bateman develop an appreciation for food that’s served her well.
Visit her art-filled home today and you’ll find other reminders of restaurants from bygone days: An original menu from Justine’s, a drawing from Marena’s, even an advertisement that ran in The Commercial Appeal for the Embers. Bateman’s collection reflects her long appreciation of the local dining scene. It’s worth noting, too, that her son, Brown, became equally enamored with food, and now works as a personal chef for Pitt and Barbara Hyde.
NEW MARKETS
When not spending time with her husband, Bill, three children, and four grandchildren, Bateman enjoys scouting new markets. She recently returned from a trip to Savannah and Hilton Head, places she hopes to include in her upcoming books. In the meantime, the fifth edition of The Art of Dining in Memphis has many tempting recipes worth trying.
Artist and publisher Joy Bateman has produced 10 books that feature her colorful illustrations as well as tasty recipes from beloved restaurants in Memphis and beyond.
A Hard Truth
Despite every effort to combat poverty, Memphis remains one of this country’s most economically segregated cities.
BY TOM JONES
Roughly two billion dollars a year is spent to reduce poverty in Memphis with no discernible sign of progress. It’s why economic segregation, which makes poverty a birthright for so many generations of Memphians, is a core issue calling for more attention and action.
Here’s the context: e latest edition of the 2025 Memphis Poverty Fact Sheet reports that the poverty rate in 2024 was 24 percent, compared to 22.6 percent just a year earlier. ere’s been a 10 percent increase since 2019. For cities with more than 500,000 people, Memphis has the second highest overall poverty rate and the same ranking for child poverty. e lack of progress exists despite almost 60 percent of all Memphis nonprofit organizations focused on poverty or the problems that flow from it, investing tens of millions of dollars from donors. ere’s also federal transfer payments which direct an estimated $1.9 billion to deal with poverty in Shelby County.
Federal support comes in the form of food stamps, low-income assistance, and temporary assistance for needy families, amounting to 19 percent of the total per capita federal transfer payments to Shelby County. Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid make up the other 81 percent.
“An interesting aspect of Memphis poverty is that it does not appear to be in sync with the rest of the nation,” wrote Dr. Elena Delavega, University of Memphis School of Social Work, and Dr. Gregory Blumenthal of GMBS Consulting in their 2025 Poverty Fact Sheet. “In 2024, poverty declined in the United States but it increased in Memphis. It is clear from the data that poverty in Memphis is structural and that economic development is lagging in this community.”
All of us celebrate what is right about Memphis and hold up exciting projects as proof of
the progress that’s being made. But beneath the slogans and ribbon cuttings lies a hard truth: Memphis remains one of the most economically segregated cities in America — and in many ways, that segregation is deepening. Economic segregation isn’t just about intractable poverty existing alongside wealth. It is about how deliberately those two realities are separated in space, opportunity, and political power.
Economic development must shift from a focus on deals to a focus on outcomes. For decades, incentives have been used to attract investment without sufficient attention to guide where that investment lands — or who benefits.
While Memphis has never been shy about talking honestly about race, poverty, and power, the force shaping daily life hides in plain sight: economic segregation.
It is not a mere accident of geography. It is the cumulative result of decades of policy decisions — redlining, highway construction, annexation, suburban flight, uneven public investment, and development incentives that reward well-todo areas while asking poorer neighborhoods to wait their turn.
As a result, ZIP codes matter here in ways that feel almost medieval. Neighborhood boundaries function like invisible walls. Where someone lives largely determines the quality of their schools, the safety of their streets, their access to grocery stores, the ability to find living wage jobs, the quality of their healthcare, and even their life expectancy. It shapes who gets opportunity — and who is told, implicitly and repeatedly, to make do with less.
e impact on children may be the most devastating consequence of economic segregation. Research consistently shows that growing up in high-poverty neighborhoods reduces educational attainment, lifetime earnings, and upward mobility. In Memphis, where many children grow up surrounded almost exclusively by poverty, the odds are stacked early and steeply against them. Schools bear the burden of unmet social needs, and while teachers often work miracles, miracles cannot substitute for structural change. Mandy Spears of the Sycamore Institute found that “a child who grew up in a low-income home in Midtown had about a 16 percent chance of becoming a high-income adult. One mile away in North Memphis, a low-income child had less than a 1 percent chance of moving from the bottom 25 percent in household income to the top 20 percent.” Several years ago, The New York Times concluded that poor children in Memphis had the worst odds of any place in the continental United States of moving from low to high-income — only 3 percent. Economic segregation also weakens the city as a whole because it increases the cost of delivering public services while shrinking the tax base needed to pay for them. Breaking this pattern will require more than mixed-use developments and hopeful language. It will require intentional policy choices that redistribute opportunity, not just investment. at means prioritizing affordable housing and aligning economic development incentives with clear equity goals and measurable outcomes. It means treating access to quality
schools, transit, and basic services as non-negotiable civic infrastructure, not perks tied to property values.
So what can be done?
First, Memphis must stop treating economic segregation as an immutable fact of life and call it out as a central policy challenge. at means measuring it, tracking it, and evaluating public decisions — on housing, transportation, incentives, and schools — through the lens of whether they reduce or reinforce separation by income.
Second, economic development must shift from a focus on deals to a focus on outcomes. For decades, incentives have been used to attract investment without sufficient attention to guide where that investment lands — or who benefits. If public dollars are involved, developments should contribute to economic desegregation, not deepen it. at means giving priority to projects that create quality jobs accessible to low-income residents and locating them in ways that connect people to opportunity.
Memphis has taken steps in the right direction. e City of Memphis will take 25 percent of the new property taxes created by xAI to invest in Boxtown and southwest Memphis. In the Klondike neighborhood, the $81 million Northside Square developed by e Works CDC in partnership with ComCap Partners will provide 42 affordable apartments and lease space to tenants like CodeCrew.
Economic segregation does not have to be Memphis’ destiny. It is the product of choices — and different choices can produce a different city.
Tom Jones is the principal of Smart City Consulting, which specializes in strategic communications, public policy development, and strategic planning. He tends the 20-year-old Smart City Memphis blog and is an author with experience in local government. He can be reached at tjones@ smartcityconsulting.com
For more than a decade, Dr. Muhammad M. Janjua has stood at the forefront of cardiovascular care at the St. Francis healthcare system, quietly helping shape how heart emergencies are treated in Memphis, Tennessee. A prominent cardiologist and interventional specialist, Dr. Janjua has played a key role in expanding access to advanced heart care specifically for patients experiencing the most critical cardiac events.
One of his most significant contributions has been helping to establish the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) program for patients suffering ST-elevation myocardial infarctions at St. Francis Hospital–Bartlett. Launched more than ten years ago, the program ensures rapid, around-theclock treatment for patients whose survival depends on immediate restoration of blood flow to the heart.
“Time is everything when it comes to heart attacks,” Janjua says. “The faster we can intervene, the more heart muscle we can save — and the better the patient’s chance of survival.”
Since its implementation, the PCI program has allowed countless critically ill patients, including those presenting with cardiac arrest, to be treated safely and efficiently. Today, St. Francis–Bartlett is staffed by three full-time cardiologists, all who are available 24 hours a day to respond to cardiovascular emergencies and meet patient needs, a model Dr. Janjua believes is essential to delivering consistent, high-quality care.
Dr. Janjua’s journey to Memphis began overseas. He earned his medical degree from Baqai Medical and Dental College in Pakistan, before moving to the United States to pursue advanced training. He completed his internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland/ Wayne State University, followed by specialized training in interventional cardiology at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University.
After completing his training, Dr. Janjua relocated to Memphis, drawn by the opportunity to serve a growing community and help strengthen cardiovascular services at St. Francis–Bartlett.
“My goal has always been to bring the highest level of care to the patients I serve,” he says. “That means combining advanced technology, clinical
Saving Lives: The Work of Dr. Janjua
experience, and a commitment to being available when patients need us most.”
Today, Dr. Janjua serves as Chief of Cardiology at St. Francis–Bartlett, a role that reflects both his clinical expertise and his leadership within the institution. Over the years, his dedication has earned him widespread professional recognition.
He has received multiple Physician of the Quarter awards and was named Physician of the Year at St. Francis–Bartlett in 2015. More recently, he has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor from 2022 through 2025, an honor that is based on peer nominations and excellence in patient care.
Dr. Janjua’s practice spans the full spectrum of cardiovascular disease. He treats patients with coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart rhythm disorders, congestive heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, carotid disease, venous disease including DVT and pulmonary embolism, valvular heart disease, and complex cardiovascular conditions. He is also deeply involved in primary prevention, helping patients reduce risk before serious disease develops.
Board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Janjua holds specialty certifications in cardiovascular disease, vascular interpretation, clinical lipidology, clinical hypertension, and nuclear cardiology. In addition to patient care, he has participated in numerous cardiovascular research clinical trials and has authored peerreviewed articles and abstracts, contributing to the broader advancement of cardiovascular disease management.
Despite the rapid pace of innovation in cardiology, Dr. Janjua believes the foundation of good medicine remains unchanged. “Technology supports what we do,” he says. “But listening to patients, understanding their concerns, and involving them in decisions — that’s where real healing begins.” For Dr. Muhammad Janjua, cardiology is not just about treating emergencies or managing disease. It is about building trust, advancing care, and ensuring that when the heart is most vulnerable, patients have a team ready to act. Dr. Muhammad Janjua has extensive expertise in the following procedures:
• Electrocardiography (ECG/EKG): Interpretation and analysis
• Stress Testing: Exercise and pharmacologic stress testing
• Holter and Event Monitoring: Data analysis and interpretation
• Vascular Imaging/Ultrasound: Peripheral vascular diagnostic evaluation and interpretation
Invasive and Interventional Procedures
• Cardiac Catheterization: Diagnostic and interventional procedures; right- and left-heart catheterization
• Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Balloon angioplasty and stent placement; complex coronary interventions with Impella® mechanical circulatory support
• Device Implantation and Management: Pacemaker implantation, programming, and interrogation
• Implantable Loop Recorder: Insertion and interrogation
• MICRA™ Leadless Pacemaker: Implantation, programming, and interrogation
Structural and Advanced Interventional Procedures
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
• Pericardiocentesis
• Percutaneous Peripheral Interventions:
• Carotid artery stenting
• Peripheral arterial disease angioplasty, atherectomy, and stent placement
• Catheter-directed pulmonary thrombectomy
• Catheter-directed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) thrombectomy
• Inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement and retrieval
• Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
• Venous ablation
SHARING HER STORY
FOR YEARS SHE IGNORED OBVIOUS SYMPTOMS OF SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR ISSUES. TODAY, LORI SEPICH IS A NATIONAL ADVOCATE OF HEART HEALTH AWARENESS.
BY MICHAEL FINGER
For Memphian Lori Sepich, her long journey — from complete denial that she had health problems to her recent selection as an American Heart Association’s Class of 2026 Survivor — began with a headache.
Born in 1961, Sepich was the only daughter of Frank and Betty Sepich, growing up in the High Point Terrace area. Her father was a manager at International Harvester for 42 years, and her mother was the homemaker for a family that included two older brothers, Jerry and Jimmy. “I was born into a family of 100-percent heart disease,” she says. “My father and brothers had high blood pressure, and my mother never visited a doctor — until she had a stroke at age 69.”
Serious problems began when Sepich was only 17, a senior at First Assembly Christian School. “I started having massive headaches, but this went on for several weeks before I decided, let’s go to the doctor.” To her surprise, he said her headaches were the result of extremely high blood pressure.
But at that age, she says, “I thought I was invincible, right? I didn’t understand what high blood pressure meant for my future health, and I didn’t care. It just didn’t seem very important.”
After high school, she studied accounting at the University of Memphis, where she met a professor, Roy Fitzpatrick, who owned a printing company called Screen Graphics. She left school to work for him, a job she would hold for the next 30 years.
Tragedy struck the family in 1986. “My brothers and I had visited my parents for anksgiving,” she says. “After I returned home, my father called. He had found my older brother in his bedroom, dead from a sudden heart attack.”
Jimmy Sedich was only 38 years old. Even that shocking event, however, didn’t make Sedich take her own heart issues seriously. A few years afterward,
when she was 34, during a checkup her doctor asked if she had been taking her blood pressure medicine.
“I told him yes, and he replied, ‘Well, let me just call you out as a liar. Your blood pressure right now is at the extreme stroke level.’”
He gave her a choice: “You can go right now to the emergency room or stay here, taking meds to bring your blood pressure down.” Sedich remembers spending four hours in an exam room, and when she left the doctor warned her, “You’re playing with fi re with high blood pressure, and one day you’ll get burned from a stroke.”
But she still didn’t listen. “Even though I had lost my brother,” she says, “I thought nothing was going to happen to me.” en came Easter Sunday, 2005. “I was 48, and when I got out of bed I felt extreme pain in both arms, with a crushing feeling in my chest,” she says. “I knew those were symptoms of a heart attack.”
Yet, as in the past, she ignored the warnings. “My family was going to Mass, and I had other things planned that day, so I didn’t tell them anything. I went shopping, came home, and went to bed.”
When she woke up that Monday, with the pain still there, she didn’t rush to the hospital. Instead, she drove to work.
“I was handling payroll that day,” she says, “and the employees needed their money.” By mid-noon, though, she told her boss she was going to the emergency room.
First though, she stopped by her house “to shave my legs and put on a nice little track suit, because I wanted to look nice,” she remembers. She even paused to watch her favorite show, The Young and the Restless, before reluctantly heading to the ER. ere, a quick diagnosis confirmed a major heart attack, with
Alex Wilson-Garza, Migdalia Rodriguez, and Lori Sepich
some arteries completely blocked. She had six stents — tiny coils placed inside the blood vessels to open the blockages — and was discharged after five days.
Sepich refused to accept that she had inherited her family’s genetic disposition for cardiovascular disease. “I tried to convince myself that my heart attack was caused by working out too much at the YMCA,” she says. “I was determined to blame it on anything but what it really was. Then I started having deep episodes of depression, where I blamed myself for not taking better care of myself.”
Dr. Keith Anderson with Sutherland Cardiology Clinic told her that depression was very common with heart patients. “He said, ‘Let’s get some treatment, and let’s get you through this.’” So, working with her primary-care physician, Dr. Lee McCollum, she “got on the other side of it,” taking (and soon teaching) spinning classes at the Y. “They basically formed ‘Team Lori.’ I couldn’t have
“When I heard the first speaker talk about her heart story, I realized that was my story. What I had gone through was nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to be depressed about.” — Lori Sepich
done it without the help from my doctors.”
Thirteen years passed. In 2018 she began working for Ring Container Technologies. “Six weeks into the new job, I felt the familiar chest pains again,” she says. “So here comes heart attack number two, and I worried they would fire me. I was devastated.”
It was indeed another heart attack, and cardiologists inserted more stents, but she kept her job, since the procedure didn’t require a long recovery. Six months later, everything changed for Sedich — this time, for the better.
Ring Containers had been a longtime supporter of the American Heart Association, and her employer invited her to the local chapter’s 2019 Go Red for Women luncheon, the group’s signature fundraising and awareness initiative. Even with her medical history, Sedich says, “I didn’t want to hear about the experiences of others, and I certainly wasn’t going to tell complete strangers about mine.” Those who attend this luncheon usually wear red, “but I decided to protest by wearing turquoise.”
Once there, something entirely unexpected happened. “I walked into that room at the Great Hall in Germantown and saw that sea of red, and it took my breath away,” she says. “When I heard the first speaker talk about her heart story, I realized that was my story. What I had gone through was nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to be depressed about.”
The event changed her life: “I just realized — hey, I’m a survivor, too. I’ve spent all these years in denial and there’s no reason to do that. I could share my story just like others
Ritin Bomb, MD, FACC, RPVI
have, and that helped to bring me out of this darkness. Maybe I could help somebody who was struggling to do the same.”
Sepich became actively involved with the AHA, speaking before various community organizations. She also came up with the idea of “Your Heart Rocks.” She buys bags of small rocks from garden centers and paints hearts on them. “ en I just leave them for people to find and smile,” she says, “and maybe it’s somebody who hasn’t smiled in a long time.”
She quickly made it a group event, hosting “paint parties” at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s neighborhood Health Hubs, local schools, and cardiac rehab
centers at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and St. Francis Hospital. “I encourage patients to paint the rocks, keep them, or pass them around.”
In 2025, the local AHA urged Sepich to become one of the group’s ambassadors. Since 2008, Go Red for Women has organized an annual Class of Survivors. Anyone interested submits a 60-second video about their personal journey. Out of some 200 applicants in 2025, only 12 were chosen, and Sepich became the first from the Memphis area.
“Lori’s authenticity made her stand out,” says Alyssa Paige, marketing communications director of the AHA’s local chapter. “She was transparent about not always putting her heart health first, and living in a state of denial before realizing she was part of a community of survivors of cardiovascular disease.”
“I’m just your everyday woman who fought this every day for a long time,” Sepich says today. “Now, I really want to be a champion for heart health — especially for women. I suffered for so long in silence, not thinking I had any support until I went to that luncheon, where I felt community, I felt empowerment, and I felt strength.”
“Your Heart Rocks”
GERMANTOWN SMILES — DENTAL CARE ELEVATED BY EXCELLENCE
Formerly known as Wilson & Patel Dental Care, Germantown Smiles continues its proud tradition of exceptional, patient-centered dentistry — with a focus on innovation, comfort, and comprehensive care. Led by Dr. Nishel Patel, who has been serving the Mid-South community since 2011, our practice combines years of trusted experience with the latest advancements in dental technology to help every patient achieve a healthy, confident smile.
At Germantown Smiles, we believe excellence is more than a goal — it’s our standard. From preventive care and routine cleanings to advanced treatments, our state-of-the-art facility is equipped to provide the highest quality dentistry in a relaxing environment. We are proud to be certified Invisalign® providers, offering solutions to help patients align their smiles comfortably and confidently. Our professional
team also specializes in cosmetic smile makeovers, teeth whitening, and personalized treatment plans designed to enhance both your oral health and your confidence.
Our highly skilled and professional team shares a single vision: to elevate your dental experience through genuine care, clinical excellence, and attention to detail. From your first visit, you’ll feel the difference that comes from a team truly dedicated to your comfort and results.
We are also thrilled to welcome Dr. Savannah Hughes to our practice. With over eight years of experience serving patients in the Memphis area, Dr. Hughes shares our commitment to compassionate, detail-oriented care and brings fresh energy and expertise to our growing team.
Whether you’re seeking routine care, restorative solutions, or a complete smile transformation, Germantown Smiles is where advanced dentistry meets heartfelt service.
Nishel Patel, DDS & Savannah Hughes, DDS
28 DATES for 28 DAYS
The Art Bar at Crosstown Concourse inset: Chez Philippe at The Peabody.
omnticdvenures
IN THE RIVER CITY.
BY CANDICE BAXTER
Memphis is making come-hither eyes. From the heart of downtown out to the suburbs, the city pulses with intriguing places for connection, this Valentine’s Day or any day. February may be the shortest month of the year, but we offer 28 ways you and your someone can maximize the month’s 28 days and nights.
28 DATES for 28 DAYS
ACTIVE
1
CLIMB AT MEMPHIS ROX . The indoor rock-climbing gym featured in the Hulu series MEMPHIS TO THE MOUNTAIN o ers a bouldering room with a softly padded oor, so you can reach new heights without trepidation. More avid climbers can don harnesses to reach up to 45 feet, but need a trained belayer partner. Talk about trust. Cool down afterward with a fruit smoothie from JUICE ALMIGHTY, the in-house cafe with a nonpro t twist that turns no one away for an inability to pay. If guests cannot a ord a meal, they “pay” by volunteering at the gym or assisting with neighborhood cleanups. To date, they’ve served more than 48,000 meals to the community.
2
STEP OUT AT RUMBA ROOM . Dance is about communicating through movement rather than words. Group lessons help break down the anxiety of learning something new with salsa on Tuesdays, bachata on Wednesdays, and both on weekends. Like the blend of Latin dances, the menu also features dishes from Guatemala to Cuba. After a no-commitment taco ight and a couple of mojitos, the rhythm will get you grooving.
3
MEET THE CHALLENGE AT AMUSE .
Beat the crowd with a late-morning visit to a vast maze of various rooms with timed challenges. Solve a mystery in an escape room, crawl through a bungee-cord tunnel, and power up on a seesaw. After playing for an hour, walk around the corner into Chickasaw Oaks. The mood transitions from modern motion to a sweet main street recreated indoors and leading to LA BAGUETTE for the best bread in the city. That perfect crunchy crust surrounds a soft, airy center with tiny pockets to soak up their signature tomato soup or savory French dip au jus.
4
above: Rhodes College students in Overton Square. top right: An AMUSE—ing challenge. bottom right: The red spiral staircase to adventures at Crosstown Concourse.
RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE AT CRAZE MEMPHIS RAGE ROOM . Release life’s frustrations in tandem with your date with therapeutic destruction at CRAZE Memphis Rage Room, an unassuming suburban building where defunct o ce equipment and televisions nd new purpose at the business end of a sledgehammer. With provided safety gear in a plywood-walled room, you can nally show that old scanner/copier/ printer what you think of error messages. Then, regulate all that adrenaline with a short stroll (0.2 miles) along the edge of a park to RAGIN’ CAJUN for the relaxed vibe of Louisiana. Made from the owner’s family recipes, the boudin balls with house-made rémoulade, creamy Gouda grits, and seafood gumbo emit authenticity.
ARTSY
5
MAKE A MUG AT BELLTOWER POTTERY.
In the back of a homey co ee shop, the pottery studio o ers a two-hour class on Friday evenings. Arrive early and enjoy a cup of co ee — the approachable Golden Hour house blend or the more nuanced Tanzanian peaberry. Then, channel your inner Ghost at the wheel. From a ball of clay, throw a cylinder shape, make and attach a handle, and choose a nal color. Sta will glaze and re afterward. Option to make a second date for pickup three weeks later.
