Month: March 2023

The Memphis Grizzlies, minus Ja Morant, Brandon Clarke, and Steven Adams, very briefly returned to second in the West last night. They looked excellent in a 131-110 home win over Golden State.

Their spot in second was short-lived, though. Later in the evening, Sacramento defeated the NY Knicks. That leaves both Ball Sac and Memphis 6.5 games behind West first-place Denver, with Sac holding the tiebreaker. Gotta get some more wins, Grizzlies.

Grizzlies HC Taylor Jenkins spoke on the personal and professional work Ja will need to complete to be readmitted to the team.

Next up for the Grizz: They host Luka, Kyrie, and the Dallas Mavs Saturday night at 7. TV will be Bally Sports South. The first 3000 fans through the gate will receive a Ziaire Williams water jug.

There’s a band called Deep Roots that is playing Blind Bear tonight. I’ve heard they’re really good and have a loyal following.

If you go to the Bear this week, ask Coyote to show you a photo of his new dog.

STIX has new Saturday specials from 3 to 8 that day of the week:

• 2-for-1 drink specials
• Your choice of teriyaki chicken or Downtown sushi toll for $10

Terrace at the River Inn will be closed for a private event tonight.

It’s Festival of Life in the Cracks Day. Which makes me think of my friend Butt Slut #1.

It’s also National Ranch Day. Anything ketchup can do, ranch can do better. Ketchup is a child’s condiment.

7 UCF vs. 2 Memphis, AAC tournament quarterfinals, 6 PM today at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. TV: ESPNU

Over at the DM, Jamaican restaurant Evelyn & Olive’s fish tacos and Conscious Curry are food writer Jennifer Biggs’ latest $10 Deal.

No chance of rain today, north/northeast wind, 57/39. Boo. That’s a typical high/low for December 1 in Memphis.

Grizzlies center Steven Adams will be out for at least a few more weeks rehabbing a knee injury.

Sushi terrorism is a thing.

The CA has a look inside “red sauce” Italian restaurant Cocozza.

That’s it for this post. Back tomorrow.

Yesterday was a WONDERFUL day at Local on Main! You guys wanna see a pretty picture?

You’re probably all like, “Paul, what’s that?” Right?

That is an item Local has been badly in need of ever since I became a regular there last September – a FOOT RAIL for the bar!!!

You may have noticed me complaining about bar seating a lot recently on this blog. Those comments were not directed specifically at Local. If I had to grade all my regular hot spots in the Downtown core on the comfort of their bar seating, NONE of them would get higher than a C.

But Local, prior to this latest addition, was particularly uncomfortable. Bucket bar chairs (as opposed to captain’s bar chairs, which wrap around you) are hard to get into and, once in them, they constantly make you feel like they’re trying to push you out of your seat. Yet all of my fave Downtown spots have mostly bucket chairs. Local has ALL bucket chairs at its bar.

It makes business sense. A bar GM told me that a new bucket chair costs $429, whereas a captain’s chair costs $579. Plus, because of their design, you can fit one or two more bucket chairs at a bar than you can captain’s chairs.

Sometimes at Bardog or Blind Bear, all the captain’s chairs will be occupied when I arrive and I’ll have to sit in a bucket chair. Yet I don’t mind that much. Why? Because both those bars have good footrests. They allow me to stabilize myself as I get in and out, and they give me something to balance on, eliminating that falling-forward-out-of-my-seat feeling.

Cheers to Local owners Tim and Tarrah for installing the new rails. They will help a lot and will get me to spend more time at Local.

The rails weren’t the only nice surprises waiting for me at Local yesterday, either. The cooks were experimenting with possible new menu items and decided I should benefit.

Clockwise from top, that’s a Buffalo chicken sandwich, a duck melt, and a lobster melt.

This was a turkey & bacon salad. It probably has a more official name than that. Man, the flavor of that turkey was ON POINT! Even if you’re not usually a salad person, this is worth a try.

Thanks to the Local folks for their generosity. I appreciate the opportunity to be your taste tester!

(The Nuh-Uh Girl would be so jealous. I hope she sees this post.)

Jeghetto’s Puppet Invasion comes to Beale Street Saturday, March 18 at 11 AM. Follow the puppets on Instagram

Trackstar the DJ along with Hal Greene plays Eight & Sand Lounge in Central Station Friday night. Show starts at 9 but get there early for a sip.

Golden State vs. Memphis tonight at FedExForum, 6:30. TV: TNT. In Grizzlies news: Colorado police won’t lay any charges on Ja Morant but he’ll be out for at least 4 more games.

