Author: paulryburn

Got a question for my readers. The past couple of weeks I have been walking around the Memphis Farmers Market, I have noticed that there seem to be a disproportionate number of Chinese people who shop there. Are farmers markets a big thing in China? Do I have any Chinese readers who can shed some light on this? Just wondering.

I stuck to my plan of getting pakoras from the tandoori truck yesterday.

Pakoras are spinach and onion dipped in batter. If you haven’t tried these at the Market, you are missing out!

Right as I picked up my order, a lady asked me what they were and I showed them to her. She ordered pakoras as well, and later we crossed paths again and she told me I have been missing out by not putting any of the sauces they have next to the napkins and forks. There is a chimichurri sauce, a chutney, and a pickle sauce I believe. I will try at least one of those next time I get the pakoras.

By the way, the food truck is run by David’s Catering. Here’s their Yelp page. From the page I learned that they are a Pakistani business, rather than Indian as I had thought. They are at St. Jude on Mondays and the Memphis Botanic Garden on Wednesdays.

PBR koozie etiquette

Too often in this digital age, good manners are all but forgotten. Sometimes I think it is nice to step back in time to the era of our grandmothers and study proper manners. Consider the following two photos:

As my readers know, back in August my friend Zack gave me a PBR logo koozie that looks like a brown paper bag. In the top photo I illustrate proper use of the koozie, using it to keep a bottle of PBR nice and cool.

In the bottom photo, however, the koozie is folded and lying flat on the bar. It would be disrespectful to the bar, the PBR brand, and the universe in general to put an inferior quality beer in a PBR koozie.

If you’re ever lucky enough to receive the gift of a PBR koozie, I will hope you will have good manners and keep what I wrote here in mind. Your grandmother would be proud.

(By the way, if you’re wondering what in the world I was doing ordering a Bud, Earnestine & Hazel’s ran out of PBR after my second one.)

When I got the koozie, which is very thin, I predicted it would last about a month. However, today is day 50 with the koozie and it will be in use at D-RANKS with B-RAD here in a bit.

Mr. Mister

About 12:30 I left E&H and walked over to my “home away from home on the south side,” Max’s Sports Bar, to watch football. The Arkansas game started at 11, but the Hogs had their final cupcake opponent of the year in Alcorn State. As a result, I didn’t feel the need to be there right at the beginning of the game, and in fact by the time I sat down at Earnestine & Hazel’s a few minutes after 11 the Hogs were already up 10-0.

While the game was on halftime break, I went out to the back deck and checked out the new misting system they have installed to keep customers cool.

It works great. Max has really gone above and beyond to make all his customers, smokers and nonsmokers, happy. By the way the inside bar area is a thousand percent better without all that nasty cigarette smoke. If you tried Max’s in years past, and liked it but couldn’t stand the smoke, give it another chance. I think you will like it.

I was going to stay at Max’s all afternoon, but around 2 the bar started to fill up with horrendous UT orange. After Arkansas won 52-10, I decided it was time to make my exit.

Two of Max’s regulars were notably absent – my favorite West Virginia fans, Emmy and Kenneth. They traveled to Morgantown to watch their Mountaineers pull off a 17-16 win over Kansas State. West Virginia is going to be knocking on the door of the Top 25 this week, I bet!

I walked to the Blind Bear, where they had the Tennessee-Georgia game on. My favorite pair of librarian glasses, a Georgia fan, was bartending, and my buddy Chad, a Tennessee fan, was sitting at the bar. Most everybody but Chad was pulling for Georgia – not because they’re Georgia fans, but because they hate Tennessee. You know, I saw a meme on Facebook yesterday – “Some people hate Hillary, some people hate Donald… but everyone hates Tennessee.”

Dinner gets an upgrade

Late in the afternoon I walked back to Max’s, but after one beer I started to get hungry. I decided to walk over to Spaghetti Warehouse and get dinner. I walked up Main, thinking “Hmmm, hardly anyone is in Rizzo’s today” as I passed Butler. I turned left on Huling, crossed Front, and this is what I saw:

The parking lot was absolutely packed. Spaghetti Warehouse is one of those restaurants I have never quite figured out. Usually if restaurants are not on the well-traveled paths like Main, Second, Monroe, Union, Beale, or G.E. Patterson, they have a lot of trouble attracting customers. That is not the case for Spaghetti Warehouse, tucked away at Huling and Wagner. They have been doing gangbusters ever since I was in college. “Why is this place so busy, and Rizzo’s not, when the food at Rizzo’s is so much better?” I wondered.

Then I thought, “Wait a minute, why am I not at Rizzo’s?” So I walked back.

