I have a lot to be grateful for this Thanksgiving season.

Like many of you, my family and friends are at the top of that list, but so is my health. 

The topic of good health took on new meaning for me this year after a cancer diagnosis last January.

Today, I am beyond grateful to be cancer-free. 

Jennifer Chandler: Curb Side Casseroles owner has pro-tips for stress-free Thanksgiving

But my gratitude extends beyond my good prognosis.

People have shown up for me this past year in the most unexpected and loving ways. 

I am grateful for the love and overwhelming support I received from my family and close friends. Each of you have gone above and beyond in ways that I will be eternally thankful for.

I am grateful for the many people (most that I didn’t even know) who were willing to talk to me about their cancer journeys, offering advice as I navigated my own treatment plans. This year would have been so much scarier without the clarity and stories of bravery you shared. 

I am grateful for the doctors, nurses and health care professionals here in Memphis at West Cancer Center and in Houston at MD Anderson who have taken care of me. These people are doing amazing things for patients every day.

“I am grateful that this diagnosis has opened my eyes to the kindness in our world. There are angels all around us, and I think we often get too busy to see the little kindnesses happening.”

I am grateful that this diagnosis has opened my eyes to the kindness in our world. There are angels all around us, and I think we often get too busy to see the little kindnesses happening. I’ll be paying more attention moving forward, and I hope you do, too.

I am grateful for every text I have received from people checking on me. Your texts taught me the lesson that even a note as simple as a heart or prayer hands emoji can offer strength when you need it most.

I am grateful for the restaurateurs and chefs that I get to work with on a daily basis. It’s a true honor to share your stories. Getting to know each of you reinforces my belief that what makes Memphis so special is the people who call this city home.

I am grateful for my team here at The Daily Memphian who stepped in and covered my beat while I was out. I know it was extra work for each of you, and that kindness didn’t go unnoticed.

I am grateful for the people who read my stories. Memphis has such a beautiful community that supports each other. I feel blessed every day that I get to connect you with the people behind the food you love the most in town.

I do have one request for each of you reading this: 

Go book your regular screening tests now. Early detection can save a life — it did mine.

Sending each of you wishes for a happy and blessed Thanksgiving, and a day full of delicious eats!

This Week on Memphis’ restaurant scene

Enjoy A|M’s final Harvest Dinner of the year will be Dec. 2 at Hog & Hominy. The special guest chef is Ashley Christensen of AC Restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tickets are $125 per person and include a welcome cocktail and a four-course meal. Email reservations@enjoyam.com to reserve your spot.

Hive Bagel & Deli is now open on Tuesdays. New hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

An Alma Del Jaguar Tequila tasting dinner is set for Dec. 4 at Belle Tavern. The four-course dinner is $75 per person. For reservations, email belletavern@gmail.com.

Uncle Lou’s Fried Chicken owner Lou Martin gave me a sneak peek at his new restaurant set to open in early 2025. Plans for the new location include a drive-thru, a dedicated parking lot and an outdoor patio.

Vinculo Coffee Roasters launched new, single-serve K-Cup packaging. The coffee roaster that sources directly from small farms across the globe is the first local roaster to offer this one-cup packaging for Keurig brewing machines.

Curb Side Casseroles owner Bradford Williams was the featured guest on last week’s Sound Bites podcast. Her pro tips for a stress-free Thanksgiving would be helpful when hosting a dinner party any time of year.

In last Saturday’s Recipe Exchange column, I shared the recipe for my go-to mac and cheese. Inspired by chef Jackson Kramer’s signature recipe at Interim, it’s a dish on my holiday table every year.

Hog & Hominy has brought back the “B & C” — their Beef & Cheddar Hot Dog on a Pretzel Bun. In this week’s “What to Order,” I shared why this is my go-to dish at this East Memphis pizza restaurant.

Joshua Carlucci’s $10 Deal for the week is the Hunan Chicken at Yum’s. It’s a dish he describes as sweet, spicy and savory.

Calling all grillmasters! Here is some news you may not want to miss.

Team registration for SmokeSlam: The World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown is now open. The three-day event will take place from May 15-17, 2025, at Tom Lee Park. To register a team, visit smokeslam.com.

In its second year, SmokeSlam is a Memphis Barbecue Network-sanctioned event where teams can compete in all three major categories: Whole Hog, Ribs, and Pulled Pork, with prizes awarded across ten places per category. Seven ancillary World Food Championship-sanctioned categories include Dessert, Bacon, Duck, Poultry, Beef, Seafood and Wings. Category winners are also eligible for a “Golden Ticket” to compete in the World Food Championship in the Fall.

This year, festival organizers have introduced four new categories: Best Cocktail, Best Team Booth, Best Team T-shirt and Best Dry Rub. 

Additionally, SmokeSlam organizers announced BBQ Hall of Famer and World Champion Melissa Cookston will be the “SmokeSlam Allstar” for the event. In addition to her role as official spokesperson, Cookston will also be returning with her organization, the World Junior BBQ League.

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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