Jerry’s Snow Cones

If you haven’t tried a Jerry’s snow cone, wyd?? This staple of the 901 serves up snow cones with a dollop of ice cream known as a supreme, along with other tasty treats like dipped cheesecake and banana splits. Visit one of their two local stores for an unforgettable dessert.

350 Baked

Looking for some vegan dessert options? Then you might just want to try 350 Baked, an online store with offerings around the city (like at the Kitchen Co-Op in Cordova). They also offer non-vegan options, but trust us, all of their sweet treats are worth trying!

Sugar Ghost Ice Cream and Bubble Tea

This spot serves us homemade ice cream and bubble tea that everyone can enjoy. With their wide selection of treats, even vegans and gluten-free dieters can get a scoop or a drink. Just pop by their store on Broad for a bite!

Milk Dessert Bar

This local shop has just about every kind of dessert you could want: cakes, shakes, and even cookie dough. Be sure to check out their seasonal offerings for limited-edition flavors you’ll want to grab before they’re gone. You can even order a custom cake for your wedding, party, or other get-togethers.

901 Bakes

Though there’s no storefront for these treats, 901 Bakes can serve up some delicious pastries, cakes, and more for your next event or party. You can check them out at markets around town, like the Cooper-Young Farmers Market on the weekend. And see what they’re cooking up by visiting their Instagram.

Muddy’s Bake Shop

We couldn’t end this list without sharing a classic! Muddy’s has been serving up some of the city’s favorite cakes, cookies, pies, and more quite a while and, if you haven’t been, you should definitely add this spot to your list!

The post 6 Memphis Desserts and Treats That’ll Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth appeared first on We Are Memphis.

East Memphis

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Brother Juniper’s, a beloved local institution known for its delicious omelets and fluffy pancakes. For a mid-morning treat, head to Staks Pancakes, where you can indulge in their mouthwatering brunch options. They’ve got pancakes on deck, but don’t just stop there!

When lunchtime rolls around, make your way to Grey’s Fine Cheese for a delightful selection of artisanal cheeses and gourmet sandwiches. For dinner, savor the flavorful dishes at Mosa Asian Bistro, offering a fusion of Asian cuisines. Finally, end your culinary adventure on a sweet note with a visit to Gibson’s Donuts, where some of the best donuts in the world are waiting for you!

Midtown

Kickstart your morning at Barksdale Restaurant, a charming local spot known for its classic breakfast dishes. Midtowners (and beyond) will tell you that it’s the best breakfast in the city!  The Beauty Shop offers a delightful brunch experience, combining delicious food with a unique retro ambiance.

For lunch, satisfy your pizza cravings at Aldo’s Pizza. You have not lived until you’ve tried their garlic knots (tip: get the vodka sauce on the side). As the day progresses, enjoy dinner at Flame Ramen, where you can warm your soul with a steaming bowl of authentic ramen, rice bowls, and more.

Finish off your culinary journey with a visit to Sweet Noshings, a delightful dessert shop featuring every single type of candy or treat you could think of! No matter if you’re an experienced wine-concessioner or are just venturing out, don’t forget to explore the carefully curated wine selection at Knifebird Wine Bar.

Broad Avenue

If you’re wanting a light breakfast, start your morning with a visit to City and State, a cozy coffee shop offering delicious pastries (and one of the best matcha lattes in the city). The Liquor Store is the perfect brunch spot–the biscuits and gravy need to be on your must-try list!

For lunch, head to Broadway Pizza, a local favorite known for its New York-style slices. Indulge in dishes at Salt + Soy for both a delicious dinner and some of the best twists on Asian cuisine. They have chicken and dumpling dumplings. Enough said.

Muddy’s Bake Shop is your go-to for scrumptious cakes, cupcakes, pies, and more, and The Cove should be on your list for great live music and delicious, no-fuss drinks.

Downtown

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at Sunrise Memphis, a local joint renowned for its fluffy biscuits and delicious breakfast dishes. For a new brunch experience, visit The Garden Brunch Cafe, offering Southern-inspired brunch classics.