I got a seat at the bar. The restaurant, in fact, filled up within 20 minutes of my arrival. It’s just that I got there before 5:30. People who want a McDinner are ready to eat at that hour, but most people who want a nice dinner tend to eat it a bit later.

The bartender, Phillip (not sure if one “l” or two, sorry if I misspelled the name there) poured me a Wiseacre beer and handed me a menu. “You also have the the option of just requesting Chef to do whatever he wants for your dinner,” Phillip told me. “For 40 or 50 bucks he can whip you up something nice that is four courses.” That was awfully tempting, and sometime I am definitely going to go that direction. However, I’d already had the pakoras, and I’d been drinking PBR all day. A dinner that memorable should not be done until I’m fully able to appreciate it. So I ordered off the menu. I chose the seafood pasta.

This was a meaty bowl of pasta, with plenty of big chunks of tuna, salmon and other seafood along with tomatoes and mushroom in linguini topped with parmesan. Phillip made an excellent point: The sauce on the dish is light, complementing it without overpowering the taste of the seafood. Very true. My dinner was delicious, as I would expect with Michael Patrick in the kitchen.

As an added bonus, when I checked in on Foursquare/Swarm, I became “mayor” of Rizzo’s! This prompted my friend Katie (not Mac) to comment, “How are you the mayor when I am there more than you?”

Absolutely fabulous day yesterday. I had to grade it, it would get an A+. Perfect weather, perfect neighborhood, perfect entertainment.

Actually, no I will downgrade it to a regular A. Tennessee would have to lose for it to be an A+ day. By the way the owner of the FireButch.com domain was at the Bear at the same time I was. Well, at least there’s one Tennessee fan I respect.

News and random stuff

This morning I was thinking about how WWE sometimes has Fatal Four-Way matches. Maybe soccer should try that. You know, instead of a rectangular field (or pitch or whatever they want to call it), have a square field, with a goal on each side and four teams playing at the same time.

Paul Taylor plays Loflin Yard tonight at 7.

There really isn’t a lot of “special” stuff going on today, but for people who want to get out tonight, I will make three recommendations for events that happen weekly.

The Memphis Jazz Orchestra has its weekly rehearsal at Alfred’s at 6 PM on Sundays. This is a relaxing way to wind down a weekend. People get out on the dance floor and swing dance to the music. My neighbor Kitty Wompas who did the head-shaving at St. Jude is a big fan of this event.

Over at the Hard Rock Cafe, Sundays are Blues Jam nights with the Memphis Blues Society. That starts at 7.

There is no better place to catch FreeWorld than the Band Box at Blues City Cafe. That is the place where they feel the most freedom to be themselves and just totally jam out. Dr. Herman Green is a living legend and the band can play most any tune you can name. They take the stage at 9:30.

All right. Long post is over, my I ♥ Sunday School shirt is fresh out of the dryer, and it’s time for D-RANKS with B-RAD, also known as the Sunday edition of Hung Over Like a Bear brunch at the Blind Bear. Brunch runs from 11 AM all the way to 6 PM, so if you get up late today, you still have time. Now that I think about it, D-RANKS with B-RAD is to me what Sunday night at Blues City is to FreeWorld – the place where I have the most freedom to be myself and I know no one can mess with it. Time to put that PBR koozie to work!

Wine on the River benefiting Youth Villages will happen tonight at Mud Island River Park from 5 to 9 PM. You will be able to sample over 90 wines from national and international vineyards. $59 general admission ticket gets you a souvenir glass and all beverage samples. Live music by Young Petty Thieves, Chinese Connection Dub Embassy, and J.R. Moore. Food by The HoneyBaked Ham Compay, Newby’s, Runway Grille, City East Bagel and Grille, Cordova Catfish, Pronto Pups, Central BBQ, Cafe Society, and SideStreet Burgers will be available for purchase. Needless to say, you must be 21 or over to get in.

A Halloween Cocktail Tour of Downtown Memphis will happen Saturday, October 29 from 4:30 to 7 PM. Stops include Belle Tavern, Cafe Pontotoc, and Rizzo’s Diner. In addition to cocktails, plenty of food will be served. Be prepared to walk about 1.5 miles. You’ll get to go behind the scenes with chefs and bartenders. Tickets are $55.

387 Pantry and City & State will be transformed into Luke’s Diner for a day to celebrate the anniversary of the premiere of The Gilmore Girls on October 5.

The AutoZone National Sales Meeting this week is said to be pushing the renovations to Cook Convention Center. With AutoZone adding 150 stores a year, the meetings get bigger and bigger. On Tuesday they rented out FedExForum for a PBR event for their sales staff (Professional Bull Riders, not my kind of PBR).

