Cayenne Moon Restaurant Customer Reviews:
Amy Hoskins 8/29/03
My favorite restaurant. From appetizers to dessert, this place is perfect. The bread pudding is a must.
Cheryl 10/15/03
We're here for for about six months, and so far this is THE BEST restaurant in Memphis! Fabulous food, great atmosphere, friendly wait staff. The bread pudding is better than any we've had in New Orleans. A MUST entree: the pork with whiskey sauce. Enjoy!
DC Visitors 11/1/03
I just dined at Cayenne Moon for the first time and tried their crab cakes. They were the best I have ever had. Great food, great atmosphere, great service. Loved the whole experience...
Mary H. 11/17/03
Great food great service!
Melissa 11/22/03
Let me say this restaurant is truly wonderful. The only problem we had was that we couldn't hold all the food they brought. The crab cakes and sauce are among the top seafood items I've ever eaten. They're fresh, truly made with all lump crab, hardly any fillers and just fabulous. Everything we tried was delicious. Service was also excellent and they were quite busy the evening we were there. I would certainly recommend Cayenne Moon to anyone looking for a lovely evening in downtown Memphis.
Anonymous 11/24/03
we should have displayed our name as "Happy every time". We only "discovered" the Cayenne Moon recently, so far only 3 visits and each time, food and service were perfect. Staff is very, very friendly. Food EXCELLENT and we had a great time. We will make sure to recommend the Cayenne Moon. Thank you !!And see you soon !!
John & Claudia Hackett 12/1/03
My husband and I loved Cayenne Moon. We were actually looking for another restaurant in the are and could not find it and decided to give Cayenne Moon a try. We are so glad that we did! The food was great! We will recommend and bring our friends. The crabcakes and gumbo were great. Next time we'll try to leave room for the bread pudding. The staff were were also excellent.
Contessa 12/1/03
The ambiance is speaks volumes of comfort and tranquility. The service is beyond superb. The food is more than delicious, more like ambrosia. The chef deserves two thumbs up for the crabcakes, bread pudding, and gumbo. There was no spice or flavor that overwhelmed each other. You are able to detect everything utilized in the recipe to make your entree or desert marvelous. Again, two thumbs and a snap to CAYENNE MOON.
L. Thomas 12/4/03
WOW!
LaShanda 12/11/03
We sampled a lot of things last week, and everything was delicious. However, the bread pudding was absolutely incredible- possibly one of the best things I've ever eaten. We will definitely be back for more.
Anonymous 12/15/03
I have finally found a place that keeps my insatiable Creole palate at bay.The gumbo has a very rich rue that is spicy but no bitter or that usual Memphis 'drop the box of pepper in it.'The crab cakes are take me to Louisiana to my Mother's kitchen.Yes they are different but for those of us tah really know Creole cooking...the crawfish tails are always succulent and flavorful,reminds of my favorite place in San Francisco.Now lets talk the choclate pecan pie with ice cream I don't have to have the ice cream...just give me the pie the crust is soooo flaky and the chocolate is just the amount of cocoa bean....
Carolyn Mason 12/18/03
I went to Cayenne Moon for the first time last weekend. The atmosphere was very New Orleans with very nice jazz/ soul music playing. The service was SUPERB. Both the hostess and the waitress were very attentive and friendly. I had the BEST fried butterfly shrimp I have ever had in Memphis. The slaw was excellent too. My friend had the crab cakes. They were very good too. The key lime pie was excellent. My dining experience was so good that I bought two gift certificates to give as Christmas presents!
ChrisSouthaven 12/22/03
I have eaten here twice and both times I have received excellent service, not to mention the fantastic food! Everything taste home-made and very fresh! I have eaten in restaurants in the French Quarter who could not even compete with the food here! The Abita Beer is a nice touch and I highly recommend a Purple Haze and the crab cakes!
Erica 12/23/03
SIMPLY OUTSTANDING
Completely Happy 1/4/04
I rate Cayenne Moon "only" a nine because it don't have lobster tails as yet. Then it's sure to go up. I truly love the food, the romantic atmosphere, and especially the service. The restaurant is top notch. The best in Memphis!
Carl F. Holmes 1/12/04
During our seven years in the Memphis area, we have searched for great area restaurants. For us, the Cayenne Moon is like a pearl you find after opening many oyster shells. The atmosphere is terrific with wonderful service and the food is both fantastic in presentation & taste. Whether ordering an appetizer, entrée, or desert, you are in for a real treat. Be sure to check if they are running any dinner specials. Prices are very reasonable and the portions are large. The Cayenne Moon is the nearest thing we have found to the Gulf Coast in the Memphis area.
Jim & Jan 1/16/04
Very good food--and this is coming from a native Louisianian. The BEST bread pudding with praline sauce that I've ever had!
