Behind The Times In Memphis!

Your's Truly has been a little negligent this week in her blogging.  Don't get me wrong, I've been out there doing and seeing Memphis....just haven't had the gumption to sit down at the end of the day and tell you about it.  I'll try to make amends!

I did have 1 fun excursion this week.  I met my new buddy Clare at a great little place right down Poplar Avenue, just a block or so from work, called Sharkey's Gulf Grill.  This was a dandy little establishment with a very lively 5:00 crowd of a good age mix.  Meaning....not a bunch of still wet-behind-the-ears kiddo's invading our space!  Clare and I proceeded to have a cocktail and shake off the Wednesday blues!

Now, I had arranged to meet Mr. West for dinner so this evening served 2 purposes....Girl's Night Out and Date Night.  Clare has a new puppy at home and had to scoot out early to tend to the pooch.  West and I had a very nice dinner indeed.  My selection was a shrimp & grit with andouille sausage creation.  TASTY....my my but it was tasty!  It had a nice creole sauce of some sort on top...and yes...I ate every last bit!  West went for his standard fried shrimp and french fries.  Not really a lot to say about that.

West and I do have a little adventure planned for this 3 day weekend.  We are going to get up tomorrow morning and head East to Nashville!  Now, this is where it all began for Your's Truly and West!  Yes, a very long time ago when YT lived in Nashville, she worked for BFI. West happened to work for BFI.  YT was going through a divorce and while she knew West from work, she actually couldn't STAND him...as he was running with a quite obnoxious group of fellow BFI'ers.  Long story short, we hooked up and now 21 years later...still going strong! 

 FYI....the BFI stands for Browning-Ferris Industries....not as some believe Big F'ing Idiots. 

So, we are heading to the Sheraton in downtown NashVegas and are going to see how much the Music City has changed since we were last there...and it's been a VERY long time!  We're hoping to get some good food, find some good music and have a really fun time!  I do plan to find a lovely spot for Sunday Brunch so I can keep that little tradition going.

Stay tuned cause you know I'm gonna keep you posted as soon as I return.  Now, everyone....enjoy this 3 day weekend if you are fortunate enough to have a 3 day weekend.  If not, just enjoy each day as best you can!!

Move Over BBQ - It's Sushi Night!

As Your's Truly and West were finishing the packing and then traveling yesterday morning, we did not get to try out a new venue for brunch.  It was continental breakfast at The Hampton Inn, and some Firehouse Subs for lunch before we hit the road.  But, I was in for a treat once we got back to Memphis!

West took me to a fabulous little restaurant right down the street, Sekisui.  It is a restaurant that serves authentic Japanese cuisine and Award Winning Sushi!  I know this cause the banner on the web page says so - www.sekisuiusa.com.  Check it out.  

The evening started with us waiting at the bar while a table became available.  Now, this place has the traditional Japanese seating with pillows on the floor at low tables, and you have to remove your shoes, but seeing how West and I had been busting a move for the past several days and were already more than a little achy, we decided not to risk getting down on the floor and not being able to get up.  Yes, it was a distinct possibility.  So, bar waiting it was!  And, out of the blue, Your's Truly decided that a White Russian sounded good...very Japanese-y, no?  Well, the bartender, Rena...she just about jumped for joy when I ordered that because they had just gotten in some new Stoli's flavored vodka and she had been dying to try it in a White Russian!  It's Stoli Salted Karamel....and boy oh boy.....I hit the lottery with this one!!  Just trust me....you're going to want to try this one SOON!!  I even convinced this nice couple sitting next to us that she needed to try it...and she did....and she loved it!

Our table became available so we walked 3 steps from the bar to the table, which was fine because we had been watching the Saints/Texans game.  Didn't get to see the end and not sure who won but hey....football season is gearing up!

On to dinner...we decided to have a surf and turf roll, which was shrimp, crab and sliced beef. 

