Published October 19, 2017 on The I Love Memphis Blog
I Love Memphis gets weird today thanks to contributor Stacey – who searched across the city for the most interesting restrooms in all the land – ranging from funky to fancy. Guess where you’ll find each restroom and then scroll to the bottom for the answers.
I did my best to not include any images that had obvious vulgarity, but keep in mind this post may require some appreciation of bathroom humor or tolerance for a scribbled swear. These bathrooms are a mix of women’s/men’s/unisex but there are enough hints it shouldn’t be too biased no matter which room you use.
1. Groovy
This dive bar is known for its art, so it only makes sense that the women’s room would also be a work of art. (Not sure why such attention to detail did not carry out in the men’s room. Maybe the artist got tired?) However, this psychedelic landscape could prove problematic depending on how much one has been drinking.
2. Argggh
Once upon a time, this bar’s ladies’ room had a lovely poster of Audrey Hepburn facing the porcelain throne. Now, there’s a rheumy-eyed pirate creepily staring at you.
3. Welcome to The Funhouse
this is truly the weirdest bathroom in Memphis
These legendary funhouse bathrooms – both men’s and women’s – have survived various incarnations of this restaurant space. No one knows if this M.C. Escher inspired tiled masterpiece was created on purpose or by necessity, but those prone to vertigo may want to steer clear.
4. What Is Even Happening
Two toilets facing each other in the ladies’ room. How is this a thing?
5. Yikes
Once home to a solid group of old timers, this much loved dive bar has been reclaimed by the young and hip. Here you’ll find a great juke box, a pretty messed up but playable pool table, and one of the most notorious bathrooms in all of Memphis. Fellas, too many beers affecting your ability to direct the stream to its intended target? No worries, what happens on the floor here, stays on the floor here. (Hey, things could be worse, it could be carpeted!)
6. He Said It
The bathrooms at this late night stop are among the cleanest in town, believe it or not. While the women’s room is rather boring, save for a little political graffiti, the men’s room is a shrine to a former employee. Apparently, he was known for his witticisms. A long time regular tells me that the list that covers all four walls was a work in progress for many years while he was still alive and slinging hot wings.
7. What Wondrous Graffiti
Home to artists, poets, and comics, this bar’s bathrooms were once a place of inspiration thanks to the literary thoughts scrawled on the walls. These days, the women’s room contains campy drawings of both male and female nether regions, and the drunken scribble centers on calling out men for their bad behavior. If the complicated and time consuming graffiti in the men’s room is any indication, many men have sought refuge there.
8. Hello Beautiful
Clearly a woman (or a very smart man) added this little touch to the ladies’ room at this newish downtown watering hole. It’s guaranteed to bring a smile and has probably resulted in a quite a few women inadvertently striking up a conversation with a brick wall.
9. Ladies lounge
This is the best kept secret on this famous street, at least for the ladies in need of a clean place to take a pitstop. Come up the fire escape and walk right in, whether you plan to dine or not. (Shhh!) This bathroom could easily be mistaken for a swanky cocktail bar thanks to its luxurious seating area and romantic lighting. Speaking of if walls could talk…I imagine quite a bit of gossip and shenanigans have gone on in here.
10. Refurbished
One of midtown’s fine dining establishments is undergoing a total refresh, and that includes the bathrooms. This recently redone ladies’ room has handmade wallpaper and a nice little side table for your purse and phone.
11. Shiny and New
Looking for a classy place to leave that oak barrel-aged overflow? These bathrooms are super brand-new and so shiny. It appears they’ve taken the same care in designing the restrooms as they have the rest of the facility.
12. Artsy
Technically not a bar, but you can get a free drink here one Friday a month. Two unisex bathrooms serve as private galleries of sorts as they feature fine art by two of this establishment’s “regulars.” Tad Lauritzen Wright’s most recent show, “The Politics of Power,” which consisted of single line drawings, extends into one bathroom. (Greely Myatt’s work, which includes a zipper in the wall, graces the other.)
Answers
1. Canvas
2. The Cove
3. Midtown Crossing
4. Westy’s
5. Lamplighter
6. Alex’s Tavern
Former employee Sonny was known for his witticisms (aka “Sonnyisms”).
7. P&H
8. The Dirty Crow
9. Itta Bena on Beale Street
10. Tsunami (Part-owner and artist Colleen Couch Smith did the redesigning, which includes freaking handmade wall paper!)
11. Old Dominick Distillery
12. David Lusk Gallery
Have more quiz ideas for Memphis? More weird bathrooms? Leave em in the comments.
Showing posts with label I Love Memphis Blog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I Love Memphis Blog. Show all posts
Monday, October 16, 2017
Monday, September 25, 2017
Tsunami News Update: Pau Hana Happy Hour, New Restaurant On The Way
Published September 25, 2017 on The I Love Memphis Blog
Ed. Note: Tsunami in Cooper Young – with Ben Smith and Colleen Couch-Smith at the helm – is a stalwart and a gem of the Memphis restaurant scene. I’ve always thought of Tsunami as a fancy dinner kind of place but contributor Stacey has some big news: Tsunami is (and has been) open for your casual, happy hour, cocktail-appreciating business, and there’s a new concept coming in the space next door. All photos by Colleen Couch-Smith, used with permission.
Want to sample Ben Smith’s menu for his new restaurant concept? Then keep reading…
Chef Ben and his wife, Colleen Couch-Smith, purchased the building that has housed Tsunami for the last twenty years at the end of 2016. With that came a wave of renovations, upgrades, a new happy hour menu and plans to launch a more casual concept in the south dining room in 2018. (Similar to Sweet Grass & Sweet Grass Next Door.)
Let’s start with the renovations and upgrades.
Colleen, who has played many roles at the restaurant from bookkeeper to general manager, spent the last couple of years working in the construction business with Sponseller & McGary. This gave her the confidence and experience to tackle most of the refresh and structural changes herself.
“We didn’t want anything tremendous or outrageous. The idea was to complement the existing décor and stay true to building. We’ve been in business for twenty years because people are comfortable here and I definitely didn’t want to change that,” she says.
Colleen overhauled the paint scheme, completely tore out the ceiling in the main dining room, addressed air conditioning issues, replaced the track lighting and fans, and redid the bar so that it looks like they are “selling alcohol rather than glassware.” You can see Colleen’s more artistic side with the new handmade wallpaper she created for the bathrooms and as accents in the main dining room. Finally, she reupholstered the bar stools and banquet.
[I feel like I should point out that the badass bar tops, counter tops in the bathrooms, and several of the paper installations were also made by Colleen over the years.]
Now, about that new happy hour menu.
Launched in June, it’s technically called Pau Hana, which is Hawaiian for “quit workin’ and treat yo’ self.” Each week, the menu features two new dishes and a special cocktail. The Pau Hana menu is available at the bar Monday-Friday, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
So, what kind of food are we talkin’ about?
“Things that have been rattling around in my head for ages that didn’t feel like the right fit for Tsunami,” explains Ben. Pau Hana has given him an opportunity to go further out on a limb, beyond what he’s been doing, and more towards the food he loves to eat.
Ben says he’s been getting homesick for Hawaii, where he lived from ’91-’94. As a result, Pau Hana has featured items like rice vermicelli bowls with shrimp and spicy coconut sauce, spam musubi, shrimp toast, and tuna poke.
Creating two new dishes each week and getting feedback from customers has been a good sounding board. “It’s basically menu testing for our new concept,” says Ben.
New concept? Tell us more…
Colleen explains, “Pau Hana is bridging the gap between what we are now and what we will be in a few months. It’s highlighting the food Ben will serve in tbe new space.” She envisions seating for small groups, a loft with a larger table, and a four seat sake bar. “Definitely no white tablecloths,” she says.
The new space has a name, but it’s a secret for now. Ben says it will be about the vibe and variety and the fact that it’s spontaneous and seasonal and can change with his whims. “It’s the difference between giving people what they want versus what I want. I need to get back to a place of creativity and challenge people’s palates with more vibrant flavors.”
Ben wants to see tables of people sharing food “like in every other culture in the world.” He wants his customers to taste the full spectrum of flavor at every meal. “Ideally we hit all the points on the palate and people leave without being too full or feeling like they spent too much.”
Sounds good to me!
The happy hour small plates are in the $6 – $8 range and the daily cocktail is $8, plus they offer wines by the glass for $6 and beer for $5.
Tsunami is open for dinner Monday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. They offer the Pau Hana Happy Hour menu from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Go There:
Tsunami
928 S. Cooper
Memphis, Tennessee 38104
tsunamimemphis.com
Ed. Note: Tsunami in Cooper Young – with Ben Smith and Colleen Couch-Smith at the helm – is a stalwart and a gem of the Memphis restaurant scene. I’ve always thought of Tsunami as a fancy dinner kind of place but contributor Stacey has some big news: Tsunami is (and has been) open for your casual, happy hour, cocktail-appreciating business, and there’s a new concept coming in the space next door. All photos by Colleen Couch-Smith, used with permission.
Want to sample Ben Smith’s menu for his new restaurant concept? Then keep reading…
Chef Ben and his wife, Colleen Couch-Smith, purchased the building that has housed Tsunami for the last twenty years at the end of 2016. With that came a wave of renovations, upgrades, a new happy hour menu and plans to launch a more casual concept in the south dining room in 2018. (Similar to Sweet Grass & Sweet Grass Next Door.)
Let’s start with the renovations and upgrades.
Colleen, who has played many roles at the restaurant from bookkeeper to general manager, spent the last couple of years working in the construction business with Sponseller & McGary. This gave her the confidence and experience to tackle most of the refresh and structural changes herself.
“We didn’t want anything tremendous or outrageous. The idea was to complement the existing décor and stay true to building. We’ve been in business for twenty years because people are comfortable here and I definitely didn’t want to change that,” she says.
