Justin Fox Burks
Maybe this whole "Internet" thing isn't a fad after all. Last year, we decided to put our readers' restaurant poll online, just to see if it worked better than the old-timey mail-in ballots. Readers seemed to like it: Just a click of the mouse, and your votes were cast. So this year, we added a few more categories and tried again, and all we can say is — wow! More than a thousand readers voted for their favorite steak, hamburger, chef, and lots more, in what has became our city's definitive restaurant poll.
And yes, we dropped in lots of security checkpoints along the way — one vote per person, that sort of thing — to prevent "stuffing" the ballots.
Several new names are bringing home the gold this year, and we had quite a few surprises. Thanks to all who participated, congratulations to the winners, and bon appetit!
Rules:
• To take the gold, winners had to receive at least 10 percent of the total votes cast.
• Silver and bronze winners had to draw at least 5 percent of the total votes.
• Awards of Excellence were given to establishments that drew the most votes but failed to meet the percentage requirements.
• We called it a tie if the results were within three votes.
• Ballots had to be at least 50 percent complete to be counted, and only one ballot per household and computer was allowed.
Huey's
Best Burger, Best Late-Night, Best Fries
Can't beat the classics: the original Huey's burger with crispy onion rings and Gold Nugget Ale
The funky Midtown burger joint made famous by the late, great Thomas Boggs has since grown to a chain of seven local Huey's restaurants. They're still run by the Boggs family, and each location still serves those award-winning burgers with the frill-picks you can blow into the ceiling, not to mention a host of other great sandwiches, salads, soups, and sides. But some things have changed.
Huey's calls itself the "Home of Brews, Blues, and Burgers," and increasingly, Memphians are enjoying the "blues" part of that slogan. Live music is featured at all Huey's locations, which makes it not all that surprising that the restaurant won in the "Best Late-Night" (as well as "Best Burger" and "Best French Fries") category in this year's balloting. And, as a bonus to those whose idea of "late" is, well, not very, you don't have to stay late to enjoy the music. Most locations offer an "early" band and a "late" band.
This year marks Huey's 40th anniversary, and after four decades of serving Memphis and Shelby County, it has become an institution — and one of our best. And if a toothpick falls out of the ceiling and boinks you in the ear, well, it's a small price to pay for great food and music.
- Bruce VanWyngarden
Mollie Fontaine Lounge
Hippest Bar
Tempting tippling: Mollie Fontaine Lounge keeps the hip happy with offerings including mojitos, long bean tempura, and pomegranate martinis.
Though Mollie Fontaine Lounge is the centerpiece of Victorian Village, the atmosphere inside is far from the buttoned-up stuffiness for which the era is known. Call it "restrained Bacchanalia": Well-dressed people sipping smart cocktails in a setting that's mixed old-world craftsmanship (high ceilings, decorative molding, and other original flourishes) and modern touches (metallic paints, black-and-white photography, faux-fur furniture) as artfully as the perfectly shaken martini. With DiAnn Price's alternately soothing and rousing piano stylings providing a melody to the soft din of conversation, you've got the recipe for a perfect way to wash away the work week. Bonus for patrons if Dave is bartending. The man is the 100-proof ruler of the spirits with a keen eye for presentation.
Hats off to owner Karen Blockman Carrier for transforming the home first into the elegant eatery Cielo, then successfully executing its makeover to the "Hippest Bar" in Memphis. Carrier's chic restaurants — including Beauty Shop and Do Sushi and Noodles, as well as catering company Another Roadside Attraction — are a vital part of the city's flavorful makeup, and we love her for them with every bite, sip, and sated sigh.
- Mary Helen Randall
Muddy's Bake Shop
Best Dessert
The best things do come in small packages: mouthwatering mini-cupcakes from Muddy's Bake Shop.
In the short amount of time since Kat Gordon opened Muddy's Bake Shop in East Memphis in 2008, the confectioner has built a devoted fan base that grows every day with the wildfire word-of-mouth of an evangelist. Muddy's has become a destination spot for locals looking to get their sweet on.
The shop offers a panoply of pies and puddings, cakes and cookies, brownies and bars, and other delicacies — it's all, as Muddy's motto attests, "Lovin' from the oven."
