The Second Line (Memphis)

I recently read in last Sunday's New York Times, "there are no shortcuts to quality." The Second Line doesn't believe in shortcuts. It's beautifully obvious. I admittedly crave trips to New Orleans pretty frequently for the city's charming culinary magic, though Chef Kelly English has managed to bring the once-unbeatable creole rendition to Midtown Memphis through every menu item. And while I have written about the cocktails and the atmosphere of my coveted Overton Square hangout, I somehow have yet to write about the food.

My Instagram boasts the recent table spreads from the orange and turquoise patio. Earlier in the summer, the fried catfish po boy graced my plate for the first time. An unusual feature compared to the usual fried shrimp or oyster, the catfish was fried to a golden brown crisp with that wonderful contrast of an outer crisp and an inner buttery texture. Add that to a fresh, cloud-like baguette with thick-cut tomatoes and lettuce. Hello, happiness.

The brignole side salad served as a necessary substitute to balance the fried entrees with a touch or two of green. While side salads are usually overlooked and boring, the Second Line's was a spunky refresher of crushed red pepper flakes and quartered artichoke hearts. I was a big fan of the feta and green olives, which reminded me of the dirty martini I'd sip later that evening.

The Besh barbecue shrimp appetizer knocks any other rendition out of the park. Compared to other Memphis versions, The Second Line shrimp are plump and bursting with creole flavor. We sopped up remaining sauce with the side baguette (as if I needed more carbs).

Now skip to brunch, which offers a curated, eclectic mix of Southern-inspired breakfast favorites (with the Kelly English twist, of course). Eggs Benedict with rich spinach madeleine and artichoke are a vegetarian favorite; Cast-iron skillet huevos rancheros with stewed black beans and fried eggs brought me back to my South Austin brunch adventures; and the insane pancake stack with strawberries and molasses brought me to heaven. All were washed down amongst our party of six with the signature bloody mary recipe, which I'm dying to imitate at home.

If you aren't on a diet, perfect. If you're on a diet, pretend you aren't for one meal and make it into The Second Line. Every carb is #worthit.

How to Picnic for a Levitt Shell Summer

Summer weekends shout picnic season, hence why routine trips to Memphis' Levitt Shell should be on your radar. The free summer-long concert series kicked off in May and lasts through August, gathering hundreds of all ages and backgrounds to a Midtown amphitheater house of entertainment. It is truly a venue unlike any other.

Friday evening, some girlfriends and I bounced our heads to Australian boy-band Jakubi, whom none of us had ever heard of. That's the fantastic part about the Levitt Shell venue -- it frankly doesn't matter who's on stage. As soon as you enter the lawn and take a first glance at the crowd, you know you'll enjoy yourself.

Food trucks line stage right every weekend, though I took the opportunity to plan a picnic that I believe satisfied everyone on our blanket!

Twist-off wine bottles (Meomi pinot noir and Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc) prevented the need for a corkscrew. Plus, my friend recently gave me a gold S'well bottle, which keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours, so we utilized it nicely for the bottle of white. Cold drinks are a must, people.

My new Tennessee cutting board from Amelia's Outpost at Hoot + Louise was the perfect for transportation; lightweight and narrow, it held a wedge of brie and water crackers flawlessly. Don't forget a few plastic knives.

Fresh Market's sushi selection was on-point for fancy finger food. We grabbed nigiri, tuna poke, crunchy shrimp, and riceless salmon rolls. Cherries and fruit offered pops of sweetness for munching throughout the show.

The blanket to our right was enjoying their Aldo's Midtown pizzas to-go, and a blanket behind us enjoyed Chick Fil A #1 combos. Whichever route you go for your summer picnic, I hope you'll take advantage of the offerings in your city. Memphis: the Levitt Shell is your spot!

(final photo by memphis daily news)

City and State (Memphis)

People supporting people. That's what it's all about. Or at least, that's what it should be about. It is in Memphis. Lisa Toro recently opened the Broad Avenue coffee + retail shop City and State. Oh, did I fall in love upon first step. The space is refreshing and resonant of creativity and artistic appreciation, whether for the cup of pour-over brew or a timeless third-generation woodworker cutting board.

