Doing some Triple D in Memphis

After getting home from my trip to the Charlotte, I started to plan my next trip.  I decided to try to get to Memphis where Guy had visited about 13 places.  Memphis is not the easiest place to get to from Dulles with some very long connections.  I thought I had found a good, not too time intensive connection fro Dulles to Memphis.  I won't talk about the travel but I hope not to experience that fun anytime soon!

After a long day of travel and thankfully a good night's sleep I headed out for my Memphis Triple D adventure.  My first stop is actually the oldest continuously run restaurant in Memphis.  The "Little Tea Shop" is in the downtown area not too far from the famous Mud Island park and is in the middle of a city block.  I was greeted by Omar as I walked in and was seated at a small table he made me feel like his brother, very warm  and friendly.  I told him about my travels and he was really excited and made me feel very welcome.  He then explained about the restaurant and the different menu items.  They are only open Monday through Friday from 11a to 3p and several tables had reserved signs on them.  There is a fixed menu that changes daily and on the table there was an order card that you can fill out .  Omar told me that most of their patrons are regulars and he knows most of them by name. 

Little Tea Shop in Memphis, TN

Little Tea Shop order menu card

He recommended the Lacy Special, which is shredded chicken between two of their signature cornbread sticks smothered in chicken gravy served with rice and a side.  He recommended the Collard Greens so that's what I got!  The meal started with three cornbread sticks which were delicious.  The meal came and was great.  I was never a big fan of greens before I started the Triple D adventure but mainly because I had never had them done right and the Little Tea Shop does them right!  Omar took a picture of me to put on their Facebook page and then I got a picture with him and Miss Sue, the owner who also signed my book.  The entire staff was awesome and made me and ll of the other patrons feel like they were part of the family.   This was not exclusive to The Little Tea Shop but a feeling I would observe throughout my entire Memphis visit!

Cornbread Sticks, complimentary to all Little Tea Shop patrons

My Lacy Special meal - Chicken Cornbread sticks with Rice and Collard Greens

My hosts - Omar and Miss Sue at the Little Tea Shop

What a great visit!  This was definitely the start of a great Triple D trip.  I headed out for a short drive to my next stop.  I found a parking spot almost in front of "Alcenia's".  I was really looking forward to Alcenia's as I remembered the fun time Guy had with the owner B J.  As I walked in I was welcomed by the server and I knew it would be fun!  The place is small and has the feeling of being in B J's living room with a lot of phots and fun decorations.  I took a table near the front of the restaurant and decided to go a bit light and try their signature Fried Tomatoes and the Ice Box Lemon Pie and their famous Ghetto Aid, which Guy enjoyed.  Ghetto Aid is a very sweet red Kool-Aid drink and very tasty. 

Alcenia's in Memphis

Fun and festive in Alcenia's

Kudos to my server, he was taking care of everyone in the place and did a great job.  Alcenia's serves great, prepared as you order food, so it wasn't fast but it was worth the weight.  My fried tomatoes came with a side of Ranch dressing.  The dressing, in my opinion, took away from the tomatoes, eaten plain I could taste the coating and a light vinegar taste, it was really good.  The Lemon Pie was tangy and delicious!  As I was enjoying my food, B J came out of the kitchen to greet all of her diners!  Some were regulars and greeted with a hug and kiss.  She came over and greeted me with a hug and welcome and then signed my book and asked if I would take a picture for her Facebook page, a second time in two places! 

Alcenia's signature Fried Tomatoes

Lemon Ice Box Pie

B J and I went a took some photos under the Triple D Guy poster and she signed my book and I signed her Guestbook.  B J made me feel like a member of her family just as Omar had made me feel at the Little Tea Shop.  These places are both must visits if you are in Memphis!

Posing under Alcenia's Guy Poster

B J and I, she is the owner of Alcenia's

A great hostess!

After saying goodbye I headed to the Bass Pro Shop.  Yes, I know, Bass Pro Shops are all over the place, but the one in Memphis is probably the most unusual of any!  It is built in a former entertainment area called the Pyramid.  It has all the usual Bass Pro items but also has it's own general store and 4 restaurants, very cool place!

