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 Mike, better known as Accipter. So let’s learn more about Mike from Memphis, TN.

I grew up in the eastern part of the US, mostly in small towns in the rural south that had few restaurant options. Most meals were “traditional American” and home-cooked. My tastes are not particularly sophisticated: I can equally appreciate a fine dining experience or a greasy hamburger–it all depends on what mood I’m in, who I’m with, and what I’m craving. Overlooked mom n’ pop businesses that tend to be local secrets/treasures are where I generally prefer to dine.

I work in the biotech industry and live in Memphis, TN. I’m finishing up my Ph.D. and, in my limited free time, I practice falconry and occasionally sample things my birds catch. A raised bed garden and fruit trees in my back yard provides me with a bounty of ultra-fresh, cheap organic vegetables and fruits in the summer and fall.

1. How did you find out about Menuism?

Troutqueen, another reviewer here and a good friend of mine, recommended Menuism as having excellent reviews and a good community. She was right!

2. What about Menuism first appealed to you?

Initially it was the minimalist design, but Troutqueen was right: there’s a lot of good user-generated content on the site. (Thanks for contributing, folks!)

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

Muddy’s Bake Shop. It has great cupcakes, a killer BLT and pimento cheese sandwich, and a fantastic “uppity liberal women from the 50s” theme/feel that adds that extra bit of character.

4. What is your food philosophy?

Food converts to energy, so you should eat it–and preferably more of the stuff that tastes good when it’s available. (My food philosophy is practical yet not highly developed.)

5. What are your favorite restaurants?

Don Don’s for the hot wings. Memphis Pizza Cafe for the calzones and pizza. Super Submarine Sandwich Shop for the fried chicken subs. Raffe’s Deli for the gyros and baklava. Pho Saigon for the curry chicken soup. High Point Coffee for the coffee, cinnamon rolls, and just hanging out.

6. What are your favorite cuisines?

I’ll eat pretty much anything except Indian food: I like it, but it does not like me.

7. What are your favorite comfort foods?

Hot wings, pizza, lasagna, stews and pot pies. I’m also a big fan of gourmet sodas (Bulldog root beer, Boylan’s Birch Beer, and Red Rock Ginger Ale), Vosges’ chocolates (especially the one with bacon and smoked salt), and, during the summer, fruit sorbets.

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

Let me tell you about the worst meal instead. I made it: Steak accidentally marinated in root beer for 24 hours (instead of 15 minutes). It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I don’t think the taste of candied steak is ever going to catch on.

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

I tend to just scour the internet for recipes and videos of recipes. I also get inspiration from watching Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares. I debated writing a cooking survival guide for poor college studens but never got around to it. I have two cookbooks: one about grilling and one about heirloom tomatoes.

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

You know that unique restaurant in your town that you think everyone coming to the area ought to know about if they’re passing through? Tell us about it so we can go there! Seriously, people want to know about these hidden gems scattered across the country.

If you’d like to be able to keep up with Mike’s reviews, click here to check out his 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