6
GET CRAFTY AT FIVE IN ONE SOCIAL CLUB .
From goldleaf taxidermy, to making drinking glasses out of old wine bottles, create a unique memory in a crafting workshop. After you book the class online, order a small charcuterie box from FEAST AND GRAZE with customized selections like prosciutto and herb-roasted turkey or aged cheddar and hot honey goat dip. You and your date can snack together on the selections, to be delivered right before class time. BYOB is encouraged. Back at home, you’ll smile each time you pass your new mounted golden T-rex head or unload your new glassware from the dishwasher.
7
SPARK THE SENSES AT CROSSTOWN ARTS .
Follow the iconic red spiral staircase to the top and peruse the 7,000 feet of modern exhibits from murals to sculpture. Find a nook in the fanciful ART BAR to have a cuttingedge cocktail and discuss which pieces spoke to your soul, or at least seemed kind of cool. Check the event calendar for a variety of live performances in the Green Room next door that range from “Simply Jazz” to “Folk All Y’all.”
28 DATES for 28
DAYS
PLAYFUL
8
ROLL THE DICE AT BOARD 2 BEERS .
Back after a hiatus and in a bigger space, check out new and classic board games by the hour while sampling from a rotating craft beer and cider selection. The munchies-only menu ranges from Gold sh to wings.
9
GET A ROOM AT GAME NITE LOUNGE
.
Double-date and choose team mode for an hourlong interactive gameshow experience set in a private, comfy living room within the Overton Square establishment. Then grab burgers around the corner at BOSCOS , Tennessee’s rst brewpub.
10
UP THE ANTE AT SOUTHLAND CASINO AND HOTEL
.
Games of chance involve a little risk, a little knowhow and a lot of luck. Whether you win big at the high-stakes table or stick to the slots, don’t play through dinner. Feast on all-you-can-eat crab legs on the weekends or get fancy at upscale Ignite Steakhouse for a prime cut that matches the call against others in the city proper.
11
AIM YOUR (CUPID’S) ARROW AT COOPER HOUSE PROJECT.
Behind the front door away from the bustle, a whiskey barrel serves as a table to hold your glass of artisanal small-batch brew while you throw classic darts in a single lane cozy enough for two.
MUSICAL
12
STEP UP TO THE MIC AT SUN STUDIO.
After standing in the exact spot where Elvis sang “That’s All Right,” follow the murals on Marshall Ave. to BAR LIMINA for specialty cocktails and mocktails made by a rotating roster of inventive bartenders.
13
SPIN SOME TUNES AT MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
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If it was recorded on vinyl, odds are the album is nestled among the vast collection donated by the founder of Ardent Records. Find a couple of cozy chairs near one of the turntables with a dual adapter and let shared music in the headphones transport each of you to a memory, while forming a new one. Depending on the mood, then linger on dinner downstairs at mellow coastal restaurant Briza, vibrant Vietnamese eatery Bao Toan, or a symphony of international options at Global Cafe.
14
SAVOR THE SOUL AT STAX MUSEUM .
Immersed in the venue where recognizable greats like Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding made hits, learn the true meaning of soul in 12 di erent exhibits where domed speakers play music that carries only a few feet, so get close. Peruse the hall of records, spin on the dance oor, and pause in the lounge to play your favorite STAX tune on the free jukebox. F1 is “Let’s Stay Together.” Across the street, JOHNNIE MAE’S SOUL CAFE serves up Southern cooking all week and the best Friday cat sh special in town: a crunchy fried llet, sweet cornbread, spaghetti as a side, and turnip greens so good you’ll want to slurp the potlikker.
top left: Wiseacre Brewing. center: Rock’n Dough. opposite: STAX with Tad Pierson Tours.
28 DATES for 28 DAYS
CLASSIC MEMPHIS
15
DINE AFTER THE DUCK MARCH AT CHEZ PHILIPPE .
Dress to the nines and make reservations for the quintessential Peabody experience. In the hotel lobby, nd a seat near the fountain to watch the mallards ceremoniously march the red carpet at 5 p.m. Then step behind the bar through golden gates and into the quiet luxury of a grand palace ballroom. Indulge in a journey through the chef’s seven-course tasting menu and wine pairings.
16
18
CHEER THE HOME TEAM AT FEDEXFORUM . Memphis is a basketball town, win or lose. Show some love at a Grizzlies or Tigers game where the fare of local favorites is scattered between snack bars on the Plaza and Terrace levels. At the quarter buzzer, grab TacoNganas street tacos, a Rendezvous sausage and cheese plate, or a “slice of the match” from ROCK’N DOUGH
SMARTS
19
BREAKFAST AT GRACELAND.
If you’re from here, you may never have visited the city’s most famous house. Sound like you? This month, you and your sweetheart should stop resisting and visit the most Memphis place you’ve never been. The best food on the property is pre-tour at DELTA’S KITCHEN, because it’s Southern breakfast and seasoned as such.
17 WATCH THE SUNSET FROM THE LOOKOUT.
Next time you see a silhouette of the skyline, you can point to the top of the BASS PRO PYRAMID and reminisce about the sunset you saw there together. Whether bowling on the main oor in the Fishbowl or wandering the lifelike swamp with all its creatures, you must visit the top. Have a specialty drink at the bar with its mesmerizing 10,000-gallon cat sh aquarium. As the sky turns pink, step outside onto the glass landing to see the city — and your date — from a di erent perspective.
top left: FedExForum. top center: Graceland. opposite top: Old Dominick Distillery. opposite bottom: Libro at Novel.
CASTLE YOUR QUEEN AT MEMPHIS CHESS CLUB . Not just for members, the historic Toof Building, full of wooden tables with inlaid boards, o ers plenty of space for a match. Pizzas from the cafe are red to order and made with scratch dough and sauce.
20
SHARE SOME KNOWLEDGE AT TRIVIA NIGHT.
Lively mid-week games happen Wednesdays at WISEACRE DOWNTOWN and CELTIC CROSSING
21
BROWSE FOR BOOKS AT NOVEL . You can tell a lot about your date by what they like to read. Have an analog afternoon perusing the shelves to discover mutual interests, travel aspirations, and which covers catch the eye. At LIBRO, the light- lled restaurant tucked inside the bookstore, have a drink and nibble on bruschetta or indulge in handmade pasta from the Italian owner’s family cookbook.
GOURMAND
22
PAIR UP AT GREY’S FINE CHEESES .
Learn what cheeses amplify certain grape varietals in a wine-and-cheese pairing class. Featuring a di erent country every Wednesday evening, discover the balance of tannins with aromas in four wine tastings paired with cheeses.
23
MIX THINGS UP AT MUDDY’S BAKE SHOP.
From scones to biscuits, learn to pat, ip, and roll out dough in a three-hour cooking class with treats to take home.
24
GO GRAIN TO GLASS AT OLD DOMINICK DISTILLERY
On a guided tour, learn rsthand how Memphis water plus corn transforms into ne bourbon. Follow the process from mash to moonshine, and learn how distillation and aging make for key ingredients in a good toddy. Sample a curated portfolio of spirits in the tasting room and exit through the gift shop.
OUTSIDE THE BOX
26
GET A READING AT LUCYJA HYGGE .
First, people-watch from the lunch counter at KWIK CHEK , a bustling place that’s equal parts deli and convenience store. Get a spicy sandwich or quickly stir and savor the sizzling Bi Bim Bap served in a hot stone bowl. A couple of doors down, step into the metaphysical (walk-ins are welcome, or book a reservation) for a 15-minute tarot reading to uncover each other’s hidden truths or ponder the unknown future.
27
OLD TRUSTY
25
SEE A MOVIE AT THE POWERHOUSE .
Find the happening happy hour at BAR HUSTLE in the acclaimed ARRIVE Hotel with drinks and pizzas from HUSTLE & DOUGH , timed perfectly for a 3-minute walk to the stately Malco Powerhouse Cinema and Grill (with comfortable reclining seats).
EDGE MOTOR MUSEUM .
Trace the evolution of American sports cars through a collection of preserved classics in eras of history from the 1929 Ford Model A to the 1981 DeLorean. Next door, HARD TIMES for a glass-bottled Coke and a hearty sandwich too big to handle.
28 LOCK IT DOWN WITH PETALS AND CANDY.
Like the famous bridge in Paris, a heart-shaped public art installation in the alley of OVERTON SQUARE is covered in lovers’ locks. Park in the garage and cut through behind the massive chimes (fun to ring, if you can nd the rope), to PETALS OF A PEONY. Taste the Michelinmentioned Sichuan dishes, but skip dessert and instead visit the candy jars at SWEET NOSHINGS . On the way back, stop for a romantic moment and add your own love lock to the heart.
FOLK’S FOLLY BEST RESTAURANT
PATRICK REILLY / MAJESTIC GRILLE BEST CHEF
FELICIA SUZANNE’S BEST NEW RESTAURANT
PRESENTING THE WINNERS OF OUR 2026 READERS’ RESTAURANT POLL
Back in July 1983, when we conducted our first readers’ restaurant poll, it took half a column to report the results. With just 18 categories focusing on the most basic specialties — pizza, steak, seafood — readers probably finished the survey in 10 minutes. e poll, and the city’s dining scene, has certainly expanded in the past three decades. is year’s results present the winning restaurants in 49 categories, and judging from the number of entries submitted, it’s obvious that current readers took quite a bit more time to ponder the best places in town, including categories that might have stumped our 1983 subscribers, such as Best Food Truck and Best Craft Cocktails. With online voting and safeguards to prevent multiple entries, this can rightfully be considered our city’s most definitive and accurate dining poll. e winner in each category is listed in bold type, followed by other contenders in the order of votes received. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists, and thanks to all our readers who voted.
HUEY’S BEST BURGER & BEST BAR
BEST RESTAURANT
◗ Folk’s Folly
◗ Majestic Grille
◗ Coastal Fish Co.
BEST CHEF
◗ Patrick Reilly, Majestic Grille
◗ Erling Jensen, Erling Jensen, the Restaurant
◗ Andrew Ticer & Michael Hudman
BEST NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN 2025)
◗ Felicia Suzanne’s
◗ Cocozza East
◗ Bao Toan
◗ Fawn
◗ No Comment (Yes, there really is a new place called “No Comment.”)
BEST ASIAN FUSION
◗ Good Fortune Co.
◗ Red Koi
◗ Mosa Asian Bistro
◗ A-Tan
BEST BAR
◗ Huey’s
◗ Bardog Tavern
◗ Folk’s Folly
BEST BARBECUE RIBS
◗ Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous
◗ Central BBQ
◗ The Bar-B-Q Shop
BEST BARTENDER
◗ Hunter Coleman, Bari Ristorante
◗ Bobby Heath, Restaurant Iris
◗ Maggie McClendon, Erling Jensen, the Restaurant
BEST BEER SELECTION
◗ Flying Saucer
◗ Young Avenue Deli
◗ Lucchesi’s Beer Garden
◗ Bog & Barley
BEST BREAKFAST
◗ Sunrise Memphis
◗ Brother Juniper’s
◗ Bryant’s Breakfast
◗ The Arcade
BEST BRUNCH
◗ Majestic Grille
◗ Brother Juniper’s
◗ Owen Brennan’s
◗ The Beauty Shop
BEST BURGER
◗ Huey’s
◗ Top’s Bar-B-Q
◗ Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
BEST CAJUN / CREOLE
◗ Owen Brennan’s
◗ The Second Line
◗ Bayou Bar & Grille
BEST CHAIN RESTAURANT
◗ Capital Grille
◗ Seasons 52
◗ Texas de Brazil
BEST CHINESE
◗ Petals of a Peony
◗ A-Tan
◗ Mosa Asian Bistro
BEST COFFEEHOUSE
◗ French Truck Coffee
◗ Cafe Eclectic
◗ Otherlands
◗ Ramblin’ Joe’s Coffee
◗ Cxffeeblack
BEST CRAFT COCKTAILS
◗ Majestic Grille
◗ Peabody Lobby Bar
◗ Restaurant Iris
BEST DATE NIGHT
◗ Coastal Fish Co.
◗ Erling Jensen, the Restaurant
◗ Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar
◗ Ecco on Overton Park
◗ Amelia Gene’s
BEST DELI
◗ Elwood’s Shack
◗ Young Avenue Deli
◗ Lucchesi’s
BEST DESSERT SHOP
◗ Muddy’s Bake Shop
◗ Frost Bake Shop
◗ La Baguette
BEST DIVE BAR
◗ Alex’s Tavern
◗ Ernestine & Hazel’s
◗ Momma’s
◗ The Cove
BEST FOOD TRUCK
◗ El Mero Taco
◗ Rocket Greens
◗ Say Cheese
BEST FRIED CHICKEN
◗ Gus’s Fried Chicken
◗ Superlo Foods
◗ Jack Pirtle’s
BEST FROZEN TREAT
◗ Jerry’s Sno-Cones
◗ MemPops
◗ La Michoacana
◗ Sugar Ghost
BEST HAPPY HOUR
◗ Huey’s
◗ Brookhaven Pub
◗ Bardog Tavern
BEST INDIAN
◗ India Palace
◗ Bombay House
◗ Golden India
BEST ITALIAN
◗ Cocozza
◗ Pete & Sam’s
◗ Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
BEST JAPANESE
◗ Good Fortune Co.
◗ Red Koi
◗ Sekisui
BEST KID-FRIENDLY
◗ Huey’s
◗ Loflin Yard
◗ Memphis Pizza Cafe
BEST LOCAL BREWERY
◗ Wiseacre Brewing Co.
◗ Memphis Made Brewing Co.
◗ Ghost River Brewery & Tap Room
◗ Crosstown Brewing Co.
BEST MEDITERRANEAN
◗ Casablanca
◗ Taziki Mediterranean Cafe
◗ Tannoor Grill
◗ The Happy Greek Cafe
BEST MEXICAN
◗ Las Delicias
◗ Los Comales
◗ El Mexcal
◗ Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana
◗ Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
◗ Coastal Fish Company
◗ Slider Inn
◗ Loflin Yard
BEST PEOPLE-WATCHING
◗ Peabody Lobby Bar
◗ Lafayette’s Music Room
◗ Flying Saucer
◗ Celtic Crossing
BEST PIZZA
◗ Memphis Pizza Cafe
◗ Aldo’s Pizza Pies
◗ Little Italy
BEST PLACE TO IMPRESS OUT-OF-TOWNERS
◗ Folk’s Folly
◗ Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous
◗ Itta Bena
BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE GAME
◗ Brookhaven Pub
◗ Huey’s
◗ Alex’s Tavern
◗ T.J. Mulligan’s
BEST PLATE LUNCH
◗ Patrick’s
◗ Soul Fish Cafe
◗ Cupboard Restaurant
BEST SEAFOOD (NON FAST-FOOD)
◗ Coastal Fish Co.
◗ Soul Fish Cafe
◗ Tsunami
◗ The Half Shell
BEST SERVER
◗ Christian Culver, Briza
◗ Calvin Bell, Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous
◗ Brandon Noe, Bari Ristorante
◗ Kevin Kauker, Folk’s Folly
BEST SHARED PLATES
◗ Babalu Tapas & Tacos
◗ Tsunami
◗ Catherine & Mary’s
BEST STEAK
◗ Folk’s Folly
◗ Porch and Parlor
◗ Side Porch Steak House
BEST TACO
◗ TACOnganas
◗ Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos
◗ Las Delicias
BEST THAI
◗ Bangkok Alley
◗ Emerald Thai
◗ Thai Bistro
◗ Takashi Bistro
BEST VEGETARIAN / VEGAN
◗ City Silo Table + Pantry
◗ RP Tracks
◗ Global Cafe
BEST VIETNAMESE
◗ Pho Saigon
◗ Pho 64
◗ Tuyen’s Asian Bistro
BEST WINE LIST
◗ Folk’s Folly
◗ Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar
◗ Bari Ristorante
BEST WINGS
◗ Central BBQ
◗ Ching’s Hot Wings
◗ Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken
RESTAURANT WE MISS THE MOST
◗ Pancho’s
◗ Bhan Thai
◗ TIE: Justine’s
◗ Macaroni Grill
WORTH THE DRIVE
◗ City Grocery (Oxford, MS)
◗ Como Steakhouse (Como, MS)
◗ Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar-B-Q (Mason, TN)
◗ Wilson Cafe (Wilson, AR)
THE RESULTS OF OUR 1983
inin P
Although we had been reviewing restaurants since our inaugural issue in 1976 (when dining critic Andy Hill paid a visit to King’s House on Brooks Road), it took seven years — until July 1983 — before we put together our “First Annual Dining Guide.” is 30-page section included reviews of eight of the city’s most popular restaurants, detailed dining listings, and something we called “Readers Digest,” presenting the winners of our first readers’ restaurant poll. It was a tiny thing, taking up half a column, with only 18 categories, and although we presented first-, second-, and third-place mentions for “ e Very Best” restaurant, for the others we only listed the winners:
THE VERY BEST
1 JUSTINE’S
2 . GRISANTI’S
3. FOLK’S FOLLY
BEST ATMOSPHERE: RIVER TERRACE
BEST SERVICE (TIE): JUSTINE’S / GRISANTI’S
BEST VALUE: GRISANTI’S
BEST WINE LIST: GRISANTI’S
SPECIALTY CATEGORIES
FRENCH: JUSTINE’S
ITALIAN: GRISANTI’S
ORIENTAL: FORMOSA
MEXICAN: GONZALES AND GERTRUDE’S
GREEK (TIE): JIM’S PLACE / MELOS TAVERNA
BARBECUE: GRIDLEY’S
MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT FOR:
PIZZA: COLETTA’S
STEAK: FOLK’S FOLLY
BURGERS: FRIDAY’S
SEAFOOD: RED LOBSTER
PLATE LUNCHES: BUNTYN
BREAKFAST: SHONEY’S
SUNDAY BRUNCH: THE PEABODY
What stands out from this list is how many of our readers’ best (or favorite) places have since closed. In fact, only five have endured, showing the challenges of the restaurant business: Folk’s Folly, Formosa, Buntyn, Coletta’s, and of course, e Peabody.
In 1983, Grisanti’s dominated the Memphis restaurant scene. To help readers remember more about “Big John,” we are reprinting “At Home with John Grisanti” on page 54. is profile originally appeared in our October 1985 issue.
Owners:
Angie Ware & Sean Blankenship
Laura Clark (901) 483-2117
Robin Fauser (901) 494-0355
Holly James (901) 734-4411
Tracie Stephens (901) 494-7201
Teresa Coop (901) 605-8978
Ashley Gillihan (901) 626-9740
Lexie Johnston (901) 489-1604
Diane Stribling (901) 831-1755
Jennifer Arendale (901) 218-5781
Tammy Davis (901) 626-6674
Charles Harris (901) 229-2604
Bill Maury (901) 870-3771
Barbara Weir (901) 412-7489
Jeanne Billings (901) 493-0100
Maury Dicken (901) 870-5035
Huddleston (901) 484-9494
Kristi Ryan (901) 826-5309
Mary Williams (901) 283-7795
Grayson Caradine (901) 652-2900
Everitt (901) 487-7709
Sally Isom (901) 219-8882
Marty Smith (901) 674-1031
Patricia Young (901) 485-2559
Rebecca
Nancy
Mary
Patty
To Tell the Truth about Jim Cortese:The longtime Commercial Appeal Editor
Roller-Skated All
the Way Across Texas, Resided in a Nudist Camp, and Walked Up and Down the Empire State Building.
BY CLAYTON TRUTOR
My name is James Cortese,” said three middle-aged men as they sat before a live audience at CBS Television Studios in New York City.
On the night of September 15, 1959, the actual Jim Cortese, the Sunday editor of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, and two imposters claimed that they were the man who recently roller-skated 588 miles across the entire state of Texas. ey were guests on To Tell the Truth, one of television’s most popular game shows for more than a quarter-century. After questioning the prospective Corteses, three of the four celebrity panelists voted incorrectly, guessing that one of the imposters was the real Jim Cortese. e genuine article sat between a Manhattan restaurateur named Jack Miller and an employee of Gulf Oil from Philadelphia named Henry Beau.
It turns out that roller-skating across Texas was far from Jim Cortese’s sole claim to fame (“-tese” is pronounced like “Swayze”). e longtime Commercial Appeal columnist and editor gloried in the outrageous. To compensate for a self-professed “mid-life crisis,” Cortese became the first person to walk up and down the entirety of the Empire State Building steps; he took up temporary residence at a nudist camp, Trappist monastery, and Walden Pond. Cortese rode a mule deep into the Grand Canyon while blasting Beethoven over a loudspeaker. On both his 40th and 60th birthdays, he swam back and forth across the Mississippi River.
When a colleague at e Commercial Appeal asked why he did all these things, Cortese said, “To break the monotony of life.” More than any of this, Jim Cortese loved his hometown of Memphis and the people he encountered in the city.
“His premise was life is as interesting as one decides
to make it,” said his son, Ted Cortese. Even before Jim Cortese gained notoriety for his writing and his stunts, the Cortese name was well-known in Memphis.
Anthony James Cortese was born on August 11, 1917, in Ontario. Jim was the second of Angelo and Lorienne Cortese’s five children.
Jim’s grandfather, Antonio Cortese, emigrated to Canada from Marsicovetere, Italy during the 1880s. Marsicovetere is a mountain village 80 miles southeast of Naples in the Basilicata region, located in the arch of the boot in the Italian peninsula. Antonio was an accomplished violinist who lived and worked initially in Sarnia, Ontario, before returning to Italy to pay off the debts on his family’s small farm. He brought his wife, Maria, back with him to Canada, settling in London, Ontario.
