Author: paulryburn

Last night I had a day-after-birthday dinner at Robata Ramen & Yakitori Bar in Overton Square. When I try new places I like to get on the Internet and check out menus in advance, in order to have an idea what I want to order before I go in. However, with Robata’s menu I had absolutely NO IDEA what I wanted. I have never seen a menu with so many words I didn’t understand. Even typing some of them into Wikipedia turned up no results. Fortunately Daniel from the Silly Goose said, “Don’t worry bud, I’ll be there to guide you through it.”

Daniel and a couple of other people told me the ramen would be a good first experience at Robata, so I got the regular cut noodles in a pork-based Tonkotsu broth, with marinated boiled egg. green onion, red pepper, kikurage (one of the words I had to look up), BBQ pork, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts. For $1.50 more I added spinach.

Not the best picture but let me assure you, it was delicious! Thanks to Tony for suggesting the dinner and to Emily, Rahul, Daniel and Josh for joining me. There was lots of sake being poured and they have PBR in 16-ounce cans.

Bountiful Blessings is the theme of the Memphis Farmers Market tomorrow. It’s the last market of the season, at least until they come back with their holiday market December 12. From 9 to 11, kids of all ages can design Thanksgiving plates, and from 8 to noon the UT College of Pharmacy will be on hand to give health advice and answer questions. Live music by Sing for Glenn 8:30-10 and Eric Crays & Friends 11-12:30. The market is from 8 AM to 1 PM under the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson. Thanks to everyone involved with the market for an absolutely fabulous year.

Celtic Woman: The Destiny Tour comes to the Orpheum March 6 with exclusive Amazon pre-sale ticket with Destiny Tour CD/DVD/Blu-Ray. For tour schedule and ticket information, visit www.CelticWoman.com.

If you drive on South Second this weekend, expect delays. MLGW will be making repairs between Beale and Dr. MLK Jr. Avenue through Wednesday and Second will be reduced to one lane. Also, Lt. George W. Lee Avenue, the street the Westin is on, will be reduced to one lane. Keep this in mind if you are coming to any Grizzlies or Tigers games between now and Wednesday.

The Turkey of the Year beer glass will be unveiled Wednesday night, November 25 at the Flying Saucer at 7 PM. My guess for the honoree is Donald Trump but there are certainly plenty of qualified turkeys out there.

News for my readers who like to hang out in the Broad Avenue arts district: Bendy Brewski Yoga, the group that runs yoga at High Cotton Brewery on Thursdays, is adding a second night. They will do yoga at the Rec Room at 3000 Broad on Mondays at 6:30. The way it works is, you do a all-levels yoga class for 45 minutes, then you hang out and socialize with your fellow yogis over a beer. Yoga is not my cup of tea, but some of my friends do this weekly class and really enjoy it.

From Lifehacker: Plan Thanksgiving dinner for a crowd with this spreadsheet. I remember when the Nuh-Uh Girl lived here, and she had a Thanksgiving spreadsheet. Although, that wasn’t to plan Thanksgiving for a crowd; it was “whose food am I eating and when.”

The CA has a review of Pippin, calling it a “wild acrobatic ride.” It plays the Orpheum through Sunday.

100 percent of the Grizzlies players have elected to participate in the Tickets for Kids program. They will purchase blocks of tickets to be given to local charities and youth programs, to incentivize academic achievement and other youth accomplishments.

The Grizzlies play the Houston Rockets at FedExForum at 7.

That’ll do it for this post. Time to run to the bank and do a few other errands, then will be out.

 

In my “Thanks for the birthday wishes” post earlier today, I said I was having Internet connectivity problems and there MIGHT be a post tomorrow. But you know what? I like to exceed expectations! I’m still at Bardog, and the netbook’s still at Bardog, and there’s news and PBR, so let’s do a post, shall we?

