February Foodiememphis Gathering: Raffe's Deli

How many thousands of times have you driven past Raffe's Deli at 3358 Poplar near East High School and Highland? How many times have you thought "I wonder what that place is like?" Well foodiememphis is here to answer all your questions about this incredible hidden gem of a restaurant in east midtown? I never know what to call this area. Memphians, I need your help.

Next Tuesday, the 25th of February, we will be gathering at Raffe's Deli at 6:30 p.m. to explore their Mediterranean fare. We will learn the answer to the age old question...is the wrap pronounced Gyro, Hero, or something else entirely?!

Sean, the owner, and Emma, his right hand woman, have put together a menu to die for. I have sampled much of it already, on my numerous trips "researching" this place...what can I say, I'm a fan and you should be too...or will be after next Tuesday. 

Our menu includes:
Hummus: A creamy blend of chickpeas, garlic, spices and sesame butter, with warm pita bread. 

Baba Ganoush: Roasted Eggplant and garlic dip, served with warm pita. 

Monk's Dip: A savory blend of our house spicy hummus, cool tzatziki sauce, and smoky baba ganoush. 

Grape Leaves: Cooked rice and onions, with herbs and spices, wrapped in zesty grape leaves. Served with tzatziki. 

Tabouli Salad: Citrusy mix of diced tomato, onion, cucumber, chopped parsley, mint, olive oil, bulgur wheat and spices. 

Falafel Patties: Fried patties made of chickpeas, parsley, onions and spices. Served with tzatziki sauce. 

Classic Gyro: Savory mixed lamb and beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce, wrapped in warm pita.

Lamb & Beef or Chicken Doner Kebab: Rotisserie broiled shaved lamb and beef or chicken, tomato, onion, lettuce, spicy olive oil, tzatziki sauce, served on pita. 

Baklava: Middle Eastern pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and honey.

I don't know about you,  but I can't wait til next Tuesday. Buy your tickets below. Raffe's has a smaller dining area, so there is a 20 person cap for this gathering, so get your tickets quickly! 

FYI: Raffe's has over 300 beers for sale and several on tap. They fill growlers if you are so inclined. Be sure to try a new to you beer with your meal. The ticket price is for food only, so any beers ordered will be between you and the restaurant. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Ticket sales for this gathering have been closed.

January Foodiememphis Gathering: RAWK'n Grub

Hello my fellow foodie friends out there! I am excited to announce this month's gathering is going to be 7 P.M. January 28th at RAWK'nGrub on Poplar. If you are not sure where it is, its inside the Growler pub...or maybe you might know it better as the old High Tone. When I first decided to get foodiememphis back up and running, Steph Cook was one of the first people I contacted. I worked with Steph a few years back at another restaurant, so I can personally vouch for this guy's skills. I have watched him just whip up some amazing creations on the fly. The menu he created at the restaurant is incredible. I've been several times for lunch, and have yet to find anything that is less that spectacular. With that being said, Steph has created a menu for us that is to die for! Starter - Shrimp & Grit Shooter: Blackened Shrimp tossed in Bourbon Sticky Spice served over Grit Girl Smoked Gouda Cheese Grits First Course- Love Me Tender Salad: Spring Mix with Honey Chipotle tossed breaded Chicken, peppercorn bacon, smoked pecans, dried cranberries, red onion slivers, diced tomatoes cheddar/jack cheese and croutons And a Percy Wedge Salad an iceberg wedge topped with SOULicious (smoked blue cheese ranch) smoked Blue Cheese crumbles, Grape Tomato and Candied Bacon can be upon request available usually Second Course- Linkin Pork Slider w/ side of Errrrday I’m Brussel’n:  Pork Belly Slider topped with Granny Smith Jalapeño Slaw and Brussels fried and tossed in Tomato Bacon Jam Third Course- Jim S’morrison and Ain’t Nutta Butta Cheesecake Springroll British Queens Cake Bite: Chocolate Graham Cracker bites and mini marshmallows topped with a toasted Marshmallow special Banana, Nutter Butter crumbles, bacon in a Nila Wafer crust topped with a Peanut Butter Chocolate Ganache rolled in a Spring Roll and served with Smoked Salt Caramel.    If you want to bring your own wine, there is a $5 cork fee, but I think they will have anything you need at the bar. RAWK'n Grub is located at 1909 Poplar Ave (inside Growlers). As usual, please be on time, we start promptly at 7. If you are late, you will miss out on some amazing food.  Ticket sales have been closed for this event. Stay tuned for info on next month's gathrring.  All pictures are via RAWK'n Grub Facebook page or their website.