Jim’s father, Angelo, was the eldest in a family that became renowned for their skill in classical music. Angelo was a virtuoso on the harp while his younger brothers,
above: Jim Cortese takes a well-deserved break, back in Memphis after roller-skating across the state of Texas — in the middle of the summer — while pondering his next adventure.
Jack and Joseph, excelled on the flute and violin, respectively. e “Cortese Brothers,” as they came to be known, were not the only noteworthy musical family on their street in London, Ontario. e Lombardo family were their neighbors, most notably Guy Lombardo, who formed the Royal Canadians in 1924. Lombardo’s group went on to become one of the most popular big bands of all time.
“Guy Lombardo’s father used to get on his kids for not playing the good music like the Cortese Brothers did, who played parlor music,” Ted said.
Angelo came to Memphis in 1911 to play harp for the original Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Renowned soloists from around the world came to Memphis to perform with Angelo, who quickly became the toast of the town. His brothers soon joined him in Memphis and became the most popular musicians in the region. e Memphis Auditorium (opened in 1924 and renamed the Ellis Auditorium in 1930) was built in large part to serve as a home for Angelo Cortese and the Memphis Symphony.
Angelo and Lorienne Cortese’s family would resettle permanently in Memphis, though all five of their children were born in Canada. Angelo wanted his children to become doctors. His eldest son, Dick, followed that path, becoming an optometrist. His second son, Jim Cortese, found a very different path. He liked books, adventure, and writing.
Jim attended high school at Sacred Heart Academy. Located at 1325 Jefferson Avenue, Sacred Heart opened in 1901 as a small, coeducational high school which served primarily Irish and Italian Catholic families from the surrounding Midtown neighborhoods. For much of its history, total enrollment at the school was less than 200. In 1946, Sacred Heart became an all-girls school. It closed in 1970. e main building is now the home of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and Catholic Charities of West Tennessee.
(above) Family scrapbooks hold snapshots of Cortese’s stint in the Army Air Corps during World War II, his rollerskating adventure across Texas (protected from the sun by a tattered umbrella), and atop Pikes Peak.
He played tackle and guard for Walter Koch’s Sacred Heart Cardinals football teams, serving as captain his senior season of 1933. at fall, the team had just 14 players but posted a respectable 4-4 record in the city’s highly competitive nine-team “Prep League.” Cortese earned All-City honors for his performance. Before an October 1933 game, e Commercial Appeal described Cortese as a “deadly tackler and great offensive man.”
Cortese read widely as a teenager. He idolized Memphis-based travel writer and adventurer Richard Halliburton, who had a clear influence on Cortese’s own deeds. Halliburton’s feats included swimming the Panama Canal, traveling by elephant across Hannibal’s path through the Alps, and duplicating the original run from Marathon to Athens.
In March 1939, Haliburton attempted to sail a junk of his own design from Hong Kong to San Francisco, planning to arrive at the ongoing 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition. He never made it. He disappeared in a typhoon on the high seas.
Later in life, Cortese befriended Halliburton’s father, Wesley. Every Friday night, Cortese would go over to Wesley Halliburton’s home and talk with him about his son. Cortese transformed eight years of interviews with Wesley into the biography Richard Halliburton’s Royal Road
Jim’s first concerted efforts as a writer came as an adolescent. He worked for years on a science fiction novel about a man with a time machine who fell in love with women in two different eras.
After graduating from Sacred Heart, Jim enrolled in Pre-Med at Memphis State. It wasn’t smooth sailing. He earned five straight D’s in college and flunked out of the Pre-Med program. Jim would get a job at a local Coca-Cola bottler, taking care of returned bottles. He saved money for six months before talking with his father about his future. He wanted to pay his father back for his tuition at Memphis State. He told his father that he didn’t want
The Hot Tamale Capital of the World invites you to enjoy an eclectic collection of events and entertaining stops.
» FEBRUARY « Mississippi River Marathon msrivermarathon.racesonline.com
» APRIL « Showcase on Wheels cabinonthebogue.com
» MAY « Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Festival, including Frog Fest and Leland Craw sh Festival LelandChamber.com
Future Tour Golf Championship
» JUNE « Delta Soul & Celebrity Golf Event facebook.com/DeltaSoulGolf
Lake Washington’s “Straight O The Lake” Music Festival
» AUGUST « MS Delta Duck Boat Races at Lake Washington
» SEPTEMBER « Delta Blues & Heritage Festival deltabluesms.org Gumbo Nationals greenvillespeedway.net
Sam Chatmon Blues Fest facebook.com/SamChatmonBlues
Stephone Hughes Old Time Gospel Fest
» OCTOBER «
Delta Hot Tamale Fest mainstreetgreenville.com/ delta-hot-tamale-festival
Highway 61 Blues Festival highway61blues.com
Monuments on Main Street Historic Greenville Cemetery Tour deltacenterstage.org/events
YMCA Cotton Classic 10K/5K Run racesonline.com/ymca-cotton-classic
» NOVEMBER « Roll’n on the River Car Show facebook.com/redwinecarshow
» DECEMBER « Christmas on Deer Creek LelandChamber.com
THE EMBASSY APARTMENTS
to be a doctor. Instead, he wanted to go to journalism school at Louisiana State University (LSU).
“My grandfather put his head down and told him to keep the money and pack his clothes. e next morning, my grandfather got on the train with my father, and they went down to Baton Rouge,” Ted said.
After completing his education at LSU, Cortese worked at small newspapers in Louisiana before America entered the Second World War.
“Dad was a naturalized citizen. When World War II broke out, he tried to join the service like all the other young men were doing. When he got there, they told him he could not do so because he was not an American citizen; he was a Canadian,” his son, William James “Jim” Cortese, said.
To channel his “midlife crisis” energy, Cortese made a list of wild things he wanted to do in the year after he turned 40. The stunts which he completed proved to be great fodder for his columns.
After working out his citizenship status, Cortese served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He worked as a reporter for base newspapers at Camp Williams in Wisconsin and Sedalia Army Airfield in Missouri. Later, he served for a time in the Philippines. When he returned from the war, Cortese bounced around several jobs before landing a spot in 1949 as assistant Sunday editor at e Commercial Appeal.
In 1951, he married Anna Lee Slagle of Tulsa. Anna was a talented artist who worked primarily with oil paints. e couple shared a love of the outdoors and spent their honeymoon fishing in the White River in Arkansas. e Corteses had four sons: Ted, Jim, Richard, and Mike. Initially, they resided at 3954 Berkshire Avenue before relocating to a larger home at 4383 Castle Avenue in the late 1950s.
“My mom idolized my father, and she was all for anything that he did,” Ted said, noting that she was his constant copy editor, reading over every column and every book he ever wrote.
“She was a quiet woman, very spiritual and so was he. ey prayed the rosary together every day,” Jim said.
Jim Cortese wrote several columns simultaneously for e Commercial Appeal. His best known was “Rambling,” which tended to be
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character studies of local people, often older people who represented some disappearing aspect of the city’s culture. rough his writing, Cortese displayed a great love for the city and its idiosyncrasies, both past and present.
“We were raised to be newspaper children. You can learn something from everybody if you take time to listen. His premise was that you could interview anybody and get a great story out of them,” Ted said.
It was Jim Cortese’s 40th birthday that transformed him from a chronicler of all that was unique in Memphis to an architect of numerous unique adventures near and far from his hometown. To channel his “midlife crisis” energy, he made a list of wild things he wanted to do in the year after he turned 40. e stunts which Cortese completed proved to be great fodder for his columns. He spent many days calling in stories to e Commercial Appeal after doing something extraordinary, far away from Tennessee.
A Company & Career Built Upon Trust.
He proved it one time by pulling out the Memphis yellow pages, selecting a random business (the Katz Drug Store at Poplar & Avalon) and speaking with the fourth person to walk out the door (four came up on the dice in his pocket). He wrote a fascinating story about the life of the woman whom he interviewed.
The following summer, Cortese completed his wildest feat, roller-skating 588 miles across Texas on Highway 80. He traveled from Shreveport, Louisiana, to Hobbs, New Mexico, over three sweltering August weeks.
Cortese kept his family close to his work.
Once, he brought his sons to the most “haunted” place in the region to try to interview a ghost. None were forthcoming. Another time, the Corteses went out into the woods with their father with a woman who claimed to see Bigfoot regularly. ey brought a flashlight and a baseball bat for self-defense but didn’t find Bigfoot.
O: 901.682.1868 x 303
C: 901.461.1868
He kicked off Year 40 by swimming a mile back and forth across the Mississippi River. Friends and family followed along in a boat in case he got tired. For the next few years, he completed the feat annually, doing it each year with a companion who asked to join him for the swim.
Over the next few months, he walked the route of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride from Boston to Lexington and Concord. He made the Gettysburg Address at the same spot where Lincoln delivered it nearly a century earlier. He spent a week as a novice at a Trappist monastery in Kentucky. Several of his feats were completed on a family road trip that swung through the Appalachians all the way up to Vermont and upstate New York.
In August 1958, he spent several days at a nudist camp in New Jersey. After joining “the American Sunbathers Association,” Cortese was assigned to one of 45 cabins. He was informed of the camp’s rules of modesty, which included dressing for meals. Cameras and alcohol were banned, though his cabinmate Walter brought some scotch, which they enjoyed each night.
Outside of work, Jim took his family boating frequently. Their first vessel was called e Little Man, which was followed by e Four Sons,”both tributes to their growing family.
“Every weekend, we were on an island of the Mississippi River with bonfires, cooking hot dogs and stuff. He just spent all his spare time making sure that the family was absolutely stuck together like glue doing things as a family,” Ted said.
e Cortese kids had a similarly tight relationship with their grandparents. Angelo took the boys fishing in Horseshoe Lake and would cook them bacon and eggs alongside the road.
“People would stop my grandfather and ask him for autographs,” Ted said. He recalls being confused when a woman asked for his grandfather’s autograph while they were out getting ice cream.
e time at the nudist camp was uneventful. He played a lot of table tennis with a Swiss gentleman and listened to women from Canada and New York City tell him about the health benefits of sunbathing nude.
Mostly, he said, people sat near a pool and got sunburned. He concluded that people came to nudist camps simply to break up “the mundane of life,” as he wrote in a column about his experiences.
Next on the agenda was climbing the 1,472-foot Empire State Building, at the time the tallest building in the world. In September 1958, Cortese became the first person to walk all the way up and all the way down the building’s staircases. e ascent and descent of 1,860 steps took a total of 3 hours and 10 minutes. Roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes were spent going up. He said the 30 minutes coming down was much harder on his knees. After weeks of cajoling building officials, Cortese received special permission to attempt the feat. e building’s manager gave him a
DO GOOD. BETTER.
master key that fit all doors opening into the stairways in case he needed to stop.
Cortese stopped to change his socks and rest at the 52nd floor. He rested again at the building’s 86th-floor main observation deck, where he bought a hot dog and an orange juice. He then ascended to the very top of the 107-story building, sticking his head through an opening near the giant television antennas to look down at the Chrysler and RCA buildings nearby. Later that week, Cortese climbed the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak in Colorado, which he had done nearly 20 years earlier while hitchhiking across America.
e following summer, Cortese completed his wildest feat, roller-skating 588 miles across Texas on Highway 80. He traveled from just southwest of Shreveport, Louisiana, to just east of Hobbs, New Mexico, over three sweltering August weeks.
During his journey, he wore a straw hat, a t-shirt, and khaki pants, with a canteen of water hanging from his belt. He carried his mother-in-law’s purple parasol to avoid cooking in the Texas sun. In three weeks, he wore out six pairs of skates.
Cortese did himself no favors. He hadn’t donned a pair of skates in 25 years and performed this stunt during the hottest part of the year. About halfway across Texas, he realized he was going uphill. Shreveport is 171 feet above sea level while Hobbs stands 3,266 feet above sea level.
All along the route, people greeted him and handed him soft drinks and food. A 16-yearold family friend named Tommy Wilkinson followed him by car throughout the journey.
e skate across Texas made him a celebrity in the state. He spoke with local television, radio, and newspapers almost every day. He was also filing a story each evening with e Commercial Appeal. Word of Cortese’s antics soon spread to New York.
“One day I received a call from New York. A producer with Goodson-Todman Enterprises Limited was on the line. ‘Will you fly to New York, all expenses paid, and be on To Tell the Truth on Tuesday’?’” Cortese wrote in his column.
The Corteses didn’t have a television in their home and Jim was unfamiliar with the program. He consulted with Commercial Appeal television critic Henry Mitchell, who spoke highly of the show. Cortese was soon on a flight to New York.
Cortese assured his readers that the game wasn’t fixed. In his column, he walked them through his time in New York.
e show’s producers briefed him and the two imposters on the inner workings of the program. e producers and Cortese taught
the other panelists about Memphis, Tennessee, and the details of Cortese’s skate across Texas. On the morning of the show, they went through a dress rehearsal in CBS’ Manchester eatre, where hired actors questioned the three Jim Corteses as the four celebrity panelists would on the show that evening. Two of the hired actors guessed the correct Cortese. e panelists on To Tell the Truth that evening were Polly Bergen (a native Tennessean), Kitty Carlisle, Chester Morris, and Peter Donald, all of whom were well-known performers on stage and screen. Eisenhower-era ingenue Polly Bergen was the only one who picked the real Jim Cortese.
During her question time, Bergen asked the real Jim Cortese (known that night as “Jim Cortese #2”) the name of the highway from Knoxville to Gatlinburg. Cortese said
“I had wondered how the vastness of the Grand Canyon and the power of Beethoven could compare. Now I know. They supplement each other.” — Jim Cortese
he didn’t know its name but knew that Gatlinburg was a resort town in the Smoky Mountains. at was enough to earn Bergen’s vote.
By tricking the other three panelists, the three Jim Corteses won $750 to split. The show was taped at 7:30. e three Jim Corteses watched the show at Miller’s restaurant, the Whiffenpoof, at 8:30.
The other Corteses all watched the program at Angelo’s home at 1870 Union Avenue in Memphis.
“We were over at my grandfather’s house, and we went to the music room. His harp was in there and a baby grand piano. And a TV set. We didn’t have one in our house. Everybody in the family was over there. Our friends all thought it was outrageous that our dad was on TV,” Ted said.
e following summer, Jim Cortese completed what he often described as his favorite stunt.
“I had wondered how the power of Beethoven and the vastness of the Grand Canyon would compare. Now I know. They supplement each other,” Cortese wrote in July 1960.
Jim Cortese decided to fill the vastness of the Grand Canyon with the sounds of Beethoven. He worked with a Memphis electrician named Glenn Allen to create a battery-op-
Presented by the Joe Orgill Family Fund for Exhibitions | Organized by Dixon Gallery and Gardens
erated sound system which could be carried and played deep in the recesses of the canyon. Cortese and a colleague from the Commercial Appeal carried the sound system down into the canyon on mules but struggled to get it working. ey ended up driving to a record store in Flagstaff, procuring a tape recording of Beethoven, and jerry-rigging a less elaborate sound system.
They traveled back down Bright Angel Trail on a mule named Elmer and started blasting Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Hikers could apparently hear the music over the roar of the nearby Colorado River.
“He was told that 15 miles away people could hear him, and they came to find out where the music was coming from,” Ted said.
For a time, Cortese’s adventures slowed down. He ran the Democrat-Argus newspaper
In a broader sense, Jim Cortese imparted that legacy to his large Memphis readership. He encouraged people to not only seek adventure but to be interested in the adventures of other people.
in Caruthersville, Missouri, for several years in the 1960s before returning full-time to e Commercial Appeal. Soon thereafter, Cortese’s sons developed their own wanderlust. After earning money on their own, the Cortese brothers gallivanted across Europe, climbing Mt. Vesuvius and eating pizza in the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
For his 60th birthday in 1977, Jim Cortese once again swam across the Mississippi, this time with three of his sons swimming alongside him for either the inbound or outbound trip.
He retired from the paper on his 62nd birthday: August 11, 1979.
“Daddy always said if you retire you better have something to do. Otherwise, you’ll sort of implode,” Ted said.
Jim and Anna hit the road in retirement, hitching up a truck and trailer and heading out on annual, multi-month fishing expeditions, typically to Alaska or Mexico.
“For the next 18 years like clockwork, they left Memphis around the first of May and headed north to Alaska, going over the gravel Alaska Highway, and circling back to Memphis around anksgiving,” his son Jim said.
ey headed to Mexico after Christmas and got back to town in mid-March. Cortese filed stories with e Commercial Appeal experiences while his wife painted the things they saw and the people they met. Year after year, they encountered many of the same people the locations they visited.
“Every so often I’d get a phone call [from his parents], ‘Hey come to the airport.’ I went to the airport and there’d be 50 pounds of filleted salmon and trout,” Ted said.
Cortese wrote several books in retirement, including his Halliburton biography.
In his seventies, he hiked the Appalachian Trail and canoed the entirety of the Mississippi River.
Jim’s health declined considerably after the death of his wife, Anna, in 1999. In his later years, he battled dementia and a range of physical ailments. He relocated to Knoxville for the last years of his life to live with his son Jim’s family.
Growing up, Mary Cortese (William James Cortese’s daughter) didn’t know that her grandfather had done all these incredible things. He died when she was 10 years old.
“I always took it that he didn’t want to leave Memphis. His roots in Memphis were deep. He cared a lot about the city,” Mary said.
“I don’t think I realized the scope of his legacy until much later,” she said. Her grandfather lived with her family for around three years. “What shines through to me is his jokey, jovial side,” Mary said.
Mary’s father, Jim, would read to his four kids as well as his own father in the evening. Her grandfather often watched Westerns with her father and listened to classical music.
“It was hard to get him to talk much,” Jim said. His father’s lower back ached constantly. Finally, Cortese entered assisted living, where he received daily visits from family.
He died on September 20, 2006, in Knoxville at age 89.
“I think what we got from him was a sense of adventure and to pursue our own diverse interests — his own sense of adventure and willingness to go see what’s out there,” Mary said. Both of her brothers have hiked the Appalachian Trail. She and her sister travel the world on scuba diving adventures.
In a broader sense, Jim Cortese imparted that legacy to his large Memphis readership. He encouraged people to not only seek adventure but to be interested in the adventures that other people have experienced. And one evening in 1959, Jim Cortese was able “to tell the truth” and share his passions with the entire country on one of America’s most popular game shows.
At Home with JOHN GRISANTI
A visit with Memphis’ most colorful restaurateur.
BY MARY LOVELESS
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story originally appeared in our October 1985 issue. Considering how many times Grisanti’s restaurant was mentioned in our very first readers’ restaurant poll (see page 38), we thought readers would enjoy reading about “Big John” and the Grisanti family who made it all possible.
H e’s the Memphis version of Sir John Falstaff, and his restaurant is the Boar’s Head Tavern. His corner on the jocularity market has made “Big Jawn” Grisanti as popular a character here as Prince Hal’s corpulent companion was in fifteenth-century England. Grisanti is so jolly, in fact, that he posed for a drawing of Santa Claus for this magazine’s December 1979 issue. Can all this goodwill be real, or does the public merryman turn into a private grump when he closes his East Memphis doors?
“What you see is what you get,” says Grisanti. “At home or in public, I’m the same guy. I don’t think my personality has changed since the day I was born; I was always flamboyant and jovial — I don’t want to say full of bull, but I was that, too.”
His wife of 31 years, the former Dolores Debandi, nods her agreement. They speak with the comfort of a longtime married couple, finishing thoughts for each other, correcting this, adding that, in synch and obviously (corny, maybe, but true) in love.
J ohn is so well-known,” Dolores jokes, “that most people don’t even know I exist.” But exist she does, and while John rules the roost at Grisanti’s at 1481 Airways, Dolores seems to call the shots at Chez Grisanti. She has dominion over the household furnishings (with the exception of John’s Stratolounger chair), she landscaped the yard and the area around their new pool (“I shed tears over that pool,” she says, in mock despair
over how long the construction took), and, surprisingly, she won’t let John near her kitchen.
“If I cook at home,” he says, “it’s going to be outside, on the grill. There’s no way she’d let me cook in that little kitchen.”
One of the city’s best-known and most celebrated chefs not allowed to cook at home? “He’s just sloppy, messy,” says Dolores. “When he’s in the kitchen at the restaurant, he’s got the help cleaning up.” The Grisanti kitchen is pristine — not a spatula out of place. “She will allow me to fix my breakfast — a bowl of cereal and a glass of milk,” says John with a characteristic twinkle. (He twinkles a lot.)
Who is this John Grisanti? Born October 25, 1928, and educated
John and Delores Grisanti at home in 1985.
John explains that decanting is crucial to enjoying wine; without decanting, the sediment can ruin the taste.
at Christian Brothers High School (“I’m not a college graduate”), he dabbles in collecting things — stamps, coins, guns, Boehm porcelains, rare Scotch whiskies, large silver wine chalices. Here is a man who admires Vince Lombardi, President Ronald Reagan, Lee Iacocca, and Fred Smith, and who considers his 31 years of marriage his biggest accomplishment. (“I always said, if I ever find the right girl, I’m going to have a successful marriage.”)
He’s a man whose girth is legendary, and whose success (losing 110 pounds on Weight Watchers) and failure (gaining it all back) at controlling his weight have been well-chronicled in the local press. He is, as it turns out, a really and truly, no kidding, genuinely nice guy.
Grisanti began his love affair with wine while he was working in his father’s restaurant, Willie’s Grill, down on Main Street in the mid-Fifties.
J ohn Grisanti loves life, and puts a great deal of stock in being that “nice guy.” He’s raised over $90,000 for St. Jude (through wine-tasting dinners at which guests consumed record-breakingly expensive Chateau Lafite wines Grisanti bought at auction, and he’s the founder of UNICO, an Italian-American service organization. And while most public figures assume that some animosity from a few people goes with the territory, Gristanti honestly wants to be liked by everyone.
