Restaurants offering tasty deals during Meet Me Along Madison
The revitalization of Overton Square has been one of the most successful projects in Memphis history, a turnaround that restored the 1970s and '80s entertainment district to its former glory and then some. So businesses along Madison don't exactly need to entice folks to visit.
But that's what the Madison Avenue Business Association has planned, nonetheless. On Tuesday and Wednesday, March 22-23, you can dine and shop at more than 30 businesses for a fixed $20.16 price for meals or services during the first Meet Me Along Madison.
Shannon Little is the publicity chairwoman of the Madison business association and owns her own marketing and public relations service.
"We just started putting the idea together around the first of the year," she said. "It was real quick."
Organizers knew they wanted to wait for warmer weather — who wants to stroll in the cold? — and planned for early March.
"But before we announced," she said, "Memphis Black Restaurant Week came out for that week, and we didn't want a conflict, so we picked this week."
The first Memphis Black Restaurant Week ran March 7-13, and the eight participating restaurants saw a remarkable increase in business as diners came out to support $15 lunch and $25 dinner specials; data released last week showed that more than 3,000 people ate at the restaurants and spent about $85,000.
If these prix-fixe meals sound familiar, it's likely because you're familiar with the popular Downtown Dining Week, which takes place in November and includes dining specials, usually three-course meals, for a price based on the year — $20.10, $20.11 and so on through $20.16 — with new restaurants added every year.
Ashley Ranson, general manager of Huey's and a MABA board member, said there was no reason to reinvent the wheel.
"We wanted something good for Madison, so we kind of played off Downtown Dining Week," she said. "The only thing we did is include retail."
So in addition to a meal for two at Huey's (one appetizer to split and two entrees), you can take a guided tour for two of Ardent Studios.
You can eat a three-course meal at Babalu or take a class for two at Bikram Yoga (hot Pilates or hot yoga), get your samosa on at Golden India or your hair done at Gould's. A full list of participants is listed at the end of this story.
If other businesses decide to participate, they'll be added to the website and the Facebook page.
Of course, they hope to do this again.
"We definitely plan for it to be an annual thing," Ranson said. "We just want to see how it goes the first year, see how people respond. It's just a way to offer them something of a bargain and get them out."
The dining deals are listed in full; others are mentioned. You can get full details and find any latecomers at madisonismidtown.com or on Facebook at the Meet Me Along Madison page. All prices are $20.16, and places are open for lunch and dinner unless otherwise indicated.
Participating restaurants
Babalu Tacos & Tapas, 2115 Madison, features a three-course meal of the chef's featured soup of the day, braised pork belly on top of jalapeños grits topped with a belly jus, and dessert bite (your choice between dulce de leche cheesecake or spicy Mexican fudge). Call 901-274-0101.
Bari Ristorante e Enoteca, 22 S. Cooper, features a three-salami antipasti plate (Tuscan salami, Calabrese salami and sopressata) and three cheeses (raschera, montegrappa, silano classico). Dinner only. Call 901-722-2244.
Bar Louie, 2125 Madison, offers two voodoo chicken entrees. Call 901-207-1436.
The Blue Monkey, 2012 Madison. Lunch for two from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Choose a plate lunch, burger, sandwich or salad and two soft drinks; 901-272-258.
Boscos Squared, 2120 Madison, features a beer and food flight: three Boscos handcrafted beers with wood-oven-planked salmon, voodoo pasta and black bean tamale. Dinner only (5:30-10 p.m.). Phone is 901-432-2222.
Golden India, 2097 Madison, offers choice of samosa or vegetable pakora for appetizer; vegetable korma or chicken tikka masala for entree (with garlic naan), mango lassi, chai or soda, and mango or pista kulfi for dessert; call 901-728-5111.
Huey's, 1927 Madison, offers one appetizer and two entrees; 901-726-4372.
Lafayette's Music Room, 2119 Madison, offers two draft beers and pizza of your choice; 901-207-5097.
LBOE, 2021 Madison, features two classic cheeseburgers, an order or fries and two soft drinks; 901- 725-0770
Local On The Square, 2126 Madison, features a three-course tasting menu for dinner only (5:30-10 p.m.): frisee salad, beef short rib, pistachio gelato. Signature cocktail pairing available; call 901-725-1845.
Memphis Pizza Cafe, 2087 Madison, offers any medium pizza with two half chef or half Greek salads; call 901-726-5343.
Molly's La Casita, 2006 Madison: grilled beef or chicken fajitas for two and a cheese dip to split; 901-726-1873.
Robata Ramen and Yakitori Bar, 2116 Madison, offers a three-course meal of any starter, two skewers of your choice, and any ramen bowl; 901-410-8290.
Schweinehaus, 2110 Madison, offers three courses including half pretzel or baked goat cheese salad appetizer, Reuben, chicken schnitzel or jagerschnitzel entree, and apple strudel for dessert; 901-347-3060.
Other food deals
Sweet Noshings, 2113 Madison, features four bags of flavored popcorn; 901-288-4753.
The Square Olive, 2094 Trimble Place, offers an infused olive oil, balsamic vinegar and dipping sauce gift basket; 901-726-5483.
YoLo Frozen Yogurt, 6 S. Cooper, offers four frozen yogurts. Call 901-343-0438.
Other businesses participating include Ardent Studios, The Art Project Memphis, The Attic, Bikram Yoga, Fanfare Community Relations, Gould's Salon & Spa, The Ivory Closet, GalloreeLegendaryTShirt.com, Maggie's Pharm, Mercury Valet Dry Cleaners, Midtown Eye Care, Mr. Lincoln's Costume Shoppe, Oasis Hookah Lounge, S. Berry Jones Architects, Shannon Little Marketing and Public Relations, Utopia Animal Hospital, The W Salon and Zebra Lounge.
