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.

We Are Back! Joe's Fried Chicken is the first of many future gatherings!

December 10th Gathering...

You do not know how excited I am to be writing this...it has been too long. I can't wait to see old friends and to make some new ones. I hope you are looking forward to getting back into the foodiememphis groove as much as I. 

After some Facebook teasing, our first foodiememphis gathering is going to be  December 10th at 7 P.M. at...

 262 S. Highland St. Memphis TN 38111

Phone: (901) 337-7003 

I have been talking with the folks over at Joe's Fried Chicken planning our meal. I will admit, they have done all the heavy lifting in putting it together. I really appreciate all their hard work, and I know you will as well, because it looks like our kick-off meal is going to be a mouthwatering extravaganza!  

This is going to be AMAZING! The menu for our gathering is listed below. Remember, we eat family style, so everyone will get a little of each of the items listed below. All pictures included in this post are via Joe's Fried Chicken website. 


Appetizers:
Pickles and Okra Fritters

Soup/salad:
Cranberry Pecan served with a Chicken Leg

Entrees:
Blackened Catfish, Shrimp and Grits

 

Beef Stroganoff

Dessert:
Butter Pecan Pudding Cake
Grasshopper Pie 

  

foodiememphis

Joe's Fried Chicken $40.00 USD

Name(s) of Attendees:

 

September Gathering: Belle Diner, September 24, 2013

 

Oh My! Oh My! Am I looking forward to this month's gathering. Chef David Johnson, the owner of Belle Diner has lined up an amazing looking menu. Last Easter, we had a gathering at his last place called Southern Belle, which had been on Madison. He moved to a new location, therefore we are having another gathering with him at his new place. I didn't get to sample his food that night, so I am especially excited about this month's gathering.
Ticket link is at the bottom of the page. Price is $25 tax and tip included. As always, alcohol is on you.

Take a gander at this menu. If after reading this, you don't want to slap your mamma, kick your dog, and punch your best friend, I don't know what will.

1st Course:
Local Field Greens Salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, croutons and choice of dressing.

2nd Course:
Fried Mississippi Catfish bites with jalapeno hushpuppies, pepper jelly, and pickled okra tartar sauce.

3rd Course:
Bourbon Brown Sugar glazed beef brisket with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and braised collard greens

4th course:
Petite house made fried pies (apple & peach)

Canned food items for foodbank donations are always welcome. 

 

Belle Diner

117 Union Ave.

901.433.9851

Hrs: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

 

foodiememphis

Belle Diner $25.00 USD

Name(s) of Attendees:

Food Allergies?

Meet the Chef/Owner: Marguel Polania . Arepa and Salsa

I am looking forward to introducing everyone to a great restuarant as well as a great family this month. This restaurant epitomizes what I want to do with this dinner group...help the mom and pop restuarants out there that are putting out amazing food. The Polania family has created a (hopefully not too much longer) hidden gem here in Memphis. Although I haven't tried the food, I only hear amazing things about it. Multiple people have reached out to me about this place, complimenting both food and family. They must be doing something right over there on Madison.

I often get to see the best and the worst of people when setting up these gatherings. Not only has the Polania family been extremely gracious, they have been a lot of fun through this process. Although I have two left feet, I am looking to heading out to their place on a Friday night and try learning the Salsa!  Without further ado, I present to you the Polania family!

 

 

What is your cooking or educational background?

I come from a family where the food is the centerpiece of any family event. In my grandmother's house, who was an excellent cook, the gatherings always ended up in the kitchen in spite of having a house with large terrace, a large living room or dining room. The process of cooking was part of the enjoyment.

What/who are your culinary or gastronomical influences?

Although our food is authentic Venezuelan, I recognize that I have some influence of the Spanish tastes inherited from my maternal grandmother who knew how to combine both styles to achieve excellent dishes.

Are you from Memphis or the area? If not, how did you get here?
I am from Venezuela and my husband is from Colombia, but Memphis was the city that united us and where we started our family.

