ok, real quick. we're only going to be here for a day or two. i know the obvious bbq, but any other reecommendations? soul food? indian? MOROCAN?

That reminds me... when are you gonna be here? You got my number, right?

shite. change of plans at the last minute and no nyc for us. sorry you had to find out like this. i feel so awkward.......psych!

OK stupid, so what are the dates?

no nyc dates at all, just memphis. sorry i didn't e-mail you.

I hope you get stuck eating Big Macs in Mempho.

I don't know of any Morrocan. I only know Morrocan Roll.

Post in the Memphis section, too. Where are you guys?

Abyssinia on Poplar at Merton (or close) for Ethiopian Food
Saigon Le on Cleveland for Vietnamese
Huey's on Madison for bar food

I don't get out much...someone else can give you some more.

dine on Chef Shaggy's fare at the Beauty Shop. not cheap but damn good!

My Thanh is more polite for the Vietnamese -- plus, chances are high that you'll run into Chuck Vicious, Alicja, Jay, Alix, Eric Oblivian, or other Goners...

Dude, if I weren't out east, I'd totally take y'all to lunch at My Thanh. I'm hungry.

Chao Praya - Thai
Asian Garden - Korean
India Palace or Mayuri
Gus's Fried Chicken
Miss Ellens

try MemphisDining.com

and totally my thanh or pho hoa bin are better than saigon

India Palace (Poplar & Evergreen) for Indian
Guadalapana (Summer Ave.) for Mexican
Finos(Madison&Mclean) for a good samich.
Broadway Pizza(Broad Street just east of Hollywood) Damn good bbq pizza.

I forget Amana Bakery, sooo good

try ruchi on highland for indian

LET'S ALL GO TO LUNCH!!!

LET'S ALL GO TO LUNCH!!!

I'm in

how about dinner so everyone can go (some of us work in bumble)

I say maybe Guad or Asiana Grarden

I don't know of any Morrocan. I only know Morrocan Roll.

What the hell? Right next door to the Goner Records Store!
Cafe Morocco!

And its damn good too...get the baba ghanoush with shrimp and the chicken Shwarma!

yum

You have to hit up some Ellen's soul food... you're not going to get that anywhere else.

STAY AWAY from the Beauty Shop (and Do for that matter). Some of the food is ok, but some of it sucks (like that shit they pass off as gelato at the Beauty Shop - it's worse than the ice milk that they used to serve at Chicks games).

The service at both is pretty bad. Two "hosts" (they were dudes) at the Beauty Shop had a little hissy fight when one of them wouldn't seat our party. The other knocked some menus on the floor and then was like "May I help you!?!" all bitchy like. The waiter we had at Do sucked. But I did see the kid with the Indiana Goner tattoo there.

Cafe Morocco!
Is that what that place it?

if you go to the beauty shop, get the truffel fries, mmmmm

i guess the people do have an attitude, but I guess we know some of the people who work there and it has never been terrible.

do go on a night shaggy is cooking

Cafe Morocco!
Is that what that place it?


yes and it is so good

The guy at that place told me to move the last time I parked in front. I just never gave 'em a second thought. I'll check it out next time I go down there.

a lotta people seem to not like the Beauty Shop, and I kinda understand bc some of the people who dine there (and I guess a few who work there) put on an attitude -- but I always have really good meals there when Shag is in the kitchen. if you don't wanna spend much, go for the fish tacos or the tuna pizette, or if you wanna blow a buncha cash, their steaks, sea bass, and chops are some of the best I've ever eaten. It's also realitively healthy fare, which is more than you can say for most midtown restaurants. their Sunday brunch is excellent too!

re: Do, they've always done right by me. try the crawfish roll or the BLT handroll. good stuff!

and the Morocco folks seem to be pretty good sports about Goner -- I remember some in-stores when RS fans had taken over the entire sidewalk, including his outdoor seating area, and the dude didn't appear to be sweatin' it too hard...

Isn't that place next to Goner called Casablanca?

