Author: paulryburn

Election Day rant and then a bunch of Tuesday news (beer! and phorritos!)

For my entire life, I took it for granted that I live in the greatest country in the world and that it would be that way until the day I died. Never once did I think there would be a threat that could destroy our democracy in my lifetime. When President Obama and Mitt Romney ran in 2012, although my beliefs were more in line with one candidate than the other, I knew that either one was a fine man who would defend the Constitution and who truly wanted to shape the best America he knew how. I knew my country would be safe under either man’s leadership.

I do not have the same feeling about this election. This year we have a candidate whose primary motivation is his own self-aggrandizement. He does not have the experience to be president, nor the temperament. I truly fear the end of our democracy, and the downfall of the Constitution, may be imminent if this man is elected. I also fear that we will find ourselves in a nuclear war before 2021. That man is Donald Trump.

As for Hillary Clinton, I do believe her goal is to shape the best America she knows how, and I’d be hard-pressed to think of anyone who has more experience to qualify her to be president. She’s not my first choice, and I will agree that there is a gray area between doing what is best for America and enriching herself – in fact, once this election is over I will compare her to a historical figure with whom I see similarities. Nonetheless, I sincerely hope Ms. Clinton is pronounced the winner this evening.

(By the way, if you want to try to guess the historical figure, hit me up at paul@paulryburn.com or on Facebook. I am interested to know if anyone else has made the comparison.)

As for election watch parties Downtown, the only one I have heard of that’s not political is Vote to #EndAlz at the High Cotton Brewing taproom this evening from 5 to 9. Suggested $10 donation gets you your first beer, and there will be discounted pints after that. As you watch the results, you’ll get a lot of good information on the way Alzheimer’s Disease is being fought.

You know, I try to mention all the local craft breweries’ taproom events, but it seems like I cover High Cotton’s more than any of them. If I keep this up, I bet one day the HCB taproom manager will get on Facebook Live and post a video telling everyone how awesome my blog is and how awesome I am.

:mrgreen:

The Downtown Memphis Commission will have its annual meeting honoring Downtown visionaries at the Halloran Center November 16 starting at 4:30 PM. There will be a cocktail reception, a presentation of strategic priorities by Terence Patterson who runs DMC, and recommendations for improving the Main Street Mall and its surroundings by international experts. Then the Visionary Awards will be presented: three for Individual Achievement and one each for Organizational Achievement, Lifetime Achievement and a Special Award of Merit. I will avoid mentioning any names for now but I will say I am VERY EXCITED for one of the recipients of the Individual Achievement Award. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $20 and seating is limited.

Not a beer sold in Memphis, but nevertheless, whoa:

Here’s another “whoa” moment for you: The Phorrito. Many people enjoy pho, the popular Vietnamese noodle soup, but these days, who has time to sit down to eat a bowl of soup? The Phorrito is all the goodness of pho but it can be eaten on the run. The burrito’s ingredients include thinly-sliced rib-eye steak, bean sprouts, cilantro, onions, Thai basil, jalapeño, lime juice and phở noodles. It’s wrapped in a tortilla and served with sriracha and hoisin sauce. No, this is not available in Memphis (yet; you food truck people need to get on it). If you’re ever in L.A., you can get one at Komodo at 8809 W. Pico (just a few miles down the road from Gus’s).

By the way, if you’ve ever wondered what we talk about during these happy hours at Silly Goose and Blind Bear and our other places, that’s what: phorritos.

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree, the annual lighting of the Downtown Christmas tree, will happen from 5 to 7 PM next Friday, November 18 (hey, that’s my birthday!) A lot will be going on at this event but let’s get to what’s important – BEER! The Tap Box mobile craft beer truck will be on hand to pour you a cold one. There will be caroling by Downtown Elementary, holiday treats, and face painting, along with a tree-lighting ceremony by Mayor Strickland. The tree will be located at the corner of Main and Peabody Place.

Do you just want to rock some hair, rescue dogs & drink craft coffee? Come to Bark Bistro at 101 S. Main Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. There will be Dr. Bean’s Coffee, goodies from Beth Spencer Design, and dogs and puppies from Memphis Animal Services. Adoptions that day will be $35 (half the shelter’s normal price) and will be cash only. In addition to enjoying coffee and dogs, you will be able to learn about MAS volunteer and fostering opportunities.

Now and then the Shelby County Health Department contracts with graphic designers on one-off projects. They are looking to build their list of designers for when they have a need. More information here.

Here’s a cheat sheet for those of you who aren’t good at Electoral math and/or who don’t want to stay up past 10 PM tonight watching the results:

  • If Clinton wins Florida, North Carolina, or Ohio, she’s our new president.
  • If Clinton wins New Hampshire, she’s probably our new president.
  • If Trump wins Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, or Minnesota, he’s probably our new president. Remove the word “probably” if he wins two of these.

That’s it for now. Off to work. Possibly another post later in the day.

Monday update

Ever wonder what the beer prices are for a World Series game? Yesterday afternoon at the Blind Bear, it came up in conversation that PBR was selling for $12 for a 12 oz. can at Wrigley Field… oh, and by the way, that’s after you pay a $50 cover charge just to get into the bar. Assuming you have 5 PBRs, that $110 for 60 ounces. That’s a Value Drinking Index of 4.6 (percent alcohol) * 60 (ounces) / 110 (price), an absolutely horrible 2.5. You generally want to see a Value Drinking Index of 15 or higher… for comparison, at the Blind Bear a 16 oz. PBR is $3, for a VDI of 4.6 * 16 / 3, or 24.5, which is excellent.

