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Saturday update

Reminder: You cannot buy beer, wine, or liquor at grocery stores or liquor stores in Tennessee on Easter Sunday. If you plan to imbibe on the holiday, you need to go shopping today.

South Point Grocery has an Easter special going on this weekend – a pound of strawberries for 99 cents.

Little Bettie, the pizza kitchen inside Wisacre’s Downtown taproom, will switch to a “pizza by the slice” menu leading up to the 2:30 Grizzlies playoff game so they can serve more people faster. They’ll also have a special Playoff Parfait available.

The Majestic Grille has brought back a Friday favorite – the seafood flatbread. Loaded with Gulf shrimp, scallops, Atlantic salmon, mozzarella, red onion, and spinach in a garlic olive oil base, the flatbread is available every Friday from 11 AM to 4 PM. I know what my lunch plan for next Friday is!

The family of Tacquan Smith, the man killed in the Beale Street shooting has hired a lawyer and he held a press conference yesterday. It sounds like they are exploring whether a wrongful death suit against the operators of Beale Street would be appropriate. The lawyer noted that Beale Street security had gone home at 1 AM, hours before the street closed for the night. He said that if security had still been on duty at 2:20, the weapon that killed the victim would not have been on the street. The lawyer is also puzzled as to why the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has not been invited to look into the case.

Southern Avenue will sing the national anthem at this afternoon’s playoff game, and halftime will feature a performance by Red Panda. The game will be nationally televised on ESPN.

There will be watch parties for the Grizzlies’ away games Thursday and Saturday, April 21 and 23, in Fourth Bluff Park. They’ll give away Grizzlies koozies and sunglasses, and the Claw Crew, the Grizz Girls, and Grizzline will be there. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

The Downtown Memphis Commission is hiring a Development Project Manager.

The USFL season kicks off tonight. Does anybody really care? Next year, there will be two spring football leagues as XFL league play begins.

Today is National Eggs Benedict Day. Hmmm… let me take a minute or two to research where you can celebrate Downtown. Sage has a Salmon Benedict and a Crab Cakes Benedict… Automatic Slim’s has a Salmon Benedict, a Crab Cakes Benedict, and a BBQ Brisket Benedict… Majestic Grille has a traditional Eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon and a Filet Mignon Benedict.

You can create a cookie for Easter at Butterific Bakery & Cafe today from noon to 5. The Cookie Monster will be there.

Get free photos with the Easter Bunny today 11 to 6 at Bass Pro at the Pyramid.

Easter weekend weather does not look good… rain all weekend with the temperature not even cracking 70 during the day and dropping below 50 at night. I’ll let you in on a secret though… rainy weekends are the best weekends to go out to restaurants and bars for brunch. Brunch, especially in the Downtown core, has turned into Amateur Night during the day since the pandemic restrictions were lifted. However, when it’s raining out brunch crowds tend to be just the locals.

I’ve got a long day ahead. Of course, I’m going to watch the Grizzlies at 2:30, of course, then at 7 I have a wedding celebration to attend. See you tomorrow and GO GRIZZLIES!

Friday update

A wallaby has escaped from the Memphis Zoo. Wednesday a creek running through the KangaZoo exhibit flooded, and zoo staff had to evacuate 22 kangaroos and 4 wallabies to a nearby animal hospital. When they did a headcount, they came up one wallaby short.

It’s possible the wallaby is somewhere in Overton Park, possibly in the creek system (they can swim). If you spot the wallaby, the zoo asks that you not approach it, because they are skittish, but note the time and location of the sighting and report it to 901-333-6500.

Follow the wallaby on Twitter at @MemphisWallaby.

Look for a special Memphis Grizzlies light show on Mighty Lights on the river bridges during the playoffs. The light show will happen every half hour following a moment of solidarity with Ukraine.

If you know anyone who is in need or homeless, please inform them: Brian Harris is hosting a community soul food Easter lunch from noon to 2 Sunday for them. It will be happening at the Hospitality HUB, 590 Washington. There will be smoked chicken, smothered pork chops, baked ham, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, spaghetti, green beans, corn on the cob, macaroni and cheese, yeast rolls, pound cake, peach cobbler, sodas and water. This event is being put together with help from Community Alliance for the Homeless, Room In the Inn – Memphis, MIFA, and the City of Memphis.