Tonight is Blues Night at Loflin Yard with the Daddy Mack Blues Band playing from 7 to 10.

Real2Reel, the photography studio on South Main, is being kicked out of its home at the end of October. They are not sure where they will relocate. I will miss seeing David and Moo Moo on Saturdays as I walk to the Farmers Market.

PANTYRAID comes to the New Daisy tonight at 10.

Paulette’s has published the menu for its October wine dinner with executive chef Jeremy Jaggers Tuesday, October 4.

Last night as I walked to Trolley Tour, I thought about how excited I am going to be having Slider Inn occupying the space that is currently the bocce ball court and the building behind it on Mulberry. With Slider Inn having such a huge outdoor component, that will be a lot more eyes on South Main into the wee hours… which will make that block of main considerably safer. With Slider Inn on that block and the Chisca occupied a couple blocks to the north, there really won’t be an easy point of entry from the east for the bad guys anymore.

Downtown Memphis is losing two good people this week. Longtime Downtown Memphis Commission marketing and communications director Leslie Gower is off to Chattanooga to accept a position there. Also, Mandy Marie, bartender/server at Blind Bear and Agave Maria and instructor at Painting with a Twist, is off to St. Louis today. I wish both of you luck in whatever the future brings.

It’s time for me to go shopping for fresh produce at the Memphis Farmers Market on a beautiful Saturday morning! Plans for the rest of the day TBD. Back tomorrow with more news.

Treat Your Beast is the theme at tomorrow’s Memphis Farmers Market. There’s a lot for your dogs at the Market. Farm House Barkery has dog treats and Heart of Eden has dog care products. You can also shop any of the Market’s several meat vendors and get a bone to give your dog. Dogs’ 2nd Chance will be on hand from 9 to noon for adoptions.

In other Farmers Market news, kids can make farm animal masks in the crafts area from 9 to 11. They can make animal noises while making their masks. The National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee will be on hand from 8:30 to 12:30 passing out information. Market sponsor Subaru will bring a demo model. Live music by Angela Sue Cheslock from 8:30 to 10 and Seth Austin 11 to 12:30. The Market happens every Saturday from 7 AM to 1 PM under the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson.

I PLAN ON BEING THERE tomorrow and I hope the tandoori truck is back! I am in the mood for vegetable pakoras. They give you so many though… I need someone to share my pakoras.

The Grizzlies have an open house tomorrow from 2 to 5 at FedExForum where those considering buying season tickets can test-drive their seats. From 6 to 8 there will be a Blue-White Scrimmage.

A new store called Southern Creed will be coming to South Main soon, selling Southern-inspired fashion of owner Rebecca Thomason’s own design. The store will be the product of the MEMshop program, helping connect business owners and underused or vacant storefronts so the owners can build their businesses.

Susan from the Hungry Memphis blog and former Memphis Flyer writer Bianca checked out Zaka Bowl, the new vegan-bowl restaurant in East Memphis which is the brainchild of Ed from South of Beale.

James Taylor from TV’s The Bachelorette will perform live at Tin Roof today at 8:30 PM. $5 admission.

Interesting: Large chocolate company hires meteorologists to analyze the impact of the weather on the chocolate business. This can include tasks like predicting the supply and size of almonds to go in Almond Joy candy bars. It can also mean looking out for storms and other weather events that might disrupt the supply chain. Thanks to MemphisWeather.net for tweeting this link.

BRIDGES is hiring for four full-time staff positions.

If you’re near a radio this afternoon, turn on WKNO FM 91.1 this afternoon at 3:45. Center for Southern Folklore director Judy Peiser will be on Checking on the Arts to talk about upcoming shows at the Center, as well as the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival that happened September 3-4.

USA TODAY, in its 34 years of operation, has never made a recommendation in a presidential race. However, this week they declared Donald Trump unfit to be president.

South Main Trolley Night should be beautiful this evening! I will be there. Come on out and enjoy South Main!

If you want to do something truly spooky and haunted for Halloween weekend, Elmwood Cemetery is hosting Spirits with the Spirits Friday, October 28 at 7 PM. There will be spirits by Joe’s Wines & Liquors, food by the Juice Plus+ Boys & Girls Club Technical Training Center, and sweets by Frost, Cafe Eclectic, Dinstuhl’s, and Jason’s Deli. There will be live music by Earnestine & Hazel’s house band, as well as fortune telling, palm reading, crystal ball gazing, mule-draw buckboard rides, a silent art auction, outdoor movies, and more. Recommended dress is black & white casual, but of course costumes and characters are welcome. Tickets are $70 per body or $125 couple, and are non-refundable. The event will happen rain or shine.

