Where I plan to eat in heaven

(photos in this post are from the restaurant website)

The time has come for me to write about my very favorite Memphis restaurant. I have dined at Restaurant Iris three times, and all three have been blog-worthy experiences. I don't know why I haven't written about Iris yet. Maybe it just seemed too lofty a task, since there are really no words to describe how much I enjoy this restaurant. Just the thought of the hand dived sea scallops can get me salivating the way Hank does every morning while I eat my cereal in front of him. I may or may not have shed tears over a dropped to-go box of leftover morsels of deliciousness, and my husband may or may not have a video of this. Without further ado... I will try to do Iris the justice it deserves in the blogosphere.

Opening in 2008, Restaurant Iris is fairly new on the Memphis scene. Chef Kelly English (be still my beating heart) serves up French-Creole cuisine in the quaint rooms of a renovated Victorian home in the heart of Midtown. In my opinion, the atmosphere and decor of Iris are just as fresh and beautifully executed as the food. This is a fancy establishment, but it isn't fussy. You do not have to whisper. The rooms are warm and inviting, and the artwork that hangs on the walls (particularly the display hanging right now) is incredible. I want all of the pieces pictured below plus some. (photo courtesy of the Iris website)

On to the food... Oh where to begin! I suppose I will start with the wine list. The list is large, the selections are unique, and there are affordable bottles available. Naturally, we air of the side of affordable. Both occasions we have "imbibed", the wine has been so good that I have written the name of the bottle down so I could purchase it in the future. Next, the amuse bouche. I love restaurants that have an amuse. You know they mean business when they offer this "small bite to tickle the tastebuds" (Food Lover's Companion). The amuses at Iris are delightful. And, I absolutely LOVE the square beveled glass plates they are served on. The bread has varied from delicious rolls to a light and crusty baguette. Always fresh out of the oven and always quickly inhaled... and they refill your bread plate with more hot bread. Appetizers. "The Lobster Knuckle Sandwich" is our personal favorite. It is divine.

We also thoroughly enjoyed "the Oysters Three Ways" (I had my doubts about the oyster bread pudding... amazing...) as well as the sweet corn griddle cakes with crab ravigote. On our next visit, we will definitely try the much talked about brussels sprouts salad. The main course. I really can only write about the one entree I have ordered at Iris... The dish of hand dived scallops accompanied by local peas, Allen Benton’s bacon, tomato, tarragon, and lemon is so perfect that I will never order anything else as long as it is on the menu. The melt-in-your-mouth scallops and the accompanying ingredients are a combination of light, creamy, and savory. The little bits of bacon lend a smoky flavor that is reminiscent of a campfire or Christmas or whatever intensely bacony flavor you can imagine. It is fatty and thick and to be savored with eyes closed. Price has devoured the surf and turf (strip steak stuffed with stuffed oysters and blue cheese) which was featured on the Food Network show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" in March. It received rave reviews. He has also enjoyed the rack of lamb with veal sweetbreads, as well as the hangar steak served on a roasted poblano pepper. Much to Price's dismay, I have taken bites of all three of these dishes and give them my stamp of excellence as well. Dessert. Typically my favorite course at a restaurant, but Iris is so incredible that I am way too full to even go there. But we usually go there anyway. The brandy alexander is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Wow. The bread pudding is also incredible, and I am a tough critic when it comes to bread pudding.

(pictures of some of the dishes from http://acharmingday.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html)

To wrap up the longest post ever that is probably the most boring ever to anyone reading this who doesn't share my passion for Iris... let me say a word about the service. Jeff Frisby has waited on us twice and provides incredible service and suggestions. We were equally impressed by the waitress who attended to us the past time we went with my family. Chef English takes a break from the kitchen and makes sure to talk to each table. Who doesn't love personal attention?!?! I love that he is young, Southern, innovative, and that I see him chatting it up with the farmers and purchasing local fare at the Memphis Farmer's Market EVERY Saturday morning.

We eat on a tight budget, but Iris is certainly a treat that we will continue to enjoy at least annually.

Hot dogs and Easy Mac are on the menu at Restaurant Edwards this week…