Dining in Memphis, Tennessee: Locating a Monte Cristo Sandwich

I suddenly found myself with a craving and I've been on the hunt! Back in California, I have fond memories of frequenting a bistro at a country club near where I worked in Mountain View, and there I was turned on to the Monte Cristo sandwich. If you're unfamiliar, this is basically a club sandwich with ham and turkey served on whole wheat bread, but the bread is prepared somewhat like French toast with powdered sugar and raspberry preserves then grilled. Other times the sandwich is deep fried. Either way, it makes for what I consider a fantastic lunch or brunch item!

Anyways, it had been about four years since I had one and when sandwiches came up in conversation at work, as they so often do amongst the cubicle crowd itching to see the sunlight and obtain sustenance, my cravings took over. I felt compelled to find one!

So when I finally had a quiet day, I did some internet research to locate restaurants that possibly served the Monte Cristo. I was able to partake of my first Memphian Monte Cristo at the quaint Fresh Slices in the Overton Park, not too far from Midtown, near the Memphis Zoo and the Brooks Center. It was delicious, and oh so filling! I had to take half of it home for my wife and let her see what the fuss is about. I have to admit, this sandwich is not for the health-conscious. Calorie watchers, beware!

Like with many foods I enjoy, I like to try my favorites out at various locations. Is it an Italian place? I must try the lasagna. Is it a seafood restaurant? Where is your swordfish? Is it a burger grill? Please allow me to try your bacon cheeseburger. If you're a sandwich place and it's available, bring me your Monte Cristo (though decent pastrami will do too).

The Monte Cristo is not as readily available as other sandwiches. Most people are unaware of them, even if Disney made it popular at the Blue Bayou Grill, but I was surprised the following local venues claim to serve them here in Memphis which the aforementioned Fresh Slices, now with three locations (Overton Park, Cordova and Bartlett), Bennigans on Poplar, the Half Shell on Mendenhall near Poplar, the West St. Diner in Germantown, and Fratelli's in the Botanic Gardens.

Also, I discovered that local family the Neely's of Neely's BBQ featured their own version of the Monte Cristo on the Food Network, and the local Piggly Wiggly grocery chain features a recipe on their website. If I ever grow tired of trying to hunt down other versions, I may just make my own!