EmptyCage: Late lunch in Memphis

We both had had trouble sleeping last night. Maybe it was the fireworks over the Mississippi or just driving fatigue but we were tired this morning. Another day by the side of big muddy was in order to recover and rest.

Late afternoon found us both very hungry. We went off in search of BBQ at Ray's World Famous BBQ here in West Memphis. Based on the address listed on the internet we drove around to Missouri St to find nothing but a demolished bulilding. So much for current address info. Another call to the restaurant got us some directions to the service road out by the interstate. Well, there are several service roads out there by two interstates and it takes yet another call to find the correct road. We arrive, take a look and decide to bag it and head to Memphis for their BBQ.

We pop into the TN Welcome Center, Exit 1, I-40 for a map and directions. I cased the Center's attendants for someone who looks and feels like they could suggest good BBQ. I focused on my target-"large woman who knows BBQ like myself" and she asks "Wet or Dry?" in her low voice. I respond that I could do both. She replys "Then I'll send you where you can get both. Here's Neely's" as she highlights the way in pink on the small map. We are off for some lunch in a flash.

The drive up to Jefferson St takes just a few minutes and we arrive to a mostly empty parking lot. Are they open? It is afterall 2:45 pm and we are the really late lunch type. They are open and offer us a simple straightforward menu. Beef, pork, turkey, ribs, sides and all the etceteras. We opt for it all by choosing the Sampler Platter with a side of their famous BBQ spaghetti.

While we waited I remembered the feature on Neely's that was done by Jamie and Bobby Deen on their Food Network Show “Road Tasted” last year. Before that their mama Paula visited Neely’s in Memphis during her appearance at the Mid-South Fair. This year Paula Deen invited Memphis restaurateur of the year, Patrick Neely, co-owner of Neely’s Bar-B-Que and his family to her show, “Paula’s Party” to cook their favorite barbecue recipes during June of this year. It's all in the family they say.

Our lunch was a heaping platter of ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and beef brisket. Some dry, some wet just as the lady at the Welcome Center said. Sauce was terrific but the brisket didn't need anything as it was tender and smoked to perfection. Coleslaw and beans were excellent as well and the spaghetti... well just imagine some of that lovely pork chopped into BBQ sauce and poured over tender spaghetti. This sauce was a little more spicy than the regular sauce but had just the right kick for coating the pasta. There was more food than we could eat so we have BBQ sandwiches for later. We should sleep better tonight!