I wonder what fortune tellers do when they look in the crystal ball and see a bad fortune? I mean, I don’t know if I could tell someone “A crazy person is going to point a gun at you and shoot you at point-blank range” if that’s what I saw in the ball.

There’s an app for everything these days. One problem with buffets is that they throw a tremendous amount of food away at closing time every day. The BuffetGo app aims to change that. App users get a window, usually of 15 to 30 minutes, when they can come to the restaurant and grab leftover food, sometimes for as little as $2. I posted the app to Facebook last night and tagged the Nuh-Uh Girl. If BuffetGo comes to San Francisco she will be all over it.

Groundbreaking is finally going to happen on the ArtSpace Lofts on St. Paul. This has been 6 years in the making, and there will be a celebration today from 4:30-6:30. Ceremonial groundbreaking, “art shovels,” food trucks, and live music.

There will be a Purchased Lives Exhibit Talk with Joshua Rothman. He will talk on a topic related to the exhibit, a look at the economics of the American slave trade.

The Memphis Grizzlies 2016-17 home game promotional schedule has been released. On October 26, the first 10,000 fans will receive a “Grind City” T-shirt. New for this year are “Fizz Glasses” in honor of Coach Fizdale, to be given away November 25 when the Miami Heat play in Memphis. I don’t know if any of my readers do yoga, but if they do, later in the season there will be a Chandler Parsons yoga mat given away at the Houston game on January 21.

Speaking of yoga: Instructor Beth Cosi will be in town Saturday for a special class, The Yin Experience, Saturday from 1 to 4 PM at Downtown Yoga. Beth will guide the class through a Body Scan and Senses Experience, and will explain the three tenets of a Yin Yoga practice. $35. More information and sign-up here.

A fair that was scheduled for the weekend of October 7-8 in Tom Lee Park has been canceled because of a dispute over costs for security.

Michael Hicks Thompson will sign copies of his Christian murder mystery The Rector Friday night from 6 to 9 PM at South Main Book Juggler. The book is already a winner of several literary awards.

Rep. Steve Cohen will be joining President Obama’s delegation to Israel to attend the funeral of Shimon Peres.

That’s the news for now. I will be out at a Downtown location after work.

About 5:30 in the morning of October 2, 2006, my phone rang, waking me up. “Paul, come up to the roof,” my neighbor Carmel said as I answered. “Downtown is on fire!”

A third-year resident of Number 10 Main at the time, I rode the elevator up to the rooftop, where I found about 15 of my neighbors in the enclosed area. We definitely didn’t want to be outside because embers were blowing around everywhere on that gusty morning. Court Square Annex was engulfed in flames, and the building completely collapsed not long after I got up there. A minor fire had started on one of the rooftops of the Lincoln-American Tower. I was told that the Court Square fires had started from embers that had blown south from a fire at First United Methodist Church at Second and Poplar. We couldn’t see that building from our roof, but I found out later that, like Court Square Annex, it had burned to the ground. The whole of Downtown might have burned that night if not for a superb effort on the part of the Memphis Fire Department.

Sunday is the 10-year anniversary of the fire, and First United Methodist will host Fired Up for the Future, a special service to celebrate how far the church has come in that period of time.

The Memphis Flyer’s Best Of issue hit the stands today, so be sure to pick one up.

Today is National Drink Beer Day. I will be delighted to do my patriotic duty this evening and show my support for this holiday.

The Tin Roof is holding a Samuel Adams Beer Stein Hoisting Championship this Saturday, October 1 at 2 PM. The winner will move on to the district finals in Nashville.

This Sunday at the Green Beetle, you have a chance to win tickets for the October 16 Cleveland Browns vs. Tennessee Titans game. Every Miller Lite you buy gets you an entry to the raffle for the tickets, to be held after this Sunday’s Titans game.

Since it began publication in 1890, the Arizona Republic has never endorsed a Democrat over a Republican for president. This endorsement history is said to be the “deep philosophical appreciation for conservative ideals and Republican principles.” However, the streak has come to an end in 2016. “The 2016 Republican candidate is not conservative and he is not qualified.” Very well said.

Next Wednesday, October 5, Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils play The Dirty Crow Inn from 8 to 11 PM.

A Tale of Two Plans: The idea for the $5 million grant used to develop Fourth Bluff looks an awful lot like an idea Jonathan Kirkscey had nine years ago for Memphis Art Park.

Deering & Down play Tacos and Tunes tomorrow night on Felicia Suzanne’s patio. $2 tacos, $5 drinks.

