Son Tran

A web designer and sometimes underground restaurateur, Son Tran of Ferndale also blogs about what goes down his gullet at singleguychef.

Son would steer other foodies looking for an ideal night out to experience the food at Fiddleheads, where Chef Tim Voss "turns out some phenomenal soup." It's a slightly upscale restaurant with a chilled out vibe that's a touch off the beaten path. Son likes it that they're passionate about wines and love great fresh products. Plus house drinkslinger, Adam, can generate some great concoctions on the fly, based on flavor suggestions.  

For sushi, Son recommends Ronin, a restaurant and lounge that creates non-traditional sushi and has a decent sake menu. He'll go to Red Coat Tavern, a dark, old-school bar for "the best burger."

Small Plates, a tapas bar right on Main Street, offers outdoor seating, interesting wines and a fun vibe -- especially during the summer on "Bike Nights" when legions of bikers come out on their Harleys. Across the street is Vinotecca, a stylish wine bar with a well-crafted wine list and a lot of "bang for your buck," he says.

For live music he visits Memphis Smoke. It gets really crowded some nights "but they have a great slow pulled pork BBQ." For cocktails and meeting up with friends it's Goodnight Gracie Goodnight Gracie, a martini bar where they know how to pour a proper martini and a DJ spins on Wednesday nights.

For shopping he likes the European styling of Dolce Moda. The shopkeepers have a sly way of making suggestions that get Son outside of his typical range -- before he even knows what's happening.

Son also pays visits to Cloverleaf Wine. Not only do they have a good selection. but the owner is always willing to hunt down more unusual bottles. They have a decent selection of beers and can order sake too.