Kooky Canuck - Memphis

I almost forgot to write about this place.  While in Memphis, I wanted to try Gus’s Famous Fried Chicken http://www.gussofms.com/ BUT when I got there (at noon) there was a line around the block!!  There was no way that I would be willing to wait.  I know, you are saying, ‘he was in Memphis and didn’t get BBQ?’ I did get BBQ, just check out the other post. 

Since Gus’s was out of the question for me, since I’m inpatient, I wandered around downtown and Beale Street seeking out my options.  Then I remembered the Kooky Canuck http://www.kookycanuck.com/ , which was featured on the Travel Channels Man v. Food. 

So in I went.  It wasn’t too crowded, I was sat immediately.  When you walk in ou’ll see the 13 pictures of the people who took the Kookamonga Challenge (this is where you eat a 4lb. hamburger with fries and such in under an hour…most did it in 59 minutes)  I was not willing to take the challenge.  I would love to have seen someone do it though.  I’ve never seen a 4lb. hamburger…2 can attempt this challenge with a 7lb. hamburger. 

The inside reminded you of a Canadian Travelodge…or at least how I picture it. 

I ordered me a sweet tea (as usual) a side item called Poutine (Pooh-tin), which is basically hand cut fries covered in some cheese and brown gravy. Very tasty.

For my main course I ordered The Canadian burger…only because it has Canadian bacon on it!! 

They have several signature items on the menu, but I was in a burger mood, since I didn’t get my chicken.  I do recommend trying this place out.  Or trying the challenge.  If you take the challenge let me know.

The Rendezvous vs. Leonard's - Memphis

I went to Memphis recently for some BBQ, if you plan on going to Memphis and you don’t try BBQ you must be communist.  I was torn on which to try, so I opted to buy from two places.  However, I did not eat at the restaurants, I took the food back to my mom and Step-dad so that they too could enjoy, and tell me which they preferred.

The two BBQ places I chose were the Rendezvous and Leonard’s.  Both claim to have the best ribs in Memphis.  Normally, I base my BBQ quality on beef brisket, or pulled pork, if they don’t claim a specialty.   To be fair, I took the ribs with dry rub and sauce on the side.  Comparing apples to apples on this one.

The first place, Charles Vergo’s Rendezvous, http://www.hogsfly.com/ this place is located in a small alleyway off of the famous Beale Street (52 South Second Street) behind the Peabody Hotel.  The story behind this place is that in 1948, Charlie Vergos was cleaning his basement and found a coal chute and began to use it for barbecuing.  Tons of famous people have eaten at the Rendezvous.  So this makes it one of the key places to eat when visiting Memphis.

When you go in, expect a wait (I think most ‘famous’ restaurants off Beale Street have a wait).  Since I was placing a to-go order I went in placed my order and was out in 10 minutes.  But, there was a wait if I wanted to sit and eat.  You walk in to a split level, up is the bar and down is the host/hostess stand.  It wasn’t too large of a place.  The smell of BBQ wafts throughout.  If you didn’t come hungry, this place will make you that way.  All kinds of Memphis memorabilia adorns their walls.  I would like to come back and sit down and eat.

The second place, Leonard’s Pit Barbecue, http://www.leonardsbarbecue.com/ this is not located downtown, it is out of the way (5465 Fox Plaza Drive).  This is Memphis’ oldest BBQ joint.  Opened in 1922, this famous place was a favorite of Elvis. 

When you come in here, it is a typical restaurant, nothing really unique about it, except for the truck parked inside.  Leonard’s does offer a BBQ buffet, but alas, I didn’t eat at this place, I took my food back home.  The place is walled off from a lot of the rest of the establishment.  And it’s a dark place, much like Rendezvous.  Dim lighting and BBQ must go hand in hand.

 

 

Let’s get to the taste…The drive back to Nashville from Memphis taunted me, due to the fact I had the aroma of BBQ drifting in the truck, but I waited until I got home.  I opened up both containers and seen a discernable difference in the ribs.  The ones from the Rendezvous packed more meat…AND they smelled better. 

The ribs from Leonard’s were a little dryer than the others.  I tried both plain and then with their sauces.  Note that Rendezvous ribs are meant to be eaten without a sauce and Leonard's are not.  I prefer a sweeter sauce, but the Rendezvous sauce had a lil heat to it, and more vinegar base.  Leonard's was a sweeter sauce.  I like Leonard's sauce better, but the Rendezvous ribs won hands down.  I think Leonard's uses their sauce to cover up their dry rub, which was lacking, in my opinion. 

If I had to choose one it would be The Rendezvous, but I wouldn't count out Leonard's.  It is the oldest for some reason.  Maybe their pulled pork was better, but I think if you're going to claim to have the best ribs, then you need to bring it, but Leonard's didn't bring it in my opinion.  Give both a try and choose your favorite.

