(Vegetarian) Memphis BBQ

When Jade and I decided to go to Memphis in 2011, one of the first things I did was research places to eat. As a vegetarian who loves food, I've realized the importance of planning ahead to find satisfying, meat-free local fare. One of the first places my search revealed was the award-winning Central BBQ, an authentic, inexpensive joint with three locations around the city. They offer a variety of meat platters and sandwiches that are all doused in a delectable homemade sauce. Also on the menu is a vegetarian portabella sandwich. I put the place on my list.

Can't make the trip to Memphis? Central BBQ sells their sauces and seasonings online.

We visited the midtown location of Central BBQ during the dinner rush. After ordering and receiving our sandwiches, we took a seat on the outside patio, where a musical duo was performing. Mine – the portabella BBQ – was topped with homemade coleslaw and smoked gouda. It looked delicious. I dug in.

Heaven in a plastic red basket.

The thing is, if I'm going to get sticky-sweet barbecue sauce all over my face, it better be damn good. I hate mess. I hate stickiness. I eat pizza with a fork. But after my first sloppy bite of this portabella BBQ sandwich, I did not care. I devoured the thing. I had sauce on my face, on my hands, on my shirt. This sandwich was INCREDIBLE. Slimy, gooey, tangy, incredible. Not to oversell it, but it may have been the best sandwich I've eaten in my life.

Yes, I clipped back my bangs in preparation for this bad boy.

Jade got a similarly delicious meat option. In addition to the portabella option, Central BBQ offers sandwiches with pork, beef brisket, pulled chicken, and more. If you want to go full-on carnivore, you can choose one of the "just meat" choices. But we really, really recommend the sandwiches.

Jade's sandwich – one of the meatier options.

I'm not gonna lie. There were several times while we were living in Baton Rouge that I considered making the five-hour trip just for that sandwich. It was the highlight of the trip. (OK, Les Miserables – the reason we made the trip in the first place – was pretty great too.) You should go to Memphis for this sandwich. Next time I get the chance, I know I will.