Sound Bites

Majestic Grille and Cocozza co-owner Deni Reilly returns for part two of an interview with Holly Whitfield. She announces a series of events to celebrate Majestic's anniversary and offers up a mouth-watering list of restaurant recommendations for Memphis and Dublin.

In part one, Majestic Grille co-owner Deni Reilly joins Holly Whitfield to talk about the restaurant's 20 years in business, its new lease and her outlook on Downtown's future. Reilly shared secrets to Cocozza's flavor-packed appetizers and announced new art partnerships. This is part one of a two-part interview.

Memphis Farmers Market board president Inga Theeke joined Holly Whitfield to talk through tasty goods from a few of the market's 90+ vendors. MFM will celebrate 20 years Downtown with a Farm Fest fundraiser on Sept. 27.

Ben Pugh of Meddlesome Brewing has led his beer company through twists and turns in the brewery business, including concerns with data center water use in the Mid-South. He joined Holly Whitfield to talk beer, his Cordova taproom and why he supports the Protect Our Aquifer advocacy group.

JEM Dining co-owner chef Josh Mutchnick and chef Jamaurin "Vino" Wright join Holly Whitfield to talk about the Edge District restaurant's first three years, chefs' notebooks and what they will serve at the Aug. 22 Edgy Tomato Fest. They also make an announcement about a new service at JEM launching this fall.

Edgy Tomato Fest organizers Stacey Greenberg and Anderson Goin joined Holly Whitfield to talk about the food, drinks, art and funky fun at the inaugural event on Aug. 22.

Daniel Blanchard aims to recreate the nostalgic, personal experience of a neighborhood bakery with his Blanchard's Organic Breads cart. He joins Holly Whitfield on Sound Bites to talk about his family's Memphis connection and his passion for the platonic ideal of baked goods.

Allie Mounce and Holly Whitfield continue the conversation. They talk about Pretty Useful Co., the design agency that Allie co-owns, and its work in the local restaurant industry. They also discuss home gardening and why they think it has become so popular. 

Loud Mary's egg stand owner Allie Mounce joins Holly Whitfield to talk micro-homesteading, vegetable gardening and raising chickens. The two discussed their friendship forged through food, sushi dinners and memorable meals.

Rebecca Severs joins Holly Whitfield to talk about running Midtown staple Bari Ristorante e Enoteca, working with her husband and three sons, being the only Italian wine ambassador in town. They also discuss Bari's signature dishes like carbonara, fresh vegetables, seafood and an enormous Italian cheese list.

Cam Smith joins Holly Whitfield to talk about his varied career, from starting his own cobbler business at age 9 to working for James Beard Award-nominated chefs in Nashville and Memphis. Smith developed Cameo's signature smashburger before becoming executive sous chef at Hog & Hominy in late 2024.

Groovy Gratitude owner Alicia Dixon and Shroomlicious owner Daishu McGriff talk about their restaurants and what they've learned hosting food events in Memphis. They also discuss the upcoming Juneteenth Umami Amora dinner on June 19.

Chef Kelly English sticks around for part two to talk about The Second Line's move to East Memphis, his restaurant recommendations and more.

Chef Kelly English doesn't want to judge your food competition, but he's spent plenty of time working with a cause close to his heart: Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. On June 6, he's helping host 26 chefs for Le Bon Appetit, a bi-annual fundraiser that supports the hospital. He joined this week's Sound Bites podcast to talk about the event.

Sophia Surrett joins host Holly Whitfield to talk about her role on the Daily Memphian's staff. She also talks about her experience covering the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest for the first time, her background in journalism and what she has learned about covering her new beat so far. 

Micah Dempsey and Stacey Hinkle join host Holly Whitfield to talk all things Belltower Coffee. They discuss the origin of Honeysuckle Sweets, their favorite menu items and how Muddy's became a part of the Belltower community of businesses.

Michelle and Brandon O'Guin, the judging organizers for the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, join host Holly Whitfield to continue the discussion about all things barbecue. They talk about their favorite stories from years past and big judging changes for the 2026 competition. 

Host Holly Whitfield is joined by Michelle and Brandon O'Guin, the judging organizers for the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. They talk about where Memphis in May is held, a potential merger with SmokeSlam and the next generation of barbecue pitmasters. 

Edible Memphis's Stacey Greenberg and founder of Memphis's AAPI Heritage Month SunAh Laybourn join Holly Whitfield to talk about the Hungry Tiger Food Club, how it all began and what you can expect from this year's Food Tour.

Allie Trotter joins host Holly Whitfield to talk about Whisks of Doom, a bakery business she started with the help of her dad. Allie shares her experience living in Albuquerque and how she carries those influences into the unique flavors of her pies. 

The Pop Spot co-owner Sylvia Leon joins host Holly Whitfield in the studio to talk about Brookhaven Circle's newest restaurant. They discuss the variety of items on the menu, the eclectic bar menu and the positive feedback Sylvia has received from diners since they opened two months ago.

Host Holly Whitfield is joined by Memphis content creator Jimmy Nguyen. Jimmy tells us about his background and love of food, his favorite restaurant recommendations, how he finds local hidden gems and what he hopes followers take away from his videos. 

Chez Phillipe's Chef de Cuisine Keith Clinton joins Holly Whitfield on this week's episode of Sound Bites to discuss Keith's culinary career, his background in Memphis and the recent award Chez Phillipe earned under his leadership. 