And yes, it was every bit as delicious as it sounds!  Our waitress, Toni, was just very sweet and and a wonderful waitress, which YT always finds appealing!  I decided I wanted more than Sushi so I had salmon that was grilled in a foil pouch with lemon and shitake mushrooms....talk about good!!!  It had some really wonderful grilled veggies, rice and soup as well.  West had the Kushiyaki entree with a skewer of shrimp and one of chicken with veggies, rice and soup.  Now, because my wonderful friend Jim's  lovely bride Motomi (that's her below) is Japanese, YT has been taught that anything that has "yaki" at the end...means it's grilled.  File that away for future reference!

We so enjoyed this nice, hot, fresh meal as we had been dining on fast food for the last 3 days....with the exception of the wonderful grilled burgers at Sooner Ridge on Saturday night.  Many thanks again to Karen and David for that fine feast!!

So, with full tummies we drove it on back home to Casa Del West - Memphis Style and called it a night!!  We will try to get back on the brunch track next Sunday but until then, here's wishing everyone a fabulous お休みなさい and スウィート·ドリーム!!  Yes, that's good night and sweet dreams!

Your's Truly Has Left The Building

It is with saddened heart that I type this today. West & I have been in Sherman the last 2 days packing & moving and finalizing the sale of the Casa Del West. Our earthly possessions are in the hands of total strangers....Oscar & James. Packed into a big ole North American truck and heading to Memphis. We are toodling up I-30 E and are pretty close to Texarkana.

The last few days were exhausting to say the least. But, I did get to spend some time with my Sweet Dana on Friday, after getting my do done by the fabulous Tara at All's Hair in Love & War. It's going to be tough to replace her! I willl surely miss Melissa too....2 very sweet fun ladies!!


Dana and I had a great visit and lunch at Cellarman's. I got to have some of those fabulous beer battered french fries one last time for a while! As if lunch and girl time wasn't enough, Dana came by the Casa and helped YT with some cleaning....mucho appreciated!


West & I were both hot, sweaty, more than slightly stinky and tired by this point and since all of our earthly possessions were on that big ole truck, I got us a room at The Hampton Inn and we headed that way to clean up. Some wonderful, blessed person must have known we were hot & sweaty cause when we opened the door to room 213...we were hit by the most delightful Arctic blast!!!
We cleaned up and headed over to Sooner Ridge for an evening of friendship, laughter and grilled burgers!! Many thanks to Karen & David for allowing the Girls of 84 & their fella's to spend a wonderful evening on The Hill!! Thanks so much to my girls for being there...you all know how much YT is going to miss our gatherings! So, after a while, we said our good bye's through teary eyes and made our way to The Hampton.




And now, after a 6 am wake up call, the Durango is loaded with the last of the things we need to NOT be in storage and we're still toodlin' up I-30 E heading to our future.


Your's Truly does fully intend to make the most of every day and as always, I encourage you to do the same. And don't forget.....come & see me cause we are leaving the light on!!!

To Lawrenceburg, TN & Back!

Your's Truly and her beloved West road tripped to Lawrenceburg TN on 8/18 to attend the 8th annual Hog Fest. This was a huge BBQ thrown by his boss, Marty Dunkin, who is DVP for Waste Connections.
After a scenic 3 hour tour through the heart of Tennessee, we arrived at our destination. We checked into the Richland Inn, which while it was not 5 star, it was nice, clean and conveniently located to said Hog Fest.

We made the most of the area and drove a short distance to Ethridge, which is an Amish community. West found the 1 item on his wish list..an Amish hat. He picked out a lovely handmade basket and fresh honey for his honey...Your's Truly. Now, there are no pictures of the Amish country because it goes against the Amish's religious beliefs and I am a respectful blogger and did not take any photo's. 

After pirootin' for a while, and following that 3 hour tour...a 3 hour tour....we decided a little lunch & then a siesta was in order. We should have skipped lunch....it was the 2nd bad meal of the day. The first was so bad..I don't even want to mention but let me just say that the Sonic in Somerville, TN has the honors of the first BAD review for Your's Truly. Both West & I threw our breakfast burrito's away.

Lunch at Famalia Mexicana....honors of 2nd bad review. I am sorry folks but a fried chimichanga should be CRISPY. While the meal was described as a Chimichanga Fiesta...served with 3 mini chimi's of chicken, steak & shrimp, they were wrapped in something that was similar in texture to a wet paper towel. The rice...which truly good mexican restaurants have truly good rice, was yuck! I don't even want to discuss the refried beans appearance.

