Friday update 2

Someone tagged me in a “what happens one hour after you drink a PBR” infographic on Facebook. I don’t need to read the infographic. I already knows what happens an hour after I drink a PBR. I order my 4th PBR.

Hungry Memphis reports that Cafe Pontotoc is now open for lunch.

Paul Morris who runs DMC tweeted that starting Monday, the city will be paving Front Street from Union to A.W. Willis a much-needed paving. It will take 2 weeks, so you may want to plan an alternate route if you use Front.

If you park in one of the garages inside the closed zones for this weekend’s Cinemax shooting for Quarry, Fox Memphis reports that cars will be let in and out of the garages between set-ups.

Thrillist has the 8 best places in Memphis to get chicken wings. I did not expect to see burger bar Oshi on the list, but it made it for its Rajun Asian wings. Central BBQ was the other Downtown restaurant to make the list.

If you like riding bikes, are a morning person, and want to help the homeless, Urban Bicycle Ministry is departing First United Methodist at 204 N. Second tomorrow at 7 AM. You can help distribute healthy burritos to nourish those in need in Downtown and Midtown.

The new I Love Memphis podcast featuring historian Jimmy Ogle is up.

A Facebook event page has been created for next Tuesday’s National Night Out event at the Farmers Market (of which I am the mayor on Foursquare).

High Ground News has a good article on airport redevelopment. Attracting low-cost carriers will eliminate a lot of people’s need to drive to Little Rock or Nashville to fly affordably.

Happy hour. PBR time. First stop Silly Goose. Possibly South Main Green Bus Night later.

Friday update: Farmers Market, Star Trek II, World Series rings and more

I checked my tracker yesterday before I posted and my readership has jumped by about 25% this week. Whoever my new readers are, welcome! If I can answer any questions about life Downtown, shoot me an email at paul@paulryburn.com.

We’re Rolling into Watermelons is the theme of this Saturday’s Memphis Farmers Market at the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson, 7 AM to 1 PM. The market’s weekly e-newsletter had an interesting tip about picking the best watermelon: There’s should be a yellowish flat spot on the melon. That is called a “field spot” and it is supposed to be there, because it is where the melon rested on the ground. The darker the spot’s color, the longer the melon was on the vine getting sweet. Avoid melons with white field spots, or worse, no field spots. The market’s popular Watermelon Roll for kids 10 and under will be back. Come to the pet-sitting tent at 9 to enter. There will be three heats of six rollers. The Three Kings will provide live music from 8:30-10. They recently performed at the market’s Rock ‘n Wild Picnic. Live music by Steve Smith 11-12:30. Appearance by the Farmers Market’s Foursquare/Swarm mayor at a time yet to be determined. The mayor may perform his new hit “Farmers Market Boogie” if asked nicely.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan plays on the big screen at the Orpheum tonight as part of the summer classic movie series.

Texas de Brazil tweeted that all of its meats and 80% of its salad bar area are gluten-free. You can ask the manager for a complete list of gluten-free items on the bar.

The first 1500 fans at the Redbirds tonight get replica 1982 World Series St. Louis Cardinals championship rings. The opponent is Oklahoma City, first pitch is 7:05, gates open at 5 for a block party with live music by Dr. Zarr’s Amazing Funk Monster and select $2 drafts.

Inspectors will close one lane of the I-40 bridge Tuesday-Thursday, August 4-6, during the daytime. This is a routine inspection, nothing to be concerned about.

Back to the drawing board: The Flyer speculates on what will happen next now that TDOT’s closure of the I-55 bridge has been delayed. The article correctly points out that it is critical that easy access to Downtown and Bass Pro via I-55’s connection to Riverside Drive be retained at all times.

Uber has now been cleared to drop off at the Memphis Airport. Lyft was cleared last month.

It appears I forgot a detail of Sunday Fun Day when I recapped it Monday on the blog… B-RAD shared two videos yesterday, one of his own and one taken by my team president Moody, of a dance-off between Katie (not Mac) of Porkosaurus and “Mr. Load-in” of the Moody Ques. Wonder how many duck farts I had consumed by that point. Hey, at least I have fun on my Sundays.

Time to head to work. Possibly another post at lunch or in the evening, so check back.

Thursday update

Lunchtime! Frozen dinner is heating up in the microwave. In the car on my way to Kroger to get the dinner I composed a new song. B-RAD you will like it. It has a rockabilly feel to it. Maybe I will be invited to perform it at the rockabilly fest in The Edge on the 15th-16th. (Edit: Came up with a title – “Farmers Market Boogie”)

The Dantones will provide the live music at tonight’s Peabody rooftop party. Doors open at 6, ladies free until 7, $10 cover. Admission includes a Spanish buffet of chicken and sausage paella from 7-8 PM. If you’re in VIP there’s a second buffet of traditional paella, tortilla Espanola, and chorizo stuffed mushrooms from 7-9:30 PM. Orange margaritas and white sangria will be on special.

