Magazine Blog

You might have noticed that we here at Memphis magazine have changed things up a bit. Our annual Readers' Restaurant Poll, usually published in January, will be on newsstands in February this year. Why? Well, we could not in good conscience pair articles on weight-loss and other health-related advice with the winners of categories like best ribs, burgers, and fries. It's just not fair. So, as an appetizer of sorts, here are a few favorites from the foodie-minded staffers of the magazine and our sister publication, the Memphis Flyer. These treats should tide you over until the winners of the 2010 poll are revealed in our next issue. And yes, there were some surprises! Until then, enjoy:

Fish Tacos
Bluefin
One wouldn't expect a downtown restaurant famous for sushi and some of the best miso soup in town to deliver when it comes to a Baja specialty like fish tacos.
But Bluefin delivers. In a major way.
One of the keys to a tasty taco is a light hand with the batter, and the chef, skilled at the art of tempura, treats the flaky, tender fish gently. An order brings
three generous portions of fish, each nestled snugly into a warm, slightly crisp and barely-browned (but not crunchy) tortilla. Tacos are drizzled with a spicy, smoky remoulade, and surrounded by freshly chopped onion, mango, cilantro, and tomato. Squeeze a bit of lime juice over the dish for a tart finish, and then dig in. Who knew? You do, now.
— Mary Helen Randall
135 South Main, 528-1010

Chicken Salad Sandwich
Deja Vu Creole Soul Food & Vegetarian Restaurant
You’d never know it wasn’t made with meat if Deja Vu’s menu didn’t list its Mock Chicken Salad Sandwich under the “vegan” heading on its menu. Textured vegetable protein (an unappetizingly named, but very convincing stand-in for meat) replaces chicken and vegan mayo is subbed for its egg-laden counterpart. A massive serving is piled atop a whole-wheat bun, but good luck keeping the sandwich together. The generous amount of chicken salad could easily fit into two buns. Get a doggy bag for the salad that falls off onto your plate.
—Bianca Phillips
936 Florida, 942-1400

Smoked Turkey Sandwich
Frank’s Deli
If you haven’t heard me wax poetic about Frank’s Deli, then we’ve probably never met. I never miss an opportunity to recommend my favorite deli lunch in the city of Memphis: Frank’s House Smoked Turkey Sandwich. The turkey is smoked in-house, sliced thick, and topped with aged cheddar, apple wood smoked bacon, chipotle mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato on toasted wheat berry bread. And it’s enormous, so I usually get two meals for the price of one. They have a delivery bicycle, which is undeniably charming (and convenient) but I recommend that you go in and see the daily specials — they almost always have the perfect side dish to accompany your sandwich.
— Hannah Sayle
327 South Main, 523-0101

Falafel Plate
Sean’s Café
Having made falafel many times, I know it’s as easy to whip up as it is to screw up. I have baked it, fried it, used a box mix, and started from scratch — all to varying results. So when I’m looking for consistency in this Middle Eastern chickpea patty, I leave the kitchen and go to Sean’s Café for the Falafel Plate.
The falafel on the plate are five little gems — perfectly fried to a crisp and still miraculously moist. They are the star of the show, to be sure, but the sides of tabouleh salad, pita bread, tahini sauce, and hummus more than pull their weight.
And while each component can be enjoyed on its own, my approach is to spread the wonderfully tart tabouleh and thick hummus on the pita, top that with the falafel, and glue it all together with the tahini. It’s a blissful bite and more than a bargain at $7.15.
— Susan Ellis
1651 Union, 274-3917