Fortunately, following a nice 2 hour session of slumber, the day was saved with some awesome BBQ, prepared by none other than Marty Dunkin and Big River BBQ and served with delish baked beans, coleslaw and mac & cheese. But the main event was the dessert table!! Cakes galore, s'more brownies, cheesecake and more! Your's Truly went with some most amazing homemade 'nana puddin'!!!

The event had some awesome entertainment including the Host's son, The Luke Dunkin Band and another good band from Nashville, The Devious Angels. There was another young lady from Mussel Shoals Hannah Aldridge I believe she's an up & coming star. She was very good, wrote her own music.

We made our way back to the Richland Inn and had a good nights sleep. We awoke on this beautiful Sunday morning and ventured out in search of breakfast. We were fortuitous and came upon The Square 40 Restaurant, located on the Davy Crockett Square in Lawrenceburg, which happens to be the birth place of Mr. Crockett himself.

Our waitress, Sue, was busier than a one armed paper hanger working the breakfast crowd. Our meal was divine and we were back on track in the good meal review category!! Eggs, bacon, biscuit, spanish omelet, home fries & grits! Oh no, that was wasn't all for YT....that was a combined list! Some fresh, hot coffee, a glass of milk & orange juice and we were fuelled and ready to head back to Bluff City.

But, not before mentioning that we had a chance encounter with an former college buddy of West's...none other than the former Mayor of Lawrenceburg but Blake Lay!, West seems to run into someone he knows no matter where we wind up.

Now, we are safely strapped into the car and toodlin' down the highway with full bellies, goodies from Amish country and more good memories of another fun weekend.

Until next time, stay happy and find something fun to do!




Your's Truly in Memphis · Post

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chance encounter with an former college buddy of West's...none other than the former Mayor of Lawrenceburg but Blake Lay!, West seems to run into someone he knows no matter where we wind up.


Now, we are safely strapped into the car and toodlin' down the highway with full bellies, goodies from Amish country and more good memories of another fun weekend.


Until next time, stay happy and find something fun to do!

Take Me Out To The Ball Park!

After a busy week at work, Your's Truly was offered tickets to the Friday night Redbird's game by a very nice co-worker, Edna. West and I were most appreciative for these suite tickets!



We made our way downtown and secured safe parking. Now, the Redbirds are a AAA team for the St Louis Cardinals for those of you not familiar with this team. Their opponents for the evening were the Salt Lake Bee's.


We made our way to the Autozone Park, situated in downtown Memphis. This is a really nice stadium and the first visit for YT. We quickly located some dinner....grilled sausage with onions and plenty of mustard & a cold beer.


We made our way to the suite and settled in for the game. It was very nice to visit with Edna and we met her grandson & 2 of her boys, Brandon and Colby. Both were very nice and we enjoyed the visit. Brandon's buddy Joseph was there and very nice as well.


Sadly the Bee's had a mighty sting and the final score was 3-0. West and Your's Truly made our way a few blocks over to Beale Street. As this has been Elvis Week, there were more an a few sightings!! We visited one of our favorite places, Silky O'Sullivans and YT had her photo taken with Mr. Silky himself. He holds court in a most interesting throne of a chair that has wheels attached so I guess he can be a man on the move if need be. Silky was talking to a man, whose name I didn't catch but for you grillers out there, he invented The Green Egg. I know my fave-o-rite cousin Tony will know who this is being that he is the master of the green egg in his community!







After having a few beverages & dancing a little with the band, we left SO'S and walked down the street a bit. We stopped into a small stage area next to Tater Reds Voodoo Shop and listened to a very good blues band, The Delta Project. While their stage presence was in dire need of a visit from Stacey & Clinton, their music was so good!!\The guy on harmonic was quite the showman.




West decided he was ready to go, which you know Your's Truly was NOT ready but leave we did. But, as we made our way past the Checkpoint Charlie for Beale Street we ran into the best Elvis of the evening and a great photo op.







Hope you've enjoyed this and make some plans of your own to kick your heels up soon" until next time,

Love - Your's Truly.

