Paul Ryburn's Journal

Reminder! Today’s the last crawfish boil of the season at Max’s Sports Bar. I think they said they’re opening the doors at 11:30 today (five hours early on a Sunday) and the first batch should roll out around 12. You can get boiled shrimp if you prefer those to crawfish. Both come with corn, sausage, and taters.

Best attempt to get free food I’ve heard in a while: “Can I get another salad? The one I was eating blew away,” from a customer sitting on a patio, on a day when the winds were 20 mph gusting to 30.

The DM reports that there is a new pop-up restaurant, Flame MaLaTang, open for lunch and dinner Thursday through Monday, in the Viet Hoa Food Market at 40 N. Cleveland. Why am I reporting this in a Downtown blog? Because Groove on Demand has extended our idea of how far Downtown extends. For $1.25 each way (and your first 10 rides are free) you can hit the businesses of Crosstown without ever setting foot in a car that you own.

Note that Flame MaLaTang serves ONLY spicy dishes, which is great news for me, but may not be for you. You can customize the spicy Chinese soups, adding veggies, noodles, pork, fish, and shrimp. The same people who own Flame Ramen on Union own this business.

I have to admit that corn-on-the-cob is an interesting ingredient in soup… what do you do, pick it up out of the soup with your hands and eat it?

Here’s a link to James Aycock’s COVID Week-in-Review. Note that adults 50 and up are eligible for a second booster, and kids 5-11 have been approved for a first booster. The trend of the numbers indicates June is gonna be bad COVID-wise in Shelby County.

Sign of the times: A popular bar in the Downtown core has moved back its closing time from 3 AM to 1 AM because the very-late-night crowd is so unruly. I do not expect this to be the last time I report a bar/restaurant is scaling back its hours for similar reasons. We can’t have nice things down here anymore.

There’s a Kayak Memphis Harbor Tour departing from the lower Mud Island boat ramp this morning at 11.

The Hyatt Centric is holding a pool party Saturday, May 28 from 11 AM to 4 PM. Your $75 ticket includes access to the only resort-style pool Downtown, a DJ, 2 drink tickets, and classic grilled food like burgers and hot dogs. This is a 21 and up affair. You can rent a cabana for up to 6 people for the party for $600.

Today is Bitcoin Pizza Day. 12 years ago today, someone paid 10,000 bitcoin for a pizza. If he’d gone hungry and held on to that bitcoin, today it would be worth about $300 million.

Elevation Memphis plays the Coach House Stage today at Loflin Yard at noon.

There will be a free bass fishing seminar at Bass Pro at the Pyramid Saturday at 10:30 AM. Expert Ryan will share his secrets including the best bait and the best rods.

That’s the news for today. Gonna go get me some boiled shrimp. Back tomorrow.

Congratulations to Memphis Grizzlies power forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. on being named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team for 2022. He edged out Miami’s Bam Adebayo in the voting for the final spot on the first team.

Uh-oh: Shelby County’s status for risk of COVID changed from Low to Medium this week. As of Saturday morning, Shelby is one of only two Tennesse counties not rated Low for risk.

The final event of Memphis in May, the Great American River Run, happens next Saturday, May 28. Unlike Music Fest and BBQ Fest, this event will remain Downtown, and there will be a half-marathon, 10K, and 5K, with $8500 in cash prizes for winners. Everyone who finishes gets a medal, a shirt, and admission to an after-party with food and beer.

Action News 5 reports that the DMC will keep Beale Street security in place all summer long. The security has been effective to the point that it is being studied by another large city, Milwaukee.

If you go out to eat or drink today, be extra kind to your server (and tip extra fat). It’s National Waiters and Waitresses Day.

Today is also World Whiskey Day. I haven’t been in there since it reopened this week, but pre-pandemic, Belle Tavern was THE place to go to sample whiskeys and whiskys of the world. It’s open today from 4 to 10.

Keep an eye on the weather if you have plans for the late afternoon or evening. Storms are expected and they will last into the early hours tomorrow.