That’s it for now. Possibly a third post before I hit the Silly Goose for happy hour after work.

I came home to find my Gmail inbox filled with blessings from the planet Zambodia. Prince Mongo wrote to compliment me on a recent Facebook post I made about forgiveness. He also asked me to put the word out that he has an apartment coming up for rent at the Mongominiums near Main and Butler. It’s a one bedroom, one bath, fully furnished, all utilities included, for $950 a month. Email me at paul@paulryburn.com if interested and I will give you Mongo’s number.

The Hungry Memphis blog posted a copy of Catherine & Mary’s menu. I agree with what Hungry Memphis posted, it’s pretty fancy. Lots of words I am not sure I know how to pronounce.

Bike Walk Memphis has started an ioby campaign to raise funds for public bicycle repair stands for Cooper-Young. These are stands on which you hang your bike to make it easy to work on. The stands will have an air pump and tools that will allow you to fix most minor problems, along with step-by-step instructions. The plan is to install two such stands, one near Memphis Made Brewing Co. and one near First Congregational Church.

To help raise money for the project, Memphis Made is hosting Get Your Fix in C-Y Saturday night at 6:00 on its patio. Nick Oyler, the city’s new bike and pedestrian program manager, will be on hand, as will Bike Walk Memphis. A portion of beer sales that evening will go toward purchase of the racks.

Just over a year ago I posted how a woman had fallen on the Main Street Mall and it took a ridiculously long time to get 911 on the line. I’m pleased to hear that Mayor Strickland is working hard on that issue. From July 2015 to 2016 the average wait time for 911 dropped from a hideously bad 98.5 seconds to 39.9 seconds, the mayor reported. That’s better but he realizes it is still not good – 20 seconds or less is the number to shoot for. The city is paying MFD and Shelby County dispatchers overtime to assist, is streamlining the hiring and training process, and is focusing on retaining seasoned staff. Kudos Mr. Mayor for addressing this very important matter!

Mayor Strickland also reported that city pavers are finishing up a project this week and will next turn their attention to The Edge. He said in particular Monroe Avenue can expect some improvements in paving. Good news for my readers who live on that street.

Thought on The Giant Hole MLGW has been digging on a different part of Monroe, outside of Bardog: Wait a minute, where is Aldo going to park the hearse? Every year, Bardog raffles off a hearse, with the drawing happening at 11:59 PM on October 31. Aldo always buys a hearse around the first of October and pays the parking meter for the month so it can sit outside his bar. Trouble is, The Giant Hole is blocking the hearse’s traditional parking spot.

Yesterday I was telling the day bartender, who is relatively new, that I remember the hole being there as far back as December 4 of last year. It’s getting close to turning one year old. Shall we throw it a birthday party?

The season finale of MyHQ Sunset Yoga is today at 6:30 in Memphis Park at Front and Jefferson. This free all-levels yoga class is followed by free wine provided by The Corkscrew, and you are welcome to bring a picnic basket. They have extra yoga mats but if you own one they ask that you bring it. Follow @DowntownMemphis to stay aware of weather cancellation, although I don’t think that will be a problem today. This may be the first Sunset Yoga class all year when they have had really nice weather.

The weather has been so miserably hot most of this month that Loflin Yard has created a Facebook event for First Friday that Feels Like Fall Lunch. 2-for-1 po-boy specials and acoustic music on the deck.

MATA is hiring 40 new bus operators and 6 new diesel mechanics.

Now that he no longer has to face the voters in a presidential election, Barack Obama has a little more freedom to speak his mind on the important issues. This weekend he sat down with Anthony Bourdain and tackled one of the most important issues of all: hot dog condiments. According to the president, ketchup isn’t an acceptable hot dog condiment past the age of 8. I could not agree more. Thanks, Obama!

Off to work. Possibly another post later today.

Exciting news for South Main, as a rumor I have been hearing for over a month has now been confirmed: The second Slider Inn location is coming to the area. Aldo, owner of the original Slider Inn as well as Bardog Tavern and Aldo’s Pizza Pies, is finalizing the purchase of the building at 363 Mulberry. The parcel of land will include the lot behind the building, currently a bocce ball court. Aldo hopes to have the new restaurant open by spring.

South Main Trolley Night turns sweet sixteen this Friday night. For the past 16 years, on the last Friday of every month the shops and galleries have stayed open late, with some of them providing appetizers, beverages, discounts, and/or live music. If you’re a South Main Association member, there will be a member area for you next to Bluff City Coffee, with burgers, dogs, beverages, and cake ($10 non-members). South Main Sounds Songwriter Night #38 will happen at 550 S. Main that night. The weather looks like it will be beautiful and I plan to hit the streets of South Main!

