Overton Park Pizze Stone (Closed)

Edited to add: New at Overton Park Pizze Stone--Sunday nights are kids nights 5-8pm!
Bring in your kids, and they'll let them build their own pizza at the table and then cook it up for them!

Overton Park Pizze Stone
1545 Overton Park
725-7806

After the storm a couple of weeks ago, Warren and I decided to try the new pizza place in the old Marena's/Rustica spot. We arrived at 6pm, despite being monkey-less. (They were at a sleepover and we were trying to catch an early movie.) I figured it was a fancy place, since the previous two tenants focused on fine dining, but it wasn't. Well, the decor was still fancy (doesn't seem like they changed much) and the menu was definitely fancier than say the Pizza Cafe, but it had a very casual feel on the inside.

And it was crawling with families.

It was almost comical. We sat in a window seat and marveled at how many people with kids kept piling in. "Wow, it's awesome how the neighborhood is coming out to support this place," I remarked. "It was smart of them to go with a more casual menu."

We had a very nice dinner. We tried a couple of appetizers and the Lucca Brazzi (Sleep with the Fishes) featuring marinated anchovies. Warren really liked it, but I couldn't do the anchovies. Regardless I was determined to return with the monkeys (Satchel, 7, and Jiro, 5).


We decided to ride our bikes over tonight before going to see the Juke Joint Duo at the Shell. We got there around seven and found the restaurant full, but not nearly as packed as our first visit. The main dining room seemed full of people without children. We were led to the back room where we found several other families, mostly with small kids. The monkeys were fairly starving, so we started looking at the menu right away. The kids were debating between cheese and pepperoni when our waiter came over. We went ahead and ordered drinks--lemonade for the boys, water for us--and the waiter asked me if we wanted him to go ahead and put in the kids' order. I declined, but thought it was nice of him to ask.

By the time he returned with the drinks we had decided on the cilantro chicken wings appetizer, a pepperoni pizza, a pesto pizza, and a Napoli pizza. The monkey's friend, Will, who is nine, was with us, and I wasn't sure how much he could eat. Besides everything sounded good.

Having a friend in tow made the monkeys a little more hyper than usual. The noise level at our table was higher than I would have liked and Satchel and Jiro were both having a hard time behaving. All in all, it wasn't too bad--the volume in the restaurant was pretty loud overall. (Thankfully loud enough to drown out the killer burp Satchel let loose.)

After 15 minutes or so our chicken wings came out. They were really hot (temperature wise) which turned off the kids initially. Warren and I were not deterred. I thought they were very flavorful and well cooked. They were more sweet than hot and I'm not sure I would have known there was cilantro in them were it not for the name. Once they cooled off Satchel ate three of the seven. He liked them so much that I had to forcefully remove the bones from his mouth due to the loud sucking noises he was making!

Jiro and Will, who both refused the wings, were clamoring for pizza. Our waiter stopped by several times to check on us and assure us that the pizza was coming. He said that they were getting slammed with take out orders. Normally I would have been annoyed, but I was in a good mood and I appreciated having the information, even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear.


The pizza did finally arrive (maybe 15-20 minutes later) and we all eagerly dug in. (I noted that it was cut in squares--a change from our first visit.) The kids all declared it delicious and were very happy. Warren and I both liked the Napoli and pesto pizza. The Napoli featured pepperoni, sausage, and crimini mushrooms. The pesto had goat cheese, mozarella, tomato, and pine nuts. The pesto was a little over cooked around the edges, but the center pieces were perfect.

We all stuffed ourselves, but had plenty of pizza left. (Two would have been plenty.) I was faced with a quandary--how would I get it home in my little bike basket? I saw that the table next to us had a styrofoam container, which would fit perfectly, but I really am trying to avoid the FOAM. I asked the waiter for foil and he gave me a look. I explained that I was anti-styrofoam, and he happily offered to get me a cardboard box. I accepted, and then realized that there was no way it would fit in my basket. So he brought out several sheets of foil and apologized all the while. I felt ridiculous by now and just said, "Ok, bring me a styrofoam container, I don't care." He then brought me three and said, "Here you go, you don't have to use them all if you don't want to."

