Tiffany Tastes

Small Bites at East Tapas

East Tapas is one of those places where I felt like a much cooler and hipper than I actually am, just by walking through the door.

The ginger pear martini is very sweet and very strong; it was an excellent way to start my evening, but I might have had a little too much of it on an empty stomach.

My husband and I decided to try several tapas, because, well, that's what a tapas restaurant is all about: lots of options! My husband, Tom, found the ceviche to be a solid representation, but the wontons served with it were exceptional. I could eat an entire bowl.

The Thai-lime chicken wings were zesty and flavorful with just a hint of spice. Tom said they were the best non-fried chicken wings he's ever eaten. That's quite high praise.

The macaroni and cheese was just it should be - rich, creamy and filling. The flavor was pretty standard, but no complaints here.

As far as dessert is concerned, if the cheesecake stuffed strawberries are on special, get them. Order two plates. They were, hands-down, the most delicious thing we ate that evening. Decadent with well-balanced flavors, this is one of those dishes that I'm going to attempt to make at home (with several more trips to East... for research :P )

Final Impressions: This place is trendy and creating a lot of buzz. Be prepared to wait for your table, especially on the weekend. But, it's well worth the wait.

East Tapas
6069 Park Avenue
Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 767-6002 

Average Small Plate Price $4-$8

Operating Hours
Monday-Wedneday 5:00pm-10:00pm
Thursday-Saturday 4:00pm-12:00am
Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm

The Arcade: Memphis History and Sweet Potato Pancakes

The Arcade is a true piece of Memphis history. It opened in 1919, and was a favorite hangout for Elvis. (You, too, can dine in the Elvis booth - it's the last booth on the left when you enter the restaurant.)

I can't believe I lived in Memphis for over 4 years before making my first visit to this Bluff City institution.

For my breakfast pleasure, I went with the famous "Food Network Favorite" sweet potato pancakes with two eggs (over medium), hashbrowns or grits (hashbrowns) and bacon or sausage (bacon, obviously)

It was everything that a hearty, stick-to-your ribs breakfast should be. The perfect choice for a person on the morning after a night out partying on Beale Street (not that I do stuff like that, of course :P) 

The pancakes had a hint of sweetness and spice that you would associate with sweet potatoes (cinnamon, nutmeg, perhaps?). They were fluffy and delicious. My eggs were perfectly cooked, the bacon a little overcooked and the hashbrowns were crispy and well-seasoned.

Final Impressions: Do yourself a favor and make your way to The Arcade. Get a tasty breakfast (or lunch) and and steep yourself in Memphis history and tradition.

The Arcade
540 South Main Street
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 526-5757

Average Breakfast Price: $4-$7
Average Lunch Price: $6-$9

Hours of Operation
7:00am-3:00pm Daily

Tasty Bites at Tsunami

Tsunami is one of those restaurants that's been on my to-do list for as long as I've had one. I don't know why it took me so long to get here, but my husband, Tom, and I wandered in on a Monday evening. We were treated to great service and some really delicious food.

We started out with 3 appetizers: jalapeno hush puppies with maple-soy aioli, bacon-wrapped dates with a sweet chili sauce and the Asian nachos - wontons with tuna tataki, cilantro, jalapeno and sriracha. 

The hush puppies were crisp without being greasy or heavy. There was a touch of heat that was mellowed by the sweetness of the aioli. The bacon-wrapped dates were a great combo of sweet and salty (and they were probably my favorite part of the whole meal.)

My husband enjoyed the nachos so much that he ordered tuna for his entree as well.

Tom enjoyed the spice crusted tuna with cucumber salad and wasabi vinaigrette for the most part. The portion was quite large; one end was thinner and the other, thicker. The thinner part was a bit overcooked and he felt that the cucumber salad accompaniment needed to be more substantial.

I chose the duck breast medallions with butternut squash puree and flash fried greens off the small plates menu. This menu changes daily, but if the duck is listed when you visit, order it. It was perfectly cooked and paired beautifully with the squash puree.

We finshed off our meal with the ginger doughnuts, which are normally served with coconut sorbet. I can't eat coconut, so we went with vanilla ice cream instead. The doughnuts had the texture of beignets and the ginger flavor was not overpowering at all. This was definitely the most intriguing of the dessert selections, and we were not disappointed in our choice.

Final Impressions: Wow, I wish that I'd visited Tsunami sooner. Except for the slight misstep with parts of Tom's tuna entree, the meal was well-prepared and delicious. Tsunami would be a great choice for a romantic date night or a girl's night out. They're also Project Green Fork certified.

Tsunami
928 South Cooper
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 274-2556

Average Appetizer Price: $5-$10
Average Small Plates Price: $12-$16
Average Entree Price: $15-$28
Average Dessert Price: $7-$9

Hours of  Operation
Monday-Saturday 5:30-10:00p.m. 

