Taste of the Game: Memphis Tigers vs. Ole Miss Rebels

The Beauty Shop Restaurant, photo from its Facebook page

It’s going to be a heater for sure as the we head down 55 to Memphis to take on the undefeated Tigers on their turf.

For most of us Rebels, Memphis is a home away from home to travel to. We have experienced a great deal of Memphis from music to cuisine. As you can imagine, it was tough for me to narrow down the plethora of choices for this week’s stop for the Taste of the Game.

I decided to ask my long time friend who is a Ole Miss alum and now a lawyer in Memphis to help me narrow down the choices for Rebels to take over this weekend. I’m glad I went with his choice because, folks, if you’re looking for a great place to make a weekend out of from lunch to dinner and even Sunday Brunch then I have an eclectic place for you.

I am a bit of fashionista and spend my fair share of time in a beauty shop as it is called but folks this is not your typical “Beauty Shop.” This week we are going to dine in style at The Beauty Shop in Memphis which was Priscilla Presley’s former curl-and-dye spot.

Don’t be mistaken by its nostalgia. The Beauty Shop’s dining experience is one that is hip and trendy amidst eclectic and hip Cooper Young District in Midtown Memphis. Just in case you wanted to have a bit of the 50s salon experience, it offers select seating under hooded Belvedere hair dryers.

“Look good. Eat good” motto greets the patrons as they come in. I say it was meant to be for our Rebels because we sure know how to look good and eat good during our tailgating.

Photo from its Facebook page

So The Beauty Shop offers a few different menus because they open for lunch and then reopen for dinner and of course, their delectable Sunday Brunch.

If you decide to make it early to Memphis or plan to watch the game from afar then definitely start off with their Lunch Menu offered Monday to Saturday (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) If you’re looking for a quick bite then go for their scrumptious sandwich called the BEASTIE BOY that has roast beef, horseradish, roasted red peppers, provolone, lemon aioli, warm au jus dipping sauce.

If you’re looking to stay awhile then get their signature WATERMELON and WINGS that has white szechwan pepper, sugar dust, sweet chile lime sauce, greens, toasted cashews.

Wash it down with one of their signature cocktails. I go for BULLEIT RYE OLD FASHIONED that has maraschino luxardo, muddled orange, sugar, bitters or MOJITO PLANTATION made with Plantation Grand Reserve rum, muddled mint, lime, raw sugar and charged water.

Photo from The Beauty Shop Restaurant Facebook page

If you need something post-game then you will not be disappointed that you waited to splurge for dinner while taking a break from that liquid game day diet we all love so much. Dinner is served Monday to Thursday (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) and Friday to Saturday (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.) The Dinner menu is endless when it comes to the possibilities. I don’t even know where to begin, but you will want to splurge just to get a taste of everything on here.

I would start off with their CRISPY CALAMARI & ZUCCHINI that has lime, chile garlic marinade, Thai basil, ginger and tomato lime vinaigrette.

Then you must have their Maple Glazed Benton’s Bacon wrapped STEAK FRITES made with Filet mignon, peppercorn mustard seed crust, truffle oil, parmesan, pepper and house-made fries.

Then pair it with BEAUTY SHOP MARTINI that has Grey Goose l’orange vodka, Grand Marnier, raw sugar and orange squeeze or SOLSTICE STATE OF MINDBAD BOY BLOODY MARY with pickled okra or a BIG BOY MIMOSA made with champagne, fresh orange juice or grapefruit.

There is pretty much something for everyone’s palette on this Brunch Selection. Go with BEIGNETS with preserves and you can even purchase the Sunday edition of the New York Times if you’re so inclined. If not, then go for the classic with a twist with the BLUEBERRY BUTTERMILK PANCAKES with coconut mascarpone or PECAN BELGIAN WAFFLES.

The menu has true style and beauty. The Beauty Shop is the perfect place for the Rebels to enjoy their game weekend outside of Oxford while feeling like they are at home. Don’t forget to rock your Red attire Rebels. See you in Memphis!

Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo is a HottyToddy.com contributor, veteran SEC sports journalist and Brown University graduate. She loves good cigars, good games and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order. She can be reached at misskentuckyus2011@gmail.com.