A question I’ve been pondering for quite some time is, “What’s going to happen to the Flying Saucer in 2017?” They opened at the corner of Second and Peabody Place in 1997, and I knew they signed a 20-year lease. 1997 + 20 = 2017. Would they renew, given that business has been declining the past few years? The answer is in: Yes, they are renewing, and they are undergoing a $150,000 renovation that will expand the kitchen and freshen up the place. Following the renovation there will be an entirely new menu. I know a few things Shannon didn’t tell the MBJ in the interview, but I’ll keep the secret for now. Glad to see the Saucer sticking around as a Downtown cornerstone, and I wish them luck. With ServiceMaster going in across the street, though, luck has already smiled upon the Saucer.
eighty3 is offering a build-your-own gumbo for $8 from now until Fat Tuesday, February 28. You can choose up to three of andouille, tasso, chicken, shrimp, crawfish, and collards. For $3 each more you can add oysters, lobster, duck confit, or smoked red fish. They also have a cornmeal-fried oyster po’boy through Tuesday.
Half Pints for Half Pints, a fundraiser benefiting the Peabody Elementary PTA, happens tonight at Memphis Made from 7 to 10 PM. There will be food from Central BBQ, Sweet Grass, Aldo’s Pizza Pies, Mulan, and Celtic Crossing. Of course, there will be great Memphis Made beer too. DJ Zac Ives from Goner Records will supply the music. There will be a silent auction with items from local businesses.
The Greater Memphis Chamber is hiring an Online Marketing Specialist.
Jamila Naturals is the featured vendor at Small Shop Saturday at the Ghost River taproom today from noon to 4. Enjoy craft beer while exploring products like their Peppermint + Thyme Sugar Scrub and Whipped Shea Body Butter. Jamila Naturals will offer a complimentary hand spa experience to patrons at this event.
The Urevbus are planning exciting things for 412 S. Main, the former Onix space next door to Art Village Gallery. They plan to use the space to raise awareness of art in all of its diverse forms, including the celebration of food as art. Not only will that space be a restaurant, set to open around May, but there will be once-a-month dinners by guest chefs. Jimmy Ishii has been brought on board as a consultant. The space will also be used for art business instruction and community conversations.
For those who are fans of classical music, Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 will be performed tonight at the Cannon Center at 7:30. There will also be pieces from Wagner and Prokofiev.
As usual, I’m starting off my Saturday at Bardog Tavern this morning… but this is a special Saturday at Bardog… it’s Panda’s birthday! Come up and see her and wish her a happy day. I’m outta here for now. Back tomorrow with more news and maybe some troll pictures.