Latino Memphis is hosting Turkey Tamales at the Wiseacre taproom Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30. Your $15 donation will get you a plate of tamales that have been Wiseacre infused, as well as a side of beans, churros, and hot chocolate. Wiseacre beer will be available for purchase. There will be a jazz band in the outdoor pavilion, and a game of Giant Jenga will be going on. International photographer Felix Villa’s work will be on exhibit and available for purchase. Proceeds from this event will be used to help buy holiday gifts for local underprivileged kids.

The Memphis Tigers hope Christian Brothers at FedExForum tonight at 6:30. Tubby Smith tweeted that there’s a buy-one-get-one special on Terrace Level tickets tonight.

Memphians are invited to stand with Standing Rock Thursday from 2 to 4 PM at 167 North Main, at the local US Army Corps of Engineers office. The Standing Rock Sioux have identified the US Army Corps of Enginners as their top target to save their sacred lands, because that is the organization with the power to grant or deny the permits that would allow the Dakota Access Pipeline to be built.

From AP: The Florida Gators’ loss to Arkansas shows the gap between the SEC West and the SEC East

Back Yard Burgers is offering a free Classic Burger to active duty military and veterans on Friday, November 11, Veterans’ Day. Show ID or come in uniform to get this offer.

All branches of the Memphis Public Library system will close for Veterans’ Day,

The Memphis Redbirds’ fall merchandise sale continues this week 10 AM-4 PM Monday-Thursday in the AutoZone Park plaza.

Reservations are required by Friday if you plan on going to the SMA’s Do Good with Food brunch at Bleu this Sunday, a.k.a. the annual Marcy Party.

Art Village Gallery will have an open house and mixer from 5 to 7 PM Sunday, November 20. It will be the unveiling of the newly renovated gallery, with hors d’oeuvres, beverages, gift items, desserts, and entertainment.

Read about the Memphis 3.0 plan that Mayor Strickland and his team will craft over the next two years, and learn about opportunities to give community input at meetings around town later this month and next month. The Downtown meeting will be at the Cossitt library at Front and Monroe 10 AM on December 10.

Love the Flying Fish’s Facebook post this morning.

On the day before the election, we give you Fried Catfish, Fish Tacos, Seafood Gumbo, Shrimp KaBob or Salmon Salad. No matter what you choose, you’re going to be a winner!

Too bad we can’t say the same for tomorrow…

The public is invited to Rep. Steve Cohen’s election night victory party tomorrow night at the Rec Room, 3000 Broad, starting at 7:30. As long as Steve is representing me I know there’s a glimmer of hope for our democracy.

What a fun Sunday Fun Day at the Blind Bear yesterday. My friends Rahul and Tony planned a “Pau Pau Palooza” (Pau Pau is their nickname for me) birthday dinner at Golden India for me. I love Indian food, and I don’t get it often because there is not an Indian restaurant Downtown or near where I work. I haven’t been to Golden India in 13 years, and now that I think about it the last time was also a birthday dinner. I love spicy food and usually get the vindaloo, but if any of my readers eat there regularly and have other suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

Hmmm… I’m off work on my birthday and that dinner means I’m going to have to behave during the day. Not quite sure how that’s going to work.

From CNN: How Donald Trump made fact-checking great again

Today is the beginning of Downtown Dining Week. If you missed my post yesterday, scroll down and read it for lots of good DDW info. I picked two “winners” that I thought had the best menus, and highlighted interesting items more restaurants are serving up for DDW.

Not sure where I’ll do happy hour yet, but probably leaning ever so slightly in the Silly Goose direction. The sun will set at 4:59 this afternoon which does not make me happy, but with the help of PBR I will somehow muddle through.

Downtown Dining Week top picks, a trip to Midtown, and Sunday news

Tomorrow is the beginning of Downtown Dining Week, running until Sunday, November 13. Restaurants all over Downtown run multi-course dinner specials for the low price of $20.16, in many cases offering incredible value for the money. Some restaurants also run $10.16 lunch specials.

Many restaurant owners and chefs and managers see DDW as the incredible opportunity that it is. People who would never have the restaurant on their radar will come through the door. Show those people an amazing dining experience and some of them will come back and spend money at regular prices. Or, even if they don’t come back, they will talk about their dinner, which will encourage others to check the place out.

There are also restaurants who phone it in, who think, “***Sigh*** We have to do Downtown Dining Week again, or we’ll look like ‘that one place’ that chooses not to go along with the pack.” Their menus are unimaginative, and they tend to treat people who order off the DDW menu as second-class customers. That is a mistake. Two years ago, two of my friends paid $20.14 for the fine-dining equivalent of a Banquet frozen dinner that made them both sick. I’m pleased to see that restaurant is not doing DDW this year. Either embrace the concept or don’t participate.

This morning I went through all the DDW restaurant menus to see who really embraced the concept. I have multiple recommendations which I will list below, but I wanted to pick a “winner” that had the most outstanding menu. I couldn’t. It’s a tie.

5 Spot is offering a four-course dinner for $20.16. You get an appetizer, soup or salad, entree, and dessert. You don’t see too many restaurants that offer appetizers like Gulf shrimp or bacon-wrapped jalapeños for DDW. Also, I don’t know if I have any vegetarians who read this blog, but on the off-chance that I do, I will mention that 5 Spot is one of the few restaurants offering a meatless entree for DDW – a vegetable lasagna with spinach, shitake and cremini mushrooms, ricotta, mozzarella, and pecorino cheeses.

