Your calendar may not have room for a trip right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel to an exotic destination or enjoy an adventure abroad tonight! Escape to paradise in the comfort of your own city. As a boon, there will be no long airport security lines, jet lag or other such travel inconveniences. Today, we have curated a menu featuring authentic cuisine from France, Mexico and Italy … but to place your order, the farthest you will have to journey is simply down the street!
First Stop, France
Chez Philippe
Enjoy a menu of classical French cuisine directed by Peabody Executive Chef Andreas Kisler. Chez Philippe is The Peabody’s signature dining room. Chez Philippe serves dinner Wednesday through Saturday, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Afternoon Tea Wednesday thtough Saturday, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. For reservations and more information, call 901.529.4188 or click here: peabodymemphis.com.
These pictures include two of the classic French dishes that are on Chez Philippe’s current menu: Sea Scallop & Claw and Brulée. (Both are as delectable to taste as they are beautiful to see!)
Chez Philippe: Brown Butter-Basted Sea Scallops, Crispy Lobster Claw, Fennel Flan and Ginger Carrot Jus
Chez Philippe: Trio of Brulée, Vanilla Bean, Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel, Green Tea and Fresh Raspberries.
Do you have Valentine’s plans yet? Memphis’s own Chez Philippe was on the OpenTable list of “Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S.”! They may be filling up fast, but find out more about their elegant three-course Valentine’s dinner, being served on February 14 and 15, here: peabodymemphis.com.
Chef Andreas Kisler prepared the Chilean Sea Bass from Chez Philippe on WREG-News Channel 3 last week. See the video and recipe here: wreg.com
Cafe 1912
Chez Philippe is a Memphis gem, but if it is a more casual, French bistro-style experience you seek, Cafe 1912 is the spot! Enjoy wonderful flavors created by Chef de Cuisine Keith Riley and Sous-Chef de Cuisine Chris Eure in the sophisticated comfort of this Midtown original. Wine is available by the glass and the bottle.
Dinner hours are Sundays, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Monday to Thursday, 5:00 to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. Brunch Hours are Sundays, 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. cafe1912.com
Here are a few of our favorite French-inspired dishes on the Cafe 1912 menu: French Onion Soup, Salad Niçoise, Grouper and their Stuffed Chicken Breast.
Cafe 1912: Niçoise salad of seared tuna, olives, tomatoes, capers, red onion, hard cooked egg, and basil with anchovy aïoli on the side.
Cafe 1912: French Onion Soup
Cafe 1912: Pan-seared grouper with roasted pepper and asparagus risotto, and sundried tomato beurre blanc.
Cafe 1912: A Southern take on the French classic, Chicken Cordon Bleu. This dish features ham and provolone stuffed crispy chicken breast with mashed potatoes and aromatic vegetable cream sauce.
Just South of the Border
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana
The freshness and quality of ingredients are apparent in every bite, spoonful and sip at this upscale, street-style Mexican deli. The crisp combinations at Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana have a quality that can be seen and tasted in everything from a Mexico City-Style Filet Mignon Hot Dog to an exotic icy beverage served in a 24-ounce cup.
The father-son duo, “Pepe” and Jonathan Magallanes, shop every morning at local markets to serve only the freshest fish, meats and vegetables. Treat yourself to the ultra-fresh authentic Mexican cuisine at Las Tortugas as often as possible! The dining room is small and often crowded, so dining during non-peak hours is recommended. Beer is available. They are open Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (7:30 to 8:00 p.m., to-go orders only). memphistravel.com
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana: Mexico City-Style Filet Mignon Hot Dogs
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana: Roasted Chicken Tacos Guanajuato with fresh chips and spiced lettuce and cucumber salad.
Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana: Smoked Chicken Tinga Tostadas with avocado, chipotle, crema fresca and salsa verde.
Andiamo in Italia!
Frank Grisanti Italian Restaurant
Since this family has been serving authentic Northern Italian specialties to Mid-Southerners since 1909, chances are you have heard of them! But, did you know that the Frank Grisanti Italian Restaurant is available to cater and deliver bulk orders? Check out their handsome new website (launched this week!) for a clear explanation of how you can order a wonderful authentic Italian spread for your next event.
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Friday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 5:00 to 1:00 p.m. frankgrisanti.com
Frank Grisanti Italian Restaurant: From-block-to-grated Parmesan
Frank Grisanti: Antipasto Chopped Salad
Frank Grisanti Italian Restaurant: Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
Frank Grisanti Italian Restaurant: Filets ready for the fire, to be served with a Gorgonzola crust, crumbled bacon and demi-glace.
Frank Grisanti Italian Restaurant: Smoked Salmon Flatbread
If your schedule demands that you stay on the job at work and home right now, the thought of signing off for a distant vacation is probably unfeasible. But, Memphis, how wonderful that we can experience distant lands with a little help from world-class chefs just around the corner!