Anonymous 1/22/04
I was the very first customer at Cayenne Moon. I continue to eat there because it is a fine restaurant serving Cajun food ranging from the traditional dishes such as spicy gumbo and red bean with rice to the newer Cajun steak and Cajun-style salmon. Don't miss the fabulous deserts. My favorites are the bread pudding and the chocolate pecan pie.
Roger Doyle 1/31/04
My husband and I were recently in Memphis for a short emergency visit. We decided to relax on our last night there (Friday the 30th)and go to a nice restaurant. We are both soooooo happy that we chose Cayenne Moon!!! The hostess greeted us at the door with a smile and told us everything we needed to know. Our server was also extremely nice with a great smile!!! We thought it was really nice that the manager came out too. We asked the hostess what she recommended when she sat us. We ordered the crab cakes, they were great and the prime rib was also delicious. As a treat we also decided to take the hostess' advice and try the bread pudding. It was definitely not a mistake!!!! Service was great and so was the food!!! Keep up the good work and if we end up back in Memphis we will make sure we stop in again.
Visitors From NY 2/5/04
We went to Cayenne Moon for our Valentine meal and had a perfectly wonderful experience. The food was delicious and our waiter was attentive and friendly. We have eaten before at this restaurant and enjoyed it every time; we have never had a bad experience. We would urge Memphis to try this restaurant; you will be in for a treat.
Elizabeth & Jim 2/17/04
Cayenne Moon has rapidly become one of our favorite restaurants due to their consistently great food and excellent, friendly service. We have come to know most of the staff on a first name basis and can always count on them to go out of their way to make every visit special! Cayenne Moon is a "hidden jewel" of Memphis restaurants, with wonderful ambiance and bread pudding to die for!
Dr. Faith Zamamiri-Davis 2/19/04
I only give this fine meal a nine as it was not a seven course soup to nuts 4hour food orgy with french service. What it was was the best meal I've had in at least six months. The southern fried catfish with acadian sauce was perfectly done, and the sauce was fantastic in all its crawdadi-fruitiness. The gumbo was if not the best then one of the two best I've ever had. (and I've had plenty) The sweet potato fritters and voodoo greens were awesome and authentic tasting. All were done to perfection. The service couldn't have been better. It was early and fairly slow at the time I went so I can't speak for service on a busy night. But the only thing wrong with the food was that it took up too much space in my stomach to allow room for desert.
Anonymous 3/7/04
Good meal. They were even able to accommodate my low-carb request. Michelob Ultra on tap and offered suggestions to assist with meeting my low carb goal. Nice decor. Good service. Promptly served. Adequately priced. Would recommend.
Rusty 3/9/04
Hi Cayenne Moon! My name is Angie Martin, and I just wanted to write you and let you know how wonderful my friends and I thought your restaurant was. We were there on Saturday March 20th (we were the group of college age students who made one of our friends wait forever for us to show up). I was the blonde who left her umbrella sitting by the table. What was totally shocking, and totally cool, was when the waiter walked two blocks to return my umbrella to me! I don't know his name, but we were all extremely impressed. The food and hospitality was wonderful, and we're going to recommend you guys to all of our friends. Thanks so much Cayenne Moon! Oh, and whoever the waiter was, let him know that he's stellar!
Angela Martin 3/23/04
A great experience. Service was excellent and food a solid nine. Good attention to our needs by all employees involved.
Grant Bales 4/19/04
This is one of our favorite restaurants. We make it a point to visit at least once a month. We enjoy the friendly atmosphere, relaxed surroundings, and staff who own and run the establishment. We have never had a meal that we didn't enjoy and the desserts are superb, especially the bread pudding and cheesecake. The crab cakes, seared tuna, duck, and crawfish & sausage ravioli, are off the chart. Everything is made from scratch as soon as you order, so expect it to take a little longer than a microwave!! We also appreciate the fact that we can bring our own bottle of wine and not have to pay an enormous price for house stock brands. This downtown restaurant is a must on anyone's list.
Wayne & Maria Lohman 4/20/04
I have been dining at Cayenne Moon since they opened the doors....we love the great food, we love to bring our own wine....and most of all we really like the owners and all the people that work there. Great location....great food....really nice people.....you must try Cayenne Moon!
W.W. Gage 4/20/04
The Red Hot Smokers of Olive Branch were named the Grand Champion at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at Tom Lee Park. Wayne Booth holds the trophy for first place in the Shoulder division.
WE FEEL WE HAVE DISCOVERED A HIDDEN TREASURE IN MEMPHIS. ALL OF THE DISHES WE HAVE TRIED SO FAR HAVE BEEN FABULOUS, AND CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK. THE SERVICE IS IMPECCABLE AS WELL. WE FEEL RIGHT AT HOME EACH AND EVERY TIME WE GO. THIS WILL BE OUR NEW "HANG OUT"!
The Booth 5/7/04
this is one of the best restaurants in the city of memphis. the food is great, the people are wonderful and the setting is breath taking! if you haven't tried this place, you are definitley missing out on everything they have to offer!
