It was 11:30 last night when I woke up from my “halftime” nap. I wasn’t in the best of moods for a couple of reasons. For one, I lost my umbrella earlier in the day, and rain was in the forecast. Also, it had turned too cold for the shorts I had on earlier in the day, and I had to put on jeans to go back out. I headed out to the Blind Bear, expecting to have to stand by the server well 30 or 40 minutes before a bar seat opened up.
My expectations were unfounded. Not counting regulars, there were exactly SEVEN people in the Bear when I got there… during prime time on a Saturday night, when the bar is normally full of yahoos from East Memphis. The coronavirus is decimating the bar business. On a selfish level, I loved it. No one reaching over me for drink orders, great music by the Rusty Pieces, plenty of room to “socially distance” as I am supposed to be doing. But I also realized, this is my friend’s business. This sucks for her. This sucks for all business owners Downtown, and in Memphis, and all over the world.
The small turnout didn’t stop the night from being a shitshow. Some dude made out with a random girl at the bar (not that I’m judging, done that myself a couple of times) and then tried to pick a fight with, of all people, the band. That got him ejected.
2:30 came around and, aware that rain was in the area, I looked at the MemphisWeather.net app on my phone. Radar showed heavy rain moving through Downtown, with a brief break about 30 minutes away. So I ordered one more, my window to get home without an umbrella about sixteen ounces of PBR away.
Unfortunately, that window closed. As I walked out the door at 2:59, torrential rain was falling. I stayed under the overhang at the entrance to Pembroke Square for 23 minutes, then made it across the street to Jolly Royal, then made it a block where I sheltered under the awning at Aldo’s Pizza Pies. Then it started pouring again, and I was stuck for what seemed like an eternity. I was worried a cop would drive by and ask why I was loitering, and wished I had one of those I KNOW ALDO TOO T-shirts that the Bardog employees wear. But it was too rainy for even the cops to be out. Finally it let up a bit and I sprinted the remaining 2 blocks home. The clock on the microwave read 3:42 as I walked in. What a night. Life without an umbrella sucks.
Y’all, please get out and support your local businesses. No, I do not mean go get a Bloomin’ Onion at Outback; they will be just fine. Go out and support businesses who are owned by Memphians, who need to see your face (and your dollars) during these uncertain times.
I’ll give you an example… City Tasting Tours has announced that they have made the tough decision to cancel all their tours for the month of March. However, you can still go online and buy gift certificates for future tours. A gift certificate would look great in a birthday card or an Easter basket. Cristina who runs the tours is an amazing person and an amazing entrepreneur who does a lot to spread the good news about Memphis. Let’s make sure her tours are still around when the coronavirus is nothing more than a few paragraphs in a history book.
Speaking of Aldo’s Pizza Pies, vlogger Mimosas with Moose recently stopped by Aldo’s for brunch.
Bardog has announced its specials for St. Patrick’s Day on Tuesday:
- $6 Jameson
- $7 Irish car bombs
- $8 frozen Irish coffee, made with Jameson cold brew
The consistently excellent Edible Memphis website has an article on what you can do to support local businesses during this weird time.
The Woodruff-Fontaine Museum out in Victorian Village is canceling all sponsored events during the month of March. Ticket holders will be contacted via email or phone to arrange a refund. The museum will be open normal hours and will offer self-guided tours 12 noon-3:30. They ask that tour groups be limited to no more than 8 people.
Tin Roof has a Lucky Sunday Fun Day today with green beer. Outdoor DJs include String Bean at 4 and Epic at 8. Inside, the Jerry Patton Trio will perform at noon, Semi-Average Joe at 4, and Rodelle McCord at 8.
There will be Trap Bingo at 492 S. Second this afternoon at 4.
I’ve seen speculation on sports sites that the NBA may cancel the rest of the regular season and go straight to the playoffs, on schedule. If that turns out to be the case, the Grizzlies are in as the 8th seed in the West, and would play the number-one seed L.A. Lakers. Having LeBron here for at least 2 games would provide a much-needed boost to the Downtown Memphis economy.
Soul Jazz Trio with Joe Restivo play The Lounge in 3rd & Court diner this evening at 7. This is a free show.
Mexico is considering closing the U.S. border to prevent the spread of coronavirus. So that was Trump’s plan, to unleash a pandemic to get Mexico to pay for his wall.
Time to hit Publish and get out. I’m going to do brunch at the Blind Bear today. May get down to the south side for a visit to Max’s later. Back tomorrow or Tuesday with more news.