Lots of families will be Downtown this weekend as the Cannon Center and the Renasant Convention Center host high school graduations.

It’s Family Fun Day at the Metal Museum 11 AM-2 PM today. Hands-on activities, metalsmithing demos, and food trucks.

There will be a Garden Walk through Elmwood Cemetery Sunday at 11. It’s sponsored by Midtown Nursery and is free to the public. You’ll get to meet the volunteer cradle gardeners of Elmwood. Eat at Eric’s food truck will be on hand as well as beverage cart Tipsy Tumbler.

Steve Lockwood & Old Dogs perform on the front porch of South Point Grocery today at noon. If you’re hungry or thirsty, you can grab a sandwich from the deli or a beer from the singles case.

There will be a Nature Walk departing from the pollinator pod at Riverside and Beale today at 4 PM. Ranger Allison will guide you through the flora and fauna along the riverside. This event helps you earn a River Quest stamp toward the Pollinator Party, Say Yes to Trees, or Birds on the Fly(way).

The Mid-South Baha’is are having a global conference entitled Building Vibrant Communities at the Renasant Convention Center today.

Ken Houston Duo plays The Vault tonight at 8.

That’s all for today. Despite the high being 92 I’m taking my PBR hoodie with me today so I’ll have something to cover my head if we have storms. Back tomorrow with more news.

The Memphis Flyer reports on a proposed lake next to Uptown’s Snuff District as well as a floating entertainment dock next to Cobblestone Landing. Both are legislative projects proposed by Rep. Steve Cohen to attract visitors to the riverfront. The lake would be created by damming the Wolf River.

There will be a dog festival at Grind City Brewing Co. Sunday 12 to 4.

DJ Tree and DJ Mylon will play BarWare Saturday night.

SEC news: There’s a feud going on between Alabama head football coach Nick Saban and Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher. Saban told a group this week that Texas A&M scored the top recruiting class in the country because it “bought every player” with NIL deals.

Alexis Taylor, Dandelion Williams, Kat Iris, Anna Grace Beatty, and Rheagen Skelton play South Main Songwriters Night tonight at 7 at 550 South Main.

Today is National Pizza Party Day.

Tomorrow from 1 to 7 is the Beale Street Artcrawl.

Bonnie Raitt plays the Orpheum tomorrow.

That’s all for now. Back tomorrow with more news.

Today is the day when the general public can once again purchase the Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell. It was slashed from the menu last year, a move that was protested by many.

Samya’s Kitchen will sell fresh falafel pitas at South Point Grocery tonight, 5 PM until they run out.

Nominations are now open for the Memphis Flyer’s Best of Memphis 2022 awards. You can nominate through Wednesday, June 15.

Max’s Sports Bar will do one more crawfish boil to end the season Sunday, May 22.

Excellent news for equality: The U.S. women’s soccer team has performed better than the men’s team in recent years but has been paid considerably less. That is about to change. Going forward, the two teams will receive equal salaries and bonuses. They will pool prize money and revenue from TV and sponsorships. The U.S. Soccer Federation is the first national soccer organization to make such a move. Lead the way, USA!

Next Wednesday, May 25, will be Nerd Nite at Memphis Chess Club. There will be mini-TED talks on math and stats in sports. There will also be acoustic music and an appearance by Memphis Roller Derby. The fun kicks off at 7 PM.

Family Dollar will close its West Memphis distribution center which was found to be infested with rats and mice earlier this year. 320 people will be put out of work.

Did you know that your insurance company may pay for a Fitbit or Apple Watch? UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Cigna appear to have the best offers.

Belle Tavern has reopened, reports Jennifer Biggs of the DM. Harold Cook, longtime bartender at Sweet Grass, is behind the bar, and for now Belle shares a menu with 117 Prime. Its hours are 4-10 PM Tuesday-Saturday. The tavern is in Barboro Alley, the alley that runs next to Aldo’s Pizza Pies Downtown, and is halfway between Main and Second.

