Friday update

Regulars of Max’s Sports Bar on G.E. Patterson Ave. got a rather unpleasant surprise when they showed up at their favorite watering hole Thursday afternoon. A tall green fence had been installed in front of Max’s, blocking its entrance.”I do not like this fence,” stated one regular of almost 16 years.

There is good news, though – Max posted,

We had a surprise this afternoon – a beautiful enclosed front patio! But don’t worry, we’re still here and excited to share an evening of football, dinner, and drinks with all of you. And in case you are wondering, there’s no construction and everything is completely safe!

Today is Sesame Street Day. 54 years ago today, the children’s show starring Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, Mr. Hooper, Gordon, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch (who was orange at the time!), Kermit the Frog, and Grover premiered on PBS.

There will be an International Food Tasting at Maria Montessori School on Mud Island this Saturday. The cuisine will represent international home cooking and restaurant fare. There will be a silent auction as well, and live music. $35 single, $50 double. 6-10 PM. They ask that you represent your birthplace with your attire. (Note to self: Toss “Arkansas Razorbacks – Defending the Turf Since 1871” shirt in the washer)

Riverside Drive will reopen Monday. Through traffic on the street will be allowed between Union and Georgia Avenues Monday at 5 AM to Friday at 7 PM.

The DM looks at Cocozza’s aperitivo happy hour in this week’s $10 Deal. Small plates in the $3-$10 range are available weekdays from 4 to 6 PM.

Ashley McBryde brings The Devil I Know Tour featuring JD Clayton to the Orpheum Saturday night. Tickets are $32-$75.

Catch The Magic of Rob Lake at the Halloran Centre Saturday night. Tickets are $39.50.

A Chick-Fil-A is coming to Uptown. It’ll be at the corner of Thomas and A.W. Willis. The location will be convenient to the St. Jude campus.

There will be a Latte Art Throwdown at Comeback Coffee Saturday evening. Prizes for first, second, and third. $5 entry for latte competitors. Free for spectators.

Chef Jimmy Gentry will present Vintage901 Perfect Pairings Brunch at The Lobbyist in the Chisca Apartments building this Sunday. The 3-course dinner will feature pastries perfectly paired with wine. Proceeds help fund the new Vintage901 Food + Wine Scholarship.

Campbell Clinic physicians will provide foot and ankle care for our homeless friends at Our Hearts to Your Soles at the Union Mission Tuesday, November 14. Clinic employees will pass out shoes, socks, toiletries, and snacks.

Rumors of Fleetwood Mac, a cover band personally endorsed by Mick Fleetwood, plays the Orpheum Tuesday night. Tickets are $30 to $165.

French Truck Coffee has opened a location in The Edge at Orleans Station.

All U.S. National Parks will be free to visit Saturday.

It’s possible I may take the weekend off from blogging to catch up with both friends and sleep. In case I do, let’s cover the minor holidays that will occur during my hiatus.

Saturday is National Sundae Day. Margie’s 901 is the place to celebrate.

Saturday is also National Metal Day. I recommend you stop by River City Records and add to your metal collection.

Saturday is Wine Tourism Day. I recommend a visit to Rootstock Wine Merchants out in The Edge District.

Sunday is Chicken Soup for the Soul Day. Normally I’d recommend the caldo tlalpeno at Maciel’s on Main, but you’ll have to wait until Monday to get it.

Sunday is also Happy Hour Day but good luck finding one of those until Monday.

Joe Manchin, Democratic Senator from good ole West Virginny, is retiring. That’s gonna make it easier for Republicans to flip the Senate in the 2024 general election.

That’s it for now. Back when I get the urge to post more. Could be Monday. Could be 30 minutes from now.