Monday update and a decision

Chef Michael Patrick of Rizzo’s will once again be collaborating with Chef Manuel Rivera of Maciel’s Tortas and tacos. Culinary Artisan Dinner I, put together by City Tasting Tours, will happen at Rizzo’s on March 25. The menu has not been posted yet, but you know it is going to be yummy with those two in the kitchen.

Def Leppard and Journey will play FedExForum July 6.

Flying Saucer will have a free nacho bar Sunday, February 4 for the Super Bowl. By the way, what’s up with a manager wearing Pabst socks when they don’t carry PBR?

Grizzlies Prep at 168 Jefferson is having a Revenge of the Nerds rooftop fundraiser Saturday, April 21 from 6 to 9 PM. Music, food and beverages. All proceeds will benefit CodeCrew, an organization that helps the underrepresented youth of Memphis have access to a computer science education.

Belle Tavern has a new Whiskey Wall where the chalkboard used to be.

Sometimes you want to go where everyone knows your troll’s name. Belle now has PBR in cans, rather than bottles. Good decision.

Last night I was invited to dinner at the Blue Monkey with my friends Staci, Hanin, Rahul and Tony. I had forgotten how good the food is there.

I’ve been saying this for years and I will say it again… the twice baked potato is the key to the entire operation.

All right, I need to announce a decision I am making. But first, a little background. I got laid off Tuesday, January 9. For the first week, I was upbeat. I was like, “Yay, I don’t have to go to work today!” Those first few days were much needed time off.

Last week, however, I got majorly depressed. So depressed I could barely function. And that’s understandable. I lost my job. I was coming up on the anniversary of losing my mom. But this morning, when I woke up depressed for the 8th day in a row, I wondered, am I ever NOT going to be depressed so I can be productive?

About an hour ago I realized something. I have been dealing with being depressed by ordering shots of Fireball. Fireball is a rotgut whiskey disguised to taste good with cinnamon syrup. I am never going to get un-depressed drinking a major depressant every day. So as of today I am giving up Fireball for good. Friends who’ve bought me shots the past 2 weeks, I appreciate them but it’s time to stop. Bartender friends, please do me a favor and do not ask if I want one anymore.

Interesting infographic: The 270 people associated with the Russia investigation. One name I was glad to not see on the list: Bernie Sanders. Some of the sources I follow on Twitter seem to think he’s caught up in it. Note that Green Party candidate Jill Stein is on the list. It’s believed she took money from Russia to fund her campaign.

All right. Outta here. Back tomorrow with more news, I hope.