I got to see The Kent, the relatively new (I think it’s been open about a year) event space in Uptown yesterday. It’s at the corner of Keel Avenue and North Front Street, and derives its name from that intersection (KE-el and Fro-NT).
What a beautiful space. The Kent is an old brick warehouse that takes up most of the block. It’s an open space for the most part, two stories tall, with lots of big, high windows providing gorgeous ambient light.
We were there to celebrate the life of a member of our Downtown family who left us way too early. Friends and relatives spoke. There was a slide show cast onto one of the upper beams where everyone in the room could see it easily.
About 70 people showed up. There was a food buffet, banquet seating, and a display of the departed’s favorite items. The Kent handled it all comfortably. In fact, it felt like there were entire sections of the facility we barely used, and that another 30-50 people could have shown up and it still wouldn’t have felt packed.
There was plenty of parking on the streets surrounding The Kent. You can tell the area was a warehouse district in the not-too-distant past. Plenty of buildings from that era survive, standing alongside new houses and apartment complexes.
Now, let’s answer the question that was on my mind and I’m sure is on some of yours… Is The Kent walkable from the Downtown core?
My answer is yes and no.
Yes, if you’re up for a long walk. I pre-gamed at the Blind Bear, and would have had no problem with a 35-or-so-minute walk north to the memorial service on a beautiful 75-degree early November day.
Then again, I know Downtowners who think three blocks is too far to walk… people who say, “Okay, we’re going to finish our drinks at Blind Bear and then head to Bardog… who’s driving? Or should we call an Uber?” For those people, The Kent is not walkable from the core.
I would be less likely to make a walk to The Kent after dark. I listen to the police scanner now and then and Uptown is still a neighborhood in transition, and gets a little “iffier” the farther north you go. That’s a shame because I would love to make some walks to the Grind City Brewing Co. taproom which is about a half-mile north of The Kent.
Here’s a Downtown dining PRO TIP: This week I expect that a number of food trucks, serving a diverse array of dishes but with an emphasis on soul food, will set up on Exchange Ave. between Main and Second. The trucks will mainly be there to serve COGIC convocation attendees, but they certainly don’t require proof of attendance to sell to you. Those of you who work in the city/county government buildings or at St. Jude will likely be a short walk away from some really yummy lunch.
Weather: Memphis temps are expected to be highs in the low 80s/lows in the mid 60s with no chance of rain, then a cold front comes through Thursday and we’ll be back to more seasonable readings of low 60s highs/low 40s lows. Get outside while the weather is beautiful! Those of you who have “use ‘em or lose ‘em by December 31” sick days should consider developing a cough this week.
Enjoy a Peabody Hotel Thanksgiving dinner in the comfort of your own home. Order by Thursday, November 16; pick up in the hotel’s valet area between 11 AM and 3 PM Wednesday, November 22. The dinner serves 4 people and includes
- rolls and butter
- 12 lb. whole turkey
- mashed potatoes
- sweet potatoes
- cranberry sauce
- green beans
- gravy
- pumpkin pie
- cornbread dressing
The cost is $160 plus sales tax.
Quote of the weekend: “In my family, you get one ‘shitting your pants’ a year.” – overheard at Blind Bear Sunday afternoon
Clickbait headline of the weekend, from Beale Street Bears: 3 Grizzlies who could shockingly be traded after 0-5 start to season. I’ll go ahead and spoil it for you: Kennard, Ziaire, Brandon Clarke – none of which would be “shocking.” A couple of things:
- The Grizzlies are no longer 0-5. They now own a 1-win season, having bested Portland on the road last night.
- The only two Grizzlies who should be untouchable in trade talks this year – Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. – contributed 30 and 27 to that win.
There I said it. I’d trade Ja, a young talent, and a first for a player of comparable ability who’s a good fit for the team.
Memphis returns home to host the Miami Heat Wednesday at 7 PM.
In case you’re wondering: Here’s a story about the origin of Rip City as the Portland Trail Blazers’ nickname
From TIME: The 200 best inventions of 2023
The NCAA will announce its bracket for its 2023 women’s soccer tournament today at 3. Congrats to the Memphis Tigers, who captured the American Conference’s automatic bid to the tournament. The Tigers are 18-1 and ranked 8th nationally.
Today is National Nachos Day. I’m gonna be different today and recommend the Bluff City Nachos from fast-casual Asian restaurant STIX: Crispy wonton chips topped with baked spicy crab, diced avocados, diced jalapeno, and sweet soy. Say hello to Mylon while you’re there – STIX is his day job when he’s not DJing.
There was a shooting near 508 South Main around 11 Saturday night, leaving a man in critical condition. Witnesses saw an Infiniti fleeing the scene. Bullet holes cause $5000 worth of damage to Downtown Yoga.
There’s an office/accounts payable clerk position available Downtown. 9 AM-3 PM, $20/hour, through Adecco. Must be familiar with basic accounting principles.
Guac Fresh Mex has opened at 782 Washington in the Medical District.
Veterans Day is Saturday, but observed on Friday this year.
The Memphis Tigers’ DeAndre Williams has been denied an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA.
Soulsville Foundation seeks a communications manager.
Stax Music Academy seeks a part-time data support assistant.
The Cossitt Library has an Open Mic Night in the courtyard every Thursday in November (except Thanksgiving) from 6 to 8 PM.
That’s it. Back tomorrow with more news.