Barbie Doll 7/2/04
just a short note to let you know that we were on holiday from England a couple of weeks ago when we visited your restaurant. may i say that seldom have i tasted such remarkable cooking anywhere in the world. our waiter (whose name, unfortunately we did not get) was the politest and most helpful person a stranger in your country could hope to meet. the girls behind the bar were so welcoming that we felt sorry that we had to leave. keep up the good work and be assured that i will be recommending your fine establishment to any of my friends who are visiting Memphis, and on a final note - despite all the fine things that Memphis has to offer - your restaurant alone is a more than good enough reason to make a return visit yours sincerely David Healy
David Healy 7/11/04
We have tried the Cayenne Moon twice in the last two months. The first time for a dinner before an Orpheum show and the second time for my wife's birthday. I guess that alone will tell you we had a great experience the first time. Both times we were in a party of four or more people and we ordered pretty much everything on the menu between all of us. The food is great and so is the value. You can not go wrong with one possible exception (if you are picky and if you had your last beignet at Cafe du Monde...hint, hint!) Otherwise, a truly enjoyable atmosphere and great tasting food. We also took full advantage of the "no corking fee" policy and brought in our own wine. I wish more Memphis establishments would allow for that practice. The service was excellent and the management made sure we felt more than welcome. Please let me tell you how welcome: at the end of our second visit (my wife's birthday), just after we had settled our check, it started to rain very heavily. Our plans were to go out and enjoy some of the Beale Street music on a Friday night, so we were kind of trapped looking out on this huge downpoor. We decided to have a round of coffees and beers and wait the rain out. When we left, the manager thanked us for our patronage and offered us the last round of orders ON THE HOUSE! Now, THAT'S Memphis/New Orleans hospitality at it's finest! If you like Cajun food, give this place a try!
Florin & Friends 8/16/04
Appetizers were large and superb. The fried green tomatoes and crab cake were out of this world. Entrees just about as good.
Rob 8/27/04
Cayenne Moon is one of my favorite restaurants in Memphis. I really like the crab cakes and the tuna steak both of which are perfectly prepared and seasoned. The atmosphere is relaxing (not too bright or noisy) and the staff is friendly.
Terry 9/10/04
I wrote a review almost a year ago after having been in Memphis for only a month. My wife and I had been to Cayenne Moon only a few times, but we quickly came to add this to the list of our all-time favorites. We left Memphis and returned to Washington, DC, earlier this year. This is an update of our experience at Cayenne Moon since I wrote the review, as well as our visits back to Memphis -- and to Cayenne Moon -- since then. Frankly, my wife and I are very puzzled at some of the negative reviews here. Of course, every restaurant gets mixed reviews no matter how good they are. Any restaurant can have an off night -- as can customers -- which will color their experience. But never once did we have anything less than an excellent experience, nor witness anyone appearing anything less than happy. By the time we left Memphis we were going to Cayenne Moon every week, and often twice a week. We still cannot say enough about the food. The New Orleans style cuisine is some of the best we've had. In fact, Cayenne Moon managed to dislodge a restaurant we like in New Orleans as having our favorite bread pudding. All of the appetizers are delicious, but the crab cakes are phenomenal (and are served as an entrée as well). Our favorite entrees are the Jambalaya, blackened rib eye, Cajun pork tenderloin, and large raviolis stuffed with crawfish and andouille sausage. But they also keep the menu fresh and change items occasionally. That’s the mark of a good restaurant. The food can never disappoint. What about the service? We always found the service and servers, as well as Polly and Larry, to be the best. We always left there feeling like we were the most appreciated people in the city. On our last evening in Memphis before moving back to D.C., they served up a feast for us. It was more than two humna beings could consume in one evening. And after it was over, they told us the meal was on them. (We vigorously protested, as we took almost as much food home as we ate!) When we had out-of-town guests, we took them there, and they always raved about the place. We have referred strangers to the restaurant, even after returning to D.C. Last summer I struck up a conversation with a shuttle bus driver who told me he was making a trip to Memphis to visit close friends. I recommended Cayenne Moon to him and guaranteed him that it would be an experience he wouldn’t forget. I next saw him about a month ago and asked him about his trip. He said that he took his friends there on his final evening, and it capped a perfect trip. He and his guest loved it. We have visited Memphis twice since moving away, and Cayenne Moon was a destination both times. In fact, on our last visit we met up with four friends from D.C. and Chicago and took them to Cayenne Moon the first night. They loved it and asked if we could go back on the next night. (We did.) With all of the variety and choices of places to eat in Memphis -- and with only three nights in town -- that says a lot. As for prices, we have found Cayenne Moon to be a terrific value, especially comparing it to restaurants in Washington, DC. The décor is charming and feels authentic. The music is a little eclectic, making it fun. Their location on Front Street is only a few blocks from Beale Street, but far enough away to be free of the touristy influence. If you’ve been to New Orleans, it evokes that feeling of one of those finds that’s “off Bourbon Street,” nestled away on a quiet, less-traveled street. So, after nearly a year of my initial review, the jury is still in: Cayenne Moon is one of the best restaurants in Memphis and remains our favorite. Take that special bottle of wine with you and treat yourself to a special experience. You won’t forget it, and you’ll be back.