Memphis is getting another craft brewery. Meddlesome Brewing Co. has announced it will open in a location near Shelby Farms. There will be a taproom to go along with the brewery.

Jay Whitecotton (Funny or Die) will give a free comedy performance at High Cotton Brewing Co. tonight at 8. His recent album hit number one on iTunes Comedy and he will be recording for FOX and Hulu later this year. The event is free to attend and is 21 and up.

Tory Lanez with special guest Veecee performs at the New Daisy tonight. Tickets are $25-30. Doors open at 7, show at 8.

Streetdog Foundation’s annual fundraiser Howl at the Moon will happen on Saturday, November 12 at The Warehouse at Front and G.E. Patterson from 6 to 11 PM. Streetdog is a wonderful organization that rescues dogs, fosters them, and gets them adopted. There will be several bars throughout The Warehouse serving specialty cocktails, including the popular Howler. There will be live music by Shufflegrit, James and the Ultrasounds, South Side Supper Club, Kim Garmon, Allessandra Daniele, and dance music by DJ Tree.

The CA has a really good article on Nick Scott’s rise through the ranks of Memphis kitchens to eventually become co-owner of Alchemy. Nick worked in several kitchens Downtown on his way up, including many years at Bluefin.

A summit is being held next week to address the issues of parking, walkability, and public transit in the Downtown core and in the Medical Center District.

Memphis Flyer article on Memphis Made Brewing Co.: How a beer becomes a can

I watched the debate with a couple of friends in the back room of the Blind Bear yesterday evening. For the first 20 minutes or so, I actually thought Trump was winning, and thinking to myself, “the national nightmare is going to come true. We’re going to elect President Trump.” However, Hillary soon got him to take her bait. When Hillary said it’s possible he doesn’t pay any taxes and he replied “That’s smart,” I thought, that’s it, Hillary won the debate. The “400 pound person sitting on a bed” quote made Trump look pretty idiotic too.

Jerry Springer agreed.

Hillary Clinton belongs in the White House. Donald Trump belongs on my show.

— Jerry Springer (@jerryspringer) September 27, 2016

That’s it for now. Back to work after a four-day weekend that was absolutely outstanding. I’ll be out at happy hour at one of the usual spots this evening.

The Memphis Farmers Market party last night at Loflin Yard was probably the best party they have ever thrown. What a perfect space. I didn’t take photos of all my food but these two plates say it all.

A meat sauce over grits from Felicia Suzanne’s. OUT OF THIS WORLD. The past four days have made a Felicia fan out of me for sure.

Chef Patrick Reilly of Majestic Grille got out the paella pan. That thing must be three feet in diameter. He served me not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE scrumps in my bowl of paella. “I’m not going to need to eat again until about Thursday,” I thought as I finished my food.

The space is absolutely beautiful and perfect for a Farmers Market event. Here’s a photo I look of the creek that runs through Loflin Yard.

I wonder if there’s a troll who lives under the bridge?

I was a ride-sharing maniac this weekend. About 6:30 I ordered a Lyft to the Blind Bear. However, with today off and a desire to make last night a late night, I didn’t want an 8-and-a-half-hour run at the Bear. I needed an interesting diversion. Right around that time, my friend Hannah posted that she was bartending at Aldo’s Pizza Pies Midtown until 11.

My friend Captain Sparkles was sitting next to me at the Bear. “Want to grab a ride out there and see Hannah?” I asked. He was up for it. I have girls I go see Downtown. First there was FML (Feeny, Lacey, Mary) then MLS (Mary, Lacey, Stacey) and now a different MLS (Mandy, Lacey, Stacey) at the Blind Bear. There’s Jessica at the Goose on Wednesday and Thursday. There’s Melissa Monday at Bardog. “But you’re my only girl in Midtown,” I told Hannah.

We caught a Lyft back Downtown (making it my first weekend ever spending triple digits on Lyfts) and I finished the evening at the Bear. I tried to tab out but Colin informed me that if I stayed six more minutes, it would be last call and I could say I closed the Bear. So I stayed.

Okay. On to the news. This won’t be a really newsy post because I slept until almost 11 today and I have absolutely no idea what’s going on. But here’s what I’ve got.

Flight, the restaurant at the corner of Main and Monroe, is looking to hire a Daytime Reservation Specialist.

Speaking of Monroe… MLGW is coming up on 10 months digging The Giant Hole on that block. This morning they hit a gas main and the fire department came out and closed the block of Monroe between Front and Main. You know, there have been clown sightings all over the southeast lately but they say there have been none so far in Memphis. Go to The Giant Hole and you will see plenty of clowns standing around.

