Best Culture Tour
You’ve probably seen Tad Pierson’s 1955 beige Cadillac cruising around town. It’s quite likely he’s giving some lucky tourists a personalized tour of Memphis’ music and civil rights landmarks.
“It’s the same year Cadillac that Elvis bought his mama,” says Pierson. “Only hers was pink.” Pierson prides himself on being able to captivate visitors with his knowledge of local culture, from obscure juke joints to Graceland. “I call it ‘anthro-tourism,’” he explains. “It’s what Memphis needs more of. You show off the local culture and it brings money into the local culture at the same time.”
Elvis Costello, Katie Couric, Rufus Thomas, Wilson Pickett, and Ken Burns are just a few of the notable clients that have ridden in the back seat of Pierson’s beautifully restored Caddy since he began his tour business in 1995. But, Pierson, whom Smithsonian Magazine once called “a straw-hatted blues aficionado,” says, “My favorite customers are the ones who’ve been saving to come to Memphis and take part in The American Dream Safari. They appreciate the deeper and more personal experience that we can offer.” — Bruce VanWyngarden
The American Dream Safari, tad@americandreamsafari.com, (901) 527-8870
Best Close Thing
Dr. Jason Martin, a Nashville physician, beat Memphis City Council member JB Smiley Jr. for the Democratic primary for the upcoming governor’s election. While that all seems very Memphis/Nashville, Martin won by fewer than 1,500 votes. 1,500. With this, Smiley — and Memphis — showed some statewide clout. — Toby Sells
Best Porn Preference
When Tennesseans headed to Pornhub last year, they wanted to see “interracial” videos. That’s according to the website’s annual report. The preference gives hope, in a weird way, that maybe our private desires could lead to more public tolerances. It’s a stretch, but a boy can dream. — TS
Best Sea Change
Our city’s problems seem so unbeatable. But a group of dedicated leaders banded together with county officials to reform our money bail system. The groups had to threaten to sue, of course. But the sea change is set in motion and, by next year, pretrial release or detention will be based on fairness, thoughtful judgment, and be more in line with the state constitution. — TS
Best Evolution
For 15 years, Black Lodge Video was a staple on Cooper. The last surviving video store in Memphis went dark in 2014 and began searching for a new home. Now, in their huge space on Cleveland in Crosstown, the Lodge not only offers one of the biggest video collections in the world — 35,000 titles strong — they also have a growing list of video and console games, as well as a newly opened kitchen and bar. The variety of events hosted on their stage, from film screenings to drag shows to armored medieval combat matches, is unequaled in the city. — Chris McCoy
Best Patch-Up
Memphis is hard on auto glass. This is a place where the “road debris” flying at your windscreen can range from gravel to large chunks of other automobiles. When the crack in your windshield finally reaches from one side to the other, Jack Morris Auto Glass will fix you up cleanly and quickly. — CM
Best Fan Group
American sports fans are so boring. Yelling things like “de-FENSE” over and over again at games. Not so with soccer fans, however. Take Memphis’ Bluff City Mafia, the supporters group for 901 FC, who march into the stadium, drums a-drummin, and come up with customized chants and songs for the team and individual players. Brilliant stuff. — Samuel X. Cicci
“Best” Italian Fusion Dish
Can I interest you in some roadside ravioli? Some interstate al dente? I don’t know what to call this dish exactly, but Memphis made national headlines when an 18-wheeler crashed and spilled Bertolli Alfredo sauce all over I-55, and Memphians were left eating plain fettuccine noodles. Mamma mia! — SXC
(Who are the) Best Bar Regulars
On any given weekday, a steadfast group of regulars meets at RP Tracks by 3:30 p.m. sharp to test their wits at Jeopardy. It’s a long-standing ritual of sorts for both customers and employees — some of whom should actually take the stage on the show (looking at you, Paul!). Fran, Shelley, Rachel, Ross, Amanda, Ana, Tory, and others whose names I’m surely forgetting (hey, I’m not the one who’s good at retaining information, as evidenced by my poor trivia skills) gather to flex their knowledge and have a beer with friends — or serve them — while they’re at it. I’d wager it all on a Daily Double to say they’re the coolest crew in town. Cheers! — Shara Clark
Best Food Court Staple
Sometimes I make a special trip to the mall solely to “try chicken.” Those words, which led an unassuming young Shara straight up to China Master to nibble on a hot piece of honey chicken skewered on a toothpick, are now synonymous with the Oak Court Mall. I’m not sure how they do it, but the delectable bits of chicken are super crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and have just the right level of sweetness. Add a couple sides (lo mein and mixed veggies for me), and you’ve got a heaping plate of some of the best and most affordable fare in the city — from a food court! — SC