Bass Pro Shop inside the Memphis Pyramid

Inside the store

I love neon signs!

Bass Pro's Cinnamon Glazed Peanuts

After a short break I headed out to my next places both of which were in Mississippi.  As I drove into "The Magnolia State" I realized that this was my first time in the state.  I also stated to think about how many states I have been in during all of my travels and it's now over 40 of the 50 states!  This Triple D journey has taken me to a lot of places that I would have ever thought about visiting before!  I headed into the town of Hernando, a small town about 15 miles south of Memphis.  The Memphis Street Café was featured on Triple D in 2010 but has since changed it's name to the "Hernando Underground Café", the ownership has changed but the chef and employees, as well as the menu has stayed intact.  The place is well named as you walk down a small set of stairs to get there.  I was warmly greeted by my server and most of the staff and decided to try a bowl of their signature Seafood Gumbo.

Memphis Street Café aka Hernando Underground Café

The gumbo was accompanied with two slices of crusty bread and was topped with rice.  It was both filling and delicious with a bit of a spicy bite.  In the gumbo was bits of Andouille Sausage, Shrimp, and Crawfish tails. 

Seafood Gumbo at the Underground Café

I headed out and back towards Memphis with my next stop at the "Memphis Barbecue Company" in Horn Lake, Mississippi.  The Memphis Barbecue Company is the restaurant of Celebrity Barbecue Chef Melissa Cooksey, who has been a judge and host of a number of television barbecue competitions.  She has also won the "Memphis in May" World Championship at least 4 times!  The trophies were not in the restaurant as they were moved for the upcoming competition during my visit.

Melissa Cooksey's Memphis Barbecue Company in Horn Lake, Mississippi

Where the trophies should be!

I ordered the Pulled Pork sandwich topped with Cole slaw and a side of Chili Spaghetti, both were excellent.  The meal was preceded by a complimentary house made pork rinds.  The rinds had flavor but there is something about the texture that I am not a fan of.  I was disappointed that Melissa was not there but being a Friday night I knew that she was probably wither competing of judging  bug money barbecue completion.  I hope to get back and try some more of their great barbecue.

Pork Rinds

Pulled Pork Sandwich with Chili Spaghetti

From Horn Lake, I headed back to the hotel and Triple D was on and one of the episodes featured a Memphis place and one of the items shown was a desserts so I decided to head out and finish the day with a nice dessert.  "South of Beale" is named as it is south of Memphis' famous Beale Street which is home to a number of the cities famous Jazz and Blues clubs.  South of Beale calls itself a "Gastro Pub" and features a nice menu along with being a nice bar.  I took a seat at the bar and the couple sitting next to me asked about my travels when they saw me come in with my Triple D book.  They visit Memphis monthly from their home in Washington state and asked if I had heard of their favorite Triple D place called Dirty Oscars Annex in Tacoma, Washington and I told them not only have I hear of it but been there!  That started a nice conversation on the show, they are big fans, too. 

 

South of Beale in Memphis, TN

South of Beale's bar area

I knew I wanted the Jack and Coke bread pudding which was featured on their Triple D episode.  Before the dessert came out I was served a complimentary bowl of popcorn that was flavored with a sweet and spicy topping.  The popcorn was excellent!  The bread pudding with a cinnamon base came out topped with house made Jack vanilla ice cream and a Coca Cola syrupy topping.  The bread pudding was great, a bit heavy for me but not as sweet as it sounds, 

Complimentary Popcorn at South of Beale

Jack and Coke Bread Pudding

This a good ending to a great first day in Memphis.  My second day in Memphis was overcast and rainy.  I headed out to my first stop on the east side of the city.  The "Cozy Corner Restaurant" is a neighborhood place that features barbecue.  I arrived about 15 minutes before it opened at 11am and even though they had yet to open they had the waiting area open to sit and wait for the opening.  I remembered on their episode that they featured the Cornish Hens and the Barbecue Bologna sandwich.  Since I saw that I wanted to try the sandwich and that's what I ordered with Cole Slaw and a side that seems to be a Memphis specialty Barbecue Spaghetti, that is a side I'd like to see move to the DC area!