Colleen overhauled the paint scheme, completely tore out the ceiling in the main dining room, addressed air conditioning issues, replaced the track lighting and fans, and redid the bar so that it looks like they are “selling alcohol rather than glassware.” You can see Colleen’s more artistic side with the new handmade wallpaper she created for the bathrooms and as accents in the main dining room. Finally, she reupholstered the bar stools and banquet.
[I feel like I should point out that the badass bar tops, counter tops in the bathrooms, and several of the paper installations were also made by Colleen over the years.]
Now, about that new happy hour menu.
Launched in June, it’s technically called Pau Hana, which is Hawaiian for “quit workin’ and treat yo’ self.” Each week, the menu features two new dishes and a special cocktail. The Pau Hana menu is available at the bar Monday-Friday, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
So, what kind of food are we talkin’ about?
“Things that have been rattling around in my head for ages that didn’t feel like the right fit for Tsunami,” explains Ben. Pau Hana has given him an opportunity to go further out on a limb, beyond what he’s been doing, and more towards the food he loves to eat.
Ben says he’s been getting homesick for Hawaii, where he lived from ’91-’94. As a result, Pau Hana has featured items like rice vermicelli bowls with shrimp and spicy coconut sauce, spam musubi, shrimp toast, and tuna poke.
Creating two new dishes each week and getting feedback from customers has been a good sounding board. “It’s basically menu testing for our new concept,” says Ben.
New concept? Tell us more…
Colleen explains, “Pau Hana is bridging the gap between what we are now and what we will be in a few months. It’s highlighting the food Ben will serve in tbe new space.” She envisions seating for small groups, a loft with a larger table, and a four seat sake bar. “Definitely no white tablecloths,” she says.
The new space has a name, but it’s a secret for now. Ben says it will be about the vibe and variety and the fact that it’s spontaneous and seasonal and can change with his whims. “It’s the difference between giving people what they want versus what I want. I need to get back to a place of creativity and challenge people’s palates with more vibrant flavors.”
Ben wants to see tables of people sharing food “like in every other culture in the world.” He wants his customers to taste the full spectrum of flavor at every meal. “Ideally we hit all the points on the palate and people leave without being too full or feeling like they spent too much.”
Sounds good to me!
The happy hour small plates are in the $6 – $8 range and the daily cocktail is $8, plus they offer wines by the glass for $6 and beer for $5.
Tsunami is open for dinner Monday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. They offer the Pau Hana Happy Hour menu from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Go There:
Tsunami
928 S. Cooper
Memphis, Tennessee 38104
tsunamimemphis.com
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Ride Your Bike (or Drive Your Dang Car) to CJ’s Blues Club in West Memphis
Published August 16, 2017 on the I Love Memphis Blog
Ed. Note: Contributor Stacey has another gem for us in West Memphis, aka another reason to ride your bike/walk across the Big River Crossing. Or, as she says, you can just drive your dang car over to CJs to check out this new Mid-South patio.
You’ve ridden to Pancho’s, now it’s time to go a couple more blocks to CJ’s Blues and Sports Bar in West Memphis! CJ, whose real name is Clem Johnson, has noticed you guys.
He says, “When bikers come over [The Big River Crossing] they have nowhere to ride to. What they normally do is ride to the store and turn around and go back.” He wants you to stay awhile.
After talking to a few cyclists about opening up his patio on weekends, they encouraged him to do so. CJ enlisted the help of local artist (and tour guide extraordinaire), Tad Pierson to turn his formerly empty lot into a bonafide oasis.
CJ and Tad spent a few days hunting car and tractor tires in Crittenden County to paint and repurpose over the course of a couple of weeks. They came up with about 50 of them. As CJ says, “People throw away car tires everyday.”
Those old tires are now colorful tables, chairs, and planters. In addition to tires, CJ repurposed some old pallets to make an outdoor stage. Now Memphis bicyclists (ok and you drivers too) have a seriously cool place to hang, drink beer, eat barbeque, and listen to the blues.
He also plans to open up the back of the building where there’s a jukebox and a pool table. He’s got nice bathrooms for you too.
CJ is having a grand opening party for the new patio this Sunday, August 20, 2017 from 11 a.m. until 5.p.m. Ms. Nickki, who you may know from Wild Bill’s, will be performing along with Big John Cummings (a recording artist and writer for Bobby Rush) and Memphis’s own Soul Connection. (Show time is 2 p.m.)
CJ will be selling ribs, fish, and smoked sausage for $10 a plate. Cold beers are $2-$4 and bottled water is $1. Bring cash.
Can’t make it Sunday? No worries. CJ will open the patio every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from here on out from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. He says everyone is welcome. So go on and get a taste of West Memphis!
Go there:
CJ’s Blues and Sports Bar
3110 E Broadway Ave, West Memphis, AR 72301
Sunday, August 20th, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Then every Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Ed. Note: Contributor Stacey has another gem for us in West Memphis, aka another reason to ride your bike/walk across the Big River Crossing. Or, as she says, you can just drive your dang car over to CJs to check out this new Mid-South patio.
You’ve ridden to Pancho’s, now it’s time to go a couple more blocks to CJ’s Blues and Sports Bar in West Memphis! CJ, whose real name is Clem Johnson, has noticed you guys.
He says, “When bikers come over [The Big River Crossing] they have nowhere to ride to. What they normally do is ride to the store and turn around and go back.” He wants you to stay awhile.
After talking to a few cyclists about opening up his patio on weekends, they encouraged him to do so. CJ enlisted the help of local artist (and tour guide extraordinaire), Tad Pierson to turn his formerly empty lot into a bonafide oasis.
CJ and Tad spent a few days hunting car and tractor tires in Crittenden County to paint and repurpose over the course of a couple of weeks. They came up with about 50 of them. As CJ says, “People throw away car tires everyday.”
Those old tires are now colorful tables, chairs, and planters. In addition to tires, CJ repurposed some old pallets to make an outdoor stage. Now Memphis bicyclists (ok and you drivers too) have a seriously cool place to hang, drink beer, eat barbeque, and listen to the blues.
He also plans to open up the back of the building where there’s a jukebox and a pool table. He’s got nice bathrooms for you too.
CJ is having a grand opening party for the new patio this Sunday, August 20, 2017 from 11 a.m. until 5.p.m. Ms. Nickki, who you may know from Wild Bill’s, will be performing along with Big John Cummings (a recording artist and writer for Bobby Rush) and Memphis’s own Soul Connection. (Show time is 2 p.m.)
CJ will be selling ribs, fish, and smoked sausage for $10 a plate. Cold beers are $2-$4 and bottled water is $1. Bring cash.
Can’t make it Sunday? No worries. CJ will open the patio every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from here on out from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. He says everyone is welcome. So go on and get a taste of West Memphis!
Go there:
CJ’s Blues and Sports Bar
3110 E Broadway Ave, West Memphis, AR 72301
Sunday, August 20th, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
(Then every Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Kunal’s Indian Pizza Pop Up At The Cove
Published August 10, 2017 on the I Love Memphis Blog
Ed. Note: On Sunday October 15th, the Cove again hosts Kunal’s Indian Pizza Pop-Up restaurant from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring (probably, or at least something similar to) pizzas, nachos, and salads inspired by traditional Indian cooking. Read more about the October event here. Stacey sits down with the mastermind behind this mouthwatering menu, Kunal Jadhav, for more info.
Updated! This post has been updated to include the October 15 date.
The Cove’s regulars had gotten pretty used to having fun Sunday pop-ups, so when Lucky Cat moved on to a more permanent space, one regular decided to fill the gap himself. However, there was one condition: He wanted all of the money to go to charity.
Meet Kunal Jadhav, a 41 year old FedEx employee. Originally from India, he comes from a household that reveres food. “I grew up with stories of my grandmother and mother dining in the halls of royal maharajas and handwritten cookbooks are still used by my family. I began cooking at a very young age when I could barely reach the stove,” he says.
He’s on a mission to make Indian food more approachable. He’d been experimenting with Indian inspired pizzas and sliders and brought some to The Cove to share with friends. (He’s been a regular for several years.)
Then Mary Tanner, the owner, made Kunal an offer he couldn’t refuse. “She offered the restaurant to me on Sundays to run a pop-up supporting animal rescue groups.”
Kunal has two shelter dogs, Ozzie and Lucy, and says they are the most important beings in his life. “I visited several shelters and saw the dire need that exists in this City. I felt it was about time I made the shift from empathy to action. I decided to combine my two passions in life–food and dogs–and give back to my community,” he explains.
On Sunday, October 15 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Kunal will be a part of the “Peg-legs and Pets” benefit at The Cove, which benefits the West Memphis Animal Shelter. Read more.
While the menu may be different than what’s been featured in teh past, below you’ll get an idea of his Indian fusion cuisine.
For Kunal’s first pop up, he served Indian inspired pizzas and nachos, which were $10 each. The Butter Chicken Pizza has smoked Tandoori chicken, creamy tomato & cashew sauce, Mozarella, feta, and a little cilantro. (Trust me, you’ll want to put the creamy tomato & cashew sauce on EVERYTHING.)
There’s also a tasty option for vegetarians. The Saag Paneer Pizza has Kunal’s homemade Indian ricotta cheese and goat cheese in a spiced spinach sauce. (Pro tip for non-vegetarians: ask him to add the smoked Tandoori chicken to this.)
Attention nacho lovers: Everything that goes on the pizzas can just as easily be served on crispy kettle chips.
And you definitely do not want to let summer end without trying the watermelon salad, which is priced at a ridiculously low $5. The recipe comes from Bounty on Broad. In addition to juicy watermelon, the salad includes deseeded jalapeno, crumbled goat cheese, thinly sliced radish, fresh basil, and…wait for it…little slivers of bacon. (Here, let me wipe the drool off of your chin.)
Kunal is committed to doing these Indian Pizza Pop Ups once a month on a Sunday for the next six months. In that time, he hopes to support and fundraise for the rescue groups that need help the most. (Ed. Note: I’ll try to update this post with new dates as we know them.)