Somewhere in northern Mexico my BBQ teammate Mardoqueo is reading this and thinking, “Paella! Paolo, this sounds like the best rooftop party of the season.”

Hook plays at the Orpheum tonight at 7 as part of its classic summer movie series. Come early at 6 for a Neverland-inspired scavenger hunt.

There’s a job opening at the Grizzlies that sounds like a fantastic opportunity for the right person: Coordinator, Promotions and Event Presentation.

There’s filming for a movie happening on G.E. Patterson today. Max’s Sports Bar will have the back gate open. You can enter the bar through the patio entrance. Quote from Max: “Come have a drink and see what the Hood looked like in the 70’s! There will be classic cars and afros everywhere.”

Last night I learned what the winner’s prize will be for the August 4 spelling bee at Bardog: His or her weight in Yazoo beer. There will also be $3 Yazoo draft pints. 9 PM start time. I will not be participating but will definitely be there to watch.

The Elvis Week schedule has been posted. August 8-16.

City Market posted a health tip: Ask for a pinch of tumeric in your smoothie. “Turmeric is a great source of curumin that is a anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, antibacterial, and antiviral agent. It also helps flush out dietary carcinogens, boost liver detox and treat depression.”

Reader question: “It’s obvious that you’re a big fan of both fresh produce and chicken fried steak. If you were on death row and had to pick one or the other for your last meal, which would it be?” Are you serious? CHICKEN FRIED STEAK, OF COURSE! I like fresh produce and all, but let’s not be completely crazy!

New at Cleveland Browns games: Bacon wrapped foot long with brisket and jalapeno relish. Wow. This dog looks so yummy it might actually make Browns fans forget how much their team sucks.

The Iowa Energy, the Grizzlies’ NBA D-League affiliate, have hired female assistant Nikki Gross.

Lay’s potato chips latest flavor: Southern biscuits and gravy.

Outta here for now, maybe a second post after work. I will lead off happy hour at the Silly Goose most likely.

Moody Ques news: Four upcoming events including three competitions this fall

I have updated news for my Moody Ques teammates. This year we plan to do more practice cooks, so that we are better prepared to do well in the 2016 BBQ Fest competition. We have four events coming up in the next three months.

On Saturday, August 8, we will have a combination cookout and birthday party for our booth designer Brent at the warehouse of Holliday Flowers at 444 Monroe at 7 PM. That is in The Edge district, between Danny Thomas and Lauderdale. This is a fundraiser to raise money to enter three competitions coming up this fall, so we are asking everyone to chip in $20. We will have locally brewed Memphis Made beer, and head cook Frank and assistant cook Clay will be cooking the BBQ.

Thursday-Saturday, September 10-12, the team will be competing in the Al Chymia Shrine BBQ Cookoff at 5770 Shelby Oaks out east. This is a regional Memphis Barbecue Network event and a good chance for us to warm up (now that we have a smoker that can hold temp and an incendiary device that I am no longer allowed to mention) for the main event next May.

(I mentioned the BBQ device I’m no longer allowed to mention :mrgreen: )

On Saturday, October 3, the MQs will compete in Best Memphis Burger Fest at Tiger Lane. Obviously we will not be cooking competition pork, but it will still be good food, good people, and good times. Team workhorse “Mr. Load-in” is a former judge at this event and will give the cooks tips as to what the judges will be looking for. Our friends Squeal Street BBQ (who I should mention did not win a trophy at BBQ Fest ’15 like we did) compete in this event as well.

On October 30 (event listing elsewhere says Thursday-Saturday, October 29-31; will have to check on that) we will be competing in ArtsMemphis’ event The Art of Q, to raise funds and awareness of the arts in the Memphis region. There will be cash prizes and trophies created by local artists. This is another Memphis Barbecue Network event.

Any questions, or if you are interested in joining the team for 2016, shoot an email to moodyques@gmail.com.

Wednesday update

Less than a week left to vote in the Memphis Flyer’s Best Of Memphis 2015 poll. Voting closes at 11:59 PM Tuesday, August 4. If you want to vote for me, put paulryburn.com/blog in the Best Blog box.

CORRECTION to yesterday’s post: Kevin Cerrito is doing Current Events trivia this week. Harry Potter and pro wrestling trivia are next week.

