Martha Hays sent me a  sad note last night: Tuscany is closing Nov. 4. There's an upside to this, but let's take a minute first and think about what Martha and Glenn Hays have done for the Memphis dining community over the years. At La Tourelle, they gave us Erling Jensen, Gene Bjorkland, Stan Gibson and Cullent Kent. They gave us a lovely little spot for a French prix fixe dinner for years--and even after they switched to Tuscany, they gave us possibly the best creme brulee around (Grove Grill's might be better; it's hard to say). Don't forget that they're the same folks who gave us Cafe 1912.

And even though they're quitting (they'll continue to run Cafe 1912; no changes there), the Hayses are still giving Memphis a gift. Kelly English, a protege of John Besh, is taking over and opening a new restaurant in December. (English was the chef at Nawlins in Tunica a while back.) We'll keep you posted.

Everyone give a shout-out to Martha and Glenn.