After reading posts by norococo and I Love Memphis, I knew that I had to try The Elegant Farmer. This formerly lunchtime-only oasis has been open about 6 weeks, and they're doing it up right. Casual, elegant, rustic decor and Southern-style food that is simple in presentation, but deceptively sophisticated in depth of flavor.
We started with the curry sweet potato soup and the caprese salad. Both are excellent appetizers for a warm summer day.
The soup was sweet and savory. I only wished that it had a little more heat. It was light and refreshing, and I didn't feel weighted down after eating it.
Now I consider myself a caprese purist, but I adore The Elegant Farmer's version. Thick slices of tomatoes topped with house-made ricotta, basil-pecan pesto and balsamic reduction. This was extremely delicious in it's simplicity.
I was shocked at the amount of food came with our entrees. At $10 apiece, the size and quality of these portions were an insane value.
During this meal, my mom chose the salmon patties which came with braised greens and mac n' cheese. The patties were more salmon than filler (which is always a plus). I'm not a good Southern girl, because I don't particular care for most greens, but I actually enjoyed these. There was a delicate sweetness and no hint of bitterness. The mac 'n cheese was the ever lovin' end! Made with penne and super creamy, rich and delicious. I could have eaten an entire bowl.
I chose picked the roast pork, cornbread pudding and the aforementioned braised greens. The boneless pork leg was not at all dry, unlike most I've encountered and the cornbread pudding was the perfect vehicle to absorb the au jus that puddled in the bottom of the dish.
Final Impressions: Portions are huge; we took a huge plate of leftovers home (which my husband devoured appreciatively). The quality of the food makes it easy to overlook small lapses in service (My mom never received her glass of wine, and one of the desserts recited by the server was unavailable). I'd tell you to go there, but judging by the crowd early on a Monday afternoon, the word is already out.
Editor's Note: The Elegant Farmer has expanded their hours to serve dinner and are no longer open on Mondays.
Tiffany's Favorite: The Caprese Salad
Tiff's Mom's Favorite: Salmon Patties
Tiffany's Rating :) :) :) out of :) :) :) :)
The Elegant Farmer
262 S. Highland St.
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 324-2221
Average Appetizer Price: (dinner only) $8
Average Soup/Salad Price: $4-$10
Average Sandwich Price: (lunch only) $7-$9
Average Entree Price: (lunch) $8-$10 (dinner) $15-$18
A la Carte Sides: (lunch) $4 (dinner) $5
Operating Hours
Tuesday-Saturday: (lunch) 11:00am-2:30pm (dinner) starts at 5:30













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