Meanwhile another guy came over to ask how everything was. "It wasn't too slow was it?" I smiled and said it was fine. It was. (I prefer fast, but fine is fine.)

I sent Warren and the boys out to ready the bikes while I paid the tab. Our total was $50, which was a bit much for a pizza dinner. (~$10/person) Had we stuck with two pizzas instead of three, it would have been more reasonable, I'm sure.

Anyways, we had a nice time, and will probably go back with and without the monkeys...and maybe just call for take out. They also do lunch, which might be more conducive to tighter budgets.

Umai (Closed)

Umai
2015 Madison
405-4241

Umai is not a kids' restaurant. However, Ken Lumpkin, the chef/owner, has an eight-year-old son (who can sometimes be found helping out), and will not look at you in fear should you decide to bring your kid(s) to his restaurant. (He's even specifically invited a whole bunch of kids to his restaurant before!)

Located on Madison just east of Overton Square, Umai is a delightful, cozy restaurant unlike any other in Memphis. Specializing in French/Japanese fusion, it is one of a kind. The interior features an open kitchen with a long bar and a few adjacent tables, a small dining room, and a lovely patio. Umai recently started serving wine and is the only place I know of that has Miki Moto beer on tap.

The monkeys (Satchel, 7, and Jiro, 5) are big fans of Umai because they know Ken and his son, Kai. Satchel recently went to Umai with Kai (and his mom) on Kai's birthday and came home raving about the unagi hand rolls. In fact, he talked about them so much, Warren attempted to ease his craving by making some at home. This calmed him down a bit, but when I finally announced that we could eat dinner at Umai, he was overjoyed and immediately started licking his lips.

We went on a Thursday evening around 6:30pm. Warren was busy working in the garage/future "man cave," so I braved the (fine) dining with monkeys on my own. I was a little concerned about what Jiro was going to eat, so I broke one of my rules and let him bring his DSi in the event that he ended up with no food to keep him busy. Satchel was so excited about eating at Umai, he didn't even ask if he could bring his, which is unheard of. (They always ask and I always say no. Well, almost always.)

We walked in, greeted Ken, and took a seat in the small dining room. I noticed that Ken had recently installed a wine cooler and wine rack, and noted that it was a nice touch. There were a couple of other tables already seated. While I perused the menu, Satchel repeatedly told me that he wanted three unagi hand rolls and a crunchy crab roll.

The sushi at Umai is pretty sophisticated and the menu didn't actually list either of the two items Satchel wanted, nor something simple that Jiro might like. I turned to the regular menu and got distracted by tantalizing items that I wanted to eat. When the waitress came over, I asked her if Ken could do a repeat performance from Kai's birthday and make some unagi hand rolls and a crunchy crab roll. This didn't seem to be a problem at all. Then I ordered a spicy tuna roll and a my favorite roll with tuna, red pepper, and green apple as well as the Spicy Tuna Poke and a Romaine Salad with fresh fruit and a tomato lime, ginger vinaigrette. I planned to eat half of everything and take the rest to Warren. (Looking back, I should have ordered a grilled beef hanger steak with creamed potatoes or something else as a back up for Jiro.)

Satchel sat absolutely still with his hands in his lap and literally counted the seconds until his food arrived. Since Ken makes everything to order, we had a bit of a wait, but not too long. Every few minutes, Satchel would ask, "Where's my unagi hand rolls?"

The waitress brought out a few amuse bouches--complimentary appetite whetters. They were small spoonfuls of some savory stew. I found it quite yummy, but Satchel was hesitant. I picked out the beef bits and mushrooms for him and he liked those just fine. Jiro refused to even try his, so Satchel and I split it.

