Saturday update

There will be a music festival in Tom Lee Park the first weekend in May, after all – it just won’t be put on by Memphis in May. The group that produces Mempho Fest, the very successful event that happens out east every October, will put on the new event by the river.

Fizz the Season, a 4-course dinner exploring bubbles at Chez Philippe in the Peabody, will be served on Thursday, December 7.  Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and some other sparking surprises will be poured. Following a welcome reception, four courses by Keith Clinton, Chef de Cuisine, and Konrad Spitzbart, Executive Pastry Chef, will be expertly paired with sparkling wines. $200 per person includes taxes, service charge, and valet parking. Reserve your spot

The first Rock-n-Romps hit the music scene about 15 years ago. They allowed parents to keep on rocking to some great Memphis bands, without having to stay out until the wee hours, and in an environment in which they’d be comfortable bringing their kids…

… And now, Rock-n-Romp is returning. The next one, a Halloween-themed extravaganza, will happen from 1 to 5 PM Saturday, October 28 in The Ravine at 571 Marshall in The Edge/Medical District. Live music by Kitty Pool, Above Jupiter, and Tamar Love. Costume contest with prizes. Arts & crafts. Fuel Cafe food. Memphis Made beer. MemPops. Free for kids, $5 for adults. Visit the Memphis Rock-n-Romp Facebook page for more info.

The Memphis Made taproom in the concourse of Memphis International Airport has made a list of the best airport bars in the U.S. as ranked by USA TODAY.

Some California restaurants are imposing $50 vomit fees on customers who can’t keep their alcohol down.

Today is National Dessert Day. My recommendation would be Wonky’s Not So Famous Treats at 315 N. Main next to Alcenia’s.

Tickets for March 22 and 24 March Madness games at FedExForum are now on sale.

It’s Old Fashioned Week at the Blind Bear through Sunday, October 22.

Order an Old Fashioned made with Elijah Craig bourbon and $1 of your purchase will be donated to Southern Smoke Foundation, supporting food and beverage industry workers in need.

For the first time in two months, the Blind Bear has a brunch menu Saturdays and Sundays from 11 AM and 5 PM. On the menu:

  • Biscuits & gravy
  • Mac’s Big Vols breakfast
  • Salmon hash
  • Breakfast burrito
  • Breakfast sandwich
  • Early rise hibernation fries

The Game Day Menu with items like party wings, school lunchroom pizza, and an appetizer sampler will continue to be offered as well during those hours.

From High Ground News: How a grant for budding retailers is helping populate empty storefronts in Downtown Memphis. Thanks to one of these grants, Midsouth Coffee and Tea Company will open its first brick-and-mortar location at 20 Mina Avenue between Front and Tennessee Streets.

News from Momma’s, “the diner & dive off 55” at Crump and Kentucky:

The MOMMA’S MARY arrives this weekend 🍅💥 (Tito’s Handmade Vodka, signature Bloody Mary mix, dry rub-seasoned rim, Memphis Mojo wing, cheese curd, bacon, olive, celery)
Join us for brunch items Saturday – including Grandma’s French Toast & the King Louis Plate – plus live music from 30 Minute Ego starting at 8 PM.

The Memphis Tigers couldn’t get it done vs. Tulane last night, losing 31-21. That removes just about any hope of a New Year’s Six bowl. Memphis will probably finish with 8 or 9 wins and play in a December 22 bowl vs. a service academy or a 7-5 or 6-6 SEC or ACC team. Next up for the Tigers: at UAB, 11 AM a week from today.

Want to head the Downtown Memphis Commission, succeeding Paul Young as he moves into the mayor’s office? Applications open Tuesday.

I get to go to Pretty Taco tonight to celebrate the 60th birthday of a man who likes pretty birds. Back tomorrow or Monday with more news.