Welcome to Table Talk, The Daily Memphian’s weekly food and dining newsletter for subscribers only. 

Just two, short weeks ago, I was basking in the sunlight and expressing gratitude for this amazing city we’re privileged to call home. 

“Enjoy it while it lasts,” folks said. 

They called it “fake spring,” which sounded made up until the temperature dropped 30 degrees overnight and proved them absolutely correct. 

But as warmer days make another attempt to dominate the calendar, it’s time to focus on patio season. Last year, I was devastated when autumn arrived and it was too cold to sit anywhere worth sitting. This year, I won’t be repeating that mistake. 

If anything, the fickle weather forced me to get organized. There’s a list now. A real one. 

Yes, Memphis kitchens are always doing their thing. But the right patio with a slight breeze, just the right amount of noise and the perfect drink, can turn a good meal into a reason to stick around hours after you’d planned to end your evening. 

I’m starting Downtown and in Midtown. 

A lot of people know that Felicia Suzanne’s has moved to 383 S. Main St., but few have clocked the outdoor oasis that is her patio.

It’s tucked away, polished and surprisingly calm for that stretch of the city. It’s the kind of place where the noise drops just enough to hear your own table again and you can lose an afternoon without ever checking your phone. 

A few doors down, Chef Jimmy Gentry’s spot, The Lobbyist, leans all the way into escape. I plan to spend an afternoon trying Chef de Cuisine Jessica Lambert’s interpretations of the season well before the mercury drops below 65 degrees again.

The Lobbyist’s tropical-feeling patio greenery is lush enough to feel intentional but not kitschy. It says more “get lost in your drink” than “girls’ theme night.” It’s where fine dining meets a more laid-back mood in a way that makes you forget you’re still in Memphis. 

Near Overton Square, the newly expanded Swamp Bar and Lounge is what warm Thursday nights were made for. I can’t wait to sway to rhythms spilling from the patio.

Swamp Bar feels like a signal that summer is coming. You never know if you should credit the DJ or the bartender for helping you decide to stay for another round. 

And for afternoons requiring that I present a more sophisticated version of myself, there’s the heart of Overton Square for the rooftop at Tiger & Peacock’s and the patio at Porch & Parlor. 

If this next week turns out to be another fake out, I’m still pulling up a chair. 

This week on the Memphis food scene

Ali Lightfoot collects eggs at their farm, Lightfoot Farmstead in Millington. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)

Hopefully spring takes a firm hold soon so Mid-South farmers can reduce the disruptions to their growing season. 

Jody Callahan was in the courtroom when the judge decided that Wing Guru founder Billy Richmond won’t serve jailtime and details the parameters of the restauranteur’s diversion program.

In Food Files, Sophia Surrett spoke with an East Memphis Mexican restaurant hoping to host its grand opening by Cinco de Mayo, the latest Little Petals location to open and a Lakeland Asian buffet now serving meals seven days a week. 

Scotch eggs consist of a soft-boiled egg wrapped in a layer of sausage, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden brown. (Courtesy Bog & Barley)

Jennifer Chandler shares a Scotch egg recipe directly from Brazen Restaurant Group co-founder, Chef Reny Alfonso, in this week’s Recipe Exchange. 

Erica Horton took a dive into Barksdale’s chilaquiles fries in the latest $15 Deal. 

Just like “Ocean’s Thirteen” (but without the heist), a Memphis hotel has earned AAA’s distinguished Five Diamond designation. 

Sophia Surrett tells us what to expect from Lost Art Cocktail Bar, soon to open in on South Main Street in the former home of Pearl’s Oyster Bar. 

Jody Callahan recounted the caffeine-fueled festival that was last weekend’s Grind City Coffee Xpo. 

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