BREAKING: An environmental court judge has ordered the owner of 107 S. Main to erect an “appropriate” fence around the building to protect passersby until a full hearing about the building’s future is conducted Monday.

Deering & Down will provide the live music at this week’s Tacos & Tunes Thursday night 7-10 on Felicia Suzanne’s patio. $2 tacos, $5 margaritas. Felicia tweeted (@FeliciaSuzannes) “What type of tacos do you want for Tacos and Tunes?” That’s pretty cool, that she solicits feedback from her customers on social media.

The Daily News has more information on Bedrock Eats & Sweets that has opened a market and cafe in the old Frank’s space at the corner of Main and Vance.

Guardsmark, which has offices Downtown on Second, has been purchased by a California security company.

Fresh produce news from the Memphis Flyer: Chef Kelly English takes the Farmers Market Challenge. He didn’t go to the Memphis Farmers Market, open on Saturdays and of which I am the Foursquare mayor, but rather the Church Health Center Farmers Market, open on Tuesdays. It’s an option to keep in mind if you can’t go to the Memphis Farmers Market for whatever reason, for example if Saturday is a bad day for you, or if the CHC market is closer, or…

:mrgreen:

Today’s Memphis Flyer cover story is food on a stick. That should be a good read. Be sure to pick one up from a green box near you!

Still no word from the BBQ team on the name the smoker contest. Can we get a vote on that soon guys? We need to have that thing named before our next cookout, which is only 10 days away.

Going to lead off at Jessica’s bar at the Silly Goose for happy hour, then figure out the rest from there. I do not anticipate it being a late night out for me, because we’re preparing for a major tournament at work and I need to be well rested. Probably home with to-go food before 10 like I did last night. That shrimp fried rice from Yao’s was pretty good, may have to go get some more. Could be a second post around 5:30, so check back.

Tue update 3: Rusty Lemmon, Dynaflow, singer-songwriter and jukebox and hot dog news

The first musician ever to perform at Blind Bear, Rusty Lemmon, has been CONFIRMED by Jeannette to be back tomorrow night. Currently based out of Key West, FL, Rusty Lemmon will perform at the Blind Bear 9:30 Wednesday. They’re still going to do trivia at the Bear at 8, and when Charles gets done Rusty Lemmon will take the stage.

So, 10:50 showtime then?

In other band news: Dynaflow at 11 at Earnestine & Hazel’s this Friday at 11, after the house band gets done performing. Part of the entertainment for South Main Green Bus Night.

Speaking of which – it will be Singer-Songwriter Night 11 at South Main Green Bus Night (they call it Trolley-ish night) with returning veterans Rice Drewry and Jon Dillard join rookies to the room Ciera Ouellette, Dorothy S Guinn, Kim Garmon and Rusty Graber, 550 S. Main, Friday 7 PM. From Memphis to Nashville, the talent runs deep.

LYFE Kitchen and The 5 Spot have applied for Downtown signage. LYFE Kitchen is for the Chisca at 272 S. Main.  It will be their second restaurant in Memphis.

Monte – thanks for the Arkansas bar tip for Robo in NYC. Tried to respond but it said message send failed. Not sure what went wrong. He greatly appreciated it. Will be in touch soon.

Bardog has 8 new CDs in the jukebox and 16 more are coming by this weekend.

Central BBQ (all locations, including Downtown) is now serving a 1/4 pound hot dog, topped with BBQ sauce and slaw unless you say “Naw.” $4.99.

Early night but that’s good because I get to hit the restaurants that close at 10. Shrimp fried rice and two egg rolls from Yao’s. I will sleep well tonight. Back tomorrow with more news. If typos in this post, it’s because my fav pair of librarian glasses talked me into two Fireballs.

 

Tuesday update 2: Happy hour grid, Peabody dinners and more

Blind Bear patrons need to be thanking me tomorrow night. Last night I checked in at the Bear, commenting, “My favorite pair of librarian glasses is bartending but no pink shorts.” This afternoon she left a comment on my checkin: “Ok ok, pink shorts Wednesday it is.” I believe she has the 7 PM-3 AM shift tomorrow.

My Friend Katie Mac (not Katie (not Mac)) sent me this Memphis happy hour grid which is worth a bookmark.

Health food market Bedrock Market & Cafe, an extension of Bedrock Eats and Sweets, is now open at 327 S. Main in the old Frank’s Market space next to Green Beetle.

The Peabody is having an Anniversary Dinner at Chez Philippe on Tuesday, September 1. It’s part of the hotel’s historic dinner series, celebrating the hotel’s 146 years. You can step back in time and enjoy modern-day recreations of items on Peabody menus from the 1880s to the 1950s. View the menu here. Dinner is at 6 PM and is $65 including valet parking. You can add a wine tasting for another $30. 901-529-3687 for reservations.

