Finally, a day with a decent amount of news to report. Let’s get started.
It’s a big basketball night for Memphis. The Grizzlies host the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at the FedExForum. Game time is 7 PM. Meanwhile, the Tigers are on the road for a game vs. the Tennessee Vols. Game time is also 7. If you’re a former Memphian now living in another city, this is a rare chance to see your Tigers on TV. The game will be televised on ESPN2.
The Blind Bear is starting its basketball special an hour early tonight. Normally from one hour prior to the start of game time through the end of the game, you can get $2.50 domestic bottles, 1/2 off appetizers (so $3.50 apps) & $5 Chili Cheese Dawgs. Tonight they’re extending the start time to two hours before tip-off, or 5 PM which is also their opening time. You have to ask your bartender or server for “the basketball special” to get the discounts. I had a sausage & cheese plate last week for $3.50 on the basketball special. That is a seriously good deal.
Downtown Memphis Commission president Paul Morris will give his annual “State of Downtown” speech Tuesday, January 8 at the South Main Association meeting. In past years, this speech has been a fantastic way to get the scoop on all that is going on Downtown. Even if you’re not an SMA member, it’s worth attending (free for members, $10 non-members). The meeting will be in Bleu, in the Westin Hotel across Third from the FedExForum. Bleu will provide appetizers and there will be a cash bar. 6:00 social, with the program to start at 6:30.
The Cardinals Caravan returns to AutoZone Park for its annual visit to Memphis on Sunday, January 20. Special guests include former Redbirds Matt Adams, Tony Cruz, Sam Freeman, and Brad Thompson. Former Memphis Chick and National League All-Star Ryan Franklin and Cardinals’ 2012 first round pick Michael Wacha will also join the Caravan along with broadcaster Dan McLaughlin. There will be an Autograph Ticket system this year where the first 400 kids under 15 are guaranteed an autograph from all the current and former players. Event will begin at 6:30 PM in the Champions Club on the Club Level. Seating will be first-come, first-served and the doors will open at 5:30. Admission is free and there will be complimentary food and soft drinks. Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up.
In other Redbirds news, today the team announced that Ron “Pop” Warner will return for his second year as the team’s manager in 2013.
Two friends and I went to Blues City Cafe for dinner last night. We were going to sit at the back bar (George Paul’s Last Call) and watch the Fiesta Bowl, but a private party had it rented out. I had no idea that could be done. Something to keep in mind if you want to give out-of-towners a unique taste of Memphis. I don’t know the exact capacity, but it looks like that back room could hold about 30. I had the tamales and chili and my friends split a rack of ribs. My friends confirmed my belief that Blues City has the best ribs on Beale. PRO TIP: They have hot sauce on the tables – I forget the exact name but it’s New Orleans Bourbon Street Hot Sauce or something like that. It is delicious sprinkled on top of the tamales.
Bardog Tavern has reopened after a week of paint and polish. Only the upstairs is open today, though.
Plans for tonight: It’s a friend’s last night in town, so there will probably be some shots done. Location TBD. Of course, we’ll have to keep an eye on ESPN2. Go Tigers and suck it Vols!