The CA’s Jennifer Chandler has a look at JEM Dining’s monthly supper club at the James Lee House on Adams Avenue.

There will be a Rhymes on the River Juneteenth Poetry Slam at Fourth Bluff Park Friday, June 17. Cash prizes to the top 3 poets. In round 1, poets must stick to the Juneteenth theme; those who advance to rounds 2 and 3 can pick any subject they want.

Another record broken:

We did it again! Another record high temp was broken in the Memphis metro! This afternoon, temps topped out at 94, which is 1 degree warmer than the previous record, set in 1951. Another hot day is in store for tomorrow, with near-record high temps once again. /SD pic.twitter.com/huaBsGDGjJ

— MemphisWeather.net (@memphisweather1) May 19, 2022

That’s it for today. Back tomorrow with more.

Sister Act will be shown on the big screen in Court Square tomorrow, Thursday, May 19 as part of Downtown Neighborhood Association’s free weekly spring movie series. The event starts at 7:30 and the movie begins at 8:00. There will be food trucks onsite or you can bring food from nearby Downtown restaurants.

Memphis 901 FC hosts L.A. Galaxy II tonight at 7:00. There are $7 tickets and $2 beers.

It’s Whiskey Wednesday at The Terrace at River Inn with $11 cocktails from 5 to 9 PM.

Legendary R&B group The O’Jays will play a show at the Orpheum on Thursday, September 8. The show will be both a part of their farewell tour and a part of the Southern Heritage Classic’s slate of events. The O’Jays have been around since 1958 and still have two of their original members.

Wheel of Fortune Live comes to the Orpheum Tuesday, September 13. Attendees can audition to be one of the contestants. If chosen, they can spin the wheel for chances to win prizes like $10,000, a trip to Hawaii, or a trip to Paris. Random audience members will be selected to win cash and prizes as well.

Live at the Tracks at Central Station tomorrow evening will have quite the slate of performers. Kennard Farmer will lead the way, joined by guests from St. Louis Deejay Makossa and limewire.prime. Thursday, May 19, 6:30-9:00.

Congratulations to the folks at Wiseacre. Their Downtown brewery recently canned its 10 millionth beer since operations got underway on April 19. 2020.

From Gizmodo: A group of Johns Hopkins University students have invented an edible tape that will prevent your burrito from spilling. Tastee Tape can be used on similar products like wraps and gyros, and has even been used to reassemble a crumbling cake.

Your free weekly Edge District happy hour is back tonight at Stop 345. Free food from the Voodoo Cafe food truck, free cocktails from Strangeways Cordials, wine from Rootstock Wine, music by Jared JayB Boyd and DJ Capital A, and down the alley there’s free 30-minute axe throwing sessions from Craft Axe Throwing. 5-7 PM. This event is subject to 250 food and drink tickets, so please show up promptly to take part in the experience.

Agree with this editorial one million percent: Throw your neckties in the damn garbage already. Ties serve no harmful function, they’re bad for your health, and they send a message, “I want to get you to trust me, when maybe you shouldn’t.”

The DM reports that it is a little more likely that DeAndre Williams will return for one more season as a Memphis Tiger. Williams still plans to test the draft process in the NBA, but if he receives feedback that he’s likely to remain undrafted, he can drop out and return to the U of M. If he does so, a “nice” NIL deal will be waiting for him.

Memphians can now use the Lyft app to rent e-bikes and scooters.

Chris Herrington made an outstanding point in a subscribers-only article in today’s Daily Memphian: There are teams who would like to sign Tyus Jones as their starting or backup point guard, but because of NBA salary cap rules, the most they can offer him would be the mid-level exception of around $10 million (for teams not paying luxury tax) or $6 million (for teams paying the tax). The Grizzlies, however, can offer Jones more thanks to the Larry Bird rule (a team can exceed the salary cap to re-sign its own players). So, if a team wanted Jones and was willing to pay $12 million a year for him, the Grizzlies could sign him then immediately trade him and get an asset back (a promising young player, a veteran who fills a need, or a pick).

