Paul Ryburn's Journal

If you have general admission tickets for the Justin Timberlake concert tonight, you must enter FedExForum at the east doors on Fourth Street, across from Robert Church Park. At that entrance you will be given your wristband.

Walk With Elias: The Commercial Appeal interviewed WWE superstar Elias ahead of Monday Night RAW at FedExForum.

Hard Knot Designs, makers of rustic home goods, are the featured shop at today’s Small Shop Saturday at Ghost River noon to 4 PM.

Drafts & Laughs with the Comma Comedians returns to Memphis Made Brewing Co. tonight.

The fine folks at MemphisWeather.net have published the 2018 Memphis climate summary on their blog. Interesting reading if you’re a weather nerd like I am.

A Facebook friend of mine posted an article about a new device that is getting Kickstarter funding: The Pizza Fork. This is a utensil that combines a rolling pizza slicer wheel and a fork. It allows you to slice off a bite of your pizza slice then pick it up without need for a knife. So it’s time to discuss an issue I have brought up on my blog in the past, one on which I have strong feelings.

Should pizza be eaten with a knife and fork (or The Pizza Fork), or should it be eaten using your hands?

Well, first of all, if the pizza crust is too soggy to pick up with your hands without the cheese and toppings falling off, then yeah, in that case you pretty much have to use a knife and fork. But that’s an exception and also a sign that you need to visit a different pizzeria in the future.

The answer to the question, as I see it, is on an individual basis. Let’s say that it’s Sunday afternoon, and you’re home by yourself, sitting on the couch in your underwear watching the Bears play the Steelers. The Domino’s guy just delivered a pizza to your door.

If you eat the Domino’s pizza with a knife and fork, then it is perfectly fine to use a knife and fork when you go to a nice restaurant like Spindini and order pizza.

However, if you eat the Domino’s pizza using your hands, then you should also use your hands when eating pizza at a nice restaurant.

I know that many of us had parents or teachers who taught us, “A gentleman/lady does not eat food with his/her hands.” But come on, use some common sends. Yes, it is bad manners to grab a Brussels sprout out of the bowl and pop it in your mouth. But pizza? For heaven’s sake, it’s pizza. It was meant to be eaten with hands.

Just my two cents on this highly important debate. Back tomorrow with more news.

Yesterday I went over to the Court Square food truck rodeo with no particular lunch in mind. After looking over the selection, I decided to visit the Soi Number 9 food truck.

I went up to the window and ordered the Khao Soi Noodles – egg noodles with stewed chicken in a yellow curry sauce with onion, pickled greens, onions and a lime. The lady at the counter asked my name so she could call it out when the order was ready. When I told her it was Paul, she said, “You write a blog?” Yep, this was not my first visit to Soi Number 9 and I have blogged about good past experiences with them.

My food was ready in about 10 minutes and she asked if I wanted a cup of Thai hot chili sauce to take with me. I love spicy, so of course I’m not turning that down!

What a beautiful presentation! As it turned out, I did not need the hot sauce. I don’t eat a lot of yellow curry and was pleasantly surprised to find it was hotter than I expected. All the flavors worked so well together and it was a delicious lunch. As is often the case with food truck Thursdays, I couldn’t finish all my food so I had leftovers.

The CA reports that the historic Ambassador Hotel on South Main will be renovated into apartments, about half of them being rented out using AirBnb, with a restaurant on the ground floor. The developer says there is a high demand for short-term rentals in the area, which is true, especially during Music Fest and BBQ Fest. A “well-known hospitality company” is said to be interested in opening the restaurant and further developing the South Main food scene.

The Man of the Woods is back at FedExForum tomorrow night at 7:30. Justin Timberlake already made one tour stop here in 2018, but demand was so high that he added a second date. There’s always some excellent people-watching Downtown on the nights of JT concerts. Many women tend to dress to the nines for his shows.

Great post by Holly of the I Love Memphis Blog on the soon-to-open Greyhound, a new craft cocktail bar in the Downtown core. What’s up with the name, you ask? The bar is inside the new Hilton Garden Inn across from AutoZone Park on Union, on the site where the old Greyhound bus station used to be located. Holly reports that gin drinks will be a specialty.

Vance Lauderdale of Memphis magazine has a look at Madison and Main in the early 1900s.

