MEMPHIS

MEMPHIS

July 15, 2015

Entering the Memphis, TN city limits was exciting.  We were greeted by the giant glass pyramid shaped building that is now Bass Pro.  Being here will be new and exciting as this is our first trip to the Blues and Rock 'n Roll Capitol of the world!  This is where it all started.

It was late evening when we checked into our downtown hotel.  Debby, Eric and I had driven many miles today with Memphis Barbecue on our minds....now it was time. Debby passed on the BBQ, not her favorite food, but pushed us out to go makes pigs of ourselves.  We walked the few blocks to a side street before turning down into a dark alley littered with bits of trash, garbage cans and a couple of bums sitting against brick walls in the dark recesses.  It was a little spooky and we wondered about the directions we had received from the hotel. Then there it was, ahead on the left side, a double door entry that directed us downstairs to the basement.

The Rendezvous Barbecue Restaurant is one of Memphis' oldest and well known rib joints.  People from all over the world have come here and to Beale Street for BBQ and Blues.

When our Ribs arrived, Eric and I were not disappointed.  From the first bite, these were by far the absolute best Ribs I had ever eaten!  The secret of the Ribs was in the dry rub recipe, not in the way they were cooked; not in the BBQ sauce...but in the RUB, the spices and herbs recipe that gave these baby backs their unique taste.  The cooking process was equally as important in getting them just right, I can't deny that.  And they we're just right!  The best I've ever had!

The next morning we checked out of our hotel and headed over to Sun Studios, where Blues and Rock 'n Roll all began;  Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and a whole host of others who became famous right here at Sun Studios.  We arrived early and were among the first in line for the tour.  Soon, people began arriving, even bus loads.  The line grew longer.  We were glad we arrived an hour or more early!

We were in the first tour group.  The young man who led our tour was very knowledgeable and

shared many pieces of history about early entertainers and Sun Studios. It was an amazing tour and
highly recommended!  After a few photos, like jamming into the same microphone that a myriad of singers used, like Elvis, Johnny and others, then purchasing a few souvenirs (yes, shopping), we headed out of town towards Branson.

We felt filled.