A new pop-up dining experience is coming to Memphis! Friends Josh Conley and Chef Cole Jeanes will host the Etowah Dinner Series, with an inaugural event in downtown Memphis on Saturday, October 1. Don't miss it!
A culinary concept not to miss, the Etowah Dinner Series is preparing to host its inaugural dinner on Saturday, October 1, at The Commonwealth, a historic building in downtown Memphis. The seasonally-focused event centers around gourmet food, fine wine, and local art — a curated opportunity for Josh Conley and Memphis Chef Cole Jeanes to bring in some of their favorite chefs from around the country. Plus, each dinner will take place at a different location in Memphis, offering up a chance to explore the city in a new way.
The location of the first Etowah Dinner Series undoubtedly sets the tone for what Josh and Chef Cole hope will be a unique dining experience. Taking place in a 1920s parking garage with rustic beauty, the spot is equipped with an intriguing backstory. Of course, the true stars are the food and wine. “We are so excited to shine a light on so many of our friends who are doing beautiful work in and out of the kitchen,” Josh tells us. “From farmers and butchers to distillers and winemakers, an integral part of our desire to take on this project is supporting each other.”
PinLocal Chef Cole Jeanes will be the first featured chef for the Etowah Dinner Series. Image: Averell Mondie
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Originally the Medical Arts Building, the first dinner location tells an inspiring story. According to the Commonwealth’s website, it was “a place where all Memphians — no matter their social status, race or gender — could come for healing. A place where medical professionals collaborated and shared ideas about their craft.” Josh says the space’s aesthetic has understated elegance that will transform into a unique backdrop, and we’re waiting with bated breath.
Captivated by interesting spaces, Josh allows curiosity to guide his event planning. It’s the reason he’s chosen untapped areas for events he’s hosted in the past. “Over the past few years, we’ve been workshopping what these experiences should feel like by hosting very limited dinners in soybean fields, old barns, and next to grain silos,” Josh tells us. “Now we are excited to open this work up to the general public with the Etowah Dinner Series.” And although the upcoming event is open to the public, only 60 tickets will be sold, adding to its exclusivity and intrigue. “This is a singular, seasonally-focused experience with very limited seating,” Josh explains. “But it’s worth it if you are into food, chefs, or wine. This is an experience that won’t be replicated.”
Josh tells us the location will change for each dinner, along with the featured chefs. For the first iteration, Chef Cole is his co-collaborator, and the local chef is prepping a stunning five-course meal to celebrate what he refers to as “early Autumn Delta flavors.”
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Chef Cole, who has often described his style as a cross between fine dining and gas station fare, is recognized throughout Memphis for his work with Kinfolk, a breakfast pop-up at Comeback Coffee. Other projects include working with local restaurants like Secret Smash Society, Bloodhound Provisions, and the forthcoming Baby Luca Pies.
Putting a spin on traditional signature foods, Chef Cole’s menu pays homage to a Memphis favorite, Honey Gold hot wings. His take is supremely elevated — a French-style confit duck leg tossed with fermented butternut squash hot sauce. “He’s a real deal chef,” Josh says of his friend. “He’s really getting to flex his [culinary] muscles with the dinner series by providing some interesting components to the dishes.”
PinChef Cole lovingly prepares a meal for a previous event. Image: Averell Mondie
A cocktail hour will precede the dinner, showcasing seasonal cocktails and fine wine. Event partners Lioco Wines, Subtle Spirits, and local distillery Old Dominick’s are upping the game. “Lioco Wines is a cool winery that’s sending in some limited released wines for our guests to enjoy,” Josh says. “So, we are really excited about that.”
The event will also feature an art show true to the commitment to support and highlight local artists. Nate Renner, a Memphis-based, neo-southern artist, will curate the exhibition during the cocktail hour. “The dinner series is a play on seasonality and local ingredients, but it’s also a great way to support our friends like Renner, who are doing some really amazing work,” Josh tells us.
PinThe Etowah Dinner Series will host its inaugural event on October 1! Image: Josh Conley
Josh explains that the dinner series is a passion project sparked by his interest in bringing people together and supporting friends and local talent. In fact, he may have found his ‘superpower.’
“I love bringing groups of people together,” Josh says. “And that’s really what the Etowah Dinner Series is all about — bringing people together for a singular, seasonally-focused event where they can meet and support friends.” To that end, the event ticket cost is lower than most dinner series, at $150 per ticket, hoping to attract and bring together even more people.
Tickets include the five-course meal, pre-dinner cocktail service, and wine pairings, and dinner guests will be given early access to the second event, which will take place in December. More information and tickets can be found at etowahhuntclub.com.
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