Classic 1952 movie Singin’ in the Rain plays on the Orpheum’s big screen tonight at 7.

The Andrew Michael family of restaurants is having a Guest Chef Series in 2019. This will include two of their Downtown restaurants. On Sunday, January 27, Kevin Nashan of Sidney Street in St. Louis will be in the Gray Canary’s kitchen. On March 4, Catherine & Mary’s will host Rebecca Wilcomb of New Orleans restaurant Gianna.

The MBJ has a sneak peek at what is going on with redevelopment of the former Wonder Bread bakery space over in The Edge. The project’s 290 apartments should be ready to be occupied by May of next year.

Downtown Yoga is having a Galentine’s Day Celebration on Wednesday, February 13 at 6:45 PM. This is a 45-minute restorative yoga class that will be a celebration of female friendships. After the class there will be sweets, beverages, and flowers. Everyone, both women and men, are welcome. YOGA!

Job news: Explore Bike Share has two positions open, a Membership Marketing Director and a Development Manager.

Well here’s something new and different: There will be a Water Lantern Festival at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Riverside Park, just south of Downtown, on Saturday, May 11.

If you live or work Downtown and have thought about purchasing season tickets for the Memphis Express, the city’s new pro football team, next week would be a good time to do it. Call 901-881-3344 between 9 AM and 5 PM January 14-18 from a Downtown location to order season tickets, and a special gift will be delivered to you within 30 minutes or the tickets are free. Certain restrictions apply.

Bluff City Life has a segment introducing viewers to the owners of the new Downtown Nutrition shop on the Main Street Mall.

That’s it for now. I read a life-changing book this week, a book that made a lot of things make sense that previously made no sense. I may talk about it on here at some future point, but for now I want to get out and tell my friends about it. Back tomorrow with more news.

For all my readers who frequent Bardog Tavern, please keep general manager Rico in your thoughts this week. Tuesday afternoon he was in a motorcycle accident. He’s recovering in the hospital, and is said to have injured his knee and messed up his right arm and thumb. Get better soon, Rico! Next time I go in I will play some Bee Gees and some Earth, Wind & Fire on the jukebox in your honor.

Cardinals Caravan returns to AutoZone Park Friday, January 18. The event is free to attend, with gates opening at 5:30 and program at 6:30. Among the guests will be former Redbirds manager/current Cardinals first-base coach Stubby Clapp, as will fellow Redbirds and Cards alum Jason Motte. Current Cardinals players Jordan Hicks, Tyler O’Neill, Austin Gomber, and Adolis Garcia will attend, as will Cardinals broadcaster Ricky Horton. There will be autographs for kids 15 and under – there will be a ticketing system, so get there early to get your ticket. There will be a Q&A session and a raffle. This event has a history of getting canceled due to snow and ice, so let’s hope for warm weather for the area between St. Louis and Memphis that day.

The Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team hosts ECU at FedExForum tonight at 8. Can’t be there but want to keep up? There’s now an Official Memphis Tigers app with live stats, streaming video and audio, alerts, scores, and stories. The app is free to download and install.

While we’re on the subject of apps and smartphones, WMC Action News 5 warns of a new scam affecting Apple device users. Scammers spoof a phone call from Apple saying there is a problem with your device. They are after your personal information. Apple never places unsolicited calls to its users.

The new Downtown men’s grooming parlor Baron’s Man Cave is almost ready to open and is now accepting appointments online. The man cave is located at 50 Peabody Place, Suite 101 between Front and Main.

The Downtown Memphis Commission is hosting a Downtown Parking Study Open House at their building at N. Main and Adams, Thursday, January 17. The time is listed as 5:30-6:30 AM but I’m pretty sure they mean PM.

New nonstop flights to and from Memphis International. Via Airlines will be here on June 25 with nonstop flights to Austin and Pittsburgh.

Cupcakes and Craft Beers, a beer dinner featuring three savory and one sweet cupcake by Two Girls and a Whip, returns to the Ghost River taproom Thursday, January 24. Each cupcake will be expertly paired with a Ghost River beer. Tickets are $35 and must be purchased in advance.

Beginning today and for about three weeks, Mississippi Blvd. will be closed to through traffic between Danny Thomas and Lauderdale for sewer work.

