Slightly revised: BBQ Fest load-in theme song

There are about 250 BBQ Fest teams, but only one has their own theme song for load-in, which is only three weeks and six days away.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Equipment’s unloading
And the scaffolding
And Natty Light beer
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

The carpet we’re laying
For ice we are paying
For warm kegs we fear
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Porta-potties are green
Staple guns and Visqueen
Put the fridge in the rear
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

There are forklifts and trucks
It may rain, and that sucks
But we have to be here…
It’s the most wonderful time…
It’s the most wonderful time…
It’s the most wonderful time….
OF THE YEAR!!!!!

VERY important PBR news

So I didn’t make it to Brewery Revival yesterday, and judging from my news feed on Facebook I am the only one in town who didn’t. So I guess this really isn’t news to anyone, but I will report it anyway.

THERE’S PBR AT BREWERY REVIVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :mrgreen:

A source confirmed it yesterday morning while I was at Bardog. I did such a happy dance in my chair that Panda thought I was having a seizure.

For those who just found this blog and don’t know what I am talking about, Brewery Revival is an open-air revival of an 1890s brewery with live music, great beer, and food trucks Thursday-Sunday through the end of May. It’s at the Tennessee Brewery on Tennessee Street a half block north of G.E. Patterson Avenue.

This is the time of year when Saturdays get awesome

Usually I end posts with my plans for the day, but today’s plans are so awesome that I will go ahead and lead off with them.

Memphis Farmers Market
Panda Time at Bardog
MEMFix Pinch
Tennessee Brewery Revival
D-RANKS with B-RAD, special birthday edition, South of Beale/Blind Bear

This is the tentative, minimally possible awesome schedule. Stuff could get added to make it even more awesome. I love Saturdays in April.

Next Saturday is the rebirth of Downtown Olympics. I have never participated in the event or seen it all the way through, but it’s an interesting concept and they’ve gotten rid of the parts of it that I considered liability issues. Last night I was at Max’s and lined up a local writer to do a guest post about DTO. Look for that soon.

It’s opening day for Mud Island River Park and there’s a Rock ‘n’ Romp going on over there today.

Rain, a tribute to the Beatles, happens tonight at the Orpheum at 8:00.

A new gallery called Nappi Head Art has its grand opening in The Edge today. Address is 664 Marshall.

There will be fireworks after the Redbirds game tonight. First pitch is at 6:05. Iowa Cubs are the opponent.

Sing for your supper: On Tax Day, if you get up on stage and sing a song at Hard Rock Cafe, you’ll get a free Local Legendary Burger. All ages are welcome.

I found a good resource for anyone looking for a green career, one that benefits the environment.

Four weeks until the big day: Load-in Saturday for BBQ Fest! Moody Ques workhorse “Mr. Load-in” is ready. I’m working on a slightly updated version of the BBQ Fest Load-in Theme Song that I hope to post later this weekend.  Right now, I’m going to slam a Mountain Dew Kickstart and see if I can get the f***ing dryer to stop squeaking. Today is going to be a looooonnnnnggggg day but I am ready.

Friday morning update

We’re having a cookout today at work, so I may not have time to squeeze in a lunchtime post. I’m up unusually early and there’s already plenty of news, so let’s do this.

If you enjoy exercising at RiverFit at Tom Lee Park, better take advantage of it while you can. The temporary fitness park will close on April 17 to prepare for Memphis in May. The park will re-open in June with some new surprises.

I will enjoy looking at those new surprises as I drive down one of Riverside’s four lanes. :)

First 2000 fans at the Redbirds game tonight get a free Redbirds T-shirt, courtesy of CBU. First pitch is at 7:05. From 5 to 7 there will be a block party in the plaza, with live music by Party Planet and $2 draft beer specials.

