Next you should try different American ice cream shops. Ben and Jerry's, cold stone, Baskin Robin 31 flavors and dairy queen. Maybe some other local spots too
Not my Grandma...a light thump was round one and only because you didn't know any better. Round two was not a light thump because you did it on purpose or you didn't pay attention to round one.
I'm 31 years old from the UK, NEVER HAS my grandmother or any other old lady that I've ever met hit me because I called her by her first name! Unbelievable behaviour!
Because she cooks with love and wants to see them love it as much as she does. That's how we cook in the south, the pleasure comes from how much those we feed enjoy the food.
Yknow us southerners gotta see if u like the food! Plus we gotta yap abt every little thing, just in case someone don't know abt the history of random things 😅
I love how British you guys are, being here in America, in Tennessee, calling her "Her Ladyship" is just.. so British and so amazingly respectful, she needs a huge plaque that says "'Her Ladyship' from England with Love, Jolly".. I just love you guys
LOL, I like how Miss BJ corrects Josh for calling her by her first name. It's true, in the South, a young person would call an older lady "Miss" or "Ma'am".
i dont like that tbh. if im old enough to join the military, better respect me as an equal. our votes all count the same and if you treat me like a baby ill treat you like a senile fool. discrimination is discrimination. respect is a 2 way street and i cant imagine just straight up telling someone "you arent my equal". thats borderline sociopathic behavior lol.
I have eaten at Alcenia's for years and she has brought so much positive attention to that area right next to the convention center that usually goes overlooked. She always greats you with a kiss on the forehead or a hug, and all she asks is that you take the time to enjoy your food. It is all cooked fresh which means you get to enjoy talking to people you are with while waiting for your meal. What she does is a lost art and one many people have forgotten how to do. She is a Mississippi native who has brought her love and culture to Memphis and merged it with that Memphis culture of innovation and grit and grind to create a genuine Delta region experience. Alcenia's is an example of why Memphis, unofficial capitol of the Mississippi Delta, continues to be unique and stand apart from other regions while being overlooked and literally going unknown by the rest of the country for its food, music, corporate innovation and most importantly the passion it has for its people. It is a unique area of Tennessee that people enjoy beating up on, but Alcenia's is an example of why we all love this area so much. She has represented the area several times in Good Morning America, the Food Network and many others national and international television stations. Thank you Jolly for bring more attention to Alcenia's and Memphis and we hope you come back so we can share so much more of what makes our area unique and so beloved by many.
you can see her watching them eat which normally is cause the owners are worried about mess ups but with her you can tell shes watching to see them enjoy she wants them to enjoy genuinely its nice
My daughter is a Saint Jude's patient. We go to the Saint Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis once every 2 months for chemotherapy. You guys have given me something to look forward too for the next time we go to Memphis. I must have passed this restaurant multiple times! The hospital is RIGHT BY the Bass Pro Shop Pyramid- so I have probably seen the sign before and everything. Alcenia's. And I can only hope that Miss Ma'am JP will be there when we stop by!
You should totally go there! I'm praying for your daughter's total recovery. May you and your family live a happy, long and healthy life. Sorry for my bad English. Love from Indonesia xoxo ❤
Just like St. Jude says "we will not stop until no child has cancer"....sending love to you, your sweet daughter, and your family all the love. Also, I hope i can inspire you and your daughter by sharing that I have been fighting stage 4B, stage 3 Uterine cancer and my last checkup, I am now CANCERFREE!!!! DONT GIVE UP!!! Think positive and know that St. Jude has your back!!!
The wonderful thing about Alcenias… besides the out-of-this-world food… is Ms BJ. This was no fake, made for video, reception… she is like that with every guest that walks in the door.
Not gonna lie, I got very teary when they had the conversation about what soul food really is. "The stone that was rejected became the cornerstone." Amen. Those amazing people took something that was given to them in jest, in scorn, and they turned it into something nourishing, delicious, and enduring. What freaking legends.
I looked for this comment! The multiple times they have had soul food with keith hbersberger, and not ONCE did he ever mention where soul food comes from. Shame. So glad they got a proper lesson this time ❤
@@monniedee1999 There is zero good Korean restaurants but several good Vietnamese: Pho4Ever and Le Delights are a couple of standouts in Cordova. I'm sure there are many good Thai, also. For Chinese? Not sure but 1 that I know of that's decent is in Germantown: New Asia. I haven't lived in Memphis in over 25 years, as I've been in NYC and currently L.A. But I visited Memphis over the years.
I was told that fried green tomatoes are made with actual green tomatoes...not unripe red ones. I just googled it and they confirmed it as well. Now, since I don't make FGT's, what's fact?????
There is nothing more comforting then having an older lady calling you "baby" I swear her ladyship is so cute and she looks like one hell of cook! Much respect ❤😊
That's the South. And yes, it's a wonderful feeling for an older lady to call you honey, baby, sweetheart, or just call you child. It's love and respect from them.
Miss BJ said her mother was born in 1921. That was less than 60 years after the abolition of slavery, which makes it likely that at least some of Miss BJ's great-grandparents were born enslaved, maybe even one of her grandfathers. It's sobering to reflect on how few generations away from that we still are.
Crazy how you came to a food video and wanted to soap box over slavery. Care to discuss the transatlantic slave trade when they have fish and chips again? Lmao
@@AzulApeyou’re a muppet dude wtf are you complaining about. They literally in the video spoke about slavery because that’s how soul food was invented. Stfu
@@AzulApe I might discuss the transatlantic slave trade in a fish and chips video if somebody IN the video brings it up. Crazy how you missed Miss BJ making an explicit connection between soul food -- the topic of this video, as you point out -- and the experiences of enslaved people (11:16).
This episode makes me cry! The way that she describes soul food is exactly how it should always be described - an unflinching reminder of the horrors that gave birth to one of the best cuisines in the world. And Ollie’s depth of intelligence talking about it later. Not only can you see how much they respect the food, it’s clear how deeply they respect PEOPLE. So beautiful!
