Paul Ryburn's Journal

We’ve got some chilly weather (for August) coming at us. The low tonight in Memphis is predicted to be 57, which would beat today’s previous record low of 58.

Thanks to clouds and rain, the high Thursday is expected to top out at only 72. That would be 18 degrees below normal and a record cool high for that date.

The Downtown Blue Monkey is hiring a prep cook/line cook.

Will your car perform better if you put premium gas in it? (SPOILER ALERT: For the vast majority of vehicles, the answer is a big fat NO. All it does is waste money.)

Melvin Bledsoe, founder of Blues City Tours, has died at 70.

Congratulations to Wonky’s, the candy store next to Alcenia’s on N. Main, on its recent 100 on its health inspection.

The Grizz will be Around Town during the month of September, including

• 9/1: 901 Day on Beale Street, 11 AM-7 PM
• 9/14: B.B. King’s 100th birthday on Beale Street, 2-6 PM
• 9/20: Grizzlies Day with the Redbirds, AutoZone Park, 1:30 PM
• 9/26: South Main Trolley Night, 6-8 PM
• 10/4: Open practice at FedExForum
• 10/6: Taste of the District at Health Sciences Park, 4-6 PM
• 10/18: Boo at the Ballpark, AutoZone Park, noon

Hilton Garden Inn across from the ballpark is hiring a food & beverage manager.

The I Love Memphis Blog is hosting a happy hour at The Brass Door Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30. They’ll give away 4 tickets to any remaining Redbirds game. They will also have a “Split the G” Guinness contest with prizes.

The pumpkin spice latte is back at Starbucks.

A women’s pro baseball league is coming next year.

Despite the cold, I’m staying out tonight. It’s Memphis trivia night at the Saucer and I think my chances of winning a gift certificate are pretty good.

Back tomorrow with more news.

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I need to start off this post with some IMPORTANT PBR NEWS. If you tried to order the best beverage in the world, Pabst Blue Ribbon, at a Memphis-area bar this past weekend, you were probably told they were out. This is an issue at the distributor level and not a matter of bars failing to order enough PBR. So, please, cut ’em some slack.

I’m told PBR will make its return Tuesday, although I don’t know what time.

Let’s have a look at this coming weekend’s college football games of interest to Memphians and readers of this blog.

Friday

• Auburn at Baylor, 7 PM, FOX
• Georgia Tech at Colorado, 7 PM, ESPN

Saturday

• 1 Texas at 3 Ohio State, 11 AM, FOX
• Syracuse at 24 Tennessee, 11 AM, ABC
• Mississippi State at Southern Miss, 11 AM, ESPN
• 8 Alabama at Florida State, 2:30 PM, ABC
• Alabama A&M at Arkansas, 3:15 PM, SEC Network
• Chattanooga at Memphis, 3:30 PM, ESPN+
• SE Missouri State at Arkansas State, 6 PM, ESPN+
• 9 LSU at 4 Clemson, 6:30 PM, ABC
• Georgia State at 21 Ole Miss, 6:45 PM, SEC Network

Sunday

• 6 Notre Dame at 10 Miami, 6:30 PM, ABC

Monday

• TCU at North Carolina, 7 PM, ESPN. Bill Belichick’s college coaching debut.

Loflin Yard will host a Vols watch party at 11 on Saturday. Game on big screen TVs with sound, brunch menu, family-friendly. Now, readers, please don’t hate on Loflin for this – they’re providing a valuable service. They’re providing a space for those orange-and-white gingham-wearing ass-clown UT fans to gather so they don’t crap up the rest of Downtown’s bars.

Today is Motorist Consideration Monday. From Checkiday: “Motorist Consideration Monday is dedicated to being considerate, patient, and courteous while traveling, no matter what one’s mode of transportation is—whether it be by car, bike, public transportation, or even by walking.” This holiday is not observed in Memphis.

Ladies R&B Kickback comes to the Orpheum Friday. $63.45-$207.65.

Encanto is the free movie this week at Slider Inn Downtown 7:30 PM Wednesday, part of the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s summer movie series. Show your DNA membership card for 20 percent off food.