He couldn’t do any of this without his team–The Cove’s Michael Kuntsman and Liya Morris are a big help in prepping and cooking the dishes. He also has volunteers who help expedite, clean up and take orders.
So come on down to the Cove on Sunday. Place your food order at the volunteer table and get your drinks like you always do from Parks at the bar.
Go There:
Kunal’s Indian Pizza Pop Up
The Cove (2559 Broad Ave.)
Sunday, october 15, 2017
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Ed. Note: On Sunday October 15th, the Cove again hosts Kunal’s Indian Pizza Pop-Up restaurant from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. featuring (probably, or at least something similar to) pizzas, nachos, and salads inspired by traditional Indian cooking. Read more about the October event here. Stacey sits down with the mastermind behind this mouthwatering menu, Kunal Jadhav, for more info.
Updated! This post has been updated to include the October 15 date.
The Cove’s regulars had gotten pretty used to having fun Sunday pop-ups, so when Lucky Cat moved on to a more permanent space, one regular decided to fill the gap himself. However, there was one condition: He wanted all of the money to go to charity.
Meet Kunal Jadhav, a 41 year old FedEx employee. Originally from India, he comes from a household that reveres food. “I grew up with stories of my grandmother and mother dining in the halls of royal maharajas and handwritten cookbooks are still used by my family. I began cooking at a very young age when I could barely reach the stove,” he says.
He’s on a mission to make Indian food more approachable. He’d been experimenting with Indian inspired pizzas and sliders and brought some to The Cove to share with friends. (He’s been a regular for several years.)
Then Mary Tanner, the owner, made Kunal an offer he couldn’t refuse. “She offered the restaurant to me on Sundays to run a pop-up supporting animal rescue groups.”
Kunal has two shelter dogs, Ozzie and Lucy, and says they are the most important beings in his life. “I visited several shelters and saw the dire need that exists in this City. I felt it was about time I made the shift from empathy to action. I decided to combine my two passions in life–food and dogs–and give back to my community,” he explains.
On Sunday, October 15 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Kunal will be a part of the “Peg-legs and Pets” benefit at The Cove, which benefits the West Memphis Animal Shelter. Read more.
While the menu may be different than what’s been featured in teh past, below you’ll get an idea of his Indian fusion cuisine.
For Kunal’s first pop up, he served Indian inspired pizzas and nachos, which were $10 each. The Butter Chicken Pizza has smoked Tandoori chicken, creamy tomato & cashew sauce, Mozarella, feta, and a little cilantro. (Trust me, you’ll want to put the creamy tomato & cashew sauce on EVERYTHING.)
There’s also a tasty option for vegetarians. The Saag Paneer Pizza has Kunal’s homemade Indian ricotta cheese and goat cheese in a spiced spinach sauce. (Pro tip for non-vegetarians: ask him to add the smoked Tandoori chicken to this.)
Attention nacho lovers: Everything that goes on the pizzas can just as easily be served on crispy kettle chips.
And you definitely do not want to let summer end without trying the watermelon salad, which is priced at a ridiculously low $5. The recipe comes from Bounty on Broad. In addition to juicy watermelon, the salad includes deseeded jalapeno, crumbled goat cheese, thinly sliced radish, fresh basil, and…wait for it…little slivers of bacon. (Here, let me wipe the drool off of your chin.)
Kunal is committed to doing these Indian Pizza Pop Ups once a month on a Sunday for the next six months. In that time, he hopes to support and fundraise for the rescue groups that need help the most. (Ed. Note: I’ll try to update this post with new dates as we know them.)
He couldn’t do any of this without his team–The Cove’s Michael Kuntsman and Liya Morris are a big help in prepping and cooking the dishes. He also has volunteers who help expedite, clean up and take orders.
So come on down to the Cove on Sunday. Place your food order at the volunteer table and get your drinks like you always do from Parks at the bar.
Go There:
Kunal’s Indian Pizza Pop Up
The Cove (2559 Broad Ave.)
Sunday, october 15, 2017
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Monday, June 26, 2017
8 Memphis Summer Treats: Slushies, Boozy Shakes, Ice Cream, and More
Published June 26, 2017 on the I Love Memphis Blog
Ed. Note: It’s the I Love Memphis Summer Survival Guide Week! First up is this list of cold treats from around town (some boozy, some not) from contributor Stacey Greenberg.
It’s summer, it’s hot out, and it’s time to treat yo’self. We can all thank the Slider Inn’s Jameson slushie for opening our eyes to one of the best ways to cool off in this town. A couple of other bars have followed suit with their own boozy slushie machines, too.
I even have a way for you to make your own. And have no fear, this list also includes caffeinated cool-offs and non-boozy trendy frozen treats, too.
1. “Memphis AF” Slush
Jerry’s Sno Cone + Old Dominick Distillery’s Vodka
You know how necessity is the mother of invention? Well, the “Memphis AF” Slush is a prime example of this. If you don’t feel like drinking in public, you can make your own frozen delight and take it home or to someone’s front porch.
Grab a bottle of Old Dominick’s vodka—I like the Honeybell—and add it to a Jerry’s sno cone. I’ve tried cherry and lemon, but feel certain this works with just about any flavor. I wouldn’t get a supreme though, and don’t forget to ask for a lid and a straw. Let the sno cone melt while you drive to your final destination, then hollow out the middle a bit, and pour in a four-count of vodka. Voila!
2. Front Porch Sippers
The Front Porch
I didn’t have a front porch of my own…until now. The Front Porch pop up at Beale Street Landing has the best view of the river in town, and a sunset that is mighty hard to beat.
Front Porch Sippers come $8 a tumbler or $32 a pitcher and are the perfect accompaniment to the newly installed red rocking chairs all along the patio. They aren’t frozen, but they come in old fashioned metal tumblers and pitchers so they stay super cold.
Choose from a Boss Crump Collins, Hyter’s Lownote Hi-Ball, Manny’s Memphis Mule, and the Proud Mary Sangria. (On Saturday & Sunday there’s also a Peaches & Suitcase Brunch Punch.) Or don’t choose—try them all.
3. Diabla
Catherine & Mary’s
Bar manager and mixologist extraordinaire, Colby Jones, has taken frozen drinks to the next level with his creative use of flavored ice cubes. Fans of the Sweet Melissa from the fall menu should try the Diabla.
It’s a delicate cocktail consisting of vida mezcal, espolon blanco tequila, aperol, falernum, lime, and cilantro-serrano ice. Drink it nice and slow so that the spicy ice melts into the drink and slushifies it.
4. Frosé
Loflin Yard
Downtown’s big backyard bar just updated their cocktail list with lots of summery sensations, including my favorite, the Battle of the Greensward (Bulliet Bourbon, Drambuie, Mathilde Framboise, Laphroaig Whisky, Lemon oil).
In terms of frozen fun, they are catering to the wine drinkers right now. Try the Frozen Strawberry Rhubarb Rose available in the Coach House. There’s also a frozen whiskey lemonade and whiskey coke available.
5. Bushwacker
Railgarten
There is a lot going on over at Railgarten—ice cream parlor, diner, ping pong bar, tiki bar, outdoor music, a volleyball court, etc. Definitely give it all a try, but don’t miss the frozen offerings in the Ping Pong and Tiki bars.
They have rotating offerings including a frozen Moscow Mule, F’rose (a semi sweet lemony rose slushie), a frozen Chattanooga 1816 whiskey & coke, and a bushwacker. The Railgarten’s version of your favorite vacation drink, the bushwacker, is non dairy and made with almond milk, cocoa nub infused vodka, the above mentioned whiskey and French Truck coffee.
The ice cream parlor also has a wide selection of boozy milkshakes that can all be made vegan.
6. Booze Pops to Order
MemPops
What’s better than a MemPop? An alcoholic MemPop! Now that they have their catering license, MemPops can serve booze pops at special events—anything from the Levitt Shell to your backyard pool party.
Best of all, they are open to suggestion concerning combinations. Past successes include a bourbon maple bacon pop, a Moscow mule pop, a roasted peach and bourbon pop, and a pineapple coconut and rum pop.
They are currently experimenting with Prosecco and a raspberry lemonade pop. The price point is $4-$6 per pop, depending on how involved it is to make. Email or call for a customized menu.
7. Popffogato
City & State
If booze and pops aren’t your thing, then maybe coffee and pops are. Fans of the Italian affogato—espresso served over gelato—are in for a real treat, starting the first week of July at City & State.
The Popffogato is joining the new menu. It’s a paleta from La Michoacana (pistachio or strawberries & cream) with a shot of espresso. The paletas fit neatly into a go cup, so you can remove the lid and have a built in drip catcher.
8. Rolled Ice Cream
Rollin Sweets & The 901 Scoop
I am personally mystified by the current rolled ice cream craze (Ed. Note: Me too, Stacey, me too.) but if you wanna try it out, you have two choices in Memphis—Rollin Sweets downtown and The 901 Scoop by the U of M.
Pick your flavor and watch as they turn it into delicate rolls. The process is a bit time consuming so be prepared to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half.
Ed. Note: Let me add that there are quite a few classic Memphis places that have frozen slushies or milkshakes – alcohol optional – at A. Schwab on Beale, Wet Willy’s on Beale, and the Arcade Restaurant.
Ed. Note: It’s the I Love Memphis Summer Survival Guide Week! First up is this list of cold treats from around town (some boozy, some not) from contributor Stacey Greenberg.
It’s summer, it’s hot out, and it’s time to treat yo’self. We can all thank the Slider Inn’s Jameson slushie for opening our eyes to one of the best ways to cool off in this town. A couple of other bars have followed suit with their own boozy slushie machines, too.
I even have a way for you to make your own. And have no fear, this list also includes caffeinated cool-offs and non-boozy trendy frozen treats, too.
1. “Memphis AF” Slush
Jerry’s Sno Cone + Old Dominick Distillery’s Vodka
You know how necessity is the mother of invention? Well, the “Memphis AF” Slush is a prime example of this. If you don’t feel like drinking in public, you can make your own frozen delight and take it home or to someone’s front porch.
