Lemon
A word about expectations.
We all have memories that we carry around with us. Memories of places we’ve been, things we’ve done, sensations we’ve experienced. We like to think that our memories of such things are accurate, but often the reality of a thing is based more on situations and circumstances than on facts. So often, second readings don’t measure up.
This brings us to Johnny Ray’s BBQ in Birmingham. I went to Johnny Ray’s last year with my friend Chandra, completely out of the blue. We had been driving around, looking for a place for dinner. We ate good bar-be-que, and then, only because we had a little room left in our tummies and not because we had any great yearning for dessert, we ordered some pie. What happened then changed us. It forever altered our ideas about dessert, and it remained in our collective memory. The lemon pie we had that night lived on - it was remembered not just as good pie. Not just as the best pie we’d ever had. Not just as the best dessert. But The Best Food Either of Us Had Ever Put Into Our Mouths.
So this year, we’re back in Birmingham with Chandra’s family - her husband Chris (who is a fine and talented cook himself), and her cool and knowing daughter Madison - and we talked them into going back to Johnny Ray’s. I wanted to go - I wanted to experience the pie again - but I’m also a little leery - it doesn’t seem possible that any food could possibly live up to that memory. Surely we were mistaken. Or exaggerating. I warned Chandra - maybe we shouldn’t build this pie up so much - maybe we should just go there, without recounting all of the details of how the pie affected us.
The pie was not what we remembered. The pie was better. Much, much better. We all agreed. Even Chris, who knows a thing or two about food, said it was probably the best food he had ever eaten. I do not exaggerate when I say I had tears in my eyes. The pie made me cry. How is this possible? How could any sensation that lives in memory as the best ever be that much better than the way you remember it?
Oh Johnny Ray’s, you have my heart.
—–
Signed,
I am now dying for lemon pie. With no trips to Alabama in my future, I will have to start researching recipies. One problem with this is that I’m the only one in my house who likes lemon. I can’t eat my test pies all myself, but I have to taste them!
Tell me this — was it a meringue pie or more of a lemon chess pie?
Comment by Marijean — Sunday, 27 April, 2008 @ 9:46 am
First, next year Andrew, I’m going to send you down there with a $20 bill (or two) and a to-go pie order. I looked at the menu and it’s apparently entirely doable.
Secondly, Marijean, I will volunteer to test lemon pie recipes with you. :-)
Comment by Steph — Monday, 28 April, 2008 @ 2:38 pm
Wait, I just thought this through…sending Andrew and a $20 bill and a pie order may just result in a very satisfied Andrew coming back from Alabama with more stories about how glorious that pie is….
Comment by Steph — Monday, 28 April, 2008 @ 2:39 pm
We already have the scoop - they will mail you a pie on dry ice. Done and done.
Comment by Chandra — Tuesday, 29 April, 2008 @ 8:27 am
How funny that you speak of collective memory! A large portion of my thesis revolves around collective memory! Although the individuals I will be interviewing are collectively remembering about a 60 year old white dude! And your pie sounds much more enticing!
I look forward to seeing you next time I am in town, which thankfully, will be soon!
Take care!!
Comment by Sheri — Tuesday, 29 April, 2008 @ 8:04 pm
Thanks Chandra! You rock.
Comment by Steph — Tuesday, 29 April, 2008 @ 10:07 pm
[…] Everett Street Diner, then an open-faced pork barbeque sandwich and lemon cream pie (yes, that pie, the best food on the earth…) from Johhny Ray’s in Birmingham, followed by ribs at […]
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