Top 10 Things You Need to Know!

I've been slacking on informing you all of what is going on but I'm going to do better. This list is full of all recent finds but I'll be posting another top things you need to know with some older finds! New things are happening everyday and I hope you all are in the know!
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The Ground Up Initiative + 275 Food Project
Soon Memphis will have a culinary mentoring program geared towards helping food professionals of color own their own business. The Ground Up Initiative is an 18-month program and partnership between 275 Food project and Chef David Krog and his wife Amanda Krog. It will be giving participants access to tools, training, and the financing they would need to acquire a business. The location will be a shipping container restaurant in South Memphis at 939 Walker Ave with an outdoor area for games and mingling. The first round of the selection process will be in August of this year. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to apply their talents as chefs in residence in partner restaurants that offer great value in the community that they serve. For more information check out Daily Memphian article written by Elle Perry and the 275 Food project website.
Daily Memphian 275 Food Project
 

Saltwater Crab
A new seafood restaurant has opened where the old Indian Pass used to be. 2059 Madison Avenue is now Saltwater Crab. Saltwater Crab will be giving us coastal dining with a taste of the south as well as offering some land dishes for those who want other options besides seafood. The menu is coastal seafood-focused including sushi and seafood boils. There will be a covered patio, a full bar with fresh ingredients and seasonal cocktails. Saltwater Crab will be opened until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays giving Midtown a little late night seafood. Check out the here to access the Commericial Appeal article for more information.
 
  
El Mero Taco
Popular food truck El Mero Taco will open its first restaurant on today.  El Mero Taco will be located at 8100 Macon Station Drive Suite 102.  They will be offering vegetarian and vegan options, beer, wine, and cocktails. Restaurant hours are Tuesday – Thursday 11 AM – 9 PM and Friday – Saturday 9 AM – 10 pm. 


Coastal Fish & Cheffie's Café
Late last year we lost one of my favorite hideaways, The Kitchen, located in Shelby Farms. The Kitchen closed after being open for only two years and I was super sad. However, last week I read that soon there will be 2 new restaurants taking up for the absence I feel from the missing one. Cheffie’s Café, a grab and go option and Coastal Fish Company which will have a similar dining style to The Kitchen serving dinner, lunch, and brunch. The two restaurants are set to open this fall. 


Bar Ware & Juice Brothers
Last Friday Downtown got a new restaurant (bar) and juice (smoothie) bar duo! Bar Ware and Juice Brothers are sharing building 276 S. Front Street bringing health and relaxation all in the same building. While Bar Ware will be serving up trendy cocktails with not your average small plated bar foods Juice Brothers will be giving you all the fresh produce and vitamins your body can handle. Both businesses offer brunch on Sundays as well.


 Trap fusion
In May Whitehaven welcomed Trap Fusion into the neighborhood! Located at 4637 Boeingshire Drive Trap Fusion offers you southern flavor with healthier food options. Trap Fusion was opened to give residents more to choose from then fast food while still giving food with flavor. 


Café Lit
Last week it was announced that soon Downtown Memphis would be getting a literature café and I’m geeked. Café Lit will be a three-story lounge highlighting the work of African American writers/artist such as Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, and more. The location is set to be 111 Madison Ave but there is no completion date at this time but if all grants and incentives are approved construction and renovation of the building could start next month. Café Lit will have live music, an open mic night(s), food and cocktails. Hopefully, they will include a bookstore so that I can live my best life. ​


Knife Bird
Last Month Cooper Young got the cutest wine bar! Knife Bird is located at 2155 Central Ave next door to Urban Outfitters so that they can get even more of your money. Its chic modern-day décor is perfect for a girls night out or date night. The ambiance creates great opportunities for nice photos with cute outfits with you sitting at the bar or one of the cute tables posing for your “off-guard” 


3rd & Court Diner
Hotel Indigo, one of Downtown’s newest hotels added a diner last month. This upscale diner serves some of your breakfast favorites as well as lunch with everyday specials.  The diner is located on the ground floor of the hotel at 24 N. BB King Boulevard. The diner is opened weekly from 6:30 AM – 11:00 PM, weekends 6:30 AM – 12:00 AM with daily Lunch specials is from 11 AM - 2 PM. 


Porch & Parlor
Porch and Parlor will be taking over the space that once housed Bar Louie. If you’ve passed by 2125 Madison Ave you’ve seen the sign and construction. Purchased by the owners of Flight Restaurant and Bar and Southern Social, Porch and Parlor will also be fine dining with the restaurant design channeling energy from the glamorous styles of the 1920s.