On Thursday, September 17, the hotel will host a Jack Daniels Master Distiller Dinner and whiskey tasting at Capriccio Grill. There will be a 5-course whiskey tasting by a Master Distiller, followed by a 4-course dinner of Jack-infused dishes. View the menu here. $75 per person, including valet parking. 901-529-3687 for reservations.

MIFA is growing its Meals on Wheels program and is looking for more volunteers. Drivers deliver healthy meals to the elderly and disabled who might not be able to get out and get food on their own.

Kevin Cerrito hosts two themed trivia nights Downtown this week. Wednesday will be Harry Potter trivia at Tamp & Tap from 7-9 (all ages), and Thursday will be pro wrestling trivia :mrgreen: at Green Beetle from 8-10 (21+). (Correction: These are next week. Current Events trivia is this week)

Starting off at Bardog for happy hour, then will figure it out after that. PBR!

Tuesday update: Lots of news, but in particular don’t miss the couple’s engagement photo

Action News 5 has a great article on taking control of aggressive panhandlers. The article notes that nine people have been arrested since July 18 for aggressive panhandling, and all but one are regulars on the panhandling docket. YES this is very true. These repeat offenders are not “the homeless” looking for food and shelter. They are SCAMMERS hitting you up for money. If you truly want to help the homeless, don’t give money to people on the street. Support organizations like Hospitality HUB instead.

Tony Bennett, with special guest Antonia Bennett, will return to the Orpheum December 18. Tickets will go on sale Friday, August 7.

From Mashable: This couple’s engagement photo fail will crack you up. Trust me, worth clicking through to look at the image. Two unfortunate sets of initials.

You can check out hundreds of hot rods on Beale tonight beginning at 6.

From Gizmodo: Uber may be putting “ghost cars” on its passenger map to make it appear that it has more drivers available than competing ride-sharing services.

I don’t normally do Midtown stuff on here but there’s an apartment for rent at 302 Garland, 1 BR one BA, $625 a month, awesome landlord. Someone I have known personally for almost a decade. Details here.

It’s dollar hot dog night at the Redbirds. They play Oklahoma City and the first pitch is at 7:05.

The Princess Bride shows for free on the big screen tonight at Beale Street Landing. Show starts at 8:30.

From WREG: Roof collapse at 107 S. Main leads to legal fight to repair the building.

Five trolleys are coming back in September, but now WMC reports that 8 trolley-like buses will hit the streets in August.

Good seeing Robo, Shobo, and Katie (not Mac) on the Main Street Mall last night. Robo and Shobo are about to move to New York and they tell me that they already have some karaoke spots lined up in their new city, including Korean karaoke. Katie Mac texted me and told me she is enjoying the Katie (not Mac) posts.

From my spam email folder: I have 6 new InstaQuickie alerts, 1 new Down4Tonight alert, 9 new F$ck Now Alert(s), and an offer for a sxxy hookup. Damn! I’m popular!

Last night I was in Bardog for Melissa Monday, and she tried to get me signed up for next Tuesday’s spelling bee but I didn’t want to. I see my buddy Jason is signed up though, so I may have to come watch. Jason is one of the people who moved to Downtown Memphis after reading my blog who, when he sees me out, comes over and speaks and is cordial and engages me in conversation, so he is somebody I will be rooting for next Tuesday. 9 PM is the start time.

I hear that another spelling bee contestant wants to dress up in a bee suit. Another reason why I will make plans to attend the bee,

Possibly another post after work. Undecided for tonight’s happy hour location; open for suggestions if anyone wants to text or PM me.

Your daily news update for this Fresh Produce Saturday

It’s Saturday, or Produce Day as I like to call it. It is my favorite day of the week, because it is the day when I get to go down to the Memphis Farmers Market where there is fresh produce. It’s not that I BUY and CONSUME fresh produce, because I don’t. However, I feel that just being IN THE VICINITY of fresh produce makes me a healthier person. A fact that is lost on most of the Western world is that plants have consciousness just like humans and animals do. The kale may not have eyes and ears, but it can sense that I am there, and it sends be-healthy-Paul vibes my way. Thank you, kale.

The Memphis Daily News has an article about the blighted 107 S. Main building owned by Allan H. Long: Partial roof collapse revives concern about Downtown Memphis eyesore. Yes, it is an eyesore, and it is holding that block back – the demonstration block of Downtown’s potential. Mr. Long doesn’t care apparently. An inspection was done in the spring, and a report concludes, “This by definition suggests that unless action is taken soon toward restoration, structural collapse becomes likely.” If walking down the Main Street Mall, I would advise you to walk on the other side of the street.