The Points Guy has a look at the upcoming debut of the Hyatt Caption in Memphis.

Like many others, I have been watching the Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard trial. I am 100% Team Johnny. Amber Heard reminds me a little too much of someone I used to know. You can watch the proceedings for free on channel 395 of Pluto TV.

Eric Hughes Band plays a free Blues on Beale show in Handy Park tonight from 7 to 9.

Today is I Love Reese’s Day.

If anyone from Aldo’s Pizza Pies is reading this – check your marker on Google Maps, it appears off by about six blocks.

Temps in the 90s return to Memphis today and humidity will return too.

Well, today was a newsy post after the previous one was rather short. Back tomorrow with more news.

After the DM’s Geoff Calkins reported that unrestricted free agents Kyle Anderson and Tyus Jones probably won’t return to the Grizzlies next season, I decided to do a little research on where those players might end up. I found this article by Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes on players NBA teams need to chase in free agency.

Hughes thinks Kyle Anderson should end up on the team that eliminated Memphis from the playoffs, the Golden State Warriors. He noted Anderson’s high basketball IQ, defensive skills, and ability to play small-ball center as good fits for Golden State. Hughes thinks the Warriors will be able to get Anderson for the taxpayer’s mid-level exception, projected to be around $6 million.

As for Tyus Jones, Hughes believes he could provide a lot of help to the New York Knicks, who can’t rely on Derrick Rose and Kemba Walker to cover point-guard duties all on their own. Hughes projects that the Knicks will give Jones the full mid-level exception, projected around $10 million, about a $2M raise over what he was making in Memphis. I must say I have to disagree a bit about New York being Jones’ destination. He’s good enough to be a starting PG and I think he may seek out a team where he can have that role.

The Daily Memphian polled people on whether BBQ Fest should stay in Liberty Park next year or come back to Tom Lee Park on the river. Tom Lee was the favorite, and that is where Memphis in May president Jim Holt says the festival will be next year. Good! I didn’t go to BBQ Fest at Liberty Park but from the photos I saw, it looked like it was considerably less fun than usual.

Today is Pinot Grigio Day. I’m sure my friend Ashleigh will enjoy a few “Prince Georgios” on a patio somewhere today.

There will be a pop-up vendors’ shop featuring local artists and makers at Ghost River’s location at Main and Crump Saturday.

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

The DM’s Geoff Calkins wrote a subscribers-only article summarizing what could be gleaned from the Grizzlies’ season-end media interviews. Here are a few highlights:

• Ja will be offered a max extension ASAP. Calkins didn’t touch on this, but if Ja is named to an All-NBA team this season and next, he’d be eligible for a supermax, netting him about $36 million a year rather than the $30 or so he’d get for just a max.
• Tyus Jones, an unrestricted free agent, is likely gone to a team that will start him as point guard
• Kyle Anderson, an unrestricted free agent, is likely gone to a team that will offer him a bigger role
• Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams will be unrestricted free agents after next season

I will say it once again: If you are a Memphis sports fan (especially basketball) and you are not a Daily Memphian subscriber, you are missing out. Calkins’ and Chris Herrington’s and the other top writers’ analyses are absolutely top-notch.

Also from the DM: Downtown ride-share service Groove on Demand has seen ridership spike this year as gasoline prices have set new record highs.

An art and poetry celebration entitled Prominence of West Africa: The Beauty of Mental Grapple is coming to the gallery at 350 S. Main Saturday, May 28 from noon to 5 PM. This exhibit will tie in with Ghana being Memphis in May’s honored country this year. Refreshments and beverages will be served, and entry is free.

It’s a rare occasion when the Redbirds are out of town two full weeks in a row. Last week they were in Norfolk, Virginia; this week they are in Atlanta suburb Gwinnett, Georgia.

Today is National Mimosa Day. I notice that Sunrise has a couple of fun and unique flavors – strawberry and lemon blueberry – in addition to the usual orange, cranberry, and pineapple.