Maciel’s Tortas and Tacos is the perfect lunch spot, serving up authentic Mexican street food (it’s totally a Downtown employee favorite). Catherine and Mary’s is a must-visit for a memorable dinner, offering modern Italian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. Indulge your sweet tooth at Cupcake Cutie, and unwind with a refreshing drink at Beck and Call at The Hyatt Centric. You can’t go wrong with a rooftop bar!

Further Out

Venture a little further out for breakfast at Biscuits and Jams, where you can savor Southern comfort food at its finest. Toasted Yolk is the ideal spot for a relaxed brunch experience, offering a delightful selection of breakfast classics. For lunch, immerse yourself in the flavors of Asian cuisine at 901 Hot Pot. Coastal Fish Company is the go-to destination for a delicious seafood dinner. Indulge in delectable desserts at BluffCakes, and discover unique craft beers at Meddlesome Brewing.

Embarking on a neighborhood food tour in Memphis is an exceptional way to savor the diverse culinary offerings of the city. From savory breakfasts to indulgent desserts and everything in between, each neighborhood has its own unique flavors and dining experiences to offer. So, put on your foodie hat, bring your appetite, and get ready to embark on a delectable journey through the tantalizing food scene of Memphis.

You might also be interested in: Best Mexican Food in Memphis!

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We’re partnering with Latino Memphis to bring you Somos Memphis! A hub of content focused on sharing all the great endeavors, businesses, and more from Memphis’ Latin(e/x/o) community.  Latin(e/x/o)  culture isn’t a monolith–there are so many vibrant cultural aspects, forms of expression, and perspectives that come together to make Memphis the amazing city that it is. We can’t wait to share more stories with you!

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Oh! Desserts needs to be on your radar! Bakery genius Yolimar Flores makes sweet treats that are absolutely out of this world! Whether you’re looking for a perfectly designed cake, an insanely delicious pie, or another one of her many creative specialities, you’re sure to be pleased! We caught up with her to learn more about the business!

Your desserts look absolutely delicious! Which cake or dessert has been your favorite to make and why?

What’s next for you and Oh!Desserts?

The post Oh So Sweet!: Yolimar Flores of Oh! Desserts appeared first on We Are Memphis.

With a dollar in your back pocket of the khaki Dickie pants that your mama bought from Southland Mall and a few coins that lay hiding in the crumb-filled corners of your backpack – your mission after school is to find the nearest Candy Lady to get as much food for as little money as possible. 

“Aye, mane. I’m going to the Candy Lady after school.”

“Yeah, me too, foo.” 

She doesn’t live far. Possibly between the school and your house or across the street from the school.

Maybe on the corner of your street or a few blocks away. 

There’s no “OPEN” sign outside the door, but everyone knows she’s fully in business.

It’s the Candy Lady’s house. 

In neighborhoods where access to grocery stores are scarce, the Candy Lady is an alternative for kids who may have missed breakfast or needed a “meal” after not being able to afford lunch at school. She may be a little scary or have an attitude, but she’s the main hustler on the block, flipping everything from candy to chips to nachos. 

Her living room is stocked to the accent wall with snacks, and if you catch her on a good day, she’ll have Circle B’s or real pizza from Papa Johns or Dominos.

She’s the real hustle and flow. She’s the plug. 

Hot pickles

Nachos

Peppermints

Chips

Laffy Taffy

Now & Later

Ring Pops

Snickers

Jolly Ranchers

WarHeads

Gummy Bears (no edibles)

Cry Babies

Fruities and Chews 

If you had $3.00 in your pocket, you could buy a full meal. 

“I went as often as my mama gave me money,” says Kanesha Johnson, a native Memphian and now attorney who graduated from Raleigh-Egypt High School. “When we got report cards, I really showed out because my mom would award me for good grades, and I was happy to spend my money with the candy lady.” 

The candy lady is a staple for kids growing up in Memphis and hoods around the country. There is no other place where you could find two bags of Frooties for $0.50 or a Big K can soda for $0.75. 

In the Summer months when the Memphis heat is beating your back after playing a game of four-square, she had cups of red Kool-aid, frozen in the depths of her deep freezer in the back of her house. In Memphis, they’re beloved known as freeze-cups. Either styrofoam or plastic, they are the summertime staple that kept the Candy Lady in business and one of the most loved women in the community. Either you enjoy them by sucking the top of the frozen, pint-sized iceberg, or flip the cup over and start your way from the bottom to the top. 

