Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Memphis in October
October is, in my opinion, the most beautiful month in Memphis. I'm not the only one who's noticed as there are several great events downtown and in Midtown to look forward to:
http://indiememphis.bside.com/2009/schedule/week
This Sunday, October 4, Immaculate Conception will have the Blessing of the Pets. Believe me, Poppy needs to be anointed. The festivities start at 2 p.m. and the blessings begin at 3 p.m.
Calvary Episcopal, 102 North Second
Church of the River, 292 W. Virginia (Channel 3 Drive)
Collins Chapel CME, 676 Washington Avenue
First Presbyterian, 166 Poplar Avenue
First United Methodist, 204 N. Second Street (under re-construction)
Holy Community United Methodist, 602 Looney Avenue
Mississippi Boulevard Christian, 70 North Bellevue Boulevard
St. John’s Baptist, 640 Vance Avenue
St. Mary’s Catholic, 155 Market Street (and Third)
St. Mary’s Episcopal, 700 Poplar Avenue
St. Patrick Catholic, 277 South Fourth Street
St. Peter, 190 Adams Avenue
Trinity Lutheran, 210 Washington Avenue
Call Trinity Lutheran for more information on the church tours: 901-525-1056.
October 24 and 25 are the dates for the River Arts Fest held on South Main.
http://indiememphis.bside.com/2009/schedule/week
This Sunday, October 4, Immaculate Conception will have the Blessing of the Pets. Believe me, Poppy needs to be anointed. The festivities start at 2 p.m. and the blessings begin at 3 p.m.
The National Ornamental Metal Museum reminds us not to "worry about a ding" as they hold their annual Repair Days event October 9 - 11. http://www.metalmuseum.org/
The Shelby County Courthouse Centennial Celebration will be October 13, 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Calvary Episcopal, 102 North Second
Church of the River, 292 W. Virginia (Channel 3 Drive)
Collins Chapel CME, 676 Washington Avenue
First Presbyterian, 166 Poplar Avenue
First United Methodist, 204 N. Second Street (under re-construction)
Holy Community United Methodist, 602 Looney Avenue
Mississippi Boulevard Christian, 70 North Bellevue Boulevard
St. John’s Baptist, 640 Vance Avenue
St. Mary’s Catholic, 155 Market Street (and Third)
St. Mary’s Episcopal, 700 Poplar Avenue
St. Patrick Catholic, 277 South Fourth Street
St. Peter, 190 Adams Avenue
Trinity Lutheran, 210 Washington Avenue
Call Trinity Lutheran for more information on the church tours: 901-525-1056.
October 24 and 25 are the dates for the River Arts Fest held on South Main.
I will post about some Halloween events later in October.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Risotto with Pumpkin Cream Sauce
I don't know what's happening downtown lately, but it is time for a new recipe. This risotto, inspired partially by my pumpkin shopping at the farmers market and partially by my trip to Milan where I had a pasta with pumpkin cream sauce, is so good and super easy to make. It looks somewhat thick and sticky in the photo above but the texture is actually velvety and smooth. I bought some arborio rice at Miss Cordelia's and all of the other ingredients: half and half, white onion, chicken broth. All of the other ingredients except the pumpkin, that is. Miss C's was out of it (?) but luckily Frank's Market had it (?). Whatever. It was a lifesaver as the thought of going to Schnucks on Union was making me want to scrap the whole idea. So happily, I was able to get it all downtown. The pumpkin is creamy anyway so this turns out to be really luscious and had a subtle but sublime taste.
