Belly Acres (Memphis)

It's time to write about my new favorite gourmet burger spot in Memphis, Tennessee. Note the keyword: gourmet. We know Huey's has mastered a fantastic patty and bun (for 45 years now!), though a new burger has stepped up in town for its creative edge and "citified farm fresh" style.

Personally, I'm all about the toppings. My now sixteen-year-old sister routinely orders her burger (no matter the location) as "a burger, plain, no bun, no toppings, just the meat, with ketchup on the side."

I love you, Julia; but, no.

At Belly Acres, signature burgers are celebrated. The topping combinations create tantalizing titles from "Dare Ya" (and "Double Dare Ya") to "Voodoo Moo Moo."

Upon my first visit, I ordered "The Cure:" a housemade brioche bun held a grass-fed beef patty with smoked gouda, braised tomatoes, sauteed onions, and acre sauce. Rich, but curing, indeed.

If you're undecisive, you can "tour the acres" by creating your own concoction. Yet in my opinion, Belly Acres provides a pre-selected option for any type of eater. Chicken or turkey burgers are available, as well as vegetarian options "from the garden" -- Even a black eyed pea burger is offered. My coworker and I were very impressed withe Yellow Fin Tuna burger with wasabi mayo and cucumber salad. Fresh and fantastic.

And, oh, the sides. Plan accordingly with your party, as my office accidentally ordered three table-size fries and looked as if we were applying for the television series "Man vs. Food." If you are a fried pickles fan, Belly Acres prepares theirs extra thin and crispy, like a fancy, addictive potato chip. Order a batch of those while awaiting your burger.

The interior is essentially a farm version of Willy Wonka with a mesmerizing array of build-out; from watercolored cloud disks and a barn-esque open kitchen, to suspended barrel lighting and stacked television screens of trippy green grass designs. I applaud the design team for going with their gut. The restaurant's Overton Square location stands out amongst its well-established neighbors and burger joints around the area.

Belly Acres is family-friendly, large party-friendly, and friendly in general. I have highly enjoyed the customer care and speedy service -- and I believe you will too, Midtowners and greater Memphians.

The Dutch (New York)

It's Sunday, and I'm deeply missing the brunch experience of a lifetime at The Dutch NYC. This morning's protein shake cannot and will not ever compare to the cream cheese cinnamon roll and full oyster and raw bar, among other fine American bistro options.

Nestled in SoHo (my favorite neighborhood of the city), the swanky spot reminds me of an old-time American bar with country club-esque charm. The graphic and interior design are both fabulous. I almost loved the menu's design as much as the food in front of me.

My opinion of the restaurant was immediately validated when Neil Patrick Harris and his family arrived in the dining room in pastel Easter charm. I respected his family time and did not snap too many photos, though I especially enjoyed watching the twins in their respective bowtie and blonde curls!

We ordered quite the array of items, which satisfied my family's extremely diverse palates.

The raw, plump oysters with shredded horseradish and housemade hot sauce were a no-brainer. Mom took it up a notch by requesting the addition of crab to the platter. I washed mine down with a grapefruit mimosa, though the spicy bloody mary to my left accompanied the salty starters well.

I enjoyed a light entrée of beet salad -- a burrata burrito, if you will -- which held creamy pockets of burrata cheese with a crunchy pistachio sprinkle, root shavings, and a fine vinaigrette.

The cornmeal pancake short stack was appropriately loaded with hot blueberry compote. I enjoyed the change of pace from typical pancake ingredients; the grittier version of cornmeal added a complexity that still hasn't left my taste buds.

The farro and mushroom salad was brilliantly constructed. Layers of pesto, broccoli, farro (a barley-like wheat) and wild mushrooms were topped with snow-like parmesan, bringing the entire dish together.

And, of course, the Dutch burger (not pictured) was epic in itself. Home-style potatoes and fries accompanied, leaving us fantastically full. I'm so into The Dutch. So is Neil Patrick Harris. So add it to your list.

What to Try at Smorgasburg (Brooklyn)

Never have I believed myself to be so lucky until I curiously clicked on Smorgasburg's website after booking an NYC family vacation for my grandmother's eightieth birthday over six months ago. The bolded words, "We're back April 4th!" popped out as I scanned the screen. And then, I rejoiced. I would be in Brooklyn on opening day of the most fabulous food flea market in existence: Smorgasburg. My family of five strategized upon our arrival. We'd tackle long lines by venturing to different stands and, after twenty minutes, gathering in the center to taste and pass. The system was both efficient and hilarious. Below are my favorite bites from the 'burg:

1. Mozz pops. New to Smorgasborg, Big Mozz x Atlantic Avenue prepares fresh mozzarella onsite and serves it up in different styles. I preferred the "pops:" two quarters of buttery cheese with a side of lemony bright pesto for dipping. A light appetizer for the feast, if you will.

