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.]