Brunch Numero Deux

Good morning!  It's a beautiful day here in Memphis.  A perfect day to head out in search of Brunch #2 since this mission began.  Today's selection.... http://www.thegrovegrill.com/.  We jumped in the car and made our way to an 11:00 a.m. reservation.

We were greeted by our very nice waiter, Kenny, who quickly took our drink order....yes, Brunch Mimosa for Your's Truly.  Our first culinary treat was a wonderful 9 grain flat bread, served with butter.   It was thin, crisp, reminded me of a Wheat Thin cracker ...only much better!  As Ina would say....very earthy!!

Your's Truly was thinking she might eat on the lighter side today considering her consumption of the 12 pound corn dog yesterday...well, it was 12 pounds according to West.  So, I went with the croissant french toast with fresh strawberries and sauage.  This was the best french toast I believe I have ever eaten....very light, flaky...yummaliscious!!

Mr. West went with the lump crab frittata which was served on a bed of Gouda cheese!!!  It had a serving of  asparagus on top which I'm sure cancelled out the badness of all that cheese.  Of course we had to trade bites...it was delish!!!

In keeping with the lighter is better theme today, we both decided to forgo any of the very tempting desserts which were offered!  We both gave this brunch a big 2 thumbs up...or I guess that would be 4.... for the service, ambiance, price and deliciousness!!!  Next week we will be traveling to Lawrenceburg, TN on Saturday so we're going to investigate brunch opportunities in that area.  Stay tuned and have a great week!!  As always, enjoy each day to the fullest!

Sunflower Blues & Gospel Fest A Go-Go!!

Today dawned bright and clear...a perfect day for a little drive down Hwy 61 to Clarksdale, Mississippi for the 25th Annual Sunflower Blues & Gospel Festival!  This is a mighty fine event, completely free to the public thanks to many kind sponsors & donors!  This year's BIG sponsor was Mr. Robert Plant.

We arrived in Clarksdale around noon today.  The weather was perfect - not too hot with temperatures in the low 90's.  I immediately had to stop at the first store I came to because...well, it was Sherman's Fashions!  Yes....Mrs. Sherman herself was inside working and Your's Truly purchased her very first Southern Belle floppy hat to shield me from the sun.

As we made our way down the block, we were greeted by delicious smells....BBQ, Sausage links...and my personal favorite...the jumbo corn dog!!!  I mean, it's not a festival without the corn dog!!  We found the beer/water token booth and purchased some tokens cause we knew we'd need some refreshment for sure!

We did a little shopping at some of the booths and then made our way to the lawn and found a spot to enjoy the shows.  Refreshments in hand, we relaxed and enjoyed some tunes.  A few bands into the day, we decided to take a tour through the http://www.deltabluesmuseum.org/.  Little did we know the treat in store for us!!! 

As we made our way through the many displays in the museum, lo and behold who happened to be walking towards us but ....MR. ROBERT PLANT himself!!!  Yes, it happened!!  He was talking to a group of folks near us so of course we kind of mosied on up to the group and that's when it happened....Mr. Plant made the comment that he had just recently moved to  America....so Your's  Truly just looked Mr. Plant in the eye and said "Well, WELCOME to America!!".....yes, all enthusiastic of course!  Mr. Plant then looked me in the eye, smiled and said...."Well, thank you very much!".....OMG....yes, I just had a teeny tiny conversation with Robert Plant!!!    Well, that made the whole day for me and West!

I have to give props to the very kind staff of the Delta Blues Museum - Travis, Jesse and April.  Y'all be sure and say hi to them when you make your way there!!!

We then went on back out, enjoyed a few more bands and decided to hit the road back to Memphis.  But not before making a pit stop in Robinsonville, Mississippi....at http://thehollywoodcafe.com/.  Their claim to fame is they are the home to the original fried dill pickle....true story...they claim it.  We did have to have some and they were ever so good!!!  Brought Momma  West home some fried green tomatoes...which they are apparently famous for as well!  Thanks to our wonderful waitress, Karen.

At long last...we made it back to the Casa Del West - Memphis a little sunburned, a lot full and really sleepy!!  Your's Truly is having technical difficulties posting some photo's but I'll try to remedy that as soon as possible.  Until then....I bid you all a good night and send wishes for a lovely Sunday!

