Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The largest city in Tennessee, Memphis serves as a center for commerce and the arts and draws tourists from around the world. For visitors, the city features more than 60 attractions, such as Graceland, the Memphis Zoo, the American Dream Safari and the Art Museum at the University of Memphis. Memphis also serves as home to more than 250 restaurants, including numerous upscale establishments that serve everything from French to classic southern cuisine.
McEwen's on Monroe is named in part for its location on Monroe Avenue. Established in 1997, the eclectic menu draws from numerous culinary traditions, featuring dishes such as Italian pan-seared sea scallops, Asian-inspired sea bass in an orange soy glaze and sweet-potato-crusted catfish inspired by traditional Southern recipes. The wine list consists of more than 90 selections from around the world, and the bar features more than 20 bottled beers, including local brews and Belgian imports. McEwen's on Monroe serves lunch Mondays through Fridays and dinner Mondays through Saturdays. The restaurant closes every Sunday. At lunch, reservations are only taken for parties of five or more. For dinner, reservations are accepted for parties of any size and highly recommended. Reservations are arrangeable both online and by phone. Dressy casual attire is acceptable. Complimentary valet parking is available at dinnertime, and a pay public garage is also nearby in addition to street parking. A gluten-free menu is available upon request, and vegetarian options are also featured.
McEwen's on Monroe
22 Monroe Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
901-527-7085
mcewensonmonroe.com
Chez Philippe is inside of The Peabody Memphis, a luxury hotel constructed in 1869. The hotel is on Union Avenue, less than four blocks from both the Memphis Rock N Soul Museum and the Peabody Place shopping and entertainment complex. The restaurant has a four-star rating from Forbes as of September 2010; it had also earned a DiRONA Award for its cuisine from the Distinguished Restaurants of North America, as well as a four-diamond rating from AAA Motor Club. The chef specializes in curing and smoking meats in-house, making the charcuterie platter a favorite beginning to dinner at Chez Philippe. The dinner menu is a three- or five-course prix fixe with entrees varying regularly, but typically combining French, Asian and southern culinary traditions. Featuring more than 150 selections, the wine list is a past recipient of the Wine Spectator "Award of Excellence" and highlights vintages from California and France. Chez Philippe at the Peabody serves afternoon tea and dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. The restaurant closes Sundays. Reservations are required for the high tea and must be made 24 hours in advance, and dinner reservations are strongly recommended. For men, a jacket is preferred for dinner, but not required. Women typically wear business or semi-formal attire. Complimentary valet parking is available, and the restaurant will validate tickets for self-parking in the hotel lot.
Chez Philippe at the Peabody
149 Union Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
901-529-4188
peabodymemphis.com
Felicia Suzanne's Restaurant is located inside of the Lowenstein Building, a Memphis landmark built in 1886, which underwent extensive refurbishing and improvement in 2009. The menu includes classic Southern and Cajun dishes, such as shrimp and grits and wild salmon with sweet corn etouffe. The chef's signature dish is the tuna loin, served with roasted tomatoes, capers, olives and eggplant. The wine list includes around 150 selections, focusing on California and other American vintages. Felicia Suzanne's Restaurant serves lunch on Fridays and dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. The restaurant closes every Sunday and Monday. Business casual attire is the norm. Reservations are highly recommended. For dining on weekends during prime dinner hours, call ahead; the restaurant accepts reservations up to one month in advance and can book quickly. The nearest parking is in the Brinkley Plaza Garage on North Front Street. Outdoor dining is available on the patio in nice weather.
Felicia Suzanne's Restaurant
80 Monroe Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
901-523-0877
feliciasuzanne.com