Sunday update: Ono Poke comes Downtown for a day and more news

Tumble weave! Anyone lose some hair extensions on Monroe near Bardog yesterday?

Irma made landfall on the Florida Keys about 6 this morning. Its projected path has moved westward and guess where that bitch will be Wednesday morning… right over Memphis as a tropical depression. Ugh not that again. I guess all these major hurricanes want to visit the home of The King in their dying days. Thoughts and prayers to all my Florida friends, especially those on the west coast.

A common thought among many Downtowners is “yeah, I’ve heard of that restaurant, it sounds great, but I’ve never been there because it would involve driving a car east of Danny Thomas for something other than work or groceries.” That’s why I’ve never been to Ono Poke, a new restaurant at 3145 Poplar. It serves healthy Hawaiian bowls. In the bowls are fresh fish, salmon or tuna with your choice of vegetables over rice. It sounds really yummy.

This Friday from noon to 3, however, you won’t have to drive east of Danny Thomas to get an Ono Poke bowl – and in fact, you’ll be able to have a great craft beer with your lunch. That day Ono Poke will have a pop-up restaurant at the Ghost River taproom. Gai Klaimongkoi, owner of Ono Poke, will be there and will help you customize your bowl however you desire. Pair it up with a Ghost River beer and you have a delicious lunch.

Also this Friday, there will be a Dance Party at Fourth Bluff behind the law school. Look for a LED lit-up dance floor behind the law school at 1 N. Front. The music will be curated by c’beyohn, a polished emcee, singer-songwriter, performer and producer. He’s a Hip Hop Artist of the Year and he and his group The Bill Killahs have performed at halftime at Grizzlies games and at festivals around the Southeast. This party is free and it is family-friendly.

Every month there is a Wolf River Conservancy happy hour with a portion of drink sales going to the conservancy. This month, on Tuesday, September 19, the conservancy and Memphis Green Drinks have picked a good location for their happy hour: The Silly Goose. At this event you’ll get to learn about the Great Streets project and how it benefits Downtown. Come try one of the Goose’s hand-crafted cocktails. In fact, many of the cocktail ingredients are made from scratch as well. Need a pick-me-up? Try a Joe shot, made with espresso. Like Fireball or cinnamon toast? Try the Goose’s house-made cinnamon whiskey.

Friday, September 29 from 6 to 9 PM, on South Main Trolley Night, Walking Pants Curiosities at 109 G.E. Patterson will throw a 1-Year Half-Block Party. Live music, food, artists including Lindy Tate of Taterbuggin’ and Kenneth Jackson. September Trolley Night tends to have the best weather of the year, and I plan on being there!

I never made it to Max’s Sports Bar to watch football yesterday. Just didn’t have the desire to leave the Downtown core. I watched a disappointing game by my Hogs at Blind Bear. With Alabama, Auburn, and LSU on the schedule, Arkansas is probably looking at an 8-4 year at best and 7-5 is more likely.

That’s it for now. I will be doing “office hours” at Blind Bear from 11 until at least 3 today. Back tomorrow with more news.