Savoring Memphis Dry Rub BBQ in Chicago: A Taste of Tennessee on Wheels

This post is sponsored by Tennessee Vacation. Our sincere gratitude for their partnership in bringing unique culinary experiences to our readers.

Last week, the bustling streets of downtown Chicago were infused with an irresistible aroma and the soulful rhythms of the South, thanks to an exciting event that brought a genuine slice of Memphis culture right to our doorstep. If you happened to catch my live updates on Snapchat or Instagram (username: abeautifulplate), you would have seen me fully immersed in a truly memorable experience: trying my very first authentic Memphis BBQ from Corky’s food truck. It was an incredibly fun, flavorful, and unexpectedly transformative adventure, and I’ve been eagerly looking forward to sharing every detail with you since.

For me, food trucks represent far more than just convenient, delicious meals on the go; they hold a deeply personal and nostalgic significance. My first professional venture into the food industry involved baking and decorating for a dessert food truck, an experience that profoundly shaped my culinary aspirations and career path. I spent countless hours working diligently behind the scenes in the bustling kitchen, mastering the art of creating intricate sweet treats. But I also cherished the invaluable opportunity to interact directly with customers, serving them on the vibrant, eclectic streets of Washington, D.C. These hands-on experiences, from the creative process in the kitchen to the direct customer engagement and the fast-paced energy of mobile food service, ultimately solidified my passion for culinary arts and convinced me to pursue formal training at culinary school. As they say, the rest is history, and those foundational moments continue to resonate deeply with me, fueling my love for all things food.

Given this rich personal history, it goes without saying that food trucks evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia and fondness for me. They represent the genesis of my culinary journey, a period of immense learning, creative exploration, and heartfelt connection with food lovers. Every time I encounter a food truck, whether in Chicago or beyond, it brings back a flood of cherished memories and reminds me of the dynamic, innovative, and spirited community that defines this unique segment of the culinary world. It’s a constant reminder of where my passion truly began.

A Captivating Taste of Tennessee in the Heart of Chicago

In celebration of Chicago’s annual Blues Festival, the wonderful team at Tennessee Vacation generously dispatched one of their finest BBQ food trucks, Corky’s Ribs & BBQ, to the Windy City last week. Their mission was simple yet profoundly impactful: to spread genuine Southern cheer, showcase Tennessee’s renowned hospitality, and, most importantly, deliver undeniably delicious food to the eager crowds of Chicago. This initiative was part of a larger, brilliant effort to highlight Tennessee’s rich cultural heritage and its iconic culinary traditions, particularly its legendary barbecue scene, directly to an appreciative northern audience, bridging geographical distances through flavor and festivity.

When the invitation arrived from Tennessee Vacation, asking me to make an unusual trip downtown in the middle of a busy work week, my excitement was immediate and palpable. The prospect of visiting the authentic food truck, soaking in the captivating live music performed by the incredibly talented Southern Avenue Band (whose energetic performance was absolutely stellar and transported us straight to Beale Street!), and, of course, indulging in some delicious, fall-off-the-bone dry BBQ ribs, was an opportunity I simply couldn’t, and wouldn’t, resist. I jumped at the chance to experience this unique cultural infusion, a vibrant blend of music, food, and community.

Soulful blues music filling the urban air, complimentary, mouth-watering ribs expertly prepared, and the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of a classic food truck event right in the heart of downtown Chicago? Yes, please, and thank you! This convergence of sensory delights was exactly the kind of unexpected joy and cultural immersion I crave. As a food blogger, while I often focus my lens on intricate culinary creations, I also deeply cherish the moments when I get to photograph people, capture candid expressions, and document the unfolding narratives of our life and travel adventures. Capturing the joy, the anticipation, and the shared communal experience of this event was truly rewarding. One of my ongoing summer goals is to share more of these broader, experiential moments with you, showcasing not just the food itself, but the rich tapestry of stories, emotions, and cultural connections that surround it.

My Unforgettable First Encounter with Authentic Memphis Dry Rub

Believe it or not, before this incredible experience with Corky’s, I could genuinely count the number of times I’d truly savored BBQ ribs in my entire life on one hand. I know, I know! Many would consider that a culinary blasphemy, especially coming from someone who professes such a deep love for food. I’ve simply never considered myself a “rib person” in the past, perhaps due to a previous lack of encountering truly exceptional ones that could convert me. However, Corky’s Memphis dry ribs utterly, irrevocably changed my perception and elevated my appreciation for this classic Southern dish.

Wow. Just wow. These ribs were beyond delicious; they were a revelation. Each rib was incredibly tender, infused with a rich, complex flavor that spoke of hours of meticulous smoking and expert seasoning. The signature Memphis dry rub coated every inch, creating a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and subtly spicy notes that danced delightfully on the palate without being overpowering. The meat practically melted and fell right off the bone with the gentlest pull, a clear testament to masterful preparation and slow cooking that respects the integrity of the meat. This wasn’t just a meal; it was an education in what truly great BBQ can be, transforming me into a bona fide rib enthusiast. I may or may not have subtly (or not so subtly) snuck seconds, completely abandoning any previous reservations about ribs. This was Southern comfort food at its absolute finest, delivered with passion and expertise.