The British politeness and awkwardness meeting an absolute QUEEN Ms BJ is the most adorable thing ever. To be clear, here in the south, everyone older than you is Ms [first name] and this means that they are accepting you as their own little children. If you call them by last name, then it is a business/professional relationship. The use of the Ms is respectful, but the first name is familiar.
That should be around all of the US. Calling people Ms or Mr. Was common before the 2000s and it was something you taught your children . I will continue to pass that down ti my kids .as a society we have lost a lot of respect for people especially older people. It’s very sad.
@@nataliewalters2759Nowadays, there's a n atmosphere of "everyone deserves to be treated as an equal, regardless of their station in life," and I think there's something nice about it
I had an aunt just like her. You wouldn't be in a room and not be aware of her presence. I was terrified of her as a little kid but grew to love her. Life has not been the same since she's been gone.
Love the regular customer engaging in conversation with them. When people are willing to do that just to praise the food, you know you're in a good local place.
It's also just Memphis too. We are very nice and love when tourists come and enjoy our city and all the music and food that we have. We are a very diverse city where our sports teams continue to unite us, black and white. We only care if u r nice
I totally understand endorsement and the importance of it for creators so I appreciate when they actually make a good ad like that, Cleetus mcfarland does unique ones, and various others make it feel like it's not really an ad.
You fry the green tomatoes because they're much firmer, so they don't get mushy like ripe ones can, and because the much sharper tang complements the fried flavor very well.
There was a macrobiotic restaurant in Manhattan that served a pecan pie that was sweetened with rice syrup--it was fabulous because its sweetness was very gentle. A very interesting, almost sandy crust as well. Probably the only pecan pie I ever really liked.
@@Serenity_Dee That’s the way we’d use up all the tomatoes we had to hurry up and pick, even if they weren’t ripe, because a frost was coming. If we waited, the frost would ruin them and we’d lose a lot of food. We’d also pickle them.
As someone raised in the south, we learned from a very, very young age to never call adults by their first names. And those love taps definitely came from a place of love to guide Josh and Ollie on Southern etiquette in the US. Great job guys!
Josh and Ollie having wholesome revelations about life while eating soul food really show how deep the love goes in that cuisine and restaurant. Beautiful lol 💛
I just have to add... Her Ladyship is ADORABLE!!! I just love her! And it's so cute how she stands in the back to watch your reactions, that's how much she cares about the customer service and she clearly enjoys watching people enjoy her food. That IS soul food ❤
you can tell her ladyship ms BJ has been through a lot. especially with the loss of her son from, what i can only assume, was military related (hence the dogtag), but instead of being angry at the world she puts all the love that she had for her son into the meals that she creates; honoring her son's memory. the food is truly cooked with love and from the soul. i really want to come try this place so i'll now put it on my bucket list.
Love how you guys highlight these incredible small businesses. These videos are the most entertaining. Less fast food, more local business! Love, love this video 🔥
as a guy from the south this made me really happy. people always assume the worse of us southerners and I'm glad you put a good light on us thank you guys and god bless this woman. may her mother and son rest in peace
I'm not from the south, but it's a lot of clueless people on the east and west coast who have never actually met someone from the south, and they just ignorantly assume. Every time I've visited the south, they've been the nicest people I've ever met.
I Love My Southern People my family ROOTS ARE from down south. The only thing I didn't notice were some SOFT DELICIOUS BUTTERMILK BISCUITS on that table. 😂😂😂 Lawd‼️ NYC✊🏾🥰✌🏾❤️🖤💚😉
I can't imagine assuming the worst. The handful of times I've visited the South (or the southern end of the North, really) I've encountered the nicest, warmest, most genteel people. I love my city and my roots but I'm deeply envious of the South. There's such a graciousness and elegance even in the most casual circumstances. You can have laughter and fun and teasing but there's this undercurrent of grace and respect. At least that's how I see it.
Josh: "Tah-tah sauce" 😂❤😂 🎉 I LOVE how Ollie, when Miss BJ is explaining the slave roots of soul food, immediately gives the perfect New Testament rejoinder 11:47 : "The stone that was rejected becomes the cornerstone." When does this guy NOT amaze?
I lived in Memphis when I was about 12 years old. I spent a lot of time with friends from our church and their grandmother had just been diagnosed with dementia but she was still the most amazing cook I had ever met. Her food was the best soul food I ever ate in my life. I loved Memphis. I loved the food, the people, and the vibe. This video brought back so many happy memories for me. I could taste every bite as if I were back there again.
As a hispanic who came to America @ 7 years old and grew up in the south I remember specifically where I was when I first had soul changed my life forever
I grew up on soul food and love it but i got to have me some lingua, steak, chicken, shrimp burrito, carnitas, grilled tilapia, horchata once a week i love my Spanish bro and sister. i would love to mix our cultures. African, Spanish and Japanese art music, food ,culture,language
In the South, especially places that still feel like the old South (talking tradition not racial injustice) the women of a family are treated that that way. Your grandmother raised you nearly as often as your mother. The women ruled the home, and you gave them that love and respect. Men may have led the family, but the women were most definitely the soft power behind anything that was done.
@@claytondennis8034 Jay! misogyny with a pretty packaging. 'soft power' okay but could she decide her own life, decide how much babies she had, if she could money and how to spend it herself? then don't talki about 'ruling the home'
She was on kitchen nightmares and was one of the rare times Gordon loved the food they brought out. Her son that had passed away was on the show as well RIP.
Thank you for showcasing Alcenia's!! Ms. BJ is absolutely a doll!! When I visit, I go in looking for my hug, to see her smile and laugh because of her southern charm. She makes you feel like you're at home and your mom just called you down for dinner. I need to go visit soon!
The little bonk on the head with a napkin as a correction, and the slightest hint of a smile. Reminds me of my Italian Grandma growing up in the northeast USA.... basically did the same damn thing. Knowing that little gesture is universal makes me feel so much more human.
I agree with you! My Portuguese grandma and tias (aunts) did the same to us. I still say sir and ma'am (or senhor/senhora followed by their first name) when speaking to people i presume are older than me.
I've been there and it's exactly as good as you say. We didn't get hugs, but the woman who sat us kissed each of us on the top of the head. Unforgettably warm.
