The Allure of Memphis
Chefs Revitalizing Southern Style Cooking
If memory serves me right, I must have visited Memphis around a dozen times over the years. Primarily my travels have been spent with family. Yet, what truly astonishes me has been witnessing the remarkable growth in the gastronomic sector.
Most will think of Memphis, Tennessee as the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock n’roll. Through the years Memphis became a haven for legendary musicians such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Aretha Franklin, who either called the city home or recorded there.
Not only is it a music mecca, Memphis is renowned for its claim of having the “sweetest water” in the world which is pumped from more than one hundred and seventy-five wells, making it the most extensive artesian well. Due to its strategic location above natural reservoirs hundreds of feet below the Earth’s surface, Memphis enjoys the advantage of having abundant access to water.
Overall, the proximity to the mighty Mississippi River, has played a pivotal role in the growth by facilitating trade, providing a waterway for transportation, supporting agriculture and industry, as well as enhancing tourism and recreation opportunities.
Yet, it is the food scene in Memphis which has given the city an exciting new place on the culinary map.
There has been a noticeable surge of young international chefs who are eager to immerse themselves in this energetic gourmet playground. They collaborate harmoniously with the seasoned chefs who have been a part of the Memphis scene for quite some time. Together, they strive to preserve their culinary heritage while simultaneously modernizing and refining their approach to curating, thus resulting in a sophisticated, stylish, and contemporary dining experience.
Balancing the preservation of authenticity with the incorporation of global flavors in traditional Southern dishes requires a thoughtful and delicate approach.
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous on Second Street has been serving their famous ribs and chicken since 1948, which means they have been delighting customers for an impressive seventy-five years. This dynamic legend shows no signs of fading away. Expanding their reach by offering shipping services across the United States brought them much success. This is a testament to the timeless appeal and exceptional quality of their product.
We received a couple of shipments in San Francisco over the years and appreciated the flavorsome gift.
The Michelin Guide, renowned for its star ratings, has not expanded its coverage to include Memphis. Given that it requires a substantial amount of time and meticulous process for each comprehensive review, it currently covers New York, California, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.
This, however, does not detract from the fact that the city boasts many fine dining establishments that uphold a high standard of cookery excellence.
Some of the chefs known for their innovative approach and interpretations of southern recipes is Chef Kelly English of “Restaurant Iris”. English has received numerous accolades for his work, including being named a James Beard Foundation Award semifinalist for Best Chef in the Southeast.
He tastefully combines French and Southern influences to create dishes that showcase the region’s flavors in a refined and elevated manner. Highlight; Duck Breast with Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Another unique plate is Foie Gras PB&J, the richness of foie gras with the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and jelly sandwich, resulting in a palatable appetizer.
“The Second Line”, a more casual eatery also belongs to English, offers creative takes on classic New Orleans food, shrimp and grits, his own spin on this definitive dish, combining plum, juicy shrimp with creamy stone-ground grits. Fried Chicken with flaky, buttery Biscuits and Gravy. Beignets are always a popular dessert choice especially served warm, making it a sweet ending to your meal.
Chef English gained recognition not only for his expertise but also for his memorable catch phrase not only for his food but also his hospitality. “If you feed them, they will come”. From A true Memphian, with a delightful blend of Southern hospitality and charm, is determined to cultivate a culture of service among his cooks and foster a new generation of hospitalitarians.
Each Chef brings his or her own unique style and interpretation of food, displaying the diversity and creativity of Memphis’ culinary landscape.
Erling Jensen: The Restaurant, voted “Best Restaurant in Memphis” for several consecutive years. All the way from Denmark to Memphis, renowned chef, and owner, Chef Jensen demonstrates the love for rich luscious fruits of the sea such as Maine Lobster Pancake with earthy Wild Mushrooms and Scallions, Jumbo Lump Crabcakes with Beluga Caviar and to finish his beloved Bread Pudding and Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake.
There is more to Memphis cooking than the ubiquitous okra, corn bread, candied yams, hush puppies, collard greens, black-eyed peas, deviled eggs, fried chicken, and pulled pork. Memphis food has evolved into a melting pot, offering cuisine from all over the world, and a fine dining scene that exceeds expectations.
From James Beard Nominated Best Chefs: native Memphians, Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman at their first restaurant, Catherine & Mary’s, bring the heart of Tuscan and Sicilian Grandmother cooking to Downtown Memphis.
‘The restaurant strives to fabricate an experience for their guests that at once reminds them of home and delivers a sense of something new’.
Their Winter 2024 menu exhibits:
Cornbread with whipped ricotta, ramps, olive oil and lemon. Broiled Oysters with ramp butter, parmesan, and panna gratta. Crudo with brown butter, pistachio, mint, caramelized fennel, orange. Potato Gnocchi with royal red shrimp, sunchoke cream, chives. Tantalizing array of cocktail concoctions and an extensive wine list from regions of Tuscany, Campania, Sicily, Friuli, and Piedmont.
Chefs often draw inspiration from diverse cuisines, incorporating elements from various cultures to create unique and innovative dishes. An emphasis on local sourcing allows them to create dishes that reflect the flavors and bounty of the region.
The farm-to-table movement has gained momentum across the United States and Memphis is no exception. Chefs have embraced this movement, forging direct relationships with local farmers, and incorporating local ingredients into their menus.
Memphis may have seen the emergence of a new generation of chefs who bring their unique perspectives to the city’s dining landscape.
Increased focus and demands on vegetarian and plant-based options have been on the rise, and Memphis chefs are more plant-centric. This shift reflects growing awareness of sustainability, health-consciousness, and dietary preferences among diners.
Some of the plant-based spins on quintessential Southern fare:
Vegan Wings fried in Rapeseed Oil.
Vegan versions of pulled Pork made from Jackfruit.
Cauliflower and Mushrooms take center stage.
Earthy Mushroom Grits
Versions of cornbread made with almond milk or coconut oil.
Delicacies you should expect to find in Memphis:
Elk, Venison, Game Birds, Marrow flavored butter to garnish steaks.
Maque Choux by far my favorite Southern recipe (although it originates from neighboring Louisiana). I’ve tweaked it a couple of times over the years and now it is in my repertoire. A spicy vegetarian medley of fresh grilled corn which is the heart of this dish, especially the milk extracted from the cob, together with sweet smoky peppers and vidalia onions.
Memphis is incredibly diverse, shaped by its history, music, arts, and the warmth of its people. But a visit to Memphis demands a hearty appetite, especially if you happen to travel when there are food events. A few notable culinary festivals and events:
Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Teams from around the globe gather along the Mississippi River to compete in various categories.
Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival, held in April, celebrating Cajun cuisine and culture. Features a crawfish cook-off.
Plant-based Vegan Festival in June.
Burger fest in August.
Wine Festival in October
The Memphis food scene has a rich impact, blending flavors of Southern tradition and diverse culinary influences. Renowned for its barbecue, soul food, and inventive chefs, it contributes significantly to the city’s cultural identity and attracts food enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant culinary community - a community that serves as a universal gesture of hospitality and generosity.
Thanks
Food looks amazing!