Grab a bottle of Old Dominick’s vodka—I like the Honeybell—and add it to a Jerry’s sno cone. I’ve tried cherry and lemon, but feel certain this works with just about any flavor. I wouldn’t get a supreme though, and don’t forget to ask for a lid and a straw. Let the sno cone melt while you drive to your final destination, then hollow out the middle a bit, and pour in a four-count of vodka. Voila!
2. Front Porch Sippers
The Front Porch
I didn’t have a front porch of my own…until now. The Front Porch pop up at Beale Street Landing has the best view of the river in town, and a sunset that is mighty hard to beat.
Front Porch Sippers come $8 a tumbler or $32 a pitcher and are the perfect accompaniment to the newly installed red rocking chairs all along the patio. They aren’t frozen, but they come in old fashioned metal tumblers and pitchers so they stay super cold.
Choose from a Boss Crump Collins, Hyter’s Lownote Hi-Ball, Manny’s Memphis Mule, and the Proud Mary Sangria. (On Saturday & Sunday there’s also a Peaches & Suitcase Brunch Punch.) Or don’t choose—try them all.
3. Diabla
Catherine & Mary’s
Bar manager and mixologist extraordinaire, Colby Jones, has taken frozen drinks to the next level with his creative use of flavored ice cubes. Fans of the Sweet Melissa from the fall menu should try the Diabla.
It’s a delicate cocktail consisting of vida mezcal, espolon blanco tequila, aperol, falernum, lime, and cilantro-serrano ice. Drink it nice and slow so that the spicy ice melts into the drink and slushifies it.
4. Frosé
Loflin Yard
Downtown’s big backyard bar just updated their cocktail list with lots of summery sensations, including my favorite, the Battle of the Greensward (Bulliet Bourbon, Drambuie, Mathilde Framboise, Laphroaig Whisky, Lemon oil).
In terms of frozen fun, they are catering to the wine drinkers right now. Try the Frozen Strawberry Rhubarb Rose available in the Coach House. There’s also a frozen whiskey lemonade and whiskey coke available.
5. Bushwacker
Railgarten
There is a lot going on over at Railgarten—ice cream parlor, diner, ping pong bar, tiki bar, outdoor music, a volleyball court, etc. Definitely give it all a try, but don’t miss the frozen offerings in the Ping Pong and Tiki bars.
They have rotating offerings including a frozen Moscow Mule, F’rose (a semi sweet lemony rose slushie), a frozen Chattanooga 1816 whiskey & coke, and a bushwacker. The Railgarten’s version of your favorite vacation drink, the bushwacker, is non dairy and made with almond milk, cocoa nub infused vodka, the above mentioned whiskey and French Truck coffee.
The ice cream parlor also has a wide selection of boozy milkshakes that can all be made vegan.
6. Booze Pops to Order
MemPops
What’s better than a MemPop? An alcoholic MemPop! Now that they have their catering license, MemPops can serve booze pops at special events—anything from the Levitt Shell to your backyard pool party.
Best of all, they are open to suggestion concerning combinations. Past successes include a bourbon maple bacon pop, a Moscow mule pop, a roasted peach and bourbon pop, and a pineapple coconut and rum pop.
They are currently experimenting with Prosecco and a raspberry lemonade pop. The price point is $4-$6 per pop, depending on how involved it is to make. Email or call for a customized menu.
7. Popffogato
City & State
If booze and pops aren’t your thing, then maybe coffee and pops are. Fans of the Italian affogato—espresso served over gelato—are in for a real treat, starting the first week of July at City & State.
The Popffogato is joining the new menu. It’s a paleta from La Michoacana (pistachio or strawberries & cream) with a shot of espresso. The paletas fit neatly into a go cup, so you can remove the lid and have a built in drip catcher.
8. Rolled Ice Cream
Rollin Sweets & The 901 Scoop
I am personally mystified by the current rolled ice cream craze (Ed. Note: Me too, Stacey, me too.) but if you wanna try it out, you have two choices in Memphis—Rollin Sweets downtown and The 901 Scoop by the U of M.
Pick your flavor and watch as they turn it into delicate rolls. The process is a bit time consuming so be prepared to wait anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half.
Ed. Note: Let me add that there are quite a few classic Memphis places that have frozen slushies or milkshakes – alcohol optional – at A. Schwab on Beale, Wet Willy’s on Beale, and the Arcade Restaurant.
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Ride Your Bike to Pancho's
Ride Your Bike to Pancho's
Published June 13, 2017 on the I Love Memphis Blog
Ed. Note: The number one thing I hear when we talk about the Big River Crossing is not the stunning views of the Mississippi. It’s not the awesome architecture. The most popular comment on the topic is always something to do with Pancho’s Tex-Mex restaurant in West Memphis, Arkansas.
I don’t know if it’s because Pancho’s is the first thing Memphians think of when they think of West Memphis, or if we just are obsessed with the cheese dip that much, but it’s true. “Can you ride your bike to Pancho’s?” I hear every time I mention the bike/ped bridge.
Yes, Memphis, you can. And contributor Stacey did it (twice) to prove it. Here’s her take on this great way to enjoy the BRC and our neighbors to the west.
Riding a bike to Pancho’s in West Memphis has basically become a bucket list kind of thing, and I’m here to tell you how to do it.
On my first excursion, I left from my Cooper Young abode, and it ended up being a 20+ mile ride. On my second, smarter ride, my friend, Ashley (who has a bike rack), and I parked over by Loflin Yard. This made the round trip closer to 11 miles.
From Loflin Yard to Pancho’s, I’d say it’s about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your speed and how often you stop to take it all in. Pancho’s doesn’t open until 11 a.m., so there ain’t no use in leaving too early.
Both times I rode my road bike. I think it can be done on a cruiser or any kind of bike, but if you have a choice, I’d take a hybrid or a road bike. Also, don’t forget to take a bike lock for when you get there. And before you leave your house, look in the mirror—are you going to want to walk into a restaurant in your current outfit?
It is definitely not uncommon to see folks in bike shorts and tank tops at the West Memphis Pancho’s; some of them even rode their bikes there. If you want to be fancy, throw a clean t-shirt in your pack.
And lastly, a quick word on the rules of the road for bikers. Ride with traffic and obey all stop signs, red lights, etc. On the bridge, if you are passing pedestrians or other bikers, do so on the left and holler a kindly and clear, “On your left” a moment or two before you do it.
Ok, let’s go!
From Loflin Yard, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump over Riverside Drive to the entrance of the Big River Crossing. The ride over the bridge is glorious. Depending on the time of day and what day it is, there could be a lot of adults, children and their pets enjoying the view, so don’t be in a hurry.
The bridge itself is about a mile in length. On the West Memphis side there is a nice plaza where you can rest, enjoy the view, and wonder about the decision makers who sold a very prominent billboard to Coyote Ugly. There are also porta-potties.
To continue to the Big River Crossing (BRC) trail, you just head down the winding path. I’ll admit that on my first trip, this winding path seemed a little steep and I wondered if I’d ever get back up it.
I did, and you will too. The path takes you down to the parking lot and then to a lovely protected pathway. Just follow the signs.
After a half mile or so, the path ends, you’ll see another billboard—this one for Lawler’s Fireworks, and then you’ll be on a regular road for about a mile. I’ve never once seen a car on the road, so don’t panic. It’s lightly, if at all, trafficked.
The road has some lovely vistas mixed with some weird unkempt areas. There are fields with flowers (buttercups, primrose, red clover, etc.), water features, turtles, and weird things like one of Pee Wee Herman’s old shoes.
Watch for the signs, and make your way back onto the BRC trail that follows along the Interstate. Once here, you don’t have to do much thinking as it will take you all the way. At some point you go under the expressway, and then you’ll see a lovely solar powered covering.
The last little bit, a mile or two, goes along Broadway, which is a pretty heavily traveled road in West Memphis. The path, which is about the width of the Shelby Farms Greenline, is separate and still feels safe. There are several businesses along here, including a couple of motels, should you decide to extend your stay in West Memphis.
The BRC ends with another lovely plaza and official gateway, which just happens to be directly across the street from Pancho’s. Crossing Broadway is probably the most treacherous part of the ride, depending on traffic.
If you’ve never been to the Pancho’s in West Memphis, you are in for a real treat. They have plenty of bike parking, and it’s large enough that you could bring your 100 closest friends. I love the murals, brickwork, decorations, and especially the alcove seating.
The service is quite friendly, the cheese dip is addictive, and the margaritas are strong. Pancho’s is not known for its high-quality cuisine, but the menu is extensive and you are sure to find something you like. Ashley and I went with a light snack of cheese dip, salsa, one-eyed guacamole, chips, and margaritas. That set us back $20 plus tip.
When you’ve had enough fun, just head outside and retrace your steps back to Memphis.
Riding a bike to the Pancho’s in West Memphis is super fun. Riding home, not as much. There’s more of an incline, and you’ve likely got a belly full of cheese dip. Be strong.
Or get a room at the Budget Inn, and check out the West Memphis nightlife before heading back home.
Published June 13, 2017 on the I Love Memphis Blog
Ed. Note: The number one thing I hear when we talk about the Big River Crossing is not the stunning views of the Mississippi. It’s not the awesome architecture. The most popular comment on the topic is always something to do with Pancho’s Tex-Mex restaurant in West Memphis, Arkansas.
I don’t know if it’s because Pancho’s is the first thing Memphians think of when they think of West Memphis, or if we just are obsessed with the cheese dip that much, but it’s true. “Can you ride your bike to Pancho’s?” I hear every time I mention the bike/ped bridge.
Yes, Memphis, you can. And contributor Stacey did it (twice) to prove it. Here’s her take on this great way to enjoy the BRC and our neighbors to the west.
Riding a bike to Pancho’s in West Memphis has basically become a bucket list kind of thing, and I’m here to tell you how to do it.
