The Rendezvous’ in Memphis

[Nockerl]

Hi. I was wondering if anyone has had the ribs at The Rendezvous’ in Memphis. If so, could you post a description.

I was also wondering if anyone has tried the ribs by mail order. If so, what was the quality like, how did they reheat and are they worth plunking the money down on?

Thanks

[Holly Moore]

The Rendezvous specializes in dry ribs. They are great. I keep trying dry ribs wherever I find them and none have come close.

Not sure how well they do by USPS.

[foodie52]

I ate there last October. The ribs were good. They'll Fed Ex them overnight to you.

Corky's was great, too...I actually preferred theirs. Also dry rub but a better flavor I thought. They will also mail. I bet they are even on line.

[Ron Johnson]

I lived in Memphis for several years and ate a lot of 'cue. My then girlfriend worked at the Rendezvous, so I got a lot of theirs as well.

Rendezvous ribs are very good. They are dry-rubbed, not wet, as are all ribs in Memphis. If they are the only ones you can get delivered from memphis, I encourage you to try them. However, they are not the best ribs in memphis. Many prefer Corkys, but I like John Wills, Interstate, and Cozy Corner. The Barbeque Shop is also damned good.

But, try the Rendezvous ribs and see what you think.

[Nockerl]

Thanks to all of you! I'll report on the mail order later this month after I try them.

(I'm leaning toward's Corky's.....Or maybe towards the Rendezvouz )

Dang, I'll probably have to try both.....

Edited for editing's sake

Edited February 6, 2003 by Nockerl (log)

[Holly Moore]

Go for both and report back. I was really disappointed with Corky's but it may have been an off day for them.

[Beet Juice]

Being a Memphian--a hostage situation for sure--I know that the touristy thing to do is hit The Rendezvous. But you'd be better served by avoiding that place. Dry ribs are good, and they're seasoning is first rate but, as a pure experience The Rendezvous ranks up there with Planet Hollywood. Go to Interstate or Three Little Pigs. If you don't mind dodging incoming rounds then that's the way to go. Barbeque is best eaten in hole in the walls, not ampitheaters.....

[Steve Plotnicki]

I've had Rendevous ribs flown into NYC. They are dry yes. But they were pretty good. But one of the problems is that MSG is a big part of their spice rub. If that bothers you (it bothers me because I can't digest the glutonate), you should look elsewhere for ribs.

[alicembk]

I've been transplanted to Memphis from Austin for the year (going to school) and I have to say, I'm really unimpressed with the Rendezvous. The ribs are good, but hey, it's Memphis. I've had a lot more luck at other places where the surly wait staff won't keep you at the bar for an hour before rushing you in and out with the tourists. My friends and I infinitely prefer Corky's (yes, it's an expanding chain). They ship, though I've never done it, and their dry ribs are almost always fabulous. Plus, they bring out lots of delicious buttered biscuits, and the staff always treats us like family, even if we are a bunch of starving college students. I've also had Neely's suggested, but I'll have to get back to you on that...

[pjs]

My recollection of eating at the Rendezvous was great ribs in a cattle-car type environment. Should of gone to Corky's.

PJ

[Schielke]

Did ya ever get your ribs? How were they?

[Ron Johnson]

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

[viejo majadero]

Just a few random Rendezvous ( R ) comments

Can't attest to any other methods in Memphis, but ( R ) cooks their ribs without any seasoning. Prior to serving they mop the ribs with hot mixture of 50% water and 50% vinegar. Then they shake on the dry rub and serve.

Been there three times, guest of Memphis residents. Being famous and sought out by tourists does not make food good or bad.

Third visit was with my wife. Went to the cooking area and asked if there was MSG in the rub. They said no. Wife is allergic to MSG. Kicks off migraine. Before the meal was over I had to rush her to the hotel room. Gave her an Imitrex shot in the keester and put her to bed. Boy was I pissed.

Bought a jar of their rub and took home. MSG is an ingredient. Poured it out on counter and separated the parts. Used what I could discern and added my own thoughts and made my own blend, sans MSG and a little hotter than ( R )s.

Viejo

[Chef/Writer Spencer]

Just a few random Rendezvous ( R ) comments

Can't attest to any other methods in Memphis, but ( R ) cooks their ribs without any seasoning.  Prior to serving they mop the ribs with hot mixture of 50% water and 50% vinegar.  Then they shake on the dry rub and serve.

Been there three times, guest of Memphis residents.  Being famous and sought out by tourists does not make food good or bad.

Third visit was with my wife.  Went to the cooking area and asked if there was MSG in the rub.  They said no.  Wife is allergic to MSG.  Kicks off migraine.  Before the meal was over I had to rush her to the hotel room.  Gave her an Imitrex shot in the keester and put her to bed.  Boy was I pissed.

Bought a jar of their rub and took home.  MSG is an ingredient.  Poured it out on counter and separated the parts.  Used what I could discern and added my own thoughts and made my own blend, sans MSG and a little hotter than ( R )s.

Viejo

Hey, welcome to my town amigo. Smoke and mirrors and lots of bad food.

Edited May 3, 2003 by Chef/Writer Spencer (log)