foodha for thought – menuism blog

Menuism reviewers are truly awesome! Whether they found an unexpected tasty gem of a restaurant or took it for the team after having a terrible meal, we truly applaud all their efforts in giving us the scoop on where we should be spending our hard-earned money on. On that note, I’d love to introduce you to those reviewers who we feel really contribute quality content to the site as well as quality information to fellow Menuism’ers. Our Featured Reviewer today is Lisa, better known as troutqueen. So let’s learn more about Lisa originally from Cordova, TN.

For the last 16 years I’ve called Memphis, TN my home. The heartbeat of the South is here by the Mississippi River. I love our unique culture, the music we create here as the Home of the Blues and Rock n’ Roll, and the food we serve – from Southern cooked turnip greens, to Memphis’ famous pork barbecue. I moved here from Indianapolis, IN, married a wonderful man, and began a career as an Instructional Designer at a local Fortune 500 company.

Much of my life has always centered around food, whether it was what was for dinner, where to go to eat, or trying something I’ve never tried before. I love exploring food – its texture and flavors and aromas, as well as new restaurants or some rundown hole-in-the-wall. I have a very diverse palate and enjoy food from just about every ethnic group. I’m hoping to instill that love and exploratory spirit in our 2-year-old son.

1. How did you find out about Menuism?

I found Menuism while Googling (don’t you love that Google is now a verb?) for restaurant reviews for a local place. It came up in the search results. I started exploring the site and found it to be a great resource!

2. What about Menuism first appealed to you?

I loved being able to see other people reviewing local restaurants so I could whittle down where I wanted to go, and of course, I love sharing my own experiences with restaurants in the area!

3. What restaurant did you write your first review about?

Pei Wei Asian Bistro in Midtown Memphis. It was a new chain that was opening up.

4. What is your food philosophy?

I like to try everything, even if it’s the scariest thing I’ve ever seen. I find myself surpirsed, both in good and bad ways by what I try! And at the very least, it makes for a great story later!

5. What are your favorite restaurants?

I love Asian Palace out in Raleigh. It’s one of the few almost-authentic Chinese restaurants in the area, and it also serves dim sum. I also love The Melting Pot for a romantic dinner out (you can’t beat chocolate fondue!). Bhan Thai has fantastic Thom Yum soup and Pad Thai, while The Happy Mexican is my fave for cheap Mexican. We also love Kabob Int’l in Cordova and Castle in Midtown for gyros and Mediterranean food.

6. What are your favorite cuisines?

I don’t think I have a single favorite. Every cuisine brings its own history and culture and flavors. My mood and cravings shift from Southern comforts like fried chicken and okra, to Asian basics, like dim sum or sushi. And sometimes spaghetti and meatballs is all I want!

7. What are your favorite comfort foods?

Egg drop soup and a good lo mein are my usual comfort foods. Nothing is more woeful than a sick me and no decent egg drop soup in the area!  When I’m stressed, I gravitate towards New York style pizza at Johnny Brusco’s or pancakes at Perkins. Lots of syrup, please!

8. What is the best meal you ever ate and why?

My best meal was at The Stinking Rose in San Francisco, CA. If you’re ever out in that area, you *must* stop there and have dinner. Everything is infused with garlic – even the decor. Their 40 clove Chicken falls off the bone and is meltingly tender. The Louisiana Shrimp tureen was a generous size and had a great kick to it. My husband and I stopped there while walking up to Fishermen’s Wharf. It was a spur of the moment stop – we were planning on eating somewhere up near the Wharf but the smells coming out of here were divine.

The booths were so private, the waiter was friendly and gave us great advice on what to do in the area. Everything we ate was delicious. The atmosphere was so intimate. This was a restaurant that got it all right. Sometimes the atmosphere is great, but the food only mediocre, or vice versa. Everything here was perfect. It’s since become a required stop for each trip to San Francisco.

9. Do you have any favorite cookbooks (if any)?

I have around 30 cookbooks, but the ones I use the most are Nigella Feasts, The Joy of Cooking, and The Food of China. All these have wonderful recipes to fit just about every occasion.

10. What words of encouragement would you give to first time Menuism reviewers?

Review everything, good or bad! You’re helping other users out there make decisions on where they want to go. Just be fair to the restaurant. I love reviews that are detailed and explain what the reviewer liked and disliked. Details are important!

If you’d like to be able to keep up with Lisa’s reviews, click here to check out her profile!

If there is a Menuism reviewer who has really helped you make great dining choices and you’d like to see him or her be a Featured Reviewer, than be sure to message me or send me an email at abby@menuism.com.

By Abby C. Abanes
Menuism Community Manager