JEM: a casual, upscale restaurant in Memphis Tennessee

Posted byXsivjoshPosted inUncategorized

(what the hell is Josh doing in Memphis?)

We have popped over to Memphis for a joyous occasion, the Bat Mitzvah of our Great Niece Celia.

We scheduled an extra night to experience something different in a strange town. I sent a list to both my nephew and niece figuring they’d edit it down and guide me to something great. Interestingly, they responded independently and recommended a place that they had both loved two weeks prior. It’s new and doesn’t have a liquor license yet. (This brought tears of joy to my eyes.) Fortunately, there’s a wine store right there where we’d be able to purchase a bottle or two from a knowledgeable merchant with an eclectic, sizable selection of wines. (I started bawling.)

A little searching on the internet confirmed that Jem had a small, but very unique menu. The chef has a “pedigree” of experience from CIA to stints with star chefs, Michelin starred restaurants, and gigs where he rose from line chef to executive chef. He and his wife decided to settle in Memphis and open their own place, becoming part of the community.

We chatted briefly with both Chef Josh and his wife, Emily. They were both very enthusiastic about the food they were serving and the up and coming neighborhood they were in.

This Pinot Noir from the Santa Lucia Highlands is all about the cherries, cassis and delicious fruit it brings. This wine will complement any food and was perfect to accompany our various dinner selections
This Three Sisters sharing dish featured several mushrooms, a cream corn base and a shell that we were encouraged to collapse and mix in. It was a true wow experience.
I ordered the Gnocci sharing dish which was covered with a vidalia onion sous vide confit that almost appeared to be melted cheese, but wasn’t. It was topped with a soft egg that flowed over the dish, making it gooily delightful.
Barb ordered the Hamachi Crudo small dish. It had pickled okra and medium pepper pieces. We both loved this dish.
The Chicken Liver Pate included some pork as well. It was wrapped with bacon. It was garnished with some Dijon mustard and served with toasted bread pieces. My initial take was that it could have been a bit denser like a country pate. After some thought and consideration I changed my mind and realized: why must every pate be the same? This one was a bit lighter and less dense and still quite tasty.
This Brussel Sprouts salad was finely chopped, gently dressed and refreshing. A generous portion for Barb to enjoy.

I’m a huge fan of bread pudding This one was a bit deconstructed and served with additional bread pudding crisps and 2 sauces.

Crispy and delicious.

Though the main dishes were very appealing, we decided to go with the smaller dishes. My nephew raved about the Porchetta and the long time braised short rib sounded very exciting. Still, we walked out quite satisfied.

I predict that next time we come to Memphis this will be a tough table to reserve and deservedly so. The chef and his wife have the whole “mom and pop” concept well in hand. I’m sure Chef Josh will keep his menu cutting edge and change up the exciting options. Lots of promise in this new restaurant. I wish them well.

Chef Josh and his partner, manager, lady in front, greatest support, Emily.

One thought on “JEM: a casual, upscale restaurant in Memphis Tennessee”

  1. Looks like a great restaurant but I question the deconstructed bread pudding. Why change something so perfect the way it is? I agree that the entrees did not look as interesting and very limited.

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