This morning, I walked out of my front door, on my way to get a Mountain Dew as I do every morning. I thought to myself, I have two options:
1) Walgreens, 1/4 block away, a chain. They close at 8 on the weekdays, even though there’s obviously demand for them to stay open later, both among locals and tourists in nearby hotels.
2) City Market, 1 3/4 blocks away. Locally owned by super nice people. Open until 10:30 weekdays and 11:30 weekends, and if Downtown is busy sometimes they stay open past their posted closing time.
I went to City Market, and am going to start doing so every day (except maybe when it’s raining or I’m in a huge hurry). Makes sense to spend my dollars with people who are part of the Downtown community. And yeah, it’s just a Mountain Dew that costs not even $2, but it’s really more than that. They have so many cool international snacks and prepared dinners that I often make impulse purchases while there. Over time it adds up.
By the way, if you’re a beer lover, when I was at City Market I saw six-packs of Magic Hat, Blackstone, and Shock Top beers that I have not seen elsewhere Downtown. Love those 18-packs of PBR too. 
Speaking of shopping locally, I find it amusing that the person who had the nerve to “yawn” at my Foursquare checkin at Max’s Sports Bar checks in at Big League Grill in Southaven on almost a weekly basis. I guess some people would rather hang out in ‘burbia all the time than support good neighborhood businesses.
The other day I saw two huge 65 inch TVs in cases inside Aldo’s Pizza Pies. I assumed they were going up behind the bar, but I was wrong. They’re now up near the front door, displaying the menu. I didn’t get pics but if you walk by, be sure to look inside and see what Aldo’s will be selling. Aldo’s is on the Main Street Mall, in the ground floor of Barboro Flats just north of Gayoso. Latest word is that July 26 is the opening date. Displaying the menu on screens is a really smart idea. That will allow Aldo to change the menu as he pleases without incurring expensive printing costs.
I’ve been sent information on a possible restaurant that may fill the empty space in the Lincoln-American Tower on Court Square. I want to follow up and learn more info before I mention the name, but 1) It’s quite popular; 2) It’s not currently in what’s considered Downtown, but it’s close enough that I could ride my bike there; and 3) It very much needs a larger location. Years ago, I used to eat in the Yellow Rose Cafe in the Lincoln-American, so I’m sure when the new restaurant opens I’ll get that “seems like I’ve been here before” feeling.
If you have kids, tonight would be a good night to take them to see the Redbirds. Kids will be able to mingle with their favorite superhero and comic characters during the game, and after it’s over there will be fireworks. Opponent is once again Oklahoma City and game time is 6:05. If you get down here early, why not take the kids to Kooky Canuck for one of their gigantimous ice cream sundaes or a skillet cookie a la mode? If you get down here way early, the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art is showing Mulan at 12:15 and 2:45 PM.
Last night I knocked out two tasty beers toward my 7th plate at the Flying Saucer: Abita Andygator (8.5%) and Victory Golden Monkey (9.4%). Not surprisingly, my memory of the rest of the evening is rather blurry. You know what I haven’t had there in a while? A Moscow Mule, the drink made with vodka, lime, and ginger beer in a copper mug. They still have the mugs, so they’re still serving them. Maybe I’ll have one this weekend.
Funny quote I saw on Twitter this week: “You don’t suffer from a personality disorder. Everyone else suffers from your personality disorder.” Heh. That brings a few people to mind.
That’ll do it for now. Time to play Zynga Poker on the iPad and wait for Bardog to open at noon.