The City Council has spent some time on what it would mean if sports betting were legalized in Tennessee and specifically on Beale Street. Although most of the revenue would go to the state, Council members supporting the resolution want to make sure Memphis keeps a fair share.

Chris Vernon announced that all the episodes of The Chris Vernon Show are now on YouTube and you can access them by subscribing to the grindcitymedia channel. His team has been doing an insane amount of work, he says, archiving everything.

The Flyer has a report on the investor who bought the Royal Furniture building and what his plans for the space might be.

That’s it for now. Off to Court Square for Food Truck Thursday. Back tomorrow with more news.

(This is my second post of the day. Scroll down if you’re here for my Wednesday Update news post)

Have you ever thought about learning a game your grandparents may have played, duplicate contract bridge? Or, do you already know how to play and are interested in improving your game? Well, you’ll have a lot of opportunities to do that in Downtown Memphis toward the end of March.

Many of you know that I used to work for the company that sanctions the card game bridge. That company sanctions three national tournaments per year, one each in the spring, summer, and fall, and the spring national tournament is coming to Memphis, at the Cook Convention Center Downtown, March 21-31. Although the main focus of these events, called NABCs, is on top-level players competing to win prestigious titles, they also offer plenty for new, novice, and intermediate players. I want to spotlight some opportunities you will have there to learn and improve.

• There will be free two-hour lessons Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 at 10 AM. This will be followed by BridgePlus+, where you play a limited number of hands to practice what you learned. There is no card fee for BridgePlus+.
• Learn Bridge in a Day, the afternoon of Saturday, March 23, is a seminar that does what it says – it will have you comfortable playing the game and understanding the basics by the end of the day. There is a fee for this course. Register here. The teacher, Patty Tucker, is considered one of the very best teachers in North America.
• Notrump in a Day, the successor to Learn Bridge in a Day, is the afternoon of Sunday, March 24, also taught by Patty Tucker. Bridge contracts played without a trump suit have to be played a little differently than contracts where there is one. This course will teach you how. There is a fee for this class as well. Register here. These courses have been around for several years and feedback from students who attended has been excellent.
• Celebrity speakers almost every day. Unless the times have changed I believe these are at 9:15 AM and 6:45 PM. The speakers are some of the best bridge teachers out there, and they will discuss various strategies for those at the newcomer and intermediate levels to improve their game. If you gave specific questions about your game, by all means find out if Jerry Helms is doing his “Ask Jerry” seminar.
• Pop-up bridge bookstore at the Convention Center. Plenty of books and other materials to take your game to a higher level no matter where you are on the learning curve.
• Newcomers play free Friday, March 22. A newcomer is someone with no more than 5 masterpoints, the measure of success in the bridge world.
• 0-5 newcomer games every day, although there’s a card fee on days other than the 22nd.
• Half-off special: Those with 100 masterpoints are less can buy an entry to a game March 22-24 and receive a half-priced entry to a game March 29-31.
• Partnership desk: You need a partner to play bridge, but if you don’t have one, no problem. Just come about an hour early and they’ll find a partner for you.
• Hand records are available for most games. These allow you to go back over the hands you played and think about how you might have played them differently/better.
• If you’re 25 or  younger, inquire about a junior membership to the league for only 5 bucks. That’ll get you the right to have your masterpoints recorded for an entire year, and you also will get online access to the league’s highly acclaimed monthly magazine, The Bridge Bulletin – not only the current month issue, but back issues to at least 2005 and they may have added more.

In case you’re wondering how I know so much about these events, I sat cat-a-corner to the Education Manager in cubicle land. Although I’m not with the bridge league anymore, I still encourage anyone who’s interested in learning a highly addictive mind game to give bridge a try.

Back tomorrow with more news.

The Memphis Business Journal broke a big news story yesterday. A developer has acquired the Royal Furniture building at Main and Gayoso, and is going to build it up into a hotel and restaurant. I kind of had a feeling that was going to happen sooner or later. That parcel of real estate is too valuable to remain a low-volume furniture store. I mean, when you need a new bedroom set, who thinks “let’s go Downtown and find one” anymore?

That block is ideal for a hotel. If you think about it, that block hosts an array of businesses about as diverse as any in the city. You’ve got a sub shop, an elegant upscale restaurant, an Asian restaurant, an ice cream shop, a museum of Asian and Judaic art, a center for regional arts and culture, a 1930s style speakeasy, a clothing shop, and a post office. It’s a block walk from a grocery store and a hair salon. Piece of advice for whoever becomes the concierge at the new hotel: Partner up with the Center for Southern Folklore. That place is a hidden treasure that many tourists never hear about.