This Saturday’s theme at the Memphis Farmers Market is Kids in the Kitchen, featuring ways to get your kids interested in their food. From 9 to 12 Junior League of Memphis members will show kids how to prepare a healthy snack, talk to them about fun ways to exercise, and share ways to live a healthy, happy life. Music by Paul Waits 8:30-10 and Adam Levin 11-12:30. Don’t carry cash? Bring your credit, debit, or SNAP card to the MFM table to purchase tokens that can be spent with market vendors. Pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson, 7 AM to 1 PM.

There will be free document shredding Saturday, April 18 from 9 to noon at the Commercial Appeal, 495 Union.

I’ve already covered these two topics, but High Ground News has long and excellent stories about them that are worth links: the redevelopment of Central Station and Saturday’s MEMFix Pinch event.

That’ll do it for this morning’s post. My plan is to make tonight relatively low-key to conserve energy for tomorrow. With things like MEMFix Pinch and Brewery Revival going on, tomorrow could turn out to be a very long and fun day. I’ve sketched out a tentative Saturday plan on paper, then wrote next to it, “Plans subject to change, but this is the minimally awesome possible schedule.” As for now, I’m off to work. So far this week has been Monday, Monday II, Monday III, and Monday IV, but I fully expect this to be a Friday.

Thursday news and a note for Moody Ques team members

I have some Memphis Redbirds/AutoZone Park food news to kick off this Thursday post. The Redbirds have partnered with King Cotton to offer $1 hot dogs at all Tuesday games this year. There are 10 Tuesday games in total. They have also added a new dessert, fried apple pie on a stick. Redbirds GM Craig Unger tweeted this Loaded Chili Chipper pic that looks yummy. Season opener is tonight vs. Iowa with 7:05 first pitch. The Queen of Beale Street, Ruby Wilson, will sing the National Anthem, and the first 5000 fans get a 2015 schedule magnet.

The Grizzlies are having a playoff ticket pre-sale event on the FedExForum plaza tomorrow beginning at 9 AM. There will be an all-day live remote on 92.9 ESPN, a first look at Grizzlies playoff gear, and from 11 to 1 food trucks will be there. Inflatable slide, dunk tank. At 4 you will have your first opportunity to purchase tickets to Round 1 playoff games number 1 and 2. Limit 4 tickets per customer. From 3:45 to 7 Levy’s Grill, Rendezvous, Sleddogs, and Pepsi products will be available.

Holly from the I Love Memphis Blog has a great interview with chef Felicia Willett of Felicia Suzanne’s.

There was a fire on the 12th floor of the Renaissance Apartments at 99 N. Main this morning. One unit was damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

If you go to the opening of Tennessee Brewery Revival tonight, check out Luke McLuke, a new APA brewed exclusively for Revival by Memphis Made.

Here’s a party for a wonderful cause, but one which scares me to no end: Wedding Dress Ball to raise money for St. Mary’s soup kitchen.

Interesting fact: In the 1960s there was a Downtown Memphis airport on Mud Island which was reachable by pontoon ferry.

MOODY QUES: If you have not already sent your T-shirt sizes to moodyques@gmail.com, please do so immediately. We are days away from placing the order. If we do not have your size when we order, you will get a shirt but it may not be one that fits, and we do not plan to have many extras.

Last night the team vice-president, head cook/treasurer, and workhorse “Mr. Load-in” met for drinks, and I learned that the team has sailed way past its cap of 35 members – so far past the cap that I was asked, “Paul, can you get the PayPal widget off the team website as soon as possible?” (Thanks to Otto for getting that down because I wasn’t near a computer and wouldn’t be for hours.) The good news is, vice-president Clay who has the list said “the people who joined late are a lot of really awesome people.” For those few of you who haven’t paid yet, get a check to Clay or Frank.

Heavy storms moving through Memphis this evening. Latest projections show the heaviest ones coming through between 10 and 11. That’s usually about what time I walk home from the bars… hey, it’s an excuse to stay out and drink later!