And there Ollie learned what made with love is all about, that first bite of bread pudding when he hugged himself... That shows the MADE with LOVE part.
I didn’t even realize the Nord VPN commercial was a commercial at first because it was that good I watched it the whole way through enjoying every bit of it 😂😂 what a MASTERPIECE ✨✨
You know, the other day I ate Indian food for the first time. It was early afternoon, I must have just missed the lunch crowd. Place was empty. Just a little tyke running up and down the aisles making his toy cars fly. I got something or other with goat, and a little bowl of chana masala. First bite I took I got all weepy. Not because of the spice, and not because the food was bad. If anything it’s some of the best food I’ve eaten in ages. Maybe in my life. It’s because I suddenly missed my grandma. So much I felt hollow, and achy like. All over. Then, just filled with warm contentment. Lady who made the food saw me, came running. Worried by what she thought was my obvious distress. Her English was lovely, but it took her husband to help me sufficiently explain that their food reminded me of my grandma’s cooking. They both looked a little confused, and I get it. My dad is Irish. Through, and through. Just a touch of Norwegian. I take a fair bit after him. My mother though, is Mexican. From Chihuahua. They said they understood that Indian food and Mexican food share some peculiar similarities. Certain spices, the use of heat, even a shared love for chickpeas. Maybe so, but that wasn’t what hit me. It’s just, my grandma used to be excited to cook for me. She loved it. Didn’t matter if I was actually hungry. The thing is, I could _taste_ her love for me in every bite. Sounds totally stupid, I know, and I agree, but my dudes it is what it is. So, like I told the lady and her husband, I could tell she actually cared about the food she makes, and more importantly the people she’s making the food for. I could just _taste_ it. Just like grandma’s food. They didn’t let me pay. We laughed. A hug or two may have been extended my way. At _least_ two more hugs than I knew needed. Left them a fat tip worth more than the meal anyway. Good people, better food. I bet Mrs. B’s fare is the same way. Just like grandma’s.
This is beautiful. I’m so happy you were able to experience food that touched your soul in the same way it had in the past all because you could feel the care these people had brought to your plate ❤
He is, isn't he? Just brilliant and so intelligent! Lizzie made a wise choice when she married him, and Juno is an adorable child and smart like her Daddy!
She was so sweet. I’m glad you visited her. I can tell how much she loves and misses her son. Seeing you happy to eat her food helps her heal. I want to give her a hug.
If I walked into a restaurant and the chef talked like that, I’d immediately start texting my friends because you just KNOW that meal’s about to be good
How cute is she??? As a southern girl (Arkansas) I know good food when I see it. I've been cooking over 50 yrs myself & appreciate the art of cooking. It's a love language! Next time I'm in Memphis that's my first stop!!
It's a wise person that keeps a set of eyes on the floor at all times. Customer care. One place we ate at in a work group, someone took the last of the butter for the rolls, with still a couple of us left that hadn't had it. Literally five seconds later we were brought another one. The manager noticed it from across the room beforehand and just nodded at one of the servers, that's all it took. That became my favorite place for decades.
I love this video! That’s a true southern experience to be fed by someone who not only shows love to people but also through their food. That’s what the south is about!
Loved that they not only try soul food but give space for the important history behind our food to be told!! I grew up with soul food and it reminds me of my grandparents and home
I love you guys so much! She was indeed correct that we are not allowed to call our elders by their first name UNLESS we are given permission but we must put MS. or Mr. in front of it; respect and manners. 😂When Ollie said he didn't normally like cornbread (blasphemy) and she walked over, I was scared for him. That was a VERY bold statement to say to a southern mother. Not gonna lie, I will be paying her restaurant a visit. Thanks for sharing ❤
Lads, thank you so much for showing off a part of the South that means so much to so many. It really and truly means the world to see people experience and appreciate what we have contributed to the food movement
As a Mississippian leaving right across the Stateline from Memphis, I appreciate this very much. I care about Memphis and I’m grateful to see it highlighted in this way.
As a south carolinian i was waiting for her to correct y'all and make yall call her "miss" because here we call every older lady "miss" or "ma'am" and if you call them by their first name its VERY rude
That bread pudding is one of my favorite things! So comforting, warm, and balanced. I miss Memphis. Lived there for 5+ years, and it's a great foodie city. The food is low-brow adjacent a lot of times, but it's elevated. I've been to Michelin Star places and super historic restaurants. They were amazing, but in Memphis, where pork is king (not Elvis), you'll eat well. When I moved away, I had to start smoking meat myself. It's one of my favorite small cities. Indianapolis, Detroit, several small cities in PA...but The 901 is near the top of the list for History, culture, food, music, family. If you didn't go to the National Civil Rights Museum, turn around and go right back. And visit the Staxx museum while you're at it. Staxx has a vibe I think Jolly would like.
Like the guy in the back said, nobody wants to be cooking at McDonald's, that over processed frozen stuff is never made with love, but this, this kind of place is not fake, it's generational, it's about survival, it's about love. I've been to many a soul food place where it's a community staple where you a greeted and seated and looked after like you're a best friend or somebody's child. For so many blacks or African American's, there are few places we can always be ourselves and be treated like human beings---and a soul food joint, is one of them, but on the same token, even if you're not black, you can still go in and enjoy yourself just the same.
It's amazing. What that guy was saying was quite profound, and something I admit I had never thought about before. If employees hate being there, why would I want to eat there?
As an Italian American, we were given polenta a lot because it’s all our parents could afford. It was considered peasant food. Nowadays I laugh when I go to a nice restaurant and see polenta on the menu for a lot of money.
@@mongo64071 I remember the first time I had polenta is a fancy restaurant…..I laughed because they’re just a Southern staple, cheese grits! Cheese grits are something I’ve loved all my life…I had no idea I was eating so high on the hog! LOL!!
Get 4 months extra on a 2 year plan here: nordvpn.com/jolly. It’s risk free with Nord’s 30 day money-back guarantee!
