Paul Ryburn's Journal

With the long weekend approaching, I want to remind my readers that Bardog opens at 7:30 AM on weekdays… and that includes tomorrow, Friday, July 4. The only two days of the year they do not open in the AM are Thanksgiving and Christmas. The sign on the door says open 8 AM Monday through Friday, but ignore that… it’s actually 7:30.

I plan on being there from open until about 9:30 … maybe longer if I find a compelling reason to stay. Come hang out! Get you a Bardog Breakfast (eggs cooked to order, toast, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, option to add pancakes) or some bacon, egg and cheese sliders.

Today is International Eat Your Beans Day. I recommend the frijoles at Maciel’s or the Burracho Beans & Rice at Flying Fish. A Huey burger made with a black bean patty would be a solid move as well.

The Brass Door will be closed July 4-14 and will have an exciting menu refresh when it reopens on the 15th.

Memphis Made has 12-packs of beer for $17.76 today. Tomorrow, on July 4, from 4 to 7 they will have cases for sale for the same price. This deal is taproom only.

Register your pet with this free, AI-powered pet finding service. You can upload a photo of them in case they ever get lost.

Starbucks has a new holiday-themed Fireworks Frappuccino.

Diddy was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution yesterday. He was found innocent on more serious racketeering charges. Still, he could face up to 10 years in prison. He was not granted bail and a sentencing date has not been set.

The Peabody and Central Station Hotel made USA TODAY’s list of top 10 pet-friendly hotels.

Probably gonna take the 4th off from blogging unless some major news comes up. See you Saturday.

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Grizzlies forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. has suffered a turf toe injury on his right foot. There is not yet a timeline for his recovery.

A writer for the Beale Street Bears website believes that the Grizzlies got tremendous value in recent free agent signing Ty Jerome. Jerome, most recently with the Cleveland Cavaliers, could be the heart of the Grizzlies’ second unit.

What Now Memphis has a look at the latest plans for 18 S. Main. They include pop-up shops and event spaces.

BrainFood is hiring chefs for its downtown location. Send resumes and plating photos to brainfoodmemphis@gmail.com.

The Archives Bar & Bistro in Hotel Napoleon is closing, the DM reports.

RIP televangelist Jimmy Swaggart.

That’s all I’ve got.

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Today is National Chicken Wing Day. It would be a good day to visit The Crazy Coop at Main and Madison; they have more flavors of wings than any place I’ve ever seen.

A car crashed into Midtown bar Celtic Crossing yesterday morning and did some serious damage. The driver was said to have had a medical issue.

 

The Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating championship is at approximately noon Friday on ESPN. Kooky Canuck is my recommended place to watch.

The Grizzlies are said to have offered Jaren Jackson Jr. a 5-year, $240M max deal. Santi Aldama has an offer too – 3 years, $52.5M. Cole Anthony was let go to make cap room.

Debbie Harry of the band Blondie is 80 today.

Another queen of disco, Evelyn “Champagne” King (“Shame”), turns 65 today.

ZIP codes turn 62 today.

I learned a new word this past weekend: A Yooper is someone from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Yoopers consider any climate south of Iowa to be miserably hot.

Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia are getting expansion WNBA teams.

Congratulations to Felicia Suzanne’s on its recent 100 on its health inspection.

The Memphis Grizzlies have announced their NBA summer league schedule. Action tips off Saturday at 6 on ESPNU versus the Oklahoma City Thunder.

That’s all for today.

I gratefully accept tips:
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I heard a shot recipe yesterday that I wanted to pass along.

The Chicago Dog

1. Squirt mustard on your finger.
2. Then do a shot of Malort.
3. Then suck the mustard off your finger.

Wimbledon has begun with electronic line judges, rather than human ones, for the first time.

NBA free agency begins this afternoon at 5 Central. The Grizzlies have extended a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Santi Aldama.

The Redbirds are offering a specialty ticket to their Friday, July 4 game. It gets you a 5:30-7:00 cookout buffet of hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, coleslaw, pasta salad, cookies, watermelon, tea, water, and lemonade. Live music and autographs pre-game, fireworks post-game. First pitch 7:05 vs. Nashville.

That’s all. July 4 week is always slow for news.

I gratefully accept tips:
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The Peabody will host a rooftop fireworks viewing party the night of Friday, July 4. DJ Bizzie Bluebland will get the crowd dancing and there will be a soundtrack of American and summertime favorites. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. $20 at the door for adults, $10 for children 12 and under.

The night before, the Peabody will have its regular rooftop party, this week featuring Grit & Grind Music Machine and DJ A.D. Thursday is the start of a 3-day weekend for many and the rooftop should be poppin’.

The Renasant Convention Center will host 4th Fest Friday evening. This will be a free indoor event with a view of the Downtown Memphis fireworks. Face painting, bounce houses, yard games. 5-10 PM. Food & drinks for sale by RK Bluff City Catering.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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Javon Small, the Memphis Grizzlies’ second-round draft pick who played college ball for good ole West Virginny, selected number 10 to wear for the Grizz. That means free agent Luke Kennard, who wore number 10 for Memphis last season, likely won’t be back.

Join the Memphis Astronomical Society for a night of stargazing on the grassy rooftop of Beale Street Landing tonight 7:30–9:30. Seating is limited and first come, first serve.

