Freakin' Chili in Memphis

Freakin' Chili F words: food, fun, film, friends 

I was a judge for Action News 5: Andy Wise Restaurant Scorecard.  It was a complete surprise when Andy asked me to be part of his segment--who am I, anyway? Just a normal Jill who snaps photos of my food. Anyway, here's what I thought of the bowls bowls bowls.

1.)Young Ave Deli - As our first stop, the Deli definitely set a high standard for us. It was described as "a fresh garden in a bowl." It was also the only veggie chili that we tried and honestly, unless you were looking for the meat, the ingredients filled the bowl completely that you wouldn't even know it was all veggies. Full of colorful greens, yellows, and reds- the vegetarian option was exceptionally filling.

2.) Fuel Cafe  - Friends, this was not just some average chili. My friend told me that bison were intelligent animals and I felt pretty intelligent after trying this tasty treat because it was freakin' great. Different, but great. Cans of herbs and spices on the cooking counter made my mouth water while the cooks topped off the presentation with cheese, sour cream, chives and a side of toasted french rounds. It looked and tasted pretty fancy, but you can bet your bottom dollar that I saw the bottom of this bison bowl.

3.) Slider Inn - Have you ever had something and said, "holy shit. what's in this? this is awesome." That's what I said after I swallowed my first heaping spoon full of the soupier, twangy-twang, kickity-kick, gimme some tortilla chips and a beer kind of chili. As the reigning champion's (Bardog Tavern) sister restaurant, I knew this place would have some secrets up their sleeve. Perhaps it was the stringy cheese that I swirled around my spoon  then got stuck on my face. Or maybe it was the kick that lingered for just the right amount of time. Do yourself a favor and order this off-the-menu meal.

4.) Front Street Deli -I know it's hard to have chili on a summer day, but order a bowl of their  sweet chili, schlop (yeah, that's a word) some on a hot dog and you can just go ahead and get yourself an American flag tattoo on your forehead. Cuz baby, that's what it felt like when I scooped some in my mouth and chased it with good ole Saltines. Maybe it was because we were sitting outside or that it was later in the afternoon, but this chili would've been PERFECT for the baseball game, hangin' poolside, or sharing during a camping trip. I mean straight up AMERICA.

5.) Bardog Tavern -Yeah, you guys. There is no doubt in my mind/mouth this won last year. I got four words for you: BIG BOWL, BIG FLAVOR.  The serving was enough for the entire table and I could see the essentials: tomatoes, meat, beans, onions, sour cream, cheese, chives and tortilla strips. Makes you feel good when you can see it all, right? It looked and smelled like the classic chili that I'm used to consuming which maybe the reason I loved this one so much. It was such a cozy, warm, comforting taste. Miss your Mama? Wishing your dog was around? Lonely on a Tuesday night? Get a bowl and you'll shut up for at least an hour. Maybe  even two hour if you decide to take a nap.

One more thing. I met some awesome folks. Check out the other judges, Melissa and Seth. They're legit. Like legit-legit. Like they have real blogs with real followers and topics to talk about. Let's give them some cred. And Wassup Andy Wise- You're freakin' awesome. Thanks for the wonderful experience.

Melissa: Edible Memphis

Seth: Best Memphis Burger

 

The chili competition on Restaurant Scorecard will be airing on Thursday, May 17th at 10am. Check it if you want.  But more importantly, try some local chili. It's yum.

cheers,
C

[Personal story: I woke up that Monday morning to HEAVY DOWNPOUR. Memphis literally missed the rain by one day after Musicfest and lucky for me it was on the day of my TELEVISION FILMING DEBUT. whatever. Got the coffee jam, showered naked that day, and started drying my hair. COOL- THEN THE POWER WENT OUT. This is my shout out to Minglewood Hall because I got ready in their bathroom. Thanks, guys. Now you know.]

Defining The F Word

Defining the F word Memphis

it's probably not what you think- so let me clarify :)

fun: I think it's going to cover most of my topics. Who doesn't like fun?

free: What about free sucks? Most of the activities I attend are free and open to the public. I want to remind you that you don't have to have a lot of money to have fun in town.

form: It's your art! This was a difficult one to create an F word for. Thanks to one of my artsy-fartsy friends, I found a more appropriate f word for art other than "fart" (inappropriate).

fitness/ flex: Looking for something fun and interesting to do? Wanna sweat? dance? jump? stretch? breathe? Look for this tag and hopefully that'll help get some movement motivation to your life.

food: Don't be afraid. It might just be your next favorite dish. Suggestions?

friends:  The category for Memphians you should know, local legends (living and deceased), up and coming individuals, or maybe the guy standing next to me with a funny t-shirt.

family: Enjoy the good ol' fashion family fun stuff. Good for the babies and grands.