On my first excursion, I left from my Cooper Young abode, and it ended up being a 20+ mile ride. On my second, smarter ride, my friend, Ashley (who has a bike rack), and I parked over by Loflin Yard. This made the round trip closer to 11 miles.
From Loflin Yard to Pancho’s, I’d say it’s about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your speed and how often you stop to take it all in. Pancho’s doesn’t open until 11 a.m., so there ain’t no use in leaving too early.
Both times I rode my road bike. I think it can be done on a cruiser or any kind of bike, but if you have a choice, I’d take a hybrid or a road bike. Also, don’t forget to take a bike lock for when you get there. And before you leave your house, look in the mirror—are you going to want to walk into a restaurant in your current outfit?
It is definitely not uncommon to see folks in bike shorts and tank tops at the West Memphis Pancho’s; some of them even rode their bikes there. If you want to be fancy, throw a clean t-shirt in your pack.
And lastly, a quick word on the rules of the road for bikers. Ride with traffic and obey all stop signs, red lights, etc. On the bridge, if you are passing pedestrians or other bikers, do so on the left and holler a kindly and clear, “On your left” a moment or two before you do it.
Ok, let’s go!
From Loflin Yard, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump over Riverside Drive to the entrance of the Big River Crossing. The ride over the bridge is glorious. Depending on the time of day and what day it is, there could be a lot of adults, children and their pets enjoying the view, so don’t be in a hurry.
The bridge itself is about a mile in length. On the West Memphis side there is a nice plaza where you can rest, enjoy the view, and wonder about the decision makers who sold a very prominent billboard to Coyote Ugly. There are also porta-potties.
To continue to the Big River Crossing (BRC) trail, you just head down the winding path. I’ll admit that on my first trip, this winding path seemed a little steep and I wondered if I’d ever get back up it.
I did, and you will too. The path takes you down to the parking lot and then to a lovely protected pathway. Just follow the signs.
After a half mile or so, the path ends, you’ll see another billboard—this one for Lawler’s Fireworks, and then you’ll be on a regular road for about a mile. I’ve never once seen a car on the road, so don’t panic. It’s lightly, if at all, trafficked.
The road has some lovely vistas mixed with some weird unkempt areas. There are fields with flowers (buttercups, primrose, red clover, etc.), water features, turtles, and weird things like one of Pee Wee Herman’s old shoes.
Watch for the signs, and make your way back onto the BRC trail that follows along the Interstate. Once here, you don’t have to do much thinking as it will take you all the way. At some point you go under the expressway, and then you’ll see a lovely solar powered covering.
The last little bit, a mile or two, goes along Broadway, which is a pretty heavily traveled road in West Memphis. The path, which is about the width of the Shelby Farms Greenline, is separate and still feels safe. There are several businesses along here, including a couple of motels, should you decide to extend your stay in West Memphis.
The BRC ends with another lovely plaza and official gateway, which just happens to be directly across the street from Pancho’s. Crossing Broadway is probably the most treacherous part of the ride, depending on traffic.
If you’ve never been to the Pancho’s in West Memphis, you are in for a real treat. They have plenty of bike parking, and it’s large enough that you could bring your 100 closest friends. I love the murals, brickwork, decorations, and especially the alcove seating.
The service is quite friendly, the cheese dip is addictive, and the margaritas are strong. Pancho’s is not known for its high-quality cuisine, but the menu is extensive and you are sure to find something you like. Ashley and I went with a light snack of cheese dip, salsa, one-eyed guacamole, chips, and margaritas. That set us back $20 plus tip.
When you’ve had enough fun, just head outside and retrace your steps back to Memphis.
Riding a bike to the Pancho’s in West Memphis is super fun. Riding home, not as much. There’s more of an incline, and you’ve likely got a belly full of cheese dip. Be strong.
Or get a room at the Budget Inn, and check out the West Memphis nightlife before heading back home.
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Six Bartenders You Need to Know
Six Bartenders You Need to Know
Published June 6, 2017 on the I Love Memphis Blog
Ed. Note: I Love Memphis has always tried to go beyond the usual suspects for food and drink options around town…to give you more than just the places that show up in a) every tourism article or b) every new hotspot. Stacey does just that in this post about her favorite bartenders around town.
I have a (bad) joke I tell about how my favorite bartender, Adam, will probably be the first to know when I’m dead. I’ve been sitting at his bar every Tuesday for the past decade. He knows what I like to drink, sure, but more importantly, he has my number, and he checks in if I don’t show up. It’s kind of nice.
So, get out there and find yourself a favorite bartender. I’ve got some suggestions (in no particular order).
1 & 2. Sam and Aniece at the Big “S” Lounge (1179 Dunnavant St)
Sam & Aneice at The Big S. Photo by Chip Chockley. Used with permission.
This little juke joint is just down the tracks from Stax. It’s unassuming from the outside, but the inside is full on red glow. Sam, now 92, purchased it in the sixties when he retired from MLGW (after 35 years, 3 months and 11 days).
You can find him dressed to the nines most nights at the end of the bar. His daughter, Aniece, can be found behind it. (If you’re sweet, you’ll probably get a hug from her on your way out.) She says, “As long as Daddy’s alive, he’s gonna be up here.” Therefore, she is too.
Five dollar forties are served with chilled glasses and set-ups come with an ice bucket and tongs. Open Friday to Sunday, plus Tuesday, DJ Quick is usually there spinning records. If not, the jukebox is full of killer sounds. My personal favorite is “I Wish it Would Rain” by the Temptations. It’s guaranteed to get everyone crooning and swaying, including Aniece.
3 & 4. Cliff and Joan at Coletta’s (1063 South Parkway)
Ciff’s signature margarita at Coletta’s.
The bar at Coletta’s is amazing. It actually constitutes what used to be the entire restaurant way back in 1923. It’s small and cozy, and lively AF on the weekends. But don’t worry, even when it’s packed full, they’ll find a place for you to sit.
There’s usually a big game on the TV, and if you time it right, Mr. Coletta will send out big bags of popcorn. I like to sit at the bar, eat pizza, drink margaritas, and make eyes at Cliff. He has a small stature, a big heart, and takes no sh*t.
Cliff at Coletta’s
A retired adjunct Sociology professor at the University of Memphis and LeMoyne Owen, I regret never having taken one of his classes. He’s been manning the Coletta’s bar for twenty plus years, every night except Tuesdays and Thursdays.
When asked what the secret to his margaritas is, he replied, “Tequila – focus on that.” He’s most proud of his version of Sex on the Beach which features vodka, peach Schnapps, orange juice, cranberry juice and grenadine. But, according to Cliff, the most popular drink at his bar is the Long Island Iced Tea. “That’s what I’d drink if I was at the bar,” he says.
Joan at Coletta’s
When Cliff isn’t working, Joan takes the reigns. She’s a little slow to warm up, but she’s always looking out for her customers and she’ll tell it to you straight.
For instance, if it looks like you aren’t in a hurry, she’ll serve you a half pitcher of beer at a time so it doesn’t get all warm on ya. If you really want to get on her good side, ask her about her empowerment crystals.
5. Keith at Blues City Cafe (138 Beale Street)
Keith’s Tropical Ecstacy at Blues City Cafe
After avoiding Beale Street for the last decade under the guise of it being too touristy, I have learned the error of my ways. There are some really cool bars, and the quality of the live music on any given day is mind-blowing.
Blues City brings in its fair share of tourists, thanks to the food and tunes, but Keith is the guy bringing in the locals. He’s a trip. He can whistle louder than a freight train, he’ll call you babydoll and you’ll like it, and he plays a mean air guitar.
November will mark four years for him, and many may remember him from TJ Mulligan’s. Once I asked him about the Fried Chicken Chopped Salad, and he said, “The salads here have a lot of lettuce,” as though it was a bad thing and expertly steered me to the gumbo fries.
Keith at Blues City Cafe
When it comes to drinks, he’s typically slinging beers, but he can make whatever you want. His signature cocktail is called Tropical Ecstasy. “I made it up for women who don’t know what they like to drink,” he said. “It’s fruity and tropical tasting.”
The base is Absolute Mandarin and does indeed taste fruity and tropical. It’s also super strong, but best of all, you can even it get it to go like you’re in New Orleans.
6. Mark at Mortimer’s (590 N. Perkins)
Mark at Mortimer’s
Mortimer’s is known as the Berclair Country Club, and has quite a few regular “members.” The bar is a horseshoe, and narrow enough that you can talk to the people on the other side. Mark has been behind the bar since the nineties, and he’s about a nice as they come.
Exhibit A: He brings a big bag of Peanut M&Ms Monday through Friday and divvies them up in shot glasses for his customers.
Exhibit B: He takes pictures of the smiling faces he sees each night and puts them up on a humongous bulletin board lining the North wall of his bar.
Exhibit C is the kicker. One of his regulars, a retired Marine who is now 82, used to come in every day between 3-5pm. About nine years ago, it got too hard for him to walk home, so Mark started picking him up on his way in, and someone else gives him a ride home.
A few years later, the retired Marine got sick and quit drinking, but Mark still brings him up to the bar to see his friends. (Mark also takes him grocery shopping twice a week, and even to doctor’s appointments.)
What are your favorite bars and bartenders around town, and why? Let us know in the comments.
Published June 6, 2017 on the I Love Memphis Blog
Ed. Note: I Love Memphis has always tried to go beyond the usual suspects for food and drink options around town…to give you more than just the places that show up in a) every tourism article or b) every new hotspot. Stacey does just that in this post about her favorite bartenders around town.
I have a (bad) joke I tell about how my favorite bartender, Adam, will probably be the first to know when I’m dead. I’ve been sitting at his bar every Tuesday for the past decade. He knows what I like to drink, sure, but more importantly, he has my number, and he checks in if I don’t show up. It’s kind of nice.
So, get out there and find yourself a favorite bartender. I’ve got some suggestions (in no particular order).
