When you think of New Year’s Eve parties, what comes to mind?
- Rooms so crowded you can hardly breathe
- Long lines for drinks
- Long lines for food that even drunk people think is crappy
- Long lines for restrooms
- That one guy who reacts to long restroom lines by going, “Fuck it, I’ll just piss in the sink”
- People trying really really hard to act like big shots (a sure sign they’re NOT big shots)
- People puking
- “Fireworks or gunshots”
- etc.
How would you like to bypass all that and have an actual GOOD TIME on New Year’s Eve with cool Downtowners who know how to have a low-key fun evening?
If that’s what you’re looking for, my top recommendation is Bardog’s New Year’s Eve Bash. They’re selling a limited number of tickets whose holders will have exclusive access to the entire place – upstairs and down. I’ve heard them discuss 100 as the limit of tickets to sell. Posted fire marshal capacity is 125, so the party won’t be packed to the gills.
$150 per person, all-inclusive including tax, grat, and an OPEN BAR, as well as a premium food buffet (prime rib, filet mignon, shrimp cocktails, etc.), Verve Cliquot Yellow Label toast at midnight, 7 PM-1:30 AM.
Limited tickets are available on Eventbrite and at the ‘dog. I fully expect this party to sell out by the end of this week. If you have a favorite server or bartender, you might want to inquire about buying a ticket from them. Not sure if they have quotas or incentives to sell tickets or anything like that.
Blind Bear food specials for the week of December 11-16:
- Cactus chili – Cactus, ground beef, diced tomatoes, onions, corn, Northern beans, spinach, rich broth with a kick, just the right amount of spice – cup 6 bowl 10
- Pan-seared 12 oz. ribeye – Seasoned to perfection with the Bear’s house-made steak seasoning, topped with red wine, mushroom sauce; served with rosemary mashed potatoes and sauteed kale & carrots – 28
- Tomato bisque & grilled cheese – Bowl of herbed tomato bisque, complemented by a touch of basil, served with a grilled cheese sandwich – 14
- Chocolate peanut butter brownie – Chocolate brownie topped with peanut butter, chocolate, white chocolate, and peanuts – 8
I tried that brownie Sunday and it is NOT TO BE MISSED if you’re into sweet stuff. Yesterday I sampled the tomato bisque & grilled cheese and it was good too.
In other Blind Bear news: They’ll be closed for a private corporate holiday party this Friday from 7 to 9 PM. In need of an alternate place to hang out during those hours? Join me down the street at Bardog. We’ll have Dani behind the bar for the first hour and London and Nick for the second hour. On Sunday London told me I am a “silver fox.”
One more piece of Blind Bear news: Special no more! I just heard Tony tell guests that his AMAZING greens have been promoted to the main menu. A new menu is coming out this month.
And now, on to the rest of the news…
Memphis 901 FC has created a chief operating officer position and filled it with Jay Mims. Mims will oversee sales, marketing, and team operations. Meet the new COO tonight at Ghost River on Beale at 7 PM.
Today is National Ding-A-Ling Day.
There’s talk of replacing the I-55 bridge over the Mississippi River. At more than 70 years old, the current I-55 bridge is getting too outdated to handle modern traffic.
Did you know that you can earn a certificate in piracy at MIT? You’ll need to complete courses in sailing, fencing, archery, and pistol shooting, and then take the secret oath.
Dallas got a 120-113 win over the Memphis Grizzlies last night. That leaves Memphis 6 games back of the final play-in spot. Far cry from last year when the Grizz spent most of the season in second place in the West.
Speaking of Dallas, here’s the trailer for The Iron Claw, the movie documenting the Von Erich wrestling family:
Ja Morant is eligible to return a week from today… however, that’ll be an away game at New Orleans. Coach may opt to keep him out until the 21st, when Memphis is at home against the Indiana Pacers.
Today’s specials at Bardog:
- Chicken parmesan with alfredo sauce over spaghetti
- Beef sliders with BBQ sauce, bacon, cheddar, pickles
- Soup: Chicken tortilla
- Dog: Chili, cheese, onion
- Mussels: Garlic, tomato, white wine
- Bourbon pecan pie
- Chocolate cake
The Price Is Right has a tribute to Bob Barker on. He would have been 100 today.
Back tomorrow with more news.