Month: December 2023

Bardog has had a special several times recently, including yesterday: pig wings. That’s very interesting because while “when pigs fly” is a common expression, everyone know that pigs CAN’T in fact fly.

So what in fact are pig wings? I decided to do some investigating.

I found this page from The Bearded Butchers: What are pig wings? You cut the from thr pig’s lower shank. Bardog’s pig wings had more of the consistency of meat pulled off a smoked turkey leg than that of a chicken wiing.

The pig wings are the quivalent of 3 jumbo chicken wing drummies. “That’s not a lot of food,” I thought as the plate was set in front of me. I turned out not to be a problem. The “wings” were so filling that I couldn’t even get to the third one.

They’re a special at Bardog one day every couple of weeks. Give them a try thr next time you see them on the special board.

Memphis mayor-elect Paul Young has announced new appointments to his staff.

Meanwhile, the Downtown Memphis Commission has appointed a new CEO to replace Young.

Ja Morant has been named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week. The Grizzlies are 4-0 with Ja back. They’re at Denver tonight for an 8 PM matchup.

There will be a panel discussion on Dr. King’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail Wednesday, January 10 at 6 PM at the Cossitt Library.

Wendy’s is offfering a 1-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for National Bacon Day on December 30. The deal will last until January 2.

A wintry mix is possible in Memphis Friday morning. Temps in the low 40s and wind chills in the 30s for the Liberty Bowl tomorrow.

The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives has visited Good Fortune Co. and the episode will air Friday, January 5 at 8 PM.

That’s it for now. This is always kind of a slow news week. Back tomorrow, probably.

 

Ja Morant dropped in 31 points in a 116-115 overtime Grizzlies win over the New Orleans Pelicans last night The Grizz improve to 4-0 since Ja returned from suspension and 10-19 on the year. They sit 4 1/2 games out of the play-in series.

Today is Visit the Zoo Day.

The U of M is asking fans to buy Liberty Bowl tickets directly from the university. That will make it easier to seat large groups of Tigers supporters together.

Bartlett restaurant Biscuits & Jams is opening a second location at 24 North B.B. King Blvd. in the former 3rd and Court diner location. By “Jams” they mean they will have music. They hope to be open by March. The basement of that space will reopen as “The Juke.”

For those of you who know Butt Slut #1 who is frequently mentioned on this blog, ask her the difference between jelly & jam next time you see her.

The Illusionists – The Magic of the Holidays comes to the Orpheum Thursday and Friday.

Bardog’s specials today:

• Chicken & broccoli penne with pesto Alfredo – 19
• Pig wings with Korean BBQ – 16
• Soup: Loaded potato
• Dog: Pepperoncini, red pepper, sauteed onion, spicy mayo
• Mussels: Garlic, tomato, white wine
• Tiramisu
• Red velvet coconut cake

That’s it for now. Back tomorrow with more news.

 

From the Tri-State Defender: Grand opening (of ESCO) signals a new Downtown dining experience. ESCO is one of a group of restaurants owned by rapper 2 Chainz.

A person is said to have jumped into the Mississippi River near Riverside Drive on Christmas morning,

Y’all, this is the time of year when the criminals come out. They prey on tourists in town for the Liberty Bowl. BE CAREFUL and BE VIGILANT:

• If random women try to get you in their car, saying, “Let’s go have some FUN!!!”, the correct answer is NO unless you want to meet their male accomplice who has a gun.
• Avoid narrow, poorly-traveled streets late at night. Gayoso between Front and Main is one such example.
• Also avoid alleys as shortcuts. Stay on well-traveled major roads.
• Do not leave ANYTHING of value in your car, no matter how small. To a crackhead, that $5 change in your car console looks a lot like a rock.