From Memphis Magazine: Jeff Beck’s journeys in Memphis

New Wing Order’s flavor of the month is Pad Thai. The wings come tossed in Thai sweet chili sauce and drizzled with house-made spicy peanut sauce. They’re garnished with cilantro, chili flakes, and lime.

The L.A. Lakers retired Pau Gasol’s 16 jersey at their game vs. the Grizzlies Tuesday.

It’s National Meatball Day. Go to Bardog and get the spaghetti with Aldo’s Grandma’s Balls. Or a meatball hoagie. Or the 4-ball appetizer.

Three people were detained after shots were fired yesterday about 1 PM in the 200 block of Madison near Visible Music College.

The cast of Ain’t Too Proud, playing at the Orpheum this week, visited The Four Way for some soul food.

That’s all for today. Once again, stay dry.

Apologies for no post yesterday. I wasn’t sick or in a bad mood or anything like that. There simply wasn’t much news to report! It happens sometimes.

Congratulations to Memphis Tigers point guard Kendric Davis, named a third-team All-American this week.

It’s official: Memphis in May has signed the deal to rent Tom Lee Park, and Music Fest and BBQ Fest will be back there this year. No more figuring out how to get to the barren wasteland known as Tiger Lane.

Well, it’s happened… following last night’s loss to the Lakers, the Grizzlies have dropped to 3rd place in the Western Conference. Both Memphis and Sacramento are 7.5 games back of first, but I guess the Kings hold the tiebreaker because they’re listed as second.

After years of mediocrity, the Sacramento Kings have evolved into ballers. Maybe they should nickname their city “Ball Sac.” That’d make a heck of a slogan for a playoff towel giveaway.

Next up: The Grizz return home Thursday to host Golden State (6:30 PM, TNT). Excited to have them back, not only because it’s easier to get W’s at home, but because I’ll get to catch up with my TV. producer buddy. Shrek, can’t wait to hear your road stories and thoughts on the Ja situation. I have some stories for you as well.

Weather: Rain likely, maybe a thunderstorm, 54/49. Windy. Sounds more like a November day than a March day.

Loflin Yard will have a South Seas party all day Saturday, March 25. Tropical drink and food specials, plus the roll-out of the new spring menu. Prize for the best tropical shirt.

Sunny D comes out with a vodka seltzer this weekend.

Today is National Be Nasty Day. Don’t tempt me with a good time!

No more traffic stops by unmarked MPD vehicles. The City Council passed a resolution yesterday.

DJ Alpha WhIskey, Nico, and NYA perform at Ladies’ Night at Central Station tomorrow. No cover.

The Broom Closet hosts a group hypnosis session to relieve anxiety and stress tonight from 6 to 8.

That’s it for today. Stay dry.

My heart is broken for the members of my former BBQ team this morning. Over the weekend they received some bad news. As you may have heard, the renovations to Tom Lee Park – including hills and foliage – reduced the amount of usable space for BBQ Fest by 40%. As a result, the number of teams in the park had to be reduced from 220-230 to about 140.

My former BBQ team didn’t make the cut. And I can’t understand why. They did everything right.

They participated in BBQ Fest 2022 out at Tiger Lane and were told doing so would give them preference for team selection for the 2023 festival back on the river.

They had a top-10 finish and got on stage to accept a trophy in their main competition category, shoulder, in the past five years. (7th place in 2018)

They were well-liked by Memphis in May staff and were a sought-after destination for volunteer team ambassadors.

I left the team in 2021, but it wasn’t out of animosity toward other team members or any kind of disagreement with team policies. It was just that I’d done BBQ Fest for 13 years and felt like it was time to move on and have other experiences. I love all those folks and I wanted to see them achieve great things.

Anyway, on to the news…

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi updated his Bracketology yesterday after the college basketball day games. Memphis, following a heartbreaking 67-65 loss right at the buzzer to #1 Houston, is still off the bubble and on the right side of it. They’re still the 9 seed in the Kansas portion of the bracket, although Kansas has moved to the top overall seed.

The weather’s gonna be wild – I’m talking “bartender who gets STAY WILD tattooed on his butt” kind of wild – this week. Today and tomorrow will be pretty nice, 70s/50s although with high wind. After that it’s going to be cooler and we’re expected to get a lot of rain.

This’d be a good week to take a kite up to Greenbelt Park.

The American Athletic Conference tournament bracket is up.

• Thursday: Memphis does not play, but game of interest: 10 SMU vs. 7 UCF, 1:30 PM, ESPNU
• Friday: Winner of SMU/UCF game vs. 2 Memphis, 6:00 PM, ESPNU
• Saturday: Memphis plays at 4 PM on ESPN2 if they win Friday’s game; likely opponent is 3 Tulane
• Sunday: Memphis plays at 2:15 on ESPN if they win Saturday’s game; likely opponent is 1 Houston

From Action News 5: Memphis drag queens say they will not comply with the new Tennessee bill. The station visited Atomic Rose’s drag brunch yesterday.