Rizzo’s is my other winner in the DDW sweepstakes. They too offer a four-course menu, with a soup or salad followed by an appetizer, entree, and dessert. Great value. I will leave it up to you to decide on the entree or dessert, but just trust me on the first two courses… get Chef Michael Patrick’s famous cheeseburger soup to start off, then follow that up with the Lobster Pronto Pup, the menu holdover from the days of EP Delta Kitchen. There is nothing quite like it.

If you want to dine at either of the restaurants I mentioned above, or any of the ones I am about to mention, let me advise you to call TODAY and make reservations. These places will get booked up.

Here are some other restaurants that are doing some interesting stuff for Downtown Dining Week.

  • Carne asada at Agave Maria
  • Italian seafood stew at Capriccio
  • Afternoon tea at Chez Philippe (my friend Memphis MandySue who recently got married LOVES this)
  • Rustic lobster grilled cheese at Crossroads inside the Sheraton Hotel
  • Shrimp & grits or Sunday Sugo at Felicia Suzanne’s
  • Local – the she crab bisque as the first course is not to be missed
  • Cornish game hen at Loflin Yard
  • South of Beale – duck fried rice for the first course
  • Shrimp stuffed tilapia or a 4 oz. sirloin with lobster mac & cheese at Tug’s

Check the fine print on the restaurants’ menus, because many of them add a 20% gratuity automatically. If you dine at one that does not, my recommended tip would be about six dollars. That’s almost thirty percent – why so much? Because I like to tip on the full value of my dinner, rather than the discounted price. Also, the servers are going to be working extra hard during DDW, so it’s nice to tip a little extra to show appreciation. Also, be kind to your servers – if a restaurant normally takes 10 minutes to get your food out to you, it may be 15 or 20 because of the DDW volume, and it isn’t your server’s fault.

There are a couple of places charging $10.16 for a burger. How is that a value?

Okay, let’s get on to the news and then I will recap yesterday. From Food & Wine: Beer golf is beer pong’s sophisticated older brother. Instead of tossing a ping-pong ball into cups on a table, you fill up full pitchers of beer and attempt to chip golf balls in.

If you missed the recent Downtown safety meeting, here’s a recap.

The Grizzlies host the Portland Trail Blazers for an afternoon game at FedExForum. Tip-off time is 2:30.

November 6th Street has its own fan page on Facebook. The alley, running north-south between Main and Second, commemorates November 6, 1934, when Memphis voters elected to build or buy an electrical system to use cheaper electricity from TVA. The next month, Maiden Lane was renamed November 6th Street.

The theme of yesterday was “plans change.” All week I had been planning to get to Max’s Sports Bar early in the day and hunker down for a full day of football watching. I was perfectly positioned in a seat with my back to the door, facing the two TVs hung from the second floor rail, with Florida-Arkansas to be on one TV and Memphis-SMU on the other. After those games were over I was going to stick around for the Alabama-LSU game at 7. (Somewhere at a bar in McAllen, Texas, people were going “Why does that woman keep saying ‘roooooooollllllllll tide?'” last night.) I had gotten some good food in me earlier and the day, and Danny poured me a PBR. I was ready to roll.

Then I looked at my phone. My friends were checking in at the chili cook-off in Overton Square. I felt bad for not being there supporting the Blind Bear team, given how well I have been treated at that bar since the day it opened. “The festival goes on until 4,” I thought. “I’ve still got time. I’ll order an Uber.” I tabbed out with Danny and requested a ride. Five minutes later, I was in a car and on my way.

The ride out there was… interesting, I guess you could say. The entire way there, the driver had his phone six inches from his face, apparently Skyping his family back home in some country in the Middle East (I didn’t get the chance to ask which country.) He and a woman were speaking in what I think was Arabic. At some point I heard children’s voices, and the woman started singing, and he started singing, and there was Middle Eastern music. “Is he paying any attention to the road at all?” I wondered. However, he was driving pretty safe, and I got there without incident. $8.06 to get from South Main to Overton Square is not bad.

I found the Blind Bear tent and the cooking team assembled inside: Colin from the Bear, Bicycle Bobby, and Chef Michael Patrick. Damn. You don’t get a three-person team in the kitchen much better than that. “Paul, have some three-bean turkey chili,” said Chef as he handed me a cup and a spoon. It was delicious!

I walked around to the back of the tent where some of the Blind Bear staff and regulars were hanging out. I took a seat on the wall and just enjoyed my surroundings. Mid 60s with a light wind, a perfect day for a light fleece jacket and shorts.

By 2:30 they were starting to break down the tent. “I can’t believe we went through that huge pot of chili,” Colin commented. “Usually we have tons of it left, that I take to people. People are going to be disappointed this year when they don’t get any chili tonight.” I am not surprised it was all gone. Word travels fast about his chili.

As they broke down the tent, I was thinking about a walk down Cooper to Slider Inn to hang out with my “DAWG” John D in his native habitat. However, before I could get to my feet and say my goodbyes, Colin’s wife Whitney and B-RAD told me, “Some of us are about to walk over to Schweinehaus and get a beer and a pretzel. Would you like to come?” Seeing that spontaneity leads to good things, I decided to join them.

It was my first time in Schweinehaus and the tap wall immediately impressed me. Of the many taps, only one was hooked-up to a mass-produced domestic beer… and that was the Cadillac of beers, PBR. Of course I ordered one.

“What size?” the bartender asked.

