What is Barbeque? Why Memphis?
I essentially grew up in New England. To most Southerner's I am most certainly a Yankee. My "ya'll" is coming along though. When I was a kid, the word ‘barbeque' to me meant food cooked on a grill. Let me be the first to tell you that this would shock most Memphis BBQ fans.
So, what have I learned about true barbeque?
- Barbeque food and Grilled food are two completely separate things.
- Barbeque is pork. Some people may allow that to stretch to beef, but really it is pork.
- Barbeque is cooked forever. It is lovingly smoked and checked in on.
- The secret family recipes for seasonings and sauces are locked up in vaults, never revealed, and passed down through generations.
If you are in doubt about the popularity of BBQ in Memphis you only have to ask a Memphian where to go for BBQ, witness slow cookers being towed behind a truck during Memphis in May (while the cooking is in progress), or sample some at one of the many restaurants claiming to have the best.
Some Terms... Wet, Dry and Slaw.
- When you order ribs you'll have to order them either Wet or Dry. This topic alone could create endless local debate. Choose whichever you prefer. Wet is literally dripping with bbq sauce and Dry is seasoned well but not dripping in sauce. You can add sauce to the top of dry ribs as you like.
- Pulled Pork Sandwiches come piled high with the pork on a bun and are topped with slaw - cole slaw.
The Locals Favorite Places to Eat Memphis Barbeque.
I've lived in Memphis for over a decade now. I have been witness to many debates over which restaurant has the best BBQ. Some sites have top ten lists. My list is based on the most impassioned arguments - heartfelt winners. I have seen people swear by one of the following 6 locations. Everyone has their favorite but the list below is the favorites that people argue over. They are that good.
Google Map of these Memphis Barbeque Hot Spots
- Corky's - Memphis Locations in East Memphis, Cordova & Collierville. East Memphis most established location. One of the more well-known locations.
The Rendezvous - Downtown Memphis Location. Hesitate placing your order here and they will just bring you a pitcher of beer, a slab of ribs and a sausage/cheese plate. Atmosphere is excellent here. Located down an alleyway across from the Peabody Hotel.
- Central BBQ (About.com Review on Central BBQ) - Memphis Midtown Location. Pulled Pork Sandwiches are excellent here.
- Germantown Commissary - East Location in Germantown. Small country store for over 90 years.
- Neely's BBQ - Current BBQ provider for events at the FedEx Forum. Many cannot resist the BBQ Nachos.
- Leonard's - Located near the airport near the I-240 & Mt. Moriah exit. Famous for its buffet and quantity of food.
Barbeque Cooking Contest at Memphis in May
I should also mention that if you are in Memphis during the month of May, you should check out the Barbeque Cooking Contest during the Memphis in May festival. It is a weekend of fierce competition. There are literally hundreds of booths set up downtown on the river. Everyone shows off their best bbq and parties down by the river. Although anyone who purchases a ticket is welcome downtown to walk around the festival - You will need to know someone with a booth to really experience the event.
What if you want Memphis BBQ, but you are not in Memphis?
Most of the restaurants will ship their ribs and sauce. I know for sure that Corky's and the Rendezvous do this as I have both sent and received these packages. So if you are in Maine reading this and want to try cooking some Memphis ribs, check out one of their sites to place an order.
When do Memphians eat BBQ?
- All the time.
- Anytime.
- For Lunch.
- For Dinner.
- Some for Breakfast.
- Certainly it is catered at parties and for dinners all the time.
I should note that I personally am not the greatest fan. I like it occasionally. I'll go when we have out of town guests. But I would usually choose something else. Yes, I know I may never live that down. :)
Let the Debate Begin - Who has the Best Memphis BBQ? Leave your comments here.
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