1 & 2. Sam and Aniece at the Big “S” Lounge (1179 Dunnavant St)
Sam & Aneice at The Big S. Photo by Chip Chockley. Used with permission.
This little juke joint is just down the tracks from Stax. It’s unassuming from the outside, but the inside is full on red glow. Sam, now 92, purchased it in the sixties when he retired from MLGW (after 35 years, 3 months and 11 days).
You can find him dressed to the nines most nights at the end of the bar. His daughter, Aniece, can be found behind it. (If you’re sweet, you’ll probably get a hug from her on your way out.) She says, “As long as Daddy’s alive, he’s gonna be up here.” Therefore, she is too.
Five dollar forties are served with chilled glasses and set-ups come with an ice bucket and tongs. Open Friday to Sunday, plus Tuesday, DJ Quick is usually there spinning records. If not, the jukebox is full of killer sounds. My personal favorite is “I Wish it Would Rain” by the Temptations. It’s guaranteed to get everyone crooning and swaying, including Aniece.
3 & 4. Cliff and Joan at Coletta’s (1063 South Parkway)
Ciff’s signature margarita at Coletta’s.
The bar at Coletta’s is amazing. It actually constitutes what used to be the entire restaurant way back in 1923. It’s small and cozy, and lively AF on the weekends. But don’t worry, even when it’s packed full, they’ll find a place for you to sit.
There’s usually a big game on the TV, and if you time it right, Mr. Coletta will send out big bags of popcorn. I like to sit at the bar, eat pizza, drink margaritas, and make eyes at Cliff. He has a small stature, a big heart, and takes no sh*t.
Cliff at Coletta’s
A retired adjunct Sociology professor at the University of Memphis and LeMoyne Owen, I regret never having taken one of his classes. He’s been manning the Coletta’s bar for twenty plus years, every night except Tuesdays and Thursdays.
When asked what the secret to his margaritas is, he replied, “Tequila – focus on that.” He’s most proud of his version of Sex on the Beach which features vodka, peach Schnapps, orange juice, cranberry juice and grenadine. But, according to Cliff, the most popular drink at his bar is the Long Island Iced Tea. “That’s what I’d drink if I was at the bar,” he says.
Joan at Coletta’s
When Cliff isn’t working, Joan takes the reigns. She’s a little slow to warm up, but she’s always looking out for her customers and she’ll tell it to you straight.
For instance, if it looks like you aren’t in a hurry, she’ll serve you a half pitcher of beer at a time so it doesn’t get all warm on ya. If you really want to get on her good side, ask her about her empowerment crystals.
5. Keith at Blues City Cafe (138 Beale Street)
Keith’s Tropical Ecstacy at Blues City Cafe
After avoiding Beale Street for the last decade under the guise of it being too touristy, I have learned the error of my ways. There are some really cool bars, and the quality of the live music on any given day is mind-blowing.
Blues City brings in its fair share of tourists, thanks to the food and tunes, but Keith is the guy bringing in the locals. He’s a trip. He can whistle louder than a freight train, he’ll call you babydoll and you’ll like it, and he plays a mean air guitar.
November will mark four years for him, and many may remember him from TJ Mulligan’s. Once I asked him about the Fried Chicken Chopped Salad, and he said, “The salads here have a lot of lettuce,” as though it was a bad thing and expertly steered me to the gumbo fries.
Keith at Blues City Cafe
When it comes to drinks, he’s typically slinging beers, but he can make whatever you want. His signature cocktail is called Tropical Ecstasy. “I made it up for women who don’t know what they like to drink,” he said. “It’s fruity and tropical tasting.”
The base is Absolute Mandarin and does indeed taste fruity and tropical. It’s also super strong, but best of all, you can even it get it to go like you’re in New Orleans.
6. Mark at Mortimer’s (590 N. Perkins)
Mark at Mortimer’s
Mortimer’s is known as the Berclair Country Club, and has quite a few regular “members.” The bar is a horseshoe, and narrow enough that you can talk to the people on the other side. Mark has been behind the bar since the nineties, and he’s about a nice as they come.
Exhibit A: He brings a big bag of Peanut M&Ms Monday through Friday and divvies them up in shot glasses for his customers.
Exhibit B: He takes pictures of the smiling faces he sees each night and puts them up on a humongous bulletin board lining the North wall of his bar.
Exhibit C is the kicker. One of his regulars, a retired Marine who is now 82, used to come in every day between 3-5pm. About nine years ago, it got too hard for him to walk home, so Mark started picking him up on his way in, and someone else gives him a ride home.
A few years later, the retired Marine got sick and quit drinking, but Mark still brings him up to the bar to see his friends. (Mark also takes him grocery shopping twice a week, and even to doctor’s appointments.)
What are your favorite bars and bartenders around town, and why? Let us know in the comments.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Eat This: Le Delights Banh Mi and Pho aka The Return of Saigon Le’s Veggie Spring Rolls
Eat This: Le Delights Banh Mi and Pho aka The Return of Saigon Le’s Veggie Spring Rolls
Published April 5, 2017 on the I Love Memphis Blog
Ed. Note: I’m happy to bring you this blog post from ILM contributor and Memphis foodie Stacey Greenberg.
Look who I found! Tuyen Le, the amazing woman who worked at Saigon Le in the Crosstown neighborhood, is now at Le Delights Banh Mi and Pho in Cordova. For those of us who have been in mourning since Saigon Le burned down in 2016, this is excellent news.
I’ve been twice now, once with friends and once with my monkeys & my mom. I’m here to inform you that if you live near Le Delights, you’re lucky, and you don’t live nearby – you have a very good reason to drive to Cordova.
Le Delights is located in the old Osaka space, and has the same owners. Despite being in a strip mall, the inside feels airy and bright. Everything seems nice and new, and the layout and decorations are lovely. You’ll find it on Macon Road at Germantown Parkway, near the Cordova Malco.
They don’t serve alcohol, but they do allow you to bring in your own. As far as drinks go, they offer energy drinks with chia, tea, coffee, and smoothies. They also have my favorite, salted lemonade, which is made with fermented lemons.
Tuyen isn’t officially cooking at Le Delights, but her famous Saigon Le vegetarian egg rolls are on the menu, listed as Le Delights Vegetarian Roll. Made with tofu and vegan ham, they are just like you remember. They come served with a plate of greens for wrapping (cilantro, basil, etc.) and tangy dipping sauce. (I don’t exactly know what vegan ham is, but I dare say it tastes like meat.)
The appetizer section also features an amazing selection of specialty wraps and rolls. We couldn’t resist the beef jerky roll with shredded green papaya, shredded mango, and shredded beef jerky. Yes, beef jerky. But it wasn’t tough at all. Wrapped in rice paper with rice noodles and peanuts, it was tangy and delightful.
As the name suggests, Le Delights specializes in banh mi and pho. Let’s talk about the banh mi first, which is basically the Vietnamese version of a po boy. Served on French bread, it comes dressed with cucumber, green onion, and (deseeded) jalapeno peppers. There’s a salad of pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cilantro, celery, and two sauces on the side for fancying it up.
There are two pages of banh mi to choose from on the menu, including the original (steamed pork, pork sausage, ham & pork pate), spicy stone grilled short ribs, filet mignon, chargrilled lemongrass chicken, pan seared fish patties, and a vegan option with taro root and tofu.
I’m going to be honest, sometimes the pork pate on the original banh mi weirds me out, so I was happy we tried the more palate-friendly chargrilled lemongrass chicken. Oh my, yum. I may have found the world’s most perfect sandwich.
Hiding on the bottom of the banh mi section is Le Delights Bao Tacos. That’s right, tacos made with steamed buns (bao). They come in threes and you can mix and match meats–honey glazed pork, grilled beef short ribs, lemongrass chicken, roasted pork belly, Vietnamese sausage, and vegan ham. The tacos are massive and would be enough on their own to get anyone full. They do not come dressed, but the same sauces and sides that accompanying the banh mi are there for the taking.
Ok, now for their other specialty, pho. I am not a pho fan, but my oldest monkey is. He begged me to let him get the Kobe beef pho (at market price), but I talked him down to the filet mignon. It came in a huge bowl with all the fun fixings on the side and was spot on. He, and soon his brother, made sure there wasn’t a drop left. If you are craving pho, Le Delights is an excellent place to get your fix. They have vermicelli bowls too.
Over my two visits I also got a chance to try a few of the stir fries–the tofu, the chicken and the lemongrass shrimp. They were all colorful thanks to an abundance of veggies–bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, onion and bok choy. The sauces were not overpowering and they seem like hearty, healthy options.
And finally, there’s dessert. They have a number of sundaes and my crazy friend ordered one with durian because she once had a durian popsicle she liked. Let’s just say that durian is not for everyone. This fruit is known for its super stinky smell and even stinkier taste, but in its defense, it is considered a delicacy in many Asian countries.
Tuyen made sure we really wanted the durian and offered to take it out, but my crazy friend persisted. It was…how shall I say it? Yuck. My other friend said it tasted like the ear medicine her mother gave her as a child. But! We were able to eat around the durian and enjoy the coconut ice cream, avocado, whipped cream and whatnot.
If durian IS your thing, please note that there is also a durian smoothie on the menu. Personally, I would recommend the avocado smoothie which is the big seller, and actually delicious.
After the durian disaster, Tuyen brought us a big plate of fresh fruit to cleanse our palates because she’s a sweetie. The pineapple, blood orange and papaya were a welcome treat. (On my second visit, Tuyen brought us a treat of tasty fried wontons.)
She really wants to open her own restaurant in Midtown, but until then, Tuyen is enjoying seeing her midtown customers at Le Delights. She says if you catch her when it’s not busy, she’ll cook up whatever you like. She works Thursday to Sunday, but any day is a good day to eat at Le Delights as they are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (and 10 p.m. on weekends).
There are plenty of vegetarian and some vegan options.
