If you have ever taken a journalism course here at the University of Memphis, there is a good chance you know professor Pamela Denney. Students know her as the energetic, free-spirited professor who is often their first introduction to media writing.
What many people don't know is that Denney is also a Memphis food blogger and the author of a new Memphis food book that seeks to introduce residents and visitors to the best of Memphis' restaurants, food events and local farmers markets.
Denney spent four months of the last year penning "Food Lovers' Guide to Memphis: The Best Restaurants, Markets & Local Culinary Offerings" in a writing space she carved out in her bedroom. Guided by her well-cultivated knowledge of the Memphis food scene and a lit candle, "Food Lovers' Guide to Memphis" was compiled.
The University of Memphis campus community is invited to Denney's book signing Thursday at the Booksellers at Laurelwood at 7 p.m.
"Food Lovers' Guide to Memphis" is written in the style of a tourist guidebook and celebrates Memphis' local culinary offerings, while mixing in some Memphis history. Denney grouped more than 200 independent restaurants by geographical neighborhood ranging from downtown to Germantown, making it easy for readers, residents and visitors alike, to pinpoint places.
Local restaurants aren't the only Memphis treasures highlighted. "Food Lovers' Guide to Memphis" also promotes Memphis food festivals and events, specialty food shops and recipes from some of the city's leading chefs. Each chapter includes entries on local farmer's markets and artisan producers.
"When the opportunity presented itself, I embraced writing the book because I think Memphis is on the verge of exploding into a great food town," Denney said. "I support the local chefs and local food movement."
As the food editor at Memphis Magazine, Denney has insider knowledge of all things food in the city, and shares that with readers. She also writes the magazine's blog "Memphis Stew," where she celebrates "the people who grow, cook and eat Memphis food."