Next came my salad, which neither monkey had any interest in, but which I found quite pleasing--both visually and gastronomically. The fresh fruit was grapefruit and oranges, which I love. It was so pretty that I wanted to take a picture, but I soon realized that I didn't have my camera. (Doh!)

Next came the Spicy Tuna Poke, which also had a small salad. Satchel was getting impatient. "Where are my unagi hand rolls?" he asked me pleadingly. "They're coming," I assured him. Jiro was happily off in DSi-land. The poke was great, but definitely too spicy for the monkeys. It came with some fried crispies (some kind of bread or wonton wrapper) that Satchel sullenly munched on while waiting for his beloved unagi hand rolls.

When the sushi finally arrived, Satchel's eyes lit up. The unagi hand rolls contained two plump strips of unagi, thinly sliced avocado, and sushi rice rolled up in nori cone. I watched as Satchel popped each one into his mouth in one big bite and chewed with a big grin on his face. They were literally gone in less than a minute!

"What am I going to eat?" Jiro asked sadly. I pointed him to the crab roll, which is usually his favorite at other sushi places, but he didn't like something about the way it looked. (I think the real crab versus the crab stick threw him off!) Satchel too decided he did not want the crab roll. "Fine, more for me and Daddy!" I replied.

Exercising great restraint, I asked the waitress to box up all of the leftovers, and we paid our check without incident. It was probably the best I have ever seen the monkeys behave in public. It was weird! Too bad Umai is a bit pricey, barring us from more frequent visits. (Hint: Sunday brunch might be a more affordable way to give Umai a try. And, you can get Umai sushi to go at Miss Cordelia's!)

On the way home, I stopped at Sonic where Jiro and Satchel both pigged out. (Warren also requested a chocolate malt to go with his leftovers.)

Interim

Interim Restaurant & Bar
5040 Sanderlin Avenue
818-0821

As cruise director for Team Oster, it is my job to plan fun outings for us. Warren and I wanted to attend Wayne Edge's art opening at David Lusk on Friday night, which gave me the excuse I've been looking for to suggest another dinner at Interim. The challenge? These plans came together late Friday afternoon and did not include a babysitter. No matter, I thought, the monkeys (Satchel, 7, and Jiro, 5) have survived art openings and fancy restaurants in the past. I actually thought it might be even more fun to have a "grown up evening" with them in tow.

As usual, I was right. (But it took some forethought.)

The monkeys were starving when I picked them up from school at 5pm. (They go year round.) I was faced with two options: 1) feed them and risk having them not eat any of their expensive dinner (and be bored/antsy) or 2) not feed them and risk having them go apeshit at the opening (and possibly cancel our dinner plans).

I decided to go with option #1. I of course tried to steer them towards a small snack, but they clamored for macaroni and cheese. "Guys, the restaurant we're going to for dinner has great macaroni! It has bacon in it!" I said. They did not care. Satchel was near tears he was so hungry, so I gave in. They snacked on cashews until the mac was ready, then between the two of them they polished off the box.

I didn't sweat it.

Wayne Edge's art was absolutely amazing and the monkeys found it very appealing as well. He uses a lot of sticks, rocks, wood, shells, and other natural materials so it was very "familiar" to them. I got them each a Sprite and we walked around and talked about each piece. Then we chatted with Wayne for a bit. (He and Warren know each other from Kendo, and I interviewed him for the story I did.) Then we left without incident. (Okay Jiro was on the floor giggling about something, but just for a minute.)

We arrived at Interim at 7:00, which was 15 minutes earlier than our reservation, but it wasn't a problem. I requested that Johnny G. wait on us since he is an old friend and he swore to me earlier in the day that I would not be the only person in the restaurant with kids. (There was another table with a few tweens when we arrived, one with a eight-ish looking boy, and later a family came in with two boys about the same ages as my monkeys.)

The hostess led us to our table in the dining room and we all took our seats. Unfortunately Jiro took a seat on the floor. "Get in your chair, silly," I said in an attempt to meet him halfway. He didn't budge. Uh-oh, I thought, here we go. "Get in your seat." I said a little more sternly. Nothing.

