M.E.A.T...seriously.

So, to balance out yesterday's vegetarian post, I have some equally lovely pictures of meat.  Last spring, I went to Memphis, Tennessee for the first time.  Cristie (yes, the same one who gave me the vegetarian cook book) and I met there for the Society for American Archaeology meetings, and we stayed with friends right in the heart of Memphis.  We had a blast!  Among many memorable moments - including visiting the Lorraine Motel and running into a high school friend at the local beer festival - was a visit to Central Barbeque.

Now, I respect my vegetarian friends for their dietary choices...but who can go to this part of the world and resist the ribs?  The collard greens swimming in pork fat?  The barbeque sauce?  All accompanied by live music and good, Tennessee beer!  Cristie and I sure couldn't, and we have John and Kristin to thank for throwing us right into the deep end.  My mind boggles when I think Cristie and I were able to finish this entire rack, but I wish I could go back for more.  Can't get these kind of ribs in New England.

The iconic Lorraine Motel.  While it may not belong on a food blog, this was the highlight of our trip to Memphis and one of the most powerful places I've ever stood.  Visitors can stand inside the motel and look out over the balcony.