Dining in Memphis

If you have not been to Memphis in the last ten years, you might be surprised by the changes in the range and type of dining available. A boom in immigration, especially from south of the border, combined with a surge in downtown development, has resulted in an exciting breadth in Memphis cuisine. No longer is Memphis home to only wet and dry barbecue ribs: it now boasts Asian, Mexican and other ethnic restaurants in virtually every area of the city. The nightlife, which has always centered around the high quality of musical talent developed in and attracted by the region, continues to be more suitable for those who want to sit and listen than those who want to dance and party.

Downtown

Downtown restaurants tend to fall into two categories: those catering to the business-lunch crowd, and those catering to tourists. In the former category visit restaurants like The Cupboard with its traditional Southern plate lunches or the Woman’s Exchange of Memphis for the down-home food Memphis mothers made famous. In the second category, the standout is Chez Phillippe in the Peabody Hotel , with award-winning chef Gutierrez serving up innovative Continental cuisine to society folks and the out-of-town crowd. The Rendezvous , on the other hand, attracts tourists looking for good barbeque in a decidedly low-key environment. Next door, locally-owned Sekisui serves up authentic sushi and tempura for those looking for something lighter.

Beale Street

Beale Street is a place where people go for music, dancing and people watching. Excellent gumbo is served at the King’s Palace Cafe and the Rum Boogie Cafe .  The Blues City Cafe is notable mostly for appearing in the Tom Cruise movie “The Firm”, and the food is just as exciting. After you’ve gotten your fill, stop by Gibson Lounge for an après meal cocktail and snack. The stylish lighting and plush couches will offer you all the atmosphere of a similar space in New York or San Francisco.

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