Payne's on Lamar

Our first BBQ seminar was held on Friday 9 October 2009 at Payne's on Lamar. I thought it was a very nice beginning to what will hopefully become a longstanding Rhodes tradition.

The ribs at Payne's are served with a barbecue sauce that recalls the sweet and sour sauce that can be found at some Chinese restaurants. The ribs were tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. I thought they were delicious! Dry rub was not an option. The pork sandwiches were also good, though perhaps not to the same level as the ribs. The hot version of the barbecue sauce was not particularly hot. The beans were very good, with lots of pork in them. The cole slaw was acceptable, though a bit heavy on mustard for my tastes.

There were few vegetarian options (I know, I know, it's a barbecue restaurant), though our hosts kindly prepared a cole slaw sandwich for the two vegetarians in attendance. While the vegetarian sandwiches were not particularly tasty, our hosts' consideration was appreciated. Overall, the service was hospitable and friendly, though not excessively attentive.

Hot dogs and chips were the only non-barbecue options available for the barbecue-averse children in attendance.

The atmosphere at Payne's is spare, with uncovered dusty lightbulbs and plastic plants. The stove and refrigerator are akin to those you might find in a home. This gave the place a pleasant sense of informality and hominess.

We cashed out at $10 per person, which earns Payne's a rating of highly affordable in my book. Payne's is a cash-only business.

In attendance were Jonathan Fitz Gerald and his family, Michelle Voss Roberts and her husband Brian, Jeff Hamrick, Kendra Hotz, Ellie Bagley, Art Carden and his son, Tracy Lemos, Willie Hiatt, and yours truly (Eric Gottlieb) with family.

I enjoyed our visit to Payne's and will definitely return.

Introduction to the Rhodes BBQ Seminar

Memphis is known for its excellent barbecue, and Rhodes College is a long-standing Memphis institution. It seems only natural that there should be a means for the members of the Rhodes community to explore Memphis barbecue together. This is the purpose of the Rhodes BBQ Seminar.

The term "seminar" is used loosely and with humor here, and is only a reference to Rhodes' academic nature. We have not yet incorporated any lectures on the history, sociology, or anthropology of barbecue. At least one professor has expressed regret about this, so perhaps we will find some authorities to address us at some point.

The BBQ Seminar is open to all associated with the Rhodes community and to their families.