This week’s specials at Blind Bear:

• Egg drop soup – chicken broth, eggs, green onions – cup 6, bowl 10

• Pesto cheese tortellini – Cheese tortellini tossed in a creamy pesto sauce, topped with chicken, tomatoes, and fresh basil – 18
• Sweet potato pie – Sweet potatoes, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger with a golden flaky crust – 8

All right. That should do it for today,

Yep I’m back Downtown. Let’s have a look at these specials:

• Turkey wrap – lettuce, tomato, bacon, avocado, cheddar, sriracha – 17
• Eggplant Parmesan – spaghetti, marinara, provolone – 18
• Soup: Loaded potato
• Dog: Pepperoncini, red pepper, sauteed onion, spicy mayo
• Mussels: Garlic, tomato, white wine
• Tiramisu
• Red velvet coconut cake

 

 

Get ready for a Ja vs. Zion matchup tonight, as the Grizzlies travel to NOLA to take on the Pelicans. That game’ll be at 7 on Bally Sports.

Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart has been upgraded to questionable for tonight’s game.

Today is National Whiner’s Day.

The Memphis Tigers have risen to 19 in this week’s college basketball AP poll. Conference foe FAU shot like a rocket up to number 7, giving Penny’s team the opportunity for two more high-quality wins.

The DM has a look at the new brewery & taproom coming to South Main. It’ll be called the Memphis Filling Station. The brewery has already won multiple awards for its beer. They plan to have a club membership and will release new beers on Thursday night.

Like most writers, I am a voracious reader. Today’s reading:

Iowa State is here for the Liberty Bowl:

Tee Morant says his son Ja hasn’t altered his circle of friends since Ja’s suspension.

That’s it for now… looks like I’m about to head back Downtown following Christmas in Eads. Back tomorrow I hope.

Good news for the fans of popular second-year Memphis Grizzly Kenneth Lofton Jr., who was waived last week in order to open a roster spot for the returning Ja Morant: Lofton Jr.’s playing career is not over.

The Philadelphia 76ers are signing F/C Kenneth Lofton Jr., on a two-way contract, sources tell ESPN. Lofton played parts of the past two seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. Lofton adds to the Sixers frontline depth. pic.twitter.com/j1d2fO6age

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 23, 2023

Let’s have a look at Memphis sports on TV this week:

• Tuesday, December 26, Grizzlies away at New Orleans Pelicans, 7:00 PM. TV: Bally Sports
• Thursday, December 28, Grizzlies away at Denver Nuggets, 8:00 PM. TV: Bally Sports.
• Friday, December 29, Tigers football vs. Iowa State, Liberty Bowl, 2:30 PM. TV: ESPN
• Friday, December 29, Grizzlies away at L.A. Clippers, 9:30 PM. TV: Bally Sports.
• Saturday, December 30, Tigers at home vs. Austin Peay, 6:00 PM. TV: ESPN+.
• Sunday, December 31, Grizzlies at home vs. Sacramento Kings, 7:00 PM. TV: Bally Sports.

The Tigers got it done vs. Vanderbilt yesterday but it wasn’t pretty. They improved to 10-2 and will likely move up from their number-23 spot in the AP poll.

Birdie’s, the virtual golf bar in the South Main District, is now offering memberships. Members will get significantly discounted golf rates as well as food and merchandise discounts. Bitdie’s will be open until 6 PM today if you want to swing by and get someone a membership for Christmas.

I love JEM Dining already and it’s not even open yet. The new restaurant, to open in The Edge District in January, wants to offer a fine dining experience to Memphis “without fancy dress codes, high prices, or formal expectations.” Dress codes don’t work in this city. The restaurant design was kept moderately-sized so the chef could be hands-on. The restaurant will have a monthly supper club.

The Greater Memphis Chamber says that replacing the 1949 Memphis-Arkansas Bridge is preferable to building a third bridge across the Mississippi River at Memphis. 2026 is the target date for the opening of the replacement bridge.

The Detroit Pistons tied the record for single-season NBA losing streak with their 26th straight loss last night.

The Liberty Bowl parade will roll down Beale Street Thursday starting at 2 PM. ABC 24 will livestream the parade here.