Awesome news for Memphis: AutoZone Park has been chosen to host the Triple-A national championship baseball game on Tuesday, September 20, 2016. The game will be nationally televised on NBC Sports Network. This is a big win for Memphis and a sign of how highly AutoZone Park is regarded in the baseball world.

In other sports news, the Tigers host Grambling State at FedExForum at 7 tonight. Dedric Lawson looked like a stud against Oklahoma and hopefully he will step up again tonight.

Jared from the Subway commercial was sentenced to 15 years for sex-related crimes. As one of my Facebook friends posted, five dollar footlongs coming his way.

The Memphis International Jazz Festival happens on South Main today through Sunday.

There will be a lighting ceremony for the Downtown Christmas tree tomorrow at 4 at the corner of Main and Peabody Place. They have erected a 30-foot tree down there,

After the tree lighting, stop by Quench, which will have its November wine tasting 5:30-7:30. For those not familiar, Quench is an upscale liquor and wine shop across from the Peabody on Second next to Kooky Canuck.

After you’re done with the wine tasting, head to 550 S. Main for the 18th South Main Sounds Songwriter Night. Performances by Alicia Gaill, JoJo Jefferies, Ronnie Caldwell, Michael Graber, Patrick Seiler and Mary Owens. You know, tree lighting + wine tasting + live music for a total of $0 spent is not a bad Friday night.

Cody, Mylon and Tim will be spinning some tunes at the Silly Goose, Wednesday, November 25, 11 PM to 3 PM, It’s the night before Thanksgiving and the DJs are hoping to see plenty of familiar faces. There is no cover and this tends to be one of the biggest party nights of the year.

Teryn (bartender at Bardog) just said, “Happy birthday, I got you a package of turkey sausage.” Well that was random.

All right. Usually this is the space where I post that I’m about to go out to a bar, except this time I’m already at a bar. I’m going to remain at Bardog until a few minutes before 3, then take the netbook home, go to Mary’s bar at Blind Bear, then over to Jessica’s bar at Silly Goose at 4, then grab a Lyft and meet my friends at Robata Yakitori & Ramen at 6. Rare field trip outside of Downtown. Daniel from the Goose loves that place. Can’t wait to try it out. Going to hit Publish and see if I can find a menu to check out in advance.

Hopefully I will have Internet tomorrow and will be back with a post. It’s the last Farmers Market of the season and I would hate to not blog about it. Post may be up a bit later than usual, more on the order of 2:00-3:00.

I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all of my friends for the birthday wishes yesterday. Having all of you in my life means more to me than I can possibly express. People ask me if being able to walk everywhere is the best part of living Downtown, and I tell them, “No. That’s number two. The best thing Downtown is the people.” I am so grateful to have all of you in my life. A few individual messages:

John Haley – Thanks for naming Bardog’s Daily Dog after me yesterday and putting “Happy birthday Paul Ryburn” on the board. That made me feel special.

Panda – Thanks for teaching me how to buy diapers. As soon as I put them on the bar, Bloom said, “You got the right kind!”

Blind Bear – I can’t tell you how happy I am to know all of you who work there. You have been my safe haven and security blanket this year.

Poker players – I haven’t played much lately but it is always a pleasure to sit at the table with you when I do. Muruako, thanks again for the PBR bowling pin.

Moody – A couple of months ago, I sat at the Bear with you and told you the entire bizarre story of my 2015. The first words out of your mouth once I finished were “I believe you.” That meant so much to me. Thank you for that.

Clay – Thanks for being such a great and supportive friend.

Katie Mac – Thanks for having my back. I appreciate it.

Moody Ques – Thanks for naming me director of P(B)R. I had never really considered being on the board until you offered me the role, but so far I am having a lot of fun.

B-RAD – You more than anyone have seen what my life has been like this year. Thanks for your friendship buddy. Phaedra, you too.

Rahul, Tony, Nate, Staci – It has been a pleasure brunching with you this year. Rahul and Tony, see you at Robata tonight. Thanks for arranging the birthday dinner.

