Be a Connector - Giving Props Where Props are Due - Food

If you know me, you know I'm a foodie. Maybe not in the full sense of the word, but in the sense that I LOVE and appreciate most all food. Not only do I love food, but I love to make and serve food. Food serves as a platform for people gathering and communing with one another. It's universal. I'm featuring two places today, but have probably mentioned them both on this blog multiple times. I'm mentioning them not only because of their delicious selections, but also the unique atmosphere each place provides...because (to me) food is about more that just eating. It's about sharing, fellowship and community. So check it out!

Muddy's Bakeshop - I was introduced to this place a little over a year ago. The moment I stepped foot into this place I was thinking "How do I not know about this place, and where has it been all my life??!!" In the heart of East Memphis, this little bakeshop has it all. The smells are intoxicating, and the whimsical atmosphere is inviting. They offer a large selections of cupcakes, but they also have cakes, cookies, pies and other yummy treats. The cupcakes are literally beautiful, and they taste even better than they look. They have creative, playful names such as "The Grasshopper" (a mint chocolate one which is like eating the best thin mint you've ever had - my personal favorite) "The Tomboy, " "Hubby Hubby," "Flopsy" (carrot cupcake of course!) and the list goes on. My first cupcake from there was the "Pucker Up" which is a lemon cupcake. I'm not even a huge lemon cake person, and I just went crazy over this cupcake. I knew I was in trouble if I was loving flavors that aren't usually even my favorite. I'm not even an icing person and, let me tell you - their icing it to die for! I'm one of those people who NEVER wants a rose from a store bought birthday cake. But Muddy's icing is different. They must put some sort of addictive chemical in it. Anyway, the eclectic atmosphere and the pure deliciousnesss (is that a word?) make this place worth checking out!

Brother Junipers - My very favorite breakfast place in town! It was actually named one of the top breakfast joint a few years ago. This place is always hoppin, yet somehow I feel like it's Memphis' best kept secret. Their menu selection is quite large and the atmosphere is warm, and inviting. It just feels like they cook everything with love. This is the kind of place that has loyal regulars and the owners and employees know their customer. They don't just know me either; they know to bring me 2 creams, 2 sugar in the raw, and blueberry fruit spread on the side for my made-from-scratch biscuits. Some of my favorite menu items are "The Desperado" and "The San Diegan." And don't write off their waffles, pancakes or baked goods either. I don't know what they put in their waffles, but I haven't been able to duplicate their taste at home. Their granola is home-made and you can have in plain, with milk, yogurt, and/or topped with fruit. So what are you waiting for? Try it immediately and tell Jonathan and Pauline that I said hi!