Sometimes You Want to Tap That in the Middle of the Night 

I know this is a late night post, but in my defense, sometimes you want to tap that in the middle of the night…

So the week of November 9-15 is Downtown Dining Week here in Memphis. Each year, the price of the meals pay homage to the year of the event. This year, lunch is $10.15 and dinner is $20.15. This “festival” was started as an effort to introduce people to the different restaurants in our downtown area, places that most people either don’t know exists or just would never experience because it’s on the complete other side of town from them. It’s not too bad of a drive for us, but we haven’t been to this area in a while because our fave eats are much closer to home. There are over 20 on the list this year and, by golly,we’re determined to do at least a little bit of culinary damage…

Our first stop on the tour is a cafe called Tamp and Tap. Located at 122 Gayoso Ave, it’s nestled on a side street half a block from the infamous Beale St. Boasting the best fiscal deal, this week lets 2 dine for the price of one and a couple can enjoy a 3 course dinner for $20.15!

  
  
When we walked up, I asked hubby if we were in the right place. I was expecting a traditional restaurant and the place threw me a bit. We grabbed the menu and were indeed in the right spot. 

  
Hubby ordered the tomato bisque soup for starters and I went for the side salad. Considering the dessert I picked, it only seemed right. I’ve never known a salad to smell good, but this one did…and it was merely a precursor to how good it tasted! It was like it was graced with a magic balsamic vinaigrette. 

Next on the menu, we decided to have one of each. He, the shrimp and goat cheese grits with Tasso gravy, and I, the baked chicken breast with wild rice and mushroom gravy. 

   

Normally when I have a dish with mushrooms, I eat about 3 and then pick the rest of them off. Again, magic gravy! I couldn’t get enough of the mushroom and wild rice! The taste was perfectly simple and tasted like home. I would totally learn how to cook this…

I was so stuffed at this point but I’m no quitter! Up next: banana pudding for him and vanilla bean caramel cake for me!

   
 
Good grub, it was yummy…

I gotta be all George Washington and tell the truth. I made it 3 bites in and had to wave the white napkin. I was so full that I was physically hurting myself! That sweet, sweet slice o’ awesome had to come home with me. 

Overall, I think that we will be regulars here. I really like this place and the staff is the best…very attentive and funny 🙂 

Check em out and follow the hashtag #DTDW2015 to keep track of other bloggers on this epicurian trek!