That’s a question I am not used to, outside of the bars on Beale where Big Ass Beers are served. “What sizes do you have?” I replied.

“We have a standard pint glass, a half-liter, and a liter glass,” she said.

A LITER of PBR????? I’ll take it!

photo-nov-05-2-19-43-pm

The bartender turned the Arkansas game on for me. I like the setup they have in there, with a main bar with a TV and a rail behind it with two more TVs.

DSW brought some turkey fresh off the smoker for our group to sample. Man was that ever good! DSW, that is a fine restaurant you have there, and I have been foolishly depriving myself of delicious food by not coming out there until now.

Tony and B-RAD and I decided it was selfie time.

photo-nov-05-2-39-31-pm

The picture got posted to Facebook and our friend Katie (not Mac) commented “Pure trouble.”

“Next up is the Memphis Grilled Cheese Festival,” Tony pointed out. “Grilled cheese is vegetarian. You should invite Katie from D.C. to come down.” (We need a scorecard to keep up with all the Katies I mention on the blog.) That sounded like a good idea so I texted Katie from D.C. I told her she could stay in my warm, cozy apartment if she didn’t want to stay with her friend Staci. She said she’s going to try to make it. Hmmm… don’t know about the apartment being warm and cozy actually… with the weather we’ve been having lately, I’m wondering if I’ll still have the A/C on in December.

We stayed until a little after 5 to see a friend of ours who had just started working there (and damn, she was rocking those jeans she had on), and then I caught a ride back Downtown with Colin and Whitney. I pulled up a seat at the Blind Bear bar and watched Arkansas take down #11 Florida, after earlier seeing Mississippi State put #4 Texas A&M’s playoff hopes to an end. I’m telling you, it seems like any team in the SEC West is dangerous. Bama is head and shoulders above all the other teams, that much I will admit. But if I were a head football coach, I don’t think I would be happy to see any team in our division on the upcoming schedule.

When I came home that evening, I found a present on my front door:

photo-nov-05-8-10-47-pm

It was a PBR cooler! Leslie, my neighbor and apartment manager, had found it and asked if I wanted it. You better believe I want it! I will have to shop carefully, though, because there is only one brand of beer worthy of being carried in such an excellent bag!

It’s Sunday Fun Day and soon it will be time for D-RANKS with B-RAD. I’d like to extend a sincere invitation to a former regular at Sunday brunch at the Blind Bear, last seen August 2015, to come back sometime soon. Try though I might, I just can’t hate on someone with such fabulous taste in music.

All right, got a couple of hours to kill before the Blind Bear opens, so it’s time to get out my iPad and see what there is to watch on WWE Network. For fellow Network subscribers, check out the Legends show where JBL interviews Freebird Michael P.S. Hayes. It is excellent. Outta here for now, back tomorrow with more news.

 

Dodgeball, NYE party, soccer tryouts, Thanksgiving dinner and more: Sat update

Dodgeball is coming to Downtown Memphis! On Saturday, November 19, there will be a dodgeball tournament on Peabody Place between Main and Second, with proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society. Entry fee is $400 for a regular team, $1000 for a corporate team, with 100% of the money raised going to charity.

The Cadre Building presents Exhilaration on New Year’s Eve. Lord T & Eloise, DJ Wick-It The Instigator and DJ Jordan Rogers will perform, along with dance group Priceless.crew. Michael Kelly will emcee. There will be a balloon drop at midnight, two ice luges, and much more. The event benefits the Memphis Songwriters Association. The Cadre is at 149 Monroe at the corner of Second.

Want to play semi-professional soccer? Memphis City FC is holding tryouts at Christian Brothers High School Saturday, November 19. The fee to try out is $40 if you pre-register or $50 if you walk on. You must be at least 16 years of age by the day of the tryout.

Want a delicious Thanksgiving dinner without all the prep work? Let one of Downtown’s best restaurants, LUNCHBOXeats, cook for you! They will sell you an entire Thanksgiving dinner (feeds 6-8; traditional $119, deluxe $189), or you can pick individual entrees, sides, or desserts. Here’s a list. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Give them a call, they may be able to pull it off! Pickup days are Tuesday, November 22, Wednesday, November 23, and (for an additional fee) Thursday, November 24.

Anyone know why they put MAC & CHEESE in all caps when all the other sides are properly cased? Their mac & cheese is pretty good, so I won’t argue. Today I will ask around and see if others agree. I have a feeling I will see one of my readers who is a mac & cheese fan later this morning…

The Voice of Romance, crooner Johnny Mathis, comes to The Orpheum Sunday, June 25, 2017. He’ll perform his favorites and greatest hits. Tickets go on sale Friday, November 18 at 10 AM. (Hey, the 18th is my birthday! I’d prefer a PBR instead of a Johnny Mathis ticket if anyone is buying presents.)

Cafe Pontotoc is hiring. The restaurant, at 314 S. Main, is looking for full-time and part-time servers. Server experience is preferred. Come by between 2 and 4 in the afternoon Tuesday-Friday and fill out an application. No phone calls.

As a computer person I have to nerd out at this news: the unveiling of Code.gov. Last August the Obama Administration signed an order stating that 20 percent of the government’s future software projects to be open source. Code.gov is the place for you to view all the code and there are 50 different projects from 10 different agencies. Thanks, Obama!

Now you can buy pills that cause you to poop glitter. 2016: The year of glitter poop, Pokemon Go, and President Trump. I’d call it the absolute nadir of modern society, but I better not jinx 2017. I tell you one group of people who I bet are mighty excited about the arrival of glitter poop: plumbers.

