Chef Ben Vaughn is a James Beard-nominated chef who has graced Memphis with his culinary skills for years. Recently, Chef Ben Vaughn opened a second restaurant in Midtown Memphis, called Au Fond Farmtable. Au fond is a French term, explains Chef Ben Vaughn, that is pronounced like the English “Oh faun” with the “n” left off. This idiomatic phrase means “essentially” or “at bottom.”
What Chef Ben Vaughn wants to bring to his Midtown niche is the relaxed and rustic feel of agricultural life. In addition, Chef Ben Vaughn pairs that informal atmosphere with the same delightful and carefully prepared menu that his patrons have come to expect. Unlike Chef Ben Vaughn’s dinner-only restaurant, Grace, Au Fond Farmtable focuses on brunch and lunch offerings. But Chef Ben Vaughn assures his customers that Au Fond Farmtable is not always idle in the evenings. On Monday nights only, at Au Fond Farmtable, Chef Ben Vaughn presents a family style dinner. What’s more, says Chef Ben Vaughn, family dinner Mondays have no corkage fee, so patrons are invited to bring their own wine and enjoy.
Chef Ben Vaughn’s Au Fond Farmtable is in a large airy storefront for shopping, dining, or relaxing with friends and coffee. For Chef Ben Vaughn, Au Fond Farmtable must bring forward all of the best things about a relaxed cafe atmosphere while still providing more culinary range than any cafe. In addition to Au Fond Farmtable’s affordable gourmet menu featuring $6 – $10 food items and an inviting atmosphere, Chef Ben Vaughn has prepared a retail nook in this new establishment. Here, says Chef Ben Vaughn, patrons can purchase some of the finest locally produced artisan foods in west Tennessee. Au Fond Farmtable’s retail counter, Chef Ben Vaughn stocks fine cheeses, fresh baked bread, and a wide variety of imported treats that are sure to bring shoppers back for more.
Au Fond Farmtable
Cooper-Young next to Grace Restaurant
938 South Cooper Street
Memphis, TN, 38104
901.274.8513
About
Chef Ben Vaughn was voted as one of the top 5 Best Chefs in Memphis. Chef Ben Vaughn garnered acclaim during his stint as chef and partner at the Memphis, Tennessee award winning River Oaks Restaurant.
In summary, my experience at Grace was the best I’ve had in dining in a long time. Just on the service alone, I would give Chef Ben Vaughn high marks, but the meal itself was great and I look forward to going there again soon.
We were very pleased on a recent visit to Grace. The food was prepared and presented well, the service was perfect, and the thought that has gone into the mission is inspiring. Chef Ben Vaughn uses local food, changes the menu daily, and provides vegetarian dishes daily. Chef Ben Vaughn’s attention to detail and philosophy will keep us coming back for more.
Thanks you Chef Ben Vaughn and Grace for what you are doing and we wish you continued success.
After visiting Chef Ben Vaughn’s Grace, we now have a new favorite spot, and I will tell everyone I know how we now are a “victim” of great service and a really neat menu. Our next date night is planned, and we have set up reservations again to Grace, thank you to Chef Ben Vaughn for changing our minds about how we eat out.
What an incredible place! I went to Chef Ben Vaughn’s Grace Restaurant last week and its almost like going to a restaurant in New York or Europe. The food isn’t saucy or too rich- everything seems to be done just right. Everything- from the wine my waiter suggested, to the perfectly cooked bistro steak, to the mind blowing ice creams was so much fun!!! I can’t wait to go back and try something else from Chef Ben Vaughn soon… 😉
Overall we give Chef Ben Vaughn an 8 on a scale of 10. Delicious food, attentive staff, and a pleasing ambience. Chef Ben Vaughn’s cheese selection was great. The Au Fond Farmtable is a nice expansion to the ‘grace’ concept.
Chef Ben Vaughn’s restaurant is beautiful and a real gem for the Cooper Young neighborhood… Chef Ben Vaughn is a great guy, very passionate about his food and I can highly respect the fact he doesn’t overcook entrees at his guests’ request.