2 Chefs traveling to Oxford, MS and Memphis to eat

My chef husband and I will be in Memphis for 2 afternoons (lunch/dinner time) and then in Oxford for 4 days and nights. Where should we eat? We want the real thing...what ever that may be!!!

Since you are in Oxford, buzz on over to Tunica to the Blue and White. I have attached my review from my visit earlier in the year. It is also reviewed by Sterns.

Pogo and Sauceman: I had the opportunity to stop at the Blue and White. I got there at 10:30AM and their buffet wa not ready until 11:00AM. I waited and had some coffee while reading the memobilia on the wall which was very entertaining. Apparently the place had been there since 1937. One of the cooks or maybe the only cook has been there for 37 years.

I waited until they brought the hot chicken out before I hit the buffet. It was among the best I had ever had. I also had the turnip greens which were highly spiced and a very nice hint of hot peppers and pork. The macaroni and cheese was super as it was heaped with cheese on top and it was also slightly spiced. The green beans were truly southern and the fried green tomatoes made me return to the buffet for seconds. The bread pudding was good but just a little too much cinnamon for me. Homemade rolls and cornbread hit the spot. I sure did blow the Atkins thing but what the heck, there is always next week.

They also had salmon patties and country fried steak on the buffet as well as tiny carrots and peas. I did not try any of it as I was too engrossed with the fried chicken.

I spent the rest of the day at the Gold Strike where blackjack paid for the entire trip.

If you are in the Tunica area, the Sundancer will highly recommend the Blue and White. It is under new ownership and it is very apparent that the new owners liked what was there before. I had never been there before but if it was any better, I would not know how. My guess is the restaurant still has the same staff.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I have never been to Mississippi, but my friend who travels through that region suggests the Yocona River Inn, a few miles outside Oxford.
http://www.yocona.com

I can vouch for the Yocona. My wife and I went there on our honeymoon, and it was one of our best meals in town.

There's also a Doe's Eat Place in Oxford. That's reason enough to go there.

Taylor Grocery for catfish, Phillips Grocery for hamburger, Doe's for steak. It's all listed in Roadfood.

There are some nice places on the square in Oxford. Neither authentic nor elegant but decent. I like City Grocery, Downtown Grill, Bottletree Bakery, and Ajax Diner.

Just east of Oxford on Hwy 6, there is a truck stop on a hill with a couple of storefronts next door. One is a church and one is simply marked "Cafe". This cafe is run by the women who left Ruth and Jimmie's Cafe (see old Roadfood book) in Abbeville a few years ago. Dark wood paneling and orange formica tables for atmosphere. If you want an authentic Southern meat and three, this is the place.

I'VE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS LUNCH PLACE HAS CLOSED. However, on my last visit I tried a new place just off the square named Jubilee. Interesting plate lunches.

Are you all heading to the Southern Foodways Symposium?

John

If they are, they should say hello to Fred Sauceman as he will be there also.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Yep...we are heading to the Southern Foodways Symposium. How did you know?

quote:

Originally posted by Chef Susan

Yep...we are heading to the Southern Foodways Symposium. How did you know?

It was just an envious feeling that swept over me.

Have a great time!!!!

John

Hi there. In Memphis, if you love bbq.. then you need to go to Charlie Vergos' Rendevous for the best ribs you will ever eat. Neeleys is also great for bbq. Many swear by Corky's- but I like The Rendezvous.

verysleepy

Back in April, I attended the First Congressional District's Democratic Convention.

After it was over, the then-National Committeeman and co-chairperson of the John Kerry Campaign in Mississippi (who practices law in Oxford) took us to the Ajax Diner.

I cannot remember what I had, but it was good. There were about twelve of us at the table, and we almost all got something different. I think several people, though, got the vegetable plate.

The only complaint that I heard was that the only cornbread was jalapeno cornbread. Most of us thought that they should have served plain cornbread in addition to the jalapeno prepared.

Rendevous dry rub ribs!!!!!

You got it...... Drinks at the bar of the hotel Peabody.......... watch the ducks ride the elevator to there roof top suite and then walk across the street to the Rendezvous......
http://www.hogsfly.com/

Corkys' didn't impress me. Interstate and Cozy Corner impressed me above and beyond! The Rendezvous was ok.

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

Corkys' didn't impress me. Interstate and Cozy Corner impressed me above and beyond! The Rendezvous was ok.

Ditto