In Sweden, it’s a tradition to watch Donald Duck cartoons on Christmas Eve.

The number of venues now participating in the South Main New Year’s Eve bar crawl has expanded and now includes

• Bar Ware – one complimentary Bar Ware Royale cocktail for ticket holders; DJ Kyle from 8 PM to 1 AM
• Birdie’s – $8 Arnold Palmer slushies all day
• IBIS – live music downstairs 6-9 PM; DJ upstairs 9 PM-1 AM; $20.24 food specials and $7 cocktail specials
• Lucky Cowboy – Computer will DJ 10 PM-2 AM; $5 drink specials and 2-for -$7 seltzers
• Slider Inn – DJ DanceAlone 9 PM-1 AM; $5 Jameson and Jameson Orange
• Longshot – holding a separate ticketed event to which attendees of this bar crawl get in for free. 20% menu discounts and an exclusive drink special, with full menu available until 10
• Eight & Sand – one complimentary “Here’s to Tomorrow!” cocktail per ticket holder

Bar crawl tickets are $40 per person. Proceeds raised will be used to purchase neighborhood security cameras and connect them to MPD’s Real-Time Crime Center.

That’s it for now. Headed to Bardog for Christmas Eve cocktails slung by James and Butt Slut #1. Out to Eads for the holidays after that. Back tomorrow or Tuesday with more news.

This is the Friday update but it’s Thursday afternoon about 6 as I type this. Sitting at the bar at the Blind Bear waiting for the Grizzlies to come on. So I figure I’ll lead off with a couple of pieces of Bear news.

This week I got some insight into how Tony makes his famous greens at the Bear. If you’ve ever seen them, you’ve noticed the greens are loaded with big hunks of MEAT!!!

Tony, I’m told, smokes his own turkey legs and adds them to the pot likker in the greens. That’s where they get their meaty, smoky flavor. Now available on the regular menu.

As I sit here this afternoon, the bald bearded bartender dressed as The Grinch is installing new 55-inch TVs so that there won’t be a bad seat in the house for watching college bowl games.

One college football game will be celebrated at the Blind Bear in particular – the Tennessee Vols vs. Iowa Hawkeyes in the Citrus Bowl. They’ll open at 10 that morning and the game will start at noon. Drink specials, food specials, local swag.

I hear from a Vols fan that there will be watch parties for the Tennessee Vols every week (except the bye week) in fall 2024 at the Bear.

The Downtown Memphis Commission will announce Paul Young’s replacement after Christmas. Young, who runs DMC, will become the mayor of Memphis on January 1.

The city is hiring a golf events planner.

The Grizzlies looked great last night and improved to 2-0 with Ja back. I’m beginning to wonder if an “ESPN: 30 for 30” documentary will one day be made about our starting point guard’s comeback. Next up: at the Atlanta Hawks Saturday at 6:30.

Stax Music Academy seeks a student services manager.

Today’s specials at Bardog:

• Chicken & veggie lo mein – 18
• Patty melt – mushroom, onion, ketchup, mustard, American, and cheddar – 17
• Shrimp hors d’oeuvre – olive with balsamic – 8.99
• Soup: Chicken & dumpling
• Dog: Chili, cheese, onion
• Mussels: Garlic, tomato, white wine
• Bourbon pecan pie
• Chocolate cake

Back tomorrow or Sunday or Monday with more news.

Restaurant management company Packed House has announced holiday hours for all of its businesses.