“It bothers me sometimes,” he begins, “if I find out something that someone might not like about me. Everybody has somebody who doesn’t like ’em, I don’t care who he is. But that really bothers me. Not everyone likes me, and I know that. I try not to let that happen, but it’s inevitable; it’s going to happen.”
For all his public popularity, however, John Grisanti hasn’t collected scads of friends like he has bottles of wine. Dolores explains: “The hours that John has had to put in over the year to develop an outside social life, and what little time he did have we spent together or spent with family. We know a lot of people, but we just don’t have a group of close friends.”
In true Italian style, the Grisantis are a family family. Their children — John Jr., Dolores (nicknamed “Dodo” who, with her husband, Peter Katsotis, runs Grisanti’s East), and David (who lives at home, says his dad, because he has determined that the rent is a lot cheaper here) — are all in the family business, which makes Papa awfully proud. “Of all the family happiness, that makes us happier than anything, that they’re carrying on the tradition.”
Weekends and free time are spent with family — cooking out,
using the pool, eating out. Eating out? Where do the Grisantis go when they eat out? “I knew that question was coming,” says John, who names Chez Philippe, Dux, Monte’s, Bill and Jim’s, and Coletta’s among his favorites. But Dolores tells where you’ll find him most: With grandchildren (two-year-old George and three-month-old John), daughter Dolores’ children, we have found that Piccadilly is the best. You get in quickly and we can put George in a high chair and get his food quickly.”
“If we take him to a restaurant to eat,” says John, “he’ll drive you nuts before the food gets there, so a cafeteria’s the best.”
With the children on hand to hold down the business fort, the Grisantis are traveling more lately, sometimes for pleasure, sometimes for business. (John is called to judge a large number of wine contests these days.) Their itineraries have included Hawaii, the Bahamas, Mexico, London, and Paris. Dolores’ favorites were Washington, D.C., and her tour of the White House, and a tour of the Grand Canyon in a small plane. “When we went over the rim and dipped down into there,” she says, “it brought tears to my eyes; it’s that magnificent.”
For John, visiting his father’s hometown near Lucca, Italy, was a high point; a prized possession is a painting of the house in which his dad grew up. Another opportunity the Grisantis had, that the rest of us mere mortals can only dream about, came during a tour of the wine country of France. They stayed at Chateau-Lafite one night — home of the most famous, and maybe the best wines in the world — and were treated to a banquet which included rare wines, along with a tour of the chateau’s wine cellars.
Memphians at all familiar with John Grisanti know how thrilling that trip must have been for him — he’s probably the city’s best-known oenophile. While the rest of us are happy sipping Gallo, he’s busy storing away old French or new California vintages in his private wine cellar. You get to his subterranean treasure cave via a narrow wrought-iron spiral staircase that’s decorated with wrought-iron grape clusters. The staircase walls are peppered with wine posters, labels, and pictures; at the bottom is a beautiful, not-too-big, not-too-small room, lined entirely with shelves of wine bottles. The temperature, kept at a constant 59 degrees, and the humidity, always 50 percent, are regulated by separate controls.
“I have a rule in my cellar,” he says, “that anyone who comes to visit for the first time gets to take home a bottle of wine.”
Grisanti began his love affair with wine while he was working in his father’s restaurant, Willie’s Grill, down on Main Street in the mid-Fifties. There was a liquor store in front, and Grisanti says, “I thought it would be a good idea to sell some wines from the liquor store to the restaurant customers.” Little by little, Grisanti educated his palate, where he is now an acknowledged expert. “I got a chunk of change down here,” he declares, gesturing to the full shelves and standing crates. Then he laughs about not knowing where everything is. “I started cataloging all the wines one day, and then we opened a bottle of wine, and that ended the cataloging.”
He loves to show off the cellar, and tells of his favorite kind of entertaining — bringing folks home with him after the restaurant closes to sample the fruits of his cellar. “I’ll call Dolores,” he says, “and tell her not to wait up, and we’ll come in about 11:30 and we’ll go down into the cellar and raise holy hell down there, and she won’t hear a word we say.” He stops the jokes long enough to explain about judging wines by their clarity, bouquet and aroma, taste, and aftertaste, and speaks seriously of letting wine “roll down the side of your tongue.”
The visit nears an end. His joviality returns, and he makes a final friendly gesture. “I have a rule in my cellar,” he says, “that anyone who comes to visit for the first time gets to take home a bottle of wine.” That’s not surprising, coming from a man who’s made his living and fame by being a gracious host.
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HONORING THE VERY BEST IN LOCAL TECHNOLOGICAL
ACHIEVEMENT.
With the Mid-South taking an increasingly significant role in technology, it’s important to identify who the movers and shakers are in the region who are leading the way. is year’s recipients of the 2026
MEMTECH honors are among those making a mark in how local organizations look to the future, not only for themselves but as part of the global expansion of technology. Meet these eight visionaries, who will receive their awards on FEBRUARY 21, 2026 , at the FEDEX EVENT CENTER at SHELBY FARMS PARK . For more information go to MEM TECHAWARDS.COM
Cyber Security Leader of the Year
DAVID ULLOA, PH.D.
CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER, IMC COMPANIES
WHAT CHANGES DO YOU ANTICIPATE IN YOUR SECTOR IN THE NEXT YEAR AND HOW SHOULD THE INDUSTRY REACT TO THEM?
I anticipate continued budget constraints across the market, driven largely by global economic pressures. is environment will push leadership teams to operate leaner while still increasing productivity. As organizations adapt, AI will become a central part of that transformation — not as a buzzword, but as a practical tool woven into everyday workflows.
From a cybersecurity perspective, we’re already seeing AI reshape the landscape on both sides. Malicious actors are leveraging these technologies to scale attacks faster and with more sophistication. e industry can’t afford to fall behind. We need to adopt AI where it genuinely adds value, while also doubling down on human expertise. Tools can enhance our capabilities, but they can’t replace the critical thinking, intuition, and judgment of well-trained teams.
I believe 2026 will mark a turning point — a year where the integration between the workforce and AI becomes so seamless that, in a sense, we operate like “cyborgs.” e organizations that thrive will be the ones that embrace this evolution thoughtfully, balancing innovation with continuous investment in people.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT?
My most significant achievement has been building meaningful work from the ground up — not just the final outcome, but the resilience, learning, and leadership it demanded along the way. at’s been true both in my role as a CISO and in my service as a
lay pastor. In both spaces, I’ve had the privilege of shaping something that didn’t exist before, guiding people through challenges, and creating environments where others can grow. e impact isn’t just professional or spiritual — it’s deeply personal, because it reflects who I strive to be in every part of my life.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
is is always a challenging question because I’ve been inspired by many people throughout my life. Beyond my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the person who has influenced me most is the Apostle Paul. His life embodies resilience, conviction, and purpose. He was incredibly well-prepared, intellectually sharp, and unwavering in his mission. What inspires me most is the way he honored God through service — investing in communities, mentoring others, and boldly testifying to what he believed. His example pushes me to lead with integrity, courage, and a heart for others.
Technology Entrepreneur of the Year SYLVESTER TATE
PRESIDENT AND CEO, TATE COMPUTER SYSTEMS, INC.
WHAT CHANGES DO YOU ANTICIPATE IN YOUR SECTOR IN THE NEXT YEAR AND HOW SHOULD THE INDUSTRY REACT TO THEM?
Looking ahead to the coming year, I anticipate several important changes in my sector. e most prominent is the continued integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation, into everyday operations. ese innovations are expected to streamline processes, enhance data analysis, and improve overall efficiency.
To respond effectively, the industry should invest in workforce up-skilling and re-skilling to ensure employees are prepared to work alongside new technologies. Companies should also prioritize adaptability, fostering a culture that embraces change and continuous improvement. Proactively engaging with new regulations and sustainability initiatives will be crucial to maintaining competitiveness and building trust with stakeholders.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT?
My most significant achievement has been leading a cross-functional team to successfully implement a major digital transformation project. is initiative not only improved operational efficiency but also
enhanced the customer experience, resulting in measurable growth and increased satisfaction. e project required strategic vision, collaboration, and resilience in the face of challenges, making this successful completion especially rewarding.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I’m inspired by individuals who demonstrate unwavering commitment to innovation and positive change. Leaders like Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft) and organizations that drive technological advancements motivate me to pursue excellence and continuous learning. Additionally, my colleagues’ passion and creativity are a daily source of inspiration, reminding me of the power of collaboration and shared purpose.
Chief Information Officer / Information
Technology Leader - Public Sector
AMMAR AMMAR
ASSISTANT VICE CHANCELLOR AND CHIEF TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICER,
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
WHAT CHANGES DO YOU ANTICIPATE IN YOUR SECTOR IN THE NEXT YEAR AND HOW SHOULD THE INDUSTRY REACT TO THEM?
e biggest thing in the tech sector is the AI revolution. It will change how all business is done in every vertical. Right now, we are seeing it implemented in research, learning, and other places such as human-to-human communication. is will not slow down as creative minds continue to explore new use cases and models become better.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT?
I’ve been really proud of building and rebuilding teams to help move the University’s tech needs to meet its strategic goals. As the needs change, we need to either step up our talent or find outside strategic partnerships to help get us to our end goals.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I take a lot of my daily inspiration from our mission. UT Health Science Center does a lot of great work in rural health to people who have not had a medical appointment in a while. We provide dental health to people in need. We have a lot of great programs that help people in Memphis and across the state. It shows that the work we do is impactful and changes lives for the better. I am truly happy to be a part of it.
Technology Educator of the Year BRODRICK STIGALL
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF TEACHING, DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
I wasn’t born here, but Memphis is my home. A graduate of Memphis City Schools, I headed to the University of Tennessee, where I initially avoided computer science. I didn’t want to follow in the footsteps and shadow of my older sister, Calandra, so I majored in psychology. However, many side ventures into building video games and websites during my first year pulled me into computer science. Various internships at AutoZone and BMW further entrenched me in the world of technology, and my affiliation with Memphis Challenge encouraged me to come home after graduation. I have had the privilege of working for International Paper and later returned to AutoZone.
My graduate studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology opened my eyes to the human-centered side of computing, and I saw a focus on people where psychology meets technology. I had no intention of being a professor at the time, but the potential to have a seat at the table where I saw no one who looked like me was a calling more than a decision. For my Ph.D., I wanted to study HumanComputer Interaction, but found no programs near Memphis. I moved to South Carolina and studied Human-Centered Computing at Clemson University. After my first year, I was one of ten recipients of the inaugural Graduate
International Research Experience funded by the National Science Foundation. I spent the latter half of 2019 at the University of Melbourne and published my first paper at the Australian Conference on Human-Computer Interaction. I added the Engineering Science Education Certificate to my studies at Clemson upon my
return. is certificate’s goal was to give researchers skills in pedagogy and educational research. I loved teaching as a TA and wanted to ensure that I had the proper skills to be a great professor if I ever got the opportunity. Family circumstances brought me back home to Memphis,
where I joined the University of Memphis as a teaching professor. Being home has given me the opportunity to work in my community and tailor my research and teaching focus to the issues I know personally. I see myself in my students and try to relate the real world to what I’m teaching in the lecture hall. To this end, my research and teaching are aligned: I want to prepare the next generation of computer scientists. I leverage my experience and connections, having worked at two of the Fortune 500 companies in Memphis, to inform my students of how they can succeed. It may seem counterintuitive, but I believe the future of tech is about people more than ever before. AI has changed the landscape of education and business, and the successful graduate and the successful business are aligned in their need to leverage this new technology to augment creativity and productivity. e future will not be about how technical you are, but about how good the technologist is at using tech, whatever tech may be, to solve problems.
WHAT CHANGES DO YOU ANTICIPATE IN YOUR SECTOR IN THE NEXT YEAR AND HOW SHOULD THE INDUSTRY REACT TO THEM?
Many technologies are moving at such a fast pace now and our federal innovation system is also being dramatically transformed at the same time. e institutions, companies, and cities that can adapt and change quickly will win and succeed. In my role leading the research and innovation enterprise of the city’s major comprehensive research university, I must think strategically about the university’s role in helping our region come out as a winner. Times of change are opportunities. As a community, we must come out of this as a stronger technology city as technology is the primary driver of economic growth and social development in the future.
communITY LEADER JASBIR DHALIWAL, PH.D.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FEDEX
INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
WHAT’S YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT?
Helping the University of Memphis become a top-tier Carnegie R1 research university with a strong technology and innovation culture. We have kept
the city relevant and a national player for all the major technological advances of the last decade — be it blockchains, data science, drones, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, regenerative agriculture, sustainability, quantum computing, and many others.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Our research faculty and research students, who I serve, inspire me daily. eir innovative ideas, passion for our community, and entrepreneurial spirit are truly stunning. Not a single day passes where I go home not having learned so much. I am blessed to be learning from them continuously.
WHAT CHANGES DO YOU ANTICIPATE IN YOUR SECTOR IN THE NEXT YEAR AND HOW SHOULD THE INDUSTRY REACT TO THEM?
Over the next year, the most significant shift in my sector will be the acceleration of AI becoming embedded in everyday work, learning, and decision-making. We are moving quickly from “AI as a tool” to “AI as infrastructure.” at creates both tremendous opportunity and real risk. e industry must react by prioritizing access, literacy, and responsibility at the same time. Access, so that communities that have historically been left out of technology revolutions are not again positioned only as consumers rather than creators. Literacy, so that people understand not just how to use AI tools, but how they work, where bias can show up, and how to apply them ethically. And responsibility, so organizations do not move faster than their values, particularly when technology impacts jobs, education, and human rights.
At CodeCrew, we believe the future of tech is not just about innovation, but about who innovation is for. e industry should be investing deeply in workforce pathways, K–12 education, and community-based organizations that can translate rapidly changing technology into real economic opportunity.
trailblazer
MEKA EGWUEKWE
CEO, CODECREW
WHAT’S YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT?
Beyond establishing my family, my most significant achievement is co-founding CodeCrew and helping grow it into a trusted institution that has served thousands of students across Memphis and beyond. What began as a small effort to expose
young people to computer science has become a multi-generational pipeline for talent, confidence, and opportunity.
I’m especially proud that CodeCrew has stayed rooted in community while expanding its impact. We work with K–12 students, adults changing careers, educators, employers, and public-sector leaders, all with the goal of making
technology a tool for economic mobility and civic good. Seeing our alumni build careers, start companies, and come back to mentor the next generation is the most meaningful measure of success I can imagine.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I am inspired by people who build pathways where none previously existed. at includes educators, organizers, and entrepreneurs who quietly do the hard work of opening doors for others.
I’m also deeply inspired by our students. Many of them are navigating economic uncertainty, systemic barriers, and rapid technological change, yet they show up with curiosity, resilience, and ambition. Watching them claim space and demonstrate agency in an industry that was not designed with them in mind continually reminds me why this work matters.
Finally, Memphis itself inspires me. is city has always been a place of creativity, struggle, and reinvention. It continues to beat to its own drum and show the world what’s possible. Being part of shaping its future as a technology and innovation hub rooted in equity and agency is both a responsibility and an honor.
Crisis Leadership RICK
BROWN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, VARSITY SPIRIT
Varsity Spirit operates at the intersection of technology, manufacturing, and live events. I anticipate the next year will bring meaningful acceleration in three areas: intelligent automation, customer experience personalization, and operational resilience. In made-to-order apparel and event production, speed and accuracy are just as critical as creativity and quality. Advances in AI, workflow automation, and data integration will continue to shorten delivery cycles while improving margin control. At the same time, customers — schools, colleges, professional teams, and individual participants — will expect increasingly seamless digital experiences, whether they are ordering custom uniforms, registering for and attending events, or shopping onsite or online.
e industry’s response should be proactive rather than reactive. Organizations must invest not only in modern platforms but also in the connective tissue between systems — ensuring data flows cleanly from e-commerce to manufacturing to fulfillment to event operations. Equally important is preparing teams for change through strong governance, clear communication, and a willingness to rethink long-standing processes. Technology alone does not create advantage; disciplined execution and adoption do.
When I reflect on my most significant achievements,
large-scale systems and strategic application delivery certainly stand out. However, what I value most is building and leading high-performing technology teams. Assembling teams that are aligned around a shared mission, committed to best practices, and confident in using modern technologies to solve real problems has consistently delivered the greatest impact.
Strong teams outlast individual projects. ey adapt, innovate, and continue to raise the bar long after a system goes live. Creating environments where people are empowered, accountable, and motivated to “get the job done the right way” is an accomplishment I carry with pride. I am inspired by leaders who combine innovation with empathy — those who challenge
convention while maintaining a positive, constructive approach to leading people. e leaders I admire most are decisive but collaborative, technically curious but grounded in business realities. ey understand that sustainable success comes from developing people as intentionally as products or platforms. Personally, I am driven by leading teams that build and implement technology with a visible, positive impact on the organization. ere is something uniquely motivating about seeing a solution move from concept to execution and then watching it simplify work, improve customer experiences, or unlock new growth opportunities. Whether it’s enabling faster custom apparel production, improving event and onsite retail operations, or delivering integrated ecommerce experiences, the ultimate measure of success is how technology helps people — employees and customers alike — do more, better, and with greater confidence and efficiency. As technology continues to evolve, my focus remains the same: Align innovation with purpose, invest in people, and deliver solutions that meaningfully move the organization forward.
Chief information officer/Information technology Leader - Private Sector KAPIL BAJAJ
CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, BAPTIST HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY
WHAT CHANGES DO YOU ANTICIPATE IN YOUR SECTOR IN THE NEXT YEAR AND HOW SHOULD THE INDUSTRY REACT TO THEM?
Over the next year, higher education — particularly in health sciences — will experience accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and cloud-based infrastructure. ese shifts will fundamentally change how institutions support student success, manage operations, and deliver instruction. AI will move beyond experimentation into practical-use cases such as early-alert systems for at-risk students, personalized learning pathways, and predictive analytics for enrollment and retention. At the same time, cybersecurity, data privacy, and regulatory compliance will become even more critical as institutions rely more heavily on integrated digital ecosystems.
e industry must respond by being both intentional and collaborative. Rather than adopting technology for its own sake, institutions should align innovation with clear outcomes — student achievement, workforce readiness, and operational resilience. Investment in digital literacy for faculty and staff will be just as important as investment in platforms. Additionally, partnerships with healthcare systems, peer institutions, and industry leaders will be essential to share best practices, manage costs, and ensure technologies are implemented responsibly.
ose who approach this period with strategic focus and a willingness to adapt will be best positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven environment.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT?
My most significant achievement has been guiding the evolution of an existing technology team
into a forward-looking organization ready for the future of higher education. Rather than focusing on disruption for its own sake, the work centered on trust, clarity, and shared purpose — aligning people’s strengths with the university’s changing priorities. By approaching change with transparency and intention, we created a culture that embraces innovation while honoring institutional
knowledge. at foundation has enabled the team to partner more deeply with faculty and leadership, anticipate needs, and deliver lasting impact for students and the broader campus community. Vision becomes reality when people are aligned around purpose and empowered to grow into what’s next.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I’m inspired by people who lead with purpose — those who see change not as a disruption, but as an opportunity to make things better for others. In my work, that inspiration often comes from students striving to build their futures, educators committed to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals, and teams who quietly do the hard work that keeps institutions moving forward. I’m also inspired by leaders who listen first, act with integrity, and are willing to rethink long-standing assumptions in service of a bigger vision. Being surrounded by people who care deeply about impact and outcomes pushes me to lead with intention and to keep looking ahead.
Docking at The Cove
Michael Kuntzman II serves up a mean “Midnight Manhattan.”
BY CHRIS MCCOY
Slip into the front door of the greentiled, glass-bricked storefront on Broad Avenue and suddenly, you’re on a pirate ship. e bar at e Cove is decked with masts, a flirty female figurehead, and paintings of eye-patched pirates. e jukebox is filled, not with sea shanties, but with Memphis classics, and the bands who play in the small performance space have a decidedly more modern bent.
e eccentric decor once resided in Anderton’s, explains Michael Kuntzman II, as he cuts fruit behind the bar. e seafood restaurant on Madison was a Midtown landmark. When it closed and the building was torn down, Cove owner Mary Tanner rescued the nautical trimmings.
Kuntzman is a native Memphian who spent much of his childhood in North Mississippi. He got his first taste of the restaurant industry at Bonne Terre in Nesbit, Mississippi. When he applied, “I said I had more experience and was better than I was, so they made me a server. I had to figure it out really quick,” he says, adding, “I’ve been hired and fired at a lot of nice restaurants.”
After a brief stint in the kitchen at South of Beale, Kuntzman heard about the opening at e
Cove. “I started out making pizzas and doing oysters, and now Mary lets me run the whole place, pretty much. I’ve taken to bartending like a duck to water.
ere’s something about it. My dad was a mechanic. Watching him tinker with stuff made me really good at tinkering, only with liquids and food. I love every aspect of it. Our demographic is more between 30 and 50 instead of the 21 to 35 that you get at some of the younger spots. And that allows me to be more relaxed.”
On a recent afternoon, Tanner walks into the bar to see how preparations for the night are going. Trailing her are two dogs, Zana and Dixie. Kuntzman has the bar looking ship-shape.
“He’s my work son,” she says.
“Yeah, because it takes a lot of work on her part,” Kuntzman
recipes for a similar drink — bourbon, vermouth, and bitters, topped with a cherry — was a mixture called the “Tennessee Cocktail.”
Kuntzman mixes me a variation on the classic cocktail he calls the “Midnight Manhattan,” featuring Sazerac Rye, antique vermouth, Angostura bitters, and a bit of amaro (an herbal liqueur that adds smoothness and depth).
