Chicken and Waffles with Mushroom Sherry Sauce

I had a lot of expectations as I prepared for my trip to Memphis; spending a week in the city that epitomises the idiom “Blues, Brews and Barbeque,” is a weighty responsibility for a fella to look forward to. Graceland, Sun Studio, Staxx Records, the Lorraine Hotel where Dr Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, so much American history recorded in this iconic city it should be a mandatory field trip for all. On top of that, and completely coincidentally, the International Blues Competition going on the same week. Legendary venues like BB Kings, Club 152, Alfred’s, Mr Handy’s, Silky O’Sullivan’s and many others hosting an international field of competitors. And it’s my birthday…

If you’ve never been to Memphis, specifically downtown and Beale Street, it’s a kinder, gentler version of NOLA’s French Quarter. Not to imply one couldn’t find oneself in trouble should one desire; but during the IBC at least, no beads were being tossed to throngs of women eager to acquiesce to the chants of “Show me your…!” and everything smells much better in the morning…. Much like NOLA though, Beale Street visitors can expect to be treated to some of the best blues and southern food you’ll find anywhere.

So this is where my expectations were completely exceeded. I researched online for the top restaurants in Memphis and discovered a wine bar/restaurant featuring upscale southern cuisine. I was intrigued by the concept; flights, not tapas, but actual flights of food and wine that can be mixed and matched to your liking. Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar is the highest-rated food venue in Memphis according to several sources. I phoned ahead, spoke with the co-owner (he prefers that he and his staff remain anonymous) and made an appointment to meet with him, and a dinner reservation for a party of four later that evening.

So usually I would be talking about the chef here, and to be honest, I was somewhat perplexed by the owners’ insistence on secrecy. But Mr X was cordial and forthcoming with me, an unknown Californian with a notepad and a camera; credentials that often get me invited to leave the premises.

A few hours after our interview my party of seven arrived for dinner. No problem, the hostess and staff immediately accommodated our needs, southern hospitality at work (our newly expanded group included some of the day’s more exuberant competitors). After an introduction to the concept of ordering by “Flights,” we did just that. Each of us ordering a small, three-plate service of classic southern, meat, wild game, seafood, pasta or salads. Each small plate was a complete meal including vegetable and a starch, if appropriate.

The flights we ordered were as entertaining as our troupe. I had Lamb Porterhouse with a Molasses and Bourbon reduction, Braised Short Rib, and Duck Breast and Sweet Potato Casserole. There was Lobster Gnocchi, Shrimp and Grits, Crab Cake and salad. Chicken and Waffles with a Bourbon Mushroom Sauce, Wild Boar, Pork Tenderloin with Pumpkin Ravioli; there were small plates of Tennessee Goodness everywhere.

After the initial onslaught, the few remaining souls with room to breathe ordered dessert(s), as in flights of desserts; Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, Chocolate Chip Cookie Souffle, The “Peanut Shoppe Brownie” with Salted Caramel Gelato, Crème Brulee, Key Lime Pie and Warm Turtle Tart. For the first time that evening the table fell absolutely quiet… Southern Satiation I do believe.

Wondering what a fancy Memphis Melange like this costs? Take a three or four-course meal, served by expertly trained staff (who aren’t afraid to smile), in a warm and inviting business-casual restaurant, situated downtown, in most major cities across the US, and you could easily pay more.

That little detail speaks to the value of the restaurants concept, so much so that we returned for brunch and the Chicken and Waffles, before flying back to California.

Like the man from Memphis said “Thank you. Thank you very much.”

Click here for the Chicken and Waffles with Mushroom Sherry Sauce recipe.