Hot pickles and peppermints are a delicacy. 

Hot chips with nacho cheese and jalapeno peppers and a Tahitian Treat is a combo meal.

She will sometimes set up shop across from the school nearest her home. Principals and teachers know her well and trust her presence near their students. 

“Our candy lady was posted outside of our school most days,” says DeAndra Kelly, a graduate of Whitehaven High school. “I’m not sure where she stayed, but I would go right after school and straight home. She was my only stop.” 

The Candy Lady is more than a woman who wanted to make an extra few dollars off the petty change of kids. This history of the Candy Lady evolves from a love of Black people and the pride in their communities. A woman who was often perceived as a motherly figure did more than supply candies and small snacks: she stands as a pillar in the community and a figure of love, justice and protection for Black children and their parents who needs extra eyes and hands to join the village that would participate in the development of their children.

She is a watchman. She stands as a sort of neighborhood watch. You know her by name and she knows you by face (because she was old and her cataracts were acting up). She’s children’s first introduction to entrepreneurship. She’s the precursor to the teen selling chips and juice throughout the halls of his highschool. She can count money backward so there’s never any getting over on her.  She’s a trusted community resource and is well aware of who belongs within the boundaries of her neighborhood, who is visiting for the summer, and those who are red flags to the safety of those babies. 

“My mom was a Candy Lady when I was growing up,” says Mysharee McKinney, a graduate of Wooddale High School and a Social Services Counselor with Shelby County Juvenile Court. 

“I remember kids from the neighborhood really flocked to her. She owned a daycare, too. A lot of the neighbors trusted her and our family. The kids really loved her, but she didn’t play either. She was a safe space for a lot of kids.” 

Many of us owe our local Candy Lady. For watching us as we walked across busy streets to letting us slide on paying when we were short a quarter to knowing us by name and stepping in when our parents had to work overtime – or weren’t working at all. She’s a great example of what community activism looks and investing in our communities looks like from even a small gesture of love like selling snacks out of your house. She’s grit and grind. She’s love personified. 

Give your candy lady a shoutout! Let us know if you know of any Candy Ladies in your neighborhood. We may just pull up on them one day this summer. 

You might also be interested in: Memphis Arts Scene 

The post Sweet Lady: An Ode to the Candy Lady appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Here’s a list of five of the most satisfying and (mostly) guilt-free desserts you can get for delivery right here in Memphis. 

Popsicles from Mempops

Choose from more than 15 cream flavors or 13 fruit flavors of all-natural handcrafted popsicles. Cream flavors include pistachio, salted caramel, key lime pie, Mexican chocolate, and coffee caramel. Fruit flavors include grapefruit, hibiscus lemon agave, mango vanilla, pineapple coconut, and avocado lime. Free delivery with an order of 10 or more pops. Call Chris to schedule delivery, (901) 596-6293, and don’t forget to read our previous article on Mempops!

Avocado Brownies from Guilt Free Pastries 

Fifteen years ago Chef Brandon had an awakening leading him to shed 125 pounds and take his weight from an unhealthy 300 pounds to a healthy 175 pounds. In February 2013, he discovered his allergic reaction to gluten and decided to take matters into his own hands. After 3 months of experimenting with gluten and grain-free recipes, he created his one of a kind Avocado Brownies. The delicious twist on the old favorite also does not contain refined sugar or butter. All ingredients are organic and sourced locally. Minimum $15 order for delivery. Free delivery for $125+ orders. 

Oatmeal Chocolate Walnut Cookies from Insomnia Cookies

This bakery chain is known for its late-night deliveries, and their mouthwatering cookies, brownies, cookie cakes, and ice cream. We recommend the oatmeal chocolate walnut cookie. This spin on the classic oatmeal and raisins cookie is filled with chocolate chunks, walnuts, brown sugar, and rolled oats. You can order two cookies just for yourself, paired with a glass of cold milk. Or order fifty if you’re planning to entertain.  

