It’s the time of year when the city seems to let out a collective exhale.

Office calendars thin out, inboxes quiet down, and Memphis settles into that soft stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, when life finally feels less urgent. Despite a year of ups and downs, twists and turns, it’s almost over.

The leaves have all turned deep shades of gold and red. Those that have already fallen decorate the streets and seem to dance in the wind that’s been gusting fiercely this past week.

Every December, I promise myself I’ll use the down time to rest — but this year, I’m doing something different. I’m becoming a food tourist in my own city.

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