Cozy Corner Restaurant

Inside the Cozy Corner

the menu

The seating area was pretty plain with a number of tables with the self service drink station in one corner,  My meal was delivered pretty quickly.  The sandwich had a thick slick of bologna topped with mild barbecue sauce and Cole Slaw (which is known as Memphis Style), along with a small side of slaw and spaghetti. The sandwich was great I really ejoyed the barbecued crust on the edges which gave it an additional smoky flavor.  By the time I finished the places had become really busy, many people were not only regulars but neighbors of the restaurant.  As I was leaving I was able to get the manager to sign my book.

My Cozy Corner meal

Fried Bologna Sandwich with Slaw and Barbecue Spaghetti

A tasty thick slab of bologna

I headed out and thanked the staff for the great food and friendly service.  I then headed out to my next stop.  "Leonard's Pit Barbecue" is a legendary Memphis restaurant having been in business since 1922.  The place is very homey and seemsto have a 1950s feel to it.

Leonard's Barbecue a Memphis tradition since 1922

I chose the Mr. Lenard's Pork Shoulder sandwich, what else do you get but the places namesake sandwich?!  The sandwich was served "Memphis Style" with slaw and mild sauce.  Very tasty, the pork had really good flavor.

1950s Diner style décor at Leonard's

One of their old delivery trucks on display

The "Mr. Leonard" pork shoulder sandwich

As I was paying the cashier asked me about my travels when he saw my book and we talked for a few minutes and he signed the book.  From Leonard's I went back to the hotel for a short break and then headed to my next stop.  "Tom's Barbecue and Deli" is a triple D classic location.  They're episode is a classic in my opinion.  They feature not only barbecue but a wide variety of meals.  They are a dining rom indoors and one in a covered patio area and feature pictures of diners.  They also have a number of pictures of Guy's visit.

Tom's roadside sign with guess who!

Tom's Barbecue and Deli in Memphis - A Triple D Classic location

After having barbecue on my last few stops the Catfish sandwich looked really good to me, so that's what I ordered along with a drink.  The sandwich came plain and that's how I wanted it, a large fried catfish filet served on thick white bread.  It tasted fantastic and didn't need any sauce or toppings.  The breading had a very nice and light spice that just made it delicious!  Normally I don't talk too much about the drinks I choose but Tom's had a huge number of fountain drinks available including soft drinks, kool aid, lemonade and iced teas.  I chose the Peach Iced Tea and it was by far the best I have ever tasted! 

Inside Tom's Barbecue and Deli

My Fried Catfish sandwich

Iced Tea choices - THE Best Peach Iced Tea!

Tom's owner Adam came over to sign my book and then we posed for pictures by their huge Guy poster.  Tom posed for pictures with me and then took one for their Facebook page and posted it shortly thereafter.  He wouldn't let me go before fixing a take home rib and bologna sampler plate which I took back to the hotel to enjoy.  When I got back to the hotel I opened up the box and I could smell the spices that make Tom's so unique in the Memphis barbecue world, they use Mediterranean spices and it not only is unique but very tasty!  Adam told me that when he bought Tom's he wanted to use the same recipes that had been used for years but he wanted to replace the MSG with more natural spices and that led to the unique spice mix they use today.

The complimentary rib box that Adam gave me

Tom's owner Adam and me by their huge Guy poster

I loved this place and is a must to anyone visiting the Memphis area.  Adam is a very gracious host and wonderful chef!  My next stop would be place that has changed names since Guy visited.  On the episode Guy visited 3 Angels, which was a southern style restaurant but has since changed to "Maximo's on Broad" and now specializes in Spanish and Tapas style food.  The ownership is still pretty much the same but I was told that the Tapas style fits the neighborhood better.  I entered the small place and took a seat at the bar where I was served by the bartender but was able to meet the entire staff and the manager/owner. 

