Real Mexican downtown? And other downtown news

A lot of people are waiting for Rio Loco to open on Union, in the spot that used to be Buckley’s. People are excited about finally having REAL Mexican food downtown (Pancho’s, with its cardboard enchiladas, doesn’t count).

Well, I just picked up the most recent copy of the Memphis Flyer, and it looks like we don’t even have to wait for Rio Loco to open (good thing, since they seem to be on the 2-year plan for renovations). There was an ad for “Quinto Patio Authentic Mexican Cantina” at 345 Beale. They listed fajitas, taco salads, carne asada, burritos, and enchiladas as being menu items.

However, the ad also says “and New York Style Pizza” (345 Beale used to be a pizza parlor). I have to wonder if they can do both well. However, I’m going to reserve judgment, and will give it a try soon. If anybody has eaten there, shoot me an e-mail and let me know what you think of it.

Tonight I went to get my hair cut at Sliver Salon on GE Patterson. As I walked out I was very sad to see “Going Out of Business Sale” signs on the door of Parallax, the DVD rental store. I’ve never been a big movie person, but it hurts to see a small business downtown close, especially one that embodied the passion of its owners the way that place did. I wish them luck in their future ventures. Meanwhile, good opportunity to pick up some DVDs for Christmas at sale prices.

Afterward, I walked around the corner and checked out the Midtown Artists’ Market Christmas sale. Great way to start your art collection without spending an arm and a leg. Then I went to Zanzibar for their Cuban Media Noche sandwich. Two girls asked the bartender for the time, and despite having a watch on, he took his cell phone out of his pocket and checked the display. Sign of the times, I guess.

This is the last “normal” weekend for three weeks – Christmas is next weekend, and New Year’s the weekend after that. No plans thus far, other than returning to Sleep Out’s for Sunday brunch after a week’s absence.

And that’s the downtown news. See you later!