Explore Bike Share is offering a special through the end of January: Purchase an annual membership to the bike share for only $60. This is perfect for people who want to get fit, but who enjoy the great outdoors more than they do the gym.

There was a preview of the auto museum in The Edge neighborhood last night, and people posted photo of some beautiful classic cars. The museum will soon open to the public. I hear there will be an auto detail shop as well.

The Daily Memphian reports that Carolina Watershed is changing its focus and hours of operation. The operators of Loflin Yard have entered into a management agreement to run Watershed, the silo bar and restaurant on East Carolina Avenue. Watershed will only be open to the public on Saturdays (4 PM-midnight) and Sundays (11 AM-10 PM). They will focus on building up private event business during the week, and plan to add a covered pavilion that can accommodate 200 people and which can be used even in inclement weather. Bookings for private events at Watershed can be made through PartyMemphis.com.

Well this is interesting… BLDG Memphis, along with the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, is starting a community development book club and its first meeting will be January 18 at the MMDC office, 656 Madison. The book to be discussed with be The Color of Law: Forgotten History of How Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein.

Pontotoc Lounge has rolled out a new January menu. Don’t worry, the Mississippi Pot Roast that everyone loves is not going away. It’s joined by Turkey Roulade, Fish & Chips, Bucarelle Pasta, and homemade Pork & Beans with pork shank. “Dacon” was listed as one of the toppings of the Bucarelle Pasta, and after Google searching “dacon” and coming up empty-handed, I inquired what that was. “Duck bacon,” they replied. Color me intrigued!

That’ll do it for today. Back tomorrow with more news.

Thanks to the clandestine photography skills of a Downtown resident, I now have photos of all three of the crew who have been attempting robberies down here. The two women approach a man at a bar, and convince him to leave with them to “go have some fun.” Outside their male accomplice is waiting with a gun to rob the victim. They were on Beale Street last night, the male looking very out of place in a trench coat in 63 degree weather.

This morning I emailed a sergeant at the North Main substation with whom I have communicated about these people, and forwarded the photos. He is issuing a be-on-the-lookout and also forwarded the photos to the violent crimes unit to see if they have any matches to the photos.

The photos are also now in the possession of people associated with the following businesses: The Brass Door, Bardog, Belle Tavern/117 Prime, Local Downtown, Blind Bear, Kooky Canuck, Flying Saucer, Silly Goose, King’s Palace Cafe/Tap Room, Mt. Handy’s Blues Hall, Rum Boogie, The Pig, Pontotoc Lounge, Civil Pour, Green Beetle, and Max’s Sports Bar. Basically, these people should assume that if they enter any bar in the Downtown core or South Main, people who work there have seen their photos and been warned about them. As a friend of mine would say, you bitches are D-U-N done. Get out of my neighborhood or go to jail.

If you want copies of the photos email me at paul@paulryburn.com or hit me up on Facebook. If I don’t know you personally, tell me your reason for wanting the photos and send me a link to a social media account of yours so I can make sure you’re not one of the criminals or their associates. Apologies if you requested copies of the photos and I haven’t sent them yet. I was up until 3 in the morning on Facebook Messenger responding to requests.

I didn’t make it to see Jake “The Snake” Roberts last night but I saw photos and it looked like an awesome show. On to the news…

An intimate evening of songs and storytelling with Sarah McLachlan, featuring Vanessa Freebairn-Smith, has been announced for the Orpheum for February 22.

The Orpheum has selected a winner in their Waitress the Musical pie baking contest.

Inspired by Jenna, expert pie maker in @WaitressMusical, we hosted a pie contest where 3 delicious pies made by Memphians were judged by Kristi Kloos, co-owner of @frostbakeshop, and @jenniferbiggs1, food & dining editor for @dailymemphian. See which pie took the cake! pic.twitter.com/Ej1JXSU7iX

— Orpheum Theatre (@TheOrpheumTN) January 7, 2019

This wouldn’t be my first choice of places to work Downtown, but if you need a job, Bluefin posted that they are looking for a bartender who can work until midnight.