Save the date: There will be a crawfish boil from 10 AM to 1 PM at the Memphis Farmers Market Saturday, May 7. All proceeds will benefit the market.

In other crawfish news, Max’s Sports Bar will have its final crawfish and shrimp boil of the season tomorrow. The doors will open at 11, first batch will be ready at 12, sound on for the Grizzlies at 2:30.

The Grizzlies are having a Playoff Plaza Party today from 11 to 2 in front of FedExForum. There will be music, food trucks, and Grizzlies swag giveaways.

YOGA! Downtown Yoga is back at Grind City Brewing Co. Every Thursday at 5:30 they will hold a 45-minute Vinyasa class on Grind City’s beautiful lawn facing the river. $16 (or use your Downtown Yoga/Envision Memphis payment package). Participants 21 and up get $2 off their first beer after class. Bring a mat, towel, and water bottle, and they ask that you sign up for the class in advance.

There will be Blues on Beale, free concerts in Handy Park 7-9 PM, the third Wednesday of every month. Here’s the lineup:

  • April 20: Memphissippi Sounds
  • May 18: Eric Hughes Band
  • June 15: Rodd Bland
  • July 20: Ghost Town Blues Band
  • August 17: Toni Green
  • September 21: Albert King Jr.

Alcenia’s is back open after a hiatus of more than a year.

Local officials are looking at additional measures to keep Beale Street patrons safe. These include improving lighting on the street and beefing up security at locations where weapons could be passed through gates.

Today is Jackie Robinson Day. All Major League players will wear number 42 today in honor of the 1947 Rookie of the Year who integrated baseball.

Barbeque Off Da Chainz and Stickem will be the trucks for this week’s Food Truck Friday in Health Sciences Park 11 AM-1 PM.

Broke Tall Folk play The Vault tonight at 7.

That’s it for today. Happy Good Friday to those of you who observe that holy day. Back tomorrow with more news.

Thursday update

Jennifer Biggs of the DM has a look at Momma’s, the dive bar/trucker bar on Crump. Momma’s closed last spring when the I-40 bridge shut down; at the time traffic on Crump off the I-55 bridge was so heavy that people couldn’t even turn off Crump onto Kentucky Street. The interior has been renovated, a big kitchen has gone in, and there’s a new patio. Owner Aldo says it’ll be open soon but doesn’t have a firm date yet.

SCOOBY DOOBY DOOOOOOOO! Scooby-Doo will be featured on the annual 4/20 glass that will go on sale next Wednesday at 7 PM at the Flying Saucer. It comes with a scannable QR code that can be redeemed for a free Scooby Snack on a future visit.

Arbo’s is rolling out two new flavors of cheese dip: Queso Blanco and Spicy Original. Join them at Grind City Brewing Co. this Friday, beginning at noon, to sample the new flavors as well as the original. The DimSum101 food truck will be on site. There will be live music by Charvey Mac at 5 PM and comedy by Comma Comedians at 8 PM.

Memphis Tigers forward DeAndre Williams has declared for the NBA draft. He will not hire an agent and will retain his college athletic eligibility.

From the Flyer: Center for Southern Folklore’s space has changed but they’re still open. They’re just not visible from the street anymore.

Several vehicles were trapped in flash flooding on the south end of Downtown yesterday afternoon.

Fansided has a position-by-position matchup for the Grizzlies’ first-round playoff series versus the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Stop by The Peanut Shoppe at 121 S. Main today to celebrate National Pecan Day.

The Grizzlies’ Claw Crew will hand out free playoff swag today at the Court Square food truck rodeo from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Wyly Bigger plays Live at the Tracks at Central Station tonight from 6:30 to 9:30.

I’m gonna drop by Court Square and score some of that playoff swag. Back tomorrow with more news.

Wednesday update

The Memphis Grizzlies now know who their first-round playoff opponent will be: Minnesota, who defeated the L.A. Clippers 109-104 in the play-in game last night.

