Parking scam alert: There is a scam going on at the lots around Fourth and Gayoso. Customers pay the electronic meter and type in their license number to indicate which car the payment is for. That part is legit. However, they come back to find a boot on their car, and an “attendant” wanting money to take it off. The couple who reported the scam asked, “Why did we have to punch in our license number then?” and the scammer got in his truck and pulled away. However, I am sure many tourists pay, because they don’t want to be hassled or because they feel intimidated.
To me, this sounds like it could be the work of a person called Jumper Cable Guy who runs automotive-related scams, mostly in Downtown and Midtown but who has been seen in East Memphis too. If anyone has encountered this “boot” scammer, hit me up at paul@paulryburn.com and I will email you a photo of Jumper Cable Guy. I would love to confirm whether or not this is him.
I have a request from one of my readers who asked me, “What’s happening at the Brass Door for St. Patrick’s?” For those who don’t know, the Brass Door is Downtown’s Irish pub, located on Madison between Second and Third. They usually do it up big for St. Pat’s, but as of yet I have no idea what their plans are. Pinging Diamond Dave: Hit me up at the email address above or on Facebook and share any details you would like me to post.
You know, I don’t mention the Brass Door on here much, and I don’t want my readers to get the impression I have anything against the place. It’s a great pub, with the best fries (chips) Downtown and a really good vibe. It’s just that I can’t get the crew I run with to go there, because they view it slightly too far to walk from The Center of the Universe AKA the Silly Goose. Also, the Brass Door doesn’t give the gift of lung cancer, which is inconvenient for some of my crew. I remember the first week Brass Door was open, when I commended Seamus for his decision to go nonsmoking. “Well, Paul, it’s an Irish pub, yes, but I see this bar as a modern Irish pub,” Seamus told me. But anyway, the Brass Door is a fabulous place and I recommend it. The only reason I don’t go there much is because it’s one of the few bars Downtown where I wonder if I will know even one person there if I go.
If you’re an Elton John fan, impersonator Jerred Price will perform as “Almost Elton John” tonight at the Hard Rock at 9.
High Ground news continues their run of excellent articles with one on envisioning a creative district. They want to create a district where creative types of all ages can live and work, and they see that district running from Riverside to Second, and Madison to Gayoso. Hey, I live in that district! And I’m a creative type (seriously, can you name one other blogger who has written a rap song about chicken fried steak?) I’m part of the movement! Let me know if this blog can help spread the word.
Cognac, Cars and Cigars happens today 5-9 PM on the rooftop of the 200 S. Second garage. This is a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish, and it’s all-inclusive with samplings from cognac makers and a premium cigar from BeLeaf Cigars. Attendees will be able to check out some of the hottest cars on the market, including the personal cars of NBA players. You get great food (I would tell you which restaurants are sponsoring but I get a “server error in / application” when I click on the Restaurants link), live music, and a souvenir glass. Tickets are $100 with 15% net tickets benefiting Make-A-Wish.
This just popped up as a memory on Facebook and I thought I would share:
These moais were part of the 2009 Ques Brothers booth design honoring Chile. That was a special year because it was the first year Brent and his staff at Holliday Flowers built our booth. We took third place that year. If you need your event or wedding reception to look beautiful, talk to Brent and his team. You should have seen the interior of our booth; he turned a mud pit into what looked like a swanky Miami nightclub.
It was also special because it was the last year the teams that became The Moody Ques and Squeal Street BBQ were united under the Ques Brothers banner. I am so excited that our sibling team moves into the shoulder division this year. I hope we have booths near each other. Due to the long walk, I did not get to spend as much time in the Squeal Street booth as I wanted last year; I think I did not make it over there at all 2 of the 4 days (counting Friends & Family Night). I look forward to spending a lot of time in Squeal Street’s booth this year, and of course you know I like to leave thank-you notes with pictures of Andrew Jackson for the hospitality.
One of the best comedians in America, Brian Regan, performs at the Orpheum tonight at 8. His stand-up work has been praised by greats like Jerry Seinfeld and David Letterman.
There are some food service positions open at the VA. These are part-time positions, 15 hours a week with your choice of 2 shift schedules, paying $11.64-$13.58 an hour.
High Ground News has an article about the Old Dominick Distillery that will open later this year on Front Street near Gus’s. They are reaching to the past to make artisanal spirits.
The CA’s food writer recently visited Sabor Caribe, the restaurant that opened in the former Arepa and Salsa location in The Edge. The menu is said to be much the same, and the cachapa is still on the menu. For the 90% of my readers (and me) wondering “WTF is cachapa?”, Wikipedia to the rescue. They have a more extensive selection of arepas than the old menu, and there is a Cuban sandwich, a mixed grill, and several burgers.
From FiveThirtyEight: What happens when you eat like The Rock for a month. The People’s Champion, the Great One, the Brahma Bull consumes over 5000 calories a day in the form of seven meals as well as snacks, if you smeeeeeeellllllll-la-la-la-la what the Rock. is cooking. (eyebrow)
Saturday! As usual, I will lead off with my “DAWG” John D. I want to get his feedback on what I need to do Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of BBQ Fest. As the team’s Director of PR, I need to make sure key people get the information about the Moody Ques that they need. I have identified the following key people: Bloom and Teryn, morning bartenders at Bardog; and Mary, Lacey, and Stacey, happy hour bartenders at Blind Bear. I want to present that list to John D and see if he agrees. He will probably tell me to go the extra mile and work the Sunday before BBQ Fest as well, to make sure B-RAD at the Blind Bear is well informed. Anyway, after I consult with John D, my schedule is open until a birthday party tonight at the Goose. A trip to Maciel’s for lunch is a possibility. The weather is getting nice and I am gonna go enjoy a beautiful day!