Go There:
Le Delights Banh Mi and Pho
8095 Macon Road
Cordova, Tennessee 38018
901-207-2746
ledelightsmemphis.com
Published April 5, 2017 on the I Love Memphis Blog
Ed. Note: I’m happy to bring you this blog post from ILM contributor and Memphis foodie Stacey Greenberg.
Look who I found! Tuyen Le, the amazing woman who worked at Saigon Le in the Crosstown neighborhood, is now at Le Delights Banh Mi and Pho in Cordova. For those of us who have been in mourning since Saigon Le burned down in 2016, this is excellent news.
I’ve been twice now, once with friends and once with my monkeys & my mom. I’m here to inform you that if you live near Le Delights, you’re lucky, and you don’t live nearby – you have a very good reason to drive to Cordova.
Le Delights is located in the old Osaka space, and has the same owners. Despite being in a strip mall, the inside feels airy and bright. Everything seems nice and new, and the layout and decorations are lovely. You’ll find it on Macon Road at Germantown Parkway, near the Cordova Malco.
They don’t serve alcohol, but they do allow you to bring in your own. As far as drinks go, they offer energy drinks with chia, tea, coffee, and smoothies. They also have my favorite, salted lemonade, which is made with fermented lemons.
Tuyen isn’t officially cooking at Le Delights, but her famous Saigon Le vegetarian egg rolls are on the menu, listed as Le Delights Vegetarian Roll. Made with tofu and vegan ham, they are just like you remember. They come served with a plate of greens for wrapping (cilantro, basil, etc.) and tangy dipping sauce. (I don’t exactly know what vegan ham is, but I dare say it tastes like meat.)
The appetizer section also features an amazing selection of specialty wraps and rolls. We couldn’t resist the beef jerky roll with shredded green papaya, shredded mango, and shredded beef jerky. Yes, beef jerky. But it wasn’t tough at all. Wrapped in rice paper with rice noodles and peanuts, it was tangy and delightful.
As the name suggests, Le Delights specializes in banh mi and pho. Let’s talk about the banh mi first, which is basically the Vietnamese version of a po boy. Served on French bread, it comes dressed with cucumber, green onion, and (deseeded) jalapeno peppers. There’s a salad of pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cilantro, celery, and two sauces on the side for fancying it up.
There are two pages of banh mi to choose from on the menu, including the original (steamed pork, pork sausage, ham & pork pate), spicy stone grilled short ribs, filet mignon, chargrilled lemongrass chicken, pan seared fish patties, and a vegan option with taro root and tofu.
I’m going to be honest, sometimes the pork pate on the original banh mi weirds me out, so I was happy we tried the more palate-friendly chargrilled lemongrass chicken. Oh my, yum. I may have found the world’s most perfect sandwich.
Hiding on the bottom of the banh mi section is Le Delights Bao Tacos. That’s right, tacos made with steamed buns (bao). They come in threes and you can mix and match meats–honey glazed pork, grilled beef short ribs, lemongrass chicken, roasted pork belly, Vietnamese sausage, and vegan ham. The tacos are massive and would be enough on their own to get anyone full. They do not come dressed, but the same sauces and sides that accompanying the banh mi are there for the taking.
Ok, now for their other specialty, pho. I am not a pho fan, but my oldest monkey is. He begged me to let him get the Kobe beef pho (at market price), but I talked him down to the filet mignon. It came in a huge bowl with all the fun fixings on the side and was spot on. He, and soon his brother, made sure there wasn’t a drop left. If you are craving pho, Le Delights is an excellent place to get your fix. They have vermicelli bowls too.
Over my two visits I also got a chance to try a few of the stir fries–the tofu, the chicken and the lemongrass shrimp. They were all colorful thanks to an abundance of veggies–bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, onion and bok choy. The sauces were not overpowering and they seem like hearty, healthy options.
And finally, there’s dessert. They have a number of sundaes and my crazy friend ordered one with durian because she once had a durian popsicle she liked. Let’s just say that durian is not for everyone. This fruit is known for its super stinky smell and even stinkier taste, but in its defense, it is considered a delicacy in many Asian countries.
Tuyen made sure we really wanted the durian and offered to take it out, but my crazy friend persisted. It was…how shall I say it? Yuck. My other friend said it tasted like the ear medicine her mother gave her as a child. But! We were able to eat around the durian and enjoy the coconut ice cream, avocado, whipped cream and whatnot.
If durian IS your thing, please note that there is also a durian smoothie on the menu. Personally, I would recommend the avocado smoothie which is the big seller, and actually delicious.
After the durian disaster, Tuyen brought us a big plate of fresh fruit to cleanse our palates because she’s a sweetie. The pineapple, blood orange and papaya were a welcome treat. (On my second visit, Tuyen brought us a treat of tasty fried wontons.)
She really wants to open her own restaurant in Midtown, but until then, Tuyen is enjoying seeing her midtown customers at Le Delights. She says if you catch her when it’s not busy, she’ll cook up whatever you like. She works Thursday to Sunday, but any day is a good day to eat at Le Delights as they are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (and 10 p.m. on weekends).
There are plenty of vegetarian and some vegan options.
Go There:
Le Delights Banh Mi and Pho
8095 Macon Road
Cordova, Tennessee 38018
901-207-2746
ledelightsmemphis.com
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Meet Dave the Bagel Guy
Published on the I Love Memphis Blog
February 11, 2017
Meet Dave The Bagel Guy
Ed. Note: Bagel lovers, search no more for your Memphis fix. Contributor and Memphis food expert Stacey Greenberg has the scoop.You’ve probably been seeing some fresh faces on the I Love Memphis Blog. Be on the lookout for even more this month. – Holly
Apparently Memphians have been jonesing for a really good bagel.
David Scott, 26, moved to Memphis from Portland, Oregon in October of last year. He started “Dave’s Bagels” shortly after and has basically been making bagels (by hand!) around the clock ever since.
“Honestly, bagels were always my favorite breakfast food,” says Dave, who was born in New Jersey. He spent a few years backpacking across the country and had trouble finding the bagels he was used to growing up. “I couldn’t find anything good past sourdough on the West Coast,” he says.
Dave decided to try making bagels himself, thinking ‘How hard could it be?” Well, it turns out it was a lot harder than he thought. “I’ve been tweaking my recipe for three years,” he says. “In Portland, I had a Jewish friend from Brooklyn who was my official taster. One day, she told me I had something good and that I should sell them.”
But in Portland, bagels were just a hobby, since it’s an expensive place to live and Dave was busy making ends meet. But once he got to Memphis, he says he didn’t want to do anything else.
“I made a home batch of 50 bagels and went around town to grocery stores and bakeries and passed them out,” he says. “I had my number on the bag.”
His last stop was the Curb Market. “Pamela [the manager] is gluten free, but her staff loved them. She told me to get a business license and come back,” says Dave.
What makes Dave’s bagels so special? Well, he’s got trade secrets he can’t divulge, but says the overnight fermentation is key. “There are some chemical reactions that happen in there to create great natural flavors,” he says.
Dave has seven varieties of bagels (plain, everything, sesame, poppy, cinnamon raisin, cinnamon apple, and chocolate chip), and the “everything” is the most popular. He started selling them at the Curb Market on Sunday, November 6th. He sold them every Sunday through December, and thanks to growing demand, began selling them on both Saturdays and Sundays in January.
Making 200-400 bagels by hand each week is no easy feat. (His goal is 500-1000.) Dave works out of a commercial kitchen near the Trolley Stop Market and puts in 8-10 hour days. He keeps a steady pace dividing, weighing, and forming the dough, repeating that cycle for hours and hours. “I can do two dozen an hour by hand. I love doing it. I put my head down and go. Time flies,” he says.
Dave has also inadvertently gotten into the pretzel business, sort of. “Davin from Wiseacre contacted me and asked if I ever experimented with pretzels. I said no. He said he had and it wasn’t too different from making bagels. So, I got some spent grains and played around,” he explains.
Davin loved what he had made, and now Dave will be serving fresh hot pretzels at Wiseacre’s Febtoberfest on Saturday (that’s today folks – Feb. 11!) when he’s done at the Curb Market.
Depending on how they sell, or if they attract buzz, Dave may consider devoting some time to regularly making pretzels. As business booms, he’s deciding whether to hire an employee and hoping to someday be able to invest in a $4300 bagel former. “I had no idea it would happen this quickly. Apparently Memphians love bagels. I guess it’s a thing. I owe Memphis a lot,” he says.
The Curb Market is temporarily closing, so Saturday, February 11, will be his last day there until they reopen in Crosstown in May. Then he will sell his bagels every day. In the meantime, he will be selling them at Otherlands, and hopefully a few other coffee shops in town. Come summer, he will be at the Memphis Farmer’s Market.
Find Dave this Saturday, February 11th:
Curb Market (596 Cooper St.), 10:30am-noon.
Wiseacre Brewing Company’s (2783 Broad Avenue) Febtoberfest 1:00-10:00pm
Facebook
Instagram
P.S. Dave says his bagels paired with Tom’s Tiny Kitchen pimento cheese is pretty magical.
February 11, 2017
Meet Dave The Bagel Guy
Ed. Note: Bagel lovers, search no more for your Memphis fix. Contributor and Memphis food expert Stacey Greenberg has the scoop.You’ve probably been seeing some fresh faces on the I Love Memphis Blog. Be on the lookout for even more this month. – Holly
Apparently Memphians have been jonesing for a really good bagel.
David Scott, 26, moved to Memphis from Portland, Oregon in October of last year. He started “Dave’s Bagels” shortly after and has basically been making bagels (by hand!) around the clock ever since.
“Honestly, bagels were always my favorite breakfast food,” says Dave, who was born in New Jersey. He spent a few years backpacking across the country and had trouble finding the bagels he was used to growing up. “I couldn’t find anything good past sourdough on the West Coast,” he says.