My least favorite time of the year, Standard Time, begins tonight. At 3AM this morning Daylight Time ends and clocks “fall back” an hour to 2 AM, then there is a second 3 AM an hour later. In case you’re wondering, no the ABC does not let bars stay open until the second 3 AM. However, when clocks “spring forward” in March, they make bars close at 2 AM. So bars don’t gain an hour in the fall and they lose an hour in the spring. Something seems not right there.

They need one of these at the Flying Fish.

Last night I was out at the bars, and I was thinking about the “what’s going on in the city of Memphis” email that Mayor Strickland sends out every week. I thought about his “we intend to be brilliant at the basics” catchphrase and I wondered, would that work as a pickup line? Maybe I’ll go to Silky’s tonight and approach a bachelorette party. “Hey, baby, the ladies tell me I’m brilliant at the basics. Wanna find out?”

Hey, I’ve heard worse.

I found something new in the Halloween candy bowl at work this week: A Butterfinger peanut butter cup. Anyone know if they have those at Maggie Moo’s? I would love to get that mixed in with some ice cream.

I’ve been playing around with electoral maps this week. Here’s a scary one:

electoralmap

McMullin wins Utah, making the electoral vote work out like this: Clinton 268, Trump 264, McMullin 6. No candidate would get the 270 needed for a majority. Given current state polling it is entirely possible this scenario could happen.

The election would be thrown to the incoming House of Representatives, with each state delegation getting one vote. The top three candidates would be required to be on the first ballot. The Republican state delegations outnumber the Democrats, so Trump would seem like a lock for the presidency. However, recognizing the danger Donald Trump represents to the Constitution and America’s reputation in world affairs, Republicans would engage in horse-trading to split their vote between Trump and McMullin. No candidate would get a majority on the first ballot. On the second ballot, the Representatives could nominate whoever they want… leading to the 45th President of the United States, Paul Ryan.

Alternate outcome: The lower 48 vote exactly as the map above, and we all go to bed Tuesday night thinking no candidate gets a majority. Then at 5 AM, the race is called in Alaska, which flips blue for the first time in 52 years… leading to the 45th President of the United States, Hillary Clinton, winning 271 to 261 to 6.

Here’s a throwback photo: On November 5, 2008, we gathered at Calhoun’s Sports Bar (now Max’s) to watch the results of the Obama vs. McCain presidential election.

election2008

This picture was taken right after the election was called for Obama. Most of the people in the bar were pretty happy.

Any bars showing the election results with sound this year? Only place I’ve heard of so far is the High Cotton taproom, and I really don’t want to go east of Danny Thomas. Unless the Midtown Kroger had an election watch party, that’d be the best thing ever…

It’s Farmers Market time! I am ready for breakfast from the tandoori truck. After that I’ll stop by Earnestine & Hazel’s to say hello to Clarence, then over to Max’s to get a good seat for the Arkansas and Memphis games.

Fri update #2: India Fest, TechCamp Memphis, chili cook-off and more

Downtowners: There are three events coming up tomorrow, Saturday, November 5, that are definitely worth considering a trip east of Danny Thomas. The first one is India Fest out at the Agricenter in Cordova. The theme this year is the Festivals of India. All day from 10 AM to 8 PM you will be able to take in activities like Bollywood Dancing Shows and Henna Painting. There will be plenty of delicious Indian cuisine, and you can shop from over 50 Indian vendors.

The next event tomorrow that I would recommend is TechCamp Memphis at the FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis. IT and marketing professionals, web designers, and students are among the target audience for this event. There will be sessions on content creation and design, online marketing, and development. This is a fantastic opportunity to network with your peers as well as to learn.

The third event is a chili cook-off at Overton Square tomorrow beginning at 10 AM benefiting the Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee. The foundation helps meet the social, educational, and recreational needs of those with disabilities. $10 gets you a tasting wristband so you can sample all the teams’ chili, and there is a beer tasting wristband as well. Downtown friends – come down and support the Blind Bear team or support them online with a donation to the foundation. Judging happens at noon and there will be live entertainment until 4. Come try Colin’s famous chili!

If none of the events I just named float your boat, there’s a sweet potato festival in Vardaman, Mississippi too.

Are you planning on coming to a Grizzlies game sometime this season, and you want to know what all your options are to get something to eat? Alexis All-Access has a look at food favorites at FedExForum.

Claybrook Farms’ November discount bundle is now on sale. You get six 12 oz. ribeyes, four 12 oz. strip steaks, and four 1 1/2 lb. packages of ground beef. This is a $185 retail value but you can get it for $150 with the discount.

That’s it for now. I’ll lead off at Silly Goose happy hour after work then figure out my plans for the evening. Back tomorrow, already got some good stuff for my Saturday post.

Friday morning update

The Art of Science happens at the Hyde Gallery, 477 S. Main, next Friday, November 11, from 6 to 9 PM. This collection saw more than two dozen Le Bonheur researchers paired with local artists. The artists interpreted the significance of the researchers’ work in unique ways, in order to show the beauty of science and power of art at their intersection. The artists and scientists will be present at the November 11 opening to discuss their work. The show runs through December 16.

A new Fairfield Inn and Suites is coming to the northwest corner of Third and Union, across from AutoZone Park and former site of that shitty hotel that housed the Denny’s on the ground floor. Happy to hear about Fairfield and I hope they don’t bring back Denny’s!