Bite-Sized Bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes 

Founders Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz joined kitchens in 1997 with a simple goal: make cakes for their friends and family. Today Nothing Bundt Cakes is a nationwide brand built upon Dena and Debbie’s initial vision. Each bakery still has the warmth and nostalgia of its home-kitchen roots. We recommend trying their bite-sized Bundtinis. Flavors include chocolate-chocolate chip, red velvet, marble, white chocolate raspberry, pecan praline, confetti, carrot, lemon, and classic vanilla. 

Ice Cream from Ben & Jerry’s 

With more than 60 flavors, the national favorite that started in 1978 with two guys and a dream, is guaranteed to satisfy every one of your dessert cravings. From staples like their good old chocolate to their award-winning vanilla, Ben & Jerry’s colorful pints are recognizable all over the world. The Memphis location is locally owned and operated. You can order one scoop or two of your favorite flavor. They also serve sundaes, shakes, and fresh and pre-packed pints.

Did we miss one of your favorite sweet spots? Let us know on Twitter!

Please note: Restaurants availability for pickup/delivery is subject to change without notice.

You may also be interested in: Chef Tam wins Food Network’s ‘Chopped’

The post Sweet Spots: Our Top 5 Favorite Desserts for Pickup or Delivery in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

It didn’t take long for folks to take notice and begin to crave the latest sweet treats on the block. Their fruit and cream-based ingredients are sourced from local farmers when seasonally available and their creativity and desire to try new recipes know no bounds. Currently on the menu are their fall favorites including Almond Joy Pops, Pumpkin Cheesecake Pops, Pumpkin Pie Pops, and Caramel Apple Pops.

By virtue of being married to Chris and having a keen sense for good copy and pretty imagery, not to mention a savvy business sense, Emily Taylor is in charge of the behind-the-scenes efforts for Mempops.

“Emily makes things go,” said Chris. “She helps in invaluable ways and is always coming up with fun ways to push Mempops to the community.”

One way Mempops supports the community is through their monthly tip jars that are hosted at all locations. Designated charities typically receive upwards of $2,500.

“For smaller non-profits, $2,500 can be a game-changer,” said Emily Taylor.

Mempops also gives back at special events and other functions. In 2019, they helped raise more than $35,000 for local charities and schools in the area. Their goal is to support every non-profit in the city and then start the cycle over again.

So far, Mempops has supported Playback Memphis, The National Civil Rights Museum, Shelby Farms Park and the Mariposas Collective to name a few. November’s designated charity is Indie Memphis and December is typically tied in with the St. Jude Marathon.

Ranging from hibiscus lemonade to strawberries and cream, toasted marshmallow to apple cranberry, flavors run the gamut of taste and style. Mempops prides itself on trying combinations, not for the faint of heart including the tangy pickle pop, which came about from an April Fool’s joke gone badly.

Emily posted the idea as a gag, and the next thing they knew, they were making them to the delight of their fan base. Other fan favorites include the Arnold Palmer, chocolate fudge and strawberry lemonade. They even have pops for dogs. Not to mention their wide array of fun and Memphis-centric t-shirts and swag they sell at each store location.

“It’s been an incredible run so far and I still feel like we are just getting started,” said Owner Chris Taylor. “2019 will be our best year yet.”

With three brick-and-mortar stores already, one in East Memphis, Crosstown, and Collierville, the Mempops brand just expanded to Summer Avenue this spring with a production center to help them field the growing demand for their delicious treats.

The goal is two-fold – grow production, but also host events and show fans the behind-the-scenes operations of their favorite dessert. Since their founding, Mempops has never stopped creating and growing. Mempops is available for business functions, church and school events, festivals and more as well. And they will work with anyone with any budget to make their event work for them.

In the end, Mempops is a family-run, kid-friendly enterprise that cares about Memphis and prides itself on serving the entire community. Just take a look at their social media and you will want to head over to one of their conveniently located stores and treat yourself.

For more information about Mempops and their current locations, or to book them for your next event, contact mempops901@gmail.com.

You may also like: Memphis BBQ | Best BBQ in memphis | Best Memphis BBQ Locator

The post For Chris & Emily Taylor, Mempops Are Always In Season appeared first on We Are Memphis.