From WREG: South Bluff tenants outraged over 30-vehicle burglary. Tenants of the apartments at South Bluffs plan to hold a protest this week to raise management’s awareness of the need for more security.

MemphisWeather.net forecast today: Morning clouds, afternoon sunshine, light north wind, clear sky tonight, 0% chance of rain, 82/61. PERFECTION.

Singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne plays the Orpheum this Friday.

Next door at the Halloran Centre on Friday, Hayden Childress will provide an evening of magic and comedy.

There’s a Saved Singles Mixer at 516 Tennessee Street Friday at 6 PM. For $25 you can find your soulmate and Jesus all in one night. Food, dancing, speed dating.

There’s a Metro Fire Chiefs conference happening at the Peabody this week.

From Food & Wine: NYC airport bars can’t charge you $27 for a beer anymore thanks to new pricing rules

I have a favor to ask all of my readers this morning. Put your phone on the other side of the room and say, “Hey Siri/Alexa, call (whoever is your contact in case of an emergency),” and make sure your phone obeys your instructions while it is out of your reach. You never know when you might need to do this.

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

The complete list of BBQ Fest 2022 winners is up. Congratulations to my friend Heath Riles whose team took first in the Ribs category.

From Lifehacker: How long does liquor last after you open a bottle?

Memphis 901 FC earned 3 important points in league standings with a 2-1 win over Indy Eleven last night.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and tonight.

There’s a Full Moon Market tonight at Carolina Watershed. Local artist vendors, Cosmic Coyotes at 5, Driftwood Ramblers at 7. There will be a total lunar eclipse later in the evening.

The Trunk Monkeys play Ghost River on Beale tonight starting at 6.

A crowd of 200 marched Downtown yesterday to keep abortion rights legal and U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen spoke. A leaked SCOTUS opinion indicated that the Court’s justices may overturn landmark case Roe v. Wade this summer.

That’ll do it. Short post today. Back tomorrow with more.

The ancillary category winners and Best T-shirt, Best Booth, and Ms. Piggie Idol winners for BBQ Fest 2022 have been posted to Memphis in May’s website. Two exceptions: Announcement of the winners in Seafood and Exotic have been delayed until today due to yesterday’s inclement weather.

That inclement weather caused Memphis in May to evacuate Liberty Park for a while yesterday, with guests who did not have cars parked nearby sheltering in the Liberty Bowl concourse.

Today’s the day the teams have been waiting for: The judges will come around to the booths to score teams in the Big Three categories: Ribs, Shoulder, and Whole Hog. Judges will also visit the smaller Patio Porker teams. Good luck to everyone who is competing today.

The Memphis Grizzlies’ playoff run has come to an end as they lost at Golden State last night 110-96. Congratulations to all the Grizzlies players and staff on a phenomenal year that could best be described in two words: Exceeded expectations. Very few people expected a 56-26 record and a 2 seed in the West from this team. The future is indeed bright.

There are some good things happening at breweries around town today. At Soul & Spirits at 845 N. Main, the Manes on Main Festival will happen from noon to 10 PM. There will be hair, beard, and mustache competitions (hence, “Manes”) with local celebrity judges. There will also be a new festival beer release along with refillable, collectible ceramic mugs. There will be a Shop Made in Memphis vendor area and three food trucks: Albees, New Wing Order, and Yippie Trippie.

Wiseacre will host a Karaoke Jam at its Downtown location with DJ Lil’ Egg Roll tonight 7 to 10.

Memphis Made Brewing Co. has its annual Hopped festival this weekend. HEELS and Church Bros. will supply the live music. Lady Guava, a Double IPA with guava flavor, will make its debut.

You can now pick up bottles of STIX’s ginger dressing and yum yum sauce at Cordelia’s Market.

Pro tip for bar managers: When selecting new furniture for your patio, keep in mind that there are quite a few people in this town who tip the scales on the far side of 300. If you choose fashionable over durable, you might find yourself making a second trip to the furniture store.