Rhapsody in Black, a one-man show that confronts racism in America, will happen at the Halloran Centre on Friday, November 18 (hey, that’s my birthday!) at 6:30 PM. LeLand Garitt uses unflinching honesty to convey his life experiences and how they helped him understand and transcend racism in America. He talks of growing up in an underprivileged neighborhood, to experimenting with crime and drugs, to scholastic achievement, to an acting class where he was just about the only African-American in the room. He talks about being marked “The Other” in moving detail. The show is recommended for ages 15 and up due to adult language and situations.

Holly has a sneak peek of the new Ghost River tap room on the I Love Memphis blog. It opens Saturday at Main and Crump. Looks nice!

The Main Street Busking Challenge is back on the Main Street Mall from 5 to 8. Listen to live music by street musicians and vote for your favorite.

Are you ready for some flopping? The Grizzlies host the L.A. Clippers tonight at FedExForum at 7. The Grizzlies have announced a partnership with Uber to help get fans home from games safe. New Uber riders who are Grizzlies fans can get $15 off their first ride, and there will be perks and promotions for Uber-riding Grizzlies fans throughout the season.

From the CA: Justin Timberlake discusses his dual role as executive music director and voice actor for the newly released movie Trolls. Don’tcha just love those crazy trolls?

Some of you may remember that board game by the “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” author that taught players how to get rich. You’d start off in the “Rat Race” and the goal was to get out of the “Rat Race” and on to the “Fast Track.” Well, now there’s a board game to teach activists how to succeed. In this game, you don’t have opponents, which makes sense. All the players are on the same team to strive for their cause.

Cheap beer alert: This Saturday only, Madison Growler inside the Midtown Cash Saver will give customers $2 off any growler fill that costs $6 or more. An effort to draw people away from the new growler shop at Union Kroger, I would bet?

The giant neon rooster proposed as signage for Old Dominick Distillery got nixed by the Design Review Board. Too bad, it seemed a very appropriate sign for the Front Street Chicken District (credit @Kerry901 for the name).

Time for work… check back, probably another post at lunchtime.

Thursday update

Yesterday was the payoff for “steal a base, steal a taco” at Taco Bell from 2 to 6 PM. I wonder how many people told their bosses they needed to leave work early so they could go early vote, and then went to Taco Bell instead?

Another very-cool sounding job has landed on my radar: There’s an opening for a Marketing Technologist at Oden.

The Dirty Crow Inn has a hamburger special this week that is made with a Gibson’s Maple Bacon Donut bun. In other news, Just Around the River Band featuring Savannah and Kenny Long plays the Crow Friday from 8 to 11. Savannah has been on the Memphis music circuit for several new years, and is now taking it to a whole new level with her dad Kenny on keyboards. The songwriting duo will entertain you with originals and amazing covers.

The Metal Museum will be offering a cast aluminum light plate switch class this Saturday from 1 to 5 PM.

A Paint & Sip Night comes to The 101, the pop-up space at 101 S. Main across from Aldo’s, Saturday November 12 from 7-9 PM. You will be able to paint a festive snowman while sipping on wine (BYOB). Tickets are $35 and the class is limited to 30 spots.

Cupcakes, Cocktails and Cursing makes its comeback at The 101 from 6-8 PM November 30. This is a women-only event. It’s your chance to talk about women’s issues, relationships, or whatever you want. $8 to get in, or $5 if you bring your own wine glass.

Jam Up and Jelly Tight is the theme this Saturday at the Paris Adult Theater… er, I mean the Memphis Farmers Market. The Market invites you to SPREAD the love around this Saturday (I’m not kidding, this was in their weekly email)… spread it on toast, biscuits, English muffins, waffles, and crackers. The Market has all kinds of jams and jellies ranging from sweet to sour to savory, or make your own using fresh ingredients from the Market. Kids can make candy corn turkeys at the crafts table 9-11. The UT Pediatric Obesity Program will be at the Market 8:30-12:30 if you want to get your height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, heart rate, and inbody measures checked. They will also be handing out literature about the pediatric obesity program at LeBonheur. Live music by Adam Levine 10-12:30. Pet adoptions by Dogs 2nd Chance 9-noon. The Market runs every Saturday from 7 AM to 1 PM at the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson.

The next time you sit down at the bar and think, “What beer do I want?” you might want to rethink that Yuengling. The owners of the brewery have endorsed Donald Trump. You don’t even have to look outside of Memphis to find alternate beers to drink, with great craft brews by Memphis Made, Wiseacre, Ghost River, and High Cotton produced here. But if you do look outside of Memphis, may I recommend the PBR?

Speaking of High Cotton, they are putting their Oktoberfest and Hefeweizen on fire sale this evening from 5 to 8 for the low price of $1 a pint. You can get growler fills of those beers for $5 during that time. They are trying to clear those beers off the taps to make room for new offerings.

Did you miss the biggest event in American history since the May 10, 1869 completion of the first transcontinental railroad in North America? I am talking of course about the opening of the new Kroger on Union Avenue in Midtown. If you weren’t able to be there, the always-excellent @midtownkrogers Twitter account has a recap.

Congratulations to all my friends and readers who are Chicago Cubs fans after the 108-year drought came to an end last night. I didn’t stay up to watch the nearly 5-hour 10-inning game, which is a shame because I have been told I missed the ending to the most exciting game in the history of Major League Baseball. Kevin Cerrito had a comment on the game:

So true, so true.

It’s National Sandwich Day and when you buy a sub and a drink at Subway today, you get a free sub and also one will be donated to the Mid-South Food Bank.