"Jiro, now," Warren said. Finally, he complied. I began reviewing our restaurant rules so that he might get with the program, but I could see that he was in a mischievous mood (and not hungry). He started lining up his silverware, then everyone else's, in front of him. Not my favorite choice of activities, but it kept him occupied.

Johnny G. asked for our drink orders and Warren and I each promptly ordered a beer. (Red Stripe for me; Stella for him.) The kids got water.

Meanwhile Satchel was busy reading his menu. "What's this word?" he asked pointing to "tenderloin." I can only assumed he cared because it was next to the word "beef," one of his favorites. (A boy after my own heart. When I was growing up we always went out to eat steak.)

I asked Jiro if he wanted the macaroni and cheese, but he didn't seem to be interested in eating anything. (Uh-oh.) I turned my attention to Warren and we started discussing appetizers. "Forget the macaroni," I said, "Let's get the crab cakes or the oysters with roasted red pepper & chili granita." (I also suggested the cheese plate, but Warren reminded me of the one super stinky cheese featured on our last visit.) The oysters won.

I already knew I was getting the orechiette pasta with grilled gulf shrimp and chorizo for dinner, so I didn't have to look at the entrees. However, Johnny G. pointed out that they had changed the pasta a bit since my last visit. It now featured pancetta instead of the hard chorizo. I love pancetta, but I'd been dreaming of the chorizo. (Insert sausage joke here.) Graciously Johnny G. agreed to ask the kitchen of they might make a substitution for me.

"Can I get the burger?" Warren asked me sheepishly. It normally drives me nuts when he orders a burger in a nice restaurant, but Interim is fairly famous for theirs. (It features Neola Farms beef, bacon, white cheddar, roasted tomato, pickle, lettuce, roasted garlic aioli & house-cut fries.) Besides, it was clear that Satchel wanted the $30 Grilled Beef Tenderloin with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus, crispy onions & red wine reduction.

Johhny G. returned with the good news that there was some chorizo in the house, and we placed our order. (I asked him to split the tenderloin into two servings so Jiro could share and it was not a problem.) Next a couple we know came in with a visiting relative and a few minutes later I saw a colleague of mine and her spouse. None of these people are parents. The pressure was on!

"Let's go wash our hands!" Warren said in his most inspirational tone. The monkeys just looked at him. "Come on, you can see the black toilets in the bathroom!" Still not interested. "Let's go see if they have a gumball machine!" he said. Now this interested them. They went off and I took a big gulps of beer until they returned.

Soon we had some bread delivered, and shortly after, the oysters. "Oh--gross!" Satchel said when he saw them. "Ew!" Jiro concurred. I told Satchel that I didn't try a raw oyster until last year and that I had always thought they were gross too, but that now they were one of my favorite things to eat. "Really?" he asked. I could tell that this information was making an impact.

"Want to try one?" I asked. Furiously he shook his head no. "I'll give you $10," I said. (Seven-year-olds will do just about anything for $10.)

"Okay!" he said.

"You can't spit it out," I said.

"Can I drink water right after I swallow it?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. (It was like we were on a reality show or something.)

Satchel ate the oyster, took a big sip of water, and put out his hand for the $10. "Did you like it?" I asked.

"NUH-UH," he said, but he couldn't help smiling. He was proud--and rich!

Warren and I happily ate the rest of the oysters, which were great. The granita was just shaved ice, and with the lemon squirted on top, was quite refreshing. "They're like oyster sno-cones!" Warren raved for the kids' benefit.

The boys were behaving just fine, but Jiro was still on the verge of blowing our cover. Warren, who was nervous about the whole production, decided to pull out the big guns. "Behave and we'll go to Target when dinner is over," he said. I gave him a look, but Jiro's complete attitude change kept me from saying anything.