2. Beef short rib. Carnal grills up a massive beef short rib with an unbeatable chimichurri sauce. Slow roasted with bone marrow, the serving is summer savory and completely addictive.

3. Mac & cheese. Milk Truck may be known for their grilled cheeses, but the aged cheddar bechamel bow ties (topped with house made breadcrumbs) are delightful. You can add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and other delicious ingredients to the mix.

4. Ramen burger. It's the original; and frankly, it's life-changing. Sesame ramen noodles sandwich a fresh ground chuck patty with a shoyo glaze and market fresh vegetables. Who would've thought your college dorm room staple and classic burger could be combined into such greatness.

5. Truffle fries. Home Frite has a 50-person line for a reason: the "crispy fresh" fries kick ass. I am a huge fan of the packaging, which holds the hand-cut potatoes and homemade sauces with mobile ease. Go for the truffle dipping sauce.

6. Chicken parmesan slider. Sunday Gravy keeps it classic with grandmother-made quality chicken parmesan with heavy red sauce and parmesan. Served piping hot on a trendy slider, you'll want a second. Or a third, in our case.

La V (Austin)

I'm feeling extra nostalgic on this throwback Thursday, commonly dubbed as "TBT." As I cloak myself in a Parisian trench to avoid the Southern spring rain, I am whisked back to two summers ago, when I experienced a dreamy six weeks abroad without managing to gain one word of French vocabulary nor one pound of weight. Miracles, I tell you. Upon visiting Austin last month, the sought-after dinner spot on my and Jake's itinerary is a new bustling Eastside French restaurant, laV restaurant and wine bar. It opened right before I moved to Memphis, and I never found a moment to sit and enjoy the French fare and wines. Yet throughout this past year, I've watched laV's fame grow, with national publications rewarding its incomparable wine program, and Eater Austin repeating its must-try menu month after month.

While I wish I could call myself a wine connoisseur, I am not. Luckily for laV guests, you're paired with a sweet sommelier, who will pair you with a sweet bottle of French wine. We gave her our price range and preferred palate; and boom: pure bliss in a bottle. Jake and washed down multiple baguettes (almost every menu item manages to include its housemade loaves) with the vin de bourgogne.

Jake and I were more impressed by the small plate selection than the entrées on our February menu (which changes monthly). So, naturally, we ordered four small plates, and one entrée.

The classic, buttery, garlicky, basil escargot was a no-brainer. The crispy yet creamy composition was irresistible. laV has this French rustic recipe perfected, so please order it. I don't remember a better version since sitting on a Provence patio two years ago.

My favorite dish was the surf and turf. Rather than an expected filet and lobster, we enjoyed sweet scallops with crispy fried sweetbreads (a pork that Hog & Hominy in Memphis similarly masters). The contrast was divine, and the bright green pea salad was simply beautiful.

The short rib whole wheat garganelli provided a fantastic 1:1 ratio of tender beef and buttery housemade noodles, sprinkled with pine nuts. Mussels were light and fragrant of garlic and curried spices, though the crusty bread brought light to heavy very quickly as we soaked up the remaining broth...Rustic and refined, as the restaurant identifies.

I was impressed by the eastern halibut's complexity without the need for a major carb component. The fishwas placed atop a mix of saffron crispy chick peas, clams, onions and peppers. The fish and peas were both buttery to the taste. The colorful ingredients were delightful to the eye.

I'm dying to go back -- if not to France, to the next best place: laV!

Porcellino's Craft Butcher (Memphis)

This post was originally featured on StyleBlueprint! If I could choose one Memphis restaurant to consistently spend sixteen hours of my day (7 a.m. to 11 p.m., the approximate closing hour), I’d hands-down pick Porcellino’s.

Admittedly, I was skeptical of the hours of operation etched onto the doors of James Beard Award nominees Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman’s latest dining home run of Brookhaven Circle. Coffee “program,,” full-service bar, bakery, butcher counter, and complete breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. The concept, while seemingly impossible, is brilliant and well played from sunrise to sunset. The passion can be tasted, sipped, and seen in every single detail.

I’m a huge fan of the space, a polished, subway-tiled Brooklyn-esque butcher shop with dark and dainty wood tables and chairs. The black and white branding ties together the entire vision of the chefs, bakers, baristas, and bartenders.

