Elvis Week kicks off Friday, Aug. 9, with lots of festivities planned by Graceland. And I have one memory of an Elvis Week I will never forget.

It was more than 15 years ago — 2007 to be exact.

Food Network chef Robert Irvine was asked by Priscilla Presley to cook a traditional Southern meal for 100 Elvis Presley fans.

The Daily Memphian Staff: Here’s what to know about Elvis Week 2024

I was the Southerner asked to help coach Irvine, an English celebrity chef, on how to cook Elvis’ favorite dishes for the meal that would be aired on “Dinner Impossible.”

Let’s just say it was a whirlwind day of cooking (and kitchen fiascos) that I think turned into one entertaining show.

One Elvis dish we didn’t cook — but that I love — is a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich.

But if Elvis first put this delicious combination on the culinary map, the Arcade Restaurant has done its part, too. Its Fried Peanut Butter n’ Banana Sandwich has been featured by a number of national media outlets, including the Travel Channel. In 2020, it was included on Food Network’s list of best sandwiches in America.

Thick-cut Texas toast is smothered with peanut butter, layered with sliced bananas and griddled in butter until golden brown. You can order it with bacon added to the mix, but I prefer it with just peanut butter and bananas. It’s comfort food at its best.

The week on Memphis’ restaurant scene

I announced a new event series — The Daily Memphian Restaurant Insider — that I will be hosting for you, our readers. The first one, a private tour, cooking class and brunch with Kat Gordon at Muddy’s Bake Shop sold out in 24 hours. Look for other, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, cooking classes, special tastings and more in the coming months. Table Talk subscribers always get first access to tickets.

Take a listen to Sound Bites podcast to hear my conversation with Muddy’s Bake Shop owner Kay Gordon about her bakery.

Kat Gordon and her team of “gnomies” (that’s what she calls her employees) at Muddy’s have been providing Memphians with cupcakes and sweet treats — with a side of whimsy since 2007. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)

While some notable Memphis restaurants have closed recently, others are expanding. Here’s what’s driving three local restaurant groups to expand. 

Jennifer Chandler: Despite industry challenges, some restaurants find path to success

The Half Shell’s new owners announced they will be opening a third location in Germantown in the spot that was most recently Let It Fly.

Feast & Graze is hosting pop-up Sunday brunch at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art during the month of August. Here’s what I enjoyed during my visit to this brunch pop-up with an interesting twist — there are no eggs on the menu!

BLT Toast is a new brunch item at Feast & Graze. (Jennifer Chandler/The Daily Memphian)

Rob Moore reported on Southaven’s Sippin Silo, a serve-yourself bar offering 24 different wines, including a non-alcohol option, as well as craft cocktails. 

Jennifer Chandler: What to Order: Toasts, tunes and an eggless brunch at the Brooks

In this week’s Food Files, Sophia Surrett reported on a change at ownership at Muggin’ Coffeehouse, a new Pakistani-Indian-American cuisine food truck and the news that Wingstop is adding three locations in Memphis. 

Patrick’s Neighborhood Bar & Patio makes all their salad dressings in-house. Here’s their Ranch Dressing recipe that a Daily Memphian reader asked us for.

And for this week’s $10 Deal, Joshua Carlucci recommends the brisket sandwich at Tom’s Barbecue.

Thanks for joining me for this week’s Table Talk. Be sure to look for this column weekly for all the latest food news in Memphis.

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