Bro's Cajun Cuisine - Nashville

I travel across the state a lot and like trying new places.  I rarely let places slip by me, and this one was one of those.  I lived in Nashville for 7 years and NEVER heard of this place until recently.  So, being in Nashville the other day, I had to give it a try.  The place...Bro's Cajun Cuisine.  http://www.broscajuncuisine.com/

Located at 3214 Charlotte Ave., downtown Nashville, this place is one for the few Cajun type restaurants in middle Tennessee.  Chef Darrell Breaux is the owner of this fine establishment.  He moved from Louisiana 23 years ago.  His cooking background started out when he was a boy working in a grocery store, then on to the Navy, where he was a cook.  Then in 1975 he opened his first restaurant in Lafayette and in 1988 moved to Nashville and opened Bro's. 

I took my step-dad, Ben, with me for this adventure, since he enjoys cajun food.  It is set in a akward location, thus making it hard to find to begin with, and the entrance is a little weird too.  But once you get in, it makes it worth the hunt.  It is a small seating area that you come into.  I didn't realize there was more seating downstairs, but there wasn't a wait or anything so we sat up top.

We were waited on immediately.  I told Ben about how they make their own andouille sausage and boudin.  They have a smokehouse on site.  And their claim to fame is their stuffed pork chops, but that wasn't what I got.  I decided to try the House Sampler, which consisted of Gumbo, Jambalaya, Red Beans & Rice, crawfish etouffee and cornbread. 

Ben opted for the oyster po boy.  I was happy with my selection, however the gumbo needed more file powder for my liking, thank goodness they provided that on the table.  And the crawfish etouffee was a little plain.  The rest was great, with just enough spice.  The only thing I can figure is that cajun cooking has a lot of spice normally and most people can't handle it, so they tone it down to satisfy the masses.  Ben was not too thrilled with his oyster po boy.  I didn't like the fact that it didn't have a remoulade sauce on it, but rather mayo.  Plus, unless you get fresh oysters they won't be as good as they are in New Orleans.

We didn't try any dessert, so I cannot say anything about that.  I will note that this place was featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives" with Guy Fieri.  You should check out the video on their website if you plan on going to this location.  They do have more than just cajun food on the menu.  I do plan on returning, and I do recommend this place.  Know this...if you plan on going they are only open 10:30-3:00 Monday - Thursday and 10:30 - 8:00 on Fridays, but are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.



Dead End BBQ Knoxville

I didn't know where to go this weekend, but I was craving BBQ and the recent episode of Man v. Food on the Travel Channel showcased a couple of establishments in Knoxville, however, I opted to try a different place I heard about...Dead End BBQ http://www.deadendbbq.com/

It's called Dead End for a couple of reasons, one because it is the last place you should go for BBQ (maybe)...2nd the is where it was born.  I thought maybe because of where it was, there is a dead end street close by. 

Located at 3621 Sutherland Ave. in Knoxville, TN...Dead End BBQ appears to be an old gas station, or at least that's what I think. 

They have won East Tennessee's Best BBQ.  The inside is modern, spacious and inviting.  Because it was so hot when I went I opted to dine inside instead of their outdoor patio.  I would assume, at some point, they may decide to offer live music.

I noticed they offered drink specials, and have a Happy Hour Special every day.  Now on to the important portion...the food.  Of course I had to order the sweet tea to drink, which was fresh brewed (or seemed to be) and it was ok, not the best, but passed my standards.  I was torn on what to get.  To me the true test of a BBQ joint is the Beef Brisket.  If you can make a good beef brisket, then you can work wonders with the other meats.  So, I decided on the combo (2 meats, I got the beef brisket and the pulled pork), then there was the decision on the 2 sides...the waiter suggested the Red, White and Bleu Slaw and Macaroni and Pimento Cheese.  Since I have been having difficulty perfecting my Mac N Cheese recipe I thought I would give theirs a shot.  I almost went with one of their bean dishes, but said I like Bleu Cheese that I went with the slaw.  And then there was the choice of bread (Texas Toast, Jalapeno Cornbread or Southern Style Cornbread)...I chose Southern Style Cornbread. 

I will say this...the sides were not desirable.  I do not like pimento cheese, so I should have known better, so that was my fault.  The slaw was ok...not my favorite, but slaw is difficult to make.  This was different, and if you like Bleu cheese I would say give it a shot.  The cornbread wasn't like I expected it.  I would have prefered a Hoe Cake or a small pone of cornbread, and this one they gave me tasted like the Jiffy mix cornbread, but it was ok...needed butter. 

The meats...I was impressed...the beef brisket and pulled pork were very good.  Didn't need BBQ sauce, but I do drown my meat in sauce...However, I was not impressed with their sauces.  They need work.  They offer 3 choices, Regular, Mild and Hot.  I did try all 3, and went with the regular, I think it needed to be sweeter. 

I also sampled the chicken...it too was excellent.  The moisture of the meats were perfect...most of the time it's either dry or too moist, this was just right, and there was also not the smokey taste you would normally find.  In all I would highly recommened checking this establishment out.  Let me know your thoughts and experiences. 

Being I was there at 3pm, there wasn't a crowd, and it was during shift change so I couldn't really evaluate the staff.  I did have to wait a while on drink refills. 

