Cafe Keough (Memphis)

I try not to take neighborhood spots for granted--you know, the ones where you can effortlessly pop in to pick up a latte, or shmooze with out-of-town guests on weekend mornings, or meet with colleagues for a power lunch.

I feel lucky that my neighborhood spot happens to be a French-inspired café with extra buttery croissants on display and delicate, always photogenic menu items.

Cafe Keough's atmosphere is calm and full of natural light. The high ceilings are refreshing. The staff is sweet. It was only Friday morning (on National Croissant Day) when I realized I haven't shared my Cafe Keough obsession with you...How could it have taken seven months?!

Better late than never.

For breakfast, I'm a big fan of the classic coffee and croissant combination, as mentioned above.

Lunch -- always hustling and bustling with business-people -- proves difficult for menu decision-making, since I'm essentially a fan of every item on the wall-sized chalkboard. I usually recommend the soup du jour with a hot-pressed panini, though the salad nicoise never, ever disappoints.

Happy hour is highly enjoyable for a glass of wine and tapas or two. When my dad's various board meetings occur downtown, we typically meet right after 5 p.m. for a post-work catch-up. The roasted bruschetta, citrus and herb olives, and roasted red pepper-draped hummus are our favorites.

In fact...I'm off to Cafe Keough right now! Have a splendid week, ladies and gents.

A Spin on Super Bowl Classics

This post was originally featured on Southern Living's blog, The Daily South! Who else is planning a Super Bowl Sunday gathering? You’ve found the right place! Luckily, our entertainment is accounted for; but inevitably as an entertainer, I am thinking about the table.

image via style me pretty

I find it intriguing and absolutely appropriate to bring football game day vibes into one’s home. My friends and I collectively crave a jumbo pretzel with mustard, or cheese nachos with a beer. Why not bring those elements into your own cozy living room? Although prosciutto bites and crudités would be much appreciated by guests, think about the reason for the season: It’s the Super Bowl, after all!

Rather than stressing over specialty drinks, understand that your party guests are perfectly content with a beer (or three)! Script a chalk label with “New England Ale” and “Seattle Golden” beers on galvanized tins. Provide frosted mugs within reach. The game day spirit will effortlessly transcend from the screen and into the hands of your party-goers.

image via love and lemons

For touchdown-worthy snacks, homemade soft pretzels with your favorite spicy brown mustard (or beer cheese dipping sauce) will satisfy the most nostalgic of fans. Personalized craft paper bags with assorted popcorns will entertain the kids, and a gourmet nacho station with guacamole, fresh jalapeño, and all the fixings will elevate a game-time classic.

No matter which NFL team your guests are rooting for, they’ll be rooting for you before the first time out!

Toast (New Orleans)

Lately, I've lost the precious time to savor morning meals before work. The 6:45 a.m. workouts are taking over my rituals of coffee sipping and egg scrambling (though, yes, that should be a good thing), and the snooze button has become my best friend on days off. Combine that lack of time with my desire to drive back to New Orleans for Jazz Fest... Take me back to Toast.

Ashley and I stumbled upon this peachy pink house right off of our Magazine Street route, which entertained us throughout the relaxing weekend. We chose Toast as the finale of my trip...and yes, it was a lovely choice. The avocado toast with sunny side up egg was a given, but I was equally enthralled by other menu items: crispy bacon, homemade grits, and an omelet special with goat cheese and roasted red peppers.

Naturally, we split every dish. This was a challenging yet worthwhile feat, for I never turn down the chance to try multiple menu items at once! The toast was perfectly crisp, and I enjoyed the thick cut of sourdough to soak up egg yolk and catch bright green avocado slices. As we all know in the food world, avocado toast would list among the most popular dishes if ever to be left on a deserted island. I have definitely joined the bandwagon. And the Toast bandwagon.

The omelet special was delicious, though goat cheese's rich overtones always seem to overwhelm my plate at breakfast. The pineapple was spectacularly sweet compared to the crispy, savory bacon on the side.

I'm looking forward to cooking a Toast-inspired breakfast at the lakehouse over Valentine's weekend. What's your favorite kind of toast?!

Where to Book Valentine's Day Dinner in Memphis

The highly anticipated Valentine’s Day is less than a month away; yet believe it or not, our city is already gearing up for date night! Before reservation slots are filled, I'm giving you an insider list of our recommendations for celebrating this special occasion. Ordered by neighborhood, this variety of sophisticated cocktails, wine lists, dishes and ambiences will, without a doubt, impress your significant other. Perhaps one of these restaurants will become your new regular date spot. Pick up your cell and reserve early -- Tell them Caramelized and StyleBlueprint sent you!

See more in the StyleBlueprint feature...