We’re in the final week of Standard Time. We spring forward into Daylight Time on Sunday morning.

Reminder to new restaurant owners: Don’t serve a single drink until you have that liquor license physically in hand. An email from Nashville saying it’s on the way is not good enough. Don’t expect the ABC to look the other way just because it’s a certain day on the calendar. The ABC never looks the other way.

Memphis 901 FC’s home opener is Saturday at 4 at AutoZone Park. The opponent is Loudoun United FC.

Ain’t Too Proud, a musical biography of The Temptations, comes to the Orpheum this week.

All right. I guess that’s enough for today. Back tomorrow with more news.

What was up with all that drag racing in the Downtown core in the 3:00 AM hour? I have never heard engines revving so loud. And it went on for a long, long time, waking up the entire neighborhood.

FexExForum will be striped blue and white today as the Memphis Tigers host #1 Houston in a tremendous opportunity to move up in NCAA tournament seeding. Gates open at 9:30, Senior Day ceremony is at 10:30, and the tip is at 11:00 this morning. There will also be a reunion of the 1972-73 Final Four team. TV: CBS

Ja Morant will take some time away from the Grizzlies following a post he made to Instagram appearing to show him holding a gun in a nightclub. At minimum, he’ll miss the game at the L.A. Clippers tonight and the game at the L.A. Lakers on Tuesday. The earliest he could be back is at home Thursday vs. Golden State. The Athletic indicates this is a suspension rather than voluntary on Morant’s part.

Sigh… this probably marks the end of the Grizz’ #2 ranking in the Western Conference. I hope the team gets Ja the finest sports psychologist in the country. Being a superstar ain’t easy.

Ja won’t be the only Grizzlies starter to miss tonight’s Clippers game. Dillon Brooks earned an automatic one-game suspension Friday night when he picked up his 16th technical foul of the season against Denver. Hmmm the Grizz are 38-24… a total of 62 games… that means Dillon the Villian averages a “T” at a rate better than 1 in every 4 games… yeah that is kind of a lot.

Memphis will also have to do without reserve F/C Brandon Clarke tonight and for the rest of the season. He’s out with an Achilles tear. Hey, front office, this might be a chance to call up Kenneth Lofton Jr. from the Hustle and see what he can do on the big stage.

In addition to being Cinco de Marcho, it’s also National Absinthe Day (Blind Bear can help with that) and National Poutine Day (Kooky Canuck can help with that).

The weather for today sounds perfect. High 71, low 54, 7 MPH wind. No chance of rain. I’ll wear shorts and the new T-shirt my friend Randy brought me from Troll Pub in Dayton. He brought Butt Slut #1 the same shirt, so I guess we’ll be Twinkies. Although, I am ever-so-slightly mad at Butt Slut #1 about a comment she made Thursday. So maybe I’ll turn my shirt inside out if she has hers on.

ABC 24 has a look at how the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, which appears at the Orpheum this weekend, inspires youth.

Also from ABC 24: B.J. Chester-Tamayo of Alcenia’s shares her story: “Love is the rule”

Ferraro’s Cheesy Corner & PIzzeria at 111 Jackson is back open with a new menu and beer specials.

If you want to support performers’ rights to express themselves freely, there’s a Beauties on Beale drag show at the Hard Rock at noon today.

That’s it for now. I’ll probably watch the Tigers game at Bardog. Back tomorrow if there’s enough news.

We had something kinda cool go on at Blind Bear last night. ESPN nationally broadcast the Grizzlies-Denver Nuggets game. However, unlike TNT (for 6 games a year, as I explained in and earlier post), ESPN’s broadcast agreement is non-exclusive. So those in the Memphis market could watch a different broadcast of the same game on Bally Sports South. So at the Bear, we had one TV on each network.

Cool thing was, I noticed no difference in production values at all. In no way did the Bally broadcast feel inferior or more cheaply produced than the ESPN one.

Unfortunately, the game did not have my preferred outcome, as Memphis dropped one on the road in Denver, 113-97. The Grizzlies fall to 6 games behind Denver in the West and are now only holding on to second place by one game over Sacramento. Next up: At the L.A. Clippers at 9 Sunday. That game will be on ESPN as well.

Joe Lunardi has updated his ESPN Bracketology. Our Memphis Tigers have moved OFF THE BUBBLE! The Tigers are clealy projected to be in the NCAA tournement, currently as a 9 seed in Kansas’ portion of the bracket.