Maximo's on Broad formerly known as 3 Angels in Memphis

The Bar area in Maximo's

I decided to try a couple of items off the tapas menu, all 15 or 20 items looked good but I chose the Brussels Dilemma and the Raviola.  The Brussels Dilemma is a dish based on Brussels Sprouts in a Korean sauce and the dilemma is whether you want bacon or not.  Not really much of a dilemma, as everything is better with bacon!  The Raviola was a large ravioli stuffed with spinach and goat cheese and topped with a lightly spicy sauce and a piece of pancetta on top.  Both were really tasty and the portions were larger than I thought. 

Maximo's on Broad's Brussels Dilemma tapas plate

The Raviola tapas plate

When the bartender and the other employees saw my Triple D book we had a really great conversation about the show and the restaurant and also the different Triple D places in the Memphis area.  The owner signed my book before I left.  I really lied the food but found it to be a bit on the expensive side.  I headed out for my last stop on my second day on this trip.  "The Farmer" has changed locations since Guy visited in 2014 and was known as The Elegant Farmer at the time.  The are now located in a small mall and make up about 90% of the mall which is decorated as farm buildings.  I entered and was greeted by Mac, the owner and chef of the restaurant.  We talked for a few minutes before he seated me at a table inside the mall area.  Mac is quite a guy, he is a founding member of the Memphis Farmer's Market and his restaurant is a true Farm to Table place.  Most of the meals are locally sourced meats, poultry and vegetables. 

Formerly known as The Elegant Farmer; The Farmer is a true Farm to Table restaurant

Southern Farm fee at The Farmer

We talked about Guy and the crew.  Mac told me that him ad Guy hit it off right from the start and he is very grateful to both Guy and his crew for all the great work they have done small restaurants like his.  I asked him for his recommendation and he suggested a few of the true southern specialties that were on his ever changing menu. I chose the Blackened Catfish, which was topped with Taziki sauce and served with Bleu Cheese cabbage and couscous.  The meal was delicious, I thought the fish was perfectly blackened and really didn't need the Taziki sauce!  Mac came over and signed my book and then thanked me for stopping in and a few of he staff came over to wish me well on my travels, I really appreciated their hospitality.  I headed back to the hotel after a great day,.

I got up for my last day in Memphis and decided to head to a place that I have wanted to visit for some time.  My next Triple D stop is right next to the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel.  The Lorraine Motel is where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in April 1968.  The museum has two buildings, the first being built into the motel and traces Civil Rights movement from the start of slavery in the new world through today.  The second building is built into the boarding house where James Earl Ray fired the fatal bullet that killed Dr. King.  The museum is full of historic displays and artifacts.  I am not one to be moved often but I will admit that the displays of the Selma March bridge, the boarding house room where the shots were taken and mostly the motel room where Dr. King stayed the last night of his life were really were very emotional!  There are many things to do and see in the Memphis area but I would recommend this National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorrain Motel be put at the top of your list!

The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis

The main building built into the Lorraine Motel

Entrance to the Legacy Center the museum extension inside the Assassins Boarding House

DC area brochure from the early 1950s pointing out the restaurants along Highway 40 that were both integrated and segrated

The Rosa Parks bus

The lunch counter from the Greensboro sit-in

The Greyhound Bus that was firebombed during the Freedom Ride in Alabama

These are the signs on the building the day of the assassination

Dr. King's room at the Lorraine

The Wreath marks the spot

Memorial Head Stone

Taken from the Boarding House window where the fatal shot was taken

 

The second floor balcony where Dr. King was murdered

I left the museum to walk to my next Triple D restaurant.  It literally is next to the museum.  "Rizzo's Diner" is an upscale place.  It is an open and airy place with nice wood décor and a large bar in the center of the place.  I was there for their Sunday Brunch and got there shortly after they opened.  I decided to take a seat at the bar and looked over the menu and everything looked great.  The owner and chef is Michael Patrick, a well known Memphis chef. 

