It’s time for the weekly post where I flip through the Memphis Flyer and make note of stuff that’s of interest to Downtowners. One note before I start though… I’ve had two people e-mail me today to tell me that Beignet Cafe is now open for business, and they tried it and liked it. One reader commented that the coffee was good and reasonably priced compared to, say, Starbucks, and that the beignets were outstanding, crispy on the outside but like vanilla pudding on the inside. The muffaletta is said to be very good as well. They have free Wi-Fi, so bring your laptop.
The same reader also commented, “I hope you’re going to continue to promote South Main businesses.” Absolutely I will. It’s just that with the new job, and with a lot of great stuff happening in the Downtown core where I live, I have less time to get down to South Main than I did in the past. So I’m counting on my South Main readers to keep me informed… e-mail me (paul@paulryburn.com) if there’s something you think I should mention.
Okay… let’s get started with this week’s Flyer.
p. 14: The Downtown Alive lunch concert series kicks off next week. Events happen from 11:45 AM to 1 PM, and are celebrations of Memphis’ creative spirit and fun Downtown locations. Next week they’ll have Opera Memphis in Felicia Suzanne’s courtyard on Tuesday; line dancing with the Church Health Center on Wednesday in Court Square; a Ballet Memphis rehearsal for “Cinderella” in the lobby of the Lowenstein Building (Main at Jefferson) on Thursday; and a Corporate Karaoke Challenge in Court Square on Friday. I hate it that I don’t work Downtown anymore, and won’t be able to attend these… if you’re Downtown at lunchtime, you should go. Go to downtownmemphis.com for the complete schedule of events.
p. 16: Flight, the restaurant going into the old Stella space at Main and Monroe, opens Monday, April 13. The restaurant will offer wine flights, liquor flights, and food flights.
p. 19: Great feature article by Bianca Phillips about what happens to crack houses after Blue Crush shuts them down. The two that were shut down on Abel Street two years ago aren’t mentioned… wonder what their status is. I see panhandlers heading toward Abel all the time after they collect enough money, so I don’t think the problem has been completely wiped out.
p. 26: Bardog Tavern kicks off its noon brunch this weekend. It will feature an omelette station, and they’ll do it both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3. Bet that will be good… now I have Sauces and Bardog to try. Not sure where I’ll end up this Sunday. The noon start time at both places (rather than 11) is a problem for some of the Sunday brunch crew, but if anything I’m happy to get the extra hour sleep.
p. 34: More stuff to do Downtown during lunch. This week’s lunchtime concerts (noon to 1) will be the Bluff City Backsliders Thursday, and Burning Down Doyle Friday. You can brown bag your lunch or order food from the Center.
p. 39: The weekly “food news” column talks about the new A&R Bar-B-Que at Third and Court, and praises their desserts and beef brisket in particular. The brisket is next on my list to try at A&R.
Also p. 39: Looks like Calhoun’s is getting ready to go through with their name change. They have to change the bar’s name because of a dispute with a restaurant in East Tennessee named Calhoun’s. The new name will be Max’s Sports Bar & Grill, which I think is about the best name they could have chosen.
Also p. 39: Tug’s on Mud Island now has two for one margaritas and mojitos on Mondays.
p. 46: The Majestic Grille is still looking to hire servers and hosts. If you’re looking for a service industry job, might want to check that one out – I’ve heard the Majestic is a great place to work. They really treat their employees like family there.
p. 50: Central Station at Main and G.E. Patterson is offering a free 6-month trolley pass to new renters. Friends who live there tell me it’s a great place to live if you want to be in South Main.
Back tomorrow morning with a sort of orientation guide to the Thursday rooftop parties: Which one (Peabody, Madison) is right for you, after-party recommendations, where to park.