Memphis, maybe. A little help?

[Don'tCallMeJimmie]

The one thing I've noticed about this forum is that there is no shortage of helpful souls with advice. So I'm soliciting some non-T Bucket advice here...

I've been on a "notification period" that's about to run out. My job ends 11/8. Interviewing for stuff all over the country as there isn't much in my specialty in my current back yard.

The best possibility is in Memphis, I'm going down there for phase 3, the face-to-face, some time this week or next.

Couple a'things.

Where to eat?

My GF and I are riding down on a day trip from St Louis and I thought it would be a nice break from life to bring her along and have some Memphis BBQ. Don't want to hit the tourist traps, what would be a local fave?

Where to live?

Job would be in Collierville, TN at that air freight place. I am thinking it might be better economically to live just over the border in Alabama, but there are other considerations. How difficult is it to title and license a project in AL vs TN? That might influence my decision as my never-titled project will be finished there. Housing costs look fantastic compared to St. Louis.

Lastly, who's there? It would be great to relocate to a new part of the country and find a friend or two with a common interest, you know?

Thanks fellers, I know ya' won't disappoint me...

 

[T-Odd]

First... Collierville, TN is a few hours away from Alabama.

Second, I'm in Bartlett (just outside of Memphis) and there are a few more Bucketheads just around the area in North Mississippi.

Third, BBQ here you can take your pick because there are several ways to like it.

Sandwiches - smoked pulled pork with bbq sauce, with or without slaw, but they might look atcha funny when you ask for no slaw on your sandwich.

There are places with REALLY good meat, places with REALLY good sauce, places with REALLY good slaw... the hard part is finding a place with all three.

A good happy medium would be TOP'S BBQ. failry generic but ALWAYS good, and they're everywhere.

Ribs - wet or dry. WET. Period. Messy? You betcha. Again, some place have really good mat and some have really good BBQ sauce, some have both.

Also, when you come to Memphis you also have to find a time to go to Huey's. It's just almost mandatory. Get the Senor Huey. PepperJack Cheeseburger with a basket of really thick fries (or HUGE onion rings).

Living? Collierville is expensive. Big expensive houses and big expensive wives driving big expensive SUVs.

Germantown is right next door and although it can be expensive, you might find an affordable and safe apartment.

Memphis and Cordova, affordable but you REALLY need to know the right location.

Bartlett ... well, we don't have apartments here just houses and they're not too terribly expensive BUT you're going to have a long drive to Collierville for work.

Hit me up anytime, I'm almost always available.

-Todd

 

[Don'tCallMeJimmie]

Thanks Todd. Where is my head today (that's a rhetorical question, needs no answer fellers)... As far as eats go, that's an awesome list. I'm going to print it out for reference.

As far as locating, I meant Mississippi, argh. I've heard arguments for Olive Branch, etc... just no idea where the good and bad is.

Housing, I guess it depends on what you are used to and what kind of living. Collierville housing looks in line with what I am accustomed to in St. Louis. The outlying areas? Simply no comparison. I am seeing housing I would expect to cost 20-50% more were it here.

I really would like to get myself in to some small acreage with the ability to either put up an out building or where one already exists. I've found a few that have my mouth watering, but I need to land quickly and will be an apartment-dweller or at least a renter for 3-12 months. All depends.

I will send you a PM if this job works out and thanks!

 

[T-Odd]

I lived in Olive Branch for a while, had some acreage.. .everything was fine until the house was robbed in the middle of the night while I was there.

That could have happened anywhere, and it just happened to me while I lived there. Since that time O.B. has exploded and property values are a lot higher but right now is still a good time to find good prices on houses.

There are a few North Mississippi bucketheads right in that neighborhood also. Mic-T and Pack Rat are running around there quite often.

To get from Collierville from O.B. you just go up Byhalia road for a few minutes. Easy commute.

The problem? Mississippi tags for vehicles used to be based on the value of the vehicle, so an expensive car had expensive tags. That's why all my friends drove hoopties.

Tennessee is easier to title and tag and less expensive.

Unless you live in Memphis, then you have more taxes and vehicles need to pass inspection, blahblahblah.

 

[Mike]

Todd, no need to be picky on BBQ recommendations. If you're visiting Memphis and looking for good food, the question can be answered in one word - Corky's.

Mmmmm...

 

[andy fadster]

As much as I would love to help with this, being some miles away means I cannot but if you find yourself this side of the pond, give me a shout, lots of decent places to eat like MacDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken.......shoot, you guys already have those

 

[Don'tCallMeJimmie]

Andy mate, were I to visit the UK I surely think that I'd be on the prowl for some genuine pub victuals vs that offal I can get any day of the week?


Thanks very much for the advice, however.

 

[T-Odd]

Mike, your assessment of Corky's is correct. Corky's does some very acceptable BBQ.

Their sauce is just a tad too sweet (for me) and the pulled pork isn't quite as smoked as I like but it is always good.

Most out-of-towners are very happy with Corky's. It's a great place to get some really good BBQ and they're located in a better area, the establishment is clean and the staff is always great. Prices are reasonable and the deserts are fantastic.

We'll see if beemryder likes it.

Just wish RPM could have tasted some of Brad's BBQ. That place is in my top five and I'm lucky that it's one mile from my house... which really isn't saying much since there are fifty BBQ restaurants within a ten mile radius of my house LOL.

Too bad the absolutely BEST Pork shoulder in Memphis is only available once or twice a year.

Raleigh Lodge #770 will usually cook up fifty shoulders as their fundraiser in the Spring but this year they did Boston Butts. Just not as good. Thought they might have shoulders in the fall, another Boston Butt. They really do smoke the best shoulder in Memphis. $40 and a bottle of your favorite sauce, you'll be in hog heaven for a couple of weeks.

Dangit, I'm hungry now.

 

[Don'tCallMeJimmie]

Thanks gentlemen, I will post a review when I return.

Still do not know when that will be, but soon...

I found some short-term rentals in apartments in/around Collierville. After I get settled it will be on to locating my dream compound, even if I just find the raw material to build it. I do see lots of potential though and I'm not afraid to commute a bit if I find "the one".

 

[andy fadster]

Andy mate, were I to visit the UK I surely think that I'd be on the prowl for some genuine pub victuals vs that offal I can get any day of the week?


Thanks very much for the advice, however.

Can't beat a nice pint of "Spitfire" or "Courage Directors".........

Next time I'm settling down in front of a nice open hearth with the dogs at my feet and a nice draught in front of me, I'll think of you.........if I'm not too inebriated !