Dr. Moneim Elomeiri runs along the Mississippi River as much as he can. A short drive to Harbor Town and he is transported. “I grew up on the Nile River. Different view - but it manages to feel the same. Nothing beats a sunset on a river,” Elomeiri remarks. Born in Wisconsin, he spent most of his childhood in Sudan and Abu Dhabi. His parents were agricultural engineers and worked for the United Nations. After completing his residency and fellowship training in the states, he joined Plastic Surgery Group as a surgeon in 2025.
“During my fellowship, a resident from Memphis heard I was considering the move. Dr. Teddy Klug told me in no uncertain terms that I should be in Memphis. And then he pulled up old YouTubes of him at the Grizzlies games when he was a kid,” he laughs. “I love it here and have enjoyed making it home.”
We sat down with Dr. Elomeiri to find out his culinary and city go-to’s and discoveries as a new Memphian.
Have you discovered Summer Avenue yet?
Absolutely. If you haven’t been yet, Queen of Sheba is a fantastic Yemeni place. I highly recommend their red snapper dish. And I am trying to not eat too many biscuits from Bryant’s.
We trust you have learned that BBQ doesn’t mean hamburgers on the grill in someone’s backyard?
I knew that was first on the list. This might seem contrarian to those Memphis purists- but I love the brisket here. Bain BBQ on Cooper is incredible. Be warned: they sell out. And the brisket from Germantown Commissary is a must. Their hot bbq sauce is a favorite.
How about a weekend night out – where are you dining?
Downtown – Catherine and Mary’s I discovered during the Grizzlies season. East Memphis – Folk’s Folly. I am working on my steak at home, but I can’t touch their sides. If I am cooking at home with friends, I’ll hit up the Cordova International Farmer’s Market. I have a sweet tooth, and I’ll get the purple yam cake from Prince Tea House. I bet you haven’t had anything like it.
Have you explored our coffee scene?
I have a weekend routine. On Saturday, it’s JoJo’s Espresso. Sundays I am at Sweet Eye Coffee which might be the most global coffee place in the city.
Between running on the river and finding your new, local favorites, you are all over the city…
People here can talk about traffic; you do not have traffic. I find it’s the easiest city to navigate. I am currently renting near Shelby Farms. What a sight in the middle of the city. Also, who knew you had buffalos? But, I hope to find a neighborhood near the Greenline and eventually a backyard with a greenhouse. Aesthetics is my career, but I like the challenge of working with plants and flowers.
Where can we find you this Summer, outside of the operating room and your practice?
I haven’t spent enough time in any of the museums. Yes, Graceland is on my list, too. I hope to spend time with 901 Runners Club – I don’t mind the heat! And definitely looking forward to the FedEx St. Jude Classic. The Memphis music scene is great, and its everywhere. I am discovering the Blues. So, hopefully you’ll find me in a new haunt or at an outdoor concert at Overton Park. For some creativity, I hope to take a pottery class behind the wheel at Belltower Studio. Memphis is such an accessible city and the real discovery has been the people.
Special thanks to Joseph Men for location. Styling by Colin Chapman of Joseph.