This is going to be a good conversation: The Civil Pour is all about civil discussion, not arguing or debating, just stating your opinion and listening to those of others in a respectful manner. The Civil Pour IV happens Thursday, October 6 at Loflin Yard, and the conversation will tackle one of the most sensitive issues of all: race. Is racial profiling a thing? Are we in a post-racial era or is there still injustice? Can anything be done about systemic racism? The fact that these issues can be discussed openly and differences of opinion tolerated gives me hope for America. We need exchanges of ideas like this.

Just as I was writing this post, I found a really good website: Memphis Flavor. They sell tastes of Memphis, as well as Memphis apparel. The reason I found it is that I was Googling the Flo’s tomato jam that my friend Nate had with his fries Friday at lunch. Their brands include Flo’s, Central BBQ, Killer Hogs, Germantown Commissary, Brother Juniper’s, Dinstuhl’s, Makeda’s, Nikki’s Hot A$$, and Victory Lane BBQ. They even have High Cotton trucker caps and Memphis Made T-shirts (hey, there’s my favorite pair of librarian glasses!) I think I have found my site for Christmas shopping this year.

RIP Arnold Palmer. Although I am not a huge golf fan, I appreciate what a legend he was in that sport, and what an inspiration he is to today’s pros.

All right, time to hit Publish and think about where I’m going to eat lunch. I’ve narrowed it down to a walk to Westy’s for one of their wild rice dishes, or a much shorter walk to Court House Deli for their loaded chili with jalapenos, cheddar, and onions. A trip to one of the the pho restaurants in Crosstown is under consideration, as is a drive to the Jack Pirtle’s on Thomas Street. Back to work tomorrow. It has been a fantastic long weekend and I’m not done yet!

 

I’m very excited about today, because my new I Love Sunday School shirt has arrived. I’m going to wear it to Hung Over Like a Bear brunch so my Sunday school teacher B-RAD can see it.

You know, I attended Sunday school (real Sunday school, not a bar) up to age 12 and there were only three things memorable about it.

1. One time when I was in the 4-year-old class, somebody brought donuts. Those were really good donuts.
2. They taught us a song called “The Golden Cockerel.” I can just hear Butt-head going, “You said ‘cockerel.’ Huh huh huh huh huh.”
3. They had this exercise where we pretended we were in a cave and the entrance was about to collapse. What position in line would you want to be to get out? I’ll be damned if half of those little fuckers didn’t LIE and say they would want to be last to exit the cave. That’s what Sunday school (and school in general) is about, teaching children to say the bullshit that adults want to hear. It’s a skill that prepares them well for the corporate world, by the way.

Yesterday I returned to the Memphis Farmers Market after a hiatus of several weeks. The number of vendors has shrunk a little bit, as there seem to be fewer fall produce vendors than there are spring and summer. However, I will give you two reasons to keep going.

First of all, the tandoori truck is back! If you like Indian food, come hungry to the Market one Saturday. I like the vegetable pakoras, the chicken and rice, the chickpeas and rice, and the naan topped with a green garlic spread. I usually tell people Sushi Jimmi is my favorite food truck but then I realize I forgot about the tandoori truck.

Secondly, near the front entrance, on the left, there is a vendor who sells frozen pops. He has recently expanded his menu and now sells Italian ice too. I had some cherry Italian ice yesterday and it was SO good!

After the Market I walked across the street to Earnestine & Hazel’s, where I had a beer with my friend Otto. He is the one friend who understands the technical stuff I do at work so it’s good to have somebody to talk to about that. We also had a brief Chef Michael Patrick appearance. In addition, we had Foursquare/Swarm “mayor” of E&H (until I steal the mayorship back) Eric stop by to pick up a to-go Soul Burger for Panda at Bardog.

From there I called a Lyft to get a ride out to Broad Avenue Water Tower for BreakFest 901. Lyft informed that they were busy and there would be a 100% upcharge. Still cheaper than a cab though, and more reliable – the Lyft was there in three minutes.

My friends on Squeal Street BBQ were just putting together their Bacon Lovers entry as I arrived (and if you were wondering if I timed it that way on purpose, yes I did). My own BBQ team The Moody Ques couldn’t compete in BreakFest because we are preparing for the Farmers Market party today. But that was fine; Squeal Street is like my second BBQ family, and it was a pleasure to hang out and talk with them and catch up on things that have been going on the past year. Thank you Squeal Street for the hospitality (and by hospitality, I mean beer). The food they put out looked so pretty! By the time I was getting ready to leave, team member Bad Shane told me they had placed in the top ten in EVERY category!

