Brits on their way to Memphis and New Orleans
Mar 12th, 2003, 07:38 AM
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Brits on their way to Memphis and New Orleans
......we can't wait! Just LUV the US to bits when we travel there! Not been to Memphis or NO before - anyone any recommendations on where to eat in either city? Specific restaurant names would be great. Any other info gratefully received.
Mar 12th, 2003, 09:17 AM
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For New Orleans there is tons of information on this sight. Type in New Orleans in the text search field and you will get a ton of posts.
Both cities are great.
I went to Memphis several years ago to visit family. I don't have any recommendations on hotels or restaurants - we ate out but I can't remember where. For activities though, definitely check out the National Civil Rights museum and Beale Street in the evenning - lots of clubs, music spilling into the street, great vibe, lots of people out.
Both cities are great.
I went to Memphis several years ago to visit family. I don't have any recommendations on hotels or restaurants - we ate out but I can't remember where. For activities though, definitely check out the National Civil Rights museum and Beale Street in the evenning - lots of clubs, music spilling into the street, great vibe, lots of people out.
Mar 12th, 2003, 10:26 AM
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Glad you are coming!
When you talk about Memphis food, you talk about barbecue. My two favourites are the Rendevous, which is in the basement of an old hotel (or office tower, I forget) right downtown about a block or so away from the Peabody in Memphis. You will have no problem finding it, it is a Memphis institution and known for its Dry Rub Ribs. I personally don't like the eating ambience down there, kind of smoky, but they run a thriving take away business and you might consider taking your order of ribs, plus some of the local side dish delicacies, to the river bank to enjoy. Get lots of napkins.
The other is a small chain of BBQ restaurants called Corky's. Also very good.
I'd suggest Beale Street as well, a bit raucous, lots of good music. As a Briton visiting America, if you wanted to soak up another American pastime I believe they have a nice new baseball stadium that they finished recently in downtown Memphis. It's Minor League baseball, which means great seats close to the action, and lots of Americana flavour to immerse yourself in. If you haven't experienced a baseball game before, a Minor League park like Memphis would be a truly unique way to do it.
There is also the Sun Studio tour, where Elvis recorded his hits. A tiny studio, lots of Elvis memorabilia. I really liked Graceland, recommend going there with somewhat of an open mind... it is really gaudy, a real period piece estate, but fun.
Enjoy your visit! Kind regards, BMD
When you talk about Memphis food, you talk about barbecue. My two favourites are the Rendevous, which is in the basement of an old hotel (or office tower, I forget) right downtown about a block or so away from the Peabody in Memphis. You will have no problem finding it, it is a Memphis institution and known for its Dry Rub Ribs. I personally don't like the eating ambience down there, kind of smoky, but they run a thriving take away business and you might consider taking your order of ribs, plus some of the local side dish delicacies, to the river bank to enjoy. Get lots of napkins.
The other is a small chain of BBQ restaurants called Corky's. Also very good.
I'd suggest Beale Street as well, a bit raucous, lots of good music. As a Briton visiting America, if you wanted to soak up another American pastime I believe they have a nice new baseball stadium that they finished recently in downtown Memphis. It's Minor League baseball, which means great seats close to the action, and lots of Americana flavour to immerse yourself in. If you haven't experienced a baseball game before, a Minor League park like Memphis would be a truly unique way to do it.
There is also the Sun Studio tour, where Elvis recorded his hits. A tiny studio, lots of Elvis memorabilia. I really liked Graceland, recommend going there with somewhat of an open mind... it is really gaudy, a real period piece estate, but fun.
Enjoy your visit! Kind regards, BMD
Mar 12th, 2003, 08:17 PM
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Oh, one other thing I need to say about Memphis.
I love the city, have family in the area, but the discrepancies between poor inner city Memphis and very nice suburban Memphis and surrounding Shelby County are pronounced. This should generally not be a problem for you, no worse than East London with the exception of the area around Beale Street. Beale Street itself is unquestionably safe, but venture a couple blocks away from it in the wrong direction and you might enter some areas uncomfortable to a tourist.
Don't stress too much about it. Aaah, Memphis, I still remember strolling Beale Street at sunset, got to the end of the street where there was a park only to come upon an extremely talented vocal quintet improvisationally singing old Christian standard hymns as the sky turned from blue to purple, and as the moist humid breeze kicked up from the river. Awesome.
I love the city, have family in the area, but the discrepancies between poor inner city Memphis and very nice suburban Memphis and surrounding Shelby County are pronounced. This should generally not be a problem for you, no worse than East London with the exception of the area around Beale Street. Beale Street itself is unquestionably safe, but venture a couple blocks away from it in the wrong direction and you might enter some areas uncomfortable to a tourist.
