DeSoto County Dining Week offers a taste of 'hidden treasures': Here's what to expect

Jennifer Chandler, Memphis Commercial Appeal

January 16, 2024 at 6:02 AM·4 min read

Mark your calendars! The first DeSoto County Dining Week is set for Jan. 21-27.

The week will be the perfect time to check out (and revisit) the numerous locally owned establishments in DeSoto County. With more than 45 restaurants in Southaven, Hernando, Horn Lake and Olive Branch participating, there will be lots of offerings for all types of dining.

Restaurants will offer specials throughout the week, highlighting popular dishes as well as offering discounts.

Elfo Grisanti's in Southaven is among the restaurants taking part in DeSoto County Dining Week.

"Our goal for Jan. 21-27 is to showcase the rich culinary scene we have. DeSoto County Dining Week gives locals the opportunity to support their go-to spots or try something new, but also draws in our neighbors across the state line,” said Jon Frost, DeSoto County Tourism Director. “We hope to see visitors from Memphis, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown — you name it — enjoying a meal here in DeSoto County. This weeklong event is one all Mid-Southerners can enjoy, and we cannot wait to see how it positively impacts our small businesses."

DeSoto County has a vibrant dining scene with 452 restaurants, 26 of which opened in 2023, and 20 more restaurants are set to open this year.

Here's a taste of what to expect during DeSoto County Dining Week.

Elfo Grisanti’s: Toasted Ravioli

Alex Grisanti is the chef and owner of Elfo Grisanti’s in Southaven. The restaurant is participating in DeSoto County Dining Week.

5627 Getwell Road, Southaven; elfogrisantis.com

Elfo Grisanti’s chef and owner Alex Grisanti said DeSoto County Dining Week will highlight the ever-growing dining options in the area.

“I think a dining week is great for the DeSoto area because it’s still growing in our area and it lets the people know what the restaurants have to offer,” Grisanti said. “Kim and I are happy to share our family heritage with the community. We are a white tablecloth, family-oriented generational institution serving Northern Italian cuisine, and we would like to continue our tradition in DeSoto County.”

Elfo's will be offering a complimentary order of homemade toasted ravioli with an entrée purchase.

Memphis Barbecue Company: BBQ Shrimp and Grits

Melissa Cookston, owner and pitmaster of Memphis Barbecue Company in Horn Lake, was featured in Southern Living magazine as one of the most influential women in barbecue.

709 Desoto Cove, Horn Lake; memphisbbqco.com

For the dining week, Memphis Barbecue Company will be bringing back one of its favorite menu items: BBQ Shrimp and Grits. Wild-caught Gulf shrimp are wrapped in bacon, sautéed and served over stone ground grits with a delicious barbecue cream sauce.

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“DeSoto County Dining Week is perfect to showcase many of the great, independent restaurants in DeSoto County,” said Melissa Cookston, Memphis Barbecue Company chef and owner. “Memphis Barbecue Company has been a local favorite for over 12 years, and we’re happy to be a part of this inaugural event.”

Dan McGuinness Irish Pub: Corned Beef Reuben

The Reuben Sandwich at Dan McGuinness Irish Pub in Southaven.

3964 Goodman Road East, Southaven; mcguinnesssouth.com

Dan McGuinness Irish Pub will be serving its poplar Corned Beef Reuben at a discounted price of $8.95.

Slow roasted corned beef is topped with melted Swiss cheese and sauerkraut and served on toasted marbled rye with thousand island dressing on the side. The order comes with fries.

"Being involved in DeSoto County Dining Week is important to Dan McGuinness,” owner Tyler Adams said. “Being highlighted for a week is great exposure. We have been in Southaven for 14 years and we get new customers every day. We love the idea of new and current guests getting to try our special."

Market23: A Free Kid’s Meal

Trey Jolly, left, and Molly Jolly own Stud Muffins in Southaven and Market23 in Hernando, which are both participating in the first DeSoto County Dining Week.

2362 McIngvale Road, Hernando; studmuffinsonline.com

New restaurant Market23 will be participating in the new dining week.

The café and market is the newest concept from the owners of Stud Muffins, a Southaven-based meal prep service. Serving sandwiches, soups and salads, Market23 opened on Dec. 21.

Kids eat free that week with an adult order of $30 or more.

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“We are participating in dining week because we are very involved in our community and love serving others in a capacity,” said Molly Jolly, who owns the business with her husband, Trey.

Stud Muffins at 5847 Getwell Road in Southaven is also participating, offering a free snack with purchase.

City Hall Cheesecake: Limited Edition Flavors + Free Specialty Coffee

Kim Daly owns City Hall Cheesecake, which has locations in Southaven and Hernando that are participating in DeSoto County Dining Week.

Two locations: 2903 May Blvd., Southaven and 221 E. Commerce St., Hernando; cityhallcheesecake.com

“We plan to put our best foot forward," City Hall Cheesecake owner Kim Daly said about DeSoto County Dining Week. "We hope people come to eat a meal at a restaurant and leave room for dessert and come see us.”

Expect limited edition flavors created just for the dining week, fun sugar cookies and free specialty coffee with purchases.

“We are inviting Memphis to come see what DeSoto County has to offer,” Daly said. “We have some hidden treasures here.”

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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