The last Saturday of every month, Flyway Brewing becomes a comedy club. Tonight they’ll have Sam Evans from New York City, Gwen Sunkel from Indianapolis and formerly from Memphis, and a lineup of local comedians. Two shows, 7 o’clock and 9 o’clock. Tickets are $15 at the door or $10 online.

Then on Sunday morning, Flyway will host a Taylor Swift Eras Tour drag brunch. Seating at 10 o’clock, show at 11. Drag queens will represent each of the eras, and there will be games to test your Swiftie knowledge.

Rubber—wheel trolleys will return to the Main Street route beginning Monday. One dollar to ride. Hours will be 8 AM to 10 PM Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM Sunday.

Downtown Memphis Commission has announced a partnership with national company Block by Block. The partnership will lead to a more efficient delivery of services and an expansion of ambassador programs such as the Clean and Green Team and Blue Suede Brigade.

Ja Morant and his family are launching a media company called Catch12.

OH, NO: Car inspections could be coming back to Memphis to fight fake drive-out tags and drivers with no insurance.

RIP Blue Screen of Death: In the future, users will get a black screen informing them Windows has crashed.

Watch former Memphis Tigers in NBA Summer League: Dain Dainja will play for Miami and Moussa Cisse for Dallas.

Belle Tavern is hiring a solo line cook/chef.

Attention St. Jude employees: Venezuelan restaurant Sabor Caribe will be at Kay Cafe 11 AM-2 PM this Monday through Wednesday. Go get some handmade arepas.

City Market at Main and Union has a new salad bar.

Lori Willis Band plays Club 152 on Beale tonight at 6.

Slider Inn is doing a USA-themed silent disco tonight 8 to 11.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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Earnestine & Hazel’s is open for lunch now, according to a bartender who works there. Go get a Soul Burger and take your mind off the rat race with some jukebox tunes.

The longest running street party in Memphis, Trolley Night, returns to South Main this evening. Shops and galleries will stay open until 9 or later.

Last night, the Grizzlies selected Javon Small from good ole West Virginny with the 48th pick and then selected Jahmai Mashack from Tennessee with the 59th pick.

Memphis Snake Doctors Blues Band plays the Memphis Made taproom tonight.

Dain Dainja won’t get another season with the Memphis Tigers. He has been ruled ineligible.

That’s all I’ve got.

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

A huge tree fell at the southwest corner of Court Square last night. The trunk cracked about 10 to 15 feet in the air. This does not appear to affect food truck Thursday in the park.

The Memphis Grizzlies traded up five places in last night’s NBA draft first round, selecting Cedric Coward of Washington State with the number 11 pick. Coward is a 6’6” wing who is said to fit the mold of a Grizzlies grit-and-grind player.

Southbound brings country, rock, and soul to the Peabody rooftop tonight, with DJ Sledro between sets. $15 to get in, $40 VIP. VIPs get a buffet of chicken satay with peanut sauce, veggie pot stickers, beef satay with sweet chili sauce, and seasoned edamame pods.

The folks at the Downtown Memphis Commission want to connect with you and get your feedback on their strategic plan for the neighborhood. They will be at Wiseacre Downtown today from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. There is no formal program, just a chance for you to share your thoughts.

The Uptown Porch Series returns today 5:30 to 7:00 PM with a performance by Chinese Connection Dub Embassy in the alley between Main and Second, Looney and Saffrans. Light snacks will be provided. Lawn chairs are welcome.

Sunset Skate returns tonight with a Summer Bash under the canopy in Tom Lee Park. Free 30 minute skate rentals, DJ sets, skate dance lessons.

Liana Williams, Jeremy Stanfill, and Graham Winchester play Trolley Night at South Main Sounds Friday at 7 PM.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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The first round of the NBA draft is tonight at 7 on ESPN and ABC. Teams have five minutes apiece to make their picks. The Grizzlies have the 16th pick, acquired from Orlando in the Desmond Bane trade. The second round will be on ESPN Thursday at 7. Teams will have four minutes apiece to make picks.

Frank Ray plays this week’s edition of KIX on Beale Thursday night at 7:30 in Handy Park. Free to attend, family friendly. No coolers. Listen to KIX 106 for your chance to win VIP tickets.

Today is National Catfish Day. The obvious place to celebrate is Flying Fish on S. Second, but Kooky Canuck down the street also serves up a fine plate of “The Salmon of the South.”

Julia Magness plays Live at the Tracks at Central Station 6:30-9:30 Thursday.

Tutti Frutti, a new musical about the life and music of Little Richard, comes to the Halloran Center Saturday at 7 PM.

Streetdog Foundation will have a dog adoption event at Memphis Farmers Market Saturday. They will be there from 8 AM until noon.

Thinking about a drive to St. Louis to take in a Cardinals game? Be sure to stop at Old Town Donuts, recently voted the best donut shop in America.

View the life of blues legend Robert Johnson in 29 paintings at Gallery Albertine at 55 S. Main.

Wiseacre Downtown seeks an assistant kitchen manager for its in-house Little Bettie pizza cafe.

Multiple positions are open at the hotels facing Court Square.

That’s all I’ve got.

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

WREG reports an overheated sound system led to the party bus fire at Main and Huling Saturday night.

Broadway musical Kimberly Akimbo comes to the Orpheum this week.

Fireworks return to the river on the evening of Friday, July 4. Free and family friendly.

Ritual Bistro is moving into the old Bluff City Coffee space at 505 South Main.

The NBA draft is tomorrow. Beale Street Bears looks at 2 potential picks the Grizzlies could take at 16.

That’s all I’ve got.

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