The Flyer’s Hungry Memphis blog reported some unexpected news last week: A Jimmy John’s is going into the former Agave Maria location. Since Cafe Samovar closed about 15 years ago, no restaurant in that location has managed to become a long-term success. Some Downtowners are against any chain restaurants in the neighborhood, but I think this is a good move. Jimmy John’s should do well there, even without a parking lot, given the number of corporate offices and residents within a few blocks’ radius. I wonder what their hours will be; will they close at 8 like Lenny’s or stay open later?
Volunteer Memphis posted a very interesting volunteer opportunity recently. ITN Memphis, a nonprofit that provides transportation for seniors and the visually impaired, is looking for a volunteer social media coordinator. This volunteer will engage the community on Facebook and Twitter, posting text, images, and videos. They will also provide reports on engagement, page views, clicks, and other analytics.
Quiche is one of those foods I avoided as a child. Asparagus and mac & cheese were too, but as an adult I have grown to appreciate all of them.
Yesterday I felt compelled to go back to Pontotoc Lounge for brunch, because of the amazing open-faced bacon biscuit (on the menu as Mister Crunch) that I had the Sunday before. That day it was a tough choice between the bacon biscuit and the chef’s choice quiche of the day, a steak and jalapeno quiche. When Brad told me the steak and jalapeno quiche was back for a second Sunday, I had to order it.
The food at Pontotoc has always been good, but it seems like the kitchen has taken their brunch game to a whole new level recently. The quiche was fantastic – meaty, cheesy, eggy goodness with the jalapeno giving it just a little kick without the heat being overpowering. The side salad was a nice counterpoint.
I didn’t have one, but they also has a brunch drink special yesterday: watermelon jalapeno mimosas.
While at Pontotoc, I looked out the window and saw a guy riding a Bird down the sidewalk, texting, not paying a bit of attention to what was in front of him. Someone could have walked out of any one of those storefronts at any moment and he would have plowed right into them.
We got Iggy! The Grizzlies acquired Andre Iguodala from the Golden State Warriors last night. The Warriors needed to rid themselves of his salary and were willing to throw in a 2024 first-round draft pick to make the deal. The Grizzlies were able to do the trade because of the $25 million trade exception that was created when Mike Conley went to Utah. I’m curious how the Grizzlies are going to pay him and remain below the luxury tax line. It’s possible he may be bought out, but I hope not. I hope to see him on the court in Beale Street Blue this fall. He’s one of the best sixth men around.
The Grizzlies also signed center Jonas Valanciunas to a new contract last night as well, at 3 years and $45 million. This is a great move as well. Valanciunas had a fantastic 27 games with Memphis last season. Jaren Jackson Jr. will eventually be the Grizzlies’ starting center, but he’s not ready yet and it’s better to play him at power forward right now and see a little time as backup center.
The July South Main Association meeting will offer river views. It will be Tuesday, July 9 at River Garden, with social at 6:00, and presentation at 6:30. More details to come.
It’s been reported on Nextdoor that there is a flasher who hangs out in Court Square. He is said to be out there showing people his junk in the early morning, around 5:30 to 7:30 AM. He was in jail for a month but now he’s out and right back at it.
The Daily Memphian had a talk with the first general manager of Central Station Hotel, Jeremy Sadler.
An important voice, Henry Turley, weighed in on the future of Tom Lee Park. There’s some interesting history of Tom Lee Park and Riverside Drive in there too.
Don’t forget that the new hands-free law becomes effective in Tennessee today. It is now illegal to hold an electronic device with any part of your body as you drive.
The Memphis Flyer had a talk with a representative of Atomic Rose, the new LGBTQ-friendly restaurant and nightclub soon to open Downtown.
For those of you who are eager to try the food from the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck, which I have heard absolutely lives up to the hype, come to the Memphis Farmers Market Saturday. The truck will be in the Market’s food truck area.
There’s a new fellowship program for chefs of color. High Ground News has the details.
Style Blueprint has a list of Memphis’ 12 most romantic restaurants, and several of them are Downtown: McEwen’s, Felicia Suzanne’s, Itta Bena, Chex Philippe, and Flight.
That’s it for now. Back tomorrow with more news.