Next you should try different American ice cream shops. Ben and Jerry's, cold stone, Baskin Robin 31 flavors and dairy queen. Maybe some other local spots too
I love watching Jolly... But Josh's smacking is killing me (severe misophonia) 🙃
The food was not discarded it was donated, the same food the soldiers ate.
Nord VPN must love you Ollie. Your ads are the only ones on UA-cam that I don't fast-forward through. 💂🪖🎵🎶
Huge fan here... I am so glad you had a great time in the South. Come back soon!
She said “do NOT call me by my first name” then thumped him on the head 😂. Don’t worry that’s how southern grandmas show affection
Not my Grandma...a light thump was round one and only because you didn't know any better. Round two was not a light thump because you did it on purpose or you didn't pay attention to round one.
No bc he thought he was in trouble 😂. But Mrs. Or Mr. Comes before every elders name. Auntie…. Uncle…. Cousin… josh just didn’t know lol
Amen!
@@kyqueennexcatly i always say that or mame or sir 😂
I'm 31 years old from the UK, NEVER HAS my grandmother or any other old lady that I've ever met hit me because I called her by her first name! Unbelievable behaviour!
It’s making me laugh that she’s just standing behind the register peeking over and just watching them ha ha ha
Its making me uncomfortable 😅
Yes! That was my favorite part her interjections or the man in the back that they talk too.😂😂😂
That's so cute of her too! 😍
Because she cooks with love and wants to see them love it as much as she does. That's how we cook in the south, the pleasure comes from how much those we feed enjoy the food.
Yknow us southerners gotta see if u like the food! Plus we gotta yap abt every little thing, just in case someone don't know abt the history of random things 😅
I love how British you guys are, being here in America, in Tennessee, calling her "Her Ladyship" is just.. so British and so amazingly respectful, she needs a huge plaque that says "'Her Ladyship' from England with Love, Jolly".. I just love you guys
I guess "Her Ladyship" is the British version of ma'am, lol 😅
@@studyingthewordtogether and it works in her case 😁
It sounds like something that would be said in medieval times.
Love it 😂
Someone needs to do that 'buy a title' for her and she will be a genuine Lady then 😊
LOL, I like how Miss BJ corrects Josh for calling her by her first name. It's true, in the South, a young person would call an older lady "Miss" or "Ma'am".
100%
Alcenia was her mother... Her name she said is BJ.
i dont like that tbh. if im old enough to join the military, better respect me as an equal. our votes all count the same and if you treat me like a baby ill treat you like a senile fool. discrimination is discrimination. respect is a 2 way street and i cant imagine just straight up telling someone "you arent my equal". thats borderline sociopathic behavior lol.
I’m 56 years old and I’m still getting used to not calling ladies “Miss”. I’m also trying to get used to being called “Mr.”.
@@TheNoladrummer I'm 77 and I still call "older" ladies I'm not good friends with as Ms (+ First name), e.g. Ms Beverly.
At this point Ollie and Josh have had more Southern food than most Americans
Well only about 40% or less actually live in the south haha
Fr. I've never had this much southern food
yeah most americans dont get paid to eat delicious food around the country lol.
@@nullakjg767 true lol
Way more than I have
Almost shed a tear when she mentioned the loss of her child. Now the community is her children. She’s truly a blessing.
I have eaten at Alcenia's for years and she has brought so much positive attention to that area right next to the convention center that usually goes overlooked. She always greats you with a kiss on the forehead or a hug, and all she asks is that you take the time to enjoy your food. It is all cooked fresh which means you get to enjoy talking to people you are with while waiting for your meal. What she does is a lost art and one many people have forgotten how to do. She is a Mississippi native who has brought her love and culture to Memphis and merged it with that Memphis culture of innovation and grit and grind to create a genuine Delta region experience. Alcenia's is an example of why Memphis, unofficial capitol of the Mississippi Delta, continues to be unique and stand apart from other regions while being overlooked and literally going unknown by the rest of the country for its food, music, corporate innovation and most importantly the passion it has for its people. It is a unique area of Tennessee that people enjoy beating up on, but Alcenia's is an example of why we all love this area so much. She has represented the area several times in Good Morning America, the Food Network and many others national and international television stations. Thank you Jolly for bring more attention to Alcenia's and Memphis and we hope you come back so we can share so much more of what makes our area unique and so beloved by many.
U summed this up perfectly, I hope to see more of this for the city.
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you can see her watching them eat which normally is cause the owners are worried about mess ups but with her you can tell shes watching to see them enjoy she wants them to enjoy genuinely its nice
What a beautiful tribute!
This is one of few spots I don't care if I have to wait. I know my meal is gonna be amazing
"The stone that was rejected becomes the cornerstone." What a way to use that quote!
Psalm 118:22
Honest question, how do you people watch these vids and not get enraged by josh’s chomping/smacking of his lips? He eats like a 9yr old
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Almost made me tear up and I'm not even religious
My daughter is a Saint Jude's patient. We go to the Saint Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis once every 2 months for chemotherapy.
You guys have given me something to look forward too for the next time we go to Memphis.
I must have passed this restaurant multiple times! The hospital is RIGHT BY the Bass Pro Shop Pyramid- so I have probably seen the sign before and everything.
Alcenia's. And I can only hope that Miss Ma'am JP will be there when we stop by!
You should totally go there!
I'm praying for your daughter's total recovery. May you and your family live a happy, long and healthy life.
Sorry for my bad English. Love from Indonesia xoxo ❤
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 💗🫶🏻
That would be awesome! Praying for your daughter's complete healing!!❤
Just like St. Jude says "we will not stop until no child has cancer"....sending love to you, your sweet daughter, and your family all the love. Also, I hope i can inspire you and your daughter by sharing that I have been fighting stage 4B, stage 3 Uterine cancer and my last checkup, I am now CANCERFREE!!!! DONT GIVE UP!!! Think positive and know that St. Jude has your back!!!
🙏 leave us a comment when you go!
😂😂😂 Miss BJ creeping around in the background to eavesdrop on their opinions of her food like this is Kitchen Nightmares
😂😂😂
🤣🤣🤣
Or a culture with elders whom you can not begin to understand. Ignorance usually is insulting and/or negative😮
@@mjcoils5447 you have no idea what I know or understand. Your offense is a personal problem. I said what I said. And it’s still funny.