DC Vistors 10/12/04
FABULOUS restaurant. We (my husband and I) were in Memphis for only 3 nights with my brother, his wife, and 2 friends and we ate dinner 2 of those nights at Cayenne Moon. My brother and his wife had been there many times and raved about it. Our dining experience there was THE BEST. The service from the hostess, bartender, and our waitress was absolutely fantastic. They all made us feel as though we were their only customers. Of all the food we ate, the crabcakes were the best I've ever had. The fried green tomatoes were right up there too. And the bread pudding -- no dessert better and certainly a must. The atmosphere is very enjoyable and we thoroughly enjoyed the music. This was my first trip to Memphis and there is no doubt that I will be back. I can tell you that Cayenne Moon will be at the top of my list for dinner AGAIN and AGAIN.
Visitors from VA 10/17/04
Well, what can I say...being a native of the Chicago area my entire life one may argue that I don't know squat about cajun/Louisiana cuisine and they would be right. But the tongue doesn't lie, excellent food is wonderful whether you have preconceived notions or not and this is my Reader's Digest review of Cayenne Moon: AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME. Now, the full length review: We were in Memphis for a conference and friends of ours from D.C. met us here for a weekend of fun. They had spent some extended time in Memphis about a year ago and fell across this gem and were so kind to introduce us to it. We will most certainly be back next year when we return for the next conference. Till then, I need to ask Polly and Larry if they will be willing to FedEx more than just the crabcakes (but I'll say what later). About the service, I could not have received better service if I was at my Grandma's house (and trust me, she spoiled the daylights out of me). Friendly, flexible and flowing is what I would say. All my wishes were met with smiles, my beer was NEVER empty (I actually had to turn a few down) and I can only say that Southern hospitality is alive and well at Cayenne Moon. Now for the food. Variet is the spice of life they say. When my wife and I are visiting somewhere new we like to try as much as we can. Not this time. We only had three days and we spent two at Cayenne Moon. We would have likely spent the third there but they are not open on Sunday and Monday...so Saturday I ordered extra to take back to the hotel for lunch on Sunday! We, as well as our friends, have eaten at some of the finest establishments in Chicago, Boston, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Pheonix to name a few. With checks that approached 3 and 4 times as much, the food at those places had nothing on Larry's dishes. I am certain that if Cayenne Moon was located in the heart of Chicago you would be making reservations at least a week in advance. Luckily that was not a problem for us as our Saturday visit wasn't planned ahead of time. Since we were there 2 nights and had a party of six both times we ordered MANY of the dishes they offered and NONE of them even came close to being average, let alone disappoint. The 20oz blacked rib eye came perfectly prepared (rare) and was out of this world. I am usually a salt or steak sauce person when it comes to my steaks, regardless if they are blackened. Well, not this time. I have no idea how Larry seasoned that meat but it was fantasic. The second night I couldn't make up my mind so I asked for a half order of each of the crawfish ettoufe and the jambalaya. The jambalaya was fantasic and the spices were balanced perfectly so that nothing overwhelmed. The crawfish ettoufe is going to be the one FedEx will hopefully be bringing to my door in the future. I can't rave enough about it. I had to order a second half order for lunch the next day. A symphony of flavors, spices and textures that was simply enthralling. Yes, in my opinion, it was THAT good. As for the appetizers, all were delicious but too numerous to remember them all...crabcakes and fried green tomatoes I remember the most since everyone was insisting we get them both times. The little bit I had of each was delicious (didn't want to fill up too quickly since a recent doctor imposed diet has left me an amateur consumer). I will be ordering crabcakes with my ettoufe FedEx order. Then there is desert...if you have room! Now I get bread pudding wherever, whenever I can. I even teased our friends when they emailed us the menu to Cayenne Moon that it was so nice of them to pick a restaurant that had bread pudding for me. It is simply fantastic. The texture is almost like custard but not that moist, like french toast done just right-not too dry, not too soggy. I have had bread pudding where you needed a strong, bitter cappuccino to offset the tidal wave of sugar you are hit with...not so with this creation. The level of sweet is enough to know it is a treat but doesn't leave you reaching for the water, milk or coffee. Again, a perfect balance. Other creations such as the Key Lime pie and the little chocolate torte (I never caught the name) are fabulous. As with everything else, the pie was balanced perfectly, the tart and the sweet harmonizing flawlessly. As for the "little chocolate torte" as I am calling it, if you love chocolate this is for you. I have never experienced that level of intense chocolate...SUPERB! And don't be fooled by its diminutive size as it is amazingly rich. A TEN is unfortunately the highest rank this site will let me give. As to the less than positive reviews, having met Larry & Polly I cannot believe some of what has been posted. As others have said, anyone can have a bad night, patron or establishment. Now, I am not a detective but if you go out for a "special night": A) who would wait 2-1/2 hours(?!?!?!?!) for their food and B) how do you post a review to a website by 9:25pm on the same day when your review has you spending the entire night waiting??? Must have had a web brouser enabled on the cell phone and used it to pass the time (but I thought it was a special night, my wife would kill me for spending it typing all that on my little phone and not paying attention to her). Ok, enough. Bottom line...Cayenne Moon is without a doubt an absolute wonderful time with amazing food at what I feel are reasonable prices. If I lived in Memphis I would be a regular (and I just might still...hello FedEx. Larry, can you do a standing weekly order??) Do not miss this fabulous establishment!