Trolley Stop Market is also hiring.

We are hiring one pm server, and 1 delivery driver. Must apply in person from 2 – 6 pm, Monday – Wednesday. No phone calls, and come between designated time frame. Be ready to provide 3 references from most recent positions held. Thank you, TSM Team

— Trolley Stop Market (@TrolleyStopMkt) January 7, 2019

Betcha two-thirds of the people who apply don’t follow the directions.

Camy’s is also hiring. Must have restaurant experience. Hit them up on Facebook if interested.

If you haven’t had a chance to try the excellent food by my friends at the New Wing Order food truck, head to Cordelia’s Market on Mud Island tomorrow night, Wednesday January 9, between 5 and 8 PM. They will be one of the featured trucks for Cordelia’s food truck Wednesday.

The Brass Door has announced Winter Hibernation Hours for Mondays until February: On Mondays they will close after lunch.

Loflin Yard is bringing back Bring Your Dog to Bingo Day on Sunday, January 27 and it will be a once-a-month thing from here on out. Bring your dog and get an extra bingo card. Cerrito Bingo happens every Sunday at Loflin from 5 to 7 PM.

For those of you who love Memphis because of the great live music here, mark the dates January 22-26 on your calendar. It’s the International Blues Challenge at venues on and around Beale Street. Some of the best unsigned blues artists in the world will come here to compete for record contracts. The first day, January 22, is considered by many to be the “sleeper” day of the week many people overlook, when there is an international blues showcase on Beale.

Also keep your eye on Kooky Canuck’s social media. They invite the Canadian blues artists for a daytime showcase every year.

Primas Bakery and Boutique is having a Valentine Truffle Tasting on February 9. Ticket gets you a flight of four chocolate truffles, flavors including Nutella, salted caramel, white chocolate raspberry, and chocolate peanut butter. Those over 21 will get complimentary wine.

The Blind Bear has announced its 7th birthday party for Friday, January 25. $6 specialty cocktail specials, $5 food specials, $3 shot specials, music by Kaleidoworld, photographer on duty to document the fun.

If your idea of entertainment is to watch a mentally deranged orange shitgibbon fling verbal poo, turn on the TV tonight at 8. President Trump will brief the public on border security. It’s believed he will declare a national emergency. Isn’t that a step dictators take en route to assuming absolute power?

It’s beautiful outside! Why can’t it stay that way all day? It’s shorts weather out right now but temperatures are predicted to drop into the mid 40s by evening. I’m going to get out and enjoy it while I can. Back tomorrow with more news.

EDIT Tuesday 10 AM: Oops forgot to hit Publish yesterday. Check back for a Tuesday update post in a few hours. We now have photos of all the robbers described below.

My blog’s readership drops off by about 40% on the weekends, so I want to repeat a paragraph of a safety alert I made in yesterday’s post. After communicating with some people I am becoming increasingly alarmed and concerned about this.

I am again hearing stories of two women targeting men at bars in the Downtown core (neighborhood bars, not Beale Street, although they may go there too). Both women are African-American, and the one who does the approaching is about 5’8″, lighter skinned, straight long blond hair, very nicely dressed. The other one is 5’3″ to 5’4″, dark hair, darker skinned, a bit heavyset. Their male accomplice wears a shirt that is about two sizes too large and untucked, perfect for hiding a gun. He generally remains outside, but will come in the bar for a minute to give the women more money to buy drinks or when they want to point out a target to him.

I also posted this to Facebook. These women and/or their accomplice have now been identified as having been seen in or around the following bars in the past year:

• Blind Bear
• Bardog
• Flying Saucer
• Local Downtown
• Printer’s Alley

You’ll notice that some of my very favorite homes-away-from-home appear on this list. In no way am I saying, don’t go to these places. In fact, when I meet tourists and I ask them where to go, the Bear and Bardog are usually the first two places I tell them. If they mention being into beer, I send them to the Saucer. I want to see all these businesses do well and prosper. I am not trying to hurt their businesses by mentioning them here. I am pointing out a problem that is hurting their businesses.

So, I have a request to bar owners, managers, and bartenders. I know it can get busy at times and you cannot control every little thing that happens in your bar. But, to the extent that you can identify them and know who they are, PLEASE STOP SERVING THEM. In restaurants in Tennessee (and technically all the places I listed are licensed as restaurants except maybe Printer’s) you can refuse service to anyone, without reason. If we can take away the spaces in which these people operate, that may convince them that Downtown is not the most convenient neighborhood in which to run their scams.

