My friends Dennis and Mary Pat messaged me to let me know they’ll be in town this weekend to run the St. Jude Marathon. They are a super cool couple who always made sure I had my New Year’s black-eyed peas and collard greens when they lived in Memphis. They’re super cool for another reason too: Running the marathon isn’t the only way they support the children’s hospital.
About 5 years ago, Dennis & Mary Pat flew to East Africa and hiked Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money for St. Jude.
And you can too.
There’s a company called Embark Exploration that books adventures where you can hike the world and save lives. Embark has released its 2024 trip itineraries and you can follow in Dennis & Mary Pat’s footsteps:
- Macchu Pichu, Peru, September 2-10, minimum fundraising commitment to St. Jude $12,000
- Continental Divide, Colorado, September 16-21, minimum commitment $12,000
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, October 12-22, minimum commitment $32,000
The Grizzlies WON A GAME last night and looked dominant for just about the first time this season. Memphis 105, Utah 91.
There are still seats open for the Bubbles Around the World dinner at the Peabody on Thursday, December 7. From the hotel’s website:
Champagne, Prosecco, Cava and some sparkling surprises, cheers to the season of celebrations with a curated selection of sparkling wines served alongside an elegant 4-course dinner in Chez Philippe.
The evening will begin with a welcome reception and cocktail. Then, the evening will progress into a 4-course dinner created by Chef de Cuisine, Keith Clinton and Executive Pastry Chef, Konrad Spitzbart. Each course is paired with a sparkling wine from around the world.
My friend Ashleigh says the pistachio cake at Curfew is the best in the world. Just thought I’d pass along that recommendation. Also, yesterday I learned that “your hair looks super frizzy today” will never be taken as a compliment, even if you mean it as one.
Bobby Petrino is back with the Arkansas football program, having been hired this week as offensive coordinator. Heir apparent to the head coaching job if Sam Pittman gets fired next season, I bet.
The Memphis Redbirds are hiring an assistant groundskeeper.
St. Jude seeks an HR communications specialist.
Today is National Meth Awareness Day. Book rec: Tweak by Nic Sheff. It’s a very well-written account by a former addict.
It’s also National Personal Space Day, a holiday I’m a big fan of.
Tonight at Momma’s, there’s a Ladies Night DJ set with BassVentura. Ladies get 20% off, dine-in only.
Blind Bear now carries Happy Dad seltzer, grape and fruit punch flavors. The seltzers are 5% ABV and have electrolytes.
Memphis Interfaith Coalition of Action and Hope is hiring a community organizer.
Peoples, the pool hall on Beale Street, has a free pool happy hour weekdays from 4 to 7.
The Broom Closet on South Main has a Witch Ball Crafting Event on Saturday at 2. The cost includes all supplies needed to create your own personalized witch ball as well as snacks and cider. It’s recommended that you reserve your seat in advance because space is limited.
Check out the 2023 St. Jude Marathon spectator guide if you plan on getting out to watch the runners Saturday.
Cordelia’s Market will host a holiday vendor tasting Wednesday, December 6 from 6 to 8 PM. More than 20 vendors will be on hand with offerings for you to sample. Festive accordion tunes by Aaron Brame.
There’s drag queen bingo at the MOXY Memphis hotel featuring Moth Moth Moth tonight from 7 to 9.
All right, let’s update the list: Bars/restaurants doing something special on Saturday / St. Jude Marathon weekend – version 2.0
Aldo’s Pizza Pies, Bardog, Momma’s, and Slider Inn will have 20% off food for runners Thursday-Saturday.
Wiseacre Downtown will open at 7 AM Saturday with breakfast burritos, French toast, and fruit yogurt parfaits, then switch over to pizza by the slice by Little Bettie Kitchen at 11. They’ll release Lightning in All, a dry-hopped pale ale brewed for the marathon. 20% off all beer tabs with your race bib.
Arcade Restaurant opens at 7 AM (regular opening time, not a special early opening).
King & Union Bar Grocery opens at 7 AM (regular opening time, not a special early opening).
Sugar Grits opens at 7 AM (regular opening time, not a special early opening).
Sunrise opens at 7 AM (regular opening time, not a special early opening).
Bardog will open at 8 AM with Melissa and Allie Cat bartending.
Local on Main is shooting for a 9 AM opening and will have an IV recovery station for runners.
Silly Goose will open at 9 AM.
Automatic Slim’s opens at 9 AM (regular opening time, not a special early opening).
The Stumbling Santa pub crawl commences at Flying Saucer at 7 PM. Bring a toy for the kids of Porter-Leath and dress as Santa or your favorite Christmas character. Be prepared to stumble from bar to bar in the Downtown core and on Beale Street.
Blind Bear has their Prohibition Repeal party Saturday starting about 8 PM. Food and drink specials. DJ Tree at 10. Gangster or flapper attire recommended but not required. A photographer will be there, so come get your picture on the wall.
I may update the list one more time Friday. We’ll see.
And a “Thursday update #2” is likely around noon today, It’s currently about 1 AM as I publish this, so who knows, overnight news could come up.