The way she said “bless your heart” when they told her they went noodling had me in tears!!! 😂😂😂
It's funny how that term can have so many meanings depending on the tone of voice. Everything from genuine love to terrible insults.
And the " Did y'all enjoy that."😂
The wonderful thing about Alcenias… besides the out-of-this-world food… is Ms BJ. This was no fake, made for video, reception… she is like that with every guest that walks in the door.
Not gonna lie, I got very teary when they had the conversation about what soul food really is. "The stone that was rejected became the cornerstone." Amen. Those amazing people took something that was given to them in jest, in scorn, and they turned it into something nourishing, delicious, and enduring. What freaking legends.
Period
Ollie really blows my lid at times ❤
I looked for this comment! The multiple times they have had soul food with keith hbersberger, and not ONCE did he ever mention where soul food comes from. Shame. So glad they got a proper lesson this time ❤
For example, ribs were given to the slaves because of the lack of meat on the bone. Now, it is a delicacy
Yeah, I’m not buying her “definition” of soul food.
Native Memphis Korean here, I've been following you guys for years, so this really hits my Seoul!
What Asian restaurant would you recommend in Memphis?
Nice play in words!!!
😂❤😂 🎉
@@monniedee1999 There is zero good Korean restaurants but several good Vietnamese: Pho4Ever and Le Delights are a couple of standouts in Cordova. I'm sure there are many good Thai, also. For Chinese? Not sure but 1 that I know of that's decent is in Germantown: New Asia. I haven't lived in Memphis in over 25 years, as I've been in NYC and currently L.A. But I visited Memphis over the years.
Lol, I do not eat outside the home enough because I haven't heard of or seen this place. Work and kids have turned me into an introvert😂
She is like that forreal. She literally hugs everyone. Her soul food is amazing. Meatloaf and candy yams are on point
“Well they are unripe. That’s why they call them green tomatoes”😂
😂
I was told that fried green tomatoes are made with actual green tomatoes...not unripe red ones. I just googled it and they confirmed it as well. Now, since I don't make FGT's, what's fact?????
@@the1blkmanThey're definitely just unripe tomatoes. They produce less water and fry better before ripening.
@@the1blkman They are unripe tomatoes. I dont know what you searched but I dont see any results saying anything other than that.
Same with green bell peppers.
There is nothing more comforting then having an older lady calling you "baby" I swear her ladyship is so cute and she looks like one hell of cook! Much respect ❤😊
💯
Can verify. ❤
Or sugah
That's the South. And yes, it's a wonderful feeling for an older lady to call you honey, baby, sweetheart, or just call you child. It's love and respect from them.
heck yes ❤
13:58 whole soul food conversation was so deep and really touching, it really honored the food and especially Miss BJ!
She misses her son so much. Her Ladyship is lovely, and that quip by Ollie seems actually deep.❤
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@@sandradolls5682bless her!
Miss BJ said her mother was born in 1921. That was less than 60 years after the abolition of slavery, which makes it likely that at least some of Miss BJ's great-grandparents were born enslaved, maybe even one of her grandfathers. It's sobering to reflect on how few generations away from that we still are.
In memphis u can drive around and tell which neighborhoods were heavily segregated its very interesting and depressing
Crazy how you came to a food video and wanted to soap box over slavery. Care to discuss the transatlantic slave trade when they have fish and chips again? Lmao
@@AzulApeyou’re a muppet dude wtf are you complaining about. They literally in the video spoke about slavery because that’s how soul food was invented. Stfu
@@AzulApecause she talked about slavery in this video, are you slow
@@AzulApe I might discuss the transatlantic slave trade in a fish and chips video if somebody IN the video brings it up. Crazy how you missed Miss BJ making an explicit connection between soul food -- the topic of this video, as you point out -- and the experiences of enslaved people (11:16).
This episode makes me cry! The way that she describes soul food is exactly how it should always be described - an unflinching reminder of the horrors that gave birth to one of the best cuisines in the world. And Ollie’s depth of intelligence talking about it later. Not only can you see how much they respect the food, it’s clear how deeply they respect PEOPLE. So beautiful!
The British politeness and awkwardness meeting an absolute QUEEN Ms BJ is the most adorable thing ever. To be clear, here in the south, everyone older than you is Ms [first name] and this means that they are accepting you as their own little children. If you call them by last name, then it is a business/professional relationship. The use of the Ms is respectful, but the first name is familiar.
Until you are addressed as Mama “first name” and you become family!
Facts
And that goes on no matter how old you are. Always h s address your elders properly.
That should be around all of the US. Calling people Ms or Mr. Was common before the 2000s and it was something you taught your children . I will continue to pass that down ti my kids .as a society we have lost a lot of respect for people especially older people. It’s very sad.
@@nataliewalters2759Nowadays, there's a n atmosphere of "everyone deserves to be treated as an equal, regardless of their station in life," and I think there's something nice about it
Southern boy here born and bred. She watched after them like a momma bear, she truly enjoyed having them there.
I had an aunt just like her. You wouldn't be in a room and not be aware of her presence. I was terrified of her as a little kid but grew to love her. Life has not been the same since she's been gone.
Love the regular customer engaging in conversation with them. When people are willing to do that just to praise the food, you know you're in a good local place.
That's just the south. Most of us are like that. We chat.
It's also just Memphis too. We are very nice and love when tourists come and enjoy our city and all the music and food that we have. We are a very diverse city where our sports teams continue to unite us, black and white. We only care if u r nice
That Nord commercial was the most British thing I've ever seen...
Monty Pythonesque
I totally understand endorsement and the importance of it for creators so I appreciate when they actually make a good ad like that, Cleetus mcfarland does unique ones, and various others make it feel like it's not really an ad.
@@dmarie1157
What I thought! Roots
truth😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂
The Brit’s are never going back across the pond now 😂 granny’s cookin changed their taste buds for life lol.
they might return to the USA some day
You fry the green tomatoes because they're much firmer, so they don't get mushy like ripe ones can, and because the much sharper tang complements the fried flavor very well.
