One day my Aunt P who had moved to PA for love called saying she was ready to come back to Tennessee…She said she wanted to come home where BBQ was a noun , not a verb! I have always loved that saying. Here in the southern states of the US we cook our pig, then pull the pork off, then baste in sauce..add to a bun if you like and BAM…BBQ. Usually served with corn on the cob, baked beans and coleslaw to round off the menu.
“Up North”, they use BBQ as a verb…as in …”to BBQ”…meaning we are going to put some meat on a grill and cook it. Trust me there is a HUGE difference.
It’s like sweet tea I guess, you just have to be Southern to understand…anyway, if you are ever lucky enough to be in West Tennessee’s claim to fame town of Memphis, I hope you will visit the Famous “Rendezvous”. This joint is known for it’s ribs , but also serves BBQ pulled pork. Located at 355 N Main St, known as Downtown Alley, this historic site has been dishing up the sauce since 1948.
Charlie Vergo, the owner took an old coal chute from his basement bar and created the famous barbecue restaurant that has since had guests such as Presidents George W Bush and Bill Clinton, VP-Al Gore, Mich Jagger, Frank Sinatra, Bill Cosby and more! They have been featured on every cooking show and network created and catered food for Presidential Gala’s, Air Force One etc etc. The shop is now run by his 3 sons and still draws a crowd.
On a recent trip I was lucky enough to be invited “behind the line” -the cook’s line and have a peep into the now famous BBQ grill. The racks upon racks of ribs and full shoulders of pork smelled amazing! After we stuffed ourselves, we all took home some famous “rub” spices and sauces for our family.
You can order from www.hogsfly.com or call 1-888-HOGS-FLY for some yummy treats anytime!
There is no lobby…just head down the steps and they will seat you…
The coal chute now the famous grill!
These guys were cranking it out!
This kitchen is far from fancy and no one seems to care.
Lunch offers ribs only but the menu at night is quite large.
Memphis is a fun town, full of energy, live music and great…BBQ!