“It’s the Manhattan, the Sazerac, some of those old Prohibition-era classics … The stuff that’s been around for 70 to 100 years — it’s been battle-hardened. Those are my favorite drinks.” — Michael Kuntzman II
laughs. “People don’t understand how much she does for this area. When Mary bought this place, it was just Broadway Pizza and us,” says Kuntzman. “And now this whole street’s developing.”
e Cove was on the first wave of the craft cocktail movement in Memphis. Kuntzman says he learned mixology behind the ship bar. “I had good teachers,” he says, citing local influences like David Parks, Jeff Hicks, and others.
Befitting the vintage vibe of e Cove, Kuntzman says his taste in cocktails tends toward the classics. “It’s the Manhattan, the Sazerac, some of those old Prohibition-era classics,” he says. “I have my own versions, but I made sure to learn those. e stuff that’s been around for 70 to 100 years — it’s been battle-hardened. ose are my favorite drinks.”
Legend has it that the Manhattan was invented around 1870 at the Manhattan Club, a New York social club founded by the son of Martin Van Buren. Incidentally, one of the earliest
He finishes the drink with a lemon twist instead of the more conventional cherry — and stirs the cocktail instead of shaking. “When you’re making a stirred drink, you might want to take your time — 30 seconds, even a minute. You want to dilute it, so you don’t want to rush this step.” When he’s not helming e Cove, Kuntzman can be found behind the wheels of steel. “My biggest hobby is DJing house and techno music,” he says. He is a frequent collaborator with Larry Heard, aka Mr. Fingers, the legendary electronic musician whose 1986 single “Can You Feel It” is considered a landmark in American electronic music.
“I work for his label, but I’m kind of getting out of the party and the DJ aspect of it, to just produce and work on records,” he says. “It’s fun, but I’m almost 40. I just want to run this bar and be married.”
Last year, Kuntzman took care of the married part when he got hitched to longtime girlfriend Caitlin Robinson. When they honeymooned in Japan, “I’d see 70and 80-year-old people, running a little food spot, their yakitori, their sushi bars, and I’m thinking to myself, it takes dedication to do that forever. I want to be like those people I saw in Japan and be the old guy still working at the same bar. I want this to be the first place I ever bartend, and the last.”
Opened in the Crosstown Concourse in 2025 as a vibrant, family-owned Vietnamese eatery led by a mother-daughter duo. Rooted in tradition yet boldly modern, Bao Toan serves up soulful dishes like 10-hour pork belly, signature pho with Wagyu beef, and crispy pho noodle pillows. Guests can enjoy house cocktails inspired by Vietnamese ingredients and a curated beer and wine list. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, and the menu features bold flavors perfect for happy hour, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Dine-in, patio seating, and takeout are all available.
Old-fashioned pizza house with a lovely comfortable atmosphere where the staff has you feeling like you are in their pizza home. Delicious hot pizzas overflowing with toppings of your choice. Appetizers, salads, spaghetti, catfish, cheeseburgers, Philly cheese steaks, Broadway whole wings, daily plate lunch specials, and more. Located in Memphis’ Broad St. Arts District and look out, Memphis ... NOW a second location at 629 South Mendenhall at Poplar. Legendary Pizza since 1977. Call-in orders are welcomed!
Folk’s Folly
551 S. Mendenhall • 901.762.8200 • folksfolly.com
Founded in 1977, Folk’s Folly remains rare 49 years later as Memphis’ Original Prime Steak House. Folk’s Folly pairs fine dining and relaxed Southern hospitality in a comfortable atmosphere suited for any style of gathering. From prime cuts and fine wines to famous fried pickles in the lively Cellar Lounge, your preference is our pleasure. Experience the true Memphis tradition and its next-door prime cut shoppe Humphrey’s, which offers overnight shipping of Folk’s Folly favorites nationwide.
Mulan Asian Bistro mulaneast.com
Mulan Asian Bistro has proudly been named Memphis’ No. 1 Chinese Restaurant for over 13 years. Since 2004, we’ve been serving the greater Memphis area with authentic Chinese cuisine, fresh Japanese sushi, and inspired Asian fusion dishes. Our East location now features a newly opened Bubble Tea Bar, a full bar, and happy hour specials — creating an inviting setting for both casual evenings and special occasions. Let us cater your weddings, family gatherings, and anniversaries, or host your birthdays, work events, and graduation parties in our private party room. Takeout & Delivery Available. Order online today at mulaneast.com
Huey’s hueyburger.com
Huey’s is a Memphis institution with a history spanning over five decades. This local chain features crowd-favorite burgers, hand-made appetizers, specialty sandwiches, salads, and is also known for its many unique traditions: every location boasts frame and art covered walls commemorating the restaurant’s long history in Memphis, live local bands every Sunday, a full bar, and friendly graffiti left by customers over the years. It’s a fun, quirky establishment full of character and beloved by old and new generations alike.
Located in Germantown, TN, Sufi’s offers a unique dining experience featuring authentic Mediterranean and Persian cuisine. With a menu full of bold flavors and fresh ingredients, Sufi’s brings the rich culinary traditions of the region to life. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and soak in the ambiance on the beautiful patio. Don’t miss the live belly dance shows every Friday and Saturday at 6:30 and 7:30 PM. Table-Side Magic once a month. Hosting a special occasion? Sufi’s private party room is perfect for celebrations. Discover a place where flavor, entertainment, and hospitality come together.
MCOCOZZA AMERICAN ITALIAN—”The red sauce joint of your dreams” serves up classic Italian-American fare from the owners of Majestic Grille. Closed Sun. 110 Harbor Town Sq., 609-1111. D, $-$$
COZY CORNER—Serving up ribs, pork sandwiches, chicken, spaghetti, and more; also homemade banana pudding. Closed Mon. 735 N. Parkway, 527-9158. L, D, $
CURFEW—An elevated sports bar/American tavern concept by Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani at the Canopy Memphis Downtown hotel. 164 Union, 467-0308. B, L, D, $-$$
ESCO RESTAURANT AND TAPAS—Shareable dishes, turkey ribs, and seafood mac’n’cheese at this 2 Chainz franchise. 156 Lt. George W. Lee, 808-3726. L, D, $$-$$$
FELICIA SUZANNE’S—Elevated down-home farmhouse food, using locally sourced ingredients, served in an atmoshere of classic Southern charm. 383 S. Main, 623-7883. L, D, $$$-$$$$.
FERRARO’S CHEESY CORNER & PIZZERIA—Plenty of pizzas, along with a whole new cheese-inspired menu (fancy grilled cheeses and build-your-own mac and cheese bowls). 111 Jackson, 522-2033. L, D, $
FISHBOWL AT THE PYRAMID—Burgers, fish dishes, sandwiches, and more served in a unique “underwater” setting. Bass Pro, 1 Bass Pro Drive, 291-8000. B, L, D, $-$$
FLAME RAMEN—Traditional Japanese ramen restaurant serving up bowls of noodles. 61 S. Second, 441-6686. L, D, wheelchair accessible, $-$$
DOWNTOWN
ALDO’S PIZZA PIES—Serving gourmet pizzas — including Mr. T Rex — salads, and more. Also 30 beers, bottled or on tap. 100 S. Main, 577-7743; 752 S. Cooper, 725-7437. L, D, $-$$
AMELIA GENE’S—Globally inspired fine-dining cuisine at the One Beale project, including Rohan duck, Wagyu filet, and an extensive cheese cart. 255 S. Front, 730-7650. D, $$-$$$ THE ARCADE—Memphis’ oldest cafe. Specialties include sweet potato pancakes, a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, and breakfast served all day. 540 S. Main, 526-5757. B, L, MRA, $ ARNOLD’S SMOKEHOUSE—A classic smokehouse with vegan and nonvegan options seasoned to perfection. Closed Mon. 2019 E. Person, 922-5950. L, D, SB, $-$$$ AUTOMATIC SLIM’S—Longtime downtown favorite specializes in contemporary American cuisine emphasizing local ingredients; also extensive martini list. 83 S. Second, 525-7948. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$
BARDOG TAVERN—Classic American grill with Italian influence, Bardog offers pasta specialties such as Grandma’s NJ Meatballs, as well as salads, sliders, sandwiches, and daily specials. 73 Monroe, 275-8752. B (Mon.-Fri.), L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$
BELLE TAVERN—Serving elevated bar food, including a butcher board with a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as daily specials. 117 Barboro Alley, 249-6580. L (Sun.), D, MRA, $ BEN YAY’S GUMBO SHOP—Spiritual successor to DejaVu, offering fresh and authentic Creole staples. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111, 779-4125. L, D, $-$$
BISCUITS & JAMS—Offering sweet and savory brunch with a Cajun flare. Specialties include smoked sausage or spicy fried chicken on biscuits, lemon blueberry waffles, and rum custard French toast. No walk-ins on weekends. 24 N. B.B. King Blvd., 672-7905. B, L, WB, $-$$
BRASS DOOR IRISH PUB—Irish and New-American cuisine includes such entrees as fish and chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie, all-day Irish breakfast, and more. 152 Madison, 572-1813. L, D, SB, $-$$ BY THE BREWERY—Breakfast and lunch café, with a focus on Southern-style biscuits, salads, and soups. 496 Tennessee, 310-4341. B, L, $
CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE—Offers prime steaks, fresh seafood (lobster tails, grouper, mahi mahi), pasta, and several Northern Italian specialties. 149 Union, The Peabody, 529-4199. B, L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$$$
CAROLINA WATERSHED—This indoor/outdoor eatery, set around silos, features reimagined down-home classics, including fried green tomatoes with smoked catfish, a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, burgers, and more. Closed Mon.-Thurs. 141 E. Carolina, 321-5553. L, D, WB, $-$$
CATHERINE & MARY’S—A variety of pastas, grilled quail, pâté, razor clams, and monkfish are among the dishes served at this Italian restaurant in the Chisca. 272 S. Main, 254-8600. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
CHEZ PHILIPPE—Classical/contemporary French cuisine with Asian and Nordic influences, presented in a luxurious atmosphere with seasonal tasting menus from chef Keith Clinton. Afternoon tea served Thu.-Sun., noon-3:30 p.m. (reservations required). Closed Sun.-Tues. The Peabody, 149 Union, 529-4188. D, MRA, $$$$
CIMAS—It’s breakfast tacos, shrimp and grits, chilaquiles verdes, and plenty of other Southern and Latin-American twists at the Hyatt Centric. 33 Beale, 444-3232. B, L, D, $-$$$
emphis Magazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service to our readers. Broken down alphabetically by neighborhoods, this directory does not list every restaurant in town. It does, however, include the magazine’s “Top 50” choices of must-try restaurants in Memphis, a group that is updated yearly. Establishments open less than a year are not eligible for “Top 50” but are noted as “New.” is guide also includes a representative sampling of other Bluff City eating establishments. No fast-food facilities or cafeterias are listed. Restaurants are included regardless of whether they advertise in Memphis Magazine; those that operate in multiple locations are listed under the neighborhood of their original location. is guide is updated regularly, but we recommend that you call ahead to check on hours, prices, or other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome: dining@memphismagazine.com. We celebrate our city’s
FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR—Steaks and seafood, with such specialties as bison ribeye and Muscovy duck, all matched with appropriate wines. 39 S. Main, 521-8005. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
GARDEN BRUNCH CAFÉ—Fish and grits, steak and eggs, and other upscale takes on Southern brunch classics. 492 S. Main, 249-7450. B, L, $$
THE GENRE—Burgers, tenders, catfish, and plenty of vegan options made to order at this music-themed restaurant/lounge. 200 Poplar, Suite 105, 410-8169. B, L, D, $-$$
GOOD FORTUNE CO.—Authentic handcrafted noodles, ramen, and dumplings. 361 S. Main, 561-306-4711. L, D, $-$$
THE GOURMET GALLERY—A variety of elevated comfort dishes, like fried ribs and waffles, shrimp and grits, grilled salmon, and more. Closed Mon. 412 S. Main, 848-4691. L, D, $-$$$
GROOVY GRATITUDE—Offers a vibrant selection of cold-pressed juices, handcrafted smoothies, and healthy eats like paninis and acai bowls. Closed Sun. 605 N. Second, 417-8007. B, L, WB, $ GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN—Serves chicken with signature spicy batter, along with homemade beans, slaw, and pies. 310 S. Front, 527-4877; 3100 Forest Hill Irene (Germantown), 853-6005; 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 373-9111; 730 S. Mendenhall, 767-2323; 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN, 901-294-2028. L, D, MRA, $ HIVE BAGEL & DELI Bagels, bagels, and more bagels at this new downtown deli offering baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. Closed Mon./Tue. 276 S. Front, 509-2946. B, L, $ HU. ROOF—Rooftop cocktail bar serves toasts with a variety of toppings including beef tartare with cured egg, cognac, and capers or riced cauliflower with yellow curry, currants, and almonds. Also salads, fish tacos, and boiled peanut hummus. 79 Madison, 333-1229. D, $ HUSTLE & DOUGH BAKERY & CAFE—Flaky, baked breakfast goodness every day with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and more at Arrive Hotel. 477 S. Main, 701-7577. B, L, $
DINING SYMBOLS
B — breakfast
L — lunch
D — dinner
SB — Sunday brunch
WB — weekend brunch
MRA — member, Memphis Restaurant Association
$ — under $15 per person without drinks or desserts
$$ — under $25
$$$ — $26-$50
$$$$ — over $50
ITTA BENA—Southern and Cajun-American cuisine served here, located above B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale St.; specialties are duck and waffles and shrimp and grits, along with steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta. 145 Beale, 578-3031. D, MRA, $$-$$$
JEM DINING—Chef Josh Mutchnick offers a dining experience that’s memorable, refined, unpretentious, and welcoming with dishes from around the world. Closed Sun./Mon./Tue. 644 Madison, 2861635. D, $$-$$$
KING & UNION BAR GROCERY—Classic Southern favorites including catfish plate, pimento cheese, po-boys, chicken & waffles. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with cocktails served with flair and favorite Memphis beers. Locally made confections available in the grocery. 185 Union, 523-8500. B, L, D, $-$$
(This guide, compiled by our editors, includes editorial picks and advertisers.)
Cristina Carter, owner of Feast and Graze (middle) and Sierra Rhodes, owner of HighP Hour Wellness (right)
KOOKY CANUCK—Home of the four-pound Kookamonga Burger (no charge to anyone who can eat it in less than 60 minutes), plus other (smaller) burgers, sandwiches, wings, soups, and salads. 57 S. Second, 901-578-9800. L,D, MRA, $-$$
LITTLE BETTIE—New Haven-style pizzas and snacks from the Andrew-Michael team at Wiseacre’s Downtown location. 398 S. B.B. King Blvd, 334-9411. L, D, $-$$
THE LOBBYIST AT THE CHISCA—Chef Jimmy Gentry brings his farm-to-table ideas downtown, with seasonal, and sometimes weekly, new menus, and an emphasis on creative vegetable dishes. Closed Sun. 272 S. Main St., Suite 101, 249-2170. D, $$-$$$$
LOFLIN YARD—Beer garden and restaurant serves vegetarian fare and smoked-meat dishes, including beef brisket and pork tenderloin, cooked on a custom-made grill. Closed Mon.-Tues. 7 W. Carolina, 249-3046. L (Sat. and Sun.), D, MRA, $-$$
THE LOOKOUT AT THE PYRAMID—Serves seafood and Southern fare, including cornmeal-fried oysters, sweet tea brined chicken, and elk chops. 1 Bass Pro Dr, 620-4600/291-8200. L, D, $-$$$
LUNA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE—Serving a limited menu of breakfast and lunch items. Dinner entrees include citrus glaze salmon and Cajun stuffed chicken. 179 Madison (Hotel Napoleon), 526-0002. B, D (Mon.-Sat.), $-$$$
MACIEL’S—Entrees include tortas, fried taco plates, quesadillas, chorizo and pastor soft tacos, salads, and more. Closed Sun. 45 S. Main, 526-0037; 820 S. Cooper, 443-4356. MRA, $ MAHOGANY RIVER TERRACE—Upscale Southern restaurant offers such dishes as coffee-rubbed lamb chops and baked Cajun Cornish hen. Closed for dinner Sun. and all day Mon.-Tues. 280 Island Drive, 249-9774. L, D, SB, $-$$$
THE MAJESTIC GRILLE—Features aged steaks, fresh seafood, and such specialties as roasted chicken and grilled pork tenderloin; offers a pre-theater menu and classic cocktails. Well-stocked bar. 145 S. Main, 522-8555. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$
McEWEN’S—Southern/American cuisine with international flavors; specialties include steak and seafood, sweet potato-crusted catfish with macaroni and cheese, and more. Closed Sun., Monroe location. 120 Monroe, 527-7085; 1110 Van Buren (Oxford), 662-234-7003. L, D, SB (Oxford only), MRA, $$-$$$
MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE—The focus here is on steaks, including prime fillet, rib-eyes, and prime-aged New York strip; also, some seafood options. 88 Union, 527-5337; 5960 Getwell (Southaven), 662-8902467. D, SB, $$-$$$
MOLLIE FONTAINE LOUNGE—Specializes in tapas (small plates) featuring global cuisine. Closed Sun.-Tues. 679 Adams, 524-1886. D, MRA, $
MOMMA’S ROADHOUSE—This diner and dive at Highway 55 serves up smoked wings, burgers, and beer, among other solid bar-food options 855 Kentucky, 207-5111. L, D, MRA, $
PAULETTE’S—Presents fine dining with a Continental flair, including such entrees as filet Paulette with butter cream sauce and crabmeat and spinach crepes; also changing daily specials and great views. River Inn, 50 Harbor Town Square, 260-3300. B, L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$
RENDEZVOUS, CHARLES VERGOS’—Menu items include barbecued ribs, cheese plates, skillet shrimp, red beans and rice, and Greek salads. Closed Sun.-Mon. 52 S. Second, 523-2746. L (Fri.Sat.), D, $-$$
ROCK’N DOUGH—A blend of Italian and American foods like artisan pizza, salads, pasta, burgers, and house-brewed beers. 704 Madison, 587-6256. L, D, $-$$
SABOR CARIBE—Serving up “Caribbean flavors” with dishes from Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Closed Sunday. 662 Madison, 949-8100. L, D, $
SAGE—Restaurant and lounge features daily lunch specials and tapas with such dishes as braised short ribs, teriyaki pulled pork, and the Sage burger made with Angus beef, avocado mash, fried egg, and flash-fried sage. 94 S. Main, 672-7902. L, D, WB, $-$$
SILLY GOOSE LOUNGE—Gourmet, wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted cocktails at this downtown restaurant and lounge. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111, 435-6915. L, D, $
SOUTH MAIN SUSHI & GRILL—Serving sushi, nigiri, and more. 520 S. Main, 249-2194. L, D, $
SOB—Elevated gastropub that serves favorites like general Tso’s cauliflower or duck fried rice. 345 S. Main, 526-0388; 5040 Sanderlin (East Memphis), 818-0821; 1329 W. Poplar, 286-1360. L, D, WB, $-$$
SOUTH POINT GROCERY—Fresh and delicious sandwiches made to order at Downtown’s new grocery market. 136 Webster. B, L, D, $
SUGAR GRITS—Who said breakfast has to be in the morning? The Westmorelands offer grits and other breakfast goodness all day long, in addition to other Southern-style lunch and dinner options. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111, 249-5206. B, L, D, $-$$
SUNRISE MEMPHIS—Serves breakfast all day, including house-made biscuits, frittatas, kielbasa or boudin plates, and breakfast platters. 670 Jefferson, 552-3144; 5469 Poplar Ave. (East Memphis), 844-6117. B, L, MRA, $
TERRACE—Creative American and Continental cuisine includes such dishes as filet mignon, beef or lamb sliders, chicken satay, and mushroom pizzetta. Rooftop, River Inn of Harbor Town, 50 Harbor Town Square, 260-3366. D, MRA, $$
TEXAS DE BRAZIL—Serves beef, pork, lamb, and chicken dishes, and Brazilian sausage; also a salad bar with extensive toppings. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 103, 526-7600. L (Wed.-Fri.), D, WB, $$-$$$
TUG’S—Famous for New Orleans gumbo, fabulous burgers, fried thin catfish, and specialty pancakes. Now serving Grisanti Crafted Pizza. 51 Harbor Town Square, 260-3344. B, L, D, WB, $$-$$$
WAHLBURGERS WILD—Wahlburgers brings its classic menu, but with a few gamey twists at the Bass Pro Pyramid. 1 Bass Pro Drive, 291-8000. B, L, D, $-$$
WESTY’S—Extensive menu includes a variety of wild rice dishes, sandwiches, plate lunches, and hot fudge pie. 346 N. Main, 543-3278. L, D, $