Rizzo's Diner in downtown Memphis

Rizzo's Diner Bar area

I decided to try the Andouille Sausage and Grits.  While I waited Chef Patrick came by and I was honored to meet him and talk a little about the restaurant.  He told me that he had moved form a smaller location just a few doors down the street since Guy had visited.  The main reason for the move was Guy's visit as their business exploded!  I also talked with the bartender and server and she said that although Chef Patrick is becoming a local legend he is very down to earth and really likes to create innovative and fresh meals.  They are also proud to use local ingredients in their meals.   Chef Patrick brought my meal out and it was wonderful!  Cheesy grits topped with Andouille Sausage and country gravy and garnished with green, red and yellow pepper slices. 

My Rizzo's Diner meal - Andouille Sausage and Grits

Rizzo's Chef and Owner Michael Patrick

I really enjoyed Rizzo's, not only the great food but the wonderful staff, too!  My next stop was one I was really looking forward to.  "Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken" was featured on an early episode of the show and one is my favorite episodes.  Guy had a great time with Uncle Lou and food looked great!  I would not be disappointed.  The restaurant is in a small strip center and was very busy when I arrived.  Their chicken is fried and then dipped in what they call "Sweet Spicy Love Sauce", they also have a spice mix on the table that you can add to the chicken or sides which Uncle Lou calls "Corruption" because as he said to Guy, "Once you try it,  you've been corrupted!"  At the end of my visit I was corrupted, too!  You order and at the front window and then the your food is brought out to you. 

Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken

Huge Guy poster on the front window

I ordered the 3 piece dark meat chicken dinner with corn nuggets on the side. I asked for the mild "Sweet Spicy Love" sauce.  The meal came ut and the server asked me about the book and I asked if I could get it signed.  He told me he would go and get Uncle Lou to come out and do the honors.  Before I could even try the chicken Uncle Lou came out and signed my book and we took some pictures in front of the huge poster out front.  Uncle Lou is larger than life and I could tell that him and Guy had a great time together!  The chicken was great, it looked like Fried Chicken dunked in Buffalo sauce but the Sweet Love sauce is much better than Buffalo sauce and although mine was the mild sauce, it had a pretty good bits.  I dusted the nuggets with the Corruption spice and it made them even better!

Uncle Lou's Sweet Spicy Love Fried Chicken

Corn Nuggets on the side

Corruption Spice, very tasty - I have been Corrupted!

Uncle Lou's may look like a "hole in the wall" from the outside but if you pass it by you'll be passing a reall7 great place!

Me and Uncle Lou!

My last stop on this Memphis Triple D was "Marlowe's Ribs and Restaurant" located on  Elvis Presley Boulevard, less than a mile form Elvis' Graceland Mansion.  Marlowe's is the most Elvis centric place I have ever been to.  They provide Pink Limo service from nearby hotels and attractions and as soon as you enter the place you are inundated with all things Elvis, from posters to clothing to memorabilia of all kinds, they even have a gift shop! 

Marlowe's about a mile from Graceland and dedicated to al things Elvis

They even provide Pink Limo service from nearby hotels

Welcome to Marlowe's!

I was seated at a small table in the bar area.  The bar was really busy and I liked all the neon in the area.  My server must have been named Fred as he work a short that announced "Fed By Fred" and had the Marlowe's logo on the back.  As I have had a lot of barbecue over the past few days I chose the Barbecue Shrimp with beans and house made potato chips on the side.  The shrimp was dry rubbed in barbecue seasoning and then sautéed in butter.  It looked and even tasted like scampi.  The sides were also god, but I must admit that with the places I had visited in Memphis this was a bit of a let down when compared with the other places. 

The Elvis belt on display

Large and busy bar area at Marlowe'd

Gotta love Elvis neon!

Barbecue Shrimp

Beans and Chips on the side

I ended my trip to Memphis and looking back, it started out terribly but ended great!  I met so many great people on my travels here, this was, to date one of my favorite Triple D trips and I flew home with my Triple D count at 575!