Friday Funday with Felicia Suzanne

Recently I found out that one of Memphis’ best restaurants was opening their doors a little early on Fridays to start serving lunch. When I passed the word (and the lunch menu) around the office, I heard a could “huzzah!”s and much rejoicing. We immediately made plans for a Friday Funday at Felicia Suzanne’s . In a rarity, I might keep this post to the point, as the photos came out great, and the food can speak for itself (you know, if food could speak). I’m also getting this out about an hour or so before lunch today, so you don’t have to make plans, you can follow my advice and go to Main and Monroe for your best lunch of the week.

F is for “Freakin’ Awesome”

So, when the menu started zipping through the office email system, I got a couple of quick replies that multiple people were already planning to get the BLFGT Salad.

Crispy Applewood Smoked Bacon, Baby Mixed Greens tossed in Remoulade Dressing, Fresh Mozzarella Cheese layered with Fried Green Tomatoes

You know something must look good if people planned their order a week in advance! Well it lived up to its billing, and there are some major fans:

The stacking of the ingredients, with baby mixed greens sticking out at jaunty bad-hair-day angles, gives a funky visual while inviting you to deliciously demolish the arrangement and dig in. The unexpected blending of complementary textures—three kinds of crunchy, two kinds of creamy, and one kind of juicy— is surpassed only by the synergy of the flavors. - A FS Convert and English Major

Meat + Pie = Yes, Please

I made an executive decision that for the good of the blog, I had to order a little more than usual (justification), so I asked for a round of Natchitoches Meat Pies. These came with a horserasish aioli, and they were the truth. Could I eat a meat pie everyday? If they were this good, definitely. I highly recommend sharing these with your next party of 4.

Of Course Mac and Cheese is a Vegetable

At least around here it is. One of my pals ordered up the Deep Dish Mac and Cheese. This had a smoked bacon crust, and was a rich creamy version of the childhood favorite. I was able to sneak a few bites, and I am all for it. Comfort food for sure!

I got a little dish that will never be confused with a vegetable. Shrimp and Grits may have really come from South Carolina, but I consider it to be a staple in my life. This set up had big chunks of tasso ham; a delicious, rich creole sauce; stone ground grits (a must); and great gulf shrimp. This was high flavor to the max. It was some of the best shrimp and grits that I’ve ever had, and I make and order it a pretty decent amount. Highly recommended. Also, I didn’t get them, but if they have the oysters and grits, that is an incredible appetizer as well.

What Comes After Lunch? Food Coma Dessert

“A homemade peppermint patty? Wait, are you serious?” This was a flour-less chocolate cake, called a baked fudge, that came with powdered sugar, hot chocolate sauce, and homemade peppermint ice cream. Off the hook. Insane use of the incredible combo of peppermint and chocolate together with the awesome hot and cold of a fresh from the oven cake with ice cream. What could be better?

One of my friends and I are pretty much obligated to get peppermint ice cream when it is on the menu. After a childhood of (over)indulging in the homemade variety from the Memphis Hunt & Polo Club, we are always on the lookout for a great homemade example, because really, store bought doesn’t come close. This peppermint ice cream was as close to the ideal of my youth as I have had. It had great chocolate chunks in it, and it was a great refresher from the hot summer sun, and a great way to cap off a fantastic lunch.

Do yourself a favor and take some time on a Friday afternoon and go enjoy the amazing food at Felicia Suzanne’s. Felicia Willett is one of Memphis best chefs, and I love that she is down at the farmers markets every week sourcing great ingredients for her amazing food. Keep up with her and the restaurant on Twitter (here). I’ll be back there, and I can almost guarantee that once you go once, you will be too. See you there!

-Thomas