I'm infatuated by the gorgeous array of items, from bath salts to Nashville-based imogene + willie denim and Shotwell caramels. If you need a gift for yourself or a friend, City and State is where you'll go and score regularly. Hello, Mother's Day in one week.

On the other side of the storefront is a beautiful coffee counter with minimalist seating and decor. The brown sugar latté and mocha are both divine. I've heard the cortado is excellent. Of course, pastries are a usual accompaniment; though a recent collaboration with Porcellino's has elevated the food offerings to breakfast and lunch service.

On weeks one and two of the collaboration, Porcellino's has delivered chocolate croissants, morning buns, yogurt & granola, sweet corn muffins, turkey croissant sandwiches and The Goomba sandwiches. In the coming weeks, they're looking into surprise-filled menu expansions. Looks like I'll be here much more often.

Upon asking Lisa about the collaboration between two visionary, Memphis-loving, trendy coffee shops in town, here's her lovely recount:

"About two weeks ago, Matt Farmer stopped by for some coffee. He was complimentary and said he enjoyed the experience. The next day, he showed up with two boxes of beautiful Porcellino’s pastries and said they were interested in working with us on wholesale. Two days, later Chef Andy and Michael, along with Matt, came over to see the place for themselves. From the minute they walked in, there was no bravado and no ego. They showed nothing but respect for and interest in what we were doing.

As is true of many Memphians, I’d been dining in their restaurants for years and never had a bad meal. As a huge foodie, their reputation more than preceded them. We sat around the communal table in my three week old shop, and I listened as they offered up their staff and skill in providing food for City & State. Not only that, but the opportunity to work with them in the near future to come up with a few custom menu items.

I cannot say enough great things about the openness and support these two celebrated chefs and their team have given us in this new venture. They recognize, as do we, that the way to continue to move Memphis forward is through partnership and support across all in our community. They are a shining example of what is so incredible about this city. People supporting people."

Belly Acres (Memphis)

It's time to write about my new favorite gourmet burger spot in Memphis, Tennessee. Note the keyword: gourmet. We know Huey's has mastered a fantastic patty and bun (for 45 years now!), though a new burger has stepped up in town for its creative edge and "citified farm fresh" style.

Personally, I'm all about the toppings. My now sixteen-year-old sister routinely orders her burger (no matter the location) as "a burger, plain, no bun, no toppings, just the meat, with ketchup on the side."

I love you, Julia; but, no.

At Belly Acres, signature burgers are celebrated. The topping combinations create tantalizing titles from "Dare Ya" (and "Double Dare Ya") to "Voodoo Moo Moo."

Upon my first visit, I ordered "The Cure:" a housemade brioche bun held a grass-fed beef patty with smoked gouda, braised tomatoes, sauteed onions, and acre sauce. Rich, but curing, indeed.

If you're undecisive, you can "tour the acres" by creating your own concoction. Yet in my opinion, Belly Acres provides a pre-selected option for any type of eater. Chicken or turkey burgers are available, as well as vegetarian options "from the garden" -- Even a black eyed pea burger is offered. My coworker and I were very impressed withe Yellow Fin Tuna burger with wasabi mayo and cucumber salad. Fresh and fantastic.

And, oh, the sides. Plan accordingly with your party, as my office accidentally ordered three table-size fries and looked as if we were applying for the television series "Man vs. Food." If you are a fried pickles fan, Belly Acres prepares theirs extra thin and crispy, like a fancy, addictive potato chip. Order a batch of those while awaiting your burger.

The interior is essentially a farm version of Willy Wonka with a mesmerizing array of build-out; from watercolored cloud disks and a barn-esque open kitchen, to suspended barrel lighting and stacked television screens of trippy green grass designs. I applaud the design team for going with their gut. The restaurant's Overton Square location stands out amongst its well-established neighbors and burger joints around the area.

Belly Acres is family-friendly, large party-friendly, and friendly in general. I have highly enjoyed the customer care and speedy service -- and I believe you will too, Midtowners and greater Memphians.

