Best Thing I Ate This Week: Eggplant Parmesan, Tuna Nicoise, and a to-go Thai Chopped Salad

Jennifer Chandler, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Updated ·1 min read

Wondering where a food writer eats? I am happy to tell you!

Each week, I share a few of my favorite bites at Memphis-area restaurants.

Here are three of the best things I ate this past week.

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First up: Dinner at Cocozza American Italian

Located in Harbor Town, Cocozza American Italian (106 Harbor Town Square) is just what owners Deni and Patrick Reilly call it – “the red sauce joint of your dreams.”

The Eggplant Parmesan at Cocozza American Italian in the Harbor Town neighborhood of Memphis, TN.
The Eggplant Parmesan at Cocozza American Italian in the Harbor Town neighborhood of Memphis, TN.

My favorite order is the Eggplant Parmesan. Crispy eggplant slices layered with a rich marinara and cheesy goodness makes for one decadently delicious supper.

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Next: My favorite Tuna Nicoise Salad in Memphis

The Tuna Nicoise Salad at River Oaks (5871 Poplar Ave.) is as tasty as it is gorgeous.

The Tuna Nicoise Salad at River Oaks Restaurant in East Memphis.
The Tuna Nicoise Salad at River Oaks Restaurant in East Memphis.

I love the attention to detail they use when plating this salad, as well as that instead of croutons, they use tiny fried cubed potatoes.

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Last but not least: One of my go-to healthy lunches

The Thai Chopped Salad at Raw Girls (5502 Poplar Ave.).  It’s so easy to grab a vegan lunch to-go at Raw Girl's East Memphis food truck … and this salad is one of my favorites.

The Thai Chopped Salad from the the Raw Girls food truck in East Memphis.
The Thai Chopped Salad from the the Raw Girls food truck in East Memphis.

Crunchy Napa Cabbage and colorful peppers are tossed with cashews and a creamy dressing with just a little kick. Order a Green Love Bomb juice to wash it down.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining Reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer. 

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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Best things to eat in Memphis: Cocozza American Italian, River Oaks