Also, bar owners that employ doormen: If a man comes in with an untucked shirt a size or two too large, why not asked to see his waistband? That’s not discrimination, that’s protecting your patrons from someone who may be trying to bring a gun in your business.

I have a photo of the heavier of the two women that I am willing to share with Downtown bar owners, managers, bartenders, and servers. However, I must know you personally in order to share it with you. A friend of mine tried to take a selfie with the taller, more attractive woman recently. She refused, which is a dead giveaway that they’re up to no good and are trying to keep their identities concealed.

Again, apologies for calling out particular businesses publicly on here, but this is a case where we’ve all got to work together to eliminate evil from our neighborhood.

On a better note… I am super, super excited about tonight. A couple of months ago, one of my BBQ teammates contacted me. He said retired pro wrestler Jake “The Snake” Roberts is doing a show at the Hi-Tone – comedy, stories from the road, and Q&A. So he bought four tickets not only to the show, but the VIP meet & greet preceding it. He asked if I wanted to go. You bet I did! Jake was one of the top wrestlers of the 1980s. He would bring a burlap sack to the ring. After knocking his opponent out with his signature move, the DDT, he would open the sack and pull out a 12-foot long live snake named Damien, who he would place on his defeated opponent’s body.

There was much sadness on social media this weekend as longtime employees and regulars mourned the closing of Club 152 on Beale. Inside sources indicate 152 might be not quite as gone as we believe, that it may re-open under a different concept.

Semi-Average Joe will supply the tunes at Sunday brunch at Sunrise Memphis this coming Sunday, January 13. Music starts at 10 AM.

One of my readers asked me to let everyone know that the cleaners across from Bardog on Monroe Avenue, in the Shrine Building, is back open and they have really good people running it. Word has seemingly not got out as well as they hoped that they were back open, and they would appreciate your business.

The main library at 3030 Poplar kicks off a new series on Saturday, January 26 from 1 to 2 PM. The first presentation of the series is called Birth of the Bluff City and will explore Memphis from 1819 to 1865. Drawings, historical maps, and photographs will be used to explore Memphis as it was from the year of its founding up to the eve of the Civil War.

Also happening on the 26th – but at 4 PM so you’ll be able to do both if you choose – is a French macaron tasting at Primas Bakery & Boutique on South Main. Each ticket includes a flight of four macarons, with the flavors being Churro, Nutella, Orange Creamsicle, and Key Lime. Complimentary wine will be available for participants 21 and up. Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Chandler Parsons is leaving the Grizzlies indefinitely and that is just fine as far as I am concerned. He was offered a three home game stint with the Grizzlies’ G-League team the Memphis Hustle, as a way to evaluate his health and level of play since returning from injury. However, players with more than three years of NBA experience have the right to refuse such assignments, and Parsons did just that. I started to type “what a piece of work that guy is,” but it’s obvious “Chandler Parsons” and “work” do not belong in the same sentence. Compare him to Jevon Carter, who spent months driving down to Southaven to practice with the Hustle and then back to Memphis to practice with the Grizzlies. Carter is all heart, grit and grind. Parsons is all about posting #Chancun pics to social media.

Yesterday afternoon I had just brought home Aldo’s pizza. My plan was to eat my two slices, take a “halftime” nap, then get out again about 11 or midnight. Then my BBQ teammate Jeremy texted me. He and his wife Jeana and a friend of theirs had an extra ticket to see Willie Nelson at the Orpheum. Did I want to go?

Initially I texted back, “Nah I just got food and I’m too tired” and Jeremy replied that they were at the Silly Goose if I wanted to join them as they engaged in some pre-Willie shenanigans. As I ate, I thought, what am I doing, turning an offer like that down? Willie is a living legend. He’s pretty much the last one left from his generation, other than Jerry Lee Lewis. I hurried finishing my pizza and walked over to the Goose to see if they’d given away the ticket yet. They hadn’t, and we were off to the Orpheum.

We had sixth row seats, right in the center. That’s Willie on the left and his son on the right. I didn’t know most of his songs but the man still has it at 85. He opened with “Whiskey River,” which I’ve been told he does every show. The other song I immediately recognized was “Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys.” He only played for about an hour, understandable given his age. He sure didn’t look or act 85 though.