South Main – I haven’t been down there that much lately but still consider you a part of my extended Downtown family for sure. I may come down there to watch Arkansas-Mississippi State with you if it isn’t the morning game (haven’t had a chance to check the time).

Work – You all may have noticed that I have been out and about Downtown in the daytime lately. I am dealing with some depression and anxiety issues and my work was absolutely wonderful about it, giving me leave until December 7 so I can have some time and space to feel less overwhelmed.

This kindness and generosity of my friends is a reminder that I have more things going great in my life than I do going wrong – A LOT MORE. Thanks so much to all of you.

On an administrative note, my Internet is out at home, so this blog may not see a lot of posts until it’s fixed. Netbooking it from the Monroe Avenue Branch Office right now.

I’ll try to be back tomorrow with a news post, but can’t promise it due to the connectivity problems.

 

 

It’s my birthday! Last night I got an early birthday gift from poker host Muruako: A PBR bowling pin. He doesn’t remember where he got it, and neither one of us is sure what use it will ever have, but he figured I should have it. If you’re looking for something to do, check Muruako’s poker games out. He runs the Silly Goose Monday at 8:30 and Blind Bear Tuesday at 8. Both are free to play and a great way to meet people Downtown.

Loving My Memphis has a really good Downtown Dining Week recap with lots of photos.

Memphis in May is looking for Canadians in Memphis, or people in Memphis with a strong connection to Canada, to be a guest presenter as part of their education program for 2016 when Canada is the honored country. Email ckirby@memphisinmay.org if interested.

The Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center has a couple of part-time positions open (10 hours a week each).

Foodie Ben Carter posted this: Ketchup squares prevent your burger bun from getting soggy. Ketchup in solid form? GROSS.

A Champions League featuring former NBA players including All-Stars is coming this summer, playing approximately 30 games during July and August.

Ten thousand years before Darwin, our ancestors used selective breeding to save the pumpkin from extinction.

All right, time to hit Publish and head south. If I remember correctly, it’s chicken fried steak lunch special day at Double J and I want to give one a try. Later in the day, I will be at Bloom’s diaper party at Bardog at 4, Silly Goose at 5, and probably trivia at Blind Bear at 8. Possibly another post before I hit the diaper party, so check back.

 

I woke up this morning to the sound of sirens – lots and lots of sirens. When I was still hearing sirens 20 minutes after the first one, sounding like fire trucks were coming all the way from Midtown, I decided I better get up and check Twitter to see what was going on. A fire was reported on North Second across from Court Square. I got dressed and walked over there. Firefighters were climbing onto the roof of Indulging Spa Services, and a short time later I saw smoke coming from the roof of that building. I did not see any flames. Firefighters were also going in The Apothecary building next door.

As I watched the firefighters from Court Square, I noticed this new addition:

 

 

Two game tables have been added to the public park, where you can bring your own checkers or chess pieces and have a place to play.

Did you like the Memphis Sounds jerseys the Grizzlies had on last night? They’re now being sold in the Grizzlies Store.

Speaking of the Grizzlies, first 5000 at Friday night’s game get a free jump rope.

Don’t forget that the Tigers play #8 Oklahoma in a nationally televised game on ESPN at 4 this afternoon.

A young Memphis woman was shot in the Paris attacks. A care package is being put together for her. One of the members of the Eagles of Death Metal, playing the Bataclan that night, is also from Memphis. He escaped without injury.

Holly from I Love Memphis tried the South Main Sushi and Grill which recently opened in the former Grawemeyer’s space.

Ignite Memphis is set to return this month. Ignite is a format in which 12 presenters have five minutes apiece to educate the audience on a topic of importance to them. Slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds are used in the presentation, forcing the presenters to keep things moving along.

Skarping: The Sport America Deserves combines carp fishing, basketball and water skiing, and it’s good for the environment.

