Memphis Blues

Expectations of a hick and red-neck restaurant, upon hearing the name 'Memphis Blues', are dashed as I walk in. I am warmly enclasped by its surroundings.


Not too fond of full-bodied-tasting cuts of meats such as steak and ribs, I'm usually a tad bit hesitant to fill my stomach with such. Drawing experiences of lavishly slathered ribs with canorous barbeque, hickory, honey garlic sauces illicit a Pavlov's reaction, except that it is of a verge of regurtitation caused by greasiness.


Prior to Memphis Blues, my knowledge of 'good' ribs was derived from Tony Roma's. Though I did have some meals there, I limited my frequency to its establishments. But upon tasting Memphis' expression of ribs, I was taken aback.
Never have I savoured such ribs that epitomizes such flavour without being masqueraded by a sauce.
Their ethos: Taste the quality and appreciate the process.
That is the beauty of their meats. Not shoddily marinated with a sauce but rubbed with aromatic herbs and seasoning , extracting and enhancing the meats' natural embodiment of flavour. George Siu, its successful owner has 2 locations located on West Broadway and Commercial Drive (I have yet to visit) and has deservedly recieved many distinguished awards, Look here .


The Elvis Platter: Shared by 4
Smoked sausages. Brisket. Pulled pork. Rib ends. Half slab ribs. Half of a cornish game hen. Fries. Coleslaws. Cornbread. Barbeque Sauce. Pit Beans.



Red wall of Jazz and Blues Singers.




Salivating




Evidence of Enjoyment


Legendary Crooners




I was overjoyed that they were so willing to pose for me!



Dazzle
The atmosphere of this eatery is fully warm and casual. Absolutely conjures a southern feel of eating with good ol' blues music playing in the background. I imagine this is what it feels like to be in Memphis or New Orleans... surreal. Come as yourself and feel comfortable because there is no pretense nor pretention about Memphis Blues, it is elementary and efficient. Order at the front, grab your piping hot scrumptious food and seat yourselves wherever you wish. I particulary appreciate the big rolls of environmentally-friendly paper towels strategically placed on every table at anyone's dispense. Quite thoughtful and nothing of those trite pungent, overwhelming fragrance of a wet towelette... Order the 1/2 slab of ribs (depending on your appetite, more than enough for 5"3 midget like me), pulled pork sandwich and the cornish game hen and the brisket (which is Dan's pick). Taste the meat on its own first before dipping in the barbeque sauce. The beans too are delectable (or perhaps I have a quirky attraction to beans in sauce *shrugs*). Be bold and order the Elvis Platter for an opportunity to savour each and every item they offer. Quench it with a beer.




Frazzle
Nothing too much to denounce about. Their pricing is slightly on the high side, but worthy of its quality in my books. It is futile to get seats at peak dinner times such as Fridays and weekends. Go there between 2-4 in the afternoon and most likely have the whole restaurant to yourself and your party. The restaurant boasts not of its size, so if your party consists of 6 and more, it will feel a little tight.



Overall
$ $
8.5/10



Memphis Blues Barbeque House
1465 West Broadway Avenue
Vancouver, B.C.
604-738-6806



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