‘Chopped’ champ Chef Tam closing Memphis restaurant
by: Melissa Moon
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis culinary legend and Food Network Chopped Champion Chef Tam says she has closed her beloved restaurant in Memphis.
Tamara Patterson opened Chef Tam’s Underground Cafe on Union Avenue in 2018 and released this statement Thursday night on Facebook:
“Chef Tam, an esteemed culinary figure known for her unwavering commitment to excellence, today announces the bittersweet closure of her beloved Memphis restaurant. Since its inception in 2018, Chef Tam’s Underground Cafe establishment has been a beacon of culinary innovation and community spirit, capturing the hearts and palates of Memphians and visitors alike.
Just as Chef Tam embarked on her culinary journey guided by divine inspiration, she now finds herself pausing to heed that same call for what lies ahead. While the restaurant will cease operations, Chef Tam remains steadfast in her commitment to serving the community through an array of exciting ventures. From bespoke catering experiences to immersive cooking classes, and the unveiling of Chef Tam’s exquisite line of culinary products, including her renowned cookware, the legacy of Chef Tam’s culinary prowess will continue to thrive.
Memphis, a city renowned for its resilience and indomitable spirit, has been the backdrop for Chef Tam’s remarkable journey. From the dazzling heights of international acclaim in publications like Forbes, the New York Times, and Taste of the South, to captivating audiences on esteemed platforms such as ESPN, OWN, Essence, and Food Network, Chef Tam’s culinary odyssey has been a testament to the enduring spirit of Memphis.
As Chef Tam bids farewell to the restaurant rollercoaster, she does so adorned with the accolades of a storied career. Winning the prestigious title of Best Chef in the city and clinching the runner-up position for Best Restaurant in her final year serves as a fitting crown to the culmination of an extraordinary season. From triumphs on the culinary battlefield against Iron Chefs to showcasing her unparalleled skill on Guy’s Grocery Games and Chopped, Chef Tam’s flavored journey has left an indelible mark on the culinary landscape.
With a heart full of gratitude and boundless optimism for the future, Chef Tam extends her sincerest well-wishes to the city of Memphis and its incredible inhabitants. Chef Tam says. As we bid adieu to one chapter, we eagerly anticipate the unfolding of the next, where new opportunities beckon, achievements await celebration, and passion ignites purpose.”
In 2022, Patterson became the first Memphis chef to win the popular cooking competition Chopped. She took home a $10,000 prize.
About Post Author
