Memphis & New Orleans

This is a guest blog by my friend Jing, a first-time blogger who was born in China and moved to the US not so long ago. Jing visited several southern states during the time of Christmas and New Year 2016. Right after the election, I heard stories about foreigners being threatened and mistreated and was concerned about her trip down South. As it turned out, my worries were completely unnecessary. 

Below is her story:

I went on a fairly long trip, started in St. Louis, stopped at Memphis and ended in New Orleans. I got to try different types of cuisines and also got educated with American history. Everywhere we went, people were polite and friendly. Unlike here in Seattle, where people mainly focus on their own things. In the south, people greet each other with warmth and sincerity.

Among the three cities we visited, I like Memphis the best, not only because of the culture: (Elvis Presley’s Graceland)

but also because of the great food. Memphis is located at the center of three states and it used to be and still is a major transportation hub. Memphis is famous for their ribs! The best rib I had ever had is from Rendezvous. Their pork barbecue is just so tender and full of aroma. The restaurant stated in 1948 and today it still serves hundreds of rib lovers every single day.

Besides pork barbecue, the world famous fried chicken was also super popular among both local people and tourists. They use fresh chicken and peanut oil to deep fry, the line was very long, like 45 minutes for a weekday dinner at 5:30pm.

Gus world famous fried chicken’s menu, really good price!

white meat fried chicken, so crunchy and delicious.

Our last stop at New Orleans was very fun too. I like the French food there, the architecture and people. In French quarter, folk art and music is at every corner, everyone’s enjoying a drink, good food and live music. I like how laided back it was in New Orleans.

Some must try food: beignets

and gumbo (okra gumbo pictured below)

Creole combo: Shrimp Creole, Jambalaya and crawfish.

Graceland
Address: Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
Phone: ( (901) 332-3322
Webpage: https://www.graceland.com/

Charles Vergos‘ Rendezvous
Address: 52 S 2nd St, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 523-2746
Webpage: https://www.hogsfly.com/

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken
Address: 310 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 527-4877
Webpage: http://gusfriedchicken.com/

New Orleans Famous Beignets & Coffee
Address: 620 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 323-4550
Webpage: https://www.famousbeignets.com/

Gumbo Shop
Address: 630 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 525-1486
Webpage: http://www.gumboshop.com/