One of Downtown’s icons has passed away. Bernard J. Lansky opened his first store at 126 Beale in 1946. Initially he sold Army surplus items, but in the 1950s he started carrying high-end men’s clothing. Future rock star Elvis Presley took a liking to what he saw in the store, and Mr. Lansky became “Clothier to the King.” He passed away this morning at his home at age 85. His legacy lives on in the excellent selection and service found in the Lansky clothing stores at the Peabody. Condolences to Mr. Lansky’s family and friends. There will be a public service at Baron Hirsch Synagogue, 400 South Yates Road, on Friday, November 16th at 11 a.m., with interment to follow at Baron Hirsch Cemetery.
Need a Christmas gift for a baseball fan? The Redbirds have two holiday packs. For $80, the Joy ticket package ($114 value) includes four dugout box vouchers for the 2013 season, one St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series replica ring, and an autographed item (call for details). For $45, The Cheer package ($55 value) contains four bluff ticket vouchers for the 2013 season, one youth Redbirds jersey (youth XL), one Redbirds SillyBandz, and 10 boardwalk tokens. Both packages include a $10 service charge for tax and shipping. Call (901) 722-0299 or go online at memphisredbirds.com to purchase a package.
Also, don’t forget about the flip-the-switch party tomorrow at 5 PM at AutoZone Park’s Rockeyfeller Plaza!
Couple of beer news items: First of all, FuzzyBrew (@FuzzyBrew) has tweeted that Buster’s Liquors has a new website listing their 10,000 item inventory. Why is a liquor store’s website beer news? Well, any beer sold in Tennessee that is over 6% is technically considered liquor rather than beer. Some liquor stores, including Buster’s, carry a big selection of these high-ABV beers, often at prices of around half of what you’d pay for them at a bar.
The other beer news is that on Tuesday, the City Council will vote on the final reading of an ordinance to allow beer tastings in grocery stores. The ordinances here are more restrictive than in other large Tennessee cities. I definitely support relaxing the rules so that people can sample beer before they buy.
Cutting this post short to go eat. For once I’m excited about having lunch in DeSoto County, because The Boiling Point is having a Thanksgiving menu today. Turkey and dressing and all the trimmings! May do another post after work, so check back.