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First of all, wishing a very happy birthday to the one and only LONDON!!! She’ll be behind the upstairs bar at Earnesrine & Hazel’s tonight from 8:00, 8:30 or so until close. Go see her and tip her ALL THE MONEYZ! Even that $2 coin you brought back from a vacation in Canada a few years ago. TIP HER THAT TOO!

Speaking of Canada, I met the NICEST tourists last night. They were from Lethbridge, a town about 2 hours south of (if I can be serious for a minute) Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The actor who played Mr. Drummond on the TV show Diff’rent Strokes was from Lethbridge. Whatchu talkin’ bout, Mr. D?

You can ride a mechanical bull tonight at Rockey’s Rodeo at the Redbirds. First pitch vs. Gwinnett is at 7:05. It’s Fiesta Friday at the ballpark with $5 margaritas, $5 Dos Equis beer, and $5 street tacos. The Heavenly Hot Dog Buffet is back with 21 toppings to choose from. First 1500 fans in the gate get a Dri-Fit hoodie.

There will be a vegan block party at Martyrs’ Park Saturday.

Get ready for an all-day pub crawl on and around the Downtown/Edge section of Madison Avenue Saturday, May 2:

Also on May 2: Tell your homeless and less-fortunate friends there will be an event for them in Court Square. They’ll be fed, clothed, and supplied.

Someone wanted to know, what are the 21 toppings on the Redbirds’ Heavenly Hot Dog Buffet? I asked ChatGPT:

• mustard
• ketchup
• relish
• mayo
• lettuce
• tomatoes
• onions
• pickle chips
• crispy onions
• peppers & onions
• shredded cheddar
• nacho cheese
• sauerkraut
• jalapenos
• bacon bits
• pico de gallo
• coleslaw
• BBQ sauce
• buffalo sauce
• cream cheese

ChatGPT suggested some elite-tier combos:

• Memphis Smokehouse Dog: chili, coleslaw, BBQ sauce, onions, cheddar
• Spicy Street Dog: jalapenos, pico, nacho cheese, onions, buffalo sauce
• Chili Cheese Overload: chili, nacho cheese, shredded cheddar, onions, bacon bits
• Bacon Ranch-ish Remix: bacon bits, lettuce, tomato, mayo, cheddar
• Tangy Crunch Dog: sauerkraut, relish, mustard, pickle chips, onions
• Sweet Heat Southern Dog: BBQ sauce, jalapenos, coleslaw, bacon bits, pico
• Chaos Mode: chili, nacho cheese, jalapenos, sauerkraut, BBQ sauce, onions

I’m gonna add one of my own:

• The “Paul”: cream cheese, BBQ sauce, peppers & onions. Wash it down with a PBR.

PBR Pickle is a thing. A fellow Downtowner and I are considering a road trip to Crosstown next week to investigate.

Felicia Suzanne Restaurant is hiring.

The Grizzlies are looking to hire a UI/UX developer.

Loflin Yard posted their updated seasonal cocktail menu:

Our Crimson Siesta is a Loflin play on an aperol spritz, the Vodka Verde is like a spa in a cup, the Duck Clubbed has lots of herbal notes, and A Dash of Passion brings some fun and fruity vibes! Try them out at a steal during our happy hours from 4-7pm every Wednesday-Friday!

Winzell’s Oyster House is coming to the former Hooters location on Peabody Place. This Alabama-based chain has been around for nearly 90 years.

Probably back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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Sit. Stay. Good beer. I made some new friends from Arkansas yesterday morning at Bardog, and they recommended a brewery to visit: Southern Tail in Little Rock. They tell me it’s a beautiful space and the food is outstanding. Hey, they have beer can chicken – that’s a must-try, as I learned at a previous BBQ Fest.

Peabody rooftop party szn kicks off tonight with Almost Famous and DJ A.D. 6-10 PM, $15 to get in, $40 to go VIP. In case of rain, they’ll move the party indoors to the Skyway.

It’s 1960s Night at the Redbirds. Enjoy classic hits and groovy vibes as Memphis plays the Gwinnett Stripers at 6:45. It’s also $2 PBR Thursday at the old ball game.

From USA TODAY: The rise of FedEx as an American brand

The former Longshot location in the basement of the ARRIVE Hotel is set to become a cocktail bar called Spoken For. It’ll open this summer and smash burgers will be featured on the menu.

What Now has an update on the Brain Foods restaurant coming to Union Ave. down the street from Huey’s.

Cordelia’s Market is now selling Willow Oaks hanging baskets featuring 3 different flower varieties.

Tom Lee Park will close this coming Monday through May 10 for festival prep & events. So if you plan on smoking up in the park for 4/20, it’ll have to be a different park.

Watch Friday’s NBA play-in game between the Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic… and root for Charlotte. If the Magic lose, Memphis will have TWO lottery picks in this year’s draft.

The fire museum will have a yard sale & auction Saturday.

Back tomorrow with a Frupdate.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

More info on that muffuletta pizza Memphis Chess Club just added to its menu:

• All Chess Club pizzas are named for famous chess players.
• The dollar amounts are the prices for 8-, 12-, and 18-inch pizzas.

Today is Jackie Robinson Day, McDonald’s Day, and National Banana Day.

The Orpheum seeks a resident teaching artist.

The Last Call is the burger of the week at Momma’s: Angus beef patty topped with onion rings, bacon, sauteed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and Creole mustard aioli.

Learn how to build a budget Thursday evening at Cossitt Library.

The Southern Sleep Society annual meeting and technologist course is at the Sheraton Thursday-Saturday.

Stax Music Academy gives a free concert in Handy Park on Beale at 5:30 Thursday. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

The world championship hot wing festival is at River Garden Saturday.

Porter-Leath’s Rajun Cajun crawfish fest is on Riverside Drive between Jefferson and Union Sunday.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

J Woods, the new sports bar and grill on Mud Island, has announced an opening date of Friday, May 1. That’s contingent on them getting their liquor and beer licenses on time.

There’s a liquor shortage in Mississippi right now. Here’s why.

The Grizzlies finished 25-57, the 6th-worst record in the NBA. Per Tankathon, they have a 37.2% chance at a top-4 pick in the 2026 draft and a 9% chance of picking first.

The Africa in April festival is this weekend at Church Park, Beale Street at Ida B. Wells Street. The Republic of Guinea is the honored country this year.

The Redbirds host Gwinnett tonight at 6:05 and tomorrow for an 11:05 day game.

CeCe Winans comes to the Orpheum this Friday. Hey CeCe, you’ve got a lot of fans at the Union Mission here, how about popping in the 6 PM chapel service and singing a song? The sound system is the most badass you’ll ever see in a homeless shelter.

There will be a self-care workshop at the Cossitt Library Wednesday 6:00-7:30 PM.

Congrats to Uptown event venue The Kent on its recent 100 on its health inspection.

The Saucer has a mango beer now. I asked Google Gemini to research it: “Golden Road Mango Cart is a fruited wheat ale inspired by the iconic fruit cart vendors of Los Angeles. It’s designed to be a highly approachable, refreshing ‘lawnmower beer’ with a heavy emphasis on tropical aroma.”

Get your Mount Puffsmore 4/20 glass at the Saucer Wednesday at 7 PM:

National Guard members tackled content creator South Memphis HypeMan on Beale Street last weekend.

The worldwide map of sidewalk joy

The Farm Market Co-op on South Main is set to transform into a 16-seat restaurant.

Poker returns to Bardog next Monday, April 20. The game is free to play and it’s a fun way to meet some of your Downtown neighbors. 7 PM every Monday. Drink specials for players.

A new happy hour menu is dropping at Bardog this afternoon.

One more piece of Bardog news: Cinnamon churro cheesecake is a dessert special this week.

Soul & Spirits will have a Belgian beer fest Saturday 1-8 PM.

Cordelia’s hot lunch specials 11-2 this week:

• Tue: Nachos with rice and beans
• Wed: Lemon butter shrimp pasta with a spring salad
• Thur: Chopped cheese sandwich with fries
• Fri: Seafood nachos

Looks like Memphis Chess Club is adding a muffuletta pizza to the menu.

Back on my daily posting routine. See you tomorrow.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Didja know you can get a walking tour of Downtown, or wherever you happen to be, using an app that you probably already have installed on your phone? Thanks to the Recomendo newsletter for this tip:

1. Install the Wikipedia app if you haven’t already
2. Configure your phone to allow the app to use your location
3. Open the app and go to the Explore tab
4. Scroll down to “Places near” and you’ll get links for the 5 locations that have Wikipedia pages that your phone thinks are nearest you.

I’m typing this at the chess club on Madison and the app is giving me entries for Visible Music College, the Toof Building, the Sterick Building, the Scimitar Building, and the Medical Arts Building. When I move to another location, I’ll get a different 5.

Give it a try… back tomorrow or maybe later today with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Today is National Dive Bar Day. Go see London at the upstairs bar at Earnestine & Hazel’s tonight. Or go get a Firebird chicken sandwich at “the diner and dive off 55,” Momma’s.

Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns lead The Masters after the first round. Catch second-round action today at Birdie’s on South Main. It’s the golf bar’s 3rd anni and Cheers & Co. will have a photo booth there on Saturday.

The Artemis 2 moon mission capsule is scheduled to splash down off the coast of San Diego at 7:07 Memphis time. Watch coverage on NASA’s YouTube channel beginning at 5:30.

Artemis 2 phone wallpapers

Online game you should play with your grandparents: Spot the Scam

FOX 13’s Chelsea Chandler has a look at BEE 901, a nonprofit that gives back to the community by making and selling honey. Find BEE 901 Saturdays at Memphis Farmers Market at Front and G.E. Patterson.

I walked past KUYA, the new Filipino snack bar at Main and Vance, about midnight last Friday night and the place was JAMMIN’ with a DJ and good vibes. What a great addition to that block.

The police cleared out a homeless encampment under an overhang at Fourth and Washington this week. It sprung up during the ice storm and grew to about 20 people. For those of you who worry about me, I never stay in encampments.

The Memphis Medical District Collaborative seeks a senior employer and talent relations specialist.

Battle of the zz: Grizz at Jazz, 8:30 tonight, FanDuel Sports

Memphis Flyer: How is Downtown Memphis really doing?, part 1 of 4

I’m a fanhausen: Danhausen is the best thing going in WWE today.

There’s a new beer at Flying Saucer called Edmunds Oast Strawberry Shortcake, and I sampled it on Tuesday. I have to recommend you take a PASS on this one. The flavor is neither strawberry or shortcake. Order a Blake’s triple berry hard cider instead.

Also take a HARD pass on a new concept popping up at bars Downtown: CinnaMINT flavored Rumple. I didn’t have to try that one to know it is a bad idea.

Probably back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

PROGRAMMING NOTE: There will probably be some days over the next week and a half when I’m unable to post. Part of this is due to a planned equipment upgrade, and part of it due to a health issue related to my Parkinson’s disease. Thank you for your understanding, your prayers, and your support. I love writing this blog for all of you.

can’t write more right now, shaking too much

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

 

BarWare will host a Pretty & Loud sing-along brunch to benefit the South Main Association Sunday, April 26 at 11 AM. Tickets include a bottle of bubbly and a swag bag. Seating is limited, so don’t delay.

WNBA news: The Chicago Sky have traded Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for 2 first-round draft picks.

11 AM-2 PM hot lunch specials at Cordelia’s this week:

• Tue: Fajitas with penne and beans
• Wed: Pot roast with house salad
• Thur: Cajun crawfish and shrimp pappardelle pasta
• Fri: Shrimp po’boy, fries

Today is International Beaver Day. Celebrate with a Beaver Eater shot at Bardog.

Read about the plan to keep people safe at Riverbeat music fest.

Back tomorrow with more news. I will also try to explain more about the problems this f-ing computer is having.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Folks, the computer I’ve been using for the past year is on its last legs. Does anyone have a spare laptop they could donate to a homeless blogger with Parkinson’s disease?

Flyway Brewing has added a sausage & cheese platter to its menu – grilled sausage, pepper jack, cheddar, dill pickle spears, house chips, smoked hickory mustard. Recommended pairing is a Flying Duck amber ale.

Memphis Filling Station will host a 420 market… but on Sunday 4/19.

From Quora: How do Chinese restaurants that appear to have hardly any customers stay in business?

Riverside Drive has closed between Beale and Georgia for RiverBeat music fest prep.

The Grizzlies host Cleveland tonight at 7. Get there early to get a free Grizzlies poster. TV: FanDuel Sports

Yesterday I received a brunch invitation to the cafe in Wilson, AR on a yet-to-be-determined future Sunday. You better believe I accepted that one!

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com