Dave decided to try making bagels himself, thinking ‘How hard could it be?” Well, it turns out it was a lot harder than he thought. “I’ve been tweaking my recipe for three years,” he says. “In Portland, I had a Jewish friend from Brooklyn who was my official taster. One day, she told me I had something good and that I should sell them.”
But in Portland, bagels were just a hobby, since it’s an expensive place to live and Dave was busy making ends meet. But once he got to Memphis, he says he didn’t want to do anything else.
“I made a home batch of 50 bagels and went around town to grocery stores and bakeries and passed them out,” he says. “I had my number on the bag.”
His last stop was the Curb Market. “Pamela [the manager] is gluten free, but her staff loved them. She told me to get a business license and come back,” says Dave.
What makes Dave’s bagels so special? Well, he’s got trade secrets he can’t divulge, but says the overnight fermentation is key. “There are some chemical reactions that happen in there to create great natural flavors,” he says.
Dave has seven varieties of bagels (plain, everything, sesame, poppy, cinnamon raisin, cinnamon apple, and chocolate chip), and the “everything” is the most popular. He started selling them at the Curb Market on Sunday, November 6th. He sold them every Sunday through December, and thanks to growing demand, began selling them on both Saturdays and Sundays in January.
Making 200-400 bagels by hand each week is no easy feat. (His goal is 500-1000.) Dave works out of a commercial kitchen near the Trolley Stop Market and puts in 8-10 hour days. He keeps a steady pace dividing, weighing, and forming the dough, repeating that cycle for hours and hours. “I can do two dozen an hour by hand. I love doing it. I put my head down and go. Time flies,” he says.
Dave has also inadvertently gotten into the pretzel business, sort of. “Davin from Wiseacre contacted me and asked if I ever experimented with pretzels. I said no. He said he had and it wasn’t too different from making bagels. So, I got some spent grains and played around,” he explains.
Davin loved what he had made, and now Dave will be serving fresh hot pretzels at Wiseacre’s Febtoberfest on Saturday (that’s today folks – Feb. 11!) when he’s done at the Curb Market.
Depending on how they sell, or if they attract buzz, Dave may consider devoting some time to regularly making pretzels. As business booms, he’s deciding whether to hire an employee and hoping to someday be able to invest in a $4300 bagel former. “I had no idea it would happen this quickly. Apparently Memphians love bagels. I guess it’s a thing. I owe Memphis a lot,” he says.
The Curb Market is temporarily closing, so Saturday, February 11, will be his last day there until they reopen in Crosstown in May. Then he will sell his bagels every day. In the meantime, he will be selling them at Otherlands, and hopefully a few other coffee shops in town. Come summer, he will be at the Memphis Farmer’s Market.
Find Dave this Saturday, February 11th:
Curb Market (596 Cooper St.), 10:30am-noon.
Wiseacre Brewing Company’s (2783 Broad Avenue) Febtoberfest 1:00-10:00pm
P.S. Dave says his bagels paired with Tom’s Tiny Kitchen pimento cheese is pretty magical.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Memphis's New Ramen Masters: Lucky Cat Ramen
Published on the I Love Memphis Blog
January 24, 2017
Memphis’s New Ramen Masters: Lucky Cat Ramen
Ed. Note: I’m excited (pumped, really) to share with you this post from Stacey Greenberg, Memphis food expert. Be on the lookout for more fresh faces and new voices on the I Love Memphis Blog in the coming weeks. – Holly
Sunday, once known as the day of rest, is currently—due mostly to brunch—the funnest day of the week. Now, thanks to Lucky Cat Ramen Pop-Ups at The Cove, Sunday is also the most delicious day of the week.
Every Sunday the Lucky Cat crew—Zach Nicholson and wife, Sarah—spend an hour hauling their equipment to Broad Avenue and transforming The Cove’s tiny kitchen into ramen central for their weekly pop-ups.
While Zach works in the kitchen, Sarah takes orders at a separate register at the end of the bar. (Meaning, get your cocktails from Parks the bartender and get your noodles from Sarah.) There’s a menu board set up with the daily offerings—usually one veggie bowl, a pork offering or two, and a chicken option.
A half order is $7, and a full is $12. You can add spicy chili oil or an extra egg for $1 each. (Do this.) After you order, find a seat and enjoy a cocktail (order from the bartender) and Sarah will deliver your food when it is ready.
OK, we have to talk about the ajitama, a.k.a. the eggs. One of Zach’s family members raises 300 chickens to provide Lucky Cat with incredible eggs, which they soft boil to perfection and marinate in barrel-aged shoyu from Japan for eighteen hours.
They are nothing short of amazing. Each bowl comes with one ajitama, but as mentioned, adding an extra one is a total pro move.
You can already see that this is not the ramen you met in college, right?
All of the Lucky Cat Ramen animal products (bones, proteins) are delivered weekly from Jackson-based Marmilu Farms and their fresh, authentic noodles are shipped from New Jersey from the same producer that supplies ramen heavyweights such as David Chang of Momofuku and Ivan Orkin of Ivan Ramen.
It takes many steps to prepare what might seem like a humble bowl of noodles. Their pork broth undergoes a 48-hour cook time, resulting in an incredibly rich and creamy base for the soup. (See above.)
The chashu pork preparation involves several cooking techniques and takes a day-and-a-half to complete. They incorporate sous vide cooking with all of the proteins to ensure perfect and consistent results.
“We take the best of what we’ve learned through working and eating at notable restaurants to bring Memphis the best bowl of noodles we can make,” says Zach.
My favorite is the winter yuzu veggie bowl with lemongrass ginger broth. It is incredibly satisfying, even to non-vegetarians. Lucky Cat Ramen recently introduced two new dishes–coconut curry veggie ramen (with Thai basil, black sesame, and baby bok choy) and spicy Tan Tan pork ramen (with roasted peanut and fried garlic). Um, yum!
Here’s a ramen dictionary to help you order:
Kikurage: a mushroom with a jelly like consistency
Negi: a Japanese variety of onion
Nori (not to be confused with Negi): seaweed
Togarashi: red chili peppers
Yuzu: a citrus fruit
Lucky Cat is working on finding a permanent location, but in the meantime, you can find them at The Cove every Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. They also do to go orders. Keep in mind that The Cove is 21 and up.
There are also plans to partner with Memphis Made Brewing and Stock & Belle in February. Check their Facebook page or Instagram for more info.
Keep scrolling more about Zach and Sarah’s background in the bonus section at the bottom of this post.
Go there:
Lucky Cat Ramen Pop-Ups
The Cove (Sundays only, from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
2559 Broad Ave.
January 24, 2017
Memphis’s New Ramen Masters: Lucky Cat Ramen
Ed. Note: I’m excited (pumped, really) to share with you this post from Stacey Greenberg, Memphis food expert. Be on the lookout for more fresh faces and new voices on the I Love Memphis Blog in the coming weeks. – Holly
Sunday, once known as the day of rest, is currently—due mostly to brunch—the funnest day of the week. Now, thanks to Lucky Cat Ramen Pop-Ups at The Cove, Sunday is also the most delicious day of the week.
Every Sunday the Lucky Cat crew—Zach Nicholson and wife, Sarah—spend an hour hauling their equipment to Broad Avenue and transforming The Cove’s tiny kitchen into ramen central for their weekly pop-ups.
While Zach works in the kitchen, Sarah takes orders at a separate register at the end of the bar. (Meaning, get your cocktails from Parks the bartender and get your noodles from Sarah.) There’s a menu board set up with the daily offerings—usually one veggie bowl, a pork offering or two, and a chicken option.
A half order is $7, and a full is $12. You can add spicy chili oil or an extra egg for $1 each. (Do this.) After you order, find a seat and enjoy a cocktail (order from the bartender) and Sarah will deliver your food when it is ready.
OK, we have to talk about the ajitama, a.k.a. the eggs. One of Zach’s family members raises 300 chickens to provide Lucky Cat with incredible eggs, which they soft boil to perfection and marinate in barrel-aged shoyu from Japan for eighteen hours.
They are nothing short of amazing. Each bowl comes with one ajitama, but as mentioned, adding an extra one is a total pro move.
You can already see that this is not the ramen you met in college, right?
All of the Lucky Cat Ramen animal products (bones, proteins) are delivered weekly from Jackson-based Marmilu Farms and their fresh, authentic noodles are shipped from New Jersey from the same producer that supplies ramen heavyweights such as David Chang of Momofuku and Ivan Orkin of Ivan Ramen.
It takes many steps to prepare what might seem like a humble bowl of noodles. Their pork broth undergoes a 48-hour cook time, resulting in an incredibly rich and creamy base for the soup. (See above.)
The chashu pork preparation involves several cooking techniques and takes a day-and-a-half to complete. They incorporate sous vide cooking with all of the proteins to ensure perfect and consistent results.
“We take the best of what we’ve learned through working and eating at notable restaurants to bring Memphis the best bowl of noodles we can make,” says Zach.
My favorite is the winter yuzu veggie bowl with lemongrass ginger broth. It is incredibly satisfying, even to non-vegetarians. Lucky Cat Ramen recently introduced two new dishes–coconut curry veggie ramen (with Thai basil, black sesame, and baby bok choy) and spicy Tan Tan pork ramen (with roasted peanut and fried garlic). Um, yum!
Here’s a ramen dictionary to help you order:
Kikurage: a mushroom with a jelly like consistency
Negi: a Japanese variety of onion
Nori (not to be confused with Negi): seaweed
Togarashi: red chili peppers
Yuzu: a citrus fruit
Lucky Cat is working on finding a permanent location, but in the meantime, you can find them at The Cove every Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. They also do to go orders. Keep in mind that The Cove is 21 and up.
There are also plans to partner with Memphis Made Brewing and Stock & Belle in February. Check their Facebook page or Instagram for more info.
Keep scrolling more about Zach and Sarah’s background in the bonus section at the bottom of this post.
Go there:
Lucky Cat Ramen Pop-Ups
The Cove (Sundays only, from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.)
2559 Broad Ave.
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