David & Kim from Chicago 10/18/04
About three months ago a friend and I found this "hidden treasure" it is a terrific place to have dinner. To start out it is a beautiful restaurant, the service is wonderful, the stay open late which is a huge plus for me, and the food is fantastic. I have dined there 3 or 4 times and each time I get the same service which is "PERFECT" so I am a little confused by the petty reviews I have been reading. I work in the restaurant business, so I am pretty darn picky. The people that work there really go out of thier way to make your dining experience remarkable. I will tell you a story about Polly, the manager. If I call and say "are you still serving?" no matter if it is 5 minutes until they are closing or 5 minutes after she tells me to come on and keeps it open for me. Now that is service. I cannot recommend any one thing on the menu because everything I have tried on the menu has been great. If you have never been, you absolutely do not know what you are missing.
Cindy 11/15/2004
Excellent meal , great service – kept a fellow traveler , a genuine Cajun happy. A good selection of Cajun and Southern dishes – my crab cake was superb, large and flat, moist and flavorful , better than the small hockey puck style other places seem to serve.
Adrian 12/6/2004
The interior of downtown Memphis’ newest restaurant contender, the Cayenne Moon, screams southern Louisiana. Seated around bayou goodies and catfish art, the aroma of Creole cooking tantalizes as the menu reveals its goodies. A definite 'don't miss' is the seafood gumbo, just spicy enough to get your attention, but so tasty you can eat bowl after bowl. New Orleans steaks are a favorite, along with bread pudding, jambalaya and beignets. Stop in for a southern style lunch, with or without the Creole kick. Louisiana goodness finds its niche right on the river; Cayenne Moon is also open for late night dining on weekends for the post-Beale crowd. -- Julie E. Holt
Julie Holt 12/29/04
Great food and nice ambience. Bread pudding and crab cakes are wonderful. Everyone in my party loved their food and we all vowed to return. As for the mixed reviews on this page, I guess everyone has their own perception of what is important.
Delighted Diner 12/29/05
Cayenne Moon is our favorite place to eat in Memphis. The food is always a perfect "10". My boyfriend and I have tried several different items on the menu and have enjoyed every one of them. I have read several of the other reviews and as you can see, 90% of them give this place excellent remarks. I think that it is brilliant that they displace their reviews of the restaurant on the walls; it shows that they take much pride in their business.... AS THEY SHOULD! We enjoy the comfortable atmosphere, and love the fact that we can bring our own wine!! We hate to have to pay for a price markup on wine at restaurants. We go to Cayenne Moon for the food and the comfortable atmosphere. Don’t be fooled by the bad reviews, every restaurant gets them. Get some friends together, take some wine, and enjoy the food.
Lindsey & Brian 1/23/05
Cayenne Moon is one of our Memphis favorites. We love the menu variety. Sometimes we enjoy wonderful gumbo or red beans & rice; other times a complete meal of Mahi Mahi, Steak, or cajun pork. Everything has been prepared to our satisfaction, and beyond. We celebrated New Year's Eve with a four course dinner that was perfect! It has become a frequent venue for us before an evening at the Orpheum. Polly has always made sure our meals were delivered so we never felt rushed. So if you are looking for some authentic cajun cooking with fantastic service but without a bill that could change the evening, then I know you will be at the Cayenne Moon soon.
Jeanette & Steve 1/28/2005
One of the cool things about my job? Being able to go out and
celebrate my birthday with a group of guys who were complete strangers
less than five days ago. We're about an hour out of Memphis, so
we
drove into town today in search of a place for dinner. The first
stop
didn't look promising, but this place was right across the street:
It's Cayenne
Moon,
lovely cajun food right in downtown Memphis. It was pretty quiet,
since the weather was rotten today, but it didn't matter. They
found
out it was my birthday (because the guys decided they needed to share)
and our waiter brought out a bead necklace and birthday hat for me to
wear. They gave me a free dessert, too. The food?
INCREDIBLE. We
split crawfish beignets (next time, I'm gettingmy own order so I don't
have to share!) and had our own entrees. Between the four of us,
the
guys had the tuna, grouper and crab cakes. I had a shrimp
entouffe
that was a special for the evening. We each tried the other's
meals,
so I can honestly say the grouper was really good and the New Orleans
crab cakes rival that of the Maryland shore, which is saying a
lot. In
fact, we liked the place, and the owner, (Polly) and the waitstaff that
we abandoned our plans to wander down Beale Street in favor of sitting
at the bar and talking. The Lousiana beers they serve went
perfectly
with the meal (I tried three kinds, and want more of them all!).