The schedule for the first round looks like this:

  • Game 1: Saturday, April 16, 2:30 PM, FedExForum, TV: ESPN
  • Game 2: Tuesday, April 19, FedExForum, time and TV TBD
  • Game 3: Thursday, April 21, 6:30 PM, at Minnesota, TV: TNT
  • Game 4: Saturday, April 23, time TBD, at Minnesota, TV: ESPN
  • Game 5: Tuesday, April 26, FedExForum, time and TV TBD (if necessary)
  • Game 6: Friday, April 29, at Minnesota, time and TV TBD (if necessary)
  • Game 7: Sunday, May 1, FedExForum, time and TV TBD (if necessary)

FiveThirtyEight’s NBA predictions gave Memphis only a 41% chance of advancing vs. an unknown 7 seed (Timberwolves or Clippers) but that percentage has shot up to 65% now that the T’wolves have filled that slot. Beyond that FiveThirtyEight has the Grizzlies

  • 32% to make the Western Conference finals
  • 11% to make the NBA Finals
  • 3% to win the championship

Swanky’s Taco Shop in the Chisca, closed since August 2020, will not reopen. The owner said he applied for Restaurant Revitalization Fund money but was not awarded any, making continued operation of the restaurant extremely difficult. The Chisca is seeking a new tenant. The restaurant seats 80 and has a patio outside that seats an additional 45.

DJs return to the Silly Goose this weekend, both Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16. $10 cover to get in.

The DMC is tightening security on Beale in response to the shooting that happened there this past weekend. If you attempt to enter the entertainment district between 9 PM and 3 AM Friday or Saturday, you’ll be wanded and charged a $5 security fee.

“I think we’ve really got to talk to Beale Street owners, why do they have to be open that late?” said Mayor Strickland. Um, Jim. They’re open that late because they MAKE MONEY at those hours. As much as bars and restaurants have had their revenues stifled by limited hours the past two years, please don’t add to it.

We all know “that one person” who loses his phone and his wallet three or four times a week. Well, for that person, now there’s hope: A tech company will embed a payment chip in your hand. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and costs about $300.

Memphis Medical District Collaborative will be gathering data on how Madison Avenue is utilized for about the next two weeks, installing bicycle and pedestrian counters near Hospital Street. If you use that route, be sure to follow the markers so that you will be counted.

Early voting begins today. Check out Bill Dries’ excellent Ballot Basics to find out everything you need to know.

Memphis 901 FC is at home tonight to play FC Tulsa. Kickoff is at 7 PM.

Thee Open Mic happens tonight from 6 to 10 at Carolina Watershed.

That’s it for now. Everyone take it easy driving home this afternoon. Back tomorrow with more news.

Tuesday update

The architect of shock rock, Alice Cooper, brings his show to the Orpheum on Tuesday, September 27. Tickets are $39.50-$125 and go on sale to the general public today at 10 AM.

The South Main Association’s monthly South Main Social happens tonight at South Point Grocery. Members will enjoy bites from the grocery store’s deli while sipping a beer from Wiseacre. Speakers are Chuck Mitchell and Cynthia Ham. The event kicks off at 6 PM. Free for SMA members, $20 for non-members.

The Memphis Songwriters Association will hold a Songwriters’ Showdown Thursday at 7 PM at the Halloran Centre. The top 8 finalists in MSA’s annual songwriters’ competition will face off. There will be a featured performance by Brian Blake, MSA’s 2021 Songwriter of the Year.

The Memphis Police Department has created a Memphis’ Most Wanted website to encourage tips to CrimeStoppers. Tips can be delivered by phone, website, or text, and if your tip helps lead to an arrest and conviction, you could be eligible for a reward up to $2000.

Soul & Spirits Brewery has released Hound Dog Hefeweizen, a wheat beer with hints of clove, apricot, and banana bread. Pick up a 6-pack of cans in the brewery taproom’s grab & go.

Southeast African country Malawi will be celebrated at the Africa in April festival next week. The festival will be held at Robert Church Park on Beale just east of Fourth.