Alley Dayz returns to Barboro Alley at Main this Wednesday 5:30-7:30 PM. Live music, local vendors, discounts at local neighborhood hotspots. 50 people will receive tickets for a free drink from Belle Tavern – look for the DMC staff in blue shirts handing these out.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips:
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Bardog had a new dessert on the specials board yesterday. Of course, I had to try it.

Blueberry bread pudding! A huge slice of it, too! The whipped cream had a lemon flavor that complemented the blueberries well. It’s good to see new chef Nick add his touch to the menu.

To make sure everyone gets max enjoyment from the taste of their food, Bardog has gone nonsmoking both upstairs and down during weekend brunch hours.

They also have a new playlist during Saturday brunch. It’s called Golden Hour and it’s a Spotify list.

I’ll be back tomorrow with that college football preview and whatever other news I can find.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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There were reports on the news this morning of a large police presence at Talbot and Wagner last night about 10:30. Anyone know what was going on?

Want to be a volunteer for the 2025 St. Jude Marathon on December 6? Registration is now open.

The fire that damaged the Metro shopping center at Crump and Danny Thomas will simply speed up its demolition, owners say. The center was set to be torn down anyway to make space for mixed-use housing and retail.

Aloft Hotel seeks a front desk agent.

The new Mississippi River bridge into Memphis will be called Kings’ Crossing in a nod to three Kings associated with the city: MLK Jr., Elvis, and B.B. WHAT ABOUT LAWLER?????

Tonight’s REZA: Edge of Illusion performance at the Halloran Center has been canceled.

There’s a specialty ticket to tonight’s Redbirds game that gets you a BBQ buffet and another that gets you a Hogwarts hat. First pitch vs. the Gwinnett Stripers is tonight at 6:35. Fireworks after the game.

I’m working on a Week 1 college football list of games of interest to Memphians. That should be ready to go Monday.

Back tomorrow with more news.

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

The Memphis Tigers men’s basketball nonconference schedule is out, and it is stacked. Auburn, Purdue, Ole Miss, Baylor, Vandy, Mississippi State. Of course, Penny’s gotta stack it because the AAC in-conference opposition is so lousy.

The fire department battled a large shopping center fire at Crump and Danny Thomas Thursday evening.

Downtown hotel Canopy by Hilton seeks a GM.

Sorry for the short post today, and none yesterday. Experiencing some new motor skills issues. Back tomorrow I hope.

Back tomorrow with more news.

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

 

Earnestine & Hazel’s rolled out some football specials for the days/nights of the week when games are typically on TV.

Basically, order a bucket of American domestic beer at a reasonable price and get one or two Soul Burgers for $5 each (normally they’re $11).

Last night one of the regulars ordered a Soul Burger as a lettuce wrap instead of between buns. I did not know they could handle such a request.

Fantasy and sci-fi book club Taverns and Tales meets Saturday from 4 to 6 PM at the Memphis Made taproom. This month’s book for discussion is .A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking.

Today is National Bacon Lovers Day.

Momma’s turns 2 this Saturday. Live music from Bobbie Stacks & Frankie Hollie, DJ set by Tree, live music by Sky King. Drink specials, raffles, giveaways.

Shop for handmade pottery at Grind City Brewing this Saturday.

Back tomorrow with more news.

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

I’ve been hanging out at haunted South Main dive bar Earnestine & Hazel’s a lot more lately because two of my friends got hired there. Last night I stayed until close. “I don’t even bother turning off the TVs or jukebox when I lock up,” said my friend who’d been bartending.

“Why not?” I asked.

“The ghosts will just turn them back on,” she said.

She wasn’t kidding. Last night I witnessed the jukebox and the Vent-a-hood light come on without human assistance several times.

There are believed to be as many as 13 ghosts living (poor choice of words) in E&H. You can learn about them by taking one of several Downtown ghost tours.

Jurassic Park will be the free Downtown Neighborhood Association movie shown this Wednesday. 7:30 PM, Slider Inn. Card-carrying DNA members get 20 percent off.