Bringing it at Interstate Bar-B-Q

I know it's strange, but when it comes to barbecue (Bar-B-Q, BBQ, etc.), I can really take it or leave it. (I know, I know. A BBQ-less Memphian.) But, my husband and my mother both love it. I believe that my mother's plan is to visit every barbecue joint in the city of Memphis. Every time she visits, we hit at least 3 barbecue restaurants, and I don't believe we've done the same one twice.

During her last visit, we decided to go to Jim Neely's World-Famous Interstate Bar-B-Q. Jim Neely is renowned in Memphis and heads a lineage of barbecuers from here to East Tennesse to Mississippi.

My mom, the hubs and I ordered a sampler platter (Pork Ribs, Beef Ribs, Links, Beef Brisket, Pork Shoulder, B-B-Q Spaghetti, Beans, Slaw and Bread.)

We also grabbed a plate of rib tips. (My mom's favorite)

The food was okay. Better than some barbecue we've had, but not as good as some, as well. However, the service was friendly and attentive, even though the dining room was quite busy.

If someone were to ask me for recommendations on Memphis' best barbecue, Interstate probably wouldn't be my first nomination. But, prices are reasonable and service is good. So, if you're on the south side of town, it's not a bad place to grab a meal.

Interstate Bar-B-Q
2265 South Third Street
Memphis, TN 38109
(901) 297-4634

Average Sandwich Price: $3-$6
Average Entree Price: $7-$14

Operating Hours
Monday-Thursday 11:00am-11:00pm
Friday and Saturday 11:00am-12:00am
Sunday 11:00am-4:00pm

Kookamonga Challenge: Wrap Up

Last week, I wrote about a group of Memphis food bloggers gathering to take on the Kookamonga burger at the Kooky Canuck.

Along with my husband and I, Seth (Best Memphis Burgers), Shannon (Memphis Foodie), her boyfriend, Ken (Ken's Food Find) and Kevin (Burn My Mouth) all settled down last Wednesday to tackle this enormous burger.

(I borrowed this photo from Shannon, because my group shot didn't turn out very well)

While it was whole, the task seemed daunting. But owner Shawn Danko bet that we'd finish it off in less than 15 minutes.

Seth cut the burger into 7 pretty equal wedges, and we went to town. I see where they get you on this; there is a massive amount of bread attached to this 4 pound beef patty. But, the bread is really, really good. It's soft and a little sweet and a great accompaniament to the burger.

I was shocked at what this burger wasn't: It wasn't burnt, and it wasn't dry. What this burger was: juicy, flavorful and not nearly as massive when split up amongst 7 hungry diners. We smashed the whole burger and all the fries (which are extra delicious) in well under 15 minutes. We even ordered more food:

(Fried Pickles and Holy Smoke wings) - The fried pickles will change your life, trust me.

It wasn't an official challenge (since it was a group effort), but Shawn and the entire Kooky Canuck crew took great care of us. It was also really awesome to meet some of Memphis' finest food bloggers and put faces with names.

Hopefully, we'll be able to dine together again soon.

Kooky Canuck
97 South 2nd Street
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 578-9800

Average Appetizer Price: $7-$10
Average Sandwich Price: $7-$10
Average Entree Price: $10-$15
Average Dessert Price: $6-$8

Operating Hours
Daily 11:00am-2:30am

Kookamonga Challenge: Aw Yeah!

The Kookamonga Challenge is legendary in Memphis: 7.5 pounds of burger and toppings in under 60 minutes. Only 10 have done it so far. On Wednesday, December 14 at 6 p.m., I'll be attempting to join the Hall of Fame...

(Owner Shawn Danko with the Kookamonga Burger - Borrowed from the Kooky Canuck's Website)

Or, not. But, a group of Memphis food bloggers will be tackling the burger. (Of course it won't be official, since there will be five of us.) But, it should be good food and good times with good people. Maybe we'll have room for some smores when we're done?

Probably not :)

For a full run-down of the cast and the challenge, visit Seth Agranov's Best Memphis Burger blog.

Taking it Back to the Old School

I'm working on several posts outlining my Chicago trip, but hopefully, this will hold you over until I can finish them.

 

I don't know about you, but when I think back to the cafeteria food I had in school, I don't remember

"Deep Fried Chicken sandwiched between Two Golden Brown Cheddar Waffles, topped with Muenster Cheese served with Whole Grain Honey Mustard or Green Tomato Relish"

or

"Slow smoked Black Cherry Wood pulled Cajun Turkey, Molasses Chicken Succulent Duck and Veggie Slaw are stacked on Fresh Baked 7 Grain Wheat Bread served with Tri-Bird Pan Liquor, choice of BBQ Sauce or Green Tomato Relish"

Sounds good, right?

Lunchbox Eats has been open for about a year and has a pretty dedicated group of lunchtime regulars. They give a unique twist on Southern classics (like chicken and waffles, macaroni and cheese and barbecue pulled pork sandwiches) and package it in an awesome downtown space with an adorable theme.

