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Rendezvous
52 South 2nd
Memphis, TN
(901) 523-2746
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Who
would think that one of the oldest and most popular
restaurants in Memphis is in a basement in an alleyway?
Just about every celebrity from sports to politics,
star musicians from rock and roll to the blues, movie
stars and royalty, that's who! And let's not forget
the locals and anyone in the United States who has
access to FedEx!
After
World War II, Charles Vergos opened Rendezvous in
1948. Originally, the expansive basement was filled
with memorabilia from nearby movie houses, old art,
antique gun collections, old maps, antique banks,
an arrowhead collection and even a music sheet by
renowned American composer W.C. Handy. At the time,
the design was an attempt to decorate the room on
less than a shoestring budget. The collection is now
valuable with pieces of fine art and items that could
make an entire season for Antiques Roadshow. After
serving just sandwiches, the old coal chute was discovered
and they started to smoke chicken and lamb and of
course learned to use it as a barbecue for their notable
ribs.
Located
just across the street from the famous Peabody Hotel,
Rendezvous is easy to find. Once inside, the smell
of ribs and the checkered tablecloths will make anyone
feel right at home…and hungry! Charles Vergos is of
Greek decent and spent some time in New Orleans. The
self proclaimed "Greco - Cajun" recipe is so popular,
they will literally overnight ribs to Rendezvous rib
lovers. Elvis Presley lived in Memphis, so he didn't
have to go to that extreme, but he did wait for the
delicious dish outside in his limousine. Frank Sinatra
always ducked in whenever he was in town for a concert,
as did (and still do) The Rolling Stones. When The
Rolling Stones first presented themselves for dinner
in 1964 after a concert, Charles Vergos thought they
looked so shabby, he was going to throw them out.
He didn't and they still love the place.
Today
Rendezvous seats 750 people and serves wine and beer.
On any given day, you are sure to find a local, or
a celebrity. Tennessee native, Al Gore stops by whenever
he gets the chance. He even had Rendezvous ribs served
on Air Force Two. Bill Clinton has been in and befittingly,
had the Rendezvous spread on Air Force One. Of course,
Justin Timberlake, who grew up in Tennessee, is a
regular when in town and now brings Cameron Diaz.
Jane Seymour was in recently, as were John Grisham
and Dan Aykroyd.
Rendezvous
is closed on Sunday and Monday and only open for lunch
on Friday and Saturday. No need for reservations…they
will find a place for you!
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