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GOODS: Memphis Blues To Test Their Meaty Theory This Upcoming Superbowl Sunday

There are 5 locations of Memphis Blues Barbeque House in BC (find yours at memphisbluesbbq.com) photo: Hamid Attie

The GOODS from Memphis Blues

Vancouver, BC | Arriving on a red-eye flight from their top-secret BBQ HQ in Oslo, Norway, Memphis Blues Barbeque House co-owners George Siu and Park Heffelfinger are thrilled to announce that they have finally proven their landmark theory about men and the complex relationship between sporting events and food – just in time for Super Bowl XLVI: Meat + Football ÷ Men = Best. Day. Ever.

“We went for days without sleep or very much beer, double-checking and triple-checking the numbers,” explains Park. “The numbers just added up to MEAT. That’s all men want when they watch football!”

George adds, “But it wasn’t easy – we didn’t come upon this theory without experiencing some collateral damage…” before staring into space, unable to continue. Indeed, the duo’s well-documented experiments with fruit trays and cucumber sandwiches during Super Bowl XLV proved disastrous. “I just can’t sacrifice another game,” he whispers.

Hard lessons were learned, but today’s results are undeniable. It’s all about the MEAT. So what is the action plan for these two selfless preachers of the BBQ gospel?

“We’ve experimented in the past with different specials, unique offerings for the big game, but we are now focused on a back-to-basics approach that just focuses on delicious meat,” says Park. “And Beer,” adds George, thoughtfully.

In advance of the glorious Kickoff to Super Bowl XLVI at 3:30pm PST, the boys have shipped in extra supplies to fill their signature PLATTERS – available to pre-order and take home as a MEMPHIS FEAST (all the land-based meats on their menu: pulled pork, brisket, sausage, chicken, and ribs + all your favourite sides), the ELVIS PLATTER (featuring even MORE meat), and the awe-inspiring PRISCILLA PLATTER (featuring even MORE meat + shrimp, catfish, and oysters)!

But what about those that want to worship the pigskin at their local temple of barbeque? “We’ve got that covered, too,” smiles Park proudly, wiping some of their signature Carolina mustard from his chin.

In Vancouver, the location at 1342 Commercial Drive is showing the game on TWO fabulous big screens, offering MEAT and BEER specials throughout the day, along with Memphis Gift Card giveaways during the game. “FREE meat is a key component in this equation,” George notes.

Their two locations in Surrey are also offering front row seats to the game. And meat. The Hillcrest Village store (302-18690 Fraser Highway) is presenting the game on FOUR big screens while showcasing a one-of-a-kind Suckling Pig Buffet with all the fixin’s for only $25, with beer specials to match!

Not to be outdone, the Grandview Corners Mall store (50-2443-161A St. in Surrey) is giving away the first pitcher of thirst-quenching Rocky Mountain Pilsner for only $4.95 with the purchase of any platter! Add highball specials and more meat deals, plus TWO big screens to the mix, and you’ve got the recipe for what? “Best. Day. Ever.” concludes Park.

About Memphis Blues Barbeque House

1465 West Broadway Ave | Vancouver, BC | 604.738.6806
1342 Commerical Drive | Vancouver, BC | 604.215.2599
50-2443-161 A St. (Grandview Corners Mall) | Surrey, BC | 604.531.8005
302-18690 Fraser Highway (Hillcrest Village) | Surrey, BC | 778.574.3355
289 Bernard Street | Kelowna, BC | 250.868.3699
Website: www.memphisbluesbbq.com | Twitter | Facebook
Email: [email protected]

Hours

MONDAY – THURSDAY – 11 am – 10 pm
FRIDAY – 11 am – 11:00 pm
SATURDAY – Noon – 11:00 pm
SUNDAY – Noon – 10 pm

Gallery

  • George And Park
  • Memphis Blues
  • Memphis Blues
  • George
  • Memphis Blues | Slaw
  • Memphis Blues | Cornbread
  • Memphis Blues | Catfish
  • Memphis Blues | Feast Platter
  • Memphis Blues | The Pit
  • Memphis Blues | Ribs
  • Memphis Blues | Sausage
  • Memphis Blues | Shrimp
  • Memphis Blues | Beer
  • Memphis Blues

Key People

George Siu – Co-Owner
Park Heffelfinger – Co-Owner
Deborah Siu – Marketing and Promotions

About Memphis Blues

In January 1999 George Siu (an original owner of Not Just Desserts) and Park Heffelfinger (Vancouver Wine Academy) had a stopover in Memphis while flying from New Orleans. Lunch was a Pulled Pork Sandwich, and it was love at first bite. Since then, they have attended the World Barbecue Championships in Memphis where they conducted extensive research. They were able to reproduce the recipes at home, and decided to bring Authentic Southern barbeque to Canada.

In September of 2001 they opened the doors of the first Memphis Blues Barbeque House on West Broadway in Vancouver. George and Park have gone on to serve tens of thousands of happy customers from all across the globe, winning dozens of awards, and garnering citywide and national acclaim – all in the name of spreading the juicy gospel of succulent, slow-roasted Southern baah-bee-cue.

Southern Barbeque is traditionally meat smoked for several hours at low temperatures over hardwood, resulting in a succulent and tender product. Ribs should be tender enough to pull apart yet still firm, with a nice pink smoke ring. The meat is never mushy, or falling off the bone. (This is a sign that they have been braised or boiled – taboo in the South.) Pulled pork is Pork Butt, slow cooked until you can pull it apart with a fork. Pile it on a white bun, add sauce & coleslaw, and you’re in Pork Heaven. Beef Brisket is the trickiest to cook, it must be tender and juicy, yet have most of the fat rendered out.

The passion-fueled restaurant was an innovator from the start, and continues to be to this day. Indeed, they were the first casual self-serve restaurant in the city with a sophisticated twist to what is now a celebrated, but reasonably-priced wine list, recognized by Wine Access Magazine as being one of the ’50 Best Wine Restaurants in Canada’ three years in a row. Memphis Blues also boasts one of the most extensive Bourbon selections in the city!

In their 10th year of mouth-watering service, George and Park are preparing for further adventures. After the successful issue of their best-selling cookbook, Memphis Blues Barbeque House – Bringin’ Southern BBQ Home (Whitecap Books, 2008), the pair are in the process of releasing a series of unique Memphis Blues Rubs and Sauces, and are planning a series of interesting menu additions, including a yet-to-be-named food challenge to be unleashed on an unsuspecting Vancouver in the next few months.

With its roots in Vancouver, you can now satisfy your BBQ cravings at not just one, but FIVE family-owned locations across BC. A sixth store is set to open in downtown Vancouver in early 2012, and further expansion is planned for Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in the coming months. Memphis Blues has also extensively grown their takeout, delivery and catering division, and are a sought-after partner for weddings, corporate events, and more.

This is messy food, folks – dive in, and eat with your hands.

Accolades

2011, 2010 – Best Barbeque (West Ender)
2010 – Silver for Best Casual Chain (Vancouver Magazine)
2009, 2008, 2006, 2005 – Best Barbeque (Vancouver Magazine)
2006, 2005 – Best Southern Barbeque (Vancouver Sun)
2006, 2005, 2004 – One of Top 50 Best Wine Lists in Canada (Wine Access Magazine)
2005 – Best Restaurant to Eat Meat (Georgia Straight)
2004 – Best Place for Meat Lovers (Georgia Straight)
2002 – Best New Restaurant (selected by Media) – BC Restaurant and Foodservices Assoc.
2002 – One of Best New Restaurants in Canada (EnRoute Magazine)

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