Las Delicias

 

Las Delicias – a family favorite for dining on the cheap, we can get a family of 2 and a highchair fed and out the door for about $20.00.  The chips they load the table with are the day-old tortillas that they’ve sliced and fried.  The guacamole is fresh made to order.  The tamales and the grilled chicken burrito are excellent and the tortas (sandwiches) are also very popular with my friends.

The waitstaff are super nice (especially with little ones who attempt to say Hola and Gracias) and don’t roll their eyes when you practice your Spanish with them.  For more celebratory evenings, like Thirsty Thursday, they sell excellent margaritas and beer in a glass big enough to make your mother-in-law blush.

Local’s choice: Guacamole y un burrito con pollo y una cerveza Dos Equis con lima, por favor.

 

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RKA Investments: Ryan Anderson

RKA Investments  – Ryan Anderson got his start in a big engineering firm in town and then branched off into real estate as an agent. He’s a dedicated professional in all aspects of home purchase and sale and remodeling.  He’s incredibly easy to work with and his fee structure is straight forward.

He comes highly recommended by the some of the distinguished residential architects in town as being excellent to work with.  Whether you’re buying a house, building a house from the ground-up or renovating an existing home, RKA Investments is an trustworthy and professional agent and contractor.

Jim Neely’s Interstate BBQ

 

Jim Neely’s Interstate Barbecue is a Memphis institution.  The original location is situated off of I-55 near exit #7.  When you walk in, you know you’ve got an original Memphis experience coming.  I like to get the pulled pork plate with beef sausage links. Another winner is the BBQ Spaghetti.  I always like to save room for either the pecan pie or sock it to me cake.  If you’re looking for an original Memphis BBQ stop, this is a great one.

Local’s Choice: Pulled Pork and Pecan Pie

Olympic Steak and Pizza

Olympic Steak and Pizza – is a bit of a Millington dynasty.  Its the quintessential American story.  Greek immigrants land in America with nothing but a work ethic and build a small series of restaurants that are staples in rural Western, TN.  They’ve adapted well and do the small town standard meat and three plates, as well as pizzas that are top notch.  The best kept secret is the Greek food which is the heart and soul of the family.

Local’s Choice: Gyro Plate

Loflin Yard

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Loflin Yard: Located at the very endcap of the south main district, Loflin Yard is a great concept for hangout, drinks, spontaneous big groups and a good time.  Its got two separate bars, a kitchen, a live sound stage and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating to hang with your friends.

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Fire pits, picnic tables, large format jenga, rings games, corn hole, etc–there are plenty of hangout activities to play while unwinding after the day. We had a good time.  Its also the only “bar scene” in Memphis that I know about that had small children running around, which gave it a cool family friendly atmosphere earlier in the evening.

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(This is critical parenting intel. This means that there’s a place where you can meet your friends who don’t have kids for a drink and hangout. You don’t have to hire a babysitter to participate, and your munchkin can run around the yard and play without driving everyone bananas.  Just parent responsibly. Capiche?)

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We didnt eat, but they also have a pretty gourmet kitchen which appears to do high end small plates that look pretty good.

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All in all, we had a delightful time at Loflin Yard, and would recommend it to anyone as a gathering place to hangout for drinks.

BED ROCK Eats and Sweets

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Bed Rock Eats and Sweets: If you are conscientious about dining and exercise and you like really well made food that is in the Paleo Diet discipline, then Bedrock is an excellent choice.

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Started by Brandi Marter who was introduced to the Paleo concept at a local Crossfit Gym, she’s built a great business out of producing high quality food that is very nourishing.  She’s reteaching much of the Memphis landscape what it means to “eat healthy.”

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I ordered an enchilada that was a very tasty and satisfying knife and fork affair.
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My lunch partner ordered a banana and waffle combo that was really excellent as well.

Essentially, if you’re looking for a nutritious, healthy option in the downtown area, BedRock is the place to go.  They’ve also got great smoothies and a fridge full of takeout and catering options as well.

 

 

 

Belly Acres

Belly Acres – located in the newly revived Overton Square, this place is awesome.  Its right across the street from the new parking structure on the Square which gives it easy access for families with Littles. My daughter loved the farm decor complete with vintage tractor, trees, barrels, and a barn-storming biplane caught in the wall.  The first thing my 2 year old noticed on the way in was the airplane.  The experience took off from there.

Belly Acres prides itself on being certified farm to table, so its ingredients are very fresh and the quality is excellent. Its a modified, fast-casual setup where you are seated by a host, but you order at the counter.  This gives you time to look over the menu and not get hassled by the waiters, but you can settle into the table with your family and get comfy.


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Once the whole crew figures out what you want, you roll up to the counter and place your order.  Instead of a number for your order, they give you a small street sign with a local Memphis street to put in the caddy on your table.  Nice touch guys.  

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I ordered the Southern Gentleman burger (but of course) with the Acre salad for the Wife and chicken fingers and sweet potato fries for Little Bit.

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It was awesome.  I’ll be the first to admit that it never crossed my mind to put a sweet potato, pickled greens and maple ketchup on a burger, but it totally works.  The burger and fries were excellent. Little Bit’s sweet potato fries were seasoned with cinnamon, but they were baked, not fried, so there’s a feel-good parenting moment about letting your kids eat french fries.  We all three agreed that the chicken tenders were some of the best in Memphis.  They were a great addition to the Acre salad to make it a little more substantial.

Southern Gentleman with Pickled Greens, Sweet Potato Slice, Bacon and Maple Ketchup

It obvious that the folks at Belly Acres have put a lot of thought into their craft, and they’ve done a heck of a job.  Their food is excellent.  The service was superb. The atmosphere was casual and fun  They also sell beer and wine, so Mom and Dad can have a little extra treat while taking the family out to dinner.

Some of the best chicken tenders in Memphis

We thoroughly enjoyed it, and its going to become a regular stop for our gang.

Local’s Choice: If you’re a chicken tender connoisseur these are in the same ball park as Gus’s but milder with less of a kick.  The Southern Gentleman was a excellent.  I’m looking forward to going back and trying their other excellent options.

Rachel’s Flowers and Gifts

Rachel’s Flowers and Gifts – Since we have all girls, my Valentine’s list has grown for who gets flowers on the 14th of Feb.  I’ve used another high end florist in Memphis who does an excellent job for years.  However, I was looking for a change to someone who did excellent work, but was a little easier on the wallet.  La Famiglia came through again with recommending Rachel’s.

I ordered a dozen red roses for Mama that were beautiful and a single rosebud for the Little Bit that that was adorned with baby’s breath, and a sparkle heart. Needless to say, the sparkle heart was winner.  The delivery man showed up on the Morning of Valentine’s day driving a red van and wearing a red tux.  
With a big smile he gave my girls their roses and wished them a happy Valentine’s Day. Win!

The flowers are pretty and have opened up nicely.  I would definitely recommend them to anyone else to use.

Gus’s Fried Chicken

Gus’s Fried Chicken – THE BEST FRIED CHICKEN IN THE WORLD. 
Prove me wrong. I dare you. 
Local’s order: Fried Chicken. Beans Fries. Slaw. Lots of Cold Sweet Tea. 
CAUTION: It’s put In the fryer when you order it. Since it’s served at a temperature that’s slightly cooler than the surface of the Sun, be careful. Otherwise the first bite will sear the lining of your mouth, preventing further chicken enjoyment.