I grabbed the table, put down my purse and table marker just as two young men walked up with their table markers. Feeling adventurous, I invited them to join me and they did since they had no other options. Central BBQ is also a craft beer bar, so we ordered 3 draft beers. Since I like my beer dark and malty, I had to ask two different bartenders for a recommendation, and the second one did not steer me wrong. I wish I could remember the name of the beer, but it was fantastic! The two young men ordered light, hoppy beers - of course.
It turned out that they were in Memphis for the St. Jude Hospital marathon - and had competed that day! They were old college room-mates and long-time friends. One had done the full marathon and the other one had done the half-marathon. I was amazed that they did not seem totally wiped out by the experience. The full marathoner apparently does it every year; the half-marathoner is not quite as dedicated. Neither one of them finished in the prize money, but both were happy with their times. We talked about running, about children and grandchildren, and about old friends. I bought them another beer and we had a great time. I am more adventurous about sharing my table with strangers when I am out of town because I know I will never see them again. I have some kind of sign on my forehead that invites people to tell me very personal and deeply disturbing things that I do not want to hear and makes me not want to run into them ever again. These two young men seem to be those magical creatures who have nothing deeply personal they want to get off their chests. Thank goodness!
The Bologna Sandwich was everything I hoped it would be. I used the Carolina mustard sauce with it, which was OK. (I am not going to lie to you). My two companions had the pulled pork and used the red BBQ sauces which they proclaimed as excellent. I would definitely go back. It is a perfect restaurant for someone traveling alone because it is huge, loud, raucous, and you don't feel like you are sitting all alone while you eat. And 50% of the bartenders really know their beers! I picked up 6 Central BBQ cups to bring to the babies on my next trip to Louisiana.
