Though it might be best known for Graceland and all things blue suede, Memphis has a pretty incredible dining scene, including the acclaimed new French-Creole Restaurant Iris. After checking it out recently (and experiencing the biscuits-and-grits southern goodness myself), I concur. Rising star chef Kelly English, who opened the restaurant in 2008 and was named Food & Wine's best new chef this year, shared a few of his culinary secrets with us.  
 
You opened Restaurant Iris just a little over a year ago, and already you’ve received so many accolades. How does it feel?
It always feels good to be recognized, but we are committed to getting better at we do every day we walk in the door. I can't begin to emphasize enough what every member of the Restaurant Iris family means to our success; this is definitely not a "one-man show."

We noticed that you have your grandmother’s (delicious) buttermilk pancakes and your father’s grillades on the menu. Is your family a big influence in your cooking?
Without a doubt, my family's influence is ever present. Coming from south Louisiana, everyone cooks. You aren't a real man if you can't make a dark roux. The memories of my family's meals always inspire me.

We understand that you’ve trained under John Besh. What is the most important culinary lesson he taught you?
Let me tell you first that John Besh is a better man than a chef, and he is the best chef I have ever met. Passion for food and making people happy surrounds him every moment of the day. The most important thing he ever taught me was to cook every meal as if I were serving it to my mother. If it's good enough for Mama, then it's good enough for me.

Do you try to cook with local, seasonal ingredients?
I don't know any other way. There is nothing better than knowing your farmer and knowing where your ingredients come from.

Do you have any cooking advice for time-strapped parents?
My advice is for time-strapped parents to give me a call and eat with us! Seriously, good ingredients don't need to be fussed with too much. If you feed your children foods in season, there is nothing to worry about.