Quick second Wednesday update

Not really enough news to warrant a second post today, except that one of the items is time-sensitive. Tennessee Brewery Revival opens tomorrow at 11 AM, and the Stickem food truck, Mr., Frazier’s Fish Fry, and the Farm2Cart food truck will be on hand to serve lunch.

More Tennessee Brewery Revival news: A week from tomorrow, Thursday, April 16, the beer that made the brewery famous, Goldcrest 51, will make its return. It will be tapped at the brewery around the noon hour. At 1:30 that afternoon, proprietor and beer historian Kenn Flemmons will give a talk about the brewery and the history of Goldcrest beer.

Earlier this afternoon I reported that street buses will start running what is essentially the Main Street Mall trolley route beginning Sunday, April 12. The CA reports that the buses will make vintage trolley sounds.

Bike Nights on Beale kicks off next Wednesday.

Home from work. Time for an ice cold PBR. Back tomorrow.

A second Pranom Pop-Up tour date, Main Street shuttle buses to start running Sunday, and more Wednesday news

Earlier this week I blogged about Pranom Pop-Up which will bring authentic Los Angeles Thai street food to Downtown Memphis, at the Silly Goose Friday from 4 to 9. Well, I have now learned that Friday will be the second of two Downtown Memphis appearances. Thursday Pranom Pop-Up will make an appearance at the High Cotton taproom at 598 Monroe. I’ll probably wait until Friday to try it at the Goose because I’m lazy about walking, but if you live in The Edge, or if you want great craft beer with your Pad Thai, or you just can’t wait until Friday, there you go. By the way, if you’re a student (and 21 or over), Thursday is the taproom’s $3.50 pint night for you.

Main Street shuttle buses will replace the trolleys and start running Sunday, April 12. Here is the route. @LaurenSquires reported that new trolleys cost $1.5 million apiece and MATA just doesn’t have the money for that right now. Regular trolleys are expected to be back by fall.

Administrative note: I still consider this a personal blog, and therefore Bardog, Blind Bear, Flying Saucer, Silly Goose, and Max’s Sports Bar have an advantage getting things mentioned on this blog because those are the main places I hang out. However, other Downtown restaurants, bars, and businesses: Do not be shy about letting me know about events you would like me to write about. My email address is paul@paulryburn.com and you’re welcome to send me anything you want. I can’t promise it will get in (especially the week of BBQ Fest, when I blog mainly about my team) but if I think it’s something my readers should know about, I will try my best.

Concert announcement: Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters will play Mud Island on Friday, June 12. Tickets go on sale Friday. I don’t go to a lot of concerts, but that is one I would not mind attending.

If you missed the weekly Grind City Craft show on 600 WREC, here’s a replay. The topic is the upcoming Memphis Beer Week. A good listen if you appreciate local and regional craft beer.

Thanks to the Grizzlies, patients at St. Jude have a new basketball court. The court is Grizzlies-themed and has adjustable goals so kids of all ages can play. Team members came out and played on the court with the kids yesterday.

Do you have a recipe for a craft beer cocktail? Take it to the Flying Saucer and enter it before April 20. On April 24, the top ten finalists will present their cocktails. The top three will go on the menu for the month of May. The creator of the best-selling cocktail during May will get a spot in the Ring of Honor and a UFO party. As far as I can remember, this is the first time they have ever offered a way to get a plate on the wall without having to drink 200 beers.

From the MBJ: The first Southwest plane departs Memphis for Dallas Love Field today.

From Thrillist: The 11 best places to get fried chicken in Memphis. Several are walkable from Downtown.

Bass Pro Pyramid has some open service industry positions in its Mile-High Catfish Bar.

With highs pushing into the mid-80s today, I plan to get out and do some people watching and tube top watching this afternoon after work. Great patio weather. Perhaps I will see you out.

Brewery Revival music lineup and more Tuesday news

The music lineup for April for Tennessee Brewery Revival has been announced.