Tennessee Brewery: The Revival (Memphis)

It's back by hopular demand. Yesterday, on #NationalBeerDay, hundreds received a sneak peek of the Revival. Twenty-two taps of local, regional, and national brews flowed in support of Habitat for Humanity. Hundreds exchanged words and nods of approval in Goldcrest Gardens amidst an elegant waterfall and true beer garden landscaping. Hundreds posed in the Memphis art installation by Adam Exelbierd, the first of eight Atrium artists-in-residence.

As if in unison, the chorus of the crowd sang, "This is why I love Memphis."

My public relations role at doug carpenter & associates has allowed me to experience the creative process of the Revival from its initial brainstorming with Brewery partners Benjamin Orgel, Logan Scheidt, and Paul Stephens, to its landscaping installation and community engagement. It's pretty spectacular, and I'm honored to be working alongside outstanding creatives and business thinkers.

A few food- and beverage-related items (with the Caramelized seal of approval) to try upon your arrival to the Revival:

1. Food trucks. Hot Mess' sweet potato burrito (on a homemade tortilla) and Central BBQ nachos are a few of my personal favorites, but you'll get a taste of trucks that Fuel, Stickem, Corky's, Farm 2 Cart, Mr. Frazier's Fish, Taco Shack, Fresh Gulf Shrimp, and more. Don't just make it a drink. Make it a meal. The trucks rotate daily.

2. Sunday crawfish boils. That's right. Every single Sunday. Who's excited now?

3. Luke McLuke. The American Pale Ale beer brewed exclusively for the Revival by Memphis Made Brewing Company. Its brand identity celebrates the complementary revival of Tennessee Brewing Co. owner John Schorr's Belmont Stakes-winning Thoroughbred. Over one century later, we're toasting again. Now go buy a beer, and then a t-shirt.

Stay tuned for more.

artwork by doug carpenter & associates

Porcellino's Craft Butcher (Memphis)

This post was originally featured on StyleBlueprint! If I could choose one Memphis restaurant to consistently spend sixteen hours of my day (7 a.m. to 11 p.m., the approximate closing hour), I’d hands-down pick Porcellino’s.

Admittedly, I was skeptical of the hours of operation etched onto the doors of James Beard Award nominees Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman’s latest dining home run of Brookhaven Circle. Coffee “program,,” full-service bar, bakery, butcher counter, and complete breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. The concept, while seemingly impossible, is brilliant and well played from sunrise to sunset. The passion can be tasted, sipped, and seen in every single detail.

I’m a huge fan of the space, a polished, subway-tiled Brooklyn-esque butcher shop with dark and dainty wood tables and chairs. The black and white branding ties together the entire vision of the chefs, bakers, baristas, and bartenders.

Though I’d gladly be compensated to spend an entire day at the window-lined bar seating to muse upon the kitchen and customers (any takers?), I have successfully witnessed three prime-time occasions inside of the brick establishment: Saturday brunch, Friday night dinner, and an afternoon pit-stop. The recent Swine & Wine fundraiser for Cozy Corner Barbecue was a memorable hit, too.

Brunch was bustling with diners of all ages; some in line for an exclusive nitro-brewed coffee; others for a fried egg on in-house baked crusty bread with house-cured bacon or sausage. You can grab a loaf or croissant on the way out, too.

On a Tuesday late afternoon, I ran by to scope out the product and take-away offerings. I left with some finely shaved prosciutto, hand rolled fresh gemelli pasta, and the “Lil Ray” spice blend of salts, sugars, and zests. I was tempted to pick up a soft-cotton branded t-shirt, though I might cave in soon. The array of cookbooks, specialty foods, and butcher cuts was truly remarkable!

A dimly lit late dinner with ambient music completely elevated the surrounding space. The limited number of tables welcomes intimacy and comfort. Portions are shareable yet small enough to give you the opportunity to try multiple menu items (my kind of place!). The golden dim-sum-inspired bar cart, which graces tableside throughout the meal, covets perfectly plated daily specials. Whimsical and adventurous, the cart brings a treasure and leaves a memory. Oh, and the Relevant Roasters coffee custard dessert (served in a mason jar) is a must-get.