That’s it for now. As usual I will be out at Silly Goose happy hour after work.

The greatest day in the history of Memphis

Today is something of a city holiday here in Memphis. No, it’s not the anniversary of the city’s founding, or the anniversary of the day Memphis got its city charter back following the yellow fever outbreak. This is something far more important. It’s the GRAND OPENING OF THE KROGER ON UNION!!!!! This is the date humans have been anticipating since our lineage broke away from the australopithecenes 2.9 million years ago. The Memphis Flyer has a slideshow. Sushi bar, Corky’s BBQ, cheese shop, sandwich shop, growler station, etc., etc.

Geoff Calkins of the CA reported that the first customer inside the new Kroger bought Meow Mix treats.

If you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow @midtownkrogers. This is a parody account, not the store’s official account, but it’s damn funny. Itwill keep u up to date on all the #dicsounts and #produce at Krogers.

Ghost River’s new taproom opens this Saturday, November 5. Hours will be 4:00-10:30 Wednesday-Friday, noon to 10:30 Saturday, noon to 9 Sunday. The taproom is in their brewery at Main and Crump.

Miss Cordelia’s and Cordelia’s Table are having a party from 5 to 8 this evening to welcome Good People Brewing Co. from Birmingham, Alabama to Memphis. Along with Good People beer, there will be food by El Mero Taco, The Creamery, and Sweet Street Treat. You might be able to score some free swag too! In addition, the Bikesmith mobile bike repair shop will be out there, so if you need to get your bike fixed, bring it!

Bar owners and managers: There’s a program at a bar in Lincolnshire, UK that you might want to consider implementing in your own bar. It’s called Ask Angela. “Hi, I’m Angela,” reads a poster in the women’s restroom. The poster tells the women if they are there with a guy, and the situation has started to feel weird, creepy, unsafe, to come to the bar and ask for “Angela.” The bar staff will understand this means the woman needs help to get out of her situation, and will discreetly call a taxi or do whatever they can to help her, without making a big fuss.

A posterboard, a pen, and ten minutes of staff training could potentially prevent a sexual assault from happening from what started as an encounter at their bar. That sounds like a winner to me. No-brainer.

Shelby County Schools are hiring a Director of Talent Management. The successful candidate will manage evaluation of instructional effectiveness.

Flu season is right around the corner. Do you want to learn more about the influenza virus, and research that is being done here in Memphis to combat it? Come to Cafe Electic (the Midtown location) next Wednesday, November 9 to hear a talk by St. Jude scientist Dr. Erik Karlsson.

INSIDER TIP: Dr. Karlsson knows a thing or two about BBQ as well. :mrgreen:

Only two days left to early vote in Tennessee. Remember, you can early vote at any location, but if you wait until Election Day, you have to go to your assigned polling place. Here’s a list of early voting locations. Remember, after you early vote, it is your duty as an American to post a photo of your “I voted” sticker to Facebook, or at least post a selfie taken outside the polling place. You know, in history class they teach you about the Stamp Act and the Boston Tea Party; that’s all BS. The real reason The 13 Colonies broke away from England is that citizens of the colonies wanted to guarantee their descendants the right to post “I voted” stickers to Facebook.

It’s free taco day! Free Doritos Locos tacos (1 per person) at Taco Bell 2-6 PM today because of a “Steal a Base, Steal a Taco” promotion triggered by a stolen base in game 1 of the World Series.

This makes no sense:

“Grizzlies” has two z’s but they abbreviate it “Griz”. “Fizdale” has one z but they abbreviate the name “Fizz.” WTF? I’m normally not a style Nazi who gets all constipated when I see two spaces after a period or “e-mail” rather than “email,” but the Griz/Fizz thing just bothers me.

Roser with the info about a sweet Grizz giveaway happening Friday night:

For tonight’s Grizz game, FedExForum will keep the Bud Light Bar & Grill open through the 4th quarter and after the game so that fans may watch the conclusion of World Series Game 7.

And finally there’s this from Memphis “Traffic Babe” Wendi Hays:

Yeah, I know I’m going kinda crazy with the Twitter embeds today.

This is my second post today, so keep scrolling to read this morning’s news, which was about Breakfast with Santa, Clark’s Christmas, 50% off gift card sale and other events coming up at the Majestic Grille. Tonight, I will probably hit the Silly Goose for happy hour, although a trip to my “home away from home on the south side,” Max’s Sports Bar, to watch the Grizz and the Cubs is not out of the question. Both have PBR so it’s a can’t-lose proposition!

Holiday special events at the Majestic Grille

One of my very favorite restaurants in all of Downtown, the Majestic Grille, has announced its holiday special events for 2016, and it is quite a lineup. Kicking things off this year is Downtown Dining Week at the Majestic from November 7-13. For that week, many restaurants Downtown offer three-course dinners for the low price of $20.16, and some offer great lunch values for $10.16. View the entire list of restaurants here. Reservations are highly recommended since the Majestic is one of the most popular Dining Week venues. It is requested that when you make your reservations, you tell them that you will be ordering from the Downtown Dining Week menu rather than the regular one.

The next event is Majestic Supper Club on Tuesday, November 15. Owners Patrick and Deni recently took a vacation to Europe, making stops in Patrick’s native country of Ireland as well as Paris, Bordeaux, and London. They will share with you some of their favorite dishes from the trip, wine, and maybe a story or two. This is a six-course dinner, and reservations are required. $75 per person, plus tax and a 20% gratuity, will be required at the time of the booking.