Each week, Muddy's features its six mainstay cupcake flavors (with names such as the Prozac, Plain Jane, Pucker Up, Capote, and Frankly Scarlett) and six rotating recipes from the bakery's other 30-plus cupcakes (including the Grasshopper, Tomboy, Mocha Madness, and Hubba Hubba). And vegans take note: Muddy's caters to you, offering many cakes, cupcakes, and pies in vegan recipes that don't contain dairy or other animal products.
Desserts aren't all you can get there, of course. Muddy's treats lunchers to a weekly menu of sandwiches, soups, chips, and fruit. Try the PB2H: peanut butter, banana slices, and honey.
Business is clearly booming: Muddy's recently opened its "Underground Bakery" — a non-retail location to help meet the needs of special orders and keep up with the daily demand for iced goodness. Delicious.
— Greg Akers
Bogie's Delicatessen
Best Deli
The good times (and tastes) roll with a spicy muffaletta from Bogie's Deli.
It's no big surprise that Bogie's Deli is the best deli in town. With multiple locations scattered around the city and an accommodating catering service, they're bringing their signature sandwiches, bagels, fresh salads, and homemade desserts to all Memphians.
Try any of the sandwiches on fluffy French bread, honey wheat, marble rye, a croissant, or a fresh water bagel. They slice their own Boar's Head meats and quality cheeses and spice it up with special Bogie's dressing. Bogie's proudly serves Boar's Head meats and cheeses — a brand that has come to stand for high-quality products, with no fillers or artificial flavors, and is served in mom-and-pop delicatessans all over the country.
Vegetarians have something to look forward to as well: Their meat-free sandwiches and salads are packed with fresh veggies and toppings.
The chicken salad (made from farm-raised chickens) is famous, the broccoli bacon salad is a favorite, and the pasta salad is a welcome change from the mayonnaise-drenched macaroni you often find here in the South.
Top off your meal with a freshly baked cookie, lemon square, key lime square, brownie, or a thick slice of perfectly moist cake — caramel, chocolate, carrot. I could go on about the desserts, but judging from your votes, you already know.
— Hannah Sayle
Republic Coffee
Best Coffee Shop
What's the buzz? It's all about Republic Coffee.
When I first slid into a tiny two-seater booth at Republic Coffee, I felt like I was 15 again, with hours to while away just talking and talking about nothing amid the faint hum of everyone else doing the exact same thing. Years later, though, I require more frequent applications of double espresso, and I also want to be in a proper independent place to appreciate its effects.
Located on Walnut Grove and owned by Fitz Dearmore and Chris Lee, Republic Coffee has established itself as a relaxed, low-key haven for all ages, and expertly made drinks and food — not just coffee alone — are the focus. These days, the house-recipe chai along with seasonal drinks like gingerbread and pumpkin spice lattes have been in demand; during the summer, smoothies were a major hit. The coffee beans, sourced from regions all over the world, are used to make mochas, lattes, Americanos, and espresso creams on offer. In addition, up to 20 whole-bean roasts are available for purchase each day, and recently, a signature R.C. Roast has been developed, too.
At Republic, the baristas are sassy and lightly sardonic, and the food is surprisingly on target. Lingering over a housemade cranberry nut muffin, I noted that this is the kind of place that gets every detail exactly right. And so, with an ideal double-shot cappuccino warming my hands, I decided I'd stay for a while . . . just like way back when.
— Amy Lawrence
Happy Mexican
Best Mexican
Happiness abounds at the Happy Mexican, where the Happy Fajitas heat things up as the Monster Margarita cools them down.
This aptly named eatery has made many a Memphian's mouth more than happy, and has been rewarded with its first Gold finish for its efforts. And what's not to be happy about? Tuck into one of the restaurant's many booths or tables surrounded by a rainbow of brightly colored walls and hand-painted murals, and within moments, a basket of warm-from-the-oven, salty tortilla chips arrives. Dip into the housemade salsa — the ripest blend of tomatoes, onions, and chopped cilantro — and savor the mild burn. Cool off with an icy, oversized margarita. Happiness indeed.
