Table Talk
Table Talk: Remembering Jennifer Biggs with the mahjong ladies
MahJ Squad 901 started meeting for weekly games years ago, making every fourth meeting a luncheon that started by checking out one of Biggs’ recommendations.
Ellen Chamberlain
Ellen Chamberlain is a global citizen who is happy to call Memphis her forever home. The Michigan native has worked in media for nearly 25 years as a radio broadcaster, journalist and ghostwriter. As The Daily Memphian’s food and restaurant writer, she gives readers inside perspectives of their favorite restaurants and the people behind them, suggestions for the best bites around town and the latest food news from in and around Shelby County.
There are 64 articles by Ellen Chamberlain :
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September 2025
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Food News Wiseacre’s OG location isn’t just for beer anymore
Since its inception, Wiseacre’s Broad Avenue taproom has relied on a rotating cast of food trucks. But now the brewery is opening its own in-house sandwich shop.
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Public Safety Sunday Tops Bar-B-Q fire suspected as arson
The Tops location, which suffered another fire in February, had been within four weeks of reopening after a major reconstruction.
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Dining GuidesWhat to order: Smoke & Toast’s ‘Baller, Shot Collard’ sandwich
The Baller, Shot Collard sandwich is a spectacularly Southern, ultimate grilled cheese, unlike anything else.
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Food News Something new to look out for soon in Germantown? First Watch
A restaurant with no heat lamps, no deep fryers, no microwaves, and even a “no night shifts ever” approach is opening in Germantown.
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FoodWhere can I get a vegan meal in Memphis? These days, almost anywhere
More Southern chefs are adding plant-based items to their menus, reshaping the region’s food culture and challenging the idea that Southern cuisine has to be meat-heavy — or predictable.
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Table TalkTable Talk: Flying Saucer makes it right
There are two things never to joke about on the restaurant scene: stellar service and tater tots.
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Food News Shelby Farms gets permanent food truck park
The new food truck park is expected to bring new energy to the northern edge of Shelby Farms Park.
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Dining GuidesWhat to order: The Genre’s lamb with pasta
The Genre is the kind of spot where folks may come to hear live music or sing karaoke. But they’re missing out on the complete experience if they don’t indulge in the kitchen’s offerings.
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FoodWing Guru closes final Memphis partner location
The Whitehaven restaurant was a victim of declining sales and controversy around the larger brand, including a lawsuit from Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.
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Table TalkTable Talk: On the quest for the best baked potato in Memphis
Years ago, when I was living in Memphis, I was introduced to the baked potatoes at East Memphis Pizza & Subs. But when I came back, I was disappointed to learn the restaurant had burned down. Luckily the owners opened a new spot.
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Food NewsWhat to order: Garden Brunch Cafe’s fish and grits is pared down to perfection
When a dish only has two main ingredients, there isn’t much room for error.
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August 2025
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Food NewsErling Jensen’s Small Bites debuts updated menu
The updated menu is robust and features petite portioned appetizers, sandwiches, salads, entrees and desserts.
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Table TalkTable Talk: Memphis group picks up the shopping for those who need it
This grassroots organization of mostly friends, neighbors and church members grocery-shop for families who are unable to shop for themselves.
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FoodHalinka’s Polish food truck is tried and tested
A former market researcher has realized her dream of opening a food truck and is serving authentic Polish sauerkraut, beets, kielbasa and pierogi.
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Dining GuidesWhat to order: Chai’s Halal’s Shawarma sandwich
Chai’s Halal is a blend of Asian, Mediterranean and Mexican flavors, and it can be found all over Memphis.
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Food NewsPopular pizza place opening new U of M location
A Nashville-based pizza chain is bringing the “House Party,” a vegan option and more to the University of Memphis food court.
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Table TalkTable Talk: If you can’t stand the heat, try working in a restaurant kitchen
One restaurant owner has allowed her staff to come to work out of uniform, trading chef’s coats and pants for tees and shorts, just to keep them more comfortable.
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Food News Burger joint ordered to vacate East Memphis space
The restaurant became a local favorite for its creative, grass-fed burgers, colorful interior modeled after a quirky modern farm, and its dedication to locally sourced ingredients.
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Food NewsWhat to order: Slider Inn’s Melty Mary is more than a liquid meal
No one does a bloody mary like Slider Inn. Forget a celery stalk or lemon wedge as garnish; this drink comes with an entire Angus beef slider.
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Food NewsICE raids and ethnic restaurants may be recipe for empty dining rooms
“Our lunch rush isn’t nearly as busy as it used to be. And it seems like everyone is trying so hard to speak English,” one local restaurant worker said.
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Table TalkChicken and beer: Memphis-flavored festival returns to Liberty Stadium
“Relocating to Memphis has been a culture shock in a variety of ways ... Because of this, I was really confused when the latest festival popped up on my calendar.”
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Food NewsMemphis burger joint crowns competitive-eating champ
A former Memphian returned to the city to claim the record for eating the most deep-fried Oreos at Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint in Midtown.
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Food NewsMagnolia & May owners brew up new coffee trailer
The grand opening of Monkeygrass Mayhem, an Airstream serving coffee drinks, pastries and bagels, is Monday, Aug. 11.
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Dining GuidesWhat to order: Bar Hustle’s Detroit-style pizza has a secret
Go off menu, slightly, at Bar Hustle to get a pizza with red onions, fennel sausage and spicy honey.
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