I've wanted to eat at L & M, known for its cured meats that are made on the premises, since I first read about it in Food & Wine more than two years ago. If you go, be sure to start with the salumeria tasting plate, which includes such house specialties such as coppa, hard salami, pancetta and guanciale.
But don't wait as long as I did. Owners Dan and Meredith Latham's lease is up next summer.
"We are trying to renegotiate our lease," says Dan Latham, "but we may be forced to move next August." Whether they stay at the current location just north of the town square or have to move, the Lathams hope to stay in Oxford.
If you know of any other out-of-town-spots worth the drive, please let me know. So far on my list to try are City Grocery in Oxford, Giardina's in Greenwood, and a return trip to Doe's Eat Place in Greenville.
Circa opens
The much anticipated Circa by John Bragg opens this weekend at 119 S. Main St.
Featuring regional Tennessee and contemporary American cuisine, which Chef Bragg executes and frames with his classic French techniques and sauces, Circa also boasts a top-notch wine collection put together by general manager and veteran sommelier Randy Caparoso.
Bragg previously worked at Erling Jensen: The Restaurant, La Montagne, and was the opening chef at River Oaks.
Open for dinner nightly (lunch service will begin in July). Reservations are recommended; call 522-1488.
Chick-fil-A shows its appreciation
This week is Customer Appreciation Week at Chick-fil-A of Germantown, 1230 S. Germantown Pkwy.
Each day through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., Chick-fil-A offers free samples of a featured menu item. The only exception is Friday, when each guest will receive a free chicken biscuit from 6-10:30 a.m.
Stop by for Raving Fans Night on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. for a '50s rock and roll theme soiree featuring an antique car show, samples of hand-spun milkshakes, and an appearance from the Eat More Chicken cow. If you're willing to sing for your supper with Elvis, you'll get a free Chick-fil-A combo.
The Bagel Co. gets a remodel
The Bagel Co., 6698 Poplar, has a new look, an improved menu and new owners.
Ron and Sheri Bishop, owners of the West Street Diner in Germantown, bought The Bagel Co. in March and have just finished a remodel of the restaurant and have added some new items to the menu.
Open for breakfast and lunch, The Bagel Co. is the only place in town that makes bagels from scratch daily.
Twinkies go bananas
Here's some good news for the Twinkie lovers in town -- and according to Hostess, Memphians eat more Twinkies per capita than any other U.S. city.
Last week Hostess started selling banana creme Twinkies in retail stores nationwide.
From 1930, when the Twinkie was first invented, to the 1940s, Twinkies were filled solely with banana creme. But a banana shortage during World War II forced Hostess bakers to replace it with the vanilla flavor. Both flavors will be available from now on.
On vacation
Bhan Thai, 1324 Peabody Ave., will be closed June 25 through July 4 for their annual vacation.
Please share your fabulous food finds and restaurant news with me at jennifer@cookwithjennifer.com.