The decor is middle school chic, streamlined with bright colors. The menu is written on the blackboard and food is served on compartmentalized trays, similar to what you were probably served spaghetti on back in school. But, this food is 6 steps above what you got in the cafeteria. Lunchbox Eats bakes bread fresh every day, makes desserts from scratch, uses local ingredients and fashions its daily specials and sides around what's in season.

When we dropped in on a Saturday afternoon, business was a bit slow, but the house is usually packed during the week. Lunchbox Eats is only open for lunch during the week (10am-3pm) but they do have extended hours on Saturday (12-7pm). The food is served a la carte and the prices my seem a bit high, but there's quality in every bite.

The Homeroom Chicken and Grids is one of the most popular sandwiches (and my personal favorite). I've heard good things about the Leadership Mac and Pork Club as well. Oh, and If the lemonade of the day is carmelized pineapple, you'll be doing yourself a great disservice if you miss it.

Lunchbox Eats
288 South Fourth Street
Memphis, TN 38126
(901) 526-0820

Average Entree Price: $8-$11

Operating Hours
Monday-Friday 10am-3pm
Saturday 12pm-7pm

Deep Fried Burgers at Dyer's

Almost 100 years ago, Doc Dyer began deep frying his burgers. The same grease that Doc Deyer used (it's strained daily, of course) in 1912, is still used today to fry Dyer's world-famouse burgers.

Located in the heart of historic Beale Street, Dyer's Burgers is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Prices are reasonable, the food is good and greasy and the hand-dipped milkshakes (made with Breyers ice cream) are great compliment.

Word to the wise: the patties are a little on the thin sides. If you like your burgers meaty, go for a double or triple. If your not in the mood for a burger, try the Big Rag Baloney sandwich. Dyer's also serves a variety beers as well as mixed drinks.

Dyer's Burgers
205 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 527-3937

Average Combo Price: $5-$8

Hours of Operation
Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-1:00am
Friday & Saturday 11:00am-5:00am

Show Me the Soul

If someone asked me what my last meal would be, I wouldn't hesitate to say, "fried chicken and cupcakes." If you want to ready about my favorite cupcakes in town, go here or here. Now, before very recently, I thought I had my fried chicken all lined up, too. But, I think we have a new contender to fight for my heart and my designation as best fried chicken in Memphis.

A couple of weeks ago, before a Memphis Redbirds baseball game, I decided to check out Miss Polly's Soul Kitchen. I had heard wonderful things about the food and I really wanted to try the chicken and waffles.

I ordered the Flying Waffle - three wings, one waffle and one side (I chose the mac 'n cheese). And, let me tell you something...

It was almost perfect. The chicken was crispy, juicy and a little spicy; the waffle was buttery, sweet and the perfect compliment to the chicken. I tried my best to inhale the entire plate full of food.

I said "almost perfect." The one disappointment on the plate was the macaroni and cheese. It might have been better at lunch time when it was obviously prepared. But, even if it was fresh, it still had that neon yellow tinge indicative of coming from a box.

This fried chicken may well be the best in town; it's most definitely the best chicken and waffles in town. Just avoid the mac n' cheese, and you'll be just fine. Miss Polly's is open daily and keeps late hours on the weekend.

Miss Polly's Soul Kitchen
154 Beale Street
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 527-9060

Average Appetizer Price: $5-$7
Average Sandwich Price: $5-$8
Average Entree Price: $7-$13
Average Dessert Price: $4-$6

Operating Hours
Monday-Thursday 8:00am-11:00pm
Friday 8:00am-3:00am
Saturday 7:00am-3:00am
Sunday 7:00am-11:00pm

Traditional Mexican - The Real Deal

Whenever you walk into Pepe Magallanes eatery in Germantown, the first thing you'll notice is several signs confirming that the food you're about consume is 100% authentic. Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana prides itself on utilizing fresh ingredients (Pepe shops for his produce every morning) and offering traditional Mexican fare. You won't find fajitas, sour cream, or burritos. What you will find are tacos in fresh corn tortillas served with avocado and cilantro, sandwiches (or tortas) on fresh baked bread with poblano peppers, queso fresco, lettuce, tomatoes and beans and some of the best guacamole in town.

Do yourself a favor, and don't leave without the elote con mayonesa. A steamed cob of corn rolled in queso fresco and served with hot sauce and a wedge of lime.

A word to the wise: Deli Mexicana will set you back more dough than a standard Mexican restaurant, so come prepared. You're paying for freshness and quality; keep that in mind, and you'll be fine.

And one more thing, this is a very popular and somewhat small eatery. Visit between luncn and dinner for faster service.

Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana
1215 South Germantown Road
Germantown, TN 38138
(901) 751-1200

Average Appetizer Price: $4-$9
Average Entree Price: $10-$20

Operating Hours
Monday-Saturday 11:00am-8:00pm