It’s Texas meets Memphis on a Midtown corner wedged between Sam Cooper Boulevard and Broad. And Bain BBQ has plans for a permanent establishment.

To be a Memphis in May barbecue judge, you have to go to class and get certified. But there’s more to judging than just having a certificate; you need to be dedicated.

Mixon is a celebrity pit master who has written cookbooks and been on numerous television shows, including the TLC reality show BBQ Pitmasters. He left Saturday night, as did the first place winners of the ribs and shoulder division, with a check for $10,500. In addition, he received $24,000 as the grand champion.

Before they left, barges stuck on either side of the Hernando DeSoto Bridge received a delivery of Rendezvous ribs to see them on their way.

The faces of barbecue include Don and Carolyn McLemore, owners of Big Bob Gibson’s restaurant and the matriarch and patriarch of the most winning team at Memphis in May.

There was a little bit of smoke on the river early on Wednesday, but plenty more to come. The 2021 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest was about to begin.

Two old friends and longtime Memphis in May volunteers take a few minutes to talk about this year’s festival and about some memorable times in the past.

Restaurateurs aren’t happy with a new health directive that suggests people wear masks but puts the burden of the decision on them.

Panda Garden offers a lunch special with a selection of more than 20 meals, each under $10. The food is good, and the portions are generous.

Bhan Thai, Molly Smith’s restaurant on Peabody Avenue that opened in 2002, has closed its doors for the last time. Smith officially shut down on the day she usually hosted the fundraiser Cinco de Thai-O.

Whataburger is coming back to the Mid-South: One will open in Southaven in late 2021.

Where there’s smoke, there’s 🔥🔥🔥 when it’s in Tom Lee Park. Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest returns after a forced 2020 hiatus, proving you can’t keep a good festival down. 

A deep clean and purge of the kitchen might not spark joy, but can cause an existential questioning of time. And as the world moves on, festivals are planned and Hog Wild East opens.

Ernie Mellor opens Hog Wild East for takeout only in the former Garibaldi’s location on Yates Road on Wednesday.

There’s a flurry of events and festivals in mid-May, and you need to get tickets now because they’re all pre-sale and they’ll be gone soon.

Jennifer Biggs joins Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar.

One variant linked to India’s recent COVID-19 surge was detected in Shelby County this week, said David Sweat, Shelby County Health Department deputy director.

Sullivan, Knox, Hamilton and Madison counties lift mask mandates; Davidson is waiting.