Yes! Thank you I was hoping someone else would explain this for them.
There was a macrobiotic restaurant in Manhattan that served a pecan pie that was sweetened with rice syrup--it was fabulous because its sweetness was very gentle. A very interesting, almost sandy crust as well. Probably the only pecan pie I ever really liked.
@@Serenity_Dee
That’s the way we’d use up all the tomatoes we had to hurry up and pick, even if they weren’t ripe, because a frost was coming. If we waited, the frost would ruin them and we’d lose a lot of food. We’d also pickle them.
But they are sweeter when they have a little orange in them.
And they are MUCH better pan fried than deep fried.
🥳CONGRATZ!!!! IN CASE YOU PEOPLE DIDNT KNOW.... JOSH & GABIEKOOK HAD A BABY GIRL LAST WEEK AND NAMED HER JULIE!!!!!!!
YAAYYYYY!!! We are internet aunties and uncles now lol :)
Thank you! I’ve been waiting for an update !
OMG YAY!!!!!!
Yes I did see that and I’m so happy for the both of them ❤
CONGRATULATIONS! ❤❤❤
I work down the street from Alcenia’s and she really does hug everyone that comes in
As someone raised in the south, we learned from a very, very young age to never call adults by their first names. And those love taps definitely came from a place of love to guide Josh and Ollie on Southern etiquette in the US. Great job guys!
As a Memphis Native you couldn’t have picked a better place to dine 🫶🏾
Man, I wish she had been open when I use to work in the Pinch District. I would have been there every day.
So what?
@@kaydod3190 Seriously? Loving local people, local food, local businesses is the heart of any real city.
Midtowner here and you are absolutely correct. We love her don't we?!
@@kaydod3190somebody needs a fried chicken hug....
Josh and Ollie having wholesome revelations about life while eating soul food really show how deep the love goes in that cuisine and restaurant. Beautiful lol 💛
I just have to add... Her Ladyship is ADORABLE!!! I just love her! And it's so cute how she stands in the back to watch your reactions, that's how much she cares about the customer service and she clearly enjoys watching people enjoy her food. That IS soul food ❤
you can tell her ladyship ms BJ has been through a lot. especially with the loss of her son from, what i can only assume, was military related (hence the dogtag), but instead of being angry at the world she puts all the love that she had for her son into the meals that she creates; honoring her son's memory. the food is truly cooked with love and from the soul. i really want to come try this place so i'll now put it on my bucket list.
They got to experience a hug in the form of food. I live in Memphis Tennessee, born and raised. And I get to eat like this every.
Aren't we lucky...might just go down there today!
Love how you guys highlight these incredible small businesses. These videos are the most entertaining. Less fast food, more local business! Love, love this video 🔥
100% agree.
💯 💶
Very true!
as a guy from the south this made me really happy. people always assume the worse of us southerners and I'm glad you put a good light on us thank you guys and god bless this woman. may her mother and son rest in peace
I'm not from the south, but it's a lot of clueless people on the east and west coast who have never actually met someone from the south, and they just ignorantly assume. Every time I've visited the south, they've been the nicest people I've ever met.
I Love My Southern People my family ROOTS ARE from down south. The only thing I didn't notice were some SOFT DELICIOUS BUTTERMILK BISCUITS on that table. 😂😂😂 Lawd‼️ NYC✊🏾🥰✌🏾❤️🖤💚😉
I can't imagine assuming the worst. The handful of times I've visited the South (or the southern end of the North, really) I've encountered the nicest, warmest, most genteel people. I love my city and my roots but I'm deeply envious of the South. There's such a graciousness and elegance even in the most casual circumstances. You can have laughter and fun and teasing but there's this undercurrent of grace and respect. At least that's how I see it.
LOOOL "ghettoaid" in british accents is SENDING
Ollie is an international treasure. I never imagined I’d enjoy a sponsorship ad the way I did this one. He’s completely outdone himself
Dedication to the craft. I really appreciated it
Josh: "Tah-tah sauce"
😂❤😂 🎉
I LOVE how Ollie, when Miss BJ is explaining the slave roots of soul food, immediately gives the perfect New Testament rejoinder 11:47 :
"The stone that was rejected becomes the cornerstone."
When does this guy NOT amaze?
I lived in Memphis when I was about 12 years old. I spent a lot of time with friends from our church and their grandmother had just been diagnosed with dementia but she was still the most amazing cook I had ever met. Her food was the best soul food I ever ate in my life. I loved Memphis. I loved the food, the people, and the vibe. This video brought back so many happy memories for me. I could taste every bite as if I were back there again.
As a hispanic who came to America @ 7 years old and grew up in the south I remember specifically where I was when I first had soul changed my life forever
Same! I felt the love!
Haa it is good I’m from here and I know that
I grew up on soul food and love it but i got to have me some lingua, steak, chicken, shrimp burrito, carnitas, grilled tilapia, horchata once a week i love my Spanish bro and sister. i would love to mix our cultures. African, Spanish and Japanese art music, food ,culture,language
@@knovikainblack Americans food is not African
@@anitab734true. I’m a Southerner but lived in Dahomey, West Africa for several years. Your comment is spot-on.
I love how the matrilineal line is so honored and respected in Ms BJ's life and livelihood. Society can learn and benefit from this.
In the South, especially places that still feel like the old South (talking tradition not racial injustice) the women of a family are treated that that way. Your grandmother raised you nearly as often as your mother. The women ruled the home, and you gave them that love and respect. Men may have led the family, but the women were most definitely the soft power behind anything that was done.
because most brothers don't have fathers. they become mama's boy
@@ElcoCanon why be mean on a Jolly video?
@@claytondennis8034 Jay! misogyny with a pretty packaging. 'soft power' okay but could she decide her own life, decide how much babies she had, if she could money and how to spend it herself? then don't talki about 'ruling the home'
She was on kitchen nightmares and was one of the rare times Gordon loved the food they brought out. Her son that had passed away was on the show as well RIP.
No way I gotta find that episode
@@BijinMCMXCi cant for the life of me find it, did you?