The County Commission approved annual payments to the Memphis Grizzlies that will keep them in town through 2029. The payments replace a controversial plan that would have required the city to buy and distribute tickets if certain average attendance thresholds were not met. Hopefully, by 2029 an NBA championship banner will hang from the rafters at FedExForum and negotiating a new lease will be a no-brainer.

Mane, Memphis doesn’t even get respect from computer simulations. Statistics site FiveThirtyEight has updated its NBA predictions. The computer model gives the Memphis Grizzlies a 41% of appearing in the Western Conference semifinals. That means it sees Memphis as an underdog in the first round, giving whoever is the 7 seed (Minnesota or L.A. Clippers) a 59% chance to advance.

Now, I get it to some extent. Teams with a lot of players with extensive playoff experience have a distinct advantage this time of year. But the Timberwolves and Clippers are mediocre teams. I might give the ‘wolves a 45% chance of winning the first round vs. the Grizzlies and the Clippers 35%. But to call either team a favorite against Memphis? No.

If you’re curious, the rest of the predictions have Memphis

  • 20% to appear in the Western Conference finals – so the model thinks there’s an 80% chance the Grizzlies will be upset in one of the first two rounds. No. Respect. At. All.
  • 7% to appear in the NBA Finals
  • 2% to win the championship

The team the model likes the best is the Boston Celtics, who it gives a 35% chance of winning the NBA title. No other team got even 20%.

Don’t forget to tune into TNT tonight at 8:30 to watch the play-in game that will determine Memphis’ first-round opponent. Go Clippers!

Mayor Jimbo from Mempho questions whether Beale Street bar and club hours need to run as late as they currently do. Currently, bars and clubs in the entertainment district can stay open until 5 AM, and all other bars and clubs in the city until 3 AM. A shooting Sunday morning about 2:20 outside Green Room/Tin Roof prompted those comments from the mayor.

The victim in Sunday’s shooting who died has been identified as Tacquan Smith, a local rapper. He was out with about a dozen other family members on Beale celebrating his late father’s birthday. Smith’s mother claims that he was an innocent bystander and that police in the area were more interested in talking with women than monitoring the street.

Canopy by Hilton is looking to hire an overnight maintenance engineer.

Oh, for crying out loud… Philadelphia has reinstated its indoor mask mandate as the Omicron BA.3 variant spreads. Its rolling 7-day new cases per day rate? 10.1 per 100k according to COVID Act Now. That’s way, way, WAY low to be telling people, even vaccinated and boosted people, they must wear masks.

The 2021 rankings for world’s businest airports are out. Memphis is number 2 behind Hong Kong for cargo. Passenger-wise, Atlanta, Dallas, and (this is kind of a surprise) Denver are the top three. For international passengers, the top airports are Dubai, Istanbul, and Amsterdam, with no U.S. airport breaking the top ten.

It’s National Grilled Cheese Day. Can’t go wrong with Majestic Grille or Bardog Tavern if you want to celebrate the holiday.

I *think* the Blind Bear is going to make that pop culture trivia they did last Tuesday a weekly thing, although I’m not 100% positive because I have not seen a Facebook event listing for tonight. If it happens, it starts at 7:30, it’s very fast-paced, and it’s loads of fun. If it doesn’t happen, you can stick around and watch the play-in game that will determine the Grizzlies’ opponent. That’s my plan for tonight. Back tomorrow with more news.

 

 

Monday update

Read more in the MemphisWeather.net blog.

The Grizzlies didn’t get their record-breaking 57th regular-season victory last night, falling to the Boston Celtics 139-110. The Grizzlies move on to game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, hosting the 7 seed at 2:30 Saturday at FedExForum.

Who will that 7 seed be? Tune into TNT at 8:30 Tuesday evening to find out as the Minnesota Timberwolves host the L.A. Clippers in the 7-8 play-in game. Winner moves into the first-round playoff spot vs. Memphis.

Carolina Watershed is hosting a Full Moon Easter Eggstravaganza next Sunday from 4 to 10. There will be a kids-only Easter egg hunt from 4 to 6. Driftwood Ramblers will play at 5 and Cosmic Coyote at 7. At 9 there will be a glow-in-the-dark adults-only Eggstravaganza – you could find candy, gift cards, or cash prizes.

