The Best Things I Ate In Memphis In 2014 (Part One)

The Best Things I Ate In Memphis In 2014 (Part One)

It's been an excellent year for food in Memphis, so I decided to forget about picking just ten of my favorite dishes, and instead share the Best Things I Ate In Memphis In 2014, that I narrowed down to 22 items. 

Here is Part One, numbers 1 - 11. Go here to read Part Two. Note: These are not in any particular order. 

1. BBQ Slaw Dog from Elwood's Shack

BBQ-slaw-dog-elwoods-shack-memphis

The BBQ Slaw Dog from Elwood's Shack on Summer Avenue is an all-beef hot dog topped with slightly spicy slaw made of purple cabbage, jalapeños, and blue cheese. Read more about Summer Avenue dining here.

2. Maple Bacon Blondie from Local

brownie-maple

The sweet and savory combination is irresistible. It's so good it was on 2013's 100 Things To Eat In Memphis list, though didn't try it until this year during the Porchetta Dinner.

3. Badass Nachos from Sweet Grass Next Door

Bad Ass Nachos at next door 2

You may need a team to tear down the giant pile of tender beef brisket, queso, chili sauce, jalapeños, peppers, and more. Read more about Sweet Grass Next Door here.

4. Daily Specials from the Beauty Shop

beauty shop ravioli

I can't give you a solid recommendation on what to order at the Beauty Shop because I almost always get that day's special. For lunch, try the daily grilled cheese sandwich special or the ravioli of the day, or for dinner, the catch of the day. Read more about the Beauty Shop here.

5. Bibimbap Burger from Kwik Chek

IMG_7649

The Bibimbap burger has veggies (cucumbers, carrots, bean sprouts) and a sunny side up egg doused in spicy red Korean sauce served on a beef patty with cheese and a bun. I crave this all the time. Read more about the burger here.

6. Salads from City Market

city market

Can a salad really be on a "best things I ate" list? Yes, it can. During lunch, City Market's salad artists will make you a fresh salad with plenty of proteins and great flavors. I like to eat healthy in between all the other things on this list, so I greatly appreciate a filling, delicious salad that I actually want to eat.  Read more healthy eating ideas in Memphis here.

7. Deviled Eggs from Felicia Suzanne's

Thank you Chef Felicia for turning me on to the world of deviled eggs with your delicious chow chow recipe topped with pepper jelly. Read more about Felicia Suzanne's here.

8. Diablo Chicken Wrap from Cafe Eclectic

diablo chicken wrap and chai latte at Cafe Eclectic

The spicy chicken wrap with caramelized onions, cream cheese, and spinach takes your lunch game to the next level. I love it because it's easy to eat while you're working (a thing I do a lot) but isn't mundane in the least. Read more about Cafe Eclectic Highland here.

9. Ahi Tuna from Chez Philippe

The Ahi Tuna entree I had at Chez Philippe this summer was epic. The tuna was majestic; it practically melted in my mouth. The clams were flavorful, and the saffron rice was tender and aromatic. The photo doesn't do it justice. Read more about my trip to Chez Philippe here.

10. Holiday Chicken Salad on Cornbread from Lunchbox Eats

holiday chickens salad at Lunchbox Eats

I don't know why we don't put more sandwiches on cornbread instead of buns. Read more about Lunchbox Eats here.

11. Roast Beef Po Boy from Second Line

second line po boy

Every time I go to the Second Line, I tell myself that I'm going to order something new, and I never do. Why would I, when I have my ultimate comfort food at my fingertips? The roast beef, the bread, the tangy mayo, the dripping jus…it's just so good. Read more about The Second Line here.   

If you're interested in 2013's list, go here

What are your favorite things you ate in Memphis this year?

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Jeanne
You have to try Marlowe's on Elvis Presley Blvd.  The best ribs and cat fish to die for.....have been to Memphis 3 times, never miss Marlowe's.  And the astomphere can't be beat!!!!! 
December 22, 2014 5:43pm
Cathy Faust
The best thing I ate this year was a pork shank dish from Macaroni Grill. The meat was so tender, it fell off the bone. It was served in a huge casserole dish. It was enough for 4 full meals. I sure do miss Macaroni Grill on Poplar. Hope they will rebuild again soon.
December 22, 2014 6:18pm
Maryann
Four places I do not see, that are my faves.  Pho Siagon, Isaac Heyes at the Pebody Hotel area, Germantown BBQ and the Gas station burgers next to the private school your brother went to.
December 22, 2014 10:56pm
Maryann
Also Gus's fried Chicken.
December 22, 2014 11:05pm
Maryann
Ok only one more, I think.... The Mediterranean place in front of Jerry Garcias ice cream shop.  And of coarse Janis Sandlin's cinnamon rolls.  Haha
December 22, 2014 11:06pm
Chris
Cathy, the best you've had is from a national chain? Really?
December 22, 2014 11:11pm
Kevin
Wow Maryann, share some of what you are on!
December 23, 2014 12:27am
rara
That sure does look delicious.
December 23, 2014 10:09am
Elizabeth
I know I am biased but the small cheese pizza at Fino's is still one of my favorite things in town!
December 23, 2014 10:12am
Carol
Everyone needs to try Carol's Cheesecakes & More,
December 23, 2014 11:09am
Shan McLemore
You have the same taste in food as I do! Good food is a requirement. Memphis is moving forward as the most unpretentious town of good food in the U.S. Lets do it! Not so much requires healthy...we only live once! Dabble a little!
December 24, 2014 5:39pm
amy
Brussels sprouts at Alchemy. Voodoo Salmon at Half Shell. Stuffed avocado at Local. Cheeseburger at Tops BBQ. Gyro at Petra. Great. Now I'm hungry.
December 28, 2014 9:46pm
Alex
Mr. P's wings hackscross Memphis
December 29, 2014 9:33pm
Colleen
You obviously haven't tried River Oaks!!
December 29, 2014 11:02pm
@jeffreyold
Ciao Bella is always great but the gnocchi with cream sauce and brisket is one of my favorite things to eat in this city. 
January 17, 2015 9:03pm