Sorry, Memphis, but Nashville does have the best barbecue
Memphis food writer sounds off after Southern Living picks a Nashville spot as having Tennessee's best BBQ — but Music City holds its own when it comes to 'cue.
Brad Schmitt
Oh man, it keeps rainin' down on Memphis.
First, the NFL picks Nashville instead of Memphis for its Tennessee team. Then, just a couple of years ago, Nashville passes Memphis in population to become the state's biggest city.
Nashville has landed the NFL draft, the state's first NHL franchise and an MLS (top tier, suckas!) soccer team.
Now, Southern Living magazine gives Memphis its latest kick in the shorts.
The magazine (and many, many others) called Memphis "the barbecue capital," but Southern Living picked Nashville's Peg Leg Porker as "Tennessee's best BBQ joint."
"Ouch! That stings, doesn’t it?" Memphis Commercial Appeal food writer Jennifer Chandler wrote.
I'll bet it does. But Bluff City better get used to it.
Yes, I'll concur that Memphis and barbecue are synonymous. But have you seen how many top pitmasters have drifted to Nashville?
Among them is Carey Bringle of Peg Leg Porker. Pat Martin has built a really delicious Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint empire here. Edley's is pretty damn good, too. Heck, even Loveless Cafe has added a smokehouse that delivers amazing pulled pork.
So, like in population, it's only a matter of time before Nashville zooms by Memphis for barbecue too.
Don't get all shook up, Bluff City: Looks like you're holding onto Elvis' Graceland, anyway.
For now.
Brad Schmitt can be reached at brad@tennessean.com or 615-259-8384 or on Twitter @bradschmitt.