Well, I didn’t deliver on that evening news post before I went out. I typed most of it and then forgot to hit Publish. Sorry. Extra long post today as a result.
Today’s big news, of course, is that Aldo’s Pizza Pies opens to the public at 5 this afternoon. They will sell 12-inch and 18-inch pizzas, made New York style, perfect for folding over and eating. I was in there Tuesday for Friends & Family Night (and unlike one person who showed up, I was an invited guest) and tried their pepperoni and garlic shrimp pizzas – really good. The white pizza is high on my list to try next. They will sell pizzas by the pie and by the slice. 29 good beers and Bud Light on tap. They’ll have PBR in 16-ounce cans. Bar area that seats about 30, patio with mist fans is under construction. Aldo’s is part of the Bardog/Slider Inn family of restaurants and is located in the ground floor of Barboro Flats, on Main Street just north of Gayoso and across the street from Local Gastropub.
Local social media rockstar Jessica Grammer is transitioning from a vegetarian lifestyle back into one that includes meat. She has not yet had a burger since beginning the transition. Seth from the Best Memphis Burger blog has set up a poll where you can vote for where Jessica should eat her first burger. If Jessica’s name sounds familiar, it may be because she’s one of the organizers of the Salty Dogs runners group that meets every Monday at Bardog, as well as a key organizer of the Bardog 5K.
The people who own 400 N. Front are looking for a new tenant. Currently the building serves as office space for Ericson Group Inc. However, the owners realize that with Bass Pro going into the Pyramid across the street, office space is not the best use of their building. A restaurant or retail space would make more sense, given the high volume of tourists that are expected to flock to the area. Major chain restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory are being explored as options. See this Daily News story for more details.
Congratulations to the Memphis Grizzlies and the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation on winning Beyond Sport’s Sport Team of the Year Award. This award is presented for outstanding community involvement. The Grizzlies may not have made a deep run in the playoffs, but they have made a profound difference in the community with their TEAM UP Youth Mentoring and other youth programs. Very well done! I could not be prouder to call the Grizzlies my team.
Who watches TV anymore? If you want to keep up with the Olympics, why not do it the modern way, following the event online. Mashable has 10 ways to do it.
The Green Beetle has posted updated standings in its 7-week trivia tournament. This is all-sports trivia hosted Thursday nights at 8 by Kevin Cerrito. The team with the most cumulative points at the end wins 6 tickets to the Colts vs. Titans game on October 28. Currently the team “I’m Not Gay, But 5 Bucks Is 5 Bucks” is in the lead. Tonight is only the third week, so there’s plenty of time to catch up if you want those tickets. Food and drink specials during trivia.
Downtown is a very bike-able neighborhood, but when you park your bike, don’t use a combination lock to secure it. Lifehacker has a video that shows how to crack a bike combination lock in under 30 seconds. The article also has a link to tips about more secure types of bike locks.
It’s Thursday night outdoor party night. Rockabilly band Hilbilly Casino will headline the Peabody rooftop party tonight from 6 to 11 PM. $10 cover, ladies free before 7.
John Paul Keith and the 1-4-5s bring a timeless mix of rock, country, blues, and R&B to the Madison Hotel rooftop tonight. 7-11 PM, $7 cover, cash bar and small plates available on the roof.
The Rebel on Beale Country Series continues this week. Frankie Ballard will play the stage at Handy Park, Third at Beale, tonight at 7:30. Free admission, and it’s an all-ages show.
Plans for tonight: I’ll make my usual walk down the Main Street Mall about 6. If I see people I know or an open bar seat at Aldo’s Pizza Pies, I’ll go in. If not, I’ll do the Saucer first and come back to Aldo’s later in the evening. If anyone who has my number plans on hanging out at the bar and wants some company, hit me up.