It's been awhile since I lived in Memphis (left in '01) but Karen Carrier has a couple of restaurants that we enjoyed.
Automatic Slim's and The Beauty Shop
Slim's is downtown across from the Peabody and The Beauty Shop is in the Cooper-Young district. Both funky and interestingly prepared food that's not for everybody.
Automatic Slim's
83 South Second Street ,
Memphis , TN 38103
901-525-7948
The Beauty Shop
966 South Cooper ,
Memphis , TN 38104
901-272-7111