Look at the YUMMY lunch I had yesterday!

The Majestic’s seafood flatbread disappeared off the Friday specials for a long time. I don’t know why. Maybe demand for it was too low during the stupid pandemic, or maybe shipping rates shot the food costs up too high for a while. Anyway, it’s back now! Shrimp, scallops, salmon, and spinach in an olive oil base covered with mozzarella.

Manager/Friday lunch bartender Hailey told me they don’t have the seafood flatbread EVERY Friday, but usually they do. What you want to do, then, is check the Majestic’s Facebook page about 10:30 on Friday morning to see the day’s specials.

It was so good to see owners Patrick and Deni. I see them around town all the time, but it was good to see them in their natural habitat.

Something She Can Feel, a play exploring the emotional needs of women, is at the Cannon Center today.

The Beyond the Stars dance competition comes to the Renasant Convention Center this weekend.

The Golden State Warriors have signed former Memphis Tigers guard Lester Quinones to a 10-day contract. The Grizzlies next home game, on March 9, is against the Warriors.

The DM’s Jennifer Biggs has the recipe for Calvary Waffle Shop’s chicken salad.

DA Steve Mulroy does not believe any drag shows in Shelby County will violate Tennessee’s new law banning such performances.

In the news: Ford has filed a patent for cars that can repossess themselves

Monday, March 20 will be Hoops for St. Jude Day at the Grizzlies. There will be an online silent auction, incentives for fans to donate to St. Jude, and a halftime celebrity basketball game.

Be sure to stock up on booze today, for tomorrow is Cinco de Marcho. With Cinco de Mayo a mere two months away, it’s time for drinking practice to build up tolerance. I’ll recommend a couple of liquor stores that can fill all your Cinco de Marcho needs:

• If you’re Downtown, check out Downtown Wines & Spirits at Main & Madison. It’s a small space but they have plenty to select from. It’s owned by Carl WInfield, a longtime Downtown advocate and one of my Bardog buddies.
• In North Mississippi, stop by Lucky’s Wine & Liquors at 302 & Hacks Cross. You might see a familiar face from this blog.

Don’t forget – first crawfish and shrimp boil of the season happens at Max’s Sports Bar today. First batch rolls off at 12.

Also don’t forget, today is South Point Grocery’s one-year celebration.

Tarot University: Introduction to Tarot happens today at The Broom Closet from 2 to 4. $15.

That’s it for now. Heading to Bardog brunch here in a bit. Back tomorrow.

Penny’s Memphis Tigers clinched the 2 seed in the American Conference tournament with an 81-62 road win over SMU last night. Folks, we’re down to one regular-season game left, and it’s a game that can’t hurt the Tigers but has lots of potential to help them. The NCAA tournament committee won’t penalize Memphis for losing to the number-one team nationally – but a win over Houston on Sunday sure would result in a sweet reward om the seed line.

ABC Nightline is sending a film crew to Atomic Rose this Sunday to film its Drag Brunch. It’s part of the national media coverage of the ridiculous bill in the Tennessee legislature that would ban public drag shows. Rose is asking for a flood of support. To make reservations for Drag Brunch (limited seating is available), just leave a message on the bar phone stating preferred arrival time (11, 11:30, or 12), number of people in your party, and a callback number.

March 5-11 is Black Restaurant Week here in Memphis. 28 Black-owned restaurants will offer amazing deals to attract new customers. Downtown restaurants include

• Sage
• Chef Tam’s Underground Cafe
• Slim & Husky’s
• Curry N Jerk
• Sugashack
• The Genre
• Evelyn & Olive
• 350 Baked
• Arnold’s BBQ
• Quintessential Sweets
• Butterific Bakery & Cafe

YogaSix at 372 S. Main has its grand opening this weekend. YOGA! Giveaways, free classes, pop-up vendors.

Soccer Shots, an intro to soccer for kids 2-8, happens Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM in Harbor Town.

Don’t forget… DJ Tree is at the Blind Bear tonight 10-1. No burlesque show this week!

Today is National Cold Cuts Day, a good day to lunch at River Time Market & Deli on Court Square.

It’s also National Moscow Mule Day. Blind Bear can make you a good one.

Chicken & waffles ice cream. It’s a thing at Baskin-Robbins. Yuck.

The Silky O’Sullivan’s St. Patrick’s Parade happens next Saturday, March 11 at 2 PM on Beale Street.

There’s a High Wind Warning in effect for Memphis today. Gusts of 60 MPH are possible.

