Jaunted

Finger Lickin' Memphis: Central BBQ

1/29/2007 at 12:30 PM
Tags: Restaurants, Food, Barbeque, Food Porn (all tags)

If you're a Yankee who has read and watched a lot about southern barbecue but never actually experienced it, you could likely be scared shitless. The prospect of diving face-first into the big bad world of Q is daunting. Like ordering coffee the wrong way in Vienna, or a cheesesteak the wrong way in Philly (you get the idea), one just expects to be yelled at, spit on, or both. Fear comes with the territory when you're a newbie, especially a newbie to such a huge culinary establishment.

So imagine our surprise at Central BBQ, a low-key Memphis joint with nary a chip on its pork shoulder: the place attracts normal people, it's staffed by normal people, and you won't get stampeded if you actually have to, like, stand and study the menu for a second. We parked, entered, contemplated, ordered, and carried out without incident. And the food rocks.

We chose a turkey sandwich, no slaw, with mild sauce and a side of greens. The sandwich is classic no-frills fare: just good ol' turkey slathered with sauce (which, by the way, has quite a bit of zip even in the "mild" variety) and served up on a white hamburger bun. It was slippery, messy, and addictive. Also, by the time you read this, we'll probably still be smelling like barbecue sauce--a true mark of quality.

A look at the rest of Central's menu reveals an irresistible selection for all palates: pork ribs, chicken, pulled pork and even portabella mushroom sandwiches. The pulled pork especially is notoriously delicious.

Related Stories:
· Central BBQ - Memphis [Official Site]
· Jaunted in Memphis (July) [Jaunted]

2 Comments - Add Yours by djk

Hi-Tone in Memphis has New Grit, True Grit

7/05/2006 at 12:01 PM
Tags: Jaunted Field Trip, Memphis (all tags)

Your intrepid editor spent the nation's birthday in Memphis, TN. While we'll get to the smoked and grilled meat later in the week, including a comparison of what's available at the airport, but we'll start things off with a nod to the Hi-Tone.

Memphis is famous for music, of course, and there are plenty of swank clubs on Beale Street, but our favorite venue remains the Hi-Tone. Housed in a small, boxy building in Memphis' Midtown with tables practically on the stage, the Hi-Tone plays host to locals and heavyweights alike, including Cat Power and Elvis Costello.

Although it only opened in 1998, it's dirty and authentic enough to feel much older. The Hi-Tone was voted the #1 place to see live music by locals 6 times since it opened, impressive for a city with no shortage of venues. Sometimes the sound of beer bottles being tossed in the trash can disrupt the more intimate performances, but it's still worth checking out who's playing the next time you swing through town.

[Image via Chucktm/Flickr]

0 Comments - Add Yours by AVB