Isn't that place next to Goner called Casablanca?

you're right..my bad

it was cafe morocco when it was near U of M

but it is still damn good

do go on a night shaggy is cooking

Shaggy needs his own restaurant.

put on an attitude

What kind of attitude? Snooty restaurant attitude or purposefully catty kitschy restaurant attitude? I am intrigued.

and the Morocco folks seem to be pretty good sports about Goner

yeah, they gave us free deserts because we were friends with Zac..or maybe cause the owner thought Mary was cute... either way, they are really nice

appologies. Just a "go in to goner and tcb", not a "I'm mad at those parking wierdos" thing...

Shaggy and Kristen keep talking about opening a tapas restaurant... I wish they'd do it already!

and the dude didn't appear to be sweatin' it too hard...

uh, they were pretty cool when we were cooking hot dogs and taking over their outdoor seating, but the guy from across the street at Bluefin was going bananas. casablanca dudes weren't happy, but they put up with it. and they put up with us playing music loud that i'm sure they can hear next door.

anyway, Arman's here & hungry! whoever wants to eat with him better get on it quick! i'm pointing him towards ellen's...

yeah, they gave us free deserts because we were friends with Zac..or maybe cause the owner thought Mary was cute... either way, they are really nice

or he wants a good deal on your car

whoever wants to eat with him better get on it quick!

stupid out-east job...

What kind of attitude? Snooty restaurant attitude or purposefully catty kitschy restaurant attitude? I am intrigued.

i don't think snooty, more like cool hipster, i am a server in midtown, i am so cool, and you are not attitude, but i think it just goes with some midtown places, it is the "look" they hire (and they have to deal with the weird middle aged single yuppies that seem to go there because its cool)

I go there for the truffle stuff, and the sangria

opening a tapas restaurant
Tapas is Castillian Spanish for "I'm going to spend $30 for my dinner, but I'll still be so hungry that I'll have to pick up a burger on the way home."

I would've figured that Memphis would be above such chicanery.

They should just do a tapas BAR, with emphasis on the bar aspect but with the good tapas as a little flourish. Works better that way--everyone is happy. Tapas is perfect for when you wanna get drunk but still eat some decent food.

i am a server in midtown, i am so cool, and you are not attitude,

Now THAT is some funny shit. This is universal with servers...wonder why that is?

because restaurants create hierarchies --
dishwashers at the bottom
then bussers
servers
line cooks
maitre'd
chef

it's always the ones in the middle who have to lord it over everyone else!

I guess I can't hate cos that is what Ryan does to bring the $$$ in for now but there is nothing worse than some hipster flipping attitude, whatever the job may be. Esp. when they expect to be tipped at the end--they oughta be kissing your ass. At least acting like it.

when they expect to be tipped at the end

I kind of miss being a coffee shop asshole. Our tips had to be given to charity. I was only a jerk when they wanted a "capachina" like the one they got at "the mapco". I would warn them, and they'd still order it and pay the outrageous cost, and then act like it was my fault that it didn't taste like "frainch vanilluh".

Here in Portland, minimum wage is like $7.50 and there is none of this "b/c servers make tips, we'll pay 'em $2 an hour stuff". They make minimum, at least. In some of the better cafes, these people are paid over minimum, given full health benefits even if they are half-time AND get tips. In this particular chain of cafes, the customer service (if they don't know you...and thank god they know me now) can be particularly horrid, dripping snideness.

Anyway, my point is...don't you think it would pay to just be NICE or even just civil if you were having a shitty day? Servers, let me know how you feel.

Tapas is perfect for when you wanna get drunk but still eat some decent food.

That's what peanuts and jars of pickled eggs were for! Do they even have bars with those eggs anymore?

Man. Hugh. Don't be so reactionary!

GROSS!

Hey, where is that My Thanh place? Is it on Poplar near Cleveland? I think I passed it the other night and said, "When did that open??"
I really do need to start getting out more.