Though I’d gladly be compensated to spend an entire day at the window-lined bar seating to muse upon the kitchen and customers (any takers?), I have successfully witnessed three prime-time occasions inside of the brick establishment: Saturday brunch, Friday night dinner, and an afternoon pit-stop. The recent Swine & Wine fundraiser for Cozy Corner Barbecue was a memorable hit, too.

Brunch was bustling with diners of all ages; some in line for an exclusive nitro-brewed coffee; others for a fried egg on in-house baked crusty bread with house-cured bacon or sausage. You can grab a loaf or croissant on the way out, too.

On a Tuesday late afternoon, I ran by to scope out the product and take-away offerings. I left with some finely shaved prosciutto, hand rolled fresh gemelli pasta, and the “Lil Ray” spice blend of salts, sugars, and zests. I was tempted to pick up a soft-cotton branded t-shirt, though I might cave in soon. The array of cookbooks, specialty foods, and butcher cuts was truly remarkable!

A dimly lit late dinner with ambient music completely elevated the surrounding space. The limited number of tables welcomes intimacy and comfort. Portions are shareable yet small enough to give you the opportunity to try multiple menu items (my kind of place!). The golden dim-sum-inspired bar cart, which graces tableside throughout the meal, covets perfectly plated daily specials. Whimsical and adventurous, the cart brings a treasure and leaves a memory. Oh, and the Relevant Roasters coffee custard dessert (served in a mason jar) is a must-get.

Swine and Wine

A brilliant concept, a state-of-the-art chef lineup, and a heartfelt contribution.

Benefiting the infamous Cozy Corner BBQ (as a result of their recent fire and temporary closure), Swine & Wine singlehandedly gathered a community for a successful evening of gratitude and gastronomy. While this evening is an annual event, 2015 struck loud chords of purpose and passion throughout the chef roster and 150 attendees.

Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman hosted the ultimate progressive dinner in their Brookhaven trifecta -- one that you and your neighbors would dream of for decades! Seventy-five guests began at Hog & Hominy, while the other 75 were seated at Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen. Three chefs were featured at each with a small plate to taste and savor; while over at Porcellino's, other chefs and barbecue mavens were preparing for the block party finale with pick-up food and drinks.

I first arrived at Andrew Michael and grabbed a gin and (house made) tonic at the brand new bar, which reminds me of my dream kitchen interiors: neutral palette, rustic finishes, and Southern hospitality in every accessory. If you're ever in Brookhaven and need a sophisticated cocktail, here's your new neighborhood spot.

All courses obviously included the "swine" and "wine," so pork took center stage in all six plates. The wine pairings, hand-picked by Andrew Michael's sommelier, were no short of wonderful. Chef Patrick Reilly of Majestic Grille served a plump, perfectly pan-seared scallop with cannelloni beans and pancetta. I love the rich, buttery texture of the white beans, proving that a carb or starch isn't always necessary.

...Though the carb Andy and Michael prepared next was basically the best pasta I've ever put in my mouth. A spinach raviolo surrounded an egg yolk, which oozed out upon the first forkful and created a rich wave of color amongst the parmesan garnish and brown butter. It was light yet so decadent. I would've eaten five!

Jackson Kramer (of Bounty) prepared a remarkable pork shank version of a crab cake (called a crepinette) with unusual yet wildly flavorful texture. Hazelnut and charred broccolini decorated the plate, pairing with a rich cabernet. A winter wonderland of a plate, if you ask me.

The seventy five of us strolled over to Hog & Hominy, where communal tables were awaiting with bottles of wine and large plates for sharing and passing. The Hog & Hominy team provided a variety of vegetables, ranging from ribboned rainbow carrots to kimchi brussels and butter beans. Chef Ryan Trimm (of Sweet Grass) served a kick-ass tamale with sweet, pepper-studded hominy and a mole verde salsa. Fabulous.

Chef Kelly English's (of Iris and The Second Line) Newman pork belly with flash fried bok choy, peanut, and black fungus was un-freaking-believable. The szechuan spice lightly numbed the mouth, taking everyone's palates on a daring adventure of sweetness and spiciness. The dish (among all others) proved these local chefs' wide range of talent and skill beyond their individual restaurant's focus. Chef Kelly, who is known for his sophisticated cajun cuisine, wowed me with a Southern-Asian infused concept. Swine & Wine clearly provided a platform for Memphis culinary talent to create and innovate. I was thrilled to witness such experimentation and variety.

I'm proud of the Memphis food scene (as I tend to say over and over again) and its pure, authentic Southern camaraderie. As a result of Swine & Wine, Cozy Corner has announced their reopening across the street from the original location. I, along with the rest of the city, am rooting for the Cozy Corner family.