JEM Dining Opens in Edge District

JEM Dining stands for “Just Enjoy the Moment” and is the initials of co-owners and husband and wife duo: Josh and Emily Mutchnick.

I was completely charmed by Josh and his non-pretentious approach to food during a recent media night to preview the restaurant. That approach is evident in the menu which has a section for definitions about listed menu items and ingredients–because who wants to get embarrassed and ask or to try and Google it under the table?

J. Mutchnick was on the hunt for a city to make a home for his first restaurant and Memphis was it. They fell in love with the city and felt Memphis' personality and soul reflected their approach to food. He has 15+ years of culinary experience having attended The Culinary Institute of America and working with chefs and restaurants across the country including the Michelin starred EL Ideas, Tru, Sixteen, and North Pond in Chicago.

During the media night, we were helped to a generous amount of offerings to get a taste of the menu. There wasn’t a dish that didn’t delight us but here are a few of the highlights.

To start, the yeast rolls with whipped garlic herb butter and whipped feta with sunflower Romesco and the Crab and Gulf Shrimp Dip are must-orders. Both are large enough for a table to split–always a plus. 

Many of the food items are intended to be shared and are served family-style. Next up, was the Kimchi Arancini which looked like fried mozz balls. This was one of my favorites from the night. We also tried the Hamachi Crudo with pickled peppers, lemon aioli, and charred okra. The presentation was as great as the taste if you are a crudo fan.

My favorite, favorite, favorite item of the night was the Homemade Gnocchi. It was served with idalia soubise, calabrian chiles, pickled garlic, and a one hour hen egg that you break and mix it all together. 

For the main entrees, we were plated with the 24 Hour Short Rib Adobo and Matzo Ball Stuffed Chicken. I opted to try the 24 Hour Short Rib Adobo which was as large of a log and just delicious. It was super tender and packed with flavor. 

For dessert, there was the most chocolatey of cakes, a bread pudding with yuzu curd, and maple pecan mousse cake. You really can’t go wrong with any of them. 

I appreciate that while it’s still a fine-dining meal, you’ll actually leave stuffed and satisfied.

Some other features to point out include the unique open kitchen setup where the chefs are visible to the guests. This is built in the mantra of JEM as an united front. J. Mutchnick said he wanted to open a restaurant that empowers its staff. That’s why all tips are dispersed to all staff and everyone gets insurance–a rare feat in the restaurant industry.

JEM Dining is also located next door to Rootstock Wine Merchants, a boutique wine shop that focuses on unique and small-batched wines. Expect many collaborations from both on wine dinners, the drink menu, and more. JEM also offers a reduced corkage fee if you bring in wine from Rootstock.

For now, JEM Dining will be open just for dinner seating. Regular service hours will be Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 4:30 to 10:00 p.m. 

GO THERE:

JEM Dining
644 Madison Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103