There's the other side of that snotty server thing, too. There are people that I had to quit going to dinner with because they were SO awful to the waiters.
Not good for the digestion.

Man. Hugh. Don't be so reactionary!

GROSS!

Although I was only kidding, the sad irony is that you might find pickled eggs and peanuts in a tapas bar- served on an endive leaf, of course.

Anyway, my point is...don't you think it would pay to just be NICE or even just civil if you were having a shitty day? Servers, let me know how you feel.


COGIC.

COGIC.

they will make anyone in the service go mad with rage

Hey, where is that My Thanh place?

On Cleveland, north of Poplar, been open for long time, expanding to have buffet, and more seating, and if you want delivery Chuck, Scott, or Jackson will bring it to ya.

thanks, luteinizer. In my neighborhood...I will check it out!
Wonder what I'm thinking of on Poplar, just east of Cleveland?

thanks for the suggestions. eric sent us to ellen's. we'll run the rest by our 'benefactor' (darcie) to see where she wants to go tonight. after that goin drinking i'm sure. i guess now the 'drinks' chapter should be filled in.

Speaking of attitude.....What's up with that waitress at Saigon Le?

Alisa -- that's the folks from Pho Pasteur, who relocated. there's another thread about that joint here -- http://www.goner-records.com/board/index.php?action=vthread&forum=5&to pic=11506

I ate there a few weeks ago, and the bun was pretty good.

I think the Saigon Le waitresses lose big at the casinos, which is why they're in a perpetually bad mood.

Speaking of attitude.....What's up with that waitress at Saigon Le?

I never go to that place. I prefer a smile with my pho.

I love Saigon Le enough to ignore the attitude of Mein Chou Cunt

I only go to Saigon Le w/my girlfriend who's given said waitresses lots of free legal advice. So, I've never seen any attitude...just the gals sitting at the table with us spilling their troubles. Makes for odd experiences, but extra good food.
Thanks, andria. I actually have been to Pho Pasteur. I'll put it on my list of "getting out of the house" things to do.

I agree with Hugh Jass. $30 bucks & I'm still hungry and we haven't even talked about tip. I don't know about Memphis, but here in NYC, tapas places are so small, your crammed up against everybody else trying to eat and drink it's just miserable. I guess they think the food is small, they don't need alot of room.

What is Cogic?

I think the Saigon Le waitresses lose big at the casinos, which is why they're in a perpetually bad mood.

Perhaps I should give them another shot, since they're helping to pay my salary. Wait...nope. Carmelized catfish at Pho Saigon wins!

Church of God in Christ. Whatever that is. They have a "convocation" here every year...think they're based here. They're horrible restaurant patrons and wear big hats.

i serve downtown and always make sure im out of town when cogic is in!

"ill have a water with just a little ice, extra lemon, and 2 straws...actually what kind of straws do you have? those big ones? maybe you should bring me some first, and then ill tell you how many i need. and ill have the house salad. is that big? okay im not very hungry anyway. it is worth $5.95 though? it better be! do you have ranch dressing? no? okay the vinagrette, but tell them to put some bleu cheese on it for me...etc., etc.,etc!"

and thats not a dramatization!

I agree with Hugh Jass. $30 bucks & I'm still hungry and we haven't even talked about tip

That is why you should either go with a ton of people when you aren't really hungry and you just wanna taste some good food (despite the cynicism, a lot of tapas are REALLY good) or just go to one that is actually more of a bar and the tapas are perfectly sized meals to accompany drinkin'!

And, I hear ya servers! I just hate it when I get attitude cos I know I am beyond nice and having been a server, very aware of how to behave. Then I still get poor service? Nah. Fuck ya waitron. Luckily most are really good and both Ryan and I can cook.

What's this chain of snooty Portland cafés? I'm always up for a good laugh and a small tip.

One guess, Joe, one guess.

I have to say though, we are kinda "in" with most of the locations since we had our wedding reception at their nice Downtown location (big hint) and one of Ryan's best friends is a barista there. Most of the staff who have been there awhile are particularly nice to us now...wasn't always so.