Here's the recipe:
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup half and half
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
pinch of nutmeg
1/4 cup parmesean cheese
salt and pepper
Saute the onion in the butter until it's tender. Add the garlic and the rice and stir for a minute. Add 1 1/2 cups of broth and nutmeg and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Add the remaining broth and stir in the pumpkin. Cook another 5 minutes. At the end, add the half and half and parmesean cheese.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
All Purpose Pumpkins
Did I miss anything? Out in the Far East it was pumpkins o'plenty at the Agricenter Farmers Market this weekend. All those cool looking pumpkins and gourds got me thinking about more than just decorating. As soon as I get around to making it, I'll be posting a risotto with pumpkin cream sauce recipe. The Ancient Italian and I had a big time at Pete & Sam's Friday and then generally stayed close to home doing inside and outside chores. What a great weekend it was to be outside doing a little fall planting, something I never get a chance to do down here. Have a great start to the week!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Party at Earnestine & Hazel's Tonight Benefiting the American Heart Association
Click on the graphic to enlarge:
Goodbye Encore; Street Car Named Desire; Trolley Tour; Far East
Everything good must come to an end they say. Encore restaurant in Peabody Place is closing according to yesterday's Commercial Appeal. Damn, damn, damn. That was one of downtown's really good spots. Chef Gutierrez is planning to open another place but probably not downtown. Maybe I'll run out on Second Street screaming "Gutierrez! Gutierrez!" ala Brando in "A Street Car Name Desire". Speaking of which Hattiloo Theatre, in the Edge neighborhood, is presenting "A Street Car Named Desire" through October 11:
I won't be at tonight's South Main Trolley Tour (hope it doesn't rain) or downtown in general this weekend. I must travel to the Far East and stay there taking care of an Ancient Italian for the weekend. She has instructed me to take her to Pete & Sam's (in the Middle East) for dinner and I must do what she says. Of course being ancient she will want to have dinner at about 4:45 pm. That's just as well as I recall that P&S's gets jam packed on weekend nights and you may be standing in the chaos that is the lobby area for eons waiting for someone to notice you're STILL waiting for a table. That's part of the experience. I have to say that I will be ordering the chicken livers which are my favorite with spaghetti and Italian spinach. The ancient one has expressed she's in the mood for veal. I'll be zipping back and forth across all the Easts running a variety of odd errands and generally being at the beck and call of my charge.
I won't be at tonight's South Main Trolley Tour (hope it doesn't rain) or downtown in general this weekend. I must travel to the Far East and stay there taking care of an Ancient Italian for the weekend. She has instructed me to take her to Pete & Sam's (in the Middle East) for dinner and I must do what she says. Of course being ancient she will want to have dinner at about 4:45 pm. That's just as well as I recall that P&S's gets jam packed on weekend nights and you may be standing in the chaos that is the lobby area for eons waiting for someone to notice you're STILL waiting for a table. That's part of the experience. I have to say that I will be ordering the chicken livers which are my favorite with spaghetti and Italian spinach. The ancient one has expressed she's in the mood for veal. I'll be zipping back and forth across all the Easts running a variety of odd errands and generally being at the beck and call of my charge.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Final Public Meetings for the Mud Island Land Use Study; O Foods Contest
From the RDC website, information about the final public meeting on the important Mud Island Land Use Study:
Final public meetings for the Mud Island Land Use Study - September 29th and October 1st.
Input from hundreds of citizens have guided architectural consultants Looney Ricks Kiss in developing three potential scenarios for future improvements of Mud Island River Park (MIRP). Next week, LRK will present these scenarios for a final round of public input.
Come participate in the last round of public meetings - September 29th at the Botanic Gardens and October 1st at MIRP Harbor Landing - to share your thoughts on the progress made to date on the Mud Island Land Use Plan.
An online survey will be posted in early October providing yet another opportunity for input on the final scenarios. Sign up for the RDC e-newsletter so we can let you know when the survey is live.
Upcoming meetings
Tuesday, 9/29, 5:45 - 7:30 pm - Memphis Botanic Gardens, 750 Cherry Road
Thursday, 10/1, 5:45 - 7:30 pm - Mud Island River Park Harbor Landing, 101 Island Drive (gate security will give directions)
________________________________________________________________
Before September gets away, I was reminded by Michelle of Bleeding Espresso that this month is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and of the 2nd Annual O Foods Contest to raise money and awareness. Here are all the details:
CONTEST RULES
O Foods Contest for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and for the second year in a row, Sara of Ms Adventures in Italy and Michelle of Bleeding Espresso are hosting the O Foods Contest to raise awareness of this important health issue.
There are TWO WAYS to take part in the O Foods Contest:
ONE: Post a recipe to your blog using a food that starts or ends with the letter O (e.g., oatmeal, orange, okra, octopus, olive, onion, potato, tomato); include this entire text box in the post; and send your post url along with a photo (100 x 100) to ofoods[at]gmail[dot]com by 11:59 pm (Italy time) on Monday, September 28, 2009.
PRIZES for recipe posts:
1st: Signed copy of Dolce Italiano: Desserts from the Babbo Kitchen by Gina DePalma, Executive Pastry Chef of Babbo Ristorante in NYC, who is currently battling ovarian cancer, inspired this event, and will be choosing her favorite recipe for this prize;
2nd: Signed copy of Molto Italiano: 327 Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home by Mario Batali (winner chosen by Sara);
3rd: Signed copy of Vino Italiano: The Regional Italian Wines of Italy by Joseph Bastianich (winner chosen by Michelle).
