Beale Street in Memphis has a long history and tradition of music and food. Started in 1841, named for a Military hero Beale began hosting musicians in the 1860s. In 1986 Alfred’s opened and has been providing food, drink and music to the city ever since.
For lunch Alfred’s has its regular menu, and then a rotating menu for each week day with your choice of meat and two vegetables, meat and three vegetables, or a vegetable plate. All of their vegetables are fresh, never coming from a can, something I fully support. So on a Friday afternoon, with a few coworkers we walked across the street and pulled up a stool at the bar in Alfred’s. I decided on Golden Fried Chicken Tenders, Homemade Mac & Cheese, and Fried Okra. The tenders reminded me of the type my mom used to make whenever she would make homemade chicken tenders, lightly breaded, white meat, tasty. The fried okra was on point, but I wish they would let the oil drain off of them a little more before they were served; mine were sitting in a little pool. Now this may be un-American, but I am not the biggest fan of mac & cheese, for some reason that day it just sounded good. It was pretty good, really cheesy, but after about three bites I was done with it. One thing I don’t think I will be getting used to in Memphis is smoking in the restaurants and bars, but that is to no fault of Alfred’s what-so-ever. Overall good vibe, good history, good food.
I know Memphis is home to BBQ and Blues, and believe me I have partaken in both since being here. But I have yet to find my favorite, so until then let me hold off on a blog for that. Instead let’s talk about Little Italy Pizza. In a strip on Union next to a cigar shop sits a tiny little unassuming pizza joint.
The guys who run Little Italy were personable and chatted us up while we decided what to order. In a small bakery style showcase sits strombolis, pizzas, and garlic knot rolls. You can also get a whole pizza or pizza by the slice. This is New York style pizza, thin crust, large slice, fold it up and eat it. The sauce is tasty, not too much, and the crust has a great crunch. I ordered a slice of pepperoni and added tomato to it. I was hoping for the option of adding bacon as well (which is what I do at my favorite pizza joint back in the ‘Ville) but that was a no go. The tomatoes were a really good add to my slice. The guys I was with had Stromboli and said they were good; lot’s of cheese but could have had a bit more meat in it. I enjoyed the pizza for sure and will have to try again before my stay in the city is up.