Tell us the story of how you decided to open Arepa and Salsa.

I think that is an idea that life gave us. Because when we had a meeting/party with friends or work colleagues, they always asked us for the same thing; "please bring Arepas and Diego, “do not forget the Salsa music." We saw how they enjoyed the arepas and Salsa music. One day we said, "Why not carry this happiness to a greater number of people? ... Therefore, we embarked on this beautiful adventure.

 Who is involved in the restaurant? Family? Friends?

100% Family owned. Since the remodeling of the restaurant, the participation of brothers and nephews, was vital. Each one of them has given us a helping hand to better the restaurant. My husband created the ambience and theme that gives the restaurant a warm and inviting atmosphere. My mom by defining the menu in the kitchen, the nephews help in the construction and artistic touches. My brother-in-law is our technical support guy, without forgetting those friends that are really part of our family helping us with different details.

What is the best thing about running your own restaurant/kitchen?

We enjoy many things from having our own business such as:

• To arrive each morning to the restaurant and the challenge of making sure that each customer is satisfied and leaving with a smile because they love our food.

• When we see that a customer is enjoying his/her meal that is the result of the dedication of our team.

• See that our dream grows every day.

What is your favorite thing to eat on the menu?
This is one of the most difficult questions that customers ask us everyday day, because everything included on the menu are our favorite recipes that we enjoyed as a family and we love all of them. It was truly difficult to select the dishes to include in the menu.

What is your favorite thing to make on the menu?
The “Arepa de pernil”, from the moment of selecting the meat, marinating it, cooking, filling the arepa, and presenting it to the customer. I enjoy the whole process.

What special events do you have throughout the week? On the menu?
We have complimentary Salsa dancing classes every Friday night at 8:30 pm for our customers.

Tell us something that most people wouldn't know about you…non-restaurant related?

According to Isabella Polania, I am the best mom ever.

Fact or fiction: I hear you are a great dancer.
I do not know if I am a great dancer, but for me Salsa is a sort of communion of love that involves happiness and enjoyment. Through it I met my husband and we fell in love with each other. I love to dance Salsa.

Anything else you want to say about your business that I haven't asked?

We conceived this idea a few years ago but opened our doors in September 2012. In these 10 months we have received a great acceptance from the Memphis community and I feel so blessed and grateful to get their support and am committed every day to keep exceeding our customer’s expectations.

 

August Gathering: Arepa and Salsa

Gathering at Arepa and Salsa - Venezuelan Cuisine

I am so excited about this gathering. It should be great fun. Food looks incredible, and I know the folks that run it are really great people. They have a back room that has Salsa Lessons on Friday nights. (Maybe we can get a group together to go Salsa!) I am apologizing in advance for any toes I might step on if said Salsa gathering ever occurs. I am strictly a white man's overbite kind of dancer...enough of that! On to our Foodie gathering.

Everyone is welcome, but you must buy a ticket to attend. Go to the bottom of this to buy ticket.

When:
Tuesday, August 6th - 7 PM

Where:
Arepa and Salsa
662 Madison Ave
Memphis, TN 38105
901.433.9980
11:30 A.M. -  9:00 P.M.

Who:
You

What:
Starters:
Tequeno
Tostone cup (Shrimp)

Empanada (Beef)
Naked Arepa (Chicken)

UFO’S

Entrees:
Half Pernil Arepa
One Toston (Chicken)

Small Cachapa (Two cheese and Beef)

How Much:
$25 (tax and tip included)

Drinks are extra this time...

Soda: $2.19

Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite.

Natural Juices $3.50

Beers:

Budweiser, Light, Lime $3.50

Miller Lite, Coors Light $3.50

Dos XX (Amber) , Samuel Adams (Boston Lager) $4.25

Heineken $4.50

 Beautiful photos courtesy J. Terrell Studios 

June Gathering: Ethiopian Restaurant

HELLO FELLOW FOODIES! 

Man does it feel good to write that! I am so excited to announce the return of FoodieMemphis.

