Walking in Memphis

Last weekend we went to Memphis to visit with our friends Shannon and Rich. What a fun town-and more pork than I thought ever possible!

We arrived to the home of the blues on Friday and went straight to Rendevous, a local hotspot for dry-rub ribs and bbq nachos! Yes, that's right, bbq nachos-with pulled pork and dry rub seasoning along w/ bbq sauce, nachos sauce and jalapenos-the most heavenly thing I think ever invented. After Rendevous, we walked down to Beale Street-which reminded me a little of New Orleans with all of the open containers, and street performers-not quite as wild as Bourbon, but still lively and shakin'. We watched the kids doing flips down the street (seriously-these kids were pretty talented. Listened to some live music and stopped at Pat O'Briens for Hurricanes along the way (well, not me sadly).

Saturday morning we went to the Memphis Farmer's Market-more live music and cute food stalls. There was a live bluegrassy type of band playing all string instruments. I felt like running to a field, taking my shoes off and dancing. One of the musicions was a really cool elder gentleman in a barbershop type hat clanging what looked to be wooden spoons together. Awesome!

After that, we went home and cleaned up and walked over to Fino's Italian deli for some yummy sammys. Along the way, we caught some interesting sites-like a truck advertising for a single man, and a yard with astro turf as lawn.

After lunch-off to Sun Studio-where Elvis was discovered, and where several musicians have come to play-Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, U2, Liz Phair, etc. It was a short, but really cool tour-neat to see where a lot of no names first got their big breaks.

That evening we went down to the river (the mighty Mississippi) for Symphony by Sunset-an evening of symphony music (which included the theme from Star Wars), the Temptations, and a fireworks show. Shannon and Rich picked up some of Gus' world famous chicken for the evening-and I'll be damned if that wasn't some of the best fried chicken this southerner has ever had. Mmmmm!

On Sunday, Al and I headed to Graceland for a morning tour. Even saw an impersonator along the way. I'm happy to report the Graceland is just as tacky as it was a few years ago. Elvis had some interesting taste-and we're suspecting the King was a might bit kinky too, given the fur bed and some of the interesting accoutrement on display. After Graceland, we met up with Shannon and Rich-for you guessed it-more bbq at a restaurant called Central. This time, in the form of a sandwich. I thought it was very tasty-and loved their mac & cheese side.

After that, we went to Mud Island to see the scale version of the Mississippi-it's carved throughout a Park, and you can wade your way through the scale version. A cool way (literally!) to spend a hot day.

That night, Rich cooked us up a tasty dinner (and a healthy one too!) and we spent the evening relaxing by the (not so hot), hot-tub.

All in all, it was a fun weekend, and nice to get away. I dug Memphis-it's love of music and southern hospitality. No Reverend Greene this visit, but maybe next time....