Yeah, I figured that's what you were getting at.

Good thing I live in North Portland, so I'm never very close to any of their shops.

"ill have a water with just a little ice, extra lemon, and 2 straws...actually what kind of straws do you have? those big ones? maybe you should bring me some first, and then ill tell you how many i need. and ill have the house salad. is that big? okay im not very hungry anyway. it is worth $5.95 though? it better be! do you have ranch dressing? no? okay the vinagrette, but tell them to put some bleu cheese on it for me...etc., etc.,etc!"

That's how Jesus would've ordered.

Good thing I live in North Portland, so I'm never very close to any of their shops.

Don't get me wrong...I still think they are the best.

Their product is the best, establishments are another story.

I will grant you this. But if I want a soy mocha, they are consistently good (as is Fresh Pot...which is good everytime at everything coffee). I hate that Albina Press and their Barista Championship trophies and damp Portlander vibe.

oops--erased a double post--I am done with being off topic, sorry y'all!

Look up the Cottage Restaurant at like Summer and Waring in Memphis. Great food. I compare it to soul food. Same cooks.

Tuesday is meatloaf day. Make it if you can. It's worth it!

I may be wrong about that crossroad of Waring but I know it is close to Waring.

3297 Summer Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38122-5136, United States
Cuisines: American, Diner, Delicatessen
Average price*: $8
Special features: Child-friendly, Local cuisine
Tel: (901) 324-4447

I went there like 20 or so years ago for breakfast and it wasn't bad.

Why, exactly, would you want a soy mocha?

ok, ok, back to Memphis- never been, so I don't know about any of the restaurants there. I do, however, wanna go to that bar where Isaac Hayes works at that's in "Hustle and Flow".

try the lunch box on Summer. its down the street from the cottage and the food is great. i think they are only open for lunch.

the cottage, however, sucks.

Why, exactly, would you want a soy mocha?


Oh god, now you're gonna come at me all Portland food snob style? Back up. I get them cos they, uh, TASTE GOOD, have a much less calories than a milk one and don't taste like a damn full tit of milk? Just so ya know, I like Americanos too. And plain coffee.

I'm just giving you shit. Someone's gotta play the too serious NW food snob, right? I mean, I'm kinda starting to miss PortlanFoodAndDrink.com


HA! Just kidding. I could never miss that place.

No kidding--I pop over there from time to time, but it just gets more and more insular and boring, i.e. "You all must have been noticing there is a lack of local artisan cheeses lately, well..."

OK, no more off topic!

Damn...whoever mentioned the caramelized catfish at Pho Saigon was right. Ive been there a bunch and usually get the Lemongrass Chicken, but this time I tried the catfish....fuckin awesome.

matty"b" . there are hundredes of restaurants in memphis now, which makes the server gene pool quite small.. and the amount servers make even smaller.. which led to a huge fall out in most of the more professional servers working in the midtown area.. they all got government jobs, or sell amway.. as for my gelato.. actually it's bindi..an italian gelato...which is prob. 89% of all the gelato you've ever had ...as to your "DON'T GO TO THE BEAUTY SHOP." fuck you bitch.. i'm northside/clondike...i don't own the motherfucker, i just cook in it ...about 70-80 hours a week..so excuse me if i get upset...yours truley shag..and when you move out of your parents house, call me there's always pots to scrub at the b.shop. p.s.s. best new restaurant is pho vietnam on poplar..absolute best pho...in town, brisket soft tendon and tripe.

Shaggy? Hey, could you holler at me at master @ thesonsabitches.com?

thanks for the PHO VIETNAM tip... with that i can drive past Mi Thanh and give it a try!

whoah, memphisdining.com (no www) took me to a discussion of brazilian sex clubs?

i'm missing something here...

something delicious.