Viva La Memphis...on a Friday Night!

Ahhhh...Friday night in Bluff City.  What to do...what to do!  I'll tell ya what to do!!  Dig this....Picture yourself on a roof by the river...at sunset....with a glass of wine....and a ROCKING CHAIR!!!  Yep...Rooftop...Peabody Hotel...Sunet ...yadayadayada...they have rocking chairs up there!  You can have a drink from the lobby bar and catch the breeze and watch the sun sink beyond the Mississippi River!  How tranquil is that?  Pretty darn tranquil!

Next?  Little stroll to Main Street, past the trolley cars....right into the http://www.majesticgrille.com/. 









The Majestic opened in the 1900's as a movie theatre.  It is now a most delightful venue for dinner!!  The evening began with a glass of a lovely Chenin Blanc...Mulderbosch from South Africa.  It was presented as a luscious white wine...I like that...luscious.  The appetizer menu was far too tempting with the likes of the traditional Memphis cheese & sausage platter and flatbreads...including duck confit.  We knew we wouldn't have room for appetizer & dinner because just about that time....Charles...sweet, sweet, Charles brought the bread basket.

Now, Your's Truly being ever considerate, did take a moment to explain my scribblings taking place on the paper table cloth and did ask his permission to be included in my blog.  He was ever so dear....and even asked for the address so he could read what Your's Truly wrote about his sweetness.  Yes, West was there and he was fully aware that I was shamelessly flirting with Charles.  But....he knows I love him and only him so it was ok.

Now, dinner...oh....dinner dinner dinner!!!  Your's Truly had honey glazed grilled salmon...with grilled asparagus and jubilee rice.  Now, I'm not sure what jubilee rice is...I kind of expected a full gospel choir to arrive when it was served but this was not the case...but it was delish just the same.  West had a delictable grilled pork tenderlion served with OMG the best sweet glazed carrots that have ever passed these lips!!!  Oh, and some fried oniony things.

During the course of this wonderful meal, Mr. Memphis himself proclaimed that he had never heard of The Majestic Grille and that we had discovered it together!  I took special note of that....for sure!!!

Now, did I mention that during this meal in this rehabbed movie theater that they were actually showing a movie on a giant screen?  I believe it was for ambience because they did not have the volume up (thankfully) because it was an old black & white...which YT is not real fond of....but I DID know the film right away...Arsenic & Old  Lace.  It seemed strange as I tried not to watch it.

Suddenly.....I said....uh oh....as the dessert tray was whisked past us by another waiter.  About this time, Charles....sweet sweet Charles....came along to ask if we were interested in dessert.  Well,you know we were since we had just seen it whisk by...so we both shook our heads yes and in a flash...he had this magical display of shot glass size desserts which were the actual dessert and they were PERFECT!  There were about 8 to choose from but Your's Truly selected the lemon cheese cake while West had the key lime pie.  Ohhhhh yeah.

I am happy to report we made it back to our car....walked a little of the fine meal off so the elastic took a little breather.  If y'all come this way...we'll be sure to hook you up with a fine meal at this wonderful little restaurant!  Until next time, Your's Truly bids you good night....sweet dreams and a pleasant weekend to all!

Wang Chung In Memphis

Tonight Your's  Truly and her sweetie West celebrated her first day of work at FedEx Freight by imbibing in some most bodacious chinese food at Wang's Mandarin House.  The moment we stepped through the doors....we knew....we weren't in Kansas anymore and this was gonna be a good dinner!

First of all, the aroma in the air made our mouths begin to water.  We couldn't get seated fast enough.  No buffet at Wang's that was for sure.  We started to peruse the menu....where to begin....the possibilities were just endless!!!  We decided we needed to have an appetizer to help us decide.  Your's Truly has discovered a wonderful wine here in Bluff City, Fire Road Sauvignon Blanc - a product of New  Zealand. I've become most fond of it!  But I wander....back to the food.

West ordered pork dumplings and an egg roll while Your's Truly had a spring roll, egg drop soup and edamame.  Why we gobbled that right up and then our wonderful waitress, Hi Ling, came to take our order for the entree.  After much debate, YT settled on the shrimp in lobster sauce with steamed rice and West had the fried shrimp with orange sauce.  Needless to say, there was some sharing going on betwinxt us! 