WINGMAN—Downtown lounge and hookah bar offering wings galore with ten signature sauces, and plenty of other goodies. 143 Madison, 907-0586. D, WB, $-$$
MIDTOWN (INCLUDES THE MEDICAL CENTER)
ABNER’S FAMOUS CHICKEN—Fried chicken tenders and dipping sauces galore at this Mid-South staple. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 137, 425-2597; 1100 N. Germantown Pkwy., 754-5355 (Cordova). L, D, $-$$
ABYSSINIA RESTAURANT—Ethiopian/Mediterranean menu includes beef, chicken, lamb, fish entrees, and vegetarian dishes; also a lunch buffet. 2600 Poplar, 321-0082. L, D, $-$$
ART BAR—Inventive cocktails feature locally foraged ingredients; snacks include house-cured salt & vinegar potato chips and herb-roasted olives. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, 507-8030. D, $
ASHTAR GARDEN—Southern twists on classic brunch dishes, and plenty of cocktails. Closed Mon.-Wed. 898 S. Cooper, 4431514. L, D, $-$$
BABALU TACOS & TAPAS—Spanish-style tapas with Southern flair; also taco and enchilada of the day; specials change daily. 2115 Madison, 274-0100; 6450 Poplar, 410-8909. L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$
BAIN BARBECUE & BAKERY—Brian Bain’s popular Texas-style barbecue is back, alongside an assortment of baked goods. 993 S. Cooper, 310-4141. B, L, $-$$
BAO TOAN—Traditional Vietnamese restaurant offering small bites and home-style plates, plus creative versions of street-food favorites. 1350 Concourse Avenue. 695-1265. L, D, WB. Closed Tues. $-$$
BAR DKDC—Features an ever-changing menu of international “street food,” from Thai to Mexican, Israeli to Indian, along with specialty cocktails. 964 S. Cooper, 272-0830. D, MRA, $ BAR KEOUGH—It’s old-school eats and cocktails at the new Cooper-Young neighborhood corner bar by Kevin Keough. 247 S. Cooper, 654-3851. D, $
BAR-B-Q SHOP—Dishes up barbecued ribs, spaghetti, bologna, other classics. Closed Sun. 1782 Madison, 272-1277. L, D, MRA, $-$$
BARI RISTORANTE ENOTECA—Authentic Southeastern Italian cuisine (Puglia) emphasizes lighter entrees. Serves fresh fish and beef dishes and a homemade soup of the day. 524 S. Cooper, 722-2244. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
BARKSDALE RESTAURANT—Old-school diner serving breakfast and Southern plate lunches. 237 S. Cooper, 722-2193. B, L, D, $ BAYOU BAR & GRILL—New Orleans fare at this Overton Square eatery includes jambalaya, gumbo, catfish Acadian, shrimp dishes, red beans and rice, and muffalettas. 2094 Madison, 278-8626. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$
BEAUTY SHOP—Modern American cuisine with international flair served in a former beauty shop. Serves steaks, salads, pasta, and seafood, including pecan-crusted golden sea bass. Perennial “Best Brunch” winner. Closed for dinner Sunday. 966 S. Cooper, 272-7111. L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
BOSCOS—Tennessee’s first craft brewery serves a variety of freshly brewed beers as well as wood-fired oven pizzas, pasta, seafood, steaks, and sandwiches. 2120 Madison, 432-2222. L, D, SB (with live jazz), MRA, $-$$
BROADWAY PIZZA—Serving a variety of pizzas, including the Broadway Special, as well as sandwiches, salads, wings, and soul-food specials. 2581 Broad, 454-7930; 627 S. Mendenhall, 207-1546. L, D, $-$$
CAFE 1912—French/American bistro owned by culinary pioneer Glenn Hays serving such seafood entrees as seared sea scallops with charred cauliflower purée and chorizo cumin sauce; also crepes, salads, and onion soup gratinée. 243 S. Cooper, 722-2700. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
CAFE ECLECTIC—Omelets and chicken and waffles are among menu items, along with quesadillas, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. Menu varies by location. 603 N. McLean, 725-1718; 111 Harbor Town Square, 590-4645. B, L, D, SB, MRA, $
CAMEO—Three longtime Memphis bartenders join forces for creative cocktails, cheese boards, snacks, and Sunday brunch. 1835 Union, Suite 3. 305-6511. D, SB, $-$$
CELTIC CROSSING—Specializes in Irish and American pub fare. Entrees include shepherd’s pie, shrimp and sausage coddle, and fish and chips. 903 S. Cooper, 274-5151. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$
CENTRAL BBQ—Serves ribs, smoked hot wings, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, turkey, nachos, and portobello sandwiches. Offers both pork and beef barbecue. 2249 Central, 272-9377; 4375 Summer, 767-4672; 147 E. Butler, 672-7760 ; 6201 Poplar, 417-7962. L, D, MRA, $-$$
COMPLICATED PILGRIM—Quick-serve coffee shop, bar, and restaurant all in one at The Memphian hotel. 21 S. Cooper, 538-7309. B, L, D, $-$$
COOPER’S—“A charming experience for all ages,“ with po-boys, wraps, wings, fettucini. 959 S. Cooper, 343-0103. L, D, $-$$
THE COVE—Nautical-themed restaurant and bar serving oysters, pizzas, and more. The Stoner Pie, with tamales and fritos, is a popular dish. 2559 Broad, 730-0719. L, D, $
THE CRAZY NOODLE—Korean noodle dishes range from bibam beef noodle with cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, to curry chicken noodle; also rice cakes served in a flavorful sauce. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 2015 Madison, 272-0928. L, D, $
ECCO—Mediterranean-inspired specialties range from rib-eye steak to seared scallops to housemade pastas and a grilled vegetable plate; also a Saturday brunch. Closed Sun.-Mon. 1585 Overton Park, 410-8200. B, L, D, $-$$
EVERGREEN GRILL—Serving classic American cuisine like patty melts, burgers, phillies, and more to bring you the comforting taste of home. Closed Mon./Tue. 212 N. Evergreen, 779-7065. L, D, X,$$-$$$ FARM BURGER—Serves grass-fed, freshly ground, locally sourced burgers; also available with chicken, pork, or veggie quinoa patties, with such toppings as aged white cheddar, kale coleslaw, and roasted beets. 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 175, 800-1851. L, D, $
FAWN—Seasonal, tapas-style dishes (don’t miss the sourdough bread and butter) in a chic setting. Closed Mon. 937 S. Cooper, 310-4890. D, SB, $$
FEAST & GRAZE—Whipped goat toast, open-faced grilled cheese, and other local pantry snacks and charcuterie boards. Closed Sun./Mon. Inside Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar, 654-5926. L, $
FINO’S FROM THE HILL—Italian deli offers old favorites such as the Acquisto as well as a new breakfast menu. Germantown location paired with Happy Glaze Donuts. 1853 Madison, 272-FINO; 7781 Farmington (Germantown), B, L, D, $
FLAME RAMEN—Traditional Japanese ramen restaurant serving up bowls of noodles in Midtown. 1838 Union Ave. 779-8666, 61 S. Second St., Suite 160 (downtown). D, $-$$
FLIP SIDE—Pinball meets pub in the Crosstown neighborhood, with plenty of games alongside a Caribbean- and Latin-inspired menu. Closed Mon. 1349 Autumn, 207-6193. L, D, $-$$
FRIDA’S—Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex standards, including chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas; seafood includes shrimp and tilapia. 1718 Madison, 244-6196. L, D, $-$$
GLOBAL CAFÉ—This international food hall hosts three immigrant/refugee food entrepreneurs serving Venezuelan, Sudanese, and Syrian cuisines. Samosas, shawarma, and kabobs are among the menu items. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 157. L, D, MRA, $
GOLDEN INDIA—Northern Indian specialties include tandoori chicken as well as lamb, beef, shrimp, and vegetarian dishes. 2097 Madison, 728-5111. L, D, $-$$
GOOD GROCERIES MARKET & CAFÉ
—Providing fresh, healthy, cruelty-free meals, Good Groceries offers a classic American menu with a twist: instead of pork, they use duck for their BBQ. They also sell quesadillas, mac-and-cheese, sandwiches, and more. Closed Sun. 585 S. Cooper, 325-1269. B, L, D, $
GROWLERS—Sports bar and eatery serves standard bar fare in addition to pasta, tacos, chicken and waffles, and light options. 1911 Poplar, 244-7904. L, D, $-$$
GUAC FRESH MEX—Authentic Mexican cuisine and four types of guacamole. Closed Sun. 782 Washington, 587-4100. L, D, $
HATTIE B’S—Fried chicken spot features “hot chicken” with a variety of heat levels; from no heat to “shut the cluck up” sauce. Sides include greens, pimento mac-and-cheese, and black-eyed pea salad. 596 S. Cooper, 424-5900. L, D, $
HUEY’S—This family-friendly restaurant offers 13 different burgers, a variety of sandwiches, and delicious soups and salads. 1927 Madison, 726-4372; 1771 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 754-3885; 77 S. Second (downtown), 527-2700; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville), 8544455; 7090 Malco Blvd. (Southaven), 662-349-7097; 7825 Winchester, 624-8911; 4872 Poplar, 682-7729; 7677 Farmington Blvd. (Germantown), 318-3030; 8570 Highway 51 N. (Millington), 873-5025. L, D, MRA, $
IMAGINE VEGAN CAFE—Dishes at this fully vegan restaurant range from salads and sandwiches to full dinners, including eggplant parmesan and “beef” tips and rice; breakfast all day Sat. and Sun. 2158 Young, 654-3455. L, D, WB, $
INDIA PALACE—Tandoori chicken, lamb shish kabobs, and chicken tikka masala are among the entrees; also, vegetarian options and a daily all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. 1720 Poplar. 278-1199. L, D, $-$$
INSPIRE COMMUNITY CAFE—Serving breakfast all day, in addition to quesadillas, rice bowls, and more for lunch and dinner. 510 Tillman, Suite 110, 509-8640. B, L, D, $
JACK BROWN’S BEER AND BURGER JOINT—Another spot to satisfy your burger craving, this time with 100% American Wagyu beef. 2197 Central, 512-6957. L, D, $-$$$
THE JUICE JOINT—Locally owned purveyor of cold-pressed juices, smoothies, açai bowls, and snacks. 1350 Concourse Ave., 572-1127; 3139 Poplar Ave. (East Memphis), 207-2535. B, L, $-$$
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM—Serves such Southern cuisine as po’boys, shrimp and grits, and wood-fired pizzas. 2119 Madison, 2075097. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$
LOS COMALES—Authentic Mexican cuisine, daily specials, and strong margaritas. 1322 Madison, 440-8393; 345 Madison Ave. (downtown), 590-4524; 2860 S. Perkins (East Memphis), 369-0528. L, D, $-$$
LOUIS CONNELLY’S BAR FOR FUN TIMES & FRIENDSHIP—An upgraded dive bar with a neighborhood feel and a rockin’ SMASH burger. Closed Sun. and Mon. 322 S. Cleveland, 4339582. L, D, $-$$
MADISON TAVERN—Indoor and outdoor seating available, plus a full menu with a range of comfort foods and drinks on tap. 2126 Madison, 417-8029. L, D, $-$$$
MARY’S B.O.T.E.—This bar of tropical escapism offers over 30 specialty drinks, pizzas, bar snacks, and a cozy interior that transports customers to the beach. 21+ only. Closed Mon. 588 S. Cooper. D, $ MEMPHIS JAMAICAN KITCHEN—Authentic Jamaican specialties, including jerk chicken and oxtails. 1354 Madison, L, D, $$
MEMPHIS PIZZA CAFE—Homemade pizzas are specialties; also serves sandwiches, calzones, and salads. 2087 Madison, 726-5343; 5061 Park, 684-1306; 7604 W. Farmington (Germantown), 753-2218; 797 W. Poplar (Collierville), 861-7800; 5627 Getwell (Southaven), 662-5361364. L, D, $-$$
MEMPHIS TOAST—Provides authentic Memphian breakfast cuisine and features themed rooms to honor iconic Memphis figures. Specialties include French toast, shrimp and grits, and their little Lucille breakfast burrito. 954 Jackson, 417-7817. B, L, WB, $-$$
MEMPHIS WHISTLE—Cocktails, cocktails, and even more delicious cocktails alongside burgers, sandwiches, and other tasty snacks. 2299 Young, 236-7136. Closed Mon.-Tue. D, $-$$
MOLLY’S LA CASITA—Homemade tamales, fish tacos, a vegetarian combo, and bacon-wrapped shrimp are a few of the specialties. 2006 Madison, 726-1873. L, D, MRA, $-$$
PAYNE’S BAR-B-QUE—Opened in 1972, this family-owned barbecue joint serves ribs, smoked sausage, and chopped pork sandwiches with a standout mustard slaw and homemade sauce. About as down-to-earth as it gets. 1762 Lamar, 272-1523. L, D, $-$$
PETALS OF A PEONY—Authentic Chinese restaurant serving chicken, fish, tofu, and more, smothered in spicy sauces. 2110 Madison, 207-6680. L, D, $-$$$
SALTWATER CRAB—Offers an array of seafood dishes including boils with blue crab, crab legs, lobster tails, and more, and specialty sushi like the Dynamite or Royal King rolls, in addition to signature sangrias and cocktails. 2059 Madison, 922-5202. L, D, $$
THE SECOND LINE—Kelly English brings “relaxed Creole cuisine” to his newest eatery; serves a variety of po’boys and such specialties as barbecue shrimp, andouille shrimp, and pimento cheese fries. 2144 Monroe, 590-2829. L, D, WB, $-$$
SEKISUI—Japanese fusion cuisine, fresh sushi bar, grilled meats and seafood, California rolls, and vegetarian entrees. Poplar/ Perkins location’s emphasis is on Pacific Rim cuisine. Menu and hours vary at each location. 25 Belvedere, 725-0005; 1884 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 309-8800; 4724 Poplar, 767-7770; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville), 854-0622; 2990 Kirby-Whitten (Bartlett), 377-2727; 6696 Poplar, 747-0001. L, D, $-$$$
SEN TRANG—Serving a wide variety of Chinese and Vietnamese soups, stir-fries, and noodles. 1615 Madison, 276-0006. L, D, $-$$
SLICE MIDTOWN—Serving New York-style pizza as well as subs and pasta dishes (formerly known as Little Italy). 1495 Union 725-0280; L, D, $-$$
SMOKY CITY BBQ—Serving authentic Memphis barbeque, including burgers, ribs, wings, and daily specials. Closed Sun. 1023 Jackson, 425-3115. L, D, $-$$$
SOUL FISH CAFE—Serving Southern-style soul food, tacos, and po’boys, including catfish, crawfish, oyster, shrimp, chicken, and smoked pork tenderloin. 862 S. Cooper, 725-0722; 3160 Village Shops Dr. (Germantown), 755-6988; 4720 Poplar, 590-0323. L, D, MRA, $-$$
STICKEM—Brick-and-mortar location for the popular food truck, which offers grilled meat on a stick. 1788 Madison, 474-7214. Closed Sunday. L, D, $
TEKILA MEXICAN CUISINE—Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. Specialties include chicken mole, enchiladas verde, and the trio special. 1433 Union, 510-5734. L, D, WB, $-$$$
TAMBOLI’S PASTA & PIZZA—Pasta-maker Miles Tamboli whips up Italian soul food with seasonal menus featuring dishes like crispy fried chicken or creamy bucatini with pecorino cheese. Serves dinner Tues.-Sat. 1761 Madison, 410-8866. D, $-$$
TAKASHI BISTRO—Fusion restaurant with an open kitchen that lets customers watch chefs prepare a variety of Japanese and Thai cuisine. 1680 Union, Suite 109, 800-2936. L, D, $-$$
TONICA—Paella and other Spanish-inspired dishes with an Italian touch, alongside an extensive list of gin and tonics. 1545 Overton Park, Closed Mon.-Wed. D, $-$$
TSUNAMI—Features Pacific Rim cuisine (Asia, Australia, South Pacific, etc.); also a changing “small plate” menu. Chef Ben Smith is a Cooper-Young pioneer. Specialties include Asian nachos and roasted sea bass. Closed Sunday. 928 S. Cooper, 274-2556. D, MRA, $$-$$$
TUYEN’S ASIAN BISTRO—A variety of Asian dishes from the minds and chefs behind Saigon Le. Closed Sun. 288 N. Cleveland, L, D, $-$$
ZINNIE’S—Dive bar classic reopens with a makeover and signature Zinnaloni sandwich. 1688 Madison, 726-5004. L, D, $ SOUTH MEMPHIS (INCLUDES PARKWAY VILLAGE, FOX MEADOWS, SOUTH MEMPHIS, WINCHESTER, AND WHITEHAVEN)
BALA’S BISTRO—Authentic West African cuisine available to order or by the pound, alongside traditional American dishes and an extensive vegan menu. 4571 Elvis Presley, 509-3024. L, D, $-$$
CACHE 42 KITCHEN & COCKTAILS—Elevated fine dining (think golden rack of lamb or lobster queso) and cocktail lounge at MoneyBagg Yo’s restaurant; menu by chef Daris Leatherwood. Brunch and lunch options. 4202 Hacks Cross, Suite 121. 494-5458. D, $-$$
COLETTA’S—Longtime eatery serves such specialties as homemade ravioli, lasagna, and pizza with barbecue or traditional toppings. 1063 S. Parkway E., 948-7652; 2850 Appling Rd. (Bartlett), 383-1122. L, D, $-$$
CURRY BOWL—Specializes in Southern Indian cuisine, serving Tandoori chicken, biryani, tikka masala, and more. Weekend buffet. 4141 Hacks Cross, 207-6051. L, D, $
DELTA’S KITCHEN—The premier restaurant at The Guest House at Graceland serves Elvis-inspired dishes — like Nutella and Peanut Butter Crepes for breakfast — and upscale Southern cuisine — including lamb chops and shrimp and grits — for dinner. 3600 Elvis Presley, 443-3000. B, D, $-$$$
DWJ KOREAN BARBECUE—This authentic Korean eatery serves kimbap, barbecued beef short ribs, rice and noodles dishes, and hot pots and stews. 3750 Hacks Cross, Suite 101. 746-8057; 2156 Young. 207-6204. L, D, $-$$
FABULOUS FLAVORS & FRIENDS ”The Candy Lady” Precious Thompson Jones comes up with a little bit of everything: omelettes, quesadillas, t-bones and waffles, and plenty of soul food. 2063 E. Brooks, 314-0735. L, D, $
THE FOUR WAY—Legendary soul-food establishment dishing up such entrees as fried and baked catfish, chicken, and turkey and dressing, along with a host of vegetables and desserts. Around the corner from the legendary Stax Studio. Closed Mon. 998 Mississippi, 507-1519. L, D, $
HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY No one cares how late it gets; not at Hernando’s Hideaway. Live music, killer happy hour, and plenty of bar fare at this South Memphis hang. 3210 Old Hernando, 917-982-1829. L, D, $
INTERSTATE BAR-B-Q—Specialties include chopped pork-shoulder sandwiches, ribs, hot wings, spaghetti, chicken, and turkey. 2265 S. Third, 775-2304; 150 W. Stateline (Southaven), 662-393-5699. L, D, $-$$
JIM & SAMELLA’S—It’s a revolving menu of soul food delight from Chef Talbert Fleming, with anything from Southern ribs to fried tamales. 841 Bullington, 265-8761. L, D, $
LEONARD’S—Serves wet and dry ribs, barbecue sandwiches, spaghetti, catfish, homemade onion rings, and lemon icebox pie; also a lunch buffet. 5465 Fox Plaza, 360-1963. L, $-$$
MARLOWE’S—In addition to its signature barbecue and ribs, Marlowe’s serves Southern-style steaks, chops, lasagna, and more. 4381 Elvis Presley, 332-4159. D, MRA, $-$$
UNCLE LOU’S FRIED CHICKEN—Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for good reason: fried chicken (mild, hot, or home-style); jumbo burgers four patties high; strawberry shortcake, and assorted fruit pies. 3633 Millbranch, 332-2367. L, D, MRA, $ SUMMER / BERCLAIR / RALEIGH / BARTLETT
901 HOT POT & KOREAN BBQ—All-you-can-eat hot pot and Korean BBQ, from short ribs to garlic shrimp. 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy., 512-4963. L, D, $$-$$$
BISCUITS & JAMS—Biscuits, waffles, French toast, and plenty of sharables at this Bartlett breakfast spot. Closed Mon./Tue. 5806 Stage, 672-7905. B, L, $
BRYANT’S BREAKFAST—Three-egg omelets, pancakes, and The Sampler Platter are among the popular entrees here. Possibly the best biscuits in town. Closed Mon. and Tues. 3965 Summer, 324-7494. B, L, $ CEVICHERIA AND GRILL CHILEMON—Ceviche, of course, but also plenty of other postres, aperitivos, and mixed grilled meat and seafood feasts. Closed Sun. 4509 Summer, 672-7905. L, D, $
CHEF FLAVAS AND BARTLETT BREAKFAST FACTORY ”Flavaful” sandwiches, soups, pastas, and more from the makers of the popular local spinach artichoke dip. Traditional breakfast options served by Bartlett Breakfast Factory. Closed Sun./Mon. 6301 Stage, 779-2200. B, L, D, $-$$
DIM SUM KING—All the best from a selection of authentic Chinese dishes: roasted duck, sizzling hot plate, Cantonese BBQ, and plenty more. 5266 Summer, Suite 65, 766-0831. L, D, $-$$
ELWOOD’S SHACK—Casual comfort food includes tacos, pizza, and sandwiches. Specialties include meats smoked in-house (chicken, turkey, brisket, pork), barbecue pizza, and steelhead trout tacos. 4523 Summer, 761-9898. B, L, D, $
EXLINES’ BEST PIZZA—Serves pizza, Italian dinners, sandwiches, and salads. 6250 Stage, 382-3433; 2935 Austin Peay, 388-4711; 2801 Kirby Parkway, 754-0202; 7730 Wolf River Blvd. (Germantown), 753-4545; 531 W. Stateline, 662-342-4544. L, D, MRA, $
HABANA CLUB RESTAURANT, BAR & GRILLE—Offering authentic Cuban fare. 6110 Macon, 480-8173. L, D, $-$$
LA TAQUERIA GUADALUPANA—Fajitas and quesadillas are just a few of the authentic Mexican entrees offered here. A bonafide Memphis institution. 4818 Summer, 685-6857; 5848 Winchester, 365-4992. L, D, $
LOTUS—Authentic Vietnamese-Asian fare, including lemon-grass chicken and shrimp, egg rolls, Pho soup, and spicy Vietnamese vermicelli. 4970 Summer, 682-1151. D, $
MORTIMER’S—Contemporary American entrees include trout almondine, chicken dishes, and hand-cut steaks; also sandwiches, salads, and daily/nightly specials. A Memphis landmark since the Knickerbocker closed. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 590 N. Perkins, 7619321. L, D, $-$$
NAGASAKI INN—Chicken, steak, and lobster are among the main courses; meal is cooked at your table. 3951 Summer, 454-0320. D, $$ NAM KING—General Tso’s chicken, hot and sour soup, and homemade chicken wings are back at the longtime Raleigh Chinese eatery. 3624 Austin Peay, Suite 3, 373-4411. L, D, $-$$
