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.