Yesterday I posted about the Memphis Business Journal’s “Vote for the Best Chef” competition. Many chefs were displeased with the format of the vote, in which they were placed against one another, single elimination, bracket style. Apparently the MBJ suggested the chefs “smack talk” one another on social media to create a buzz (Edit: The MBJ says in an article this afternoon that claims “smack talk” was encouraged were patently false). However, the chefs see themselves as a community and did not want to be pitted against one another. Many of the chefs in the contest wrote a letter to the MBJ respecfully declining to be part of the contest.
My advice to the MBJ, as someone who does social media marketing? Turn a negative into a positive. Admit that the competition was a bad idea, shut it down, and then reach out to the chefs who declined to be a part of it. Ask them how you can work together to promote the rich culinary experience that is Memphis. You have a chance to build relationships with a number of wonderful people here. Don’t blow it.
My thought as I was reading the chefs’ letter to the MBJ? “Wow, this contest was such a bad idea, I’m surprised the Commercial Appeal didn’t think of it first.”
The Blind Bear is hosting the official Grizzlies watch party tonight, as the Grizzlies travel to Atlanta to take on the Hawks. The Bear will open at 5:30, with regular happy hour until 8, and happy hour specials through the end of the game for anyone dressed in Grizzlies attire. They’re also advertising a “Big Bear Bonus” for anyone dressed as Super Grizz. Game time is 6:30 PM.
A friend of mine has a condo for rent in Barton Flats, available March 1. One bedroom, two bath loft, 1460 square feet, two stories, view of the Mississippi. Barton Flats is a 100+ year old Cotton Row warehouse that was converted to condos last decade, and they did a beautiful job. I’ve been in there many times – exposed brick, hardwood floors, one of the best rooftops downtown, awesome neighbors. Here’s the listing.
The Fuel food truck was told this morning that they are no longer welcome at the Barking Lot at the corner of Main and Jefferson, because they are too close to the entrance of Easy Way. The ordinance says food trucks cannot be within 50 feet of restaurants, but since when is Easy Way a restaurant? And wasn’t that space on the lot designed specifically for food trucks? This is bullshit if you ask me.
Memphis techies are banding together for charitable causes. Like the MemphisGives page on Facebook if you want to help out. They’re having an event next Tuesday at Cortona restaurant in Cooper-Young, to raise donation for clothes for the homeless.
The South Main Association normally meets the second Tuesday of every month. However, that would be Valentine’s Day this month, so they’re changing the meeting to Monday, February 13. It will be at Earnestine & Hazel’s (soul burgers!), social at 6 PM, meeting at 6:30. Councilman Edmund Ford will speak. For the first time in 4 months, they’re not holding an election.
The International Blues Challenge continues tonight at clubs on and near Beale Street. Buy a wristband and hear the best blues bands in the world compete in many different clubs.
I’ll post an updated Super Bowl special list later today or tomorrow. I’ve added Blind Bear and Kooky Canuck… just need to check the Flyer to see if there’s anything additional in there. Still no idea where I plan on watching the game.
Time to grab lunch. Possibly another post after work.