Memphis Barbecue: A Succulent History of Smoke, Sauce & Soul

by Craig David Meek

Memphis is equal parts music and food--the products of a community marked with grit and resiliency. The city's blues and soul music have lifted spirits, while barbecue has been a serious business ever since pork first entered the culinary landscape of Memphis with Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who brought the New World its first herd of pigs. Succulent pulled pork and ribs have become part of the fabric of life in the River City, and today they are cooked up in kitchens ranging from the internationally acclaimed, like Corky's, to the humblest of roadside dives. Told through the history of its barbecue is the story of the city of Memphis, from legendary joints like Leonard's Barbecue, where Elvis Presley hosted private parties, to lesser-known places like William's Bar-B-Q in the West Memphis, Arkansas neighborhood where wild, late-night blues juke joints served as a red-light district across the river from Beale Street in the 1950s and '60s. Sink your teeth into this rich history chock-full of interviews and insights from the city's finest pitmasters and 'cue gurus who continue the long tradition of creating art with meat and flame.

146 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2014

Reviews

[Tim Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Informative

Loved this book!! I was born and raised 80 miles north of Memphis and Memphis is home to many fond personal memories including the incredible barbecue at the Public Eye. The book explores the fascinating history of the people and places that made Memphis barbecue world famous. I found the historical sidebars into Beale Street and Memphis music absorbing reading. I highly recommend to barbecue lovers but especially those who have a Memphis connection.

[Teresa Ebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband was completely enraptured while I read this aloud. He's a little bit of a BBQ nerd and loves Memphis BBQ.
I, however, found all the names, dates, streets, etc to be dry reading and at times confusing. The stories given were fun. I almost wish this had been written where each of the BBQ joints & people had been given their own chapters with those with less to tell included in one chapter all together.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun and engaging.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confession: I am a vegetarian living (bur not native to) in Nashville. If you are a barbecue fan add a star. If you are from Memphis add another star. Lots of interesting tidbits, but much better if you share the author's local interest and passion for barbecue.

[Ernie Graziano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memphis BBQ

My mother was from Memphis, and I visited often until I was 12 years old. After that, I only visited a few more times. But, every time that I go, I head straight for the BBQ. I was fond of Tops, Leonard's, Loebs, The Rendezvous, and Bozo's, etc. I was hooked on pulled pork sandwiches made with cole slaw, hot BBQ sauce, and smoked pulled pork. Occasionally, I had ribs, but when I sat around with my relatives, we usually had do it yourself pulled pork sandwiches made from a smoked pork shoulder purchased from Leonard's. I have not ever, ever, ever, been able to duplicate Memphis BBQ at any restaurant outside of the Memphis area. I have lived in California since 1961. This book gives a fine history of Memphis BBQ, and tells it like it is. Also, it is up to date. It has relevant photos, and chronicles Memphis BBQ in a highly readable modern way. Therefore, I recommend this book for BBQ enthusiasts.