Memphis Blues BBQ

Photo Credit: emilioleblanc

Around Vancouver in 52 Restaurants > Americas > U.S.A

I’m having a bit of trouble reviewing “American” restaurants on an ethnic food blog but the definition of ethnic is “pertaining to or characteristic of a people…sharing a common and distinctive culture, religion, language, or the like.” Food-wise, I think it’s safe to say that America has culinary characteristics (even if Canada does not) so I’m including it in this project, even though I haven’t before on this site.

What’s more American than a burgers? BBQ*. I’m fortunate enough to know so many BBQ aficionados that if I have a hankering for a plate full of savory, sweet meat, I hardly ever get it at a restaurant. Not that there’s an overwhelming number of BBQ joints in Vancouver to choose from – just Migz, Dix and Memphis Blues – but the other day I found myself on Commercial Drive with some hungry boys so we got ourselves some bar-b-que.

Good BBQ takes a lot of time. That’s why it’s hard for restaurants to do it well. Who’s going to pay staff to baby a rack of ribs all night? That said, Memphis Blues’ meat is pretty decent.

The Memphis Feast (or the Elvis Platter if you’re really hungry) is a great bet. A sampler of everything on the menu, it’s pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage, corn bread, beans, slaw and potato salad for $39. It’s tender, flavourful and greasy. As they say on their website, “This is messy food, folks – dive in, and eat with your hands.” Great idea.

*In fact, BBQ is a native American invention, perfected by the Arawaks. It “gradually worked its way from the Yucatan and coastal Mexico into Texas, picking up Spanish vinegar, Jamaican molasses, and various other refinements along the way,” according to my Ethnic Food Lover’s Companion.

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Memphis Blues
1342 Commercial Drive (+ various locations), Vancouver