All-in-all, a wonderful evening that I will remember for the good food,
good music and great company I had. Anyone living in or near
Memphis,
or dirving through really needs to visit this place.
Anonymous
11-12-04
We had a wonderful experience at Cayenne Moon. The
waiter was informative and attentive, he even brought me a small glass
of Lousianna beer so that I could try it before I ordered. The prime
rib was out of this world!!! The prices may seem alittle expensive but
we have been to restaurants close to home that were more expensive and
the food and service not even close to that of Cayenne Moon. We are
from Michigan and can't wait to go back to Memphis..just to dine at
Cayenne Moon!
DKI
3-22-05
We have been dining at Cayenne Moon since shortly
after
their opening a few years ago. If we lived downtown we would probably
eat there more often, as it is we save this wonderful dining experience
for all of our special occasions and for our out of town friends that
we want to impress. We have always had impeccable, friendly service and
have truly enjoyed every dish that we have sampled. Polly knows that my
favorite dish is whatever Larry concocts with the chile pepper pasta,
and will send me an email when she knows that they are going to be
serving one of my favorite dishes as a special. My husband believes
that the gumbo is the best he has ever eaten (and he is a true
connoisseur). One of the perks of dining there is that the quantity is
enough that I can take some home to enjoy again. There is nothing on
this earth like the Key Lime Pie. Sometimes we eat too much and have to
take it home with us, but we always order it. (We have even been known
to leave the restaurant, walk to Beale Street and back and then have
our dessert!!) We love being able to bring our own wine, and all of our
friends that we have introduced to Cayenne Moon are now regular
customers like us. Memphis has always been sadly lacking in true Cajun
cuisine, so we have been thrilled with Cayenne Moon’s ability to fill
that void. Thanks Polly and Larry for continuing to make all of our
dinners with you the best!!
Doug &
Caroyn Akin 2-12-05
Had a great Valentine's Day dinner. The chef was
willing to create a dish for my date since she does not eat seafood or
meat. No corkage fee is a bonus and the deserts are awesome. Try to red
velvet cake when they have it on the menu. Bread pudding is great too.
Anonymous 2-15-05
Just wanted to drop you a note to say a
big "Thank You" for the wonderful dinner, Saturday Feb. 4.
Polly and the rest of the crew were
amazing. The service was outstanding, and the food was FABULOUS! We all
came home raving about our meals.
Thank you for making my birthday weekend
even more spectacular - great friends, a great time, and great food!
2-5-06 Kelly Ann Tyler
This is one of the
best places in downtown Memphis for New Orleans-style fare, with an
extended menu that includes zesty, seafood-filled jambalaya and gumbo
as well as lump crab-stuffed mushrooms and ravioli stuffed with
crawfish and andouille sausage. The buttery fresh rollsand sweet
potato fritters are a delectable addition to meals at Cayenne Moon, and
be sure to try the maple bread pudding with praline sauce. This
former cotton warehouse, with its exposed brick walls and wrought-iron
detailss, even looks the part of the French Quarter oyster bar.
The restaurant serves beer only, and smoking is not allowed. Open
for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Nicky Robertshaw is a freelance
writer who's also the Dining Out columnist for Memphis Magazine.
Born in Mississippi, she moved to Memphis is 1993 to write for the
Memphis Business Journal after spending a number of years as a reporter
in New York and Washington D.C.
To Whom It May Concern: My wife and I and another couple were
down from
All the best from
Len and Linda Dowsett 4/10/06
New Year’s Eve 2004
Looking for something unique? Not just different, but
memorable. We were and found it at the Cayenne Moon. The New Year’s Eve
special
menu offered several options of authentic Cajun’ appetizers, entrees
and
deserts. Our group had trouble deciding what to order, and this is
where
Cayenne Moon made the day. Their servers asked just the right questions
and
assisted everyone with a selection that suited their pallet. So the
mystery of
trying different dishes was not only removed, but because of their
ability to
accurately describe what and how the dish is prepared ensured
satisfaction.
Our only problem is that we are not able to eat there more frequently. Their specials are just that: special. And with excellent service and nearby parking, the Cayenne Moon is at the top of our list for downtown dining.
Jeanette & Steve Martin
Special Event
When I was planning for a milestone birthday party dinner,
it became evident that it a restaurant would be a better venue than
trying to
do something at home. My wife agreed completely. So the selection
process
began. The key components included: must have excellent food and
service; must
be unique as many guests were from out of town; and must be affordable.
The
Cayenne Moon won and here is why.