November 30 is the day every year that is anticipated by Downtown diners: The Majestic’s half-off gift card sale. They open the doors at 8 AM and sell $50 gift cards for $25 until they run out. You can buy as many as you want, but you have to purchase them in person; no phone orders or advance orders accepted. The cards do have some restrictions: You can’t use them until January 2, 2017, and they can’t be used for catering, gratuity, take-out, alcohol, or private events. The cards also can’t be used with special promotions such as Downtown Dining Week. Still, they are a great deal! Enjoy one of Patrick’s filets or the roasted half chicken or my “DAWG” John D’s Breakfast for half the price. If you own or manage a business Downtown, gift cards would make great holiday gifts for your employees.

Brunch with Santa is next up on Saturday, December 17. Santa will personally visit every table (please allow an hour and half for the event because this will take time). Bring your camera to get your kids’ photo with Santa! $18 plus tax and gratuity for children ages 2-10. Their brunch includes an entree from their special Santa brunch menu, a cookie, hot chocolate, lollipops, and a parting gift. Older children and adults can order from the Majestic’s regular brunch menu. Reservations are required and there are seatings at 9:30, 10, 11:30, and noon. This is one of the Majestic’s most popular events and will sell out well in advance of the 17th, so if you want to go, I advise you not to delay booking a table.

Tuesday, December 20 is the 9th annual Clark’s Christmas Dinner. This is a LOT of fun and is booked full weeks in advance – I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a waiting list before Thanksgiving – so once again, if you want to go, do not hesitate to make a reservation. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is shown on the big screen, and there are costume contests with prizes for best tacky sweater and best male, female, couple, and group character from the movie. There is a special dinner menu for $26.95 (that strawberry trifle is not to be missed!) and their regular dinner menu will be available too.

Their Their New Year’s Eve dinner will be held on December 31 this year. Regular dinner menu at regular prices (no obnoxious upcharges as some restaurants do that evening) plus a few of Chef Patrick’s entree and appetizer specials. Paul McKinney & the Knights of Jazz bring the live music beginning about 8 PM. Opening at 5 and staying open late, this is a spot where you can come early to get a good meal before your NYE party or come later and ring in the new year at the Majestic. Reservations required.

I want to take a minute to especially endorse New Year’s Eve at the Majestic… as most of you know, I am not a fan of that holiday in general, because it turns into Amateur Night most places. I have done several NYEs at the Majestic and I can tell you there is no Amateur Night there. Great place to go with friends. It’s elegant but not haughty, a place where you can enjoy a laid-back holiday eve while getting some delicious food in you.

The next day, they’ll have New Year’s Day Brunch from 10 to 3 and will not be open for dinner that evening.

Note that online reservations are not accepted for many of these events, so call 901-522-8555 if you want to go.

That’s it for now. I expect to be back at lunchtime with a news post.

Tuesday update

Happy 93rd day of August!

It’s November 1 and the forecast high for Memphis is 87.

Dear Undecided Voter is the topic at The Civil Pour this month at Loflin Yard 7-9 this Thursday, November 3. This is the place to revive the art of civil discourse, of face-to-face discussion. This is where you can respectfully discuss issues with your fellow citizens, without it turning into a debate or an argument. This month’s topic… are you for HER? Are you for HIM? Or neither? Or are you sitting this election out? No matter what your stance, your two cents’ worth is welcome at The Civil Pour.

Memphis Made turns 3 this Saturday, November 5, and they are celebrating with their MALTED festival. There will be limited release beers including Orange Drewlius and Nut ReMix, as well as live music, giveaways, and food trucks. Big Barton, Pezz, and Mark Edgar Stuart. At 5 the brewery’s neighbors New Ballet Ensemble & School will have a special performance. They are set to perform their nationally acclaimed Nut Remix (for which the beer is named) next month at the Cannon Center, and at MALTED they will perform one of the most exciting pieces from that production, the Hip-Hop Battle. It will be ballet like you’ve never seen it before! The RAWK’n Grub food truck and MEMpops will be on site. First 50 people in the door (opens 1 PM) get a special 16-ounce Belgian-style MALTED pint glass, and there will be other giveaways throughout the day.

Next Wednesday, November 9, there will be a student art showcase at the Wiseacre taproom from 4 to 10 PM. Work from students of the University of Memphis, Memphis College of Art, and Rhodes College will be on display and for sale. 20% of beer sales that evening will be donated to a Shelby County school. In addition, there will be Beer Trivia in the taproom that evening.

You just can’t make this stuff up… there’s a hotel in Oklahoma City that is legendary for being haunted. Some teams outright refuse to stay there, while others continue to book the hotel for games against the OKC Thunder. Former NBA player Metta World Peace (Ron Artest) said one of the ghosts inappropriately touched him. World Peace said the ghosts were all over him and he had to just accept it. “They touched me all over the place. I’m taking one of the ghosts to court for touching me in the wrong places.”

Calvary Episcopal Church at 102 N. Second is hosting Lobsterpalooza this Saturday from 6 to 10 PM. Come enjoy a delicious lobster dinner, bid on silent auction items, dance and watch SEC football on TV. All proceeds benefit Calvary’s ministries.

Need to pick up dessert for Thanksgiving? On Wednesday, November 23, Rm Petit Cakes will be selling their goods at the Midweek Market, 101 S. Main, from 10 AM to 2 PM.

National Sandwich Day is this Thursday, November 3, and Lenny’s will be selling their subs for 25% off.

That’s it for now. I may do a second post after work.