Happy last day to Paul Morris who runs DMC. He moves on to his family business next.

If you have to drive tonight, you might want to check the MemphisWeather.net blog. A combination of torrential rain, leaves blocking natural outlets for water flow, and darkness will make this a difficult night for driving.

Pippin begins its run at the Orpheum tonight and will be in town through Sunday.

Heading out to watch 24 Hours of College Basketball. I’ll be at Blind Bear at 4 if anyone wants to meet up and watch the Tigers.

Not much news to report today, so I will post photos of my lunch yesterday instead. After a few hours of D-RANKS with B-RAD, I decided I was hungry and walked across the street to Oshi Burger. Oshi is famous for its spiked milkshakes, so of course I had one.

 

The Malt Shoppe milkshake is made of vanilla ice cream, malted milk, malted milk balls, and (optionally) bourbon. It was yummy! If you have kids with you or if you have to drive, you can get non-spiked versions of any of Oshi’s shakes.

As for food, the tempura green beans were a must, but what to get for the entree? In past visits I have always ordered Oshi’s burgers, which are absolutely delicious, but this time I decided to be different and order a hot dog instead. Furthermore, when I order hot dogs (in general, not just at Oshi) I tend to get chili dogs, so I decided that the dog I was going to try could not be a chili dog. I decided on the Mary Had a Little Lamb, because it features locally made lamb sausage, and I have never had lamb sausage before. It comes topped with cucumber pico and feta mint dressing. It was something different and I enjoyed my lunch very much.

 

My birthday week has begun and I am off work. My actual birthday is Wednesday, but it looks like we are scheduling a birthday dinner for Thursday night because 1) more people can make it Thursday; and 2) Wednesday is a diaper party for Bloom at Bardog who has a baby on the way.

Speaking of Bardog, I guess I better run by there and make sure everything is ready for Bloom’s party. The PBR tap is a particular area of concern and I may have them pull it 5 or 6 times to verify that it is in proper working order.

The Moody Ques now have three trained BBQ Fest judges on the cookteam. Team pitmaster Frank, president Clay, and vice-president Erik attended the official BBQ Fest judging school yesterday. Less than 7% separated the MQs from the score of the winning shoulder team in 2015, and we are determined to narrow that gap. On Sunday, December 20, we are conducting a practice cook for experienced MiM judges. We will go through the entire presentation process as though it were BBQ Fest, and will receive feedback on what we did right and what we need to improve. View pictures of judging school here.

While we’re on the subject of the BBQ team, I want to share this thank-you note we got from the Memphis Farmers Market.

We cooked for the Market’s 10th birthday celebration, MFM@TEN, on September 20. Our brisket sliders and pulled pork were very well received. We love the Farmers Market and hope to cook for you again in your eleventh year.

I was back at the Farmers Market yesterday after taking a couple of months off. I missed the place. Where was the So Fresh juice truck? I can’t be the bad, bad man with the smoothie in his hand at the market without my smoothie!

The Grizzlies are debuting awesome-looking Memphis Sounds uniforms for the game against the OKC Thunder tomorrow night at FedExForum. The throwback uniforms pay tribute to the Memphis Sounds who played in the ABA 1974-75.

The Beale Street Big Wheel Relay Race is coming up Sunday, November 28. Four-person teams will compete at 1 PM. Fill out your application to compete here.

Here’s an article on pairing beers with Thanksgiving dinner.

Everyone’s in an uproar that Starbucks’ cups aren’t Christmassy enough. In the meantime, there’s another holiday ad that is far worse. Bloomingdale’s: Spike Your Best Friend’s Eggnog When They’re Not Looking. Promoting sexual assault to sell merchandise, Bloomingdale’s? Not cool at all.

Andrew Cabigao plays the Green Beetle’s Live Music Sunday tonight at 7:30.