festival: I love attending festivals. Funnel cakes, turkey legs, 0utdoor, indoor, camping, one-day, three-day, cruises, music, art, people watching, face-paint, pronto-pups, skipping showers, all of it.

field: You when you go some PLACE, some SPACE, and you think, "Oh my goodness. This place is SO cool/ weird/ scary/ sketchy/ awesome/ didn't know it was in Memphis."

film: Sometimes you see an exceptional film. There's also some film buzz around Memphis and they deserve some shout-outs.

fashion: "Damn, baby! You look hot." That's what I want to yell at people sometimes.

five: It's one of those things: five-dollar covers, high-fives, five feet two inches.

first: Take time to indulge in some "firsts."At least I can say I tried it. Kinda like this is my first blog. Bare with me people.

filipino: Gotta represent. Made the the Philippines, baby. Mabuhay!

the other F words that don't really start with F

filanthropy: What does your little heart desire for this city, state, continent, world? Let's make it happen here.

fotography: What you see is what you get. Take a snapshot and share. I'm not a photographer, I just like to take pictures.  Follow me on instagram: thefwordmemphis

fusic:  Tell me how you like it and I'll listen. Whether it's rock n' roll or a cool jazz stroll...It's music-a language we can universally understand.

Thanks for your time-- I really appreciate it. I hope you keep up with the F word Memphis. I'm really excited about experimenting with a blog. blahg.

If you have any ideas, questions, suggestions, requests, need a second/first opinion, looking for something to do, new to town, going on a treasure hunt, really anything... give me a shout. I'd happy to help.

thefwordmemphis(at) gmail.com

I told you it wasn't so bad. Cheers!

claudine

Memphis in May: Festival, Fusic, Fun, Friends

I put this together real quick for you. I hope it helps.

Ten things you should know about  Memphis in May Music Festival:

1.)   It’s going to rain: Even if it doesn’t rain, it’s still going to rain. And if it rains, it’s probably going to rain some more. And if it rains more, it’ll stop, but then it’ll come back. So remember, it’s going to rain. Zip lock that shit. Wrap it up. Just put all your junk in a baggie. Phone, keys, and toilet paper. Stick a little band-aid in there too, just in case. Rain boots are a better choice, and panchos/ rain jackets optional. You’ll get wet regardless.

2.)   Beer rules: Cash only baby. Lines will be long- so be ready with your cash and ID. Don’t do the “ chat and cut” because people are watching you. Also-water, water, water, water, water because it delicious and it's the key to the entire evening. No shame in this game because sometimes a 5 hours turns into 12 hours. Be cool and drink up.

3.)   Ladies: It’s a muddy, hot, humid, loooong  rowdy time at the festival. Don’t ruin your cute summer heels or those perfect new white shorts. You’re there for the music and the experience not to fetch a hot, sweaty, stinking man.  This weekend, casual is cool and gross is totally ok. Be comfortable, you’ll have a better time this way!

4.)   Fellas: Some people are really short. I’m a little biased because I’m kind of short. Here’s a  sexy bro  tip:  if you’re 6’7 and someone behind you is 5’2, they can’t see anything but your shoulder blades and the sky. Now I know it’s first come first serve (so claim your space), but if you could hook a sister up with a solid just once and let her step in front of you- that’s some major awesome karma.

5.)   Carpool: Parking CAN be fun, but this time, it’s a pain in the butt. So get together with your gang, ride together, and share the parking cover. Friends that park together, stay together.

6.)   Pace yo’ self: I learned this the hard way. Actually, I’m sure everyone has to learn it the hard way. You’re drinking, dancing, talking, walking back and forth outside for hours without the saving grace of even just a little air conditioning. Protect and pace yourself. And if you do run into someone who needs a helping hand, put yourself in their (muddy) shoes. No one ever wants to be “that” girl/guy.  

7.)   Remember: friend, location, driver. Memorize that dependable friend’s phone number or  Sharpie it on your face.  Set a location and time to meet during/after your time downtown. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. If you can't get one, call me. I'll come get you. Maybe. Probably. I don't know.

cab: 577-7777
cab: 577-7700

cab: 323-3333

claudine: mmmmmmmmaybe

8.)   Dance your ass off:  Don’t be afraid to wave your hands in the air, jump jump jump around, and if the opportunity comes, square dance. I’m not afraid to dance without the music, but it’s definitely better when there’s actual music and people to join in.

9.)   People watch and be polite: Sometimes, the crazies come out and it’s awesome. It’s okay to watch, but don’t point and laugh because it’s not very polite. Join in conversation if you have something (nice) to say. And stay out of ugly situations because well, it’s Memphis and that happens here. You’ll see  9 year olds and 90 year olds. Be aware that people are also watching you. Observe the beauty of others. We are all humans, right?

10.)  And obviously: have a wonderful time. Remember your evening this year: the bands you heard, people you saw and met, and your wallet. Cheers!