EAST MEMPHIS

Acre: Though it might still be too chilly to enjoy the patio, the beautiful bar and true farm-to-table menu at Acre always please. Wally Joe knows what he’s doing, especially for special occasions! (901) 818-2273

Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen: The most elegant of Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman’s Brookhaven Circle trifecta, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen features an impressive wine list and award-winning spin on Italian classics. (901) 347-3569

Interim: Memphians have been raving about Interim’s new menu, which shows off American classics from a visible, state-of-the-art kitchen. (901) 818-0821

River Oaks: Dimly lit, yet glowing with special dishes left and right, River Oaks offers the premier service and Southern hospitality consistently shown by the Gutierrez duo. (901) 683-9305

MIDTOWN

Bari Ristorante: A cozy, classic dining room and a mighty happening bar await you at Bari Ristorante. The cheese board, olives and carbonara (or any pasta feature) are musts! (901) 722-2244

The Beauty Shop: The Beauty Shop is sophisticated and clever in both style and service. I’ll never get enough of that space (or sea salt monkey bread)! (901) 272-7111

ECCO on Overton Park: ECCO on Overton Park offers new, fresh and simple in the heart of a Midtown neighborhood. Go for the porcini ravioli with browned butter. (901) 410-8200

Sweet Grass: Southern and swanky dishes are made with the freshest ingredients at Sweet Grass. Hello, piping hot grits on a chilly evening! (901) 278-0278

DOWNTOWN

Felicia Suzanne's: Make some time for a fried Gulf oyster (of love) or two at Felicia Suzanne’s before catching The Orpheum’s The Lion King. (901) 523-0877

McEwen’s: The small plate menu option at McEwen’s is ideal for sharing, though I’m partial to the decadent Chilean sea bass! (901)527-7085

photo by micki martin

Spinach and Italian Sausage Gnocchi

I just discovered my new favorite winter comfort meal. With a glass of red Cornerstone wine, it hits the spot. My friend and neighbor Ben and I enjoyed this meal last night...I spotted the recipe in Eat Well Magazine on the way to San Diego, and I quickly ripped it out to save in my purse! Who knew it'd come in handy so soon. The step-by-step recipe hits a home run at the very end: Broil on high to bubble the extra-thin mozzarella slices until golden. Broiling elevates the dish entirely, working the simmered ingredients into one, slightly crispy bake. Do not skip this step!

Also, don't skimp on caramelizing the onions. 18-20 minutes of cooking times makes this meal so much more worthwhile in the end!

Makes 4 servings

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 large onion, thinly sliced 2 links hot (or sweet) Italian sausage, casings removed 2 large garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons water 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 12-ounce bag spinach, 1 16-ounce package gnocchi 2 ounces thinly sliced fresh mozzarella

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, broiler-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until brown, about 8-10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium low and continue cooking until golden brown and tender, about 10 minutes more.

2. Increase heat to medium and add sausage, garlic, and pepper. Cook, breaking up sausage with a wooden spoon, until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add water and cook, stirring up any browned bits. Add spinach, one handful at a time, and cook until wilted, about 4 minutes.

3. Position rack in upper third of oven. Turn broiler on high.

4. Heat remaining tablespoon of oil in a separate medium, non-stick pan on medium-high heat. Add gnocchi and cook until plump and golden brown, about 5 minutes.

5. Stir the gnocchi into the sausage mixture. Top with fresh mozzarella, and broil until cheese is lightly browned, 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately.

adapted from eat well magazine

Cafe Chloe (San Diego)

I am writing this review from the sky over the desert of Arizona; and beyond the beautiful sunset, the taste of flaky almond croissants hasn’t left my imagination since brunch at Café Chloe.

A finale to a girls’ weekend with my four best friends and our mothers, we chose this sought-after spot to give us a last “splurge” before reality (and our diets) commence. The layout of the café was all I could ever want in a restaurant: abundant natural light, curated greenery, a mahogany bar surrounded by white walls and furniture, and quaint tables and chairs throughout the wrap-around patio. The 72-degree weather allowed doors to remain wide open, welcoming sunshine and a nostalgic California breeze.

Upon being seated in a cozy nook in the back, the ten of us unanimously ordered the three different daily pastries - almond, plain, and chocolate croissants - for both the daughters’ side and the mothers’ side. Ashley sliced each pastry for a sampler-style starter alongside our coffee drinks, served in wide-rimmed white ceramic bowls with saucers. The lavender-lemon mimosa sounded divine, but I held myself back considering the continuously-flowing red wine at Cucina Urbana Saturday night did me over! A hazelnut soy latte was just right.

The second entreé down literally called my name: poached eggs over wild mushrooms and a rustic baguette slice. The forest fungi were extra buttery and the slightly runny yolk’s added richness, yet I couldn’t get enough of the combination. I was happy to add a few arugula leaves to each bite, as a light salad with sundried tomato on the side could not be ignored. The yogurt and granola with starfruit, asian pear, and blackberries was expertly seasonal and very popular at the table, as well. Ashley’s traditional applewood bacon and two eggs over easy came with a pulled piece of toasty baguette. I love how Café Chloe elevated classics in its own dainty way, from start to finish…