After a few days of cooking up a storm, it was time to venture outdoors and see how some of Memphis’ restaurants were faring.

Where do you sit when you go out? Are you a solo diner who likes to make friends at the bar or someone who prefers the comfort of a booth?

A case of too many festivals and not enough unity.

If you’re anything like food writer Ellen Chamberlain, the past few weeks have been filled with calorie-laden meals, rich dips and beverages that go the extra mile to be worthy of the holidays.

As the year closes, the table remains what it has always been — a place to gather, to recalibrate, to keep going.

“In my home, Christmas isn’t typically about one meal; it’s about several.”

Nearly four weeks before it plans to close its doors for good, Team Car Cafe introduced its most ambitious offering ever: a $100 double shot of espresso. 

Certain dishes mark the season, and many of our holidays would feel incomplete without them.

After more than 25 years of serving authentic Chicago-style fare, Mr. Rusty’s Real Taste of Chicago closed its doors at 1859 Winchester Road the day before Thanksgiving.

Our local restaurants deserve the same kind of enthusiasm and exploration we’d give to the eateries in our holiday vacation destinations.

“The community I’ve cultivated, and that’s found me, in this city makes spending the holidays here warm and an opportunity for deep reflection and gratitude.”

Mane Street Seasonings is Memphis through and through. 

More from the Michelin Guide’s American South 2025 event as well as how the recognition has energized the Memphis honorees.

When it comes to finding out what’s happening in our communities, there’s often no way to know without actually contacting folks and asking them how they are doing.

It’s standard to see chefs, caterers and other food-related entities come together to create culinary experiences. But I’ve noticed a unique quality across Memphis’ food network: selflessness.

The third annual Grind City Coffee Tour is about to have Memphis buzzing for all the right reasons.

“Chefs who find ways to reduce food waste are the ones who inspire me the most. They’re not just resourceful; they’re spectacularly imaginative.”

Soul & Spirits is planning to bring “freaky fun” to the Great American Beer Festival this year in the form of gravy-flavored beer.

MahJ Squad 901 started meeting for weekly games years ago, making every fourth meeting a luncheon that started by checking out one of Biggs’ recommendations. 

There are two things never to joke about on the restaurant scene: stellar service and tater tots.

Years ago, when I was living in Memphis, I was introduced to the baked potatoes at East Memphis Pizza & Subs. But when I came back, I was disappointed to learn the restaurant had burned down. Luckily the owners opened a new spot.

This grassroots organization of mostly friends, neighbors and church members grocery-shop for families who are unable to shop for themselves.

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.

“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.”