I met with Polly Hagedorn (Please correct!) to see
what the
Cayenne Moon might offer. She made the whole planning experience so
easy,
because she listened and added her creative ideas. The menu was varied
with
something for everyone, from beef eaters to vegetarians. Special
requests are
something they deal with successfully. The service was wonderful. And
what made
it even better, was their downstairs room that was dedicated to our
group. So
my guests had the run of the area and everyone had a wonderful
experience.
Thank you
for all your hard work. The food was spectacular and the service was
great. Everyone enjoyed having our 2005-06 Athletic Banquet at Cayenne
Moon.
We could not have asked for a better experience. You showed once again
why you are one of the best restaurants in
Thank You to
Wade Heigle
Athletic Director/Head Basketball Coach
Immaculate
stepped through the entryway. This is a true hidden gem in downtown
Memphis. My boyfriend's birthday (the big 3-0) was coming up, and I knew
that I needed an extra special place for him. Needless to say, Cayenne
Moon came to my mind instantly. I also decided to make this a surprise
party for him, and Polly stepped right in and helped me with everything.
She offered to seat us downstairs, and her suggestion was the best. All
of our out-of-town guests praised my restaurant selection, and I have
some picky people in my life! The service was outstanding, the ambience
is one-of-a-kind, and the menu is like a dream come true.
Everyone should try this restaurant. You will not be disappointed.
Polly, thanks so much to you and yours for outstanding service and an
unforgettable evening!!
-MeLeah Wicker and Wes Henson, forever fans of Cayenne Moon
5-26-06
That was an awesome experience last night. You all were perfect. I'm a pretty critical person and always have some advice. But you have me stumped. There's nothing you could have done to make our night better.
Robert Wayman 5-27-06
.
But do miss great cooking and there is no place that makes me feel
right at home than Cayeene Moon.Polly is the greatest host you ,really
feel like you are in her home dinning. We recently had dinner there;
the crab cakes never disappoint me,they are succulent with real
crab meat. Ron had the grilled catfish and sweet potato fritters.And he
was very satisfied. But it takes a lot to impress me.Polly wanted me to
have the coconut cream pie and I must admit I was not very
interested,but to humor her I said OK..To my palates surprise it was
fantastic.My Mom made the best!....I don't like mushy.....pie or soggy
crust ...the crust was firm and tasty with affecting the taste of the
filling.now lets talk filling this was the piece DE re stance.....would
have put a smile on my Mom's face. can you say coconut no say 'toasted
coconut.......yes yes yes...Memories...I grew up on the best
Creole...french..delicacies....this food just brings tears of joy to
me....ThanksMy
husband and I went to Cayenne Moon for dinner on 07 14 06. A friend of
mine suggested to me that I would like it. I am sometimes quite picky
because I believe your dining experience should be pleasurable and I
expect that to be a priority for every restaurant that is in business.
Well Cayenne Moon more than exceeded my expectation. The food was the
right temperature. Everything we ordered was great!! The portions were
over accommodating. The service was even great!! A major plus. I
would rate this restaurant a 10. This is the best restaurant I have
gone to in
Thanks
lights and Frank Sinatra music. It really set the stage for my surprise
engagement. The staff went out of their way to ensure that the
evening was a night to remember. The personal service was awesome. The
food was delicious especially the fried squash. The bread pudding and
key lime pie was almost as good as getting my engagement ring. If you
want a special evening with ambience you must visit Cayenne Moon and
meet Polly. You'll realize what customer service and good food are all
about.
Debbie Tubbs 8-25-06
I wanted to take the time
to speak in behalf of what I feel to be the best New Orleans style
restaurant in Memphis. I had been hearing about Cayenne Moon for
some time but had not tried the dining there yet. I was planning
to propose to the very special lady in my life and wanted it to be
special. I formulated the plan to surprise her and met with
Polly, the manager to work out the details. We came up with a
gift certificate set to expire on that Saturday. I needed time to
get the champagne there and choose the table and menu. I asked
Polly for help in procuring a carriage ride after the meal, which she
set up for us. On the special day, we arrived, finding a parking
spot next to the restaurant and entered to be greeted by Polly.
She seated us at the table we had chosen upstairs. The atmosphere
was wonderful and Debbie was so impressed. Polly was our waiter
and gave us very special attention. The meal was incredible,
especially the fried squash appetizers. Debbie was so surprised
when I popped the question and I was relieved when she said yes.
Polly had been keeping a keen eye on our table and immediately brought
out the champagne and 2 glasses. She even took a picture for
us. We topped off the meal with bread pudding for dessert.
As if on cue, the carriage was waiting in front of the
restaurant. We enjoyed the hour long ride down by the river and
came back by the restaurant to thank Polly for all the special
attention and to pick up some dessert to go. Polly really came
through for me when it was imperative that everything was
perfect. I put my trust in her and Cayenne Moon and I was not
disappointed. Debbie and I will keep Cayenne Moon at the
top of our best restaurant list. We plan to visit often. I
tell everyone who still listens to me about our wonderful experience at
Cayenne Moon.