Momma’s

• Christmas Eve – closes at 5 PM
• Christmas Day – closed
• New Year’s Eve – normal hours
• New Year’s Day – normal hours

Slider Inn

• Christmas Eve – closes at 5 PM
• Christmas Day – Downtown opens at 5 PM; Midtown closed
• New Year’s Eve – open 11 AM-1 AM; DJ DanceAlone plays Downtown 9 PM-1 AM; Witnesse plays Midtown 9 PM-1 AM
• New Year’s Day – normal hours

Aldo’s Pizza Pies

• Christmas Eve and Day – closed
• New Year’s Eve and Day – normal hours

Bardog

• Christmas Eve – normal Sunday hours – so 11 AM to 3 AM. INSIDER TIP: Last I heard, Butt Slut #1 and Bardog OG James are scheduled to work the upstairs bar 8 PM to close.
• Christmas Day – opens 5 PM
• New Year’s Eve – open as normal 11 AM-5 PM; open 7 PM-1:30 AM for their New Year’s Eve Bash (must have ticket; highly recommended by this blogger; details here)
• New Year’s Day – open normal Monday hours, which are 8 AM to 3 AM. Assuming she doesn’t switch with someone, Emily would be your morning bartender.

Today is National Coquito Day. This beverage is part of the holiday tradition of Puerto Rico. Coquito recipes vary and the drink is aged in the refrigerator before being served.

It’s also National French-Fried Shrimp Day. My recommendation is the Shrimp Basket at Flying Fish. I was gonna recommend Huey’s but it appears they don’t have the shrimp po-boy anymore.

Ja Morant returns to The Grindhouse tonight at 7 as the Memphis Grizzlies battle the Indiana Pacers. Local TV coverage will be Bally Sports. Free Grizzlies rally flag to the first 10,000 through the FedExForum gates.

There’s a holiday special at Feathers Spa at the Peabody Hotel: Buy (in-store) a gift card to the store worth $175 or more, and receive a free Zents gift set valued at $85. The gift set includes moisturizing body wash and an age-defying probiotic lotion.

It’s Wurlitzer Wonderland night at The Orpheum, a one-night concert featuring the theater’s historic pipe organ. Festive tunes played on the 95-year-old organ will get you in the holiday spirit. 7 PM showtime. $10 cash at the door.

The Daily Memphian has added word games.

E-scooter company Bird has filed for bankruptcy.

December 21 is the day of the year that Memphis gets the least sunshine… but the historically coldest time of the year is mid-January. ABC 24 explains why. For the same reason, June 21 is the longest day but July is the hottest month.

It won’t be a white Christmas in Memphis, but it’s beginning to look a lot like a wet Christmas. And – good news – a warm one.

Today’s specials at Bardog:

• Blackened salmon Alfredo – 19
• BBQ sliders – beef sliders with bacon, cheddar, BBQ sauce, pickle – 17
• Soup: Chicken & dumpling
• Dog: Bacon, bell pepper, ketchup, mustard
• Mussels: Garlic, tomato, white wine
• Bourbon pecan pie
• Chocolate cake

Back tomorrow with more news.

Happy birthday to my friend John D! He celebrates a big one today. See you at Local on Main in a little while, John!

The Memphis Tigers made it 4 victories vs.ranked teams last night, earning a 77-54 victory over 22 Virginia. Along with previous wins over 20 Arkansas, 21 Texas A&M, and undefeated 13 Clemson, Memphis has some assets to impress the NCAA tournament seeding committee.

Six seed sound about right for the Tigers? Maybe a ceiling of a five seed if we run the table against ranked conference opponent FAU.

And then there’s Ja… he looked brilliant in his last-second shot that gave the Grizzlies a 115-113 victory over New Orleans. We can all breathe a sigh of relief… our guy hasn’t lost a step. Ja had 34 points for the night.

The Memphis City Council has voted to give the Liberty Bowl stadium to the University of Memphis. Absolutely the correct move. Well done.

Today is National Sangria Day and Go Caroling Day.

I got a new troll yesterday. No idea what to name him. Suggestions?

Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas is tonight at the Orpheum.

That’s it for now. Maybe back later today.

Truffle Philly cheese steak with fries, a $12 special today at Local. Tender and cheesy and the bun sops up the juice. Peppers and onions of course.

Chicken and short rib tacos, another special today at Local. $3 each. They have chorizo too.

$5 margarita special today at Local.