An Elk Cove pinot gris is a nice match for Local’s view of Overton Square and a pretty salad sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Before the second lecture of the Memphis Heritage Preservation series on historic Memphis restaurants, Susan and I grabbed a quick dinner at Local on the Square. I couldn’t have been more pleased with my choice: a tuna salad as satisfying as a hearty sandwich and a view of Overton Square from the restaurant’s second-story bay window.
What I liked best about the salad at Local is the recognition that people who order tuna can still be very hungry. In other words, the salad was put together with the heft of a Cobb but with brighter and lighter ingredients: a generous plate of fresh mixed greens, cilantro vinaigrette, soy ginger dressing, pico de gallo, black sesame seeds, a wedge of lime, and slices of tuna the color of deep pink bougainvillea.
We were, however, a little disappointed at the menu’s dearth of vegetarian options. We did try the veggie burger on a brioche bun (nothing special) and a side of Brussels sprouts lightly battered, fried, and drizzled with a Thousand Island-type dressing. They didn’t taste much like Brussels sprouts, but they were still good.
The service at Local also was excellent, which means I will be heading back for the restaurant’s new specials: half-off bottles of wine on Tuesday nights and $10 business lunches Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Local Gastropub, 2126 Madison Ave. (901-726-1846)