Well, 3 glasses of that fabulous wine later, I was so full there was no way I was finishing that mighty fine meal!  So, Hi Ling was quick to replenish my steamed rice so I'd have enough for lunch tomorrow...yeah, she's the bomb....and packed up sauces for us too! 

Now the best part...or well, the end part....we got some mighty optimistic fortune cookies!!  Now, we all know the rule - you read your fortune cookie and add "in bed".  I'm sad to admit that I was not hip to this until MY CHILDREN no doubt taught this to me.  I was shocked as you can imagine.    West had just a most romantic fortune "Your lost possession will be found within the month"....in bed.  (yeah, sweet!)  Your's Truly had this one "Remember three months from this date!  Your lucky star is shining"....in bed. 

So, not only was the food to die for ....they had crooner music playing in the background and CHECK THIS....they have a piano player Friday and Saturday nights.  So, yes....you will be hearing more about Wang's!  That's it for tonight...I bid you good night on a full, happy stomach!

Toodlin' 'round Memphis

Well, it's not a brunch day but I felt inclined to blog on this, the last day of "freedom" before I start my wonderful new job tomorrow!!!  I have been venturing out on my own each day and surprisingly have not gotten lost as I travel the highways and byways of Memphis.

Today found me making my way to my new orthodontist's office, which is right around the corner from my office.  (Yep, that's a photo of it right below!  I feel like inserting a little Jefferson's theme music here!)  Convenience is my motto here!  Then, I did a little driving and located a few YMCA's (& yes I did sing the song...just as you are right now...admit it!).  I received a most fortuitous call from West and was able to join him and his co-worker Bobby for lunch at Logan's.  I admit, I did take the scenic route but...I was not lost!  Knew where I was, and knew how to back track to get where I wanted to be!

And, safely back at the Casa Del West - Memphis I am enjoying some time with Eleanor & Towns, niece and nephew.  What afternoon would be complete without making a jumping frog origami style?

I thank those of you who have submitted suggestions for our next Brunch outing!  I'm making a list and checking it twice!  Until next time, Your's Truly reminds everyone to enjoy every minute of every day!!

Sunday Brunch Numero Uno

West and I enjoyed a most scrumptious brunch today at cafe1912.com. A quaint little spot on South Cooper, which appears to be the Brunch Capital of  Bluff City!!!  Our menu selections began with a lovely Mimosa for Your's Truly and a snazzy Bloody Mary for Mr. West.  Enough good things cannot be said for what was to follow!

West had the Croque Madame, which was served with a petite salad dressed with a yummy balsamic vinaigrette and I had Eggs Benedict....with lump crab meat and a most amazing Hollandaise sauce.  Yeah - I know!!!  It was every bit delectable as it sounds in type!!!  Oh, did I mention the stone ground grits with about a vat of butter?  I didn't?  Oh, silly me.

As if these entree's weren't enough...I ask...is it ever too early for dessert?  Not at the Cafe 1912.  Lemon ice box pie and goat cheese cheesecake to be exact.  Don't worry....they came with lovely strawberries so they were nutritionally balanced!!

Dinner?  Why, bread and water I'm sure!!! Until next Sunday....this is Your's Truly with her Brunch Update!!

Your's Truly arrived in the land of the Delta Blues on Wednesday, August 1, 2012. What a way to start a new month!!!  I've spent the last few days getting organized in a a new, though temporary home.  West and I have logged many miles pirootin' around Memphis and I'm beginning to get the lay of the land...well, me and my good friend, Mr. Garmin!

I decided it would be fun to have something to occupy my time since I'm the newbie in town and don't have any Memphis friends....yet!  A little something to keep my Shertown Girls of 84 and all Shertown friends hopefully amused!

West and I decided our first mission, should we agree to accept it, is to locate and frequent a new brunch for as many Sunday's as it takes! So, with elastic-waist pants....I offer you my newly created "Your's Truly in Memphis" blog!  Please follow me....and my hopefully NOT expanding waist line, as we dive into the cuisine of this mighty fine city nestled up to the Mighty Mississippi River!