Eric Vernon continues the conversation with host Holly Whitfield. They talk about his role at The Bar-B-Q Shop, his views on the Memphis restaurant scene and they even address a rumor about the Memphis staple. 

Eric Vernon, owner of The Bar-B-Q Shop, joins Holly Whitfield to talk about the restaurant's origins in South Memphis to its international fame today. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode. 

Chef Jimmy Gentry continues the conversation with host Holly Whitfield to talk about The Lobbyist, including being named in the Michelin Guide American South Recommended Restaurants list. They also touch on the state of Downtown Memphis and the impact it has had on the local food and dining scene. 

Chef Jimmy Gentry of The Lobbyist and Paradox Catering joins host Holly Whitfield to talk about the beginning of his culinary career and his history with the Memphis food and dining scene.

The next era of Swamp Bar arrives this week. The Swamp Lounge is set to open soon as the Swamp Bar's casual cousin, located in the former Second Line space at 2144 Monroe Ave. Sam Reeves Hill is the bar manager at Swamp Bar and the guest on this week's Sound Bites podcast.

Stacey joins host Holly Whitfield to recap the Edible Memphis Cozy Issue and Champion Sip Soup Contest. She also talks about her Best Bites of 2025 and recaps her recent trip to Italy. 

The food stylists and cookbook authors continue the conversation with host Holly Whitfield. They talk about their 'three kitchen problem' and Amy's love of gardening. They even share their top food photography tips.

The food photographers, food stylists and cookbook authors join host Holly Whitfield to talk about the history of the carrot dog and their favorite vegetarian menus in Memphis. They also discuss the process of writing their four vegetarian-based cookbooks and the help they had along the way. Be sure not to miss Part 2!

Daishu McGriff joins Holly Whitfield to talk about The Artist Table, a "creative pop-up" concept that centers on chef residencies. She also talks about how she started Shroomlicious, "plant-forward" eating, and how her life experiences influence the food she makes today. 

Kelly English sticks around, as promised, for part two of his interview with Holly Whitfield in the new year. He tells us the reasons behind The Second Line's move to East Memphis. They also get into the differences between Cajun and Creole cooking (and which one Kelly prefers). 

Chef Kelly English joins Holly Whitfield to talk about the new location for The Second Line, Swamp Bar's expansion into the old Second Line space and his holiday traditions. 

Brothers Kellan and Davin Bartosch join Holly Whitfield to talk about the origins of one of Memphis' first breweries and their expanding menu offerings of both beverages and food.

Chefs Michael Hudman and Andy Ticer join Holly Whitfield to talk about what people can expect from their soon-to-open restaurant, Josephine Estelle, and the changes their other restaurants have seen over the years. 

Shayne Diaz joins Holly Whitfield to talk about Kuya, her soon-to-open South Main restaurant, and her inspiration behind the Filipino menu.

Ellen Chamberlain joins Holly Whitfield to walk through what a week in The Daily Memphian's food section looks like and her favorite food stories so far this year.

Theresa Schuenke joins Holly Whitfield to talk about her career in food, how she came to Memphis and the inspirations behind the menu at Fawn. 

Brad McCarley and Holly Whitfield discuss what's available at Buster's Butcher: imported rare cheeses, locally-sourced meats and McCarley's mom's chicken salad recipe. This is part two of the interview.

Buster's Butcher co-owner Brad McCarley joins Holly Whitfield to share his journey from rock climber to recording artist to restaurant Renaissance man. This is part one of the interview.

Grecian Gourmet Kitchen owner Corinne Knight joins Holly Whitfield to talk about the journey from a farmer's market staple to a South Main restaurant, and now the focus on catering and Grab and Go.

Soul & Spirits owners Blair Perry and Ryan Allen join Holly Whitfield to talk about how their brewery came to be and what's next for their outdoor space. 

Host Holly Whitfield is joined by podcast producer Natalie Van Gundy to recount some of their favorite recent eats, as well as a list of places they'd like to try soon. 

Amy and Hayes McPherson join host Holly Whitfield to talk about the transition from owning and operating a coffee shop to roasting coffee and canning beverages. 

Travis Ritzie, owner of Ritzie's Barbecue, joins Holly Whitfield to talk about his beginnings with Texas barbecue, his time at Leroy & Lewis in Austin and the process of opening his own food trailer with his wife, Paige. 

Hive owner Josh Steiner joins host Holly Whitfield to talk about his years in the restaurant industry, what led him to open Hive and a breakdown on bagels. 

Holly Whitfield is joined by DJ Naylor and Reny Alfonso of Brazen Restaurant Group, which owns Celtic Crossing, Bog & Barley and the newly opened Maeve's Tavern in Collierville. The two talk about what their restaurants have in common and how they differ, as well as big shifts they've seen in the industry.

Cole Jeanes and Harrison Downing join Holly Whitfield to talk about Sundays, the Kinfolk pop up at Hard Times Deli. They also discuss what people can expect from Gussied Up, a bar that Jeanes, Downing and Schuyler O'Brien will open in the Edge District next year. 

The owners of Memphis Whistle join Holly Whitfield to talk about the beginnings of their lounge and craft cocktail bar and what makes their prohibition style drinks so unique.