Paul Ryburn's Journal

Several of my friends have tried Bardog Tavern for brunch in recent weeks, and have said really good things about it.  In particular, they’ve mentioned the lobster sandwich.  That does sound good.  They said Bardog also has $1.50 PBR during brunch, and you get a free drink (a mimosa or I think a couple of other choices) with your brunch entree.  Not a bad deal.

They don’t open until noon on Sunday.  I think next Sunday, I’m going to have to sleep for an extra hour (I usually go to brunch at 11) and give Bardog a shot.  That means I’ll get to the Saucer an hour later than usual, but oh well.  They see plenty of me the rest of the week.

I got up too late for brunch yesterday, but I did get some good food… I went to South of Beale when they opened at 4 and ordered the Crock, a country pot pie of duck, Andouille sausage, and root vegetables.  I also got to try an oxtail wonton, which was really good with mango salsa.

I’ve got the info for the Elvis pub crawl almost ready… will probably post it tonight.

Today is National S’mores Day, a celebration of the campfire treat made with marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers.  Kooky Canuck is celebrating by selling its S’mores for half price all day.  You make them right there at your table with your own miniature campfire.  They’ll also have their new Deluxe S’mores for $6.99, made with gourmet marshmallows from Plush Puffs.

Two of the best things about being a Downtowner are

1) Getting to know my Downtown neighbors and having an ever-expanding circle of friends

2) Getting to go to parties on rooftops

Last night, our friend Brent, who did such an amazing job decorating the Ques Brothers’ booth at BBQ Fest (photos here) threw a birthday party on the rooftop of his building, which also happens to be my building.  Here are a few pics:

The bar

There was an ice luge for people who wanted to do shots.

The mystery beer tub.  The only reason you can see the caps and the labels is because of my camera’s flash.  In reality the tub was almost completely dark so you had no idea what you were getting.  I pulled out my first bottle and saw that it was green.  “Dos Equis Lager Especial.”  Nice!  I did see a Bud Light in the tub – too bad John D wasn’t there.

As I’ve said before, you can’t have a Downtown photo album without Mikey hamming it up for the camera.

Another pic of everyone enjoying the rooftop, with the Mississippi River in the background.

A fantastic party, and with a pro like Brent planning it I’m not surprised.  If you want Brent to help you plan and decorate an event for you, you can reach him through the Holliday Flowers website.

It’s brunch time but I’m not hungry yet… think I’ll get in an hour on PokerStars before I go out.  Getting bored with Hold’em… think I may try 7-card Stud, which I played all the time in college.  I’ll meet up with the gang at the Saucer later on.  It’s Pint Nite at South of Beale, so I may make a visit there after they open at 4 PM.  Interested to see what a Sunday Fun Day will be like there.

Wow Twitter has been a disaster this week.  I just refreshed my blog, and apparently none of my Fire Sale tweets that I make to my blog have gone through since Wednesday.

The Fire Sale today is Blue Moon.

I stopped by South of Beale last night, and they had their draft beer list and specials posted on their chalkboard.  Figured I’d snap a pic and share the info.

Eight premium beers on draft, $3 during happy hour 4-7 weekdays and all night Wednesday and Sunday.  Hmmm this could become a new stop on Sunday Fun Day.

They also have more beers, including domestics, in bottles.  John D: “Paul, do they have Bud Light?”  Yes, John, they do.

Nothing to do until 8 when I have a party to go to… guess I’ll log onto PokerStars and play a Sit’n’Go tournament.

Just got word from the folks at South of Beale that they will be open to the public tonight from 4 PM to 3 AM, with $3 draft and $4 well specials all night long.  Congratulations to them on getting their liquor license!  I had a great time there Wednesday night at the pre-opening party… check it out if you’re looking for something to do tonight.

Speaking of which… I’m looking for something to do tonight… I want to get some quality time in on PokerStars right after work, but around 9 I may wander down there.  Anyone want to meet up?  Hmmm… Hollywood Disco (formerly the original Raiford’s) is right around the corner… I don’t get down there much anymore because the other place is so much closer to where I live, but last time I went I had a really good time at Hollywood.  Maybe it’s time to pay them a visit.

Speaking of PokerStars, I placed third in a Sit’n’Go tournament last night, which means I landed in the money.  I’m getting addicted to those.  Thought I had a good shot at first place when I got dealt QQ late in the game, and went all-in.  Someone called me with AJ, and an Ace showed up on the river.  Oh well.

We’re in the process of finalizing the running order for the Elvis pub crawl.  To clear up any confusion, it’s a week from Saturday, on the 15th, not this Saturday, the 8th.  It was originally the 8th but got changed not long afterward.  More details to come.  We’ll be collecting cans and donations for MIFA’s Food Bank at the event.

That’s all for now.  Dead tired from staying up late to catch the Dempseys’ entire performance last night.  I don’t know where I’m going to find the energy to go out tonight, but go out I shall.

If you’re going to suggest that people follow you on Twitter, it might be a good idea to tell them your username if you put out ads/flyers.

In the words of the philosopher Homer, “D’oh!”

(It’s @FlyingSaucerMEM by the way.)

The Commercial Appeal reports that the Power House art gallery has closed. That’s kind of a shock, considering that this summer they’ve been more active than ever, hosting midnight movies, public forums, and kids’ events. Like everyone, though, they got hit by the tough economic times. Best wishes to those involved with the Power House and thanks for 6 great years.

The South Main Association has asked me to note some changes to their meeting next Tuesday at the Happy Mexican. Instead of complimentary hors d’oeuvres, there will be a complimentary dinner buffet. (Somewhere in an office building out in Collierville, the Nuh-Uh Girl is jumping for joy.) There will also be a cash bar. Hmmm with Steve Cohen appearing, I may have to skip trivia and show up for this one… Steve needs our support to ensure a victory over King Willie in the primary next year. Besides, with social hour starting at 6 and Steve not getting there until 8, there will be plenty of extra time to drink margaritas.

Memphis communications organizations AIGA, AAF, and PRSA will have a “Plug In” mixer tonight at Minglewood Hall. There will be drink specials by three advertising industry bands – Vending Machine, The Revisions, and WatchPaper. Drink specials, free appetizers.

The Travel Channel’s Great Weekends with Samantha Brown will re-broadcast its visit to Memphis this Saturday, August 8, at 9 PM. The show filmed Sam hanging out at Elvis’ favorite table at the Arcade, stopping by Alcenia’s for some soul food, and dancing at Hollywood Disco. A sneak peek of the show can be found here.

This weekend is a sales tax holiday. From Friday, August 7 to Sunday, August 9, any single clothing item under $100 can be bought without paying sales tax. I know that Lansky and Shelton Clothiers are among the Downtown stores that will be featuring their under-$100 items. Good weekend to do some shopping.

Good article on the Majestic Grille’s employee art exhibit to be held next Wednesday, August 12, in the Commercial Appeal today.

Also in the CA today – it was announced that Wicked will return to the Orpheum in fall 2010. That’s great news for Downtown, because it brought a lot of business not only to the theatre itself, but to nearby businesses and attractions.

Plans for tonight: I’m going to play on PokerStars for a few hours, then head to the Saucer around 9:00 to see The Dempseys.

South of Beale hosted a preview party for friends and family last night, and I went there and snapped some pics of the place.  Muchas gracias for the food and beer.  The owners told me they plan to be open to the public tonight.  If they get their liquor license they’ll have liquor; if not, at least they’ll have beer and wine.

At least one more post to come today.  Unusual posting time for this one on a weekday… I typed this up before I left home and saved it as a draft.  The DTO video absolutely had to stay on top for the morning rush though.