Speaking of restoration – and this is good news not bad – the New Daisy is getting some major renovations. A new sound system is going in, and major improvements are being made to the lighting, seating, and bar access. With a national company taking over booking for the New Daisy. the live music venue’s future is looking bright.

A bunch of my friends figured prominently in Pam and Terry’s photo gallery for their Thursday, July 23 performance at Blind Bear. From what I have been told, they finished their second set and were ready to call it a night, but the crowd kept going, “No, we don’t want you to leave” and stuffing fives and tens and 20s in the tip jar. I hear it was a late night for the duo, and they had a guest performance on a Johnny Cash song.

The Big 12 is bound to expand in a few years so they can have a conference championship game. John Martin of 92.9 FM had ESPN’s Brett McMurphy as a guest on his radio show, and asked him what Memphis needs to do to get one of the expansion spots. McMurphy said it is simple: Be the best football team available at the time. Win the AAC, have the highest ranking among teams not in a power conference, get invited to a Big Six bowl.

From WREG: Downtowners say the aggressive panhandler law is working. The new law, in effect since July 1, allows repeat offenders to get jail time instead of just a citation. 45 arrests have been made this month, with 26 of them repeat offenders.

Speakers have been set for the inaugural Memphis TEDx event. The headliner will be Kimball Musk, brother of Elon Musk.

Friends of mine tried Agave Maria last night for the first time and loved it. They sent me photos. I hope I have these captions right. Using Evernote to take notes in a crowded bar is not easy.

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Pork shank tacos

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Duck tacos

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Hot sauces. That Roja sauce is the one I was talking about on my blog a couple of weeks ago, that was so good on my shrimp enchiladas. It didn’t have a label at the time.

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Black beans

From Mashable: Seven unsung iconic American foods that do not get the credit they deserve. NUMBER SEVEN. DATE SHAKES. There’s a restaurant about halfway between the California-Arizona border and San Diego that sells these. Get one if you ever have reason to travel through the area. They will change your life, I promise.

Gonna be a hot walk to the Farmers Market this morning, but I don’t mind. There is nothing I would not do for fresh produce. After that, dranks with my “DAWG” John D at Bardog, and then I will figure out the rest of the day.

Friday update 2: Geese grow fast, Downtown street closures Sunday August 2, I-55 bridge news, sushi news and more

The geese in our pond at work had four goslings this summer. Here’s a photo of the goslings on June 4:

geese-June042015

And here are the goslings on July 24, with the mother leading the way:

geese-July242015-2

Damn. Geese grow fast.

NOTICE OF STREET CLOSURES next Sunday, August 2: A movie will be filmed in Downtown Memphis and the following streets will be closed between 5 AM and 9 PM: Second between Jefferson and Union; Union between Second and Riverside; and Madison between Second and Third. If you park in one of the garages along those routes and you need to drive that day, better figure out a plan.

Good news: TDOT halts plan to close I-55 bridge

Seen on Twitter today: Coming soon: South Main Sushi & Grill. Anyone got details? Email paul@paulryburn.com if you do.

GREAT news: MATA is exploring extending the Madison trolley line to Overton Square. PLEASE let this happen. This should’ve happened when they built the Madison line to begin with.

On Sunday, August 9, High Cotton Brewery is doing a rare Sunday opening for Sunday Fun Day and an art show. It starts at 1 PM that day and will feature art by Amy Hartelust Fine Art, Billy Moore Folk Art, Bridgman Pottery, David Butler Art, Don’t Blink, Dorothy Art, Get Arch’d, Heather Howle ART, Hillary Butler Fine Art, M.Russell Art, Mary Claire White Candle Co., Michael N Foster, Tintype Photography, Paper&Clay, and Rebecca Phillips Art. The brewery taproom will have $3.50 pint specials, and the Gourmade food truck will be parked outside. Artist Michael Foster will come up from Oxford, Mississippi, and he will take your photo and create wet plate tintypes of your portrait.

I would definitely consider taking an hour off from D-RANKS with B-RAD to go to this. As of August it will have been 14 months since my last visit to The Edge, and with this event that Sunday and the Moody Ques cookout the day before, it’s possible I could be there twice in consecutive days.

There’s a sushi food truck now. Follow @SushiJimmi on Twitter to keep up with its whereabouts.

Tickets are now on sale for Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage live concert at the Orpheum.

I see my buddy Dennis had a chicken fried steak for lunch today. Great choice, Dennis!

Home from work. Time for happy hour at the Silly Goose then I will figure out a plan for the rest of the evening.