Memphis is My Boyfriend: Episode 3: The Gray Canary & Whiskey Wins

So, it all started when we were walking downtown one very, very late night. We had been to a couple of bars earlier, but just couldn’t find anything to tickle our fancy. So we walked hand-in-hand, commenting on how dark downtown can look. When suddenly, we happened to cross a huge glass window. The place was dimly lit, but it had people in it. So we ventured inside.
Even though there was a huge window to the outside world, I felt like I stepped into a secret speakeasy. The atmosphere was calm and rushed at the same time. As we made our way to the bar, people glanced our way and threw us a few coy smiles and head nods. Yea, I have definitely traveled in time.
When we sat down, we were immediately greeted by the warmest smile. The bar-woman informed us that the kitchen was closed, but the bar was open and ready. My hubby and I exchanged looks that said, “We’re here now, so let’s get something.” He replied that he would like some whiskey. Because I felt that his response was too broad, I quickly scanned their selection and blurted out a name.
The bar-woman gave us a smile that said she was about to open a door to Alice and Wonderland. She stepped forward. “Hi, I’m Lacy. And if you like whiskey and bourbon, I have just the thing for you.”
Down the dark hole we went. I have never met someone so knowledgeable about whiskey and bourbon in my life!!!!!! On the spot, she created for us a whiskey/bourbon flight and explained how each brand had a unique way of making their spirits. She asked if we have ever been to Gray Canary before. After getting over the initial shock that this was our first time, she proceeded to tell us about all the delicious cocktails and food that are served on a regular basis. 
Once we had soaked in all the liquor and information we could hold, Lacy then invited us to The Gray Canary Cocktail Dinner that upcoming Wednesday. 
Y’all…..I have never been so amazed in my entire foodie life. I’ve been to several food pairing before, but never had I experienced pairings that were SPOT ON! The Bubbly Pear was the Welcome Cocktail. It was perfectly sweet and matched my nails. The 1st course cocktail, Old Dom Dilly-O was the perfect balance of heat and sweet. It cooled my pucker down nicely because the peanut chili crisp was SPICY! 
The 2nd course, O.D.D Gin and Juice paired with Salmon and Dill, was amaze-balls!!!! I used my salmon to sop up the mustard vinaigrette and horseradish.  I definitely sent a clean plate back to the kitchen.
The 3rd course was my absolute favorite. I still think about the collard greens with the pickled jalapeno cornbread. And as a black woman born and raised in the South, it takes alot to impress me with some collard greens and cornbread. But y’all…………...they did it!!!!!!!! I wanted to ask for a second helping, but didn’t want to appear greedy. (I wasn’t greedy, just infatuated.) 
The 4th and final course was brisket with sweet potato and tobacco onion. Yes!!!! TOBACCO ONION!!!! ***Picks self off of floor.*** The brisket was so tender that my fork easily separated the meat. It was soooo delicious. Mrs. Wolowitz, from Big Bang Theory, would have been so proud. The cocktail paired with it was the “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.” It was a coffee infused Huling Bourbon based cocktail. And it woke me the hell up!!!! (No pun intended to Bartlett’s Wake Me the Hell Up coffee.) 
One late night walk turned into a Wednesday night cocktail and dinner pairing I will never forget. The Gray Canary has these cocktail dinners on a regular basis. You definitely want to do yourself a favor and follow them on IG!!!!! Be on the look-out for their next dinner.

---