However, this benign gesture turned all dinner conversation away from the art we just saw and the food we were about to eat towards one topic only: What DS game to buy at Target.

BORING.

Then out of nowhere Warren said, "I feel like I'm in Hell's Kitchen." I laughed and asked why. "Because I can see everyone cooking," he said. "Look boys, see them making our dinner?" The monkeys looked briefly before returning to their Pokemon talk. "We should paint our kitchen black," Warren said still dreamily staring into the kitchen.

His reverie was cut short with the arrival of our food. I had a huge serving of pasta, the monkeys each had a cute little plate of tenderloin, and Warren had the burger of his dreams. Warren put ketchup on his finger and convinced us (for about 10 seconds) that he had cut himself with his knife. This of course, led Jiro to repeat this joke about 15 more times WITH THE VERY SHARP STEAK KNIFE THAT WAS DELIVERED TO HIM ALONG WITH HIS TENDERLOIN. Good times!

Jiro ate Warren's french fries while I cute his steak; Satchel ate all of his mashed potatoes before starting on the asparagus all the while begging me for some of my shrimp; and Warren bit into his burger and accidentally squirted tomato juice all over Satchel's white shirt. We were off to a great start! It wasn't a total disaster though. I eventually convinced Jiro to take at least one bite of everything on his plate, and I convinced Satchel to let me cut his meat rather than watch him tear it apart with his teeth (and hands). Satchel ate every single bite on his plate plus two of my giant shrimp. (Warren gladly helped Jiro finish his dinner.) My pasta was just as good as I remembered and I had plenty to bring home.

Warren pointed out that the two little boys I mentioned earlier were happily splitting a burger at their table. I looked over and smiled at them.

Next it was my turn to check out the black toilets. Jiro tagged along and I convinced him to wash his hands again by pointing out that the soap smelled yummy. (He loves smelling soap.) On our way back we saw chef Jackson Baker at the bar, and he greeted me by name (bonus points) and asked how our meal was. "It was great," I replied genuinely.

It was.

I can't wait to take the monkeys out again. You know what they say, practice makes perfect!

Jerry's Sno Cone

Jerry's Sno Cone
1657 Wells Station Rd.
767-2659

I've read about Jerry's Sno Cones before, but I think the most recent mention in Memphis Magazine (as a part of their Hot List) finally made me want to try it. The short article mentioned new owners and the addition of food to the menu. Somehow the food part got me. What I didn't get was how the article could leave out the most important thing--the address! Of course, thanks to the Internet and MapQuest (and my husband), I found it.

It wasn't exactly easy to find. The MapQuest directions were of course a little goofy, and my alternate route based on the map was a bit more complicated in the real, but our persistence (and twenty minutes of twists and turns) eventually landed us in the right spot. (I later discovered that the easiest way to get there is to turn north on Waring from Summer. Waring turns into Wells Station so it is a straight shot.)

We pulled in at about 7:30pm with plans to eat dinner, but the long line, heat, lack of seating, and realization that we only had $6 in cash caused us to do something unprecedented: eat dessert before dinner. The monkeys (Satchel, 7, and Jiro, 5) had some prior experience with Snow Balls in New Orleans last year and were ready to place their orders. Jiro wanted a cherry sno cone (large!), Satchel just wanted a vanilla ice cream cone, and Warren wanted a chocolate cone. (We only had $6!) Warren tried to convince Jiro to get a pineapple coconut sno cone, but he wouldn't go for it. So I ordered one knowing I'd eventually give it to Warren in exchange for his chocolate ice cream.

Looking around at the people congregating in the parking lot, it was clear that the menu offered much more exciting items than we ordered. Unfortunately, the menu consists of a trifold taped to the window. I asked for one to take with me but they were out. The menu portion of the website is blank. Also there are tiny pieces of paper, some half-faded into obscurity, all over the windows offering other treats.

We basically left saying, "Next time we'll do better."

