Sunday’s column: Did Elvis’ last meal come from the Texas Tavern?
The Roanoke Times | File
Tomorrow we celebrate the 82nd birthday of the most famous restaurant in Roanoke, if not Virginia.
We’re talking about the oddly-named Depression-era eatery on Church Avenue that you must never call a “greasy spoon.”
Because if you do, Texas Tavern owner Jim Bullington will tear out your gall bladder with an 80-year-old spatula.
The food at the TT is a controversial subject. Critics claim its menu items and the term “quality” should never inhabit the same sentence. Admirers call it the most delicious grub on this end of the Milky Way.
Arguments over this have resulted in scores of divorces and one gentleman’s duel in Elmwood Park. Both participants perished.
But there’s one controversy that has haunted the 10-stool diner for more than three decades. It’s that Elvis’ last meal came from the Texas Tavern.
You can understand what a public relations nightmare this could be for any restaurant. So let’s make it clear right now: It’s 100 percent false that the King met his maker at the TT.
The truth is he died of a heart attack while straining on one of the many porcelain thrones in Graceland, his Memphis mansion. The date was Aug. 16, 1977.
But the Texas Tavern indeed played a fascinating role in those events. Here is the rest of that story.
READ THE REST OF THE COLUMN HERE.
February 12, 2012 - 6:00 AM
Since you are talking about Elvis’ last meal I think it’s appropriate to point out his last concert was at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana. Below is a video of the last song he performed live (so to speak).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfgu-FHzuj8&feature=related
Saw the Elvis photography exhibit in Richmond at the Va. Museum of Fine Arts a few weeks back. I am not a big fan, the the photos were beautiful and intimate — a moment in time and American culture frozen forever. Go see it if you can!
And the TT rules, Dan!
Being a lover of the Cheesy Western, this is an easy story to believe. Since I’ve gotten older though, I have to get my chili and Cheesy without. BTW, years ago the Cheesy Western was referred to as a Hoot Gibson with a saddle on it.
Love the dogs with the special relish and the chili beans. But the last time I ate a cheezy western, it damn near killed me. So I know how Elvis must feel.
Did Elvis-s autopsy mention
Cheesy Western in the abdominal contents?
Wow…Roanoke killed Elvis.
Remnants of last meal nearly make Mississippi River
who cares?
#6 “who cares?”
Seems you cared enough to post “who cares?”
I am an Elvis historian and museum owner who is looking for anyone who took photos or super 8 footage of Elvis at Roanoke in 1972 (or any time for that matter). 1972 is of great interest to me. The press was allowed on the plane to film Elvis receiving the key to the city by Mayor Roy Webb. I am looking for that footage as well as any photos taken by the press or fans who Elvis greeted when he arrived in Roanoke on the Woodrum Field tarmac on April 11, 1972, for his appearance at the Roanoke Civic Center that evening.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Bud Glass
The King’s Ransom Museum
bglass@nettally.com
My father was a very well known Roanoke City Police Officer. The few times Elvis was here dad had the privilege to guard him. I remember my dad telling me how horrific women were trying to get to him. They tried ti get his bed linens from the Hotel Roanoke and they tried to bribe dad to get into his suite.
Also Elvis’s Colonel tried to tip him. But dad would not allow that because he was a better man! He said “No sir, we do this for a job, not for money!”
Dad worked security twice for Elvis…he said he was always gracious and nice!