Food
Redefining the soul of Southern food one plant-based plate at a time
Plant-based eating seems to be on the rise across the South, fueled in part by social media. Memphis has no shortage of selections at its restaurants or food festivals.
Ellen Chamberlain
Ellen Chamberlain is a global citizen who is happy to call Memphis her forever home. The Michigan native has worked in media for nearly 25 years as a radio broadcaster, journalist and ghostwriter. As The Daily Memphian’s food and restaurant writer, she gives readers inside perspectives of their favorite restaurants and the people behind them, suggestions for the best bites around town and the latest food news from in and around Shelby County.
There are 53 articles by Ellen Chamberlain :
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August 2025
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Food NewsErling Jensen’s Small Bites debuts updated menu
The updated menu is robust and features petite portioned appetizers, sandwiches, salads, entrees and desserts.
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Table TalkTable Talk: Memphis group picks up the shopping for those who need it
This grassroots organization of mostly friends, neighbors and church members grocery-shop for families who are unable to shop for themselves.
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FoodHalinka’s Polish food truck is tried and tested
A former market researcher has realized her dream of opening a food truck and is serving authentic Polish sauerkraut, beets, kielbasa and pierogi.
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Dining GuidesWhat to order: Chai’s Halal’s Shawarma sandwich
Chai’s Halal is a blend of Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican flavors, and it can be found all over Memphis.
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Food NewsPopular pizza place opening new U of M location
A Nashville-based pizza chain is bringing the “House Party,” a vegan option and more to the University of Memphis food court.
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Table TalkTable Talk: If you can’t stand the heat, try working in a restaurant kitchen
One restaurant owner has allowed her staff to come to work out of uniform, trading chef’s coats and pants for tees and shorts, just to keep them more comfortable.
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Food News Burger joint ordered to vacate East Memphis space
The restaurant became a local favorite for its creative, grass-fed burgers, colorful interior modeled after a quirky modern farm, and its dedication to locally sourced ingredients.
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Food NewsWhat to order: Slider Inn’s Melty Mary is more than a liquid meal
No one does a bloody mary like Slider Inn. Forget a celery stalk or lemon wedge as garnish; this drink comes with an entire Angus beef slider.
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Food NewsICE raids and ethnic restaurants may be recipe for empty dining rooms
“Our lunch rush isn’t nearly as busy as it used to be. And it seems like everyone is trying so hard to speak English,” one local restaurant worker said.
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Table TalkChicken and beer: Memphis-flavored festival returns to Liberty Stadium
“Relocating to Memphis has been a culture shock in a variety of ways ... Because of this, I was really confused when the latest festival popped up on my calendar.”
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Food NewsMemphis burger joint crowns competitive-eating champ
A former Memphian returned to the city to claim the record for eating the most deep-fried Oreos at Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint in Midtown.
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Food NewsMagnolia & May owners brew up new coffee trailer
The grand opening of Monkeygrass Mayhem, an Airstream serving coffee drinks, pastries and bagels, is Monday, Aug. 11.
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Dining GuidesWhat to order: Bar Hustle’s Detroit-style pizza has a secret
Go off menu, slightly, at Bar Hustle to get a pizza with red onions, fennel sausage and spicy honey.
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Golf Putters, wedges and club sandwiches: Golf tournament brings the tastes
“If you want to watch golf, great, we’ve got that,” the tournament’s executive director said. “But also if you don’t, I bet you still have a good time.”
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Table TalkTable Talk: Your next night out might be a collaboration
Huey’s is working with Muddy’s, Bar Limina is becoming Bar Lumpia and Feast & Graze is working with two other Memphis-area companies on a mixology class.
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FoodA story that starts with lemonade continues on South Main
After Stephanie Feng started a small, local food trailer serving burritos, her lemonade became the star of the show.
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ReviewsWhat to order: Salmon and a bold red at Andrew Michael
The restaurant’s salmon is served with sauteed spinach, mushrooms and fresh peas atop a red wine sauce — and it’s magnificent.
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Food NewsWhat to order: Passion tea and Beef Sukiyaki Baguette
At Prince Tea House, tea is served from delicate teapots and poured into charming, matching cups with saucers.
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July 2025
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Table TalkTable Talk: Dog days scream out for summer treats
Gelato, sno cones, popsicles — yes, please.
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FoodAsian-influenced bakeries have hit Memphis
A trend, driven in part by social media, is adding sweet and savory flavors to Memphis’ treat scene.
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Business New East Memphis restaurant to open on Poplar Avenue
Fuego Vivo is expected to open by the end of the year in the space formerly occupied by Carrabba’s Italian Grill at 5110 Poplar Avenue.
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Table TalkTable Talk: Easing on down the road
More than a dozen Memphis restaurants are promoting the Broadway show “The Wiz,” and most aren’t even requiring proof of ticket purchase to participate in the edible, whimsical fun.
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Business Dirty soda place putting ‘pop’ in Poplar
At Poppz Drinks & Sweets, an old-fashioned soda fountain meets Gen Z.
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FoodWhat to Order: Seafood Carbonara at Char
A beloved seafood dish is the star of the menu at this restaurant on the Highland Strip near the University of Memphis.
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