When we woke up the next morning, Jiro asked, "Can we go to the sno cone place again? I want a rainbow." Satchel had no interest in going back (he only wants to eat unagi hand rolls at Umai) even when I promised him a hamburger. Unfortunately for him I had a hankering for a sno cone with ice cream--a sno cone supreme. I figured Satchel would come around once we got there so we left on a two to one vote.

First stop, the bank. Remember, Jerry's is cash only.

The monkeys and I pulled in right at noon. (Website says they are open from 3:30-9:00pm, but a small piece of paper taped to the window says 11:00am-9:00pm.) The parking lot was again full and there was a line of people. It was scorching hot and there wasn't a bit of shade, but none of us cared. Satchel was already asking me if they had ice cream sundaes. Since we hadn't eaten lunch, I hoped to talk them into a hot dog or a burger, but they weren't interested. For a brief second Jiro said he wanted nachos, but changed his mind. Satchel eventually agreed to eat some french fries.

There are a few signs that say "Call in your hot food orders" pasted around the building, but it was very clear that everyone ahead of us was ordering food, so I decided it was OK to order in person too. (The line was moving so slow I could have easily called in my order from the line.) The kids repeated their orders ad naseum until I finally made it to the front. I decided to get a burger combo in addition to our previously agreed upon treats. Our total was $15 and I put $2 in the tip jar. (There are two very hardworking teens behind the windows and maybe one guy--their dad?) I didn't get a receipt and I didn't ever really figure out what everything cost, but $15 seemed semi-reasonable.

We moved to the side and waited for our order. This gave me plenty of time to see what the fifteen people in front of us ordered. The Willy burger, whatever that is, seemed popular, as did chili dogs and chili cheese fries. The sno cone supremes were also everywhere as well as sno cone creams--sno cones with whipped cream. I even saw one lady get a ziplock bag of frozen cherries freshly dipped in chocolate!


Of course every time they called out an order, the monkeys exclaimed, "Where's ours?" But they were fairly patient considering the circumstances. I really think that Jerry's should add some seating around the restaurant. There seems to be room. Not that anyone seems to let the lack of seating stop them from coming, but it would be a nice touch. There's a playground caddy corner to Jerry's that has a few benches (and a playground!). I considered walking over there with our treats, but it was pretty crowded too.

By the time we got our treats we still had to wait another five minutes or so for the burger combo. At this point Jiro decided he wanted french fries too, but I informed him that there was no way that I was going to wait in line again! He didn't like this, but the liberal sharing we were all doing with our treats kept everyone happy. I have to say that based on my cousin Nancy's description from Cool, Uptown, Jerry's definitely makes Sno Balls and not Snow Cones and that the addition of ice cream is brilliant! I was a little disappointed to discover that the ice cream only went half way down my cup, but overall I was very pleased. Jiro loved his rainbow and Satchel loved his sundae (vanilla ice cream, strawberry sauce, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry). None of us could finish though. (Ditto for our first visit.) I would definitely recommend going with the small sizes! (However I think the supremes and creams only come in large.)

When the burger and fries were ready we were all ready for some air-conditioning, so we piled in the car. The monkeys agreed to share the fries (which I found to be a little grease heavy. I'd say they were twice fried but that seems unlikely considering the steady line and long wait.) Neither wanted any of the burger, which was fine with me. It was meaty and delicious. I wished I had some ketchup on it, but other than that it was damn good. I'd definitely order food there again. (Although I did discover that the highly acclaimed Maya's Mexican Restaurant is very nearby. I might eat there before getting my sno cone on.)

Overall:
Ambiance: Lively and fun--everyone is bingeing and/or sugared up!
Service: A little slow, but worth the wait. The workers are working, they just have a lot to do!
Kid-friendliness: Good in the sense that kids love sugary treats, but bad in the sense that there is nowhere to sit and who nows what you'd do if your kid had to suddenly go potty!
Eco-friendliness: Unfortunately it seems as though sno cones and styrofoam go together like a horse and carriage. Boo!