Finally, there’s a restaurant Downtown that serves bi bim bop, the Korean dish in a bowl that is topped with a fried egg. I was walking through the lobby of my building and I noticed a menu for a new restaurant called Nacho’s, at 150 Jefferson. I believe that would be the old China Restaurant location, about a quarter block east of Second.
In addition to bi bim bop, Nacho’s serves (not surprisingly) several forms of nachos, as well as sandwiches, wraps, dips, salads, and a quesadilla. For breakfast they have build-your-own sandwiches as well as several plates including a Korean omelet plate. The hours were not listed on the menu, but from looking at it, the restaurant appears to be open for breakfast and lunch only. With little residential within a block walk, and off the beaten path for tourists, opening for dinner would be a stretch.
Brewery Untapped has re-opened for the weekend at the Tennessee Brewery. There’s free parking in the grassy lot across the street, while it lasts. Live music this weekend includes Den of Strings Friday at 5 PM and Jeff Hulett and Brad Davis at 6 PM. Performances will be on the courtyard stage, moved into the bar room if it rains. The Bikesmith Truck will offer bike repair and bike valet service Saturday and Sunday from noon to 7. As always, there will be food trucks, local and regional beer, and a game room.
Want to be a model for the Memphis Flyer’s annual fashion issue? There will be a casting call for the issue at tonight’s Peabody rooftop party. The Super 5 will provide the live music. $10 admission, with ladies and hotel guests free until 7 PM. Admission includes a buffet of grilled cheese, potato chips and dill pickle. Those in VIP will have a second buffet of turkey panini sandwiches, Rotel dip, mozzarella bocconcini, and grape tomato skewers.
Also tonight, don’t forget that there’s poker at Cafe Keough tonight at 8. Free to play. Great sandwiches.
Belly Dancers will perform at the Rumba Room tomorrow, May 10, which is World Belly Dance Day, from 7 to 9 PM. This is a ticketed performance to raise money for the Family Safety Center. Tickets are $18 at the door or $12 if purchased in advance at memphisbellydance.com.
There’s exciting news about our BBQ team sponsor Start Co. Mara Lewis, who started her first business while in college, and who has launched three successful startups in San Francisco, has been named managing director of Start Co. She started out there as entrepreneur-in-residence, and then became director of Upstart, an accelerator for woman-owned businesses. She’s said to be excited about all the innovation going on in the city, particularly with regard to women and minorities. Mara, I hope to meet you in the Moody Ques team booth next week!
Speaking of the BBQ team: We are set for load-in at 7:30 AM Saturday at Tom Lee Park, although that time may vary a little due to weather and scaffolding. All team members who have not been given an alternate assignment on Saturday are asked to be there, to help with things like furniture, carpet, and decor. Food and drinks will be provided. As usual, I have been assigned to hold down the fort at the Flying Saucer and handle anything that comes up there while the team is in the park constructing the booth.
More BBQ team news: We have a team of very accomplished artists who will be painting the facade of the team booth this year. You’ll have to wait until BBQ Fest to see it, but like last year, it’s a concept that representatives from the host country will immediately recognize.
Also, representatives from Fireball will be in our booth handing out samples of the product. They’ll be handing out samples throughout the park, but have asked to use our booth as a home base of sorts. OK with us!
Over in Arkansas, traffic was stopped on I-30 by a massive pig. I wonder if the pig was trying to hitch a ride to BBQ Fest.
Only an afternoon and a day stand between me and my BBQ Fest vacation. Can’t wait. Time to knock out some work and then enjoy some $1.50 happy hour PBRs at the Silly Goose. Back tomorrow with more news.