  • Saturday, April 11: Mark Edgar Stuart 3-4:30, Deering & Down 4:45-7
  • Sunday, April 12: Grace Askew 4-6:30
  • Saturday, April 18: Loveland Duren 4-7
  • Sunday, April 19: Mason Jar Fireflies 3-7
  • Saturday, April 25: Blind Mississippi Morris 3-7
  • Sunday, April 26: Alexis Grace 3-7

The City Council started the legislative process that would permit drinking on party bikes like River City Pedalers, the 14-seat party bike that has been operating Downtown since December. The River City bike made two different stops at Bardog, with different groups on board, while I was in there Saturday.

Blues legend B.B. King has been hospitalized.

The Orpheum is hiring a marketing/group sales assistant.

MLGW’s Plus-1 Telethon is today. You can sign up to pay extra on your bill to help pay to keep the power on for people who don’t have the money to pay their bills.

Random fact I learned today from FiveThirtyEight: Your fingernails grow 3-4 times faster than your toenails. Also from FiveThirtyEight: The Rock consumes about 821 pounds of cod per year and eats seven meals a day.

It’s National Beer Day and of course I intend to celebrate after work. I am going to switch up my Tuesday routine a bit and revert to Flying Saucer as my lead-off location. That will allow me to get to the Silly Goose right about the time their local beer night ($2 local drafts) starts at 7:30, with live music at 8:30. Yes I will drink local beer and not PBR.

New restaurant on Madison, Memphis Made party and more Monday news

How we celebrate Easter Downtown: With a Peep-B-R.
How we celebrate Easter Downtown: With a Peep-B-R.

We have a new restaurant that has opened on Madison, in the block between Second and Third that also contains the Brass Door and Havana’s Pilon. Parkway Grill has opened in the space that was formerly Thai Bistro. This is the second location of the original Parkway Grill on East Parkway. Its menu (photo from the East Parkway location) is pretty basic, with burgers, dogs, gyros and pitas, and wings. There’s nothing wrong with a basic menu if it’s good stuff, though. I like my wings the way I like my women – extra hot – so I hope to give those a try soon. They have garden and turkey versions of the burger available, for those who choose not to chow on cow.

Memphis Made Brewing Co. is throwing a party on Saturday, April 25. The party will be called “Hopped,” and will feature a line of hoppy pale ales, IPAs, and more. It will be in the brewery’s parking lot, near the I Love Memphis sign, and there will be music by the Mighty Souls Brass Band and Goner Records. There will be food from the Fresh Gulf Shrimp food truck, the Food Geek truck, and Aldo’s Pizza Pies. It will be a free, all-ages event from 12 to 6 with the taproom remaining open until 9. First 100 customers will receive a free Hopped pint glass.

Also on hand at the party will be Bikesmith, the mobile bike shop. Attendees who ride their bike to the party will be entered into a raffle to win great prizes including a growler of Memphis Made beer every month for a year.

After the party, the Memphis Made taproom will be open Saturdays as well as Fridays.

From Skillet, Lifehacker’s food blog: Use cornbread instead of sliced bread for your next sandwich. That is absolute genius right there.

Max’s Sports Bar is open early today for MLB Opening Day.

Dog owners: Sunday, April 26 is Bark at the Ballpark, with free admission for dogs when accompanied by a paying owner, with seating in a special section. Tickets are $12 for a field box seat, and first pitch is at 1:35. There will be dog adoptions by Streetdog Foundation. They always seem to do this the day of Beale Street Wine Race, and it puts some of my dog owner friends to a difficult decision.

I need to do a post on Wine Race for newcomers to Memphis. Trust me, you need to see it at least once. Teams from several of my favorite bars are among the ones that compete, but I’m pretty partisan to the Blind Bear when cheering. Dammit, we’re not going to have Kaylea in a super-low-cut booby V-neck this year.

If you haven’t been by the tall brown building at Union and Main recently, look up the next time you pass by. The “Memphis Business Journal” sign has been replaced by a “Lokion” sign.

That’s it for now. After work I need to make a brief trip by Cafe Keough to talk to Jai, then on to Melissa Monday at Bardog and then Pint Nite at Flying Saucer.

L.A. Thai street food craze Pranom Pop-Up to come to Memphis Friday

Dream Kasestatad, an actor and producer in Los Angeles, lost everything not long after turning 30 – his job, his girlfriend, everything. To survive, he turned back to his roots. He still knew how to cook. He began to cook his family recipe Pad Thai on the streets of L.A., selling boxes of the dish for about what one would pay for fast food out there. His pop-up business, known as Pranom, became wildly popular, receiving coverage in publications such as L.A. Weekly.

Nowadays, Kasestatad has taken his show on the road, catering festivals and high-end private events, and he has embarked on a food tour of cities across the U.S. This Friday Pranom Pop-Up will pop up in Memphis, at the Silly Goose from 4 to 9. He will prepare Khao Soi – yellow curry with egg noodles, chicken, pickled mustard greens, red onions, fried garlic and onions and lime citrus. Come on down and find out why Pranom Pop-Up is drawing such big crowds out on the West Coast.

Hippity hoppity happy Easter day everyone! I don’t really observe Easter for religious reasons, but I’m happy that kids get candy and I get PBR. Lent comes to an end for a lot of people today. Could be an interesting day at the bar as people make up for the last 40 days.

Okay. Now that I have more time, I’ll write a few paragraphs on Kudzu’s closing. You know, I talked to several people yesterday who had been there, and the general consensus was that the real Kudzu’s died in 2011 when the bar was sold. Still, I’m sad to see it go, because it was one of the last bars standing from the early ’90s when there weren’t many choices other than Beale Street. I remember hearing about Kudzu’s back when the choices were the South End, the North End, Barrister’s, Sleep Out Louie’s, the Map Room, Earnestine & Hazel’s, and the original Raiford’s.

It’s odd, that place was sold and started going downhill at almost exactly the time The Edge became a neighborhood. That building has held bars and nightclubs since the 1920s. I hope someone does something with the building to carry on its tradition as a neighborhood locals’ bar with a ton of character. People who live in the area need a place within walking distance where they can go to unwind, kind of like Bardog is for me.

Hmmm… wouldn’t it be interesting if Aldo put a Bardog/Slider Inn type of place in there? I never once made it out to Kudzu’s, but if there were an Aldo bar at 603 Monroe, I guarantee you my feets would be doing some walkin’.

Also, now that I think about it, every person I know who lives in The Edge is known to hang out at Max’s Sports Bar. Only occasionally in some cases, nearly every day in others. Maybe a concept similar to Max’s is what would work there. Once again, if something resembling Max’s opened in that spot, I would have to step out of my comfort zone of the Downtown core now and then.

KENTUCKY LOST!!!!!!! Wisconsin took them down 71-64 last night. Congratulations and THANK YOU to the Badgers. I het my boy Habes is a happy, happy man right now. Congrats also to Cal, who one day will become the first head coach in history to vacate two 38-win seasons.

Grizzlies playoff gear is now on sale.

Waiting for City Market to open so I can feed my newest addiction, Mountain Dew Kickstart. Juice, Dew, electrolytes. I thought I was addicted to regular Dew, but I crave this stuff badly since trying my first can last week. Kickstart will get me fired up for what will hopefully be an epic Sunday Fun Day. The only definite plan I have is to visit Christina at the Saucer sometime after opening at 4. Rest of the day is TBD at this point. I don’t feel like having to hear a shrill, high-pitched cougar voice, so I’m skipping Blind Bear poker this evening. Time to do some cleaning. My laundry basket is looking an awful lot like a couch, so I guess I better get to work on that.