A Perfect Birthday Night at The Lobbyist

I recently had the pleasure of celebrating a dear friend’s birthday at The Lobbyist, and it was an evening to remember. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance felt both refined and inviting.The Lobbyist has earned well-deserved recognition from The New York Times, Michelin, and The 26 Best Dishes We Ate Across the U.S. in 2024, which is evident after my visit.

We began with the corn ribs, served with schezwan, tahini, lime, and shrimp crisp. The corn ribs were undoubtedly the star—perfectly prepared and bursting with flavor.

Another standout was the charred okra with berbere and green goddess dressing. Without question, these were the best okra I’ve ever had, and they’ve inspired me to recreate the dish using okra from my own garden.

The table also shared the potatoes with chorizo, paprika, toum, and olives. While I skipped them myself, everyone else seemed to enjoy them.

For my entrée, I chose the linguine with saffron, crab, and lemon. I skipped adding extra protein, as the crab was more than satisfying on its own. To complement the meal, I enjoyed the Lobbyist Daiquiri V5—a vibrant mix of Privateer Navy Yard, Planteray Pineapple, Wray & Nephew, lime, brown sugar, and pineapple.

The Lobbyist delivered an experience that went beyond the food. Between the delicious dishes and the laughter around the table, it was a birthday celebration done just right.

The Lobbyist (Downtown Memphis)

(https://www.lobbyistatchisca.com/)