Since 1995, Memphis Cafe has been the go-to place in Costa Mesa for Southern soul food and perpetual favorites such as their Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Southern Angus Meatloaf, and Jambalaya, which will always have a place on their menu. Yet, Memphis keeps the creative juices flowing and is proud to unveil a Spring-inspired dinner menu and craft cocktails, beginning March 12th.
Memphis boasts a full bar and a fine selection of craft cocktails. Why not begin with one of the Spring-inspired cocktails created by Phil Greyshock, resident director of creative libations?
The One Eye Willie is a refreshing combination of aquavit, orange curacao, crème de violet, and lemon juice, shaken and served on the rocks.
Prefer a more spirit forward cocktail that will reset your mood with one sip? Try Dancing Out In Space. A well-balanced libation with an alluring combination of Bulleit rye, Suze Saveur d’Autrefois, concentrated jasmine green tea, orange bitters, beautifully garnished with a cucumber ribbon. Not familiar with Suze Saveur? Neither was I — a quick search returned that it is a classic French apéritif since the 1800s. On the palate it has notes of gentian (an herb used in apéritifs, liqueurs and tonics), bitter-sweet herbs, fresh orange and vanilla.
Fried Green Tomato and Lobster Salad
I have fond memories of my corporate days, back in the 90s, and dashing to Memphis to satisfy my Southern food fix. While I no longer work in the area, the Fried Green Tomato and Lobster Salad will be bringing me back very soon. It’s not easy to find fried green tomatoes done right! The breading has to fry up crispy, without being greasy. And, the green tomatoes should be tart, with a bit of snap when you bite into them – no mushy or mealy tomatoes, please! This stellar salad comes dressed in a smoky paprika vinaigrette that adds a bit of heat and bright acid for the win.
Boudin Balls are Memphis’ take on the ubiquitous meatball, only theirs is served with collard greens, pancetta, and a hot pepper-honey sauce with homestyle meatballs of ground smoked pork, seasonings, rice and vegetables, roasted, then coated in corn flakes.
Roasted Beet Poke sesame, scallions, fried beet chips, hazelnuts, gorgonzola
Two Spring-inspired entrees satisfy cravings for comfort food: a Pan-Roasted Chicken with maque choux (Cajun creamed corn with chicken andouille sausage), cheddar-scallion biscuit, haricot vert; and the Blackened Rib Cap Steak. The perfectly cooked, medium-rare steak, seared in cast iron and served with a Hasselback potato, grilled broccolini, and Roquefort fondue was a favorite of the discriminating food writers attending.
AND, for the grand finale, Monkey Bread joins Southern favorites Bananas Foster Bread Pudding and Peach & Berry Pudding. With bourbon caramel and chunks of toffee, this is not your average Monkey Bread either!
Sticky Toffee Monkey Bread
bourbon caramel, whipped cream, toffee crumble
Memphis Soul Cafe & Bar
2920 Bristol Street,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714-432- 7685
http://memphiscafe.com/
Open 7 days per week for brunch and dinner
Happy Hour Monday – Friday from 3-6 p.m.
Late-night entertainment Thursdays – Saturdays.
Valet parking available for weekend brunch and Thursday – Saturday evenings.
Memphis Cafe has earned critical acclaim and a loyal following since opening over two decades ago. Check out their weekly specials:
Brunch Daily
8 am – 3:00
Sunday Brunch
$6 Bloody Marys and $4 Mimosas with purchase of entree
Sunday
$10 Barbecue Night
Monday
$10 Meatloaf
Tuesday
$10 Fried Chicken *Starting at 5:00 pm.
Wednesday
50% off Bottles of Wine / $5 Featured Whiskey *With a purchase of Dinner Entree. *Starting at 5:00 pm.
Thursday
Nashville Hot Chicken & Waffles
Happy Hour
Monday-Friday 3- 6 pm
Memphis Cafe is a Costa Mesa neighborhood mainstay in the heart of the SOBECA district. Classically trained chef and co-founder Diego Velasco has created a distinctive gourmet interpretation of Southern home-style cooking with signature dishes such as the smoky gumbo and pulled pork, ethereal buttermilk fried chicken, savory seafood jambalaya and seasonal specials sourced locally with naturally raised meats and poultry. The roadhouse style bar at Memphis offers both classic call and crafted cocktails as well a carefully curated beer and wine list.
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