Memphis Magazine readers voted Chef Kelly English and Restaurant Iris staff the “Best” in Memphis!

The results are in and Memphis Magazine readers have, once again, voted Chef Kelly English and the Restaurant Iris staff the “Best” in Memphis! We are thrilled and excited to announce the following Memphis Magazine awards:

First Place

• Best Restaurant (2012, 2011, 2010)
• Best Chef (2012, 2011, 2010)
• Best Service (2012, 2011, 2010, 2009)
• Best Wine List (2012, 2011)
• Best Ambiance (2012, 2011)

First, we must thank every member of our team. We are so proud of our staff- most who have been with us since we opened the doors in 2008- for their unwavering support and dedication. Each of you are amazingly talented at what you do and daily live out our commitment to guest service. Without each of you, these awards would be out of reach.

Many thanks to all of our loyal guests that thought enough of us to go online and vote for us. It’s our sincere pleasure to serve you.

Finally, a hearty congratulations to all of our friends and colleagues who were also honored this year. It’s a privilege to work with each of you.

Calling all opinionated diners!

The 2011 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards

Chef Kelly English, Restaurant Iris, Memphis, TN Southeast Region

Participating in the James Beard Foundation Awards process has never been easier. Tell us your name, e-mail address, and state of residence, then submit your suggestions for nominees in up to 19 categories, ranging from Best New Restaurant to Rising Star Chef of the Year.

Click here to register

• Deadline for entry is December 31, 2010 at 11:59PM.
• One entry per person, please.
• Membership in the James Beard Foundation is not required for entry.
• Winners will be announced on May 9, 2011 at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City.

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Need a gift idea?

How about a copy of the Wild Abundance cookbook signed by Chef Kelly English for only $45!

Limited quantities available at the restaurant (2146 Monroe Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119) 

Read all about Wild Abundance here.

Gift cards to Restaurant Iris are also available in any denomination. Just stop by the restaurant or give us a call! (901.590.2828)

Celebrate the 2010 Holiday Season with Us!

This year’s holiday season is quickly approaching; why not celebrate with a meal at Restaurant Iris?

Please observe our holiday schedule:

* November 25: Closed
* December 24: Open
* December 25 & 26: Closed
* December 31: Open
* January 1: Open
* January 2-4: Closed

Book Restaurant Iris for your Holiday Party!

Are you stressed out about planning your office Christmas party? Don’t feel like hosting the annual NYE party at your house? Let us take care of it!

At Restaurant Iris, we take care of everything; from the space, to the food, to the clean up, we’ve got you covered. For more information, call Jeff Frisby at 901-590-2828 or email jfrisby@restaurantiris.com.

Need a gift idea for this holiday season? Buy them a Restaurant Iris gift card!
Just call 901-590-2828 to buy yours today.

Chef Kelly English Named Semifinalist for James Beard Foundation Award

Chef Kelly English, owner and chef of Restaurant Iris, has been recognized as a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef of the Southeast.  The foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Committee selected English as a nominee out of over 21,000 online entries.

Established in 1990, the James Beard Foundation Awards honors the finest chefs and restaurants in the country and are often referred to as “The Oscars of Food.”  These awards carry on the legacy of James Beard, whom many consider to be the father of American-style gourmet cooking.  Those nominated as finalists will be announced on March 22, and winners will be announced at the foundations annual gala on Monday, May 3, 2010 at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York, NY.

This is not the first time Restaurant Iris and Chef English have been recognized for excellence in the culinary world.  In 2009, English was voted ‘Best New Chef’ by Food and Wine Magazine. Recently, English was voted ‘Best Chef’ by Memphis Magazine’s Readers Poll, along with several other awards for Restaurant Iris.

Born and raised in southern Louisiana, Chef English draws from his first-hand knowledge of Cajun and Creole cuisine to create a menu that has made Restaurant Iris a premiere destination in Memphis.  After graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and training under famed Chef John Besh, English opened Restaurant Iris in April of 2008.

Click here to download press release (PDF)

Patio Renovations at Restaurant Iris are Complete

We’ve officially completed our patio renovations! Changes include the addition of approximately 12-15 outdoor dining seats, a seating area and beautiful landscaping. Mark Comes and his team from Greg Touliatos and Associates led the renovation, with direction from Jackie Glisson. We’ve created a serene, intimate outdoor dining experience for our guests to enjoy come spring!

Follow us on Twitter (@restaurantiris) or become a fan on Facebook to stay up-to-date with Restaurant Iris news!

Restaurant Iris Featured in Delta Magazine's "2009 Best Of" Guide

Restaurant Iris’ “Oysters Three Ways” appetizer has been selected as one of Delta Magazine’s “Ultimate Eats!” in their “2009 Best Of…Food Lover’s Guide.” The September/October issue features their picks for the “best eats” in Memphis, Oxford, the Mississippi Delta and Metro Jackson areas.

For more information, check out Delta Magazine online.

Chef Kelly English to participate in "Farm to Table: A Chef's Collaborative Dinner"

Chef Kelly English of Restaurant Iris will participate in the “Farm to Table: A Chef’s Collaborative Dinner” to benefit Certified Arkansas Farmers Market. The Farm to Table Dinner is a fundraiser in which guest chefs are invited to prepare dishes inspired by the wealth of Arkansas soil.

The event will take place June 7 at 6:30 at Ashleys at the Capital Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas. Tickets are $150 each (plus taxes and gratuity) and include six courses with wine pairings. For reservations, call 501.370.7011 or email ashleys@capitalhotel.com.

Chef English will join chefs Greg Loyd (Ciao Baci), Sonnie Fereau (Ferneau), Lee Richardson (Capital Hotel) and Tandra Watkins (Captial Hotel) and guest farmers Jody Hardin, Sue and Rusty Nuffer and P. Allen Smith.

Restaurant Iris Earns Four Stars from the Commercial Appeal

Restaurant Iris has earned a rare four-star review from Commercial Appeal.  In a review published on July 18, 2008, CA food critic Jennifer Biggs says,

Four-star ratings are not handed out carelessly by dining critics at this newspaper. In the 10 years that we’ve used the four-star system, five have earned the honor. Today, Restaurant Iris becomes the sixth. Chef/owner Kelly English opened his casual fine-dining spot in the former La Tourelle house less than three months ago, and word of mouth has already made it improbable that you’ll get a table if you walk in without a reservation even midweek. There are many reasons.

Click here to read the full review

To make a reservation at Restaurant Iris, please call 901.590.2828.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday- Saturday: 5pm- 10pm

Sunday Brunch: 11am- 3pm