This morning I’m wishing my mom was still alive so I could call her and tell her about the show. She would have been so thrilled to hear that I got to see Willie live.

On to the news… I am again hearing stories of two women targeting men at bars in the Downtown core (neighborhood bars, not Beale Street, although they may go there too). Both women are African-American, and the one who does the approaching is about 5’8″, lighter skinned, straight long blond hair, very nicely dressed. The other one is 5’3″ to 5’4″, dark hair, darker skinned, a bit heavyset. Their male accomplice wears a shirt that is about two sizes too large and untucked, perfect for hiding a gun. He generally remains outside, but will come in the bar for a minute to give the women more money to buy drinks or when they want to point out a target to him.

I’ve been told they were seen Friday night at a bar in the Downtown core, trying to get a neighborhood resident to go somewhere with them to “go have some fun,” but he was onto their game and had the kitchen staff escort him out and watch him walk home safely. There may have been an additional male and female accomplice. A bartender at another bar told me the women got a man to come outside with them, where their male accomplice forced him to the ATM on the corner to withdraw money. Fortunately that effort was thwarted by another bartender who ran after them.

Everyone BE CAREFUL. I absolutely hate posting information that casts a negative light on the neighborhood I love and in which I have walked freely for almost 17 years, but these people need to be identified and either locked up or run out of Downtown.

In celebration of the national championship football game, Texas de Brazil is offering 20% off both dine-in and take-out tomorrow, Monday, January 7. It sounds like you have to mention the offer to get the discount, and it would probably be a good idea to bookmark this link which has promo codes.

Anasa Troutman, Clayborn Temple Executive Director, will be the featured speaker at the January South Main Association meeting at the temple Tuesday, January 8.

Your Inner Yogi, the yoga studio at 10 N. Second, is having a special through January 31 where you can get unlimited yoga classes all year long for $75 a month. That’s about 40% off the normal price. YOGA!

Things you didn’t know existed part 1: Voice-activated Jim Beam decanters that will pour you a shot on demand

Things you didn’t know existed part 2: 1970s Volkswagen Beetle campers

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

 

 

The Daily Memphian did an article on restaurants coming soon in 2019, and there was an interesting piece of Downtown news. Remember a few days ago, when I posted there would be a job fair for Ryan Trimm’s family of restaurants, including Sweet Grass/Next Door, 117 Prime, Sunrise Memphis, and a yet-to-be-revealed Downtown restaurant? Well, the cat’s out of the bag now. Trimm will open 3rd & Court in the new Hotel Indigo in the spring, including an unnamed music room where they will play vinyl.

Also in the article, no more Draper Special for a while as 117 Prime is going to be closed for lunch for several months.

Willie Nelson plays the Orpheum tonight.

Congratulations to the Memphis Humane Society, which had one of its adoptable puppies selected to compete in the Puppy Bowl which runs during the halftime of the Super Bowl.

We are thrilled to announce we have a puppy player in this year’s @animalplanet PUPPY BOWL XV! Melody storms the gridiron and makes the cutest ear pulls and tail tugs as part of Team Fluff as they compete to win on Sunday, Feb 3rd. Stay tuned for more! #hsmscmelody pic.twitter.com/nysY17hQLJ

— Memphis Humane Society (@MemphisHumane) January 3, 2019

The date for Memphis Brewfest, the annual beer festival at AutoZone Park, has been announced. It’s a few weeks later in the spring than in past years, set to happen on Saturday, May 11. I realize they have to find a Saturday when both the Redbirds and Memphis 901 FC are out of down, but… the day of BBQ Fest load-in? I suspect that could hurt ticket sales a bit.

You can get on the guest list to get in Tin Roof tonight without paying cover. Guest list registration closes at 9 PM.

Downtown Yoga begins a new series called The Art of the Asana today at 2. Each class will focus on one asana/pose and its links to other asanas/poses and its place in yoga history. Today’s class, from 2 to 4 PM, will explore the pose known as the down dog. YOGA!

Porter-Leath has a Parent Educator position open. The successful candidate will provide support and parenting education to a caseload of 30 families.

