The GOODS from Memphis Blues

Vancouver, BC | “I feel good about this. I really do. It was important to get back to the old country,” says Park Heffelfinger, co-owner of the beloved Memphis Blues Barbeque House, as he and his partner George Siu step off the plane from Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, surrounded by reporters, friends, family and devoted fans. “Don’t worry, my friend. It’s in the bag,” comforts George. “Float like a butterfly….” It is this unwavering determination and singular dedication to their craft that has carried them so far in such a short time. These two heavyweight barbeque champions have just returned from an inspirational culinary pilgrimage to Mai 20 Stadium, the site of the legendary ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ – the 1974 boxing event that pitted former champion and challenger Muhammad Ali against then champion George Forman.

“We needed to get back to our roots. To remember that it was watching this powerful story of strength and fortitude; of the old guard versus the young turks, that was the launching point for Memphis Blues,” states Park. A reporter at back of the throng suggested, “But wasn’t it your experience at Memphis In May in 2001 that inspired the restaurants?” “Some would say that,” Park replied, “but it really started back in ’74. Since then, it’s always been about courage and strength.”

It has been just over 10 years since the visionary pair brought authentic Southern barbeque to the vegan wilds of Vancouver. And their food has been embraced by customers and fans in their home city and far beyond. Numerous accolades and awards have come their way, and thousands of stomachs have been succulently satiated. But next week, they face perhaps their biggest challenge yet….

On Wednesday, February 22nd at 6pm, the boys will re-enter the ring of destiny at another world-famous hall of battle. At one of the signature opening events for the 2012 BC Home and Garden Show at BC Place Stadium, Memphis Blues Barbeque House will pit its acclaimed pulled pork against not just one, but two challengers for the title: the Re-Up BBQ, and Robert Luft of Food Network Canada’s Recipe to Riches fame. This battle will take place at the Outdoor Entertaining Stage, and will feature a panel of celebrity foodie judges.

“You know, I respect what the challengers are doing, but I have to tell you – we are not interested in ‘cheffing it up’. What we do is honest, authentic, and has the weight of more than 10 years of experience, and satisfied customers behind it,” declares George. “We really believe in what we do.”

And with the continued desire to spread the good word about traditional Southern BBQ, on 12:30pm on Saturday, February 25th, Park and George will return to the Outdoor Entertaining Stage for a featured presentation on ribs and brisket, and tips on how you can turn your own barbecue into a smoker. Memphis Blues Barbeque House will also maintain a booth at the show for its entire run – from Wednesday to Sunday – featuring their all-new line up of Rubs and Sauces – perfect for the BBQ lover at home!
“They told me you could cook, George!” shouts Park as they get ready for their final week of training. “Yep…” replies George. “I sure can.”

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

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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