Tag Archives: Tennessee

Beale Street

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Obviously, I’ve been in a writing slump. Then I was looking thru pictures and completely forgot to share this with you. A huge attraction in Memphis is Beale Street. I really had no idea what I was missing…
Beale Street is just a party street. The ends of the street are blocked off and watched over by the fine Memphis Police Department. There’s musicians, performers but mostly just people walking around drinking and having a good time. It originally started up in the 1920’s with nightclubs, theatres, shops along with drinking and gambling. Obviously, it has carried on thru to today. The street is still packed.
She’s waiting for customers!
I was amazed at how many historical landmark signs we saw just down this area of what felt like three blocks, although now that I think back about it I really shouldn’t be. The musical history down this street alone is impressive. Elvis was influenced here, BB King made his mark here and artists are still beginning their claim to fame in this area.
Someone was loving this sign.
Now, Beale Street isn’t the only stop in the area. Really, there’s quite a lot to see and all within walking distance of each other. I wish we could’ve had a chance to check a few of these out. Maybe next time…
Sun Studios – Known as the birthplace of Rock and Roll. It’s recorded numerous artists, perhaps you’ve heard of a few guys named Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash? You can still go in and record. How cool is that?
This is just a “Kooky” sign we saw. Sy loved it.
Home of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Sy showing his Dallas Mavs pride.
I was more interested in what was diagonally across the street – Gibson Guitars! I would’ve loved to go on a factory tour!
Memphis wouldn’t be Memphis without the Rock and Soul Museum in the area.
The street was lined with these different sports balls along the street. I had to include them. They were fun!
Autozone Park is nearby as well located right in the middle of the city area (at least it felt like it) and diagonally across the street from the Peabody. Checkout the local minor league baseball team – it looked like a nice place to see a game.
Memphis, if only we could have had a little more time to spend together!

Rendezvous, Memphis

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Alright, I have something very important to tell you. I need everyone to pay attention, very close attention. I’ve thought and thought about how to write this post and I still don’t think it’s perfected but I need to spread the word. Do I have your attention?! Ok – lets begin!
Down an alley in the middle of Memphis, you will find a restaurant that goes by the name of Rendezvous. This place is like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, if it came in food style that is. Let’s face the facts – Memphis is known for music and food. I would think BBQ would be on the top of everyone’s food list… Am I right? Am I right?! Well – it was on top of ours. This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who knows us.
One thing that I’ve learned about the South is that Texas is primarily beef BBQ. Everyone else, from Memphis to the Carolina’s is primarily pork. So pork BBQ is what we were expecting. One of my friends from home had lived in Memphis for a couple years so she had recommended Rendezvous. We are forever thankful.
As I said, Rendezvous is found down an alley. Yes, an alley. After walking in, you will see the main part of the restaurant can be found downstairs. Upstairs, is waiting area with TV’s all set to the NCAA semifinal game and people lounging around. There’s a bar available to keep you company.
We were seated at our table downstairs and the atmosphere is very eclectic. There’s one of everything on the walls, hanging from the ceilings. The waiters are dressed in white button down shirts with black bow ties. Very suave. Loved it! The menu sits under a glass cover on the table tops. No chopped brisket sandwiches here!
The appetizers really caught my attention. Not the typical appetizers. Cheese and sausage, ham and cheese, salami, Charcoal Broiled Lamb Riblets. All meats. All appropriate.
Sy ordered pork shoulder and a short order of ribs.
I ordered a pork shoulder sandwich with a side of coleslaw.
Rendezvous is known for their ribs, so we were told. Both the ribs and the pork shoulder were seasoned with a dry rub. Sy enjoyed the ribs but stated that they were not as good as some others he had in the past. The world changed though when he took a bite of the pork shoulder and I will agree –
it was the best BBQ I’ve had. Period.
The meat was moist. Oh – so juicy and tender it was like it melted in your mouth. Really, if you just put the meat on a sandwich it was good on its own but then the Rendezvous BBQ sauce was thrown on top the world just got a little better. Icing on the cake, cherry on top, it all applies. I’m completely serious when I say it was the best BBQ I’ve had. Sy agrees. If Sy agrees, you know you are in good company.
The BBQ sauce was even available for purchase. Just an FYI, we are running low!