When I moved to Memphis, I had no idea that the city was famous for barbecue. But then again, I moved here from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and we liked to pretend there was no life north of the beach. In the 22 years that I’ve been here, I’ve had lots of Memphis ‘que to taste and develop opinions about. Because we Memphians certainly are opinionated about our barbecue. Wet vs. dry? Corky’s or Neely’s? Is it the food at the Rendezvous or just the atmosphere?
In honor of the 2008 Memphis Barbecue Fest (which, errm…according to the Memphis in May web site, is actually called “World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.” Locals just throw “Fest” on to the end of every MIM event, don’t we?), here is this week’s Friday Five:
- What’s your favorite BBQ?
- Who’s got the best sides? (beans, slaw, dessert)
- At home, do you make your own sauce or buy bottled?
- What’s your favorite BBQ Fest memory?
- What are your BBQ Fest plans for this year?
Leave your responses in the comments. My answers after the break.
- When I get the taste for BBQ, nothing satisfies quite like a sandwich from Neely’s. With slaw. Yumm.
- I’m all about the rolls at Corky’s.
- I don’t really make BBQ at home. My husband’s got some Rendezvous powder in the spice cabinet.
- One time, years ago, when I was a waitress at Chili’s, we had some bar regulars who gave us passes to their booth. It was a big, two-story booth. Being an insider is the only way to go.
- As I may have mentioned once or twice, I don’t really do crowds anymore. Or mud.
Responses to “Friday Five”
May 17th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
1. Gridley’s circa 1986 or so. And I can’t remember the name but there used to be a place on the highway from Memphis to Pickwick Lake that was outstanding. Today’s Gridley’s is terrible, and I don’t know any places that are very good anymore. Of course I’m way out East and don’t get into the center of town very often. Corky’s is a nice place to sit and eat, but the actual bbq is flavorless.
2. I really like the beans at 3 little pigs on Quince - they are real bbq beans, not sweet baked beans. No standout on slaw locally, have to make it myself. Corky’s does a nice job with their pecan pie.
3. Well… depends on how lazy I’m feeling. I do use Wicker’s for chicken bbq.
4. Haven’t been in ages. Last year I almost went by accident because a friend was visiting and I was showing him the town and forgot it was May. We drove by about 100 acres of portapotties and he said, “I think this looks way too crowded for me” and we turned around and got the heck out of there. My best barbecue memories are of Gridley’s on Summer. There was a nice older man who had worked there since I was a little kid who had the best manners I’ve ever seen in a server including five star restaurants. And the dining room was cool and dark and lovely.
5. I’m with Kalisa and Melissa; no ‘cue could be worth that crowd. My folks usually rent a smoker and all that business to do it up right on the 4th of July.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:52 am
1.My favorite barbecue is North Carolina vinegar-based with lots of pepper and slaw. (Burn the woman for a heretic!)
2.My mom. Love her baked beans and homemade slaw and grilled corn on the cob.
3.Homemade, but whose type depends on who’s cooking. If it’s my husband he’s true to his KC roots. If it’s me, see #1.
4.Never been to one in Memphis or anywhere else.
5.I’m with Kalisa; I don’t like crowds and think food and crowds equals indigestion. Barbecue is much better in my back yard — looking at the mountains, watching the deer and squirrels and listening to the birds.