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What did Elvis Presley like to eat?
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was known not only for his iconic music and electrifying performances, but also for his insatiable appetite. His culinary appetite was as extraordinary as his stage presence, and he had a list of favorite foods that would make anyone’s mouth water. From soul food to indulgent sandwiches and classic breakfast dishes, Elvis knew how to satisfy his taste buds. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Elvis Presley’s favorite foods.
Bacon: A Southern Delight
Before we explore the full extent of Elvis’ culinary preferences, we need to understand his deep affection for bacon. Growing up in Tupelo, Mississippi, Southern food played an important role in his life, and bacon was an essential ingredient in Southern cooking. Elvis loved bacon so much that it became a staple of his diet. He enjoyed it by itself or added it to almost everything, from sandwiches to party meatballs. His cooks at Graceland made sure there was always bacon in the refrigerator, and Elvis would consume a pound of it at a time. Crispy or slightly burnt, bacon was a constant treat for the King.
Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches: A Gooey Delight
One of the most famous dishes associated with Elvis Presley is the grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich. This gooey treat was a favorite of the King and a testament to his unique taste. To achieve perfection, Elvis’ chef at Graceland had to follow a specific process. The sandwich was made with toasted bread generously slathered in butter, then filled with peanut butter and sliced bananas. The result was a heavenly combination of flavors and textures. Elvis’ love of bacon even led him to add it to this iconic sandwich. To this day, you can visit the Arcade Restaurant in Memphis, sit in Elvis’ favorite booth and enjoy a peanut butter and banana sandwich just like the one he loved.
Fool’s Gold Loaf: A Sinful Indulgence
Elvis Presley was known for his flamboyant tastes, and the Fool’s Gold Loaf Sandwich is a perfect example of his love of indulgence. This outrageous sandwich originated at the Colorado Mine Co. in Denver, Colorado, and quickly became one of Elvis’ favorites. The recipe called for toasting a loaf of French white bread with margarine, hollowing it out, and stuffing it with a jar of peanut butter, a jar of jelly, and a pound of crispy bacon. Elvis enjoyed this sandwich so much that he once took a special flight to Denver just to satisfy his craving. Although the original restaurant has closed, you can still find variations of the Fool’s Gold Loaf sandwich in some locations.
Big Breakfasts: A Hearty Start to the Day
Elvis Presley had a special fondness for breakfast food, and he always insisted on a king-size breakfast. His breakfasts consisted of simple, yet satisfying components that he grew up eating. From homemade biscuits fried in butter to sausage patties, scrambled eggs, fried bacon, fried potatoes, diced melon, pancakes with applesauce and melted butter and freshly baked rolls, Elvis’ breakfasts were a feast fit for a king. He even enjoyed grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches for breakfast. With his love of bacon, it’s no surprise that it made frequent appearances on his breakfast plate. Elvis preferred to eat his breakfast in bed, making the meal even more luxurious and enjoyable.
Meatloaf: A comforting favorite
Meatloaf held a special place in Elvis Presley’s heart, and he requested it daily for an extended period of time. The Presley family had their own recipe for meatloaf, which consisted of ground beef, diced bread, wheat germ, minced garlic, celery, Vidalia onions, eggs, salt and pepper. The meatloaf was topped with tomato juice, which thickened during the cooking process. Elvis’ cook, Nancy Rooks, made this recipe repeatedly and it became a clear favorite of the King of Rock and Roll. Graceland even offered a different version of the meatloaf, adding peppers, crackers and ketchup to the tomato sauce topping. It’s safe to say that Elvis had a deep appreciation for this comforting dish.
Barbecue: Memphis-Style Delights
Memphis, Tennessee, is known for its delicious barbecue, and Elvis Presley had a few favorite spots in the city. One of his favorite places was Jim Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Que, where he indulged in various cuts of pork and chopped beef. The chopped BBQ pork sandwich with coleslaw was probably one of his top choices. Another favorite Memphis barbecue joint for Elvis was Rendezvous BBQ, where he enjoyed the ribs and pulled pork. Elvis’s love of Memphis-style barbecue showed his appreciation for the rich flavors and smoky goodness for which this regional cuisine is known.
Soul Food: A Taste of Home
Elvis Presley’s love of food stemmed from his upbringing, and much of the food he enjoyed was soul food. Growing up in the South, Elvis had a deep appreciation for dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, black-eyed peas, and sweet potato pie. These comforting and flavorful dishes were a reminder of his roots and provided a sense of nostalgia. At Graceland, his chefs made sure to recreate his favorite soul food recipes so he could savor the flavors of his childhood.
Bottom line
Elvis Presley’s love of food was as legendary as his music. From his affinity for bacon to his iconic grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches, he had a unique and indulgent palate. Whether it was soul food or hearty breakfasts, Elvis enjoyed dishes that brought him comfort and satisfied his cravings. While his food choices were not always the healthiest, they reflected his larger-than-life personality and ability to live life to the fullest. As we delve into the culinary world of Elvis Presley, it becomes clear that his love of food was a significant part of his life, leaving behind a delicious legacy that continues to intrigue and inspire.
FAQS
Elvis Presley had a wide variety of favorite foods, including bacon, grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches, fool’s gold loaf, big breakfasts, meatloaf, and Memphis-style barbecue. He also had a deep appreciation for soul food dishes such as fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, black-eyed peas, and sweet potato pie.
Did Elvis Presley have any special food preferences?
Yes, Elvis did have some unique food preferences. He had a deep affection for bacon and would eat a pound of it at a time. He also loved to add bacon to various dishes, including grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Another example of his unique fondness was the Fool’s Gold Loaf sandwich, which consisted of a hollowed out loaf of French white bread filled with peanut butter, jelly, and crispy bacon.
What did Elvis Presley like to eat?
Elvis was known to enjoy his meals in a luxurious manner. He often preferred to have his meals brought to him in bed at Graceland. This added an extra touch of indulgence to his dining experience.
Did Elvis Presley’s love of food affect his health?
Unfortunately, Elvis’s love of indulgent food took its toll on his health. His metabolism couldn’t keep up with his eating habits, and he weighed about 350 pounds at the time of his death. The excessive consumption of high-calorie and fatty foods contributed to his declining health.
Are there any restaurants or places where fans can try Elvis Presley’s favorite foods?
Yes, there are places where fans can try some of Elvis’ favorite foods. For example, you can visit the Arcade Restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis enjoyed his grilled peanut butter and banana sandwiches. You can also explore Memphis-style barbecue joints like Jim Neely’s Interstate Bar-B-Que and Rendezvous BBQ to taste the flavors Elvis loved.
What role did soul food play in Elvis Presley’s culinary preferences?
Soul food held an important place in Elvis’ culinary preferences. Growing up in the South, Elvis had a deep appreciation for soul food dishes that reminded him of his roots. These dishes, such as fried chicken, collard greens and sweet potato pie, provided him with comfort and nostalgia. At Graceland, his cooks made sure to recreate his favorite soul food recipes so he could enjoy the flavors of his childhood.