PANCAKE SHOP—Classic breakfast items plus meat-and-three lunches, sandwiches, soups, salads. Open 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every day except Wednesday. 4838 Summer, 767-0206. B, L, $ ÓRALE TACOS & BAKERY—Tacos, enchiladas, and other traditional Southern Mexican dishes alongside baked pan dulces. 2204 Whitten, 571-1786. B, L, D, $-$$
PANDA GARDEN—Sesame chicken and broccoli beef are among the Mandarin and Cantonese entrees; also seafood specials and fried rice. Closed for lunch Saturday. 3735 Summer, 323-4819. L, D, $-$$
QUEEN OF SHEBA—Featuring Middle Eastern favorites and Yemeni dishes such as lamb haneeth and saltah. 4792 Summer, 207-4174. L, D, $
SIDE PORCH STEAK HOUSE—In addition to steak, the menu includes chicken, pork chops, and fish entrees; homemade rolls are a specialty. Closed Sun./Mon. 5689 Stage, 377-2484. D, $-$$
TACO PRIME—Modern taqueria where bold Mexican dishes meet Southern hospitality. 8222 U.S. 64, 585-0858. Closed Sunday. L,D, $-$$
TORTILLERIA LA UNICA—Individual helping of Mexican street food, including hefty tamales, burritos, tortas, and sopes. 5015 Summer, 685-0097. B, L, D, $
UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT (INCLUDES CHICKASAW GARDENS AND HIGHLAND STRIP)
A-TAN—Serves Chinese and Japanese hibachi cuisine, complete with sushi bar. A specialty is Four Treasures with garlic sauce. 3445 Poplar, Suite 17, University Center, 452-4477. L, D, $-$$$
BROTHER JUNIPER’S—This little cottage is a breakfast mecca, offering specialty omelets, including the open-faced San Diegan omelet; also daily specials, and homemade breads and pastries. Closed Mon. 3519 Walker, 324-0144. B, $
CHAR RESTAURANT—Specializing in modern Southern cuisine, this eatery offers homestyle sides, charbroiled steaks, and fresh seafood. 431 S. Highland, Suite 120, 249-3533. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$
EL PORTON—Fajitas, quesadillas, and steak ranchero are just a few of the menu items. 2095 Merchants Row (Germantown), 754-4268; 8361 Highway 64, 380-7877; 3448 Poplar (Poplar Plaza), 452-7330; 1805 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova), 624-9358; 1016 W. Poplar (Collierville), 854-5770. L, D, MRA, $-$$
PLANT BASED HEAT All of your favorite Southern-style recipes, but deliciously transformed into a vegan format. Specialties include the spicy fye junt burger, or the chopped ‘n’ smoked BBQ jackfruit sandwich. Closed Sun. 669 S. Highland St.; 363 S. Front St. (downtown). L, D, $ EAST MEMPHIS (INCLUDES POPLAR / I-240)
ACRE—Features seasonal modern American cuisine in an avantegarde setting using locally sourced products; also small plates and enclosed garden patio. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 690 S. Perkins, 818-2273. L, D, $$-$$$
AGAVOS COCINA & TEQUILA—Camaron de Tequila, tamales, kabobs, and burgers made with a blend of beef and chorizo are among the offerings at this tequila-centric restaurant and bar. 2924 Walnut Grove, 433-9345. L, D, $-$$
AMERIGO—Traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine includes pasta, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and cedarwood-roasted fish. 1239 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall, 761-4000. L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
ANDALUSIA— Authentic Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, brochettes, and briouates. 5101 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 103, 236-7784. L, D, $-$$
ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN—Traditional Italian cuisine with a menu from two of the city’s top chefs that changes seasonally with such entrees as Maw Maw’s ravioli. Closed Sun.Mon. 712 W. Brookhaven Circle, 347-3569. D, MRA, $$-$$$
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE—Offering several varieties of eggs Benedict, waffles, omelets, pancakes, beignets, and other breakfast fare; also burgers, sandwiches, and salads. 6063 Park, 729-7020; 65 S. Highland, 623-7122. B, L, WB, $
BANGKOK ALLEY—Thai fusion cuisine includes noodle and curry dishes, chef-specialty sushi rolls, coconut soup, and duck and seafood entrees. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. at Brookhaven location; call for hours. 715 W. Brookhaven Circle, 590-2585; 2150 W. Poplar at Houston Levee (Collierville), 854-8748. L, D, $-$$
BELLE MEADE SOCIAL—Upscale Americana cuisine including lamb lollipops, spicy tuna stack, and steak & noodle salad. 518 Perkins Extd., 480-7054. L, D, $-$$$
BELMONT GRILL—Burgers, steak sandwiches, and other classic American fare at one of Memphis’ longstanding bars. 4970 Poplar, 767-0305. L, D, $-$$
BENIHANA—This Japanese steakhouse serves beef, chicken, and seafood grilled at the table; some menu items change monthly; sushi bar also featured. 912 Ridge Lake Blvd., 767-8980. L, D, $$-$$$
BIG BAD BREAKFAST—Fresh biscuits, house-made cured meats, jams, jellies, and more for the most important meal of the day. 6450 Poplar, 881-3346. B, L, $-$$
BOG & BARLEY—An all-Irish fine dining experience by the owners of Celtic Crossing, and a full bar with plenty of beer and 25-year-old Macallan. 6150 Poplar, Suite 124, 805-2262. L, D, WB, $-$$
BROOKLYN BRIDGE ITALIAN RESTAURANT—Specializing in such homemade entrees as spinach lasagna and lobster ravioli; a seafood specialty is horseradish-crusted salmon. Closed Sun. 1779 Kirby Pkwy., 755-7413. D, $-$$$
CAPITAL GRILLE—Known for its dry-aged, hand-carved steaks; among the specialties are bone-in sirloin and porcini-rubbed Delmonico; also seafood entrees and seasonal lunch plates. Closed for lunch Sat.Sun. Crescent Center, 6065 Poplar, 683-9291. L, D, $$$-$$$$
CASABLANCA—Lamb shawarma is one of the fresh, homemade specialties served at this Mediterranean/Moroccan restaurant; fish entrees and vegetarian options also available. 5030 Poplar, 725-8557; 1707 Madison, 421-6949. L, D, $-$$
CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL—Burritos, quesadillas, tacos, salads, and bowls made to order while customers watch. 5865 Poplar, 416-1944; 2046 Union, 729-2640; 4726 Summer, 590-1839; 2110 West St., 2566202; 695 N. Germantown Parkway (Germantown), 416-1944. L, D, $-$$
CIAO BELLA—Among the Italian and Greek specialties are lasagna, seafood pasta, gourmet pizzas, and vegetarian options. 5101 Sanderlin, 205-2500. D, MRA, $-$$$
CITY SILO TABLE + PANTRY—With a focus on clean eating, this establishment offers fresh juices, as well as comfort foods re-imagined with wholesome ingredients. 5101 Sanderlin, 729-7687; 7605 W. Farmington, Suite 2, 236-7223 (Germantown). B, L, D, $
COASTAL FISH COMPANY—Upscale offerings of international fish varieties utilizing styles ranging from the Carribbean, East Coast, West Coast, China, Philippines, and more. 415 Great View Dr. E., Suite 101, 266-9000 (Shelby Farms Park). D, $$-$$$
CORKY’S—Popular barbecue emporium offers both wet and dry ribs, plus a full menu of other barbecue entrees. Wed. lunch buffets, Cordova and Collierville. 5259 Poplar, 685-9744; 1740 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 737-1911; 743 W. Poplar (Collierville), 405-4999; 6434 Goodman Rd., (Olive Branch), 662-893-3663. L, D, MRA, $-$$ THE CRAZY COOP—Plenty of hot wings and sauces, plus sandwiches and other dinner plates. 1315 Ridgeway, 748-5325; 7199 Stage (Bartlett), 433-9212. L, D, $-$$
DAN MCGUINNESS PUB—Serves fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers, and other Irish and American fare; also lunch and dinner specials. 4694 Spottswood, 761-3711; 3964 Goodman (Southaven), 662-890-7611. L, D, $
ERLING JENSEN—For decades, Chef Erling has presented “globally inspired” cuisine to die for. Specialties are rack of lamb, big-game entrees, and fresh fish dishes. 1044 S. Yates, 763-3700. D, MRA, $$-$$$
ERLING JENSEN SMALL BITES—Enjoy Erling Jensen’s specialty dishes in a sharable, small-plate format alongside TopGolf Swing suites. 5069 Sanderlin, 587-9464. L, D, $-$$$
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves wet-aged and dry-aged steaks, prime beef, chops, and seafood, including salmon, Australian lobster tails, and a catch of the day. 6245 Poplar, 761-6200. D, MRA, $$$-$$$$
FOLK’S FOLLY ORIGINAL PRIME STEAK HOUSE
Specializes in prime steaks, as well as lobster, grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, rack of lamb, and weekly specials. 551 S. Mendenhall, 762-8200. D, MRA, $$$-$$$$
FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin cuisine, including broccoli beef, hotand-sour soup, and spring rolls. Closed Mon. 6685 Quince, 753-9898. L, D, $-$$
FOX RIDGE PIZZA & GRILL—Pizzas, calzones, sub sandwiches, burgers, and meat-and-two plate lunches are among the dishes served at this eatery, which opened in 1979. 711 W. Brookhaven Circle, 758-6500. L, D, $
FRATELLI’S—Serves hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts, all with an Italian/Mediterranean flair. Closed Sun. 750 Cherry Rd., Memphis Botanic Garden, 766-9900. L, $
HALF SHELL—Specializes in seafood, such as king crab legs; also serves steaks, chicken, pastas, salads, sandwiches, and a ”voodoo menu.” 688 S. Mendenhall, 682-3966; 9091 Poplar (Germantown), 590-4304. L, D, WB, MRA, $-$$$
HEN HOUSE—Hybrid wine/cocktail bar and tasting room with plenty of cosmopolitan eats. 679 S. Mendenhall, 499-5436. D, SB, $-$$$
HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves a variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and sides. Closed Mon. A neighborhood fixture. 477 High Point Terrace, 452-3339. L, D, $-$$
HOG & HOMINY—The casual sister to Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen serves brick-oven-baked pizzas, including the Red-Eye with pork belly, and small plates with everything from meatballs to beef and cheddar hot dogs; and local veggies. Closed for lunch Mon. 707 W. Brookhaven Circle, 207-7396. L, D, SB, MRA. $-$$$
LA BAGUETTE—An almond croissant and chicken salad are among specialties at this French-style bistro. Closed for dinner Sun. 3088 Poplar, 458-0900. B, L, D (closes at 7), MRA, $
LAS DELICIAS—Popular for its guacamole, house-made tortilla chips, and margaritas, this restaurant draws diners with its chicken enchiladas, meat-stuffed flautas, and Cuban torta with spicy pork. Closed Sun. 4002 Park, 458-9264; 5689 Quince, 800-2873. L, D, $
LIBRO AT LAURELWOOD—Bookstore eatery features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and homemade pasta dishes, with Italian-inspired options such as carbonara and potato gnocchi. Closed for dinner Sun. 387 Perkins Ext. (inside Novel), 800-2656. B, L, D, SB, $-$$
THE LIQUOR STORE—All-day breakfast, sandwiches, and entrees such as Salisbury steak and smothered pork chops. 669 S. Mendenhall, B, L, D, $-$$
LITTLE ITALY EAST—New York-style pizzas galore and homemade pasta. Closed Sun. 6300 Poplar, Suite 113. 729-7432. L, $-$$
MAGNOLIA & MAY—Southern-inspired, family-owned, casual dining restaurant serving up a variety of sandwiches, chef-inspired dishes, and craft cocktails. Popular items include shrimp and grits and the double cheeseburger. Closed Mon. 718 Mt. Moriah, 676-8100. L, D, WB, MRA. $$-$$$
MANDE DIBI WEST AFRICAN BBQ GRILL—Pairs traditional West African BBQ with Memphis BBQ for a menu that offers a wide variety of flavors, including daily specials and vegan-friendly options. 6825 Winchester, 672-8995. L, D, $-$$$
MARCIANO MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALIAN CUISINE—Veal Saltimbocca with angel-hair pasta and white wine sauce is among the entrees; also steaks, seafood, and gourmet pizza. 780 E. Brookhaven Circle, 682-1660. D, $-$$
MAYURI INDIAN CUISINE—Serves tandoori chicken, masala dosa, tikka masala, as well as lamb and shrimp entrees; also a daily lunch buffet, and dinner buffet on Fri.-Sat. 6524 Quince, 753-8755. L, D, $-$$
MOSA ASIAN BISTRO—Specialties include sesame chicken, Thai calamari, rainbow panang curry with grouper fish, and other Pan Asian/ fusion entrees. Closed Mon. 850 S. White Station, 683-8889. L, D, MRA, $
MULAN ASIAN BISTRO—Pan-Asian fare includes sushi and Sichuan dishes. 4598 Spottwood, 347-3965. L, D, $-$$
NAM KING—Offers luncheon and dinner buffets, dim sum, and such specialties as fried dumplings, pepper steak, and orange chicken. 4594 Yale, 373-4411. L, D, $
NAPA CAFE—Among the specialties are miso-marinated salmon over black rice with garlic spinach and shiitake mushrooms. Closed Sun. 5101 Sanderlin, Suite 122, 683-0441. L, D, MRA, $$-$$$
ONE & ONLY BBQ—On the menu are pork barbecue sandwiches, platters, wet and dry ribs, smoked chicken and turkey platters, a smoked meat salad, barbecue quesadillas, Brunswick Stew, and Millie’s homemade desserts. 1779 Kirby Pkwy., 751-3615; 567 Perkins Extd., 249-4227. L, D, $
ONO POKÉ—This eatery specializes in poké — a Hawaiian dish of fresh fish salad served over rice. Menu includes a variety of poké bowls, like the Kimchi Tuna bowl, or customers can build their own
by choosing a base, protein, veggies, and toppings. 3145 Poplar, 618-2955. L, D, $
OWEN BRENNAN’S—New Orleans-style menu of beef, chicken, pasta, and seafood; jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and crawfish etouffee are specialties. Closed for dinner Sun. The Regalia, 6150 Poplar, 761-0990. L, D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
PARK + CHERRY—The Dixon offers casual dining within the museum. Seasonal menu features sandwiches, like rustic chicken salad on croissant, as well as salads, snacks, and sweets. Closed for breakfast Sun. and all day Mon. 4339 Park (Dixon Gallery and Gardens), 761-5250. L, $
PATRICK’S—Serves barbecue nachos, burgers, and entrees such as fish and chips; also plate lunches and daily specials. 4972 Park, 682-2852. L, D, MRA, $
PETE & SAM’S—Serving Memphis for 60-plus years; offers steaks, seafood, and traditional Italian dishes, including homemade ravioli, lasagna, and chicken marsala. 3886 Park, 458-0694. D, $-$$$
PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO—Specialties are orange peel shrimp, Mongolian beef, and chicken in lettuce wraps; also vegetarian dishes, including spicy eggplant. 1181 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall, 818-3889. L, D, $-$$
PHO SAIGON—Vietnamese fare includes beef teriyaki, roasted quail, curry ginger chicken, vegetarian options, and a variety of soups. 2946 Poplar, 458-1644. L, D, $
PYRO’S FIRE-FRESH PIZZA—Serving gourmet pizzas cooked in an open-fire oven, wide choice of toppings, and large local and craft beer selection. 1199 Ridgeway, 379-8294; 2035 Union, 208-8857; 2286 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 207-1198; 3592 S. Houston Levee (Collierville), 221-8109. L, D, MRA, $
RED HOOK CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Cajun-style array of seafood including shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, and oysters. 3295 Poplar, 207-1960. L, D, $-$$
RED KOI—Classic Japanese cuisine offered at this family-run restaurant; hibachi steaks, sushi, seafood, chicken, and vegetables. 5847 Poplar, 767-3456. L, D, $-$$
RED PIER CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Owners of Red Hook bring more Cajun-style seafood dishes. 5901 Poplar, 512-5923. L, D, $-$$$
RESTAURANT IRIS—French Creole-inspired classics, such as Gulf shrimp and rice grits congee served with lap chong sausage and boiled peanuts, are served at this newly remodeled restaurant owned by Chef Kelly English, a Food and Wine “Top Ten.” 4550 Poplar, 590-2828. L, D, $$-$$$
RIVER OAKS—Chef Jose Gutierrez’s French-style bistro serves seafood and steaks, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 5871 Poplar, 6839305. L, D, $$$
RONNIE GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT—This Memphis institution serves family classics such as Elfo’s Special and handmade ravioli, along with house-made pizza and fresh oysters. Closed Sun. 6150 Poplar, Suite 122, 850-0191. D, $-$$$
ROTOLO’S CRAFT & CRUST—Louisiana-based pizza company’s first Memphis location, whipping up pizza pies with homemade sauces and fresh ingredients, pasta, wings, and other shareables. 681 S. White Station, 454-3352. L, D, $-$$
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, $$$-$$$$
SALSA COCINA MEXICANA—Mexican-Southern California specialties include carnitas, enchiladas verde, and fajitas; also Southwestern seafood dishes such as snapper verde. Closed Sun. Regalia Shopping Center, 6150 Poplar, Suite 129, 683-6325. L, D, $-$$
SEASONS 52—This elegant fresh grill and wine bar offers a seasonally changing menu using fresh ingredients, wood-fire grilling, and brick-oven cooking; also a large international wine list and nightly piano bar. Crescent Center, 6085 Poplar, 682-9952. L, D, $$-$$$
STAKS—Offering pancakes, including birthday cake and lemon ricotta. Menu includes other breakfast items such as beignets and French toast, as well as soups and sandwiches for lunch. 4615 Poplar, 509-2367; 3660 S. Houston Levee Road, Suite 104 (Collierville), 286-4335; 7704 Poplar (Germantown), 800-1951; 2902 May, (Southaven). B, L, WB, $
SWANKY’S TACO SHOP—Taco-centric eatery offers tortas, flatbreads, quesadillas, chimichangas, burgers, and more. 4770 Poplar, 730-0763; 6641 Poplar (Germantown), 737-2088; 272 S. Main. 779-3499. L, D, $
THREE LITTLE PIGS—Pork-shoulder-style barbecue with tangy mild or hot sauce, freshly made coleslaw, and baked beans. 5145 Quince, 685-7094. B, L, D, $
TJ MULLIGAN’S—Cold drinks, comfort food, and plenty of live entertainment. 1817 Kirby Pkwy. (East Memphis), 755-2481; 8070 Trinity, Suite 1 (Cordova), 756-4480; 2821 N. Houston Levee, (Lakeland), 377-9997. L, D, $-$$
TOPS BAR-B-Q—Specializes in pork barbecue sandwiches and sandwich plates with beans and slaw; also serves ribs, beef brisket, and burgers. 1286 Union.,725-7527; 4183 Summer, 324-4325; 5391 Winchester.,794-7936; 3970 Rhodes, 323-9865; 6130 Macon, 371-0580. For more locations, go online. L, D, $
TORCHY’S TACOS—Plenty of Tex-Mex variety, with creative monthly special tacos. 719 S. Mendenhall, 343-8880. B, L, D, $
VENICE KITCHEN—Specializes in “eclectic Italian” and Southern Creole, from pastas, including the “Godfather,” to hand-tossed pizzas, including the “John Wayne”; choose from 50 toppings. 368 Perkins Ext., 767-6872. L, D, SB, $-$$
WANG’S MANDARIN HOUSE—Offers Mandarin, Cantonese, Szechuan, and spicy Hunan entrees, including the golden-sesame chicken; next door is East Tapas, serving small plates with an Asian twist. 6065 Park Ave., Park Place Mall, 763-0676. L, D, $-$$
WASABI—Serving traditional Japanese offerings, hibachi, sashimi, and sushi. The Sweet Heart roll, wrapped — in the shape of a heart — with tuna and filled with spicy salmon, yellowtail, and avocado, is a specialty. 5101 Sanderlin Rd., Suite 105, 421-6399. L, D, $-$$
THE WING GURU—A staple of the Memphis wing scene, featuring everything from classic buffalo to exquisite lemon pepper. 5699 Mt. Moriah, 509-2405; 875 W. Poplar, Suite 6 (Collierville), 221-7488; 8253 Highway 51 North, Suite 103 (Millington), 8720849; 4130 Elvis Presley (Whitehaven), 791-4726; 5224 Airline, Suite 107 (Arlington), 209-0349. L, D, $-$$
THE BLUE ROOM RESTAURANT—An elevated take on traditional Southern recipes, located in the U of M Kemmons Wilson Culinary Institute. Closed Mon. 1245 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 101, 249-7512. D, SB, $$-$$$
BOMBAY HOUSE—Indian fare includes lamb korma and chicken tikka; also, a daily luncheon buffet. 1727 N. Germantown Pkwy., 755-4114. L, D, $-$$
THE BUTCHER SHOP—Serves steaks ranging from 8-oz. filets to a 20-oz. porterhouse; also chicken, pork chops, fresh seafood. 107 S. Germantown, 757-4244. L (Fri. and Sun.), D, $$-$$$ GREEN BAMBOO—Pineapple tilapia, pork vermicelli, and the soft egg noodle combo are Vietnamese specialties here. 990 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 104, 753-5488. L, D, $-$$
JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q—Serves barbecued pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, and fish, along with other homemade Southern specialties. 2359 N. Germantown Pkwy., 388-0998. L, D, $-$$ EL MERO TACO—This food truck turned restaurant serves up Mexican and Southern-style fusion dishes, including fried chicken tacos, chorizo con papas tacos, and brisket quesadillas. 8100 Macon Station, Suite 102, 308-1661. Closed Sun.-Mon. L, D, WB, $ POKÉ WORLD—Serves up Hawaiian poké bowls filled with rice and diced, raw fish. Also offers Taiwanese bubble tea and rolled ice cream for dessert. 1605 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 111, 623-7986. East Memphis: 575 Erin, 779-4971. L, D, $ PETALS OF A PEONY—Authentic Sichuan cuisine, from crispy duck to peony fried chicken. Be prepared for spice! 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy., 787-8886. L, D, $-$$
SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT—Entrees include tempura, teriyaki, and sushi, as well as grilled fish and chicken entrees. 2324 N. Germantown Pkwy., 384-4122. L, D, $-$$
TANNOOR GRILL—Brazilian-style steakhouse with skewers served tableside, along with Middle Eastern specialties; vegetarian options also available. 830 N. Germantown Pkwy., 443-5222. L, D, $-$$$
VILLA CASTRIOTI—From traditional pasta dishes and family concoctions to hand-tossed brick oven NY pizza. 714 N. Germantown Pkwy., 753-3894. L, D, MRA, $$$
GERMANTOWN
BLUE HONEY BISTRO—Entrees at this upscale eatery include brown butter scallops served with Mississippi blue rice and herbcrusted beef tenderloin with vegetables and truffle butter. Closed Sun. 9155 Poplar, Suite 17, 552-3041. D, $-$$$
FIRST WATCH—Fresh, made-to-order breakfast, brunch, and lunch creations. 7810 Poplar, 665-5590. B, WB, L, $-$$
GERMANTOWN COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches; Mon.-night all-you-can-eat ribs. 2290 S. Germantown Rd., 754-5540. L, D, MRA, $-$$
LAS TORTUGAS DELI MEXICANA—Authentic Mexican food prepared from local food sources; specializes in tortugas — grilled bread scooped out to hold such powerfully popular fillings as brisket, pork, and shrimp; also tingas, tostados. Closed Sun. 1215 S. Germantown Rd., 751-1200; 6300 Poplar. 623-3882. L, D, $-$$
LIMELIGHT—Wolf River Hospitality Group brings Wagyu beef, duck gnocchi, and other fine dining dishes on a rotating seasonal menu. Closed Mon./Tue. 7724 Poplar Pike, 791-2328. D, $-$$$
LOCAL LIME—Tacos and margaritas in a casual environment, plus other goodies like the Mexican caramel apple crisp skillet. Closed Mon. 7605 W. Farmington, Suite 1, 224-2204. L, D, $-$$$
MELLOW MUSHROOM—Large menu includes assortment of pizzas, salads, calzones, hoagies, vegetarian options, and 50 beers on tap. 9155 Poplar, Shops of Forest Hill (Germantown), 907-0243. L, D, $-$$
MOONDANCE GRILL—From the owners of Itta Bena and Lafayette’s. Serves steak cooked sous vide and seafood dishes including Abita-barbecued shrimp and pan-seared sand dab, in addition to an extensive wine and cocktail list. 1730 S. Germantown Road, Suite 117, 755-1471. L, D, $$-$$$
MR. P’S WINGS—Casual eatery featuring hot wings, burgers, fried fish, and other American food. 2075 Exeter, Suite 35, 587-6777. L, D, $$
NOODLES ASIAN BISTRO—Serves a variety of traditional Asian cuisine, with emphasis on noodle dishes, such as Singapore Street Noodles and Hong Kong Chow Fun. 7850 Poplar, Suite 12, 755-1117. L, D, $ RIO LOBO CANTINA—Mexican and Latin-American cuisine. 3165 Forest Hill Irene Rd., 310-3432. L,D, $-$$
ROCK’N DOUGH PIZZA CO.—Specialty and custom pizzas made from fresh ingredients; wide variety of toppings. 7850 Poplar, Suite 6, 779-2008. L, D, SB, MRA, $$
ROYAL PANDA—Hunan fish, Peking duck, Royal Panda chicken and shrimp, and a seafood combo are among the specialties. 3120 Village Shops, 756-9697. L, D, $-$$
SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties here. 2060 West, 758-8181; 4840 Poplar (Memphis), 572-1002; 255 New Byhalia (Collierville), 316-5638. L, D, $-$$
SOUTHERN SOCIAL—Shrimp and grits, stuffed quail, and Aunt Thelma’s Fried Chicken are among the dishes served at this upscale Southern establishment. 2285 S. Germantown Rd., 754-5555. D, SB, MRA, $-$$$
STONEY RIVER STEAKHOUSE AND GRILL—Specializes in handcut steaks, a fresh seafood selection, and plenty of house specials. 7515 Poplar, Suite 101, 207-1100. L, D, $$-$$$$
SUFI’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & BAR—Offers authentic Mediterranean and Persian cuisine, from hummus shawarma to traditional moussaka. Closed Mon. 7609 Poplar Pike, 779-2200. L, D, $-$$$
TAZIKI’S—Mediterranean-inspired dishes all made from scratch. 7850 Poplar, Suite 26, 612-2713; 540 S. Mendenhall Rd. (Memphis), 290-1091; 7974 U.S. 64 (Bartlett), 203-0083. L, D, $
THE TOASTED YOLK CAFE—Churro donuts, signature Eggs Benedict, and plenty other boozy brunch options at this franchise’s first Tennessee location. 9087 Poplar, Suite 11. B, L, $-$$
UNCLE GOYO’S—More than 30 dishes with a focus on authentic Mexican cuisine, from the brains behind TacoNganas. 1730 S. Germantown Rd., 310-4855. L, D, $-$$
WEST STREET DINER—This home-style eatery offers breakfast, burgers, po’boys, and more. 2076 West, 757-2191. B, L, D (Mon.-Fri.), $ ZEN JAPANESE FINE CUISINE—A full sushi bar and plenty of authentic Japanese dishes, like Hibachi or Wagyu beef. 1730 S. Germantown Rd., 779-2796. L, D, $-$$$
COLLIERVILLE
BELLY ACRES—Upscale burger restaurant, featuring creative combos such as the Cowboy (fried onion strings, pickled jalapeños, and BBQ saucer, or the Hot Pow with pepper jack and spinach. 3660 S. Houston Levee, 209-0168; 6130 Poplar (Memphis), 707-7638. L, D, $-$$
CAFE PIAZZA BY PAT LUCCHESI—Specializes in gourmet pizzas (including create-your-own), panini sandwiches, and pasta. Closed Sun. 139 S. Rowlett, 861-1999. L, D, $-$$
CIAO BABY—Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza made in a woodfired oven. Also serves house-made mozzarella, pasta, appetizers, and salads. 890 W. Poplar, Suite 1, 457-7457. L, D, $
COLLIERVILLE COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches. 3573 S. Houston Levee, 979-5540. L, D, MRA, $-$$
DAVID GRISANTI’S ON MAIN—Serving Northern Italian cuisine and traditional Grisanti family recipes. Closed Sun./Mon. 148 N. Main, 861-1777. L, D, $-$$$
DYER’S CAFE—Juicy hamburgers, split dogs, and milkshakes at the historic Collierville restaurant. 101 N. Center, 850-7750. L, D, $-$$
EL MEZCAL—Serves burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, and other Mexican cuisine, as well as shrimp dinners and steak. 9947 Wolf River Pkwy., 853-7922; 402 Perkins Extd., 761-7710; 694 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 755-1447; 1492 Union, 274-4264; 11615 Airline (Arlington), 867-1883; 9045 Highway 64 (Lakeland), 383-4219; 7164 Hacks Cross, (Olive Branch). 662-890-3337; 8834 Highway 51 N. (Millington), 8723220; 7424 Highway 64 (Bartlett), 417-6026. L, D, $
CHICAGO STEAKHOUSE AT THE GOLDSTRIKE—1010 Casino Center, Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-24KSTAY / 662-357-1225
FAIRBANKS AT THE HOLLYWOOD—1150 Casino Strip, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-871-0711
IGNITE STEAKHOUSE AT SOUTHLAND CASINO HOTEL—1550 N. Ingram, West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182
JACK BINION’S STEAK HOUSE AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE
LUCKY 8 ASIAN BISTRO AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE
SOUTHLAND CASINO HOTEL’S THE KITCHENS—1550 N. Ingram, West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182
THE STEAKHOUSE AT THE FITZ—711 Lucky Lane, Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-766-LUCK, Ext. 8213
TWAIN’S STEAKHOUSE AT SAM’S TOWN TUNICA—1477 Casino Strip Resorts, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-456-0711
EMERALD THAI RESTAURANT—Spicy shrimp, pad khing, lemongrass chicken, and several noodle, rice, and vegetarian dishes are offered at this family restaurant. Closed Sunday. 8950 Highway 64 (Lakeland), 384-0540. L, D, $-$$
FIREBIRDS—Specialties are hand-cut steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, and wood-grilled salmon and other seafood, as well as seasonal entrees. 4600 Merchants Circle, Carriage Crossing, 850-1637; 8470 Highway 64 (Bartlett), 379-1300. L, D, $-$$$
JIM’S PLACE GRILLE—Features American, Greek, and Continental cuisine. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 3660 Houston Levee, 861-5000. L, D, MRA, $-$$$
MAUVE’S TAVERN—An Irish-themed eatery with elevated tavern classics, from signature burgers to hearty entrees featuring locally sourced ingredients. 78 N. Main on the Town Square, 403-5100. L, D, SB, $-$$$
MAROON BREW CO.—Family-friendly restaurant serving up gourmet hot dogs, smash burgers, chicken, and shareables, all made to pair with beers brewed on-site. Closed Mon. 642 W. Poplar, 799-0354. L, D, $-$$
MULAN ASIAN BISTRO—Hunan Chicken, tofu dishes, and orange beef served here; sushi and Thai food, too. 2059 Houston Levee, 8505288; 2149 Young, 347-3965; 4698 Spottswood, 609-8680. L, D, $-$$
NASHOBA—Offers live music, sports games, and pub classics. Specialties are hot honey flatbread pizza, brisket fried rice, and the Nashoba burger. 4600 Merchants Park Circle, Suite 111, 630-4683. L, D, $-$$
OSAKA JAPANESE CUISINE—Featuring an extensive sushi menu as well as traditional Japanese and hibachi dining. Hours vary for lunch; call. 3670 Houston Levee, 861-4309; 3402 Poplar (Memphis), 249-4690; 7164 Hacks Cross (Olive Branch), 662-890-9312; 2200 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova), 425-4901. L, D, $-$$$
RAVEN & LILY—Eatery offers innovative Southern-inspired cuisine with such dishes as crispy shrimp and cauliflower salad, spiced lamb sausage and parmesan risotto, and bananas foster pain perdu. Closed Mon. 120 E. Mulberry, 286-4575. L, D, SB, $-$$
STIX—Hibachi steakhouse with Asian cuisine features steak, chicken, and a fillet and lobster combination, also sushi. A specialty is Dynamite Chicken with fried rice. 4680 Merchants Park Circle, Avenue Carriage Crossing; 854-3399; 150 Peabody Place, Suite 115 (Downtown Memphis), 207-7638 L, D, $-$$
WOLF RIVER BRISKET CO.—From the owners of Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza, highlights include house-smoked meats: prime beef brisket, chicken, and salmon. Closed Sun. 9947 Wolf River, Suite 101, 316-5590; 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 165, 791-4389. L, D, $-$$
ZOPITA’S ON THE SQUARE—Cafe offers sandwiches, including smoked salmon and pork tenderloin, as well as salads and desserts. Closed Sun. 114 N. Main, 457-7526. L, D, $
KITCHEN TABLE—“Crafted comfort food that makes you feel right at home.” Steaks, seafood, catfish, chicken, chops, soups, salad, even hand-spun cotton candy. 12062 Forrest (Arlington), 317-6402. L,D, SB. $-$$
VILLA CASTRIOTI—From traditional family dishes and pasta concoctions to hand-tossed brick-oven NY pizza. 9861 W. Lake District Dr., (Lakeland), 466-8288. L,D, MRA, $$$
OUT-OF-TOWN
BOZO’S HOT PIT BAR-B-Q—Barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and subs. 342 Highway 70 (Mason, TN).,901-294-3400. L, D, $-$$
CITY GROCERY—Southern eclectic cuisine; shrimp and grits is a specialty. Closed for dinner Sun. 152 Courthouse Square (Oxford, MS), 662-232-8080. L, D, SB, $$-$$$
COMO STEAKHOUSE—Steaks cooked on a hickory charcoal grill are a specialty here. Upstairs is an oyster bar. Closed Sun. 203 Main, (Como, MS). 662-526-9529. D, $-$$$
ELFO GRISANTI’S NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE—Grisanti family classics like lasagna, homemade ravioli, garlic bread, and Northern Italian pizza. Closed Sun. 5627 Getwell (Southaven, MS), 662-4704497. L, D, $-$$
HARRY’S ITALIAN—Authentic Italian dishes using traditional recipes made from scratch, plus steaks and other entrees. 8472 U.S. Highway 51, (Millington, TN), 872-0056. L, D, $-$$$
MANILA FILIPINO RESTAURANT—Entrees include pork belly cutlet with lechon sauce, and shrimp and vegetables in tamarind broth; also daily combos, rice dishes, and chef specials. Closed Sun.-Mon. 7849 Rockford (Millington, TN), 209-8525. L, D, $
MARSHALL STEAKHOUSE—Rustic steakhouse serves premium Angus beef steaks, seafood dishes, rack of lamb, and more. 2379 Highway 178 (Holly Springs, MS), 628-3556. B, L, D, $-$$$
MEMPHIS BARBECUE COMPANY—Offers spare ribs, baby backs, and pulled pork and brisket. 709 Desoto Cove (Horn Lake, MS), 662-536-3762. L, D, $-$$
SAINT LEO—Offering sophisticated pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. A James Beard nominee for Best New Restaurant in 2017. 1101 Jackson (Oxford, MS), 662-234-4555. D, L, WB, $-$$
SIMON’S—A unique dining experience situated on Court Square in a charming small town, offering Angus steaks, catfish, BBQ brisket. Closed Mon./Tue. 201 N. Main (Bolivar, TN), 731-403-3474. L, D, $$-$$$
SNACKBAR—An intriguing mix of “French Bistro with North Mississippi Cafe.” Serving a confit duck Croque Monsieur, watermelon-cucumber chaat, pan-fried quail, plus a daily plate special and a raw bar. 721 N. Lamar (Oxford, MS), 662-236-6363. D, $-$$$
TEKILA MODERN MEXICAN—Modern interpretations of classic dishes from all over Mexico. 6343 Getwell, (Southaven, MS), 662-510-5734. B, L, D, $-$$
WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX. Cajun classics: fried alligator, pepperjack boudin, shrimp, gumbo, along with unique specialties. 2715 Snowden Lane (Southaven, MS), 662-870-8379. L, D, $$
WILSON CAFE—An impressive culinary destination in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. Serving jambalaya, Waygu flatiron, butternut ravioli, swordfish & shrimp kabobs, burgers. 2 N. Jefferson (Wilson, AR), 870655-0222. L, D, WB, $-$$$
CASINO TABLES
Aren’t We Fetching?
Introducing a few sweet goofballs waiting for you at the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County.
BY ANNA TRAVERSE
We are firm believers that dogs make every day better — and that they make us better humans, too. Yet Memphis is home to all too many dogs who have never gotten a fair shake. The lucky ones find their way to rescue organizations, shelters, and the Humane Society. In
JELLY
Howdy, I’m Jelly. At 5 years old (and 83 pounds), I’ve spent the majority of my life in the shelter, waiting for my fur-ever home. Yep, I’ve been here for 4 of my 5 years. But I’m still hopeful that I’ll find my special someone. And since I’ve been here, I’ve made the most of my time!
I know cues like sit, down, touch, and I’m even working on army crawl! I love other dogs (cats, not so much). I love humans, but I can be a little too boisterous for little kids. I’ve been overlooked for years, but I’m still a happy, joyful boy, full of heart and hope. I have a lot of love to give. Will you let Jelly roll on into your heart?
TWYLA
Greetings! I am 5 years old, 41 pounds, and full of spirit, with a touch of star power. Yes, I like to sing, and the people call me “the Taylor Swift of the dog world.” Like the star that I am, I can come on strong, but give me time. Still, I might do better in a quieter, adults-only home. If you’re ready for a lovably loyal dog with a touch of Taylor’s flair, come meet me!
Sarah Alpert | Adoptions Manager
Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County
P: 901.937.3917 | F: 901.937.3949
935 Farm Road | salpert@memphishumane.org
addition to sheltering dogs, the Humane Society works to spay and neuter pets, while providing other services to make pet ownership more sustainable. The dogs below are eager to introduce themselves: They would love to come to your home, sit down, and stay a while. Shake on it?
PEBBLES
Salutations! I am 4 years old, I weigh 49 pounds, and my heart is as big as my personality, once I open up. I can be a little reserved when you first meet me, but give it time: I’m a goofy girl soon enough. My favorite food is peanut butter! I’m learning how to play with dog friends and I’m getting more confident. May I be your lovably quirky new best friend?
PENNY
You’re in luck! You’ve found me, Penny. I play so well with other dogs at the shelter, and I love discovering the world around me. I take meds to prevent past suspected seizure activity from recurring, and I’m really happy and healthy now! Let’s go explore together — my big smile will light up your life.
A Smorgasbord for Those in Need
BY ALEX GREENE
In the back of our minds, we all know that whenever we sit down to a delectable meal with all the trimmings, someone around the corner could be going without. Even then, most of us compartmentalize. It takes a further leap of imagination to commit to materially supporting the many Memphians — and they are legion — who work every day to ensure no one among us goes hungry.
But what if every “specials of the day” list had a hidden side, a bonus section naming all the organizations providing free food, with no compartmentalization needed? The back of every menu could sport a roundup of all who feed the hungry. Something built into the dining experience about which one might simply say, “It’s my pleasure.” Feel free to select more than one course, if you’re feeling particularly hungry for change. Food comes in many forms, as do the multiple approaches to feeding those in need. Topping the list are those who answer the most immediate cry of hunger with a proper meal. It’s the first step someone takes to calm down, consider their needs, and think through all those things that can come later: getting groceries, finding fresh produce, or even securing a little plot where they can grow their own. The organizations along each step of path will welcome your donations.
FOR STARTERS: A SQUARE ONE
Nothing quite says “welcome” like a free meal, offered for take-out or served in-house, and Memphis has plenty on offer.
A heavenly host of churches covers every day of the week between their various breakfasts, carry-outs, or sack lunches, namely Catholic Charities of West Tennessee, Calvary Episcopal Church, First Congregational Church, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, Idlewild Presbyterian Church, Jacob’s Well Memphis, Masjid Al Mu’Minun (offering halal), Heartsong Church, St. John’s United Methodist Church, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, St. Mary’s Catholic Church,
St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, St. Patrick Catholic Church, and St. Vincent DePaul.
There are also nonecumenical options like OutMemphis, Memphis Food Not Bombs, the YMCA’s free meals for kids 18 and under, or the Feed the Block program, launched by the Equity Alliance and hosted by Young Life Memphis.
FILL THE PANTRY
Beyond a meat and three, one is not truly food secure without a stocked pantry. Yet in some areas, the proverbial “food deserts,” might not even have a nearby purveyor of pantry items. One solution, Mobile Grocer, was launched by nonprofit The Works to take staples directly to those deserts. It’s a bus bringing shelves of groceries to one of seven locations, Monday through Friday.
And those left choosing between rent and groceries can get help with free food pantries. They might include raw produce, meats, dairy, or other perishable necessities, not to mention things with more of a shelf life, and there’s also a mobile version with the Sunshine and Daisy Mobile Food Pantry delivering groceries to 100 families every week. The venerable Mid-South Food Bank also features a mobile pantry in addition to its brick-and-mortar location.
Another approach is to pepper every neighborhood with mini-pantries, and that’s the idea behind both Little Free Pantries, stocking canned goods and nonperishables much like Little Free Libraries, and 901 Community Fridges, which goes a step further and actually offers refrigerated goods in several locations. Check the latter’s social media to hear their “new fridge
alert” announcements of ever-multiplying locations.
Other pantries include those at the Catholic Charities of West Tennessee, Collective Good Immigrant Pantry, Faithful Baptist Church (also offering a clothes and diaper pantry), FeedMemphis by the Memphis Dream Center, Friends for All Memphis, Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church (with an emphasis on fresh produce in the growing season), and Heartsong Church.
GROWING GOODNESS
Taking all of this good will to its logical conclusion, one inevitably faces the old aphorism, “Give someone a fish to feed them for a day; teach someone to fish to feed them for a lifetime.” The landlocked corollary, of course, would apply to the power of the garden, and the very real opportunities throughout the city to grow one’s own food.
Shelby County Community Gardens, launched by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris in 2020 to provide free spaces for residents to nurture healthy lifestyles and grow their own food, may be the king of the compost heap in this category, and they allotted over 450 plots to applicants last year. You’ll need to drive out to the Shelby Farms area to get there, though. Still, certain neighborhoods offer cultivation opportunities closer to home, like the Orange Mound Community Garden and the S.O.W. Community Garden, both in Orange Mound. There’s also the garden at the New Hope Christian Academy in Frayser, reclaiming land once considered untillable, and the nearby nine-acre plot of The Girls Inc. Youth Farm, where qualifying members grow all manner of produce, and even sell it at local farmers markets. And in South Memphis, there’s a longstanding community garden, the Green Leaf Learning Farm, a signature program by Knowledge Quest that’s across the street from their main campus. But that’s not all. Look around your own environs to see what’s growing near you.
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