OR
TWO: If you’re not into the recipe thing, simply post this entire text box in a post on your blog to help spread the word and send your post url to ofoods[at]gmail[dot]com by 11:59 pm (Italy time) on Monday, September 28, 2009.
Awareness posts PRIZE:
One winner chosen at random will receive a Teal Toes tote bag filled with ovarian cancer awareness goodies that you can spread around amongst your friends and family.
———
From the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund:
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women; a woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is 1 in 67.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and subtle, making it difficult to diagnose, but include bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly; and urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency).
There is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer but there are tests which can detect ovarian cancer when patients are at high risk or have early symptoms.
In spite of this, patients are usually diagnosed in advanced stages and only 45% survive longer than five years. Only 19% of cases are caught before the cancer has spread beyond the ovary to the pelvic region.
When ovarian cancer is detected and treated early on, the five-year survival rate is greater than 92%.
And remember, you can also always donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at our page through FirstGiving!
Please help spread the word about ovarian cancer.Together we can make enough noise to kill this silent killer.
Final public meetings for the Mud Island Land Use Study - September 29th and October 1st.
Input from hundreds of citizens have guided architectural consultants Looney Ricks Kiss in developing three potential scenarios for future improvements of Mud Island River Park (MIRP). Next week, LRK will present these scenarios for a final round of public input.
Come participate in the last round of public meetings - September 29th at the Botanic Gardens and October 1st at MIRP Harbor Landing - to share your thoughts on the progress made to date on the Mud Island Land Use Plan.
An online survey will be posted in early October providing yet another opportunity for input on the final scenarios. Sign up for the RDC e-newsletter so we can let you know when the survey is live.
Upcoming meetings
Tuesday, 9/29, 5:45 - 7:30 pm - Memphis Botanic Gardens, 750 Cherry Road
Thursday, 10/1, 5:45 - 7:30 pm - Mud Island River Park Harbor Landing, 101 Island Drive (gate security will give directions)
________________________________________________________________
Before September gets away, I was reminded by Michelle of Bleeding Espresso that this month is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and of the 2nd Annual O Foods Contest to raise money and awareness. Here are all the details:
CONTEST RULES
O Foods Contest for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and for the second year in a row, Sara of Ms Adventures in Italy and Michelle of Bleeding Espresso are hosting the O Foods Contest to raise awareness of this important health issue.
There are TWO WAYS to take part in the O Foods Contest:
ONE: Post a recipe to your blog using a food that starts or ends with the letter O (e.g., oatmeal, orange, okra, octopus, olive, onion, potato, tomato); include this entire text box in the post; and send your post url along with a photo (100 x 100) to ofoods[at]gmail[dot]com by 11:59 pm (Italy time) on Monday, September 28, 2009.
PRIZES for recipe posts:
1st: Signed copy of Dolce Italiano: Desserts from the Babbo Kitchen by Gina DePalma, Executive Pastry Chef of Babbo Ristorante in NYC, who is currently battling ovarian cancer, inspired this event, and will be choosing her favorite recipe for this prize;
2nd: Signed copy of Molto Italiano: 327 Simple Italian Recipes to Cook at Home by Mario Batali (winner chosen by Sara);
3rd: Signed copy of Vino Italiano: The Regional Italian Wines of Italy by Joseph Bastianich (winner chosen by Michelle).
OR
TWO: If you’re not into the recipe thing, simply post this entire text box in a post on your blog to help spread the word and send your post url to ofoods[at]gmail[dot]com by 11:59 pm (Italy time) on Monday, September 28, 2009.
Awareness posts PRIZE:
One winner chosen at random will receive a Teal Toes tote bag filled with ovarian cancer awareness goodies that you can spread around amongst your friends and family.
———
From the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund:
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among U.S. women; a woman’s lifetime risk of ovarian cancer is 1 in 67.
The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and subtle, making it difficult to diagnose, but include bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly; and urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency).
There is no effective screening test for ovarian cancer but there are tests which can detect ovarian cancer when patients are at high risk or have early symptoms.
In spite of this, patients are usually diagnosed in advanced stages and only 45% survive longer than five years. Only 19% of cases are caught before the cancer has spread beyond the ovary to the pelvic region.
When ovarian cancer is detected and treated early on, the five-year survival rate is greater than 92%.