I caught another Lyft back to South Main (only a 50% upcharge this time). How did I get all the way to Week 4 of college football without any football watching at Max’s Sports Bar? Yesterday I made up for lost time, staying from 3 until 7. Unfortunately most of the people in the bar were UT fans. You know how Max’s has a smoking section and a nonsmoking section now? There needs to be a UT fans section so the rest of us don’t have to deal with them. There was also a lot of interest in the Michigan game.

I will be back at Max’s next Saturday to watch the Arkansas-Alcorn State game. It is in the early slot, so Bardog will have to do without me for one more week.

About 4:00 Squeal Street came in, having wrapped up BreakFest. My friend Leigh told me they came in second in one category and third in another, beating restaurants that do this for a living every day. I will try to get a link to complete results. Congratulations to Squeal Street and Leigh it was a pleasure talking to you.

Got a full schedule today… I will lead off at D-RANKS with B-RAD of course, but Double J’s closing day/parking lot party puts an additional stop on my list. Actually two stops, because you know I am going to go in Max’s for at least a minute. Plus that’ll be a good halfway point to Loflin Yard, where my team is cooking for Farm Fest, the Memphis Farmers Market fall party, at 5. It should be a delightful evening and I look forward to continuing some conversations that were started yesterday. Hmmm… I don’t have to go to work tomorrow so I can make it a late night… perhaps after the party I will hit the Crow while I’m in the neighborhood.

Okay, I just put the shirt on… man, this thing is big. I should have ordered a size smaller. Oh well… it’s still getting worn to my Sunday school class at B-RAD’s bar today. Happy Sunday everyone, and I hope to see you at the Farmers Market party this evening. Be sure to let us know what you think of the BBQ!

When you get to the end of today’s post, keep scrolling… earlier this morning I posted a review of the 25 cent martini lunch at Felicia Suzanne’s. Just let me say this – amazing lunch, excellent value, you MUST give it a try if you haven’t already.

By the way, while I was at lunch I found another 25 cent drinking value on Facebook. (Normally I wouldn’t have my phone out at a nice place like Felicia’s, but I had posted about forgiveness and it was getting a ton of “Likes” and comments.) Agave Maria also does Friday lunch with 25 cent margaritas. ATTN WORK: I’m going to need every Friday off from now on.

Philadelphia singer-songwriter Amos Lee performs at the Orpheum tonight at 8 PM. Tickets are $29.50-$59.50.

Dogs, Beer, and Live Music for Tails of Hope happens this evening at High Cotton Brewing Co. from 5 to 8 PM. High Cotton and Hollywood feed present this fundraiser go to Tails of Hope Dog Rescue. $10 donation is requested. First 75 people get a free beer as well as a free dog beer if they bring their dog. Everyone gets a Hollywood Feed gift bag and a logo pint glass.

The Pandemonium Film Showcase continues today at the Cossitt Library, Front at Monroe, at 4 PM. This month’s theme is The Roller Derby Picture Show. Movies shown will be Rollerball (1975), Hell on Wheels (2002), and The Unholy Rollers (1972). The event is put together by Craig Brewer and Black Lodge Video and is free to attend. The Memphis Roller Derby will circle the audience as they watch. Beer, food, and soda will be available to purchase.

Southern Avenue plays Loflin Yard tonight at 7.

Schoolboy Q with special guest Joey Bada$$ plays the New Daisy tonight as part of his Blank Face tour. Doors at 6, show at 7, tickets $45.

Here’s a new idea for a beer pairing… beer and popsicles. On Wednesday, October 5 from 7 to 9, High Cotton will pair 4 beers with 4 popsicles. It’s $20 at the door and you can pay with cash or card. The Freewheelin’ slow ride through the Medical Center district happens from 6 to 7 so it would easy to do both events. Additional MEMpops and High Cotton beer will be available for purchase if you so choose. High Cotton is family-friendly, so if your kids like popsicles, bring’em. The place is dog-friendly too.

In the news: Hangover-free alcohol could replaces all regular alcohol by 2050. I hope the nursing home I’m living in by then has a bar.

That’s it for this post… don’t forget to keep scrolling to read about my lunch yesterday. Taking a rare Saturday off from Bardog this morning. I’m going to the Farmers Market, then catching a Lyft or Uber out to the Broad Avenue Water Tower to watch my friends compete in BreakFest, then another Lyft/Uber back to South Main for football watching at Max’s Sports Bar. If the second day of my four-day weekend is as much fun as the first, I’ll be off to a good start indeed.