Eatin’ Bugs and BBQ

The life of a graduate student did not allow for too much living. Every minute of every hour was charted in my planner. Every meal was accompanied by a book and every hour of sleep was spent spooning my warm laptop. #

It was the life I accepted so I would remain focused and accomplish what I was there to do. It was this life that held me back from many of the unique tastes and smells I was determined to experience during my trip back to Memphis. #

First Mission: Eat Bugs #

(Full disclosure: I do not know these people!!) #

It’s hard to believe I avoided eating crawfish for two years. I recall multiple warm, moist summer days, when jazz would illuminate the hearts of neighbors and my roommates would head out the door with a cold one to enjoy one another at the all-day crawfish festivals. #

I rolled up my sleeves for the first time while I was on my furlough trip. #

The host of the crawfish boil welcomed me to the table and took the honor of plowing through the mound of crawfish with his bare hands, shifting the red mass to the right, then to the left, until a critter to his likings peeped out. He then demonstrated the task at hand. #

A slight break of the wrist cracks the shell of the crawfish right below the head. Then you must make a decision about whether or not you were going to be the Rudy or the Zack Morris of the crowd. #

If you decide to be the coolest kid in school, it’s now time to suck the head. After tossing the head, you can crack the remaining shell, releasing the shrimp-like meat inside. #

The first batch I dug my hands into was quite the treat — 80 lbs to be exact. I am sad to report I did not suck the head. It was just a bit much for a northern girl. Maybe next time? #

Nothing is Free at Central BBQ #

TWHS anyways. #

The delightful man behind the corner at Central BBQ was all smiles as he coached my former boss on what to order. Once again, I was experiencing one of the drool-worthy eateries in Memphis for the first time – as a tourist – not as a resident. #

It was Friday and I was winding down from a ridiculously eventful couple of days. The weekend high extended until about Tuesday. It was nearly impossible to focus after the Saturday crawfish boil and Dave Matthews Band combination, not to mention the elote at Las Tortugas and chicken from Gus’s. #

My boss chuckled with the cashier. The decision-making was left in his hands. After all, if he could keep me sane for a year, why couldn’t I trust him to order a chicken sandwich? He settled on a half-rack of dry ribs, macaroni and cheese and a pulled-chicken BBQ sandwich. #

Meanwhile, I was shopping for gifts to take home, some of which the delightful man may or may not have given to me for free. #

Ten minutes later, I was in a state of shock as I tried Central’s dry ribs for the first time. The tender meat boasted with intense flavor. The meat was literally falling off the bone. It hung on ever so slightly, just enough so you could still lift the bone by the corners and indulge. #

It was amazing. My expectations are so high now I’ll never be brought back down. #

If you ever find yourself in Memphis, please say hello to the team at Central BBQ. After entertaining the crew in simple conversation for a few minutes, find yourself a picnic table outside on the deck under one of the canopies and prepare yourself for a treat. #