Thanks to those who emailed and told me why the Brass Door, the new Irish pub on Madison, closed early in the evenings this week. They wanted the first week to be a “soft opening,” with time to work out kinks and train their staff, before going to regular hours. This week they chose to focus on lunch and happy hour business. That’s a smart idea, and it makes sense. The good news is that starting today, they will be open regular hours of 11 AM to 2 AM. Good to hear. I see myself spending considerable time at the Brass Door in the weeks and months to come.
I also talked to someone who ate at Thai Bistro across the street. Delicious food and big portions, I was told. I hope to get in there this weekend to give it a try. Those dollar mimosas will probably lure me in at some point on Sunday.
There’s a guest article by Beth Brock, president of the Memphis Farmers Market board, in the CA today that is a must-read. The MFM has found itself in the middle of an unplanned controversy the past couple of weeks. Recently, the Department of Health provided a fantastic opportunity for low-income seniors who receive assistance for purchasing food. For $10 they could get $20 worth of vouchers to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from Tennessee farmers. It’s a win-win: Seniors get to eat healthier and double their purchasing power, and farmers operating within the state get an extra source of income. However, the voucher program has led to an extra 1500-2000 people showing up on Saturday for the Memphis Farmers Market. Long lines in the summer heat were unavoidable, especially since only 4 of the vendors are Tennessee farmers and can accept the vouchers. I know some of the people who volunteer with MFM, and I know they are doing everything they can to treat all their customers – those with vouchers and those without – with dignity and respect, and provide a comfortable shopping environment. The guest article makes that point well.
Grill 83 is rebranding their happy hour as “5 to 7 @ 83.” They recognized that their old 4-6 PM happy hour was not convenient for many people, and so they moved the hours from 5 to 7. They are also rolling out a drink and appetizer menu with prices between $5 and $7. Specialty drinks on the happy hour menu include the Madison’s signature Sunset Margarita, the Sicilian Sangria, the Blood Orange Cosmopolitan, the Svedka Tonic, the Leblon Cachaca Caipirinha, the Firefly Bourbon Martini, and a selection of moscato wines, as well as Penfolds’ luxury merlot, cabernet and chardonnay wines. On the appetizer menu, you’ll find handmade spiced pork empanadas with avocado dipping sauce; fried calamari with marinara sauce; two Kobe beef sliders with shoestring potatoes; grilled bruschetta with sweet tomato jam, Manchego cheese and basil; and Mediterranean shrimp with tomatoes, feta, oregano and extra virgin olive oil.
Fun night last night. After starting at the Saucer for a couple of beers, several of us rode the trolley south to Max’s Sports Bar. We got there too late to play in the weekly poker tournament, but it was still fun to watch the participants battle it out. Congratulations to Jean/Kitty, this week’s winner. Afterward I rode the trolley north and stopped at Bardog for a beer or two. My three favorite bars all in one night – can’t beat that!
Plans for tonight: Going to check out the grand opening of the new Slider Inn in Midtown. It’s at the corner of Peabody and Cooper, and is the latest restaurant opened by Aldo of Bardog Tavern. A lot of Bardog’s regulars are making the trip. Downtown is about to invade Midtown!