Muddy's Grind House (Memphis)

Rise and shine. And grind.

Memphis' famed Kat Gordon seems to sprinkle magic on all that she touches: her cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and the entire community, for that matter. Now, the magic has entered an extra hot vanilla soy latte, which I enjoyed last Friday at the new Midtown Muddy's Grind House before heading to work.

The space has quickly become Memphis' "happy place." While the color scheme isn't as bold as Kat's assortment of vivacious wigs, the pastel accents, dainty flower arrangements, and walls of curated merchandise (Paper & Clay and Flo's, to name a few) bring a fresh breath of air to the city's coffeehouse scene. You can't help but smile when walking through the yellow door on Cooper and Vinton.

I decided upon a few favorite details while sipping my latte and savoring my blackberry almond oat bar:

1. The to-go packaging (below). Maybe it's just my advertising/PR hat, but how fabulous is that logo? I love the mix of the Muddy's established frill and the bolder, masculine approach to coffee brewing.

2. The fireplace. Emphasizing the "house" in coffeehouse, the light brick fireplace at the front entrance is just wonderful. The patio is lovely for summer and autumn, but I can just picture visiting the Grind House in the cold of winter to cozy up by the fireplace and write.

3. The chalkboard of customer suggestions. Kat truly wants to hear customer feedback. The list has already begun with suggestions (I second the chai latte!). I admire Kat's commitment to customer satisfaction. Perhaps that is why she's the winner of Best Bakery and Best Dessert in the Memphis Flyer's Best of Memphis awards. Best Coffee next year?

Go give the Grind House a shot -- It's open from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. on Mondays-Saturdays. Let the staff know what you think!

Tuscan Spinach and White Bean Bruschetta

Presentation, in my opinion, is the key to creatively entering the hearts and stomachs of my readers. Since I sadly must serve a plate on an Internet platform rather than personally in kitchens across America, I must convey the tastiness in a single photograph. That's why I called Brit McDaniel, owner of Paper & Clay. She's the designer and potter behind her modern and minimalist ceramic line, with which I (and my food) have fallen in love. In fact, America has collectively fallen in love with her color-dipped mugs and Danish-inspired dishware, as Brit is currently a finalist for Martha Stewart's prestigious American Made awards. You can vote through the photo in the top right corner of my page -- click on Brit's mug to lead you to voting (6x per day acceptable)!

After enjoying croissants and coffee, reminiscing on years as an Austinite, and brainstorming business ideas, Brit and I visited in her Midtown studio last week. I picked out a few pieces on which to plate my latest recipes, so look out for the variety of inventory (Brit solely creates each by hand) in the following recipes this week.

Before scrolling further for a delicious fall hors d'oeuvres, vote for Paper & Clay in the Marta Stewart American Made Awards!

Leafy greens and white beans are a classic Tuscan combination. And they're not just great on crostini -- they work well with pasta, in a bowl of chicken soup, or on their own with some balsamic vinaigrette. You will enjoy leftovers, if you have any!

1 baguette, cut into 1/2 slices and toasted 2 bags baby spinach 1 tablespoon course salt 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 15 ounce can cannelini beans, rinsed Shaved parmesan cheese

1. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until spinach is wilted.

2. Puree half the spinach with remaining oil, garlic and salt in a food processor to form a paste. Mix in remaining spinach with pureed spinach in a bowl. Add cannelini beans and toss until beans are well-coated.

4. Spoon spinach and bean mixture onto each toasted baguette slice with a sprinkle of parmesan.

Rose Bros. Soda Fountain (Rosemary Beach)

Fall break is soon arriving for the Memphis school scene -- are any of you traveling to Santa Rosa Beach? Watercolor or Rosemary, perhaps? I somehow I have yet to share the cozy new diner I tried this past summer in Rosemary Beach, Rose Brothers Soda Fountain. Unlike most trendy spots that try to out-do the good 'ole American hot dog and fries, the simple classics are celebrated in this far nook of the central neighborhood square. It's perfect for the whole family, the picky eater, and the burger expert -- all will be wowed by the speedy service and hit-the-spot taste. In fact, if you're not into the diner menu, a cup of coffee or malted milkshake would bookmark your vacation day routine nicely.

Don't be mistaken by the crimped french fries that resemble packaging from the freezer section. These were piping hot, crispy, and accompanied a buttery bun with grilled portabello mushroom slices and swiss cheese. The homemade lemonade didn't hurt either.

Rose Brothers doesn't serve you as you may expect. . .you're handed a 1-inch laminated card with an iconic American character typed across the front.

Mine was The Fonz. The 50-year-old male next to me was Lindsay Lohan.

And do not think you can hide your Rose Bros. identity, as the server will shamelessly yell out the name on the card until you shyly raise your hand for the rest of the diner to see. Quite humorous and very memorable.