Weird sports weekend. The Tigers lost to Houston. Ronda Rousey lost. And the Arkansas Razorbacks have a chance to go to the SEC title game, according to SEC Country. They would need to win out, have Alabama lose to Auburn (unlikely) and have Ole Miss beat Mississippi State. I find myself once again in the unpleasant position of having to root for Ole Miss.

I wonder if the playoff committee would consider a four-loss SEC champion? Probably not. I do think the Hogs will be knocking on the door of the Top 25 this week though.

You can pay someone $10 to end your relationship via text.

That’ll do it for this post. Heading out to D-RANKS with B-RAD at the Blind Bear. It’s Hung Over Like a Bear Brunch and I will have some PBRs and maybe a mimosa or two.

 

The Memphis Tigers kick off the regular season tonight at 7 with a game against Southern Miss at FedExForum. The next game, however, is one of particular interest: On Tuesday, November 17, the Tigers are part of ESPN’s 24 hours of college basketball, playing Oklahoma on ESPN at 4 PM that afternoon. I’ll be off work, anyone want to go to this? Hit me up on text or Facebook. I haven’t been to a Tigers game in a while.

Need to go to Arkansas this weekend? Take I-40. One lane of the I-55 bridge will be closed.

Today at 5, Santa arrives at Bass Pro at the Pyramid for their Magical Tree Lighting and Santa’s Wonderland Unveiling. November 14, Bass Pro? Isn’t this a little bit early? I guess studies by the marketing department showed that this is the optimal weekend for Santa. In any case, they’re giving away $25 gift cards every half hour, so you might win some money to spend on a camo jacket or fishing rod.

This is so stupid: Tennessee attorneys are suing DraftKings and FanDuel for illegal gambling. This comes days after the New York Attorney General issued an opinion that the two one-day fantasy football leagues are games of chance rather than games of skill. I mean, seriously… just let people do what they want. As someone who hasn’t been able to play online poker for money for nearly five years, I support keeping the fantasy football leagues legal… and online poker, too.

A weekend of science continues at the Orpheum tonight with Jamie and Adam Unleashed: It’s Myth Busters, Jamie’s Farewell Tour. Audience members will join the hosts of the show on stage to aid the hosts in their not-always-orthodox approach to science.

My BBQ team the Moody Ques is seeking an at-large board member. This is a new position created to get new blood in the team leadership every year. The selected member would be intimately involved in the planning for BBQ Fest as well as for regional events and practice cooks. If interested email moodyques@gmail.com.

Eric Crays and Friends play the Center for Southern Folklore tonight at 8.

I love living in Number 10 Main. This week I ran into my landlord Henry at Bardog, and he told me that we’re getting rooftop upgrades: A fire pit, an outdoor TV, and two new grills. That fire pit will be nice and will be a hub around which neighbors can socialize and get to know one another. Henry also told me we’re having Amy LaVere for our Christmas party. If you’re looking for a place to live Downtown, check out Number 10 for sure.

#21 Memphis vs. #24 Houston is on ESPN2 at 6 PM tonight. Winner of this game is likely headed to the Peach Bowl.

High Cotton brewery is having a Sunday Fun Day Art Show tomorrow beginning at 1 PM. It will be curated by Dorothy Art. There will be $3.50 pint specials and the Gourmade food truck will be on site.

Memphis and Atlanta models will walk the catwalk for the Certified Curves Mission: Born Thik Fashion Show tomorrow at Hard Rock Cafe at 1 PM.

In case you haven’t been following the news the past 24 hours, go check CNN. Shootings and bombings at six locations in Paris including the national soccer stadium. Gunmen fired into a concert hall for 10 to 15 minutes. 128 total dead and another 183 injured. ISIS is claiming responsibility. France supported the US in the aftermath of 9/11 and it is time for us to return the favor.