I went down to Max’s Sports Bar for happy hour yesterday afternoon, and on one of the TVs was a big ol’ pan of skillet cornbread. It reminded me of the dessert skillet cake that my Nana used to make me when I’d go visit her and Grandpop in Trimble, Tennessee. I found a recipe if anyone wants to give it a try. It’s a simple but tasty country dessert. Goes well with Cool Whip or vanilla ice cream.

The Downtown Memphis Commission is partnering with Envision Memphis to offer free Pilates classes every Wednesday at 6 PM. Envision is on the top floor of the Cadre Building at Second and Monroe.

I may have to stop watching Grizzlies games. This is getting depressing. Last night the Grizz blew another game they should have won. Something’s got to change. I’ll repeat what I said yesterday: As much as I appreciate and respect what Marc Gasol means to this city, I think it’s time to shop him on the trade market. I’m not saying, “Gasol must go” by any means, but I think it’s time to put feelers out there and explore what Memphis might be able to get for him.

I guess if there is one silver lining in all this, it’s that if the Grizzlies keep sucking the way they have lately, they’re not going to have to convey the first-round draft pick they owe to Boston this year. It’s protected if the Grizzlies’ pick is in the top 8. I’d rather see Memphis get back to winning though.

That’s it for now, time for some Saturday fun. Back tomorrow with more news.

Given the holiday week, yesterday didn’t feel like a Thursday, but it was, which meant it was once again time for the lunchtime food truck rodeo in Court Square. I walked up there with my meal already in mind. By this point I have ordered from most of the food trucks that come there. However, I have avoided getting BBQ. “Why would I buy BBQ from a truck when Central BBQ is within walking distance?” I wondered.

“Well, you might want to make one exception,” a friend advised. “Smurfey’s Smokehouse is really good. They have BBQ nachos and potatoes.” I love a good potato with BBQ. I walked up to the window and ordered a pulled pork smoked potato with veggies. After a few minutes they handed me a box that felt like it must have weighed 3 pounds, and I walked it home.

WOW!

This meal was outstanding. I had a huge smoked potato, topped with some of the best pulled pork I have had in my life. It was topped with melted cheese, Smurfey sauce, and an assortment of vegetables. Even the heartiest of appetites should be able to get two meals off this. The potatoes can be ordered with or without the veggies, and they also have chicken and steak if you prefer one of those meats to pulled pork. They have sandwiches and BBQ nachos too.

Smurfey’s is not the most noticeable food truck in Court Square on Thursdays. No flashy colors or big signs, just a black truck pulling a black trailer with “Smurfey’s Smokehouse” painted on the side. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking Smurfey’s for as long as I did. It is the real deal.

The Memphis Redbirds are hosting three job fairs to hire for event staff for Redbirds and Memphis 901 FC games. The job fairs will be on the Club Level at AutoZone Park  at the following times:

• Thursday, January 10, 4-7 PM
• Saturday, January 12, 10 AM-2 PM
• Monday, January 24 9 AM-noon

Positions will include Box  Office Ticket Seller, Usher, Usher Supervisor, Promotional Team, Field Crew, Bat Boy/Girl, Video Replay Operator, and Camera Operator. Applicants must be at least 18 and pass a background check and drug screening. Learn more about the positions here.

Downtown Nutrition has opened at 95 S. Main. They have high protein, low sugar energy drinks, shakes, and coffee. They envision themselves as a place that will build a healthy community Downtown.

Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers enjoyed a fine start to conference play with a win over Wichita State last night. Penny made some lineup adjustments that no doubt contributed to the victory. I hope this will shut up the Negative Nellies who say Penny can’t coach. The Tigers face a stiff challenge on Sunday, taking on undefeated #19 Houston at Houston. The game will be at 6 PM and will be on ESPNews.

There will be a wine tasting dinner at Paulette’s over on Mud Island the evening of Tuesday, January 8. Wines from Italy, Argentina, New Mexico and California, all which have scored 90-93 from The Wine Enthusiast and Beverage Tasting Institute, will be featured.

Congratulations to my Congressman, Steve Cohen, who became chair of the Constitution, Civil Rights and Liberties committee under the House Judiciary Committee yesterday. I cannot think of a more capable person to take on that role. Go get ’em Steve!

That’s it for now. Going to spend a few hours reading a Kindle book I bought and then get out. Back tomorrow with more news.