From Lifehacker: How to sleep in the heat when you don’t have air conditioning. I could have used this a couple of weeks ago.

Also from Lifehacker: How to fight a goose and win (just kidding, you won’t win)

Rootstock Wine Merchants opens Monday at 644 Madison in The Edge. They offer small-scale, family-owned wines that express the spirit of the region that produced them. They’ll be open 10 AM-8 PM Monday-Saturday. Follow them on Facebook and look for info about a grand opening next month.

From GRAMMY.com: How the return of the Blues Hall of Fame and Blues Music Awards in 2022 captured the spirit of the Memphis blues community

From RealClearScience: Why are watches usually set to 10:10 in ads?

Today is Dance Like a Chicken Day.

Apologies to those who have texted me and who I didn’t get back to in a timely manner yesterday. I have incomplete information and don’t want to say anything inaccurate.

Back tomorrow with more news.

Surfing social media reminds me of one aspect of BBQ Fest I am so glad I don’t have to deal with this year since I’m not on a team.

BBQ team member: Here’s a guest wristband. This will get you in my team’s booth at BBQ Fest.

Guest: CAN YOU GET ME IN THE PARK FOR FREE, TOO?????

Invariably, the person asking this question is someone who has no problem running up $60-$70 tabs at Downtown bars on a near-daily basis. But he/she doesn’t want to pay for a $15 park entry ticket.

Why?

It’s not that they can’t afford a park entry ticket. It’s that they want to appear as a big shot and tell all their friends they got in the park for free because they “know someone.”

People who truly are big shots don’t behave like this.

Another day, another record high, and this one was especially hot.

HOT was the word today! After a balmy morning low of 74, our stage was set for record heat this afternoon as we soured to a new record high of 97! This is the hottest May day since it was 99 on May 30, 1977 and the 3rd hottest day in the month of May on record (since 1875). /JW pic.twitter.com/jscWBnu5T8

— MemphisWeather.net (@memphisweather1) May 12, 2022

The Who comes to FedExForum tonight.

The Grizzlies watch party at Fourth Bluff Park opens tonight at 8, with tip-off vs. the Golden State Warriors at 9. If the Grizzlies win, the series comes back to Memphis Monday for Game 7. If they lose, they are eliminated.

The Grizzlies’ vice-president of basketball operations, Zach Kleiman, has been named NBA Executive of the Year. Kleiman has made savvy trades that have produced players like Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke as well as stocking Memphis’ cupboard with first-round picks.

Pam & Terry play Old Dominick tonight from 6 to 9.

Feast & Graze is hiring two positions:

Front-of-house manager: Basic POS skills, excellent customer service, proactive, people person, sales-oriented, loves cheese and charcuterie. Tuesday-Saturday 10:30 AM-5:30 PM

Part-time prep cook/assembler: Basic kitchen and food safety skills, proactive, self-driven, loves cheese and charcuterie. Monday, Thursday, and Saturday 7-11 AM

Email a resume to hi@feastandgraze.com if interested in either position.

Memphis 901 FC will hold its first official pre-match party of the season on Saturday. Meet up at the Hard Rock on Beale at 5:15 and march to AutoZone Park at 6:15. The squad kicks off against Indy Eleven at 7:00.

Insomnia Cookies has brought back their $50 50-pack deal. That’s 40% off.

Kevin Galloway, the frontman of Uncle Lucius, plays a show tonight at 7 at South Main Sounds.

The Falls Building at Front and Court has been purchased for $10 million by a luxury hotel developer.

An antique store will open in the historic residence at 707 Adams.

Today is World Cocktail Day.

WREG has a story on how the rising cost of meat is affecting BBQ teams.

Lots of contract tracers will be laid off by the health department as COVID-19 grant funding ends June 30.

Trunk Monkeys play the Hard Rock tonight at 8.

60% chance of rain today but at least it won’t be 97. Everyone stay dry and safe. Back tomorrow with more news.