The company that runs Carolina Watershed, Tandem Restaurant Partners, is hiring for all positions at all locations. Tandem’s other properties include Ben-Yay’s, Front Street Deli, Growlers, Hernando’s Hide-a-way, Red Bones Turkey Legs, Sidecar Cafe, Sugar Grits, and Zinnie’s. Apply here

Jennifer Biggs from the DM has a look at Grind City Grocer, the latest retail business to take advantage of the DMC’s Open on Main initiative.

There was an armed robbery at South Main and Pontotoc about 2 this morning.

Today is National Pet Day.

Updated info on that early Sunday morning shooting on Beale: It happened in front of the Green Room, which is Tin Roof’s DJ room. Two groups of men started shooting at each other. Police officers were caught in the crossfire and returned fire at one of the groups.

Benches cleared at a UCF vs. University of Memphis baseball game yesterday following an argument over a home run.

Broadway musical The Band’s Visit runs at the Orpheum this week Tuesday through Sunday.

That’s all for now. Stay dry and I’ll see you tomorrow.

Sunday update

Bartender: “You can’t be in here if you’re not 21 or up”

Woman, walking into bar, carrying baby: “I’m 23”

Sunrise, the breakfast restaurant over on Jefferson, is now offering mimosa flights. The flavors appear to be strawberry, pineapple, cranberry, and orange.

Silly Goose is hiring two barbacks. They are willing to train. Apply in person.

The Grizzlies tied their record for most wins in a season yesterday, beating the New Orleans Pelicans 141-114. The Grizzlies scored 55 points in the third quarter. Memphis wraps up the regular season tonight hosting the Boston Celtics at 6 PM in a game broadcast on TNT.

I got crawfish at Glaze’s weekly Saturday crawfish boil at Max’s Sports Bar yesterday. They were the size of small dogs!

If you’re a Daily Memphian subscriber, don’t miss this article about The Edge District. One important fact I gleaned: “A fitness and wellness space will reoccupy the lot where Kudzu’s is located.” Well darn! I had hoped that building would remain a neighborhood bar.

Today is National Farm Animals Day.

Three people were shot on the 300 block of Beale around 2 this morning. One died and the other two were transported to the hospital.

ABC 24 has a look at the vegan block party that happened yesterday at Mud Island Grove.

There’s a new party vehicle on the streets of Memphis: The BUS

It’s going to be warmer today – MWN predicts a high of 79 – but it’s going to be windy, with south winds of 25 gusting to 35.

Maybe the high winds will prevent today from turning into another Shitshow Sunday as happened on bar patios in the Downtown core last week. People were sneaking their own alcohol onto patios, setting up multiple outside speakers despite “no outside speakers” signs, bringing hookahs onto patios.

Time for me to go get a good seat for the shitshow. Back tomorrow.

Saturday update

Yesterday for lunch I got a Memphis in May Roll from STIX: Snow crab and tempura crunch in a sushi roll topped with tuna, salmon, sweet soy, and spicy aioli. Delicious!

The bubble tea shop next to Bluefin is now open. That’s the space that was a Chester’s Fried Chicken franchise for a while.

The Redbirds posted that the $2 draft they sell on Thursdays is PBR. Only fitting that the best minor league ballpark in the world sells the best beer in the world.

Sammy Hagar has joined the Memphis in May lineup for Friday, April 29, filling the spot vacated when the Foo Fighters canceled.

Memphis Made Brewing Co. teams up with Clean Memphis, Project Green Fork, Memphis Tilth, and Bring It Food Hub to present Bread to Tap this afternoon. Leftover baguettes donated by @lucyj_bakes will be used to brew Baguette About It, a bready-tasting beer with a light body and a slight hop aroma. Come try this new beer and learn about food waste issues.

The Falls Building at Front and Court is kicking out its office tenants so that it can be renovated into condos and residential use. That will cause the Greater Memphis Chamber to move to The Tower at Peabody Place.

Sugar Ghost products are coming to Cordelia’s Market, including a Mud Island flavor: caramel, chocolate pretzels, peanut butter cups, and pecans.

