Hello Jackson: Chandelier Café & Catering
This piece was originally published in the Winter 2015-2016 issue of Our Jackson Home: The Magazine.
It wasn’t until I experienced fine dining that I truly appreciated it. Splurging on a full-service dining experience may not be your cup of tea, but to me it is worth saving up for. It’s not only the unique flavor combinations and artful food preparation that I enjoy, but also the atmosphere and attentiveness of the servers. My fine dining experiences have always been on vacation, but as of this fall, I can get this kind of experience right here in Jackson.
Chandelier Café and Catering is a new restaurant located on the bottom floor of the historic Neely House in downtown Jackson. Co-owners Jennifer Dickerson and Mac Edwards have crafted an amazing fine dining experience in this new venture, and there’s no denying that it’s more upscale than anything else in Jackson. The cuisine, “sexy Southern” as Jennifer calls it, is completely unique and full of exciting flavors. The menu is fairly small and much care is put into the details of each item. One of the more popular items is the maple and soy glazed salmon with curried red lentils. And while you wait for your salmon, you can order a drink from their beautifully handcrafted, tile-inlayed maple-top bar. Believe me when I say that it’s gorgeous! It’s worth going by just to sit at the bar and enjoy the wonderful craftsmanship with your drink. But while you’re there, you might as well get a table and experience some fine dining and truly inventive recipes.
In late 2014, Dickerson and Edwards moved their restaurant into the bottom floor of the Neely House and, as Edwards says, “put lipstick on an already beautiful lady.” The Neely House is a wonderfully preserved building, and Chandelier added their own touch to the decor by playing off the name of the restaurant. Each room has a different vibe and, of course, a different chandelier. After working on the interior, Chandelier opened its doors in September.
Dickerson and Edwards are both experienced in the restaurant business in the Memphis area. Dickerson has been a chef for twenty years and is the only female four-star-rated Commercial Appeal chef in Memphis, while Edwards is the owner of the renowned Farmer Restaurant in Memphis. They have brought their talents to Jackson because they believe in the city. They are proud to be involved in the renaissance of downtown Jackson and are looking forward to becoming one of the premier dining destinations in the city.
Chandelier encourages reservations, so make yours today by calling 731.554.2221, and make sure to visit their Facebook page.
Don't miss out on the Love Day Pop-Up Shop happening there this weekend! Click here to learn more.
Kristi Woody is a photographer and storyteller for our Hello Jackson features about locally owned retail stores and restaurants. She also works as the university photographer for Union University and owns her own wedding photography business, Woody & Pearl Photography. In her free time, Kristi enjoys spending time with her husband and rambunctious beagle, Rhett and Chipper respectively. If you can't find Kristi in Jackson, you'll find her in her second favorite place: Disney World!