We will be gathering next tuesday night, the 25th at 7 pm. The location will be the Ethiopian Restaurant in Cordova. I have heard many great things about it and am excited about seeing everyone and sampling some of my favorite foods...Ethiopian! 

Our menu for next weeks gathering includes:Injera - a unique sour dough bread.

Rice and Salad - Seasoned rice served with injera and salad.

Veggie Combo - Vegetable combination plate of chopped collard greens, lentils, cabbage, carrots, chickpeas, green beans, and salad.

Doro Wot - Spicy sauce made with chicken, onions, garlic, berbere, ginger, and spice butter, topped with a hard boiled egg. It is the most famous dish.

Yebeg Wot - Tender pieces of lamb marinated in spices and cooked.

Zilzil Tibs - Savory beef cubes sauteed with onions, jalapeno peppers, and exotic spices.

Please visit the blogsite and buy your tickets. as usual, ticket price will be $25. It includes tip, and taxes. So all you do is show up and enjoy. I am mot sure about adult beverages, but if they are provided by the restaurant, they are extra.

Hope to see everyone there!

Christopher

 Ethiopian Restaurant info

901.590.3658
1134 N Germantown Pkwy Ste 107
Memphis, TN

Upcoming Gatherings: L'Ecole Culinaire (THURSDAY) September 20

Since it is "Back to School" time, I figured we foodiememphis members should put on our backpacks and head back to school as well...sort of. This month's gathering is going to be at L'Ecole Culinaire, our very own culinary school.

I know some of the instructors out there and have worked with some of their graduates in the real world. They are sending out some talented individuals. We are lucky to have such a great school here in Memphis. Hopefully we will meet the "local" chef's of tomorrow. I can't wait for our gathering. The menu looks amazing.

Be sure to get your ticket at the bottom of this page. We are open to anyone, but you must have a ticket to join in the fun. 

Appetizers: 

Bbq Pork Belly, Asian Slaw

Heirloom Tomato Salad, Bleu Cheese

Brussel Sproutd, Bacon, with Brown Butter Jus

Entres:

Flat Iron Steak, Andouille Sauce

Braised Chicken, Truffled Jus

Pressure Cooked Pork, Bok Choy

Desserts:

Brioche Bread Pudding

Lemon Ice Box

L'Ecole Culinaire Memphis
1245 Germantown Parkway
Memphis, TN 38016
901.754.7115

Foodiememphis tickets cost $25 and include tax and tip.

Ticket sales have closed for this event.

Upcoming Gatherings: August 7th, The Cove

Gathering at The Cove, Coctail and Oyster Bar (best pirate bar in town

When:
Tuesday, August 7th - 7 PM

Where:
The Cove
2559 Broad Avenue
Memphis, TN 38112

Who:
You

What:

Starters:

Stoner Pie - LaRosa tamales topped with cream cheese, Rotel sauce, fresh ground cumin, and Fritos

Antipasto Platter - Sliced genoa, sopressata, coppa with provolone, roasted eggplant, tomatoes, & olives

Mediterranean Platter - Marinated artichokes, hummus, grilled eggplant, roasted tomatoes, olives, & pita bread

Paninis:

The Big Cheese - Provolone, goat cheese, parmesan, bacon & tomato, served with a side of chips

Midtowner - Sautéed eggplant, roasted tomatoes, and goat cheese, served with a salad

The Cove - Genoa, sopressata, and coppa salamis, Italian olive salad, and provolone cheese and served with a salad

Pizzas:

Bacon Red Onion - Fresh red sauce with bacon and thin slices of red onion topped with fresh parsley

Roma - Pesto sauce with genoa, sopressata, and coppa salamis, and Italian olive salad

Rockin' Artichoke Pizza's - Spinach Rockefeller sauce with marinated artichokes, goat cheese, and bacon

How Much:
$25 (tax and tip included)
Ticket sales for event are now closed.

