Chef Kelly English
Restaurant Iris
Memphis, Tennessee
July 16 - 18, 2010

In April of this year, Chef Kelly English received the extraordinary honor of being named one of Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chefs. Born and raised in southern Louisiana, Chef English has learned a thing or two about authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. After putting himself through college at the University of Mississippi by working as a cook in local kitchens, English decided to get serious about his passion for food. He graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America at the top of his class, and has studied both in Spain and France. The majority of his culinary education, however, came under the direction of award-winning chef, John Besh of Restaurant August in New Orleans. After years of training under Besh, English was ready to spread his wings. He moved to Memphis with hopes of opening his own restaurant and bringing his unique style of cooking to Memphis diners. In April 2008, English opened Restaurant Iris, a French-Creole restaurant, in the historic Overton Square of midtown Memphis. Here, Kelly infuses his endless creativity and passion for food into each dish, whether indulging in his Oysters three ways, a “Knuckle Sandwich”, or a dessert made just for you. English and his team have taken the Memphis dining scene by storm in the restaurant’s first year. Restaurant Iris received a four-star review from the Commercial Appeal and was voted Memphis’ “Best New Restaurant,” “Best Service,” and “Most Romantic Restaurant,” by Memphis Magazine readers. English’s restaurant was also named “Editors Choice: Best Restaurant” by At Home Tennessee, “Best Bet Outside of Louisiana” by Louisiana Life Magazine, and “Hot New Restaurant” by Delta Magazine.

For more information on culinary weekends, please call 866.451.6750 or 662.451.6750.