David
Drewery and Debbie Tubbs 8-25-06
I just wanted to let you
know that the customers who are loyal to Cayenne Moon will continue to
support and sing your praises. The article may even do a lot to
bring attention to Cayenne Moon when people see all the responses to
the misleading comments that Koeppel made. I responded to his
review on line and mentioned that he had little regard for atmosphere
and probably gave all-you-can-eat buffets a 5-star rating. Keep up the
great atmosphere and excellent food. Your fans will be there for
you and bring more to experience the "flavor of
David Drewery and Debbie
Tubbs
That date, July 29 , 2006, will be one of the most
remembered in our lives. Thanks for setting everything
up including the carriage ride. )
Everyone has commented to me what a wonderful choice I made. It was so different for all them who hardly ever do downtown. I am sure you picked up some new customers.
It was a perfect experience for us; the room, the atmosphere, the food and the company. Thanks for playing a part in it.
Billy 12-16-06
We really enjoyed the delicious meal you prepared for us. You made us feel so special and you have gained customers for life. We have never been treated so warmly and appreciated at a restaurant. It was an experience we will never forget.
Calvin & Loretta
Polly and her menu are to die for. The selection of food choices can please any palate. Thanks for giving Memphis such a great restaurant! Paul Newman 4-12-07
We love this restaurant and the people ! Donna Motes 4-6-07
Cayenne Moon is a fabulous restaurant. The food and service are always excellent.
stacey coughlin 7-14-07
We recently moved here from Louisiana. The food tasted like home.
Donald Russell 8-24-07
The food, the service and friendly wait staff were absolutely excellent! We enjoyed our meal and our trip to Memphis. Our thanks to all at Cayenne Moon who played a part in our vacation! Kevin and Pat
10-3-07
The food was MARVELOUS!!!
Erin Scott 10-6-07
Our server was wonderful and Cayenne Moon ha THE BEST crabcakes in the city!
Kevin Reed 10-22-07
It was a great dining experience. The decor was great, the music was great and the Crab cakes were DIVINE.
Nancy Baratti 10.25.07
I just wanted to write you a few lines to let you know how much I appreciate everything you did to make sure that my birthday celebration was a success. All of my guest were very impressed and pleased with the quantity and quality of the food. Some said that it was the best they'd ever had. Some hadn't been downtown in years and the atmosphere of the restaurant made it a great time for all. Thank you again for your support and my hat goes off to the chef!
Camilla Horton 11-6-07
Cayenne Moon is a
Downtown Memphis gem!
Not only does it have a
quaint, whimsical and relaxing atmosphere, the food was outstanding and
the service - impeccable.
The Seafood Gumbo was the
best I’ve ever had – all the right flavors in just the right amounts.
And just when I thought
my amazed taste buds had reached their limit, the coconut custard pie
dazzled them into heavenly delight!
Thank you for the magical experience,
Cayenne Moon:
A taste of New Orleans
By: Kayla Harbin
October 28, 2007
Walking over the threshold of Cayenne Moon, It feels as if I am stepping into New Orleans. The sounds of Jazz and Blues music, the tinkling of silverware, and the smell of Cajun food all lead me to feel this way. This quaint restraint on Front Street has a calm and relaxing atmosphere, exceptional service, and mouthwatering Cajun and Creole dishes.
Beautifully designed, the atmosphere inside of Cayenne Moon is warm and inviting. The lights inside are dimmed ;soft music is playing. The painted brick walls are adorned with historical pictures, Mardi gras beads and masks, and Jazz instruments. After taking all of this in, I was greeted by owner/operator, Polly, who led me to my seat. Even though we had just met, Polly made me feel as if we were lifelong friends. Unlike other restraunts, Cayenne Moon has a very relaxing and friendly atmosphere.
The service at Cayenne Moon is anything but mundane. After being seated, Polly returned to take my families’ order. We were surprised to find that she knowledgeable about all of their dishes and also flexible with our orders. With perfect timing, my families’ food arrived. The restaurant made sure that we had enough time to finish our appetizers, but didn’t leave us waiting too long. We were astonished to find that all of our meals were hot and cooked as we had ordered them. The service at Cayenne Moon was the best that I have ever received.
The food at a restaurant is the most important part, and the reason that most people go. At Cayenne Moon, they serve home cooked meals with their own recipes. One of their popular dishes is the prime rib. It is cooked to order and can be served in two different ways. It is available blackened or traditional style. In my opinion, this piece of hand cooked meat is second to none. Some other popular choices from Cayenne Moon are the following: many different types of gumbo, steak, Crème Brule cheesecake, Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing, and home made yeast rolls. These dishes are why I love eating at Cayenne Moon.
Going to Cayenne Moon, I know that I will get exceptional service, a relaxing atmosphere, and mouthwatering Cajun and Creole dishes. I know that the wait until my next visit will be too long. The food was incomparable to any other restaurant, and I know that there will be many more visits to this small, New Orleans style restaurant on Front Street.