Chez Philippe
Renowned for its long-standing upscale dining experience, Chez Philippe has been successfully serving the eclectic palate of the new urban South's residents and visitors via its home in the lobby of the historic Peabody Hotel.
Swathed in rich fabric, leather and linen tablecloths, the Chez Philippe diner may pick from a fix-priced menu consisting of either three or five courses. As evidence of Chez Philippe's flair for turning ordinary into extraordinary, it offers an appetizer with the mundane name of "pastrami on rye," but the ingredients are anything but what one would find on a deli sandwich. The homemade pastrami is made with salmon, topped with caviar and placed atop a rye crisp, then served with radish, Dijon and mustard sabayon. Classics such as escargot en croute share menu space with Florida Keys yellowtail prepared with marinated periwinkles in saffron butter sauce. Another choice might be the Neuman Farm pork, which is roasted tenderloin, homemade sausage, spaetzle, marinated cabbage and mustard jus. Dessert and extensive wine and spirit selections round out the menu. Chez Philippe requires a minimum of business casual attire.
Chez Philippe at The Peabody Hotel
149 Union Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 529-4188
chezphillipe.com
Paulette's
Located near the Overton Square district of Memphis, Paulette's has been on Memphis' fine dining list for more than 30 years. Upon entering the restaurant's self-described "old European ambience," patrons will find menus for lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, desserts and special banquets. Along with an eclectic array of crepes, lunch fare may include chicken or seafood selections such as the grilled salmon with gorgonzola sauce. Dinner may start with appetizers such as mozzarella and goat cheese stuffed red peppers or a selection of at least six salads. Grilled steak choices include a strip or three variations of filet mignon, including the signature filet Paulette, which has the filet lightly coated in cracked black pepper, sauteed in a butter cream sauce, julienned tomato, onion and bell pepper and served with choice of potato. The dinner menu includes chicken, pork and seafood, such as the seared sea scallops with saffron and pancetta over rice pilaf, caramelized onion with lemon beurre blanc.
Paulette's
2110 Madison Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 726-5128
paulettes.net
Erling Jensen
This name-sake restaurant of Chef Erling Jensen is located on the eastern side of Memphis. The upscale eatery offers distinctive appetizers to whet the appetite of its patrons. Dishes such as edamame-crusted tuna with cucumber relish, sundried tomato and coriander vinaigrette or seared Hudson Valley foie gras with a strawberry, honey, black pepper brioche cobbler begin the menu. First courses can be chosen from a soup de jour or crawfish bisque as well as salads like crab, avocado tower with lobster and mango. A full range of meats and seafood round out Erling Jensen's menu, which may run from steaks to an adventurous realm of game selections such as elk chop, filet of buffalo or the crispy Moulard duck leg confit with truffle gnocchi and sherry duck glace. Personalized wine pairings are available, and reservations are recommended.
Erling Jensen
1044 S. Yates
Memphis, TN 38119
(901) 763-3700
ejensen.com
About The Author
Sheri Lacker has more than 30 years' experience as a writer, photographer and multimedia artist. Her work has been used by Warner Brothers, Barbour/Langley and Casey Kasem Presents, among others. Her awards include the Theatre Excellence Scholarship and Guest-Artist-in-Res. Lacker studied journalism, Web design and historical research at the University of Memphis.