@@dobreboomre4768 No. They might’ve confused it with another restaurant.
@@BijinMCMXCYeah they were most likely thinking of Momma Cherri's in Brighton, not Tennessee
@@BijinMCMXCignore that, and let's just say he did anyways 😉
They got the “bless your heart”. I love it
Your Ladyship! You Brits are too much. Love you guys! You are now Honorary Americans!!!!
Thank you for showcasing Alcenia's!! Ms. BJ is absolutely a doll!! When I visit, I go in looking for my hug, to see her smile and laugh because of her southern charm. She makes you feel like you're at home and your mom just called you down for dinner. I need to go visit soon!
The little bonk on the head with a napkin as a correction, and the slightest hint of a smile. Reminds me of my Italian Grandma growing up in the northeast USA.... basically did the same damn thing.
Knowing that little gesture is universal makes me feel so much more human.
I agree with you! My Portuguese grandma and tias (aunts) did the same to us. I still say sir and ma'am (or senhor/senhora followed by their first name) when speaking to people i presume are older than me.
I've been there and it's exactly as good as you say. We didn't get hugs, but the woman who sat us kissed each of us on the top of the head. Unforgettably warm.
Welcome to Memphis! Our city is gritty, but there’s lots of love and warmth to share. Glad you enjoyed it!
I got a tear in my eye when Ollie started hugging himself when eating the bread pudding. Such a wholesome episode and restaurant 🥲🤗
And there Ollie learned what made with love is all about, that first bite of bread pudding when he hugged himself... That shows the MADE with LOVE part.
Plenty people love who they cook for but don't know how to cook.
@@Bluetanggthats not truly made with love then XD
@@Jude-yk9ucit has the "love" part, it’s just the "made" part that's lacking lol
I didn’t even realize the Nord VPN commercial was a commercial at first because it was that good I watched it the whole way through enjoying every bit of it 😂😂 what a MASTERPIECE ✨✨
You know, the other day I ate Indian food for the first time. It was early afternoon, I must have just missed the lunch crowd. Place was empty. Just a little tyke running up and down the aisles making his toy cars fly. I got something or other with goat, and a little bowl of chana masala. First bite I took I got all weepy. Not because of the spice, and not because the food was bad. If anything it’s some of the best food I’ve eaten in ages. Maybe in my life. It’s because I suddenly missed my grandma. So much I felt hollow, and achy like. All over. Then, just filled with warm contentment. Lady who made the food saw me, came running. Worried by what she thought was my obvious distress. Her English was lovely, but it took her husband to help me sufficiently explain that their food reminded me of my grandma’s cooking. They both looked a little confused, and I get it. My dad is Irish. Through, and through. Just a touch of Norwegian. I take a fair bit after him. My mother though, is Mexican. From Chihuahua. They said they understood that Indian food and Mexican food share some peculiar similarities. Certain spices, the use of heat, even a shared love for chickpeas. Maybe so, but that wasn’t what hit me. It’s just, my grandma used to be excited to cook for me. She loved it. Didn’t matter if I was actually hungry. The thing is, I could _taste_ her love for me in every bite. Sounds totally stupid, I know, and I agree, but my dudes it is what it is. So, like I told the lady and her husband, I could tell she actually cared about the food she makes, and more importantly the people she’s making the food for. I could just _taste_ it. Just like grandma’s food. They didn’t let me pay. We laughed. A hug or two may have been extended my way. At _least_ two more hugs than I knew needed. Left them a fat tip worth more than the meal anyway. Good people, better food.
I bet Mrs. B’s fare is the same way. Just like grandma’s.
This is beautiful. I’m so happy you were able to experience food that touched your soul in the same way it had in the past all because you could feel the care these people had brought to your plate ❤
@robbieboydudeguy
Echo❤
this truly made me cry, the power love is unmatched
“The stone that was rejected became the cornerstone”.
Bob Marley
@@Drebrooklyn it’s a quote from Psalm 118 that foretells of Christ
@@joshmanikowski2950 ok I guess that's where he got it from then
@@Drebrooklyn Ollie and Josh are Christians.
@@Drebrooklyn Don't get me wrong... I love Bob Marley, but that line was taken from the most famous work of Classical literature in all of history.
I learned to cook from scratch from my Mom. Im so grateful that I can do it. Its a gift.
Same!
Any person that takes the times to note how southern food is different than normal American fare…. You deserve a subscription
Soul food is Black American cuisine. So yes it's definitely different.
When I learned at the start of this video that the house beverage was 'Ghetto-Aid', I instantly fell in love with Alcenia's.
And the way they pronounce it makes me laugh
Wish that had a different name, but that's her choice🙄😒😐. Glad that the young men had a good experience ❤.
So glad y'all checked out our city. Food, music and Southern hospitality! Proud to call Memphis home.
Her ladyship is lovely just think she's been cooking this for generations she had on amazing mother
If I ever have a company operating in the UK, I'm gonna give all the ad money to Ollie. This man is fantastic.
He is, isn't he? Just brilliant and so intelligent! Lizzie made a wise choice when she married him, and Juno is an adorable child and smart like her Daddy!
hahahaha he is brilliant 🎉
She was so sweet. I’m glad you visited her. I can tell how much she loves and misses her son. Seeing you happy to eat her food helps her heal. I want to give her a hug.
She was watching y'all like a hawk behind that counter 😂
Ollie has a very deep thinking mind he’s always able to connect with any folk no matter where they come from
If I walked into a restaurant and the chef talked like that, I’d immediately start texting my friends because you just KNOW that meal’s about to be good
How cute is she??? As a southern girl (Arkansas) I know good food when I see it. I've been cooking over 50 yrs myself & appreciate the art of cooking. It's a love language! Next time I'm in Memphis that's my first stop!!
It's right downtown. Very close to the bridge
truth🎉
You guys have crawfish boils?
Same!
N.E. Arkansas here, Memphis has awesome soul food in many places.....
I love how she just stood in the background almost the entire time.