Flying Saucer, in partnership with Kiwanis, Grind City Brewing, Hollywood Feed, and Orion FCU, is holding a dog photo contest this month. Your dog could be selected to be on the label of a Grind City beer. You could also win a custom portrait of your dog or a gift certificate for pet products. Scan the QR code at the Saucer’s bar to get started.

Malcolm X 100, featuring a conversation with his daughter Ilyasah Shabazz, will happen Saturday afternoon at the National Civil Rights Museum.

Comedian Heather McMahan comes to the Orpheum Friday night.

Planted Rock Vegan Festival happens 1-6 Sunday in Court Square. Live cooking demos, local vendors, live music, community wellness, speakers, workshops.

Will Graves and Soul will perform at Soulin’ on the River Friday evening at  Fourth Bluff. Free admission, gates and DJ at 6, band at 8.

StyleBlueprint looks at 8 specialty markets in Memphis, including South Point Grocery and Cordelia’s Market.

Save the date: On September 5, Old Dominick will launch an 8-year reserve bourbon.

Back tomorrow.

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 People’s Hip-Hop Awards went on at the Cannon Center last night despite the last-minute withdrawal of a title sponsor. As of right now, it is unclear why FUBU backed out.

Fellow pro wrestling fans: Remember when Kevin Nash used to wear FUBU on WCW Monday Nitro?

Dyer’s on Beale made Food & Wine’s list of top burger spots in the U.S., coming in at number four. The double-double is in my opinion the best burger in Memphis, although the burgers at Majestic Grille, Kooky Canuck, and Earnestine & Hazel’s are must-eats too.

Today is Pinot Noir Day.

Here are some cute rescue dogs to help take the edge off your Monday.

College football is back this Saturday. 22 Iowa State battles 17 Kansas State in Dublin, Ireland at 11 AM U.S. Central Time. There will be four other games on later in the day, but I-State vs. K-State is the only ranked-ranked.

What Now Memphis has more info on Tonica opening a Downtown Memphis location. It’ll be on Front in the former Pretty Taco space and they’re shooting for an October opening.

You can now get Indo-Pak-style food in Memphis thanks to a new food truck.

Did you know there’s a food club in Memphis? The Hungry Tiger

That’s it! Back tomorrow with more news.

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

The weekly Packed House e-newsletter this week contained a couple of news tidbits that I want to mention here.

First of all, Momma’s now has frozen Irish coffee. It’s made with Jameson, Atomic black coffee liqueur, fresh coffee, Irish cream, and vanilla hazelnut milk.

Secondly, Bardog has a new head man in the kitchen. His name is Nick Angelo and most recently he was the food/beverage manager at Slider Inn. He’s also been in the kitchen of Gray Canary and FedExForum. Nick is a graduate of Miami Culinary Institute.

The Hebe Fountain has been reassembled and is back in operation in Court Square.

Both the DM and CA are reporting that Midtown restaurant Tonica may open a Downtown location.

Today is National Pineapple Juice Day. I recommend having some in a mimosa at Automatic Slim’s.

Back tomorrow.

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

A slate of events celebrates hip-hop in Downtown Memphis this weekend. Here’s what you need to know.

The Bardog alley party, celebrating 17 years in business, will return Sunday, September 21. Details to be released.

The NBA has revealed the Grizzlies’ 2025-26 regular-season schedule. It’s loaded with home games early on.

This news story is SO Memphis: 400 lb. man tells police he’s too large to steal a car

Rock that Tennessee Vols orange and white for National Failures Day.

Reimagining and rebuilding Downtown is the discussion topic on this week’s Behind the Headlines.

The Trumpster meets Russian leader Putin in Anchorage this afternoon for a high-stakes negotiation to end the war in Ukraine. Trump will have a legit shot at winning a Nobel Peace Prize if he gets results.

Jaren Jackson Jr. explains the mindset behind his selection of a new number, 8.

Data analysis determined the most underrated 1980s song.

The Nike Ja 3 sneaker is out.

Back tomorrow with more news.

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