Beyond tasting the amazing food, I also seized the unique opportunity to sneak onto the Corky’s food truck for some exclusive, behind-the-scenes pictures. The dedicated owners and staff were so busy efficiently serving plate after plate of those irresistible ribs that they barely noticed me quietly documenting their impressive operation. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s truly like to prepare and serve food in a mobile kitchen, let me tell you: it is precisely as small and cramped as you could possibly imagine, demanding incredible organization and coordination. Space is a precious commodity, and every movement is calculated and efficient. Yet, despite the tight quarters and the demanding pace, there was an infectious energy, a palpable buzz, and an undeniable spirit of fun and camaraderie among the crew. Witnessing their passion and skill in such a unique, challenging environment brought back so many vivid memories of my own early food truck days, highlighting the intense dedication and hard work that define this exciting and dynamic culinary niche.

Chicago Embraces Southern Flavors and Hospitality

As you can well imagine, fellow Chicagoans were lining up in incredible droves, eagerly escaping their office buildings to grab a delicious bite of authentic Southern BBQ. The line stretched impressively down the street, a testament to the irresistible allure of Corky’s and the well-deserved reputation of Tennessee’s culinary prowess. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excited chatter, the joyful sounds of the Southern Avenue Band, and the delicious aroma of smoked meat mingling perfectly with the urban air. Imagine me, juggling my camera to capture the vibrant scene, a perfectly cooked rib in one hand, and trying desperately not to get BBQ spice all over my face (and more importantly, my expensive camera lens). It was a hilarious, delicious, and joyful challenge, but one I gladly accepted, soaking in every moment of this unique urban celebration.

This event wasn’t just about enjoying fantastic food; it was a true immersion into Tennessee’s vibrant culture, genuine hospitality, and musical heritage, right here in the bustling heart of Chicago. I felt incredibly lucky to be able to partake in such a unique cultural exchange and to capture all the wonderful, fleeting moments it offered. Despite my extensive travels both domestically and internationally, I’ve never had the distinct opportunity to visit the beautiful state of Tennessee. It has, in fact, been prominently featured on my personal travel bucket list for many years, a destination I’ve longed to explore for its rich music history, its significant cultural landmarks, its breathtaking natural beauty, and, of course, its legendary food scene, particularly its world-renowned barbecue.

My Aspirations to Explore Tennessee: Music, Food, and Charm

The universe, it seems, is delightfully conspiring to get me to Tennessee very soon. My personal connections to the state are growing stronger and more numerous, making a visit feel more imminent and exciting than ever before. Conveniently, one of Connor’s closest friends from medical school recently matched for his residency in Memphis, a city renowned globally for its profound musical heritage, iconic blues, and, naturally, its unparalleled BBQ scene. This provides a fantastic personal anchor and a perfect excuse for a future visit to explore beyond the food truck. Furthermore, one of my dear blogging friends, Lindsay, actually resides in vibrant downtown Nashville, offering another wonderful reason to explore the state’s lively capital and experience its burgeoning culinary and music scene firsthand. And let’s not forget the practicality: Tennessee is only an eight-hour (or slightly longer, but totally reasonable and enjoyable!) drive from Chicago. I often have to remind myself that I now live significantly closer to Tennessee than I do to my hometown of Washington, DC, making spontaneous weekend trips a genuine and tempting possibility.

The allure continues to build as my own sister and brother-in-law are already planning a special trip to Tennessee later this year. They will be celebrating their anniversary at another highly coveted, bucket-list-worthy location: the luxurious and serene Blackberry Farm, nestled amidst the picturesque beauty of the Smoky Mountains. With all these connections, personal invitations, and exciting opportunities aligning so perfectly, I truly feel it’s unequivocally my turn next to experience the charm, natural beauty, and deep Southern spirit of Tennessee firsthand. If this recent food truck event, with its incredible food, genuine hospitality, and vibrant atmosphere, is merely a delicious taste of what Tennessee has to offer, then I am absolutely certain I will fall deeply in love with the state and its unique, welcoming culture.

To those of you who either live in or have had the immense pleasure of traveling through Tennessee before, I would absolutely love to hear your recommendations and insights! Please don’t hesitate to share your favorite places to visit, must-try eateries (beyond just BBQ, though that’s always welcome!), hidden gems, scenic routes, and any essential experiences or cultural landmarks that you think would truly enrich my first trip. Your insights would be incredibly invaluable in helping me plan an unforgettable adventure to this fascinating and culturally rich state.

This post is sponsored by Tennessee Vacation. We are incredibly grateful for their continued partnership and for empowering us to bring you unique culinary and travel content that inspires exploration.