Imagine Vegan Cafe Photo Recap and Review

I must admit that I was concerned about our gathering at Imagine Vegan Café. I am pretty open to different styles of cooking, and was even a vegetarian for almost a decade, but vegan is SO outside my comfort zone that I was concerned. I was so concerned in fact, that I even told a few friends that this gathering would go one of two ways…a total disaster or a total success.

Well my foodie friends, I am pleased to report that our gathering at Imagine Vegan Café was a total success! If I heard it once, I heard it ten times after the gathering, “Thanks for choosing this restaurant, I would NEVER have eaten here on my own…and I LOVED it. I will definitely be back.” I think everyone who joined us had a great meal and found at least a few items on the menu that they plan on getting get upon their return, me included.

In fact, I had to go back and try that BBQ sandwich again. I am about to write something many in Memphis may claim to be pure heresy. I am debating whether or not I think the best BBQ sandwich in Memphis is...gasp, VEGAN?! Seriously folks, the BBQ sandwich at Imagine Vegan Café is that good. 

Imagine Vegan Café epitomizes what our group is all about. We want people to try restaurants that are out of their comfort zone. Initially, the idea behind our group was to only eat at ethnic restaurants. The tasting menu was introduced as a way to get people to try things that they wouldn't normally try, or better, wouldn’t know to try. I don’t know if any other restaurant fits that description better. I have wanted to go and try Imagine Café a few times, but was always nervous about it b/c I had no idea what would be acceptable to my refined palette (tongue firmly planted in cheek). I now have realized that it was most definitely my loss.

Foodiememphis promotes locally owned restaurants and the entrepreneurs behind them. Adam and Kristie Jeffrey are doing something totally different than most other restaurants. Their restaurant isn’t about food as much as promoting a healthy lifestyle. They are trying to show people that vegan food doesn’t have to be bland and tasteless, as many in our group (myself included) had anticipated. It is tasty, has good texture, is filling, and is delicious.

In perfect Cooper Young fashion, they have great tunes by which to eat. My personal belief is a good meal can only be improved by good company and good music. Go by try a BBQ sandwich, listen to some great tunes, or just sit at the bar and have a beer or two and talk music with Adam. I can’t “Imagine” a nicer time.

foodiememphis tasting menu: this is 100% Vegan, even the beef tips

Appetizers:

Dogs n’ blankets . A childhood favorite! Six hot dogs wrapped in flaky crescent rolls.
Buffalo wings . Six boneless buffalo wings served with carrots, celery sticks, and homemade ranch dressing.
Chicken Nuggets . Five southern fried chicken nuggets served with homemade ranch for dipping.
Spinach Dip . Warm, creamy spinach dip served with tortilla chips.

Entrees:

Sausage Pizza . Vegan pizza served with sausage and cheese.

Beef tips and rice . Sauteed beef tips and onions served on a bed of rice.

Chicken Drumstick Meal . Mock fried chicken drumsticks so close to real thing it will scare you.
Red beans and rice with sausage . Slow-cooked red beans and rice served with kielbasa sausage.
Eggplant Parmigana . Fried eggplant topped with marinara, mozzarella and served with a slice of garlic toast.

Dessert:

Mini cupcake provided by our vegan baker Karina Khan. ( AMAZING! )

As our group has a tendency to vote for vegetarian dishes as the group favorite, I was curious how the meat substitutes would fare with our group. It was close, but the winner of this month's group favorite award went to...

I was torn between two items on our tasting menu, the eggplant parmigana and the BBQ sandwich. Both were incredible and one couldn't go wrong ordering either. I apologize that there are no pictures of the BBQ sandwich...I couldn't wait to eat it. I was amazed that in the voting everything on the tasting menu got at least one vote. Even the side items like the mashed potatoes and green beans. 

Our exit/Atticus survey results are highlighted below.

What food(s) did you like best?

“Chicken nuggets and the BBQ sandwich – I’m still not sure the BBQ wasn’t real meat.”