An October Update

I can't believe it's already here, but happy new month to you!

These upcoming few months bring so many exciting new posts, including a Hallows Eve dinner collaboration with Art in the Find, holiday party entertaining tips with Room & Board, and a showcase of Paper & Clay's ceramic dishes with some new fall recipes. I'm also looking into working with Batch, a new city-focused subscription box of curated food products. Perfect holiday gift, right?

Beyond posting on this platform, I've also been the pen behind The Scout Guide Memphis and ArtsMemphis culinary series blog (first post is coming next week!). It's been an exciting and valuable experience to work with creative talent in fashion and food.

What would you like to see on Caramelized this month? A specific Caramelized Conversation? An ingredient you're dying to cook with? A restaurant you haven't heard much about? Tips on menu planning? Please comment as general or specific as you wish. I would really love to hear from you.

Four Cookbook Pre-Orders for Your Shelf

Whoever thought print was "out" is wrong. The idea of holding a curated book on the sofa, "splattering sauce on the pages," (as Sid Evans of Southern Living Magazine once shared with me), and flipping from cover to cover will never lose their value. Not to oppose the platform of Caramelized (an online cookbook- or magazine-like feel, if you will), but I believe a cookbook provides an unmatched experience. This list of upcoming books feeds my creativity, my passion, and my stomach. I hope they will do the same for you! 1. The Yellow Table Cookbook by Anna Watson Carl

I don't know Anna personally, but I wish I did! The tiny New York kitchen, the cross-country dinner party road trip (now at the top of my bucket list), the Kickstarter success...I could go on and on. I share her philosophy on the importance of the dinner table as an epicenter of conversation and compassion. Anna's entrepreneurial spin on the traditional approach to cooking inspires me daily on Instagram and (soon) in her cookbook. I can't wait to see the pages come to life in my apartment this holiday season.

2. Camille Styles Entertaining by Camille Styles

This book holds near and dear to my heart. Camille gave me the food styling and crafting experience almost every weekday morning last year in Austin, and I believe there were multiple instances where I skipped class to witness Camille's creations unfold in her photo shoots. I loved being a part of this book's production, I cannot wait to see Buff Strickland's photography brilliance in print. Camille is now giving away a Minted notecard set to everyone who pre-orders her book. Below is one of my favorite behind-the-scenes photos!

3. The Southern Pantry by Jennifer Chandler

I have been anxiously awaiting a copy of Jennifer's latest book since spending time with her at the National Association of Food Journalist conference! The Southern Pantry combines Jennifer's charismatic Southern style with her practical, resourceful nature in the kitchen. Not only is Jennifer treating us to cutting-edge recipes, but she also is guiding us every step of the way from grocery shopping to substituting and storing. This publication will be my new staple.

4. Homemade Decadence by Joy the Baker

If you haven't read Joy the Baker yet, I sympathize with you. You may have thought the dessert alone was sufficient enough to sweeten your tooth or your day, but the voice behind the dessert proves to be even sweeter. Her voice is simply wonderful. She's hilarious. Think the Ellen DeGeneres of the blogging world. Her latest cookbook is the decadence you need on your bookshelf. She, too, has a free print giveaway for all who pre-order a copy. So go do it!

feature image by kara rosenlund

Eat Good And Do Good This Weekend

Happy Friday, ladies and gents! I'm drinking my new Relevant Roasters brew in my kitchen nook in disbelief that the weekend has already arrived. I hope your week was both productive and fulfilling. Three Memphis causes dear to my heart (and pen) are hosting events in the very new future, and I want you to check them out!

1. A brand new restaurant is opening around the block in downtown Memphis, and the Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee is hosting an exclusive preview of the gourmet burger bar this Sunday and Monday evening. Reservations are limited, so email your RSVP and be the first in the city to taste the menu (and support a local cause!). Call 901-387-5002.

2. ArtsMemphis is launching their "Mad & Hungry" culinary series this Sunday, September 28 with an International Street Food Festival. In a festive and friendly midtown cove, 200 will gather to taste samples of French, Vietnamese, Mexican, and Norwegian cuisine prepared by local culinary talent. There are only a few spots left, so reserve your spot on the block. I'm honored to be the exclusive blogger of these fall and spring gatherings, so look out as I share the exclusive culinary stories on Caramelized. (photo via commercial appeal)

3. As I shared in my Caramelized conversation with Margot McNeeley, the annual "Loving Local" fundraiser for Project Green Fork takes place next Saturday, October 4. You'll be sorry if you miss this one -- drive-in movie theater, classed-up movie snacks by local chefs, drinks, games, etc. Buy your tickets now!

featured image via topinspired.com