And remember, you can also always donate to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at our page through FirstGiving!
Please help spread the word about ovarian cancer.Together we can make enough noise to kill this silent killer.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Window Shopping at Samuel Nathan Galleries
In the Peabody Hotel lobby, on the Third Street side several shop windows are literally packed with antiques, ivory, jade, satsuma porcelain and other beautiful items in the Samuel Nathan Galleries. The ivory sculputure above is very large and there is a lady beside him that is the same size. The intricate details on these are fascinating. It's the kind of object you could look at for years and from time to time see something you had never noticed before. The shop has a collection of netsuke, miniature Japanese sculptures carved out of various materials. They also have an erotic collection of netsuke that are, um, quite graphic indeed (I should think the word "erotic" gives you fair warning on clicking on that link) and a bunch of unusual and pretty ivory, jade and silver snuff bottles. It's interesting to know this shop is here with this varied collection of antiques, rare items and Asian art.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
BIG Wednesday: Dalai Lama; India.Arie; Natalie Cole, Neosoulville
Dalai Lama Memphis 2009, this Wednesday, September 23, 1:30 pm at the Cannon Center. Natalie Cole in concert 7:30 pm at the Cannon Center, accompanied by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
The National Civil Rights Museum International Freedom Award Luncheon honoring The Dalai Lama is also Wednesday, September 23 at the Peabody, 11 am. The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions in civil rights and human rights. India.Arie is scheduled to perform during the luncheon ceremony.
Also this Wednesday, Sept 23 at 6pm: Neosoulville Alley Party. Featuring The City Champs, Tonya Dyson, Tim Terry, Cassie Bonner and Candace Ashir. In Gayoso Alley between Main and Front off Peabody Place. No cover.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Love Automatic and a FJ Visual
Frix Jennings/Besso's signage on Main St. (see posts from earlier this week about FJ)
Have a happy, if rainy, weekend.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Memphis Farmers Market and Healthy School Lunches
From the MFM website:
The Memphis Farmers Market is partnering with Slow Food Memphis and Whole Foods Market on Saturday, September 19 at the market to speak out for a change within our Memphis community. Plan on visiting the market and participating community organizations to learn more about what you can do to ensure healthy school lunches that include local produce. In the next few weeks, thousands of people across the country will be gathering together at local events for the Slow Food Time for Lunch campaign.
Join Memphis Farmers Market along with Slow Food USA and Whole Foods to support the Time for Lunch national campaign that is asking parents, teachers and responsible citizens to speak up and tell the nation’s leaders that it is time to provide our children with real food at school.
Stop by the Slow Food Memphis table for a fun and educational children’s activity, "Make Your Basket Bright", to learn how to make healthy food choices.
Whole Foods Market Poplar Store will be on hand with freebies - Whole Deal healthy back to school booklets, healthy school snacks for kids and Better Bags.
Melissa Peterson of Edible Memphis will be on hand to answer healthy cooking questions.
At the Harvesting Good Health table dieticians will be speaking on the school lunch programs in the area schools; what they consist of and how they may, in the future, incorporate locally grown products.
The Memphis Farmers Market is partnering with Slow Food Memphis and Whole Foods Market on Saturday, September 19 at the market to speak out for a change within our Memphis community. Plan on visiting the market and participating community organizations to learn more about what you can do to ensure healthy school lunches that include local produce. In the next few weeks, thousands of people across the country will be gathering together at local events for the Slow Food Time for Lunch campaign.
Join Memphis Farmers Market along with Slow Food USA and Whole Foods to support the Time for Lunch national campaign that is asking parents, teachers and responsible citizens to speak up and tell the nation’s leaders that it is time to provide our children with real food at school.
Stop by the Slow Food Memphis table for a fun and educational children’s activity, "Make Your Basket Bright", to learn how to make healthy food choices.
Whole Foods Market Poplar Store will be on hand with freebies - Whole Deal healthy back to school booklets, healthy school snacks for kids and Better Bags.
Melissa Peterson of Edible Memphis will be on hand to answer healthy cooking questions.
At the Harvesting Good Health table dieticians will be speaking on the school lunch programs in the area schools; what they consist of and how they may, in the future, incorporate locally grown products.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Most Important Meal on Wednesday; CCC Parties Start Tonight in Court Square; Micro Cinema Club
Encore is having a wine dinner tonight that sounds unbelievable:
September 16th Wine Dinner At Encore With United Liquors & Special Guest From Martine's