“red beans/rice + green beans”

“dog in a blanket”

“bbq, pigs in a blanket”

“Pizza and the BBQ”

“beef tips”

“Spinach Dip”

“hot wings and eggplant parm”

“buffalo wings, eggplant”

“EGGPLANT!”

“hot sauce on the hot wings, the wings were good too, but I really liked the sauce. J”

What did you like best about the gathering?

“the variety”

“meeting new people, and trying a restaurant I wouldn’t have tried!”

“the laid back atmosphere of the restaurant”

“as always, making new friends who like food as much as I”

“seeing old friends. We meet at foodie gatherings!”

“the eclectic group, and the different food”

“the company”

“spreading the word about awesome vegan food and Imagine Café”

“trying something I wouldn’t try on my own”

“not knowing who you will sit with, and then having a great conversation”

“fun location, and the GOOD food”

“hanging with my peeps J “

“the wide variety of food”

“being able to sample many different foods”

“trying vegan food for the first time!”

“the whole vegan experience"
"The music, man, the music"

What can we do to improve the event?

“No complaints here!”

“???”

“Great event, I really enjoyed it. Nice choice of restaurant.”

I don’t know…this was my first one. I liked it!’

”do it more often”

Thanks again to Adam, Kristie, and the whole crew at Imagine Vegan Cafe. We had an amazing night.

If you want to go and try it yourself, here is ther info.

Imagine Vegan Cafe
2156 Young Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
(P) 901.654.3455
website
facebook

Thanks to Kathy Fisher for taking the pictures for this gathering.

Meet the Chef: Jonathan Steenerson . Ciao Bella

I wanted to introduce you to the chef for our next gathering, Chef Jonathan Steenerson. When one thinks of Italian Cuizine, "healthy" isn't always the first adjective used to describe it. Well that is about to change my friends. Chef Steenerson was recently featured in an  article about how, and why he decided to make a "healthy" change to the menu at Ciao Bella.  Their new menu will feature a few vegetarian, gluten free, and even vegan friendly dishes. We are going to get to try a few of the healthy changes at our gathering next Tuesday. I for one can't wait.

In our series "Meet the Chef," I ask the hard hitting questions that others are afraid to ask...probably for fear of appearing foolish. With that being said, here is my interview with Eagle Scout Jonathan Steenerson...

What is your cooking or educational background?

It was hard knocks since I was 14. My dad and grandfather owned restaurants and my great grandfather was a butcher. I got it by osmosis.

What/who are your culinary or gastronomical influences?
James Gentry and Erling Jensen were great local influences.

Are you from Memphis or the area?

Yes. I went to high school at Houston. I was gone 7 years and now I've been back home for 2 years.

Fact or fiction: I heard your menu is going to take a more healthy turn, with even a few vegan items.

We are looking into putting some vegan items on the spring menu. For now, we are trying to accommodate life choices by request, including whole wheat, vegetarian, vegan and gluton free.

Tell us the story of how you decided to join CB.

I was CB original chef from 10 years ago. When I moved back to Memphis recently, I ran into Judd Tashie and he later approached me to come back. The Tashie's are a good family and they provide good food. I wanted to be a part of that again.. It's rare that you work for a family who truly care and appreciates their employees.

What is the best thing about running your own restaurant/kitchen?
Feeding people. Is there anything more noble?

What is your favorite thing to eat on the menu?
Cheese pizza, but I add peppercinnis.

What is your favorite thing to make on the menu?
Kobe Beef Gnocchi. That's fun.

What special events do you have throughout the week? On the menu?

Sunday thru Thursday happy hour 1/2 price drink and food menu in the bar 4-7PM; Monday night 1/2 price pizza dine in 5-7PM.

Tell us something that most people wouldn't know about you…non-restaurant related?

I'm an Eagle Scout.

Anything else you want to say about your business that I haven't asked?
Support the little guy…we are the backbone

Ciao Bella
565 Erin Drive (located behind Huey's on Poplar)
901.205.2500

Hours of operation:
Sunday through Thursday
5 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
Friday and Saturday
5 P.M. to 10:30 P.M.