#mcewens

A few Memories of Maple Syrup

This maple syrup business near Ferguson Falls has been in Tom McEwen’s family since 1936. The sugar shanty that’s still used today was built in the early 1950s. The public is welcome to stroll through to see an open evaporating system fueled by logs that turns sap to syrup. Sunday travellers can also explore some of about 75 acres of forest and then sample some of the sweet bounty at the…

Memphis has too many fun places to eat!  One of my favorite stops was McEwens downtown.  Last year when I dined there, I was sadly not the proud owner of an iphone.  I have no delicious pictures!  However, the Sweet Potato Crusted Catfish is a southern girl's dream dinner.  Topped with creole honey mustard and laid to rest with sides of wicked good mac and cheese and braised collard greens, this could easily be my last meal request.  I would only ask that my mother's squash casserole and rice and tomatoes be considered dessert.  

A stone's throw away stands the impressive, historic Peabody Hotel.  I was only able to afford a drink in the lobby bar, but I was in town in time to watch the Duck March!  A time honored tradition, the North American mallard ducks ride the elevator down from the rooftop Royal Duck Palace to the lobby each morning and afternoon, parade through the people, and take a splash in the lobby fountain.  Too cute for words!

Heading east to Nashville is not only a very pretty drive, but a journey of anticipation.  Nashville, specifically the East Nashville neighborhood, is home to my two favorite stops during travel season.  Lunch at The Silly Goose is never disappointing.  My Frisby Sandwich on flax seed bread had a tangy, grilled portobello mushroom, walnut pesto with kalamata olives, sun dried tomatoes and thomme cheese.  I had a sweet and refreshing glass of basil lemonade right from a jelly jar.  I love the Goose's decor.  Most of the rustic tables are for communal seating, and my silverware (real silver) comes wrapped in a bright red bandanna atop the menu on a clipboard.  The back of the menu has a map of Tennessee and pin points all of the local farms that the Goose supports within 150 miles of Nashville.    

Although I know I'm sweet enough, I usually need a little sugar to finish the meal. Next door, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams serves up the most unique flavors imaginable.  Thanks, Kaylan, for recommending it.  Now, I can't openly admit how many times I have frequented this establishment, especially when some trips have infringed on my Admission duties....  I think that would constitute the creation of Ice Screamers Anonymous.  Yes, I have tried all the flavors.  They make you, really.  You can't in good conscience choose a duo or a trio of goodness without knowing what they all taste like.  You can't know for certain that the Sweet Corn and Raspberry goes well with the Bangkok Peanut, or the Pistachio and Honey plays nicely with the Goat Cheese and Red Cherry until they skip double dutch on your tongue.  You may think that the Ugandan Vanilla Bean is just another vanilla.  Au contraire, mon fraire.  Tis false, this assumption.  It's better than vanilla.  Here are my top three combinations. 

Cherry Lambic Sorbet / Queen City Cayenne / Ugandan Vanilla Bean

Riesling Poached Pear Sorbet / Wildberry Lavender / Lime Cardamom Sorbet

Holiday Collection 2011...

Sadly, I'm stuck in Macon for the Holiday 2012 unveiling.  But I'll be back in the saddle this summer.  I need to visit Mas Tacos and a few other tasty places.  And if you, the reader, are there without me, please report back!