Amis Mill Eatery

Rogersville, TN may not have much, but they do have one little special place tucked away (and I do mean you have to be looking for this to find it).  Past the historic Amis house on a curvy road is the Amis Mill Eatery.  http://www.amismill.com/ It's a rustic looking cabin type place, I would say it seats 100 people, maybe, 60 in the entrance and 40 on the porch.  The porch is covered and has an amazing view.

If you're looking for a place to take a date, this is acceptable.  The staff is very friendly and the food isn't bad either, but if you're going for Cajun, I wouldn't recommend it.  I ordered the fried okra and fried crawfish tails for appetizer.  The okra was a pre-made as you would expect (I would have done some fresh okra myself), but the crawfish tails were good, I couldn't tell if they were frozen or fresh.  The "Old Mill Sauce" was excellent to dip both the crawfish and the okra in.  It was a horseradish based sauce instead of the traditional roumalade sauce.

For the main course, I elected to stick with Cajun and ordered the Jambalaya with a side of Red Beans and Rice.  The Jambalaya was ok, it was acceptable, but could have used more spice.  However, the red beans and rice was not.  The RB&R seemed like they opened a can of kidney beans, thickened the sauce a little and put it over rice.  I was none too happy with this dish. 

Side note...everyone knows that I am the guru of sweet tea, especially if you claim to have "Southern" sweet tea, then I am all about it.  WELL...the Amis Mill claimed to have Southern Sweet Tea...yea, well they did, in the form of the pre-mix crap that the soda companies put in the fountain machine.  I think if you're going to advertise a Southern Sweet tea then go the extra mile and brew it yourself, don't use the pre-mix.  It's cheaper to do it yourself and it taste better.

I did not opt for a dessert...

The owner, made a special visit to the table to see how things were, and I of course, didn't hold back, and I told him my thoughts (If you don't wanna know, don't ask)...I'm sure it was a surprise to him, most would say everything was fine and go on, not I said the lil elf...I told him exactly what I thought.  That growing up in the deep south and Cajun cooking (come on I learned from the best before he got famous, so don't mess with my Cajun food) being one of my forte, that I was disappointed in their Cajun fare that it could have been much better.  He explained that he didn't have a Cajun cook, so it may have been off (my first thoughts were, why serve Cajun food if you don't know how to cook Cajun?).  We talked further, and I told him that I would be more than happy to share my Creole recipes and even come back up there to demonstrate how to cook it.  He was receptive to the idea.  He said he's always looking for something new and inventive.  SO...looks like I'll be making a trip back to Rogersville soon to help fix the Cajun side of the menu. 

Overall, I would recommend this place, if for nothing else the atmosphere and the historic value.  I would give this place a 3 out of 5 stars (ok, so I need to be more creative with my rating system...give me some ideas!!!)

Also, if you have a place you want me to go check out and report on, shoot me an email and I'll be more than happy to give my opinions.

Happy eating y'all!

King Tut's Knoxville

     Over the weekend I was craving Greek food and didn't know where to go, so I looked in Knoxville and seen the list of Greek restaurants.  I decided to try out King Tut's.  This restaurant is located off of Champan Highway on Martin Mill Pike (it's real esay to get to). 

  When you first see this place you are like, what in the world???  This cannot be good.  But, if anyone knows me, I am always up for an adventure...this was no exception.  Upon entering the premises the inside shocks you even more.

     There are all kinds of signs and such scattered throughout the place.  It's great!!  Seriously, if you are looking for a unique place, this is it!!  Upon sitting in this tiny establishment, I was greeted by Mo, the owner.  This guy is one of a kind.  He brought a menu (which is hard to decipher, it's scattered and you really don't know what's what).  He made some suggestions on what to get (Egyptian Platter or the Greek Salad).  I choose a gyro (if it's no good then I know the rest won't be).  I do like my Greek food.  As always I order a sweet tea (sorry Mo, but your sweet tea is a mix and not brewed, so I didn't like it as much).  What made my sweet tea tolerable is how it came...IN A VASE!!!  I LOVE THIS!!!

     Mo was highly interactive with me...did a magic trick...then we played a game of chess for dessert.  Mo cleaned my clock...come to find out he plays 7 days a week and plays customers often...so be prepared to lose if you take him up on his challenge. 
     Mid chess game the food came out.  The gyro was great, it had sauteed peppers and onions, with the Tzatziki sauce along with lettuce, purple onions and tomatos (I chose no lettuce or purple onions).  Then I had the dessert (since I lost I had to but it). 
     Talking to Mo, he informed me at night he gives everyone in the restaurant an instrument and then he turns on all his lights (as seen in the photos) and they have a big party with people standing in the seats and on the tables, they even karaokee...I must return for this.  granted there would probably be 15 people max in this place, I still be it would be fun. 
     Overall, this was a great experience, not a place to take a first date, unless they are as demented as you are.  The pricing and food are a good value.  I would highly recommend this experience.  I would like to know your thoughts if you go. 

King Tut's Grill
4132 Martin Mill Pike
Knoxville, TN 37920
(865) 573-6021