It's a wise person that keeps a set of eyes on the floor at all times. Customer care. One place we ate at in a work group, someone took the last of the butter for the rolls, with still a couple of us left that hadn't had it. Literally five seconds later we were brought another one. The manager noticed it from across the room beforehand and just nodded at one of the servers, that's all it took. That became my favorite place for decades.
The hug told me everything I needed to know! Not only does she make great food, but I can tell she’s a good soul 😌
13:25 The reason why I watch all of their videos. The connection made to other cultures. Food should unite us. ❤️
I think the chefs at every restaurant need to lurk in the background and correct you the whole time. She’s a gem!
Gotta live the southern hospitality that comes with the great food she's a sweetheart
I love this video! That’s a true southern experience to be fed by someone who not only shows love to people but also through their food. That’s what the south is about!
Loved that they not only try soul food but give space for the important history behind our food to be told!! I grew up with soul food and it reminds me of my grandparents and home
I love her so much her personality is the greatest I love hanging out with people like her 😂
Literally the only UA-cam channel that I'm here for for the in-vid promotion as well as the content! 😂 You're a genius Olly.
Yes! That commercial was stellar!🤣🤣🤣
Can't believe I happily sat through it 😂
I love you guys so much! She was indeed correct that we are not allowed to call our elders by their first name UNLESS we are given permission but we must put MS. or Mr. in front of it; respect and manners.
😂When Ollie said he didn't normally like cornbread (blasphemy) and she walked over, I was scared for him. That was a VERY bold statement to say to a southern mother.
Not gonna lie, I will be paying her restaurant a visit. Thanks for sharing ❤
Can we appreciate how hard Ollie has been working on these adds 😂😂 In a world of adds, these are enjoyable, well done!!
I just absolutely love how adorable and warm she is. I could feel it through the screen. All her food must feel like a warm hug. Soo precious 🥰
I don't think I've ever seen Ollie hug himself before. That, right there, nearly made me cry. 🥰
Lads, thank you so much for showing off a part of the South that means so much to so many. It really and truly means the world to see people experience and appreciate what we have contributed to the food movement
As a Mississippian leaving right across the Stateline from Memphis, I appreciate this very much. I care about Memphis and I’m grateful to see it highlighted in this way.
Same
blah blah blah
yep being from arkansas i can say memphis has the best soul food and bbq
@@sydnelle No it doesn't
@@kaydod3190 my opinion🤷🏽♀️we can throw down in AR as well.
As a south carolinian i was waiting for her to correct y'all and make yall call her "miss" because here we call every older lady "miss" or "ma'am" and if you call them by their first name its VERY rude
Mr. First Name or Mrs. First Name is acceptable. My son's friends who are all in their 30's still call me Mrs. Buffie
As a Yankee from NYC living in SC for the past two years I love it..❤❤❤.
Why even have a first name then, if it's so rude to use it?
@@emultra759 Her peers would be able to use her first name.
@@EvieBear236 I would refuse to be a peer to someone who isn't a peer to the common man. First name for everyone or no one.
When she chimes in from over their shoulder providing commentary it’s so sweet and hilarious 😂😂😂😊
Josh and Ollie might need to come back to here during Thanksgiving. I their interaction. Like a grandma with her grandkids.
Very much agreed.
2 things
1) best nord commercial ever!
2) I want all the food !
That bread pudding is one of my favorite things! So comforting, warm, and balanced. I miss Memphis. Lived there for 5+ years, and it's a great foodie city. The food is low-brow adjacent a lot of times, but it's elevated. I've been to Michelin Star places and super historic restaurants. They were amazing, but in Memphis, where pork is king (not Elvis), you'll eat well. When I moved away, I had to start smoking meat myself.
It's one of my favorite small cities. Indianapolis, Detroit, several small cities in PA...but The 901 is near the top of the list for History, culture, food, music, family.
If you didn't go to the National Civil Rights Museum, turn around and go right back. And visit the Staxx museum while you're at it. Staxx has a vibe I think Jolly would like.
6:29 "PICLEPACKSAPUNCH" -Josh, on starting his rapping career
Like the guy in the back said, nobody wants to be cooking at McDonald's, that over processed frozen stuff is never made with love, but this, this kind of place is not fake, it's generational, it's about survival, it's about love. I've been to many a soul food place where it's a community staple where you a greeted and seated and looked after like you're a best friend or somebody's child. For so many blacks or African American's, there are few places we can always be ourselves and be treated like human beings---and a soul food joint, is one of them, but on the same token, even if you're not black, you can still go in and enjoy yourself just the same.
It's amazing. What that guy was saying was quite profound, and something I admit I had never thought about before. If employees hate being there, why would I want to eat there?
she is the EXACT person I want cooking my meals. What a legend.
I love how starting at 13:20 time stamp she is just watching y'all enjoy yourselves :D too cute! I definitely have to get out there and try soul food.
I love this lady lol she showed y’all some real black schooling too when she said u too young for the first name 😭 that is just like my aunties n em .
I love how Betty stayed by the table watching. I definitely will stop by next time I’m in Memphis
I've never met your ladyship and I'm so endeared by her. I smile every time she comes onscreen. She seems so lovely
As an Italian American, we were given polenta a lot because it’s all our parents could afford. It was considered peasant food. Nowadays I laugh when I go to a nice restaurant and see polenta on the menu for a lot of money.
Same thing with paella in Spain. It's basically leftovers and rice.
Mexico it’s fideo. Basically basic pasta or rice and if your lucky you might get potatoes or meat with it
@@mongo64071
I remember the first time I had polenta is a fancy restaurant…..I laughed because they’re just a Southern staple, cheese grits! Cheese grits are something I’ve loved all my life…I had no idea I was eating so high on the hog! LOL!!
Y'all eat placenta over thur? 🤮
@@bogusguhl2715
😂😂😂😂😂
That explanation of soul food and the making good from what was meant to be bad was really fantastic.
The pride Miss BJ has in her food is so awesome. What a lovely person and amazing food!
Seeing you guys get southern hospitality while I’m here in Georgia is just so heartwarming and amazing!! ❤❤
she’s amazing! love how warm she is, makes me smile :) not to mention the food looks soooooooo delicious, it has my mouth watering