Burger King on Union Ave. I found some unused hypodermic needles there one day.Score!!!

and i can't believe no one has mentioned yums deli at park and highland (if i remember correctly...)
did you know you can get a double cheeseburger sub there? double cheeseburger sub!!!!

abyssinia last night was delicious but i can't imagine the buffet... i think i would burst.

that sponge bread fills ya up quick!

dude, I've been preaching the Yum's gospel in memphis for years! that place is GREAT! I've only been to the one on south third near interstate BBQ though. $4.95 for a footlong cheeseburger sub and fries. unbelievable!

preach brother preach

I'm a few days late but...

SHAG DROPS THE HAMMER!

Eric, remember that time we stumbled into Brown's on South 3rd at 3AM, thought we'd found a great nitespot, but everything tasted exactly the same?

yeah. i can still taste it.

I second that the injera(ethiop bread) fillin you up. I always get the combo platter and end up eating everything including the bread underneath that has soaked up all the juices. Man...did they have the green beans last night..i love those dudes. Man...has anyone ever eaten at the In and Out Grill on Mississippi?? I did an appraisal down that way the other day and saw several interesting looking places to eat. One was this really small BBQ joint but i couldnt catch the name.

Oh...and Im not sure what it is, but everytime i eat at Abyssinia im usually advised that I sleep on the coach...that food gives me the absolute worst gas ever.

Jr.Whopper and fries in the ladie's room!Whith the lights turned off!That's good Memphrs eatin.

Jr.Whopper and fries in the ladie's room!Whith the lights turned off!That's good Memphrs eatin.

whoah, memphisdining.com (no www) took me to a discussion of brazilian sex clubs?

i'm missing something here...

goddamn straight!

abyssinia was pretty great. the leftovers were even better with a fried egg at 2am.

ok here's my two cents, at way too late a date, but wtf:

firstly, the beauty shop suffers in reputation because it had absolutely no consistency before shaggy took the reins. now that he's there, well it's a no brainer, he's one of the best cooks in town. for a great night in this area, you might want to try taking the hottest girl/guy you can find and getting a couple small plates at Tsunami (i'm biased, but dimitri is the fucking shit, and the small plates are great value for this style of food) and then have entrees with the shag master at the beauty shop. maybe even stop in do first for a quick tuna-strawberry roll or some beef sashimi. then use all this new found weight and power to beat up some dorks at the celtic crossing. if you're really feeling tough, maybe the deli.

secondly: waiters have to put up with shit, all day all the time from everybody. the customers can be assholes, the kitchen can be assholes, the bartender can be an asshole. and this isn't even taking into account what kind of day they had. they shouldn't be jerks to customers, but i think customers take body language and other stuff WAYYYY to personally. try to show yourself a good time, and be pleasant, and i've found usually you'll at least have passable and reasonably pleasant service. however there are a gagillion waiters in the world and your bound to run into a bunch of them who are jerks. trust me, if the cooks were your waiter . . . HOLY SHIT would you want your jerk waiter back.

Thirdly, not every meal is about getting the most food for the least money. i'm broke so most often it comes to that, but having tapas can be great. sometimes it's good not to walk out of a restaurant totally stuffed. and usually with just a little order planning you can get plenty full without dropping your entire wallet in the saute pan. food is meant to be enjoyed in many different ways. and when done right, tapas lets you try so many interesting things. it's not for the "damn i'm starving and i've got fifteen bucks night" It's when you're treating yourself to something enjoyable. often planning a couple of restaurants to hop to in this case can be lots and lots of fun. people in memphis don't do this enough because you can't just walk around much. but planning a night to go to two or three restaurants and just having one or two things at each can be a lot of fuckin fun.

fourth, fuck Cogic. everybody knows it. not just because i'm a waiter, i mean the whole fucking organization, belief system, fuck em fuck em fuck em fuck em.

fifth, sorry for going on so long.

perhaps that was more than two cents worth

Tapas are great. Usually it seems, particularly with seafood, having a couple of appetizers or tapas or some sushi, I am much happier with a selection of those than with the entree.

I like the tapas at Dish.