When it comes to finding out what’s happening in our communities, there’s often no way to know without actually contacting folks and asking them how they are doing.

“Having this space activated is important to bring more people in and liven up Downtown,” said Downtown Memphis Commission planning manager Brian Mykulyn.

“You have to draw the line somewhere,” said owner Shannon Wynne. 

Johnnie Mae’s Soul Cafe is hard to miss with its large windows and brightly lit dining room, and the wings are a must-have. 

“We’ve been deeply affected in a very negative way by everything that’s happening,” said the general manager of a local restaurant who is encouraging Memphians to support other small businesses. “The sales have dropped like 60% or 70% in the last 15 days.”

Bog Fest is a celebration of fall flavors, live music and community that’s happening in the Regalia Shopping Center parking lot outside Bog & Barley.

Six months after closing its Pinch District cafe, Comeback Coffee has entered its new era. 

Little Italy Midtown is coming back to its original space, Society Memphis has reopened under new ownership and Good Fortune Co.’s expansion will begin in the new year.

The new lunch menu makes a meal at Bao Toan in Crosstown Concourse an affordable indulgence.

It’s standard to see chefs, caterers and other food-related entities come together to create culinary experiences. But I’ve noticed a unique quality across Memphis’ food network: selflessness.

Documents show indoor and outdoor seating accommodating up to 105 guests, a drive-thru that can accommodate 26 cars and 79 parking spaces. 

Never skip the pasta when it’s made in-house.

Travis Ritzie worked at Leroy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin, Texas, a Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant, before returning to Memphis to start his own barbecue trailer.

Holly Whitfield and Natalie Van Gundy offer up six Memphis food recommendations — including a Dubai chocolate crepe — and make a list of restaurants to try next.

Tonica Downtown and Little Petals East Memphis are open to customers. Poppz Drinks & Sweets on Poplar will open in early November. 

Sky Dog Amber was awarded Gold in the International Amber Lager category, and Tiny Bomb picked up Silver in the German-style Pilsener category.

This week, local theaters perform murder shows, Crosstown showcases Vietnamese culture and you can make pottery at Chucalissa.

The third annual Grind City Coffee Tour is about to have Memphis buzzing for all the right reasons.

Marjorie Levy, a financial services professional by day, will compete at the World Food Championships on Thursday, Oct. 16.

Hold the wasabi and ginger, because all the cake roll needs is warm syrup for dipping.

“What it costs to produce a crop is at record numbers, and the price that (Tennessee farmers) get for that corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton … are almost at near-record lows,” said a Farm Bureau Federation staffer. 

Also, the local board game parlor Board to Beers is officially open at its new location at 3482 Plaza Ave.

For writer Erica Horton, each bite comes with a flood of flavor and memories.

Lauren Rae Holtermann’s career is filled with movie designs and concert posters. But when October rolls around, her Monster Market comes out. 

“Chefs who find ways to reduce food waste are the ones who inspire me the most. They’re not just resourceful; they’re spectacularly imaginative.”