Uncle Lou's Fried Chicken

​Memphis in September 2014

Our first stop in Tennessee was outside of the gates of Graceland, where we read  words written by Elvis fans on the stone wall and worked up an appetite for southern cooking.  We searched the internet for some nearby food. Uncle Lou's sounded like just the place!

​What to Eat?

Lou's Place made it nice and easy for us with all their food photos!  We didn't even need to know how to speak English or read or anything. The foods were staring down at us.  But the lively folks in green shirts behind the counter were ready to throw out their ideas, too!

​Juan
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This is not Lou.  This is Juan, the guy who helped us decide what to order.

 

 He asked if it was our first time, but didn't wait for an answer before he was rattled off his food suggestions, so quickly I could barely understand him.  "You'll need the 7-piece!"  He insisted, but Don ordered the cheeseburger and I ordered a 3-piece with a mix of spicy and mild sauces.  He was very pleased when I ordered the Corrupted Carrots,  but he shook his head at Don's choice.  He for some reason was quite sure Don was going to try to steal my biscuit.

Playful Atmosphere
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​We were on the early side for lunch, but there was a bustling vibe as if they were gearing up for crowds.  The walls were covered in posters and pictures and lots and lots of Cowboys Football stuff.  A TV entertained a few in the corner.

There were about 8 tables and just as many guys wearing green shirts, including one young boy of about 8 wearing an eye patch.  There was lots of laughter and hollering behind the counter and a couple voices shouting from the doorway, playfully inviting customers to enter.!

​Waiting on Food

While waiting for  food to cook, I read a few of the write ups framed on the wall.  I learned that Lou got his recipes from his grandmother.  I learned that the place became even more popular after Guy Fieri paid the restaurant a call and raved about Uncle Lou's chicken on Diner, Drive Ins and Dives.  I didn't really care about Guy, but I was wishing I could meet that celebrity named Uncle Lou.

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​Where's Lou?

Lou was attending his mother's funeral. Evidently Lou's mom was pretty well loved at the restaurant, as well.  There was a moment when all the staff stopped in their tracks and turned towards the front windows.  Suddenly, every green shirt raced towards the door.

​Showing Respect

The whole staff moved quickly towards the parking lot and a white car pulled in, followed by a line up of vehicles.  The restaurant staff lined up, facing the cars.  Some removed hats and some stepped towards Lou's hand, reaching from the car.   

Moments later that group returned and apologized to customers for deserting them.

The Food Arrives
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My 3 pieces of Uncle Lou's chicken arrived with my order of Corrupted Carrots!   The carrots were lightly fried with Lou's special seasoning.  The carrots added a nice hint of sweet to accompany my spicy chicken.

Biscuit?
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Don was actually pleased with his order and enjoyed his cheeseburger, but Juan must have looked over at the very moment when Don looked longingly at my biscuit! We suddenly heard Juan from behind the counter,  "Don't take her biscuit!"

Juan Protects Me and My Biscuit
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Juan was pretty busy, but did make time to dash over to our table for a photo op.  He pointed a finger at Don once again, as if to say "Don't you dare steal her biscuit" and then he laughed.  

Good Food and Fun Atmosphere! 
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RIP to Uncle Lou's Mom. I have a feeling some of her history and love went into that chicken I ate!  Pretty good memory!