Gonna try to stay out to catch Grizzlies vs. Denver (9 PM, ESPN) and at least the first hour of DJ Tree at the Blind Bear. Back tomorrow with more news.

The Grizzlies are getting back to their winning ways. Their 111-99 victory over Houston last night is Memphis’ third win in a row and takes them to 38-23. Memphis remains second in the West, 5 games behind Denver and 2 games ahead of Sacramento. Next up: at conference leader Denver, 9 PM Friday, nationally televised on ESPN.

Tonight, however, it’s Tiger time. Penny’s Memphis Tigers travel to SMU tonight for an 8 PM game on ESPN2. The Tigers are most likely in The Big Dance regardless of the outcome, but a win would likely guarantee Memphis a bye past NCAA tournament play-in games.

Joe Lunardi’s ESPN Bracketology currently has Memphis as the first team in Last Four Byes. So the Tigers’ win Sunday fell just short of getting them off the bubble completely.

Bardog is hiring a manager, a server, and a bartender. Send your resume to bardogtavern@gmail.com.

Tabitha Brown will host Memphis Vegan Brunch at the Renasant Convention Center on Sunday, March 26 from 1 to 5 PM. Chefs will serve more than 40 animal-free brunch items.

News from Mighty Lights:

On Saturday, March 4, the #MightyLights will light up on behalf of the St Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program in recognition of #InternationalHPVAwarenessDay between dynamic half-hour light shows.

The DM has a look at 191 Collabs, offering exclusive Grizzlies merchandise.

Children shot in the 300 block of Butler on Tuesday were found to have tools on them.

More storms and heavy rain are likely today. 69/57.

Local drag performer Moth Moth Moth was arrested for protesting the ridiculously stupid bill limiting drag performances that Governor Lee has said he will sign.

All 46 U.S. presidents, with mullets.

Reeling from financial pain as I paid this blog’s annual hosting bill today. Daaaaang it went up about 40%. Beers & shots in support of this creative endeavor will be appreciated and graciously accepted.

Stay dry y’all. That’s it for today.

Ja Morant put up a 39 point – 10 assist – 10 rebound triple-double at FedExForum last night, including 28 points in the third quarter, as the Grizzlies took care of the L.A. Lakers, 121-109. The Grizzlies remain in second in the Western Conference, 5.5 games behind leader Denver and only 1.5 games ahead of Sacramento.

Ja had no time to celebrate his achievement, though. Immediately after the game, the Grizzlies boarded a plane for Houston, where they will play the Rockets at 7 tonight. TV: Bally Sports South. This is a must-win game, given Memphis’ small lead for second place.

Silky O’Sullivan’s on Beale will open at 9 AM for the Memphis Tigers’ 11 AM Sunday home game vs. the #1 Houston Cougars.

Crawfish boils return to Max’s Sports Bar this Saturday. The doors open at 11 and the first mudbugs of the season roll out at noon. Okay. Longtime readers of this blog can skip the next couple of paragraphs, because you know what I’m about to say.

If you go to only one crawfish boil this spring, make it a Saturday at Max’s. Best damn crawfish in the city. Far better than any of the festivals. Spicy to the point that there’s often a tear running down my cheek as I crack open the last couple of crawdads.

Prices are reasonable – $12.50 for 1 pound of crawfish or $21 for 2 pounds. Pricing includes the weight of the crawfish only, but you also get extras – corn, taters, and sausage, all cooked in that magnificent spicy boil. They also have boiled shrimp for $16 a pound, same deal about extras and weight. Max’s is 21+ and a small space, so they ask that you leave the kiddos and doggos at home.

From the Daily Meal: The 2 worst days of the week to order fish from a restaurant. Can you guess them correctly without cheating? I did.

It’s National Peanut Butter Lovers Day. I recommend a Travel Channel favorite, the fried peanut butter & banana sandwich at the Arcade. Or you can watch Bert & Ernie, two guys who know a little about things to do with peanut butter, make sandwiches.

Two boys were shot Tuesday while allegedly trying to steal a car outside the Patterson Flats apartments on East Butler.

Strong storms are likely between 5 and 11 PM.

Robert Moody Presents The Orchestra Unplugged: Copland Appalachian Spring happens at the Halloran Centre Friday. Tickets are $37.50.

Next door at the Orpheum, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will be in town Friday-Sunday. $45-$80.

Butterific Bakery & Cafe at 488 S. Second celebrates 2 years this weekend.

Bass Pro at the Pyramid will hold a Field to Fork: Food Processing Seminar Saturday at 1.

For those of you staying at AirBNBs and similar locations: Detect hidden webcams. You don’t want to be unwittingly putting on a show for the place’s owner.

That’s all, folks. Back tomorrow with more.