Memphis, is a city that offers BBQ at its finest. BBQ changes based on location, and Memphis prides its self on their BBQ. Memphis style BBQ is defined by highly spiced dry rubs, tangy vinegar based sauces and slow smoking. Diners, Drive-ins and Dives has found and visited many places in Memphis,most of which specialise in Barbecue. Memphis also does classic southern food. Much like the food we would have eaten in Georgia, southern comfort food draws its influences from American history. The difference in the food from Memphis and the food from Georgia is the ingredients available to them and the spices being used.
While I do believe that you should do as the locals do, and the locals love BBQ, Memphis also offers a distinct take on Soul Food. So our first stop in Memphis (I mean after we check in) will be Alcenias. Alcenias is named after Owner Betty-Joyce "B.J." Chester-Tamayo's mother. B.J. believed that our past hold great influence over our future, however we rarely take the initiative to preserve it. B.J. felt particularly strong about preserving the past through food and recipes. After sadly losing her son in a motorcycle accident B.J. decided to take her mother's recipes and open a restaurant. Alcenias offers a different menu depending on the day of the week, however there are some customer favorites. B.J. is most known for her Chow-Chow, a salted cabbage and tomato dish, as well as her preserved peaches, lemon icebox pie and her fried chicken. My self and Madison have been on an almost perpetual hunt for the best fried chicken and I'm hopeful that Alcenias could be a good contender. The menu is fairly affordable, mains are around 9 USD and come with 3 sides and bread (usually in the form of biscuits).Day one of Memphis, will cost an estimated 15 Dollars excluding the price of the hotel and gas.
If you care to see Alcenias featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives click Here.
After what I can only assume will be a great meal, Madison and I will make our way back toward the Hotel. Perhaps we will walk around for the afternoon; I for one believe that when you take the time to discover a place on your own terms you really lean about that place.
Day Two Of Memphis: Martins BBQ Joint, Martins specializes in whole hog cooking. Which means they smoke the whole pig at once and then break it down into cuts once it is cooked. Martin's is located just outside of Memphis in Nelsonville, so Madison and I will make a stop there on our way to our next destination. Directions are as follows: Route to Martins. Martins does all handmade foods, sauces and spice rubs. Martins also seeks to stay as local and sustainable as possible. On their menu you will find, platters (served with two sides), sandwiches, ribs and "Redneck taccos". They smoke pork, poultry and beef and serve them all in ways. Martins has a particular attitude about it, that is even apparent through their website. Martins takes their barbecue very seriously but not themselves.
I believe that when a city takes as much pride in a particular way of cooking, as Memphis does with barbecue, then it is a pivotal aspect of their culture. Getting to experience a city like Memphis through the palate of Memphis is an experience I for one am greatly looking forward to.
Sadly our next stop will be our last before going home, Detroit.
-See you soon
Rebecca
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