A solar eclipse will happen on Monday, August 21, with Memphis getting about 90% coverage. Over the weekend I learned of two watch parties celebrating the eclipse. Ghost River will have a free watch party from 11:30 AM to 2 PM. Bring your own chair, lawn chair, or blanket. Memphis Mojo Cafe and MEMPops will be on site, and the taproom will be open if you’re thirsty. Starting August 4, they will be selling eclipse-watching glasses for $3. At 5 PM they will have an “I Survived the Solar Eclipse” party.
By the way… over the weekend Ghost River posted a list of beers they currently have at the taproom, and they came up with one of the most clever beer names ever. They have a gose on tap, which they named Howzit Gose. Great name, great style of beer. I need to get down to the Ghost River taproom to drink some Gose soon.
On the 21st, LYFE KItchen will host a twilight luncheon from noon to 2 to celebrate the eclipse with a thematic menu and a champagne toast. More info
I strongly suggest taking the 21st as a vacation day, not only because it is the eclipse, but also because it’s the day after the Breakaway Bardog 5K and Monroe Avenue Fest. It will be nice to have that as a recovery day. I’m taking Friday the 18th off too, because a four day weekend is nice to have every once in a while.
I learned a little inside secret at a great Downtown business. Saturday a friend offered me a spicy cashew which was really good. “It’s from the Peanut Shop,” he told me. “They don’t normally carry them, but if you call them in advance they can make a batch. They can make any nut spicy. It’s a Mediterranean seasoning they use.” Hmmm, useful information to know. I love spicy food.
The SMA sent out a list of vendors donating food to National Night Out tomorrow from 6-8 PM under the Farmers Market pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson: Aldo’s Pizza Pies, A Moveable Feast & Hog Wild, The Arcade, Café Pontotoc, Cash & Carry Wholesale Grocery, Dirty Crow Inn, Jerry Lawler BBQ & Grill, LYFE Kitchen + Chisca Bar, Majestic Grille, Malco Theaters, Margie’s 901 Homemade Ice Cream, Cakes & Treats, Memphis Farmers Market, Pirtle’s Fried Chicken, Pyramid Wine & Spirits, Rizzo’s, and Stepherson’s On The Go. Michael Clayton will perform a magic act, and Semi-Average Joe and Taylor grace will perform live. The food and entertainment are free but donations to the North Main MPD substation are appreciated. Be sure to thank a police officer if you attend!
Cafe Pontotoc has officially confirmed that the restaurant will indeed close in several weeks, after their employees have had time to find other jobs. They are looking for someone to make Cafe Pontotoc their own.
Miss Cordelia’s is hiring two office managers, a cafe team member, and a full-time prep cook. Apply in person. In other Miss Cordelia’s news, Kebob and El Mero Taco will be the food trucks on site there Wednesday from 5 to 8.
The Peabody is up for Best Historic Hotel in USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice poll. Vote here.
That’s it for now. Today doesn’t seem as Monday-ish as most Mondays, which is good. Back tomorrow with more news.