Friday. The day we long for. I wholeheartedly believe that Friday lunch is the perfect preview for a wonderful weekend ahead; so when time allows, I make plans accordingly. Below are my top five Friday lunch suggestions which, if possible, would sit in my schedule on repeat. Which do you most prefer?
1. FELICIA SUZANNE'S
The famous twenty-five cent martinis and biscuits will draw any pedestrian through the Main Street red doors of Felicia Suzanne's on a Friday at noon. Yet now, on the adjacent patio, a fast-casual option serves up oysters, crab cakes, and my most coveted grilled sandwich in the city: Felicia's short rib grilled cheese. Take a seat inside or out, and you'll experience two fine and fancied Southern dining options.
2. LOFLIN YARD
Now open for lunch at 11:30 a.m. on Fridays, Downtown's hot spot and haven provides a smoked poboy selection (pork tenderloin, brisket, to name a few) with an optional housemade pimento cheese add-on. Seasonal grilled salads boast the freshest farmers market finds: heirloom tomatoes, local cheeses, herbs and greens. I'll never tire those trays and that rosé.
3. EL MERO TACO
Though their addictive tacos require a watchful eye for the truck's current location, you'll see the bold scripted "El Mero Taco" vehicle at the Levitt Shell, on South Main, and even on the St. Jude campus. I am most fond of the brisket chilaquiles (topped with a fried egg) and off-the-cob parmesan street corn...But let's be honest: Anything you order at the window will blow away your taste buds.
4. ELWOOD'S SHACK
The line at Elwood's Shack might intimidate, but the outcome is exceptionally worthwhile. Order the unrivaled fresh fish tacos or barbecue pulled-pork pizza and stake claim at an outdoor picnic table. No, my two recommendations do not go together; but I suggest to order one this Friday and the other the next. Trust me.
5. THE SECOND LINE
Overton Square's popular Cajun-creole crib now opens for lunch, and we are forever grateful. A half poboy and a grocery (side item) pair perfectly halfway through the work day, especially on the patio. I most enjoy the catfish with spinach madeleine.
