So tonight I went to Itta Bena for Downtowners Appreciation Night, and discovered that Downtown bartending legend Spindini Sam is now bartending at Itta Bena. I guess he’ll have to change his nickname since he’s no longer at Spindini. This is the same Sam who got his ass kicked playing pool and trivia by yours truly. One of the most colorful people Downtown. He’s already inventing signature drinks and will add a lot to the place.
So I was sitting there enjoying a bourbon and Coke when my friends Lauren and Jamie walked in. Hang on, let’s post a pic of Lauren and Jamie.
They were eating Itta Bena’s Filet Bites when this pic was taken. Hang on, let’s post a pic of the Filet Bites. Jamie commented that they were “THA BOMB DOT COM.”
Lauren, who is bartender at Calhoun’s Sunday-Tuesday, tells me that Tuesday nights after 10 have turned into “C.C. 115 OFF DA G.E. PAT,” or “Cheesy Song Night at Calhoun’s,” whichever you prefer. Apparently new Itta Bena bartender Sam took most of his clothes off last night at the kick-off night of this event, and people wrote on most of his body with Sharpie markers.
I’ve been told that Itta Bena will be open after the Peabody rooftop party lets out, and could be a very good bar scene for those looking for something more sophisticated than Atlas or Alfred’s. Those clubs are fine if you’re into the whole I’m-a-21-year-old-girl-in-a-hot-dress-give-me-attention-give-me-validation-buy-me-drinks scene, but if you want to just have a good conversation and a quality drink while listening to some upbeat music, Itta Bena may be your spot. There’s a very good chance I may show up there tomorrow night. Itta Bena is on the 3rd floor of B.B. King’s at Second and Beale. Just enter through the main door, and head up the steps to the third floor (ask where the entrance is if you don’t know.) Whatever you wore to the rooftop party should work just fine as apparel for Itta Bena. Here are a few pics of the place, taken in 2007 right before it opened:
As you can see, it has a secluded, otherworldly feel to it – but all you have to do is look out the window and you will remember you’re on Beale Street.
Lots going on tomorrow night, by the way. It’s the opening Peabody rooftop party of the year, with Dr. Zarr as the entertainment. About a 75% chance I’ll show up. Forecast is for rain, though. If they move the party indoors I may not go – indoor parties at the Peabody kind of suck.
It’s also Dead Rock Star Ball at EP’s. Interesting concept, but putting this up against opening night at the Peabody may not have been the best move. This would’ve worked better on a Friday or Saturday. Still, though, there will likely be some interesting costumes. I’ll try my best to stop by.
Thursday is also a special edition of “Rock Out With Your Cock Out” night at the Red Rooster. April 3 is the anniversary of the day the Unabomber was arrested. So the Rooster will have $4.00 bomber shots and 50 cent draft beer all night.
Back to Lauren and Jamie for a minute. I always carry pen and paper with me to take notes for the blog (which is why you’re reading what you’re reading right now, otherwise I’d forget more than half of it). Lauren asked if she could borrow my note paper for a minute and wrote the note below.
If you read my post earlier today, you know that I’m considering kicking my current BFF to the curb and finding a better one. Readers have expressed their opinion via e-mail, and currently their opinion is running about 70% in favor of dumping my BFF. Looking at the image above, it looks like I’ll have no trouble finding new BFFs if I decide to go along with public opinion.
I want to include a conversation with my BFF that illustrates why I’m considering shit-canning her:
“Paul! I’m hungry. Walk up to Second Street Deli and buy me a sandwich.”
“I don’t have time! I have to get back to work.”
“Paul! You’re not being a good BFF. This is the kind of thing BFFs do for each other.”
“If you’re such a good BFF, how come you’ve never bought me anything?”
“I’ve bought you lots of stuff, Paul, I just haven’t given any of it to you yet.”
The more I review the conversation documented above, the more I agree with public opinion. I’ll take a few more days to think about it, but my BFF may be history very soon.
After I left Itta Bena tonight, I wandered over to (can you guess it?) the Flying Saucer. They have a new video crack machine at the bar, not that I have much interest in playing it. Beer report:
Previous total: $1,001.50
Beers 170, 171, and 172 (but 164, 165, and 166 according to the Saucer, with one still to be put back on. Was too lazy to talk to the manager about it tonight):
Chimay Triple/Cinq Cents draft $7.00
Sierra Nevada Porter $4.25
Sam Adams White (Seasonal) $4.25
Tip: $15.50 x ~30% = $5.00
Total: $20.50
Grand total: $1,022.00
And with the beer report out of the way, I’m done. Off to bed to get about two hours’ less sleep than what I need.