“Pauly Boy Rules.”
That’s the name under which the new bartender at the Blind Bear enters my tab.
I approve.
I am astonished by how popular Sunday brunch in the Downtown core has become, not just among people who live in the area, but people from all over the city.
In 2015, my usual place for Sunday brunch would be staffed with 1 bartender and 1 barback. The same bar staffed Sunday brunch with 3 bartenders (although I think one of them may have been training), 3 servers, and a food runner, plus two managers got called in to help.
Sundays are my day to sit back and observe people. And I have a theory as to why brunch has become so popular down here.
When I was 9 years old, I’d come to school Monday morning, and one of the other kids would ask me, “So, what did you do this past weekend, Paul?”
The best possible answer was, “I went camping.” That was the answer that would impress the other 9-year-olds the most, that would convey social status upon me, that would indicate I do the right activities with the right people.
Fast-forward to age 13. I board the bus for the ride across town to junior high, and my seatmate asks, “So, what did you do this past weekend, Paul?”
The best possible answer was, “I went to the arcade.” With that answer, I conveyed social status upon myself. If my seatmate didn’t make it to the arcade, he’d be jealous that I was living a better life than he was.
I seriously think that the reason a lot of people come Downtown for brunch on Sunday is that on Monday morning, they want their friends’ conversation to go something like this:
“Did you hear about (insert name)? (He/she) went to brunch at (insert swanky Downtown restaurant or lounge) yesterday. (He/she) FaceTimed me and posted selfies on Facebook and Snap. Dang, (he/she) is LIVIN’ THE LIFE!”
On to the news…
If you’re a record collector, this would be a good week to roll by River City Records. They need to make room for some exciting new collections and have just slapped 20% off stickers on a number of their offerings. Also, they have some “golden eggs,” some incredible values, hidden in the racks. One guy recently bought a rare Beatles record, a $65 value, for $15.88.
Ghost Town Blues Band plays Loflin Yard Thursday from 7 to 10. Songs will include hits from their number-one Billboard album. Tickets are $10.
The Grizzlies defeated the Houston Rockets yesterday, 122-98. That grows their lead for 2nd in the Western Conference to 1.5 games over the Golden State Warriors. Utah is still a potential threat at 3.5 games behind. Let’s keep the foot on the accelerator, guys. Big home game vs. Brooklyn Wednesday with a lot of national exposure.
Arkansas vs. Gonzaga has a 6:09 PM tip time this Thursday on CBS.
It’s National Crunchy Taco Day. The fried tacos at Maciel’s would be my top recommendation, although driving through Taco Bell at Crump and B.B. King for some Doritos Locos Tacos is not a bad idea either.
Andrew Lloyd Webber hit musical Cats starts a week run at the Orpheum tomorrow.
Heavy rain is expected tomorrow although the severe threat should remain to our south. Dammit I have a lot of walking to do tomorrow. Got a DNA meeting and a birthday party.
Incubus plays Graceland Live tonight at 8.
The Broom Closet hosts a Spring Equinox Sound Bath tonight at 6.
That’s it for the news. I’m heading out in a little bit for the 6th and final day of the long weekend of celebration I have named The Perjorie T. Roll Victory Tour. In December 2016 I brought the troll to Memphis to ward off evil. Earlier this year she completed her assignment.
Perjorie T. Roll
I’ve spent the weekend contemplating Perjorie’s next assignment. I decided I wanted her to do something for Memphis. And instead of driving something out of our city, I want her to use her spiritual influence to attract something that Memphis needs.
You know what Memphis needs?
An NBA championship.
So the troll will be sending good vibes from afar to help the Grizzlies win games and playoff series. That’s her new mission.
Back tomorrow with more news.