Don't stress too much about it. Aaah, Memphis, I still remember strolling Beale Street at sunset, got to the end of the street where there was a park only to come upon an extremely talented vocal quintet improvisationally singing old Christian standard hymns as the sky turned from blue to purple, and as the moist humid breeze kicked up from the river. Awesome.
Mar 13th, 2003, 07:51 AM
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EnglishOne, check the latest TRIP REPORT on Memphis off the beaten track posted here. It mentions the art museum which is a wonderful surprise in Memphis. You can't miss "the duck parade" through the lobby of the Peabody Hotel. I think it's twice a day, morning and late afternoon.
If you have time in NO, try to do a tour of the plantations outside town. Also in NO, check out Magazine St. for antique shops, boutiques & some restaurants. Cafe du Monde for beignets & coffee is an institution in NO.
If you have time in NO, try to do a tour of the plantations outside town. Also in NO, check out Magazine St. for antique shops, boutiques & some restaurants. Cafe du Monde for beignets & coffee is an institution in NO.
Mar 13th, 2003, 07:51 AM
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There definitely is a big difference between Memphis and the suburbs. We visited family in the suburbs, and although the area was nice, it wasn't very interesting. Very much a demonstration of the "White Flight" from the cities. I enjoyed the time we spent in Memphis itself much more than the suburbs. As with any city though, it's definitely important to watch out for your personal safety.
Mar 13th, 2003, 10:38 AM
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How fun for you- and going to two of my favorite cities! I'm originally from Memphis and go back often to visit family. I agree with all recommendations and information posted here so far. Other Memphis restaurants: Huey's, several locations but I recommend downtown or midtown, for a yummy burger; Automatic Slim's also downtown across from the Peabody for eclectic; downtown and midtown areas do have the most character in Memphis. Do drive around midtown if you have the chance. The Cooper-Young area has fun shops and more places to eat, as does Overton Square. Also recommend Paulette's if you like French, in Overton Square.
For New Orleans, most restaurants post their menus outside, so you can at least see if you like what they have. For nicer restaurants, I would recommend making a reservation. Try looking in the Rants and Raves section of this website for good descriptions, locations and personal experiences. Do make sure and spend some time during the day around Jackson Square- lots of street artists and performers.
Have a wonderful time!
For New Orleans, most restaurants post their menus outside, so you can at least see if you like what they have. For nicer restaurants, I would recommend making a reservation. Try looking in the Rants and Raves section of this website for good descriptions, locations and personal experiences. Do make sure and spend some time during the day around Jackson Square- lots of street artists and performers.
Have a wonderful time!
Mar 13th, 2003, 01:09 PM
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Corky's in Memphis has a take out window at the airport, if you're flying out of there. There's always a few of us noshing on the flight home in front of other envious passengers. Another good Memphis spot is the Arcade Restaurant, on S. Main Street - you can take the streetcar from the city center.
It's been there forever, has real down home cooking. Great breakfasts, including the best French toast I've ever tasted (or is it Freedom Toast these days?)
Lots of marvelous restaurants in NO. One of our less-than-fancy favorites is Uglesich's. Its a couple of blocks off the St. Charles streetcar line, only open for lunch (until 4 pm), is kind of a dump in a so-so neighborhood, but wonderful seafood. Great fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade as a starter.
It's been there forever, has real down home cooking. Great breakfasts, including the best French toast I've ever tasted (or is it Freedom Toast these days?)
Lots of marvelous restaurants in NO. One of our less-than-fancy favorites is Uglesich's. Its a couple of blocks off the St. Charles streetcar line, only open for lunch (until 4 pm), is kind of a dump in a so-so neighborhood, but wonderful seafood. Great fried green tomatoes with shrimp remoulade as a starter.
Mar 14th, 2003, 04:29 AM
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For a nice combination of entertainment and a meal in NO, try lunch at the New Orleans School of Cooking http://www.neworleansschoolofcooking.com
It takes 3 hours (there is a mid afternoon 2 hour option) during which 4 courses are prepared in front of you with a lot of humor. Then you have the meal. And take the recipes home with you. $25
1-800-850-3008 for rexervations, though the day I was there I didn't have a reservation and went on the waiting list.
Keith
It takes 3 hours (there is a mid afternoon 2 hour option) during which 4 courses are prepared in front of you with a lot of humor. Then you have the meal. And take the recipes home with you. $25
1-800-850-3008 for rexervations, though the day I was there I didn't have a reservation and went on the waiting list.
Keith
