I’m now able to talk about a couple of things I’ve hinted at in this blog recently.
About two months ago I mentioned that Mud Island could expect some yumminess coming its way soon, from a name you already know. Jennifer Biggs of the Daily Memphian broke the news yesterday: Cocozza is coming to the former Movie & Pizza Co. space in Harbor Town. Cocozza is the “ghost restaurant” Patrick & Deni Reilly operated in the Majestic Grille space during the pandemic when restrictions made it cost-prohibitive to operate as the Majestic. It featured an Italian menu with red sauce as its centerpiece. The new restaurant will offer the original Cocozza menu plus some additions (veal parmesan!!!)
About a week ago, I posted that a popular Downtown nightspot was changing its closing time from 3 AM to 1 AM, and I said it would not be the last time I would report a restaurant in the Downtown core changing its hours. That has now been confirmed by the DM’s Biggs in the second piece of news she dropped in her article. The Majestic Grille’s Sunday brunch will come to an end Sunday, June 5. Effective June 13 they will offer lunch and dinner service Monday through Saturday and be closed on Sunday. From Biggs’ article:
After talking with (employees), it was clear that although Sunday brunch is profitable, it’s a stressful service that’s bad for morale, (co-owner Deni Reilly) said.
I’m rather ashamed to admit that I haven’t had brunch at the Majestic since the pandemic restrictions were lifted. However, the quote above is quite consistent with what I’ve observed at other Sunday brunches at businesses not far from the Majestic.
Memphis Chess Club is now offering free delivery on orders over $25. Now you have no excuse for not trying their hand-crafted pizzas. I’m thinking about stopping in there today and grabbing a pizza for lunch.
B.B. King’s, which had been closed for a few days due to a fire, announced yesterday that its doors are open.
Reason #12561 why Downtown is a cool place to be: I was at karaoke night at Blind Bear last night, and none other than our own Downtown Neighborhood Association president got on stage and performed “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers. Excellent illustration of the fact that we have fun here. Cheers, Eli, you sounded great!
If you go to The Greyhound, the bar inside the Hilton Garden Inn on Union across from AutoZone Park, be sure to post a pic of your dish or cocktail and tag The Greyhound in your post. If you do that, or if you post a picture of yourself with Gerry the Greyhound (a small greyhound statue they have there) and tag it #greyhoundrevamped, you will receive a free dessert.
Hmmm… sounds like Gerry the Greyhound needs to meet Perjorie T. Roll.
The Brass Door will be welcoming the Irish Ambassador tonight at 6:00. Join him and give him a warm Memphis welcome.
Thumpdaddy headlines the Peabody rooftop party tonight.
On Thursday, August 12 at the Halloran Centre, Ted Torres Martin will present Aloha from Memphis, a unique remake of Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii in its 50th anniversary year. The performance will be part of 2022 Elvis Week festivities.
The Redbirds game last night was suspended due to weather and will resume tonight at 6:05 PM. Tonight’s regularly scheduled game will start no earlier than 7:05 and will be a 9-inning game. Gates open at 5:30. It’s Throwback Thursday presented by the greatest beer in the world, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Enjoy $2 PBRs and $1 hot dogs tonight.
There will be a referendum on the August ballot as to whether term limits should be extended to allow Memphis City Council members and the Memphis mayor a third term. I will be voting NO on that question. We do not need career politicians at the city government level.
From ABC 24: Downtown restaurant Curry N Jerk is still feeling the effects of the pandemic. Like many other restaurants in the Downtown core, it is having trouble finding people who are willing to work Sunday brunch.
Lane closures for new ramps in the I-55/Crump area will begin June 6.
The Edison Apartments near Jefferson and Danny Thomas caught on fire this morning.
Amber McCain Duo plays Live at the Tracks at Central Station Hotel tonight at 6:30.
That’s it for today’s post. Back tomorrow with more.