The menu includes Mexican favorites we've come to expect, from burritos, chimichangas, and fajitas to the salads and soft shell tacos. One of the restaurant's best-kept secrets is its tilapia tacos, a generous serving of the non-fishy tasting, flaky fish with chopped veggies. We like ours piled high on warm corn tortillas (they'll happily substitute them for the flour ones if asked) with a liberal squeeze of fresh lime juice for added zing. Another bonus for the downtown favorite? Plenty of free parking.
— Mary Helen Randall
Iris
Best Restaurant, Best Chef
While it sure was impressive to see Food & Wine recognize his skill and promise as one of their Best New Chefs of 2009, our biggest ongoing thrill centers around all that Chef Kelly English brings to Memphis.
English's focus on the cuisine of the South and regional food informs everything that he does. He's the proper Southern gentleman who courteously offered me his elbow as we strolled outside after an interview to check out the fledgling herb garden he's developing behind Restaurant Iris. He's the chef who seems very much in his element meandering through the Downtown Farmers Market first thing on Saturday mornings. He's the guy with well-researched food theories that he backs up with amazing experiences and stories. He's the amiable leader who shines with content and calm as the crazy-busy four-thirty-in-the-afternoon energy of the kitchen at Restaurant Iris whirls and rushes around him. And as for the plates being created there? They're just plain more than anyone anywhere probably even deserves. English's take on traditional Southern food — French-Creole cuisine in particular — boasts pairings that mesh so well it's astounding. Consistently, Iris is a place everybody wants to visit, and after that, an experience everyone's dying to discuss.
Even though his modern takes on classic dishes may just about knock you down onto Restaurant Iris's beautifully weathered floor, the personality and charm of English himself are a bonus. We really love what he's doing, and just as much, we love that he chooses to do his thing right here in Memphis.
— Amy Lawrence
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
Best New Restaurant
Old-world Italian with modern touches wins over diners, and earns Andrew Michael Best New Restaurant honors.
Admiration abounds all around town for Michael Hudman and Andrew Ticer, two young hometown guys on a roll, and their groundbreaking namesake restaurant. Watching their unique brand of tried-and-true meets brand-new Italian cuisine has been a pleasure, and now it's all culminated into something truly gratifying: top honors for Memphis' best new restaurant.
Since it opened in October 2008, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen has enlivened Brookhaven Circle in East Memphis. It's become the place to go for a modern take on traditional Italian dishes and also some interesting surprises: a "breakfast" dish for dinner with pork belly and rinds, egg, and polenta; or a confit with rabbit bacon and cannellini beans.
Hudman and Ticer pay meticulous attention to the food that they use and its effect on the dishes they create. Local meats and produce are key components of their ever-evolving menu, and the bounty from the restaurant's backyard garden finds its way onto the plate whenever possible.
Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen shines brightly this year as our readers' favorite new spot.
— Amy Lawrence
Best Restaurant
Gold: Restaurant Iris
Silver: Napa Cafe
Bronze: Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
Best New Restaurant
Gold: Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
Silver: Flight
*no bronze finalist in this category
Best Chef
Gold: Kelly English of Restaurant Iris
Silver: David Schrier of Currents
Bronze: John Bragg of Circa
Best Pizza
Gold: Memphis Pizza Café
Silver: Old Venice Pizza Company
Bronze: Garibaldi's
Best Vietnamese
Gold: Saigon Le
Silver: Pho Saigon
Bronze: Lotus
Best Home Cooking
Gold: The Cupboard
Silver: (tie) Blue Plate Café/Patrick's
Bronze: Soul Fish
Best Brunch
Gold: Owen Brennan's
Silver: The Peabody
Bronze: Restaurant Iris
Best Desserts
Gold: Muddy's Bake Shop
Silver: Napa Café
Bronze: Paulette's
Best Deli
Gold: Bogie's
Silver: Jason's
Bronze: Fino's from the Hill
Best Breakfast
Gold: Brother Juniper's
Silver: Blue Plate Café
Bronze: Bryant's Bar-BQ & Breakfast
Best Fries
Gold: Huey's
Silver: Young Avenue Deli
Bronze: Houston's
Best Italian
Gold: Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen
Silver: Pete & Sam's
Bronze: Bari
Best Hibachi
Gold: Benihana
Silver: A-Tan
Bronze: Sekisui
Best Mexican
Gold: Happy Mexican
Silver: El Porton
Bronze: El Mezcal
Best Ribs
Gold: Rendezvous
Silver: Corky's
Bronze: Central BBQ
Best Atmosphere
Awards OF EXCELLENCE to:
Restaurant Iris, Napa Café, Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, Folk's Folly, and Circa
Best Salads
Gold: Houston's
Silver: Napa Cafe
Bronze: (tie) Boscos, Rafferty's
Best Late-Night
Gold: Huey's
Silver: Earnestine & Hazel's
Bronze: (tie) Bardog, Belmont Grill
Best Oysters
Gold: The Half Shell
Silver: Pearl's Oyster House
Bronze: The Flying Fish
Best People Watching
Gold: The Flying Saucer
Silver: The Peabody Lobby Bar
Bronze: Spindini
Best BBQ Sandwich
Gold: Central BBQ
Silver: Corky's
Bronze: Germantown Commissary
Best Service
Gold: Restaurant Iris
Silver: Napa Cafe
Bronze: Houston's
Best Japanese
Gold: Sekisui
Silver: Blue Fin
Bronze: Sakura
Best Steak
Gold: Folk's Folly Original Prime Steak House
Silver: Ruth's Chris Steak House
Bronze: Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
Best Seafood
Gold: Tsunami
Silver: The Half Shell
Bronze: Blue Fish
Best French
Gold: Chez Philippe
Silver: Paulette's
Bronze: Restaurant Iris
Best Thai
Gold: Bhan Thai
Silver: Bangkok Alley
Bronze: Jasmine Thai
Worth the Drive
Gold: City Grocery, Oxford, MS
Silver: Bozo's Hot-Pit BBQ, Mason, TN
Bronze: Como Steakhouse, Como, MS
Restaurant We Miss the Most
Gold: Encore
Silver: Justine's
Bronze: Anderton's
Best Chinese
Gold: Wang's Mandarin House
Silver: A-Tan
Bronze: PF Chang's China Bistro
Best Indian
Gold: India Palace
Silver: Golden India
Bronze: Mayuri
Best Burger
Gold: Huey's
Silver: The Belmont
Bronze: Kooky Canuck
Best Outdoor Dining
Gold: Boscos
Silver: Cafe Olé
Bronze: The Majestic Grille
Best Fried Chicken
Gold: Gus's Fried Chicken
Best Place To Watch The Game
Gold: The Fox & Hound
Silver: Buffalo Wild Wings
Bronze: Brookhaven Pub
Best Local Coffee Shop
Gold: Republic Coffee
Silver: Otherlands
Bronze: Cafe Eclectic
Best Wings
Gold: D'Bos Wings
Silver: Buffalo Wild Wings
Bronze: Hooters
Best Business Dinner Locale
Gold: Folk's Folly
Silver: Currents
Bronze: The Grove Grill
Best Wine Selection
Gold: Napa Cafe
Silver: Circa/Folk's Folly Original Prime Steak House
Bronze: Flemings Prime Steakhouse
Best Beer Selection
Gold: The Flying Saucer
Silver: Boscos
Bronze: Young Avenue Deli
Best Dive Bar
Gold: Earnestine & Hazel's
Silver: Alex's
Bronze: The Cove
Hippest Bar
Gold: Mollie Fontaine Lounge
Silver: Bardog Tavern
Bronze: Spindini
Best Happy Hour
Merit Awards to:
The Flying Saucer, Chili's, Bardog Tavern
Best Margaritas
Gold: The Happy Mexican
Silver: Molly's
Bronze: El Porton
Best Martini
AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE to:
The Silly Goose, The Peabody Hotel Lobby Bar, Mollie Fontaine Lounge and Sidestreet Bar & Grill
Best Bloody Marys
Gold: The Bayou Bar & Grill
Silver: Owen Brennan's
Bronze: The Majestic Grille