That’s the news for this Saturday. Time for me to hit Publish and get out and about. The farmers market is my first stop today, followed by brunch with Bloom at Bardog. With Memphis-Houston and Arkansas-LSU to watch in the evening, I don’t anticipate taking a “halftime” break today.

Sitting here eating red beans & rice from Court House Deli. Might as well do a second Friday post while I eat. If you’ve never been to Court House, you are missing out – they have some delicious food at quite reasonable prices. I like to get the red beans & rice “fully loaded,” topped with cheese, jalapeños, and onions. I get the chili there the same way.

I hate to start the post with bad news, but that’s the news that has to be reported: The founder of Charlie’s Meat Market, Charlie Hogan, has passed away at the age of 84. Downtowners who very rarely go east of Danny Thomas are willing to drive out to Summer to purchase what are widely considered the best meats in town.

More residential is coming to The Edge. The building across from the Wonder Bread factory, 427 Madison, has been purchased by a local investor and will be renovated into two high-end apartments. Residents of those apartments will have a short walk to great restaurants in The Edge like Evelyn & Olive and Trolley Stop Market.

Please take a moment to read this WREG story: Transgender woman says her sexuality is being used to keep her from seeing her children. I have known Maddie, the woman who is the subject of the story, for almost 10 years. She has never been happier with who she is now that she is a woman. I have seen her with her kids and she is a great parent. I hope the court does the right thing, giving Maddie access to her kids once again and setting a precedent for other transgender parents.

The Grizzlies play a home game against Portland tonight, Tip-off is set for 7 PM.

I almost overlooked this, but there is going to be a really neat event at the Orpheum tonight: ArcAttack, a performance spanning the worlds of rock music and science.

That’ll do it for now. In a little while I will head over to the Monroe Avenue Branch Office to do some research about a beer that once won a blue ribbon.

Monroe Avenue from Front to Main will be closed Sunday from 7 AM until about 1 PM for equipment repair to be done at Brinkley Plaza. If you need to travel down Monroe Sunday morning, plan an alternate route.

Savor the Season is the theme at the Memphis Farmers Market this Saturday. Savor the goods at the market while you can… there are only two markets left this year. From 9 to 11 kids are invited to make Thanksgiving wreaths. It’s World Diabetes Day and folks from the UT College of Pharmacy will be on hand to take blood pressure readings, answer questions, and discuss lifestyle changes to prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Live music by Paul Waits 8:30-10 and Kim Hummel 11-12:30. The market is under the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson from 8 AM to 1 PM Saturdays.

The trolleys will stage a South Main comeback. Rep. Steve Cohen announced yesterday that MATA had received a $2.6 million grant to purchase three electric rail cars.

In other “it’s about time” transportation news, the U of M has started planning a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks. There are tens of thousands of the “20 minutes late to class because I parked on Southern and there was a train” club who are rejoicing right now.

They don’t serve food there, but in honor of Downtown Dining Week Life Is Good will have $20.15 tees through Sunday.

Yesterday I was in the Blind Bear when a liquor rep came in and showed the bartender Captain Morgan’s latest product, Captain Morgan Cannon Blast.

 

The rep said, “Personally, I think it tastes like Froot Loops.” “YES!” Mary replied. They are trying to capture some of Fireball’s market with this new drink.

High Cotton is the latest local brewery to get in on the coffee + beer action. Sunday they will be rolling out their newest beer, a combination of Dr. Beans Coffee and their dry-hopped Baller Brown.

If you need a little help getting into the Thanksgiving spirit, here’s a video of The Undertaker making a surprise appearance on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show and hitting the Tombstone piledriver on a man in a turkey suit.

Random article of the day: Having a cat can lead to mental illness

I’m taking a few weeks off work, so if you see me out and about Downtown during the day don’t be surprised. Hmmm… if I remember correctly, Double J does its chicken fried lunch special on Wednesdays… and it just so happens that next Wednesday is my birthday. I may have to check that out. Outta here for now, possibly a second post later in the day.