Ja Morant has been upgraded to questionable for tonight’s Grizzlies home game vs. New Orleans.

Loflin Yard is looking for a sound engineer to mix its live shows. They’re looking for someone with experience audio mixing, particularly the X AIR app. The engineer would need to be available on weekends, especially Sunday afternoons for live shows. Send your resume to colin@loflinyard.com if interested.

Streaming site Magellan TV will pay someone $2400 to watch 24 hours of true crime documentaries. I’d do that!

Those of you observing Lent, are you getting tired of eating fish? Capybara, beaver, and other aquatic mammals are considered “fish” for Lent purposes. Clergy in Venezuela wrote to the Vatican several centuries ago asking for an exception for the capybara, given that it has webbed feet and spends most of its time in the water. The exception was granted.

Bob Dylan plays the Orpheum tonight. Tickets start at $59.50, which is actually quite reasonable to see a legend like Dylan.

Over at the Halloran Centre, New Ballet presents Springloaded today and tomorrow.

Pink Floyd recorded its first new music in 28 years in support of Ukraine.

New Science System plays Memphis Clover Club tonight at 9.

Taking a victory lap (IYKYK!) today: Leading off at Memphis Farmers Market, then over to Max’s Sports Bar for Glaze’s weekly crawfish boil. Later I might play a song on the jukebox at Earnestine & Hazel’s. Back tomorrow with more news.

Friday update

Great news for restaurants whose business was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic: This week the House passed $42 billion in additional restaurant relief. The bill moves on to the Senate and is likely to pass there too.

Action News 5 reports on the rundown conditions at Mud Island Park. There are broken windows, broken lights, and the Mississippi River model is filled with dirt and weeds.

Want to work for a great local coffee shop in the heart of Downtown? Cafe Keough is hiring a barista.

The Brass Door is also hiring – bartenders, servers, kitchen staff. Must have day and night availability.

The Spring issue of Edible Memphis comes out today, and they’ll host a Pick-up Party at 409 S. Main this evening at the Chicken Champagne & Caviar pop-up restaurant from 5-7. Specials:

  • Two specialty cocktails $8
  • Domestic beer cans $3
  • Godhopper cans $5
  • Poppy’s Pils cans $5

The Denver Nuggets beat the Memphis Grizzlies last night to secure the 6 seed in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies come home for two games that mean diddly-squat for the standings: Saturday at 5:00 vs. New Orleans (NBAtv) and Sunday at 6:00 vs. Boston (TNT). The Grizzlies have locked in the 2 seed and will play the winner of the Minnesota Timberwolves-L.A. Clippers play-in game in the first round of the playoffs.

The Secret World of Jack Robinson: A Contemporary Dance Concert happens tonight at 6 at Jack Robinson Gallery on Huling. Tennessee Ballet will explore the work of the photographer and stained-glass designer.

The CA reports that a vacant building in The Edge at 633 Monroe could become a restaurant and apartments. The restaurant could include rooftop dining.

ABC 24 has a look at Shroomilicious, a pop-up kitchen that will be serving at the Vegan Block Party on Mud Island tomorrow. A scientist recently found that mushrooms communicate with each other using up to 50 “words.”

Mass Transit has an article on the Groove on Demand shuttle service. Groove recently expanded its coverage and hours.

Stop by Earnestine & Hazel’s tonight for National Dive Bar Day.

Getwell 9 plays Carolina Watershed tonight at 9.

The Nhsay food truck (Cajun/Creole, Asian fusion) will be in Health Sciences Park today 11-1 for Food Truck Friday.

Get free photos with the Easter Bunny this weekend at Bass Pro at the Pyramid. This time of year, I have a lot of trouble telling the difference between the PBR delivery man and the Easter Bunny.

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was confirmed as a Supreme Court justice by the Senate yesterday in a 53-47 vote. Jackson received the vote of all 50 Democrats plus Republican Senators Collins, Murkowski, and Romney.

MemphisWeather.net predicts a high of only 53 today with winds 17 MPH gusting to 25. Tonight frost is possible with a low of 36.

That’s the news for today. Back tomorrow with more.