There really are 300 foods you must try in Memphis
In Friday’s Go Memphis, we’ll print the full list of “Yet 100 More Things to Eat in Memphis Before You Die.” We’ve been running five every weekday since Sept. 28 and we’re coming to the end of the list. This is the third list of 100 things we’ve done in the past three years or so, and I have a few things to say:
To those people who asked me if there are really 300 things you have to eat in Memphis, the answer is yes. I know I told a few of you that it seemed like there are 250, but that was when I was sick of eating. As it turned out, I had to cut things from the list and have no doubt that I missed items that belong there.
Does that mean there will be another list? That’s a solid H-E-double hockey sticks no. Lists of 10, sure. Best of categories, you betcha. But I can’t take doing another 100 things. It’s all-consuming and by the time you read this, I should be completely finished. For the first time in my life, I’m going on a modified fast for a few days, just to restore some balance. I’ve actually dreamed more than once about drinking sludgy green smoothies and let me tell you, they were just what the doc ordered (in my dream, anyway; we’ll see about that in reality).
Thanks to everyone who sent in suggestions. I read every one of them and tried most (though many were on the previous lists, so while I was in agreement, I couldn’t use them again).
I love hearing from readers and rely on your participation to find hidden gems around town.
Finally, please go to the website and look back over all the lists. On Friday, when the article publishes, I’ll also have a short list for you: The Top 10 of the Top 100. And, as always, keep emailing and calling when you come across something great to eat.
RESTAURANT NEWS
Maciel’s Tortas & Tacos opened earlier this month at 45 S. Main, serving taqueria fare such as tacos, huaraches, tortas and nachos. It’s open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. There’s no alcohol at present, but plans to add it. Call 901-526-0037 for more information or visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/macielstortastacos to see the menu.
Crazy Italians restaurant at 1250 N. Germantown Parkway, suite 105, is scheduled to open Monday. It’s a fast casual restaurant serving mostly pasta, run by two guys from Italy. Call 901-3472449 for more information.
COMING UP
Tonight at Amerigo, 1239 Ridgeway, chef Ben Hickey hosts a three-course meal featuring riffs on classic comfort foods, paired with select bourbons and bourbon barrel-aged beers. The price is $35 per person, and reservations are required; call 901-761-4000.
On Saturday, “Men Who Cook” will be held at the Orange Mound Community Center, 2590 Park, 3-5 p.m. Taste what folks prepare and vote on your favorites. The $25 admission benefits Links Incorporated. Want to cook? Call 901-497-2157 for more information. Purchase tickets at rclmenwhocook.eventbrite.com
A reminder about the Porktoberfest at the Memphis Botanic Garden this weekend. On Friday, 6-9:15 p.m., it’s family night with games, activities, dancing and “Ghostbusters,” all outside on the lawn. On Saturday, you can sample pork dishes of all kinds, watch football games on the big screens and enjoy adult beverages in the big beer tent. Admission for each day is $10 and includes all Friday activities. Saturday’s admission fee includes activities and samples from two of the restaurants; you can purchase five additional samples for $10. Take your own lawn chairs or blankets.
On Oct. 27, the Wine to Wine at the Garden has a “spooky spirits” theme. Wine tasting and hors d’ouevres by Fork It Over; $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers; 6-8 p. m. You must be 21 or older to attend.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Man, I love barbecued shrimp. I make it a few times a year and love to try it at different restaurants. I can’t believe that I hadn’t eaten it at the Rendezvous, but somehow I’ve missed it over the years. But I had it last week, loved it, and while we were there we talked about our first times to eat it, and Mr. B’s in New Orleans was where some of us tried it. Here’s the recipe.