Yesterday I was at my usual happy hour spot when an influx of Fancy’s Fish House employees arrived. They’d had a mid-afternoon meeting. Unfortunately, the subject of that meeting was, “You don’t have a job anymore.”
Their Facebook page says that Fancy’s isn’t gone for good; they’ve just “Gone Fishin’ for a change of scenery,” and that they’ll be back in 2024 with “a new outlook.” I wonder what that means? Redecoration? Renovation? Relocation? One thing it does mean is that its employees are without jobs 4 weeks before Christmas. That sucks.
Former Fancy’s employees: jobs4tn.gov has info on filing unemployment claims.
The seafood restaurant has only been open a year and 7 months. That seems awful soon to make changes big enough that all the employees have to be laid off for a while.
Okay, now the DM has clarification. Fancy’s is closing to prepare for a new concept, apparently requested by fine dining restaurant Amelia Gene which recently opened nearby.
Tickets are still available for Bardog’s upcoming beer dinner, to be held Wednesday, December 6 downstairs in the Underdog Room. It’s a collaboration with Broad Avenue’s own Hampline Brewing. The five courses feature full 8 oz. pours each – not the little dribbles you get at most beer dinners.
Starter�Tuna Carpaccio w/ Handlebar Haze New England IPAFirst Course�Asparagus Bisque w/ Natch LagerSecond Course�Beet Salad w/ Cherry Bomb Cherry Amaretto GoseThird Course�Beef Wellington w/ Hoot & Haller PilsnerDessert �Pumpkin Cheesecake w/ Dunk Tank Oktoberfest
Memphis in May CEO Jim Holt will retire in January. I don’t blame Holt for wanting to step away from the Tom Lee Park controversy. At 65, he’s of typical retirement age. Why would he want to spend extra years of his work life stressing out over that mess?
As a 13-year veteran of two BBQ teams, Jim, I’d like to thank you for all you’ve done. I’ve spent many a happy day on the river because of your efforts. I appreciate it, sir. I hope there’s a beach or a fishing boat or whatever your happy place is in 2024.
Here’s a look at Tony’s Pot Roast which is a special at Blind Bear this week.
That’s a cup of au jus on the left and it’s perfect for dipping the beef, the new potatoes, the dinner roll… even the green beans.
Today is The Customer Is Wrong Day. I recommend you celebrate at a restaurant with a glass of water, some lemons, and lots of sugar packets. Bonus points if you sneak a bottle of cheap vodka in your coat pocket.
Today is also National Chocolates Day. My recommendation would be Dinstuhl’s on the Main Street Mall just north of Peabody Place. Check out their assorted chocolates and chocolate bars.
Your kids will be able to design thank-you notes to Santa at Cordelia’s Market on Saturday, December 9.
The CA has an analysis of why the Liberty Bowl is still a possible postseason destination for the Memphis Tigers.
I took a quiz yesterday to learn my preferred whiskey flavor profile. Apparently I like “creamy, buttery” whiskeys such as Mortlach 16 or 20 (single malt) or Old Port 18 (blend). Other flavors I like are fruity, spicy, smoky, malty, and fresh.
Ben-Yay’s now has Cajun butter wings. Hat tip to the restaurant’s neighbor, Cristina of Feast & Graze, for posting about them on Facebook.
Grizzlies vs. Utah, 7 PM tonight, FedExForum.
The Memphis Flyer has a ramen roundup. It comes with news about South Main’s very own Good Fortune Co.: Birria dumplings will appear on a revised menu soon.
RIP Charlie Munger. The investing guru, who lived to be 99, was Warren Buffett’s business partner.
Eternal Sunset: View a sunset somewhere in the world no matter the time of day where you are.
Happy 74th to The King, Jerry Lawler.
Bardog specials today:
- Pesto salmon over vegetable spaghetti – $19
- Grilled Buffalo chicken wrap – $17
- Soup: Crawfish bisque
- Dog: Peppers, onions, ketchup, mustard, bacon
- Mussels: Garlic butter, white wine, tomato
- Pecan pie
- Pumpkin cheesecake
Local on Main special today:
Parmesan-crusted chicken, grilled then finished in the oven, with sauteed vegetables.
Let’s have a look at college football games of interest to Memphians this weekend:
Friday
- 5 Oregon vs. 3 Washington, Pac-12 championship, Las Vegas, 7:00 PM, ABC. Winner likely punches their ticket to the CFP semis; loser likely misses out on the semis but gets a New Year’s Six bowl appearance.
Saturday
- 18 Oklahoma State vs. 7 Texas, Big 12 championship, Arlington, TX, 11:00 AM, ABC. Texas could make the CFP semis with a decisive win and help from Alabama, Iowa, Louisville, and/or Jesus.
- 1 Georgia vs. 8 Alabama, SEC championship, Atlanta, 3:00 PM, CBS. Bama is probably in with a win. The Dawgs are probably in with a two-touchdown loss or better.
- SMU at 22 Tulane, AAC championship, New Orleans, 3:00 PM, ABC. Tulane likely clinches the Group of Five New Year’s Six bowl berth with a win.
- 2 Michigan vs. 16 Iowa, Big Ten championship, 7:00 PM, FOX. Michigan is in the CFP semis with a win or a competitive loss.
- 14 Louisville vs. 4 Florida State, ACC championship, Charlotte, 7:00 PM, ABC. Florida State needs to win to get in, and they need to root for teams ranked slightly lower (Oregon, Texas, Alabama) to lose.