Ron Johnson

Lexington, KENTUCKY. not Lexington, North Carolina.

A la Lucie Roy and Nadine's Emmetts

Yes.

He travelled into the heart of darkness only to discover that his target was SWOOSIE Kurtz. Kind of disappointing to hear that Alton was an asshole, but it comports with other reports I have heard from trusted sources. I believe he also snubbed an invite to do a Q&A here on eGullet.

Don't get me wrong, I think most things can be improved with the addition of bacon and cheese.

Agreed, but thats not what I was talkign about. His recipe calls for putting bacon bits in the batter along with cheese. All cornbread that I have had in the south was sweetened.

I have lived in the South for almost my entire life. The cornbread that my family makes is much closer to what you call "Yankee" conrnbread than the other. I have never heard of putting bacon or cheese into cornbread. We might throw a jalapeno into the batter, but the only thing we might put bacon and cheese in is our grits.

The best barbecue in Memphis is served at the Cozy Corner. That is all.

Coolranch, I just saw this (I am in the midst of Derby mayhem). When I get a chance on Monday or Tuesday I will call my buddies over in Lex and find out the best restaurants for you.

She is riding Supah Blitz. Could be a live long shot. Must consider. Pimento Cheese 1/2 lb. aged yellow cheddar 1/2 lb. aged white cheddar 8 oz. pimientos chopped 8 oz. pack of cream cheese 3/4 cup of Duke's Mayo tsp kosher salt tsp cayenne Process in cuisinart to desired consistency, unless you are a purest and then grate the cheese into large grate on box grater, and mix with other ingredients until softened and well-incorporated, approximately 3 hours.

Nashville is a cool town with a happening downtown area. Sadly, Opryland is nowhere near this. Rent a car. Nashville is easy to navigate and a rental car will be very cheap. Stop in any of the little bars downtown to hear some good music. You never know when Emmylou, Gillian Welch, or Lucinda might be hanging out or sitting in with someone.

Parsnip puree with braised short ribs.

Superfecta Empire Maker, Ten Most Wanted, Scrimshaw, Sir Cherokee

I am having a brunch before we head out to the track. We are having: Country Ham biscuits Garlic Cheese Grits Benedictine Sandwiches Pimento Cheese Sandwiches French Toast Father's Bacon Fresh Melon Mint Juleps Bellinis If you want a Derby Pie ® click here

I like stinky cheese as well, and cheeses like taleggio and epoisses whould stink to high heaven. They just shouldn't stink of ammonia. Cheese is a living breathing organism. The ammonia smell is an indication it has spent too much time suffocating in plastic wrap, a major cheese no-no.

Most blue veined cheeses are past their prime when the white creamy sections have turned a nasty sort of yellow and/or it has developed a fungus that appears like fuzz covering the cheese. The ammonia smell is sign that a cheese is headed for disaster. I mainly find it as a better indicator of decline in quality in runny cheeses such as brie, camembert, St. Andre, taleggio, and epoisses.

Haggis, you are exactly correct regarding the difference between DiFara's and Impellizeri's. Sorry you can't make it in for Derby. Things are already in full swing around here, and I dont foresee getting much accomplished at the office this week. I do foresee some three hour "lunches" at Churchill Downs. Enjoy your benedictine, and let me know next time you are down this way.

Thanks folks. What about if I tie it back up into a leg shape and then do the indirect method, like a roast?

I got a boneless leg of lamb. (Post Easter the stores are giving these things away). I am going to open it up smear it with a marinade/rub paste and cook it on the grill. Question: How long per pound and at what temp?

Haggis, did you used to live in Louisville or something. I have some minor quibbles with your suggestions, but overall those are all pretty good choices. Lynn's has really fallen off in quality in the last couple years, and I am not crazy about the Impellizeri's style of pizza. I like Luigi's. Louisville can be pronounced so many different ways that there is some stupid t-shirt with all of the different pronunciations listed. I say Looey-ville. Most say Lou-uh-ville, like they have a mouth full of marbles. No one says Lewis-ville. I already PM'd Nerissa with a list of where to go, but I will throw out a few here. Fine Dining: Le Relais, Oakroom, Equus, Jack Fry's, English Grill, Club Grotto, Asiatique, Ethnic: Vietnam Kitchen, Santa Fe, Saffron, Babylon, Mayan Gypsy, Sala Thai Southern: Science Hill, The Cottage, Pats Steakhouse, Chick Inn is being rebuilt as we speak, Colonade, Cool and casual: Jicama Grill, Palermo Viejo, Le Beaujolais, August Moon, Come Back Inn Pizza: Luigi's, Impellizeri's, Queenie's, Bearno's, Oysters: Mazzoni's, Flabby Devines, Checks

Thats when I start in on the Lucky Dogs.

I think that there is a difference between a chain that is a locally owned restaurant with multiple locations in the same city and a chain like Applebees or Starbucks. In regard to the latter, I could accurately be described as a chain snob. As for Cafe du Monde, eh, its never been a big deal to me. I usually walk right past it on my way to have more interesting food and beverages.

The places I have mentioned are still up and running. You must have a pulled pork sandwich at the Cozy Corner with the extra hot sauce. Its killer. The Rendezvous is tourist-laden, but they make good 'cue. If the wait is too long, tell them that you will sit at the bar. Of course, you could easily skip the Rendezvous and have great bbq elsewhere. The Interstate makes really good BBQ, but its a pain to get to. Fino's is an Italian deli in Midtown. If you need a break from the 'cue go there for an Aquisto or and Agosti sandwich. Very very good. I am not crazy about Corky's like everyone else in Memphis, its too much like a chain to me. Automatic Slims Tonga Club is frun for a drink while you are walking around downtown, not sure how the food is these days. I could give you a ton more suggestions, but I will defer to Spencer. Just don't miss Cozy Corner.

I cooked on a team in the Memphis in May contest for a couple of years. Spencer is right, it used to be that the public couldn't eat any of the 'cue. It is my understanding that has changed, so it should be a good time. Downtown has changed a lot since I got out of Memphis, but I used to like the jukebox at Ernestine and Hazels, the 'cue at Cozy Corner, and food at the North End. If you venture into midtown, check out Old Zinnies and Alex's for some good drinks, and Huey's and Finos for some grub. Memphis has some good fine dining restaurants, but Spencer would be more up to date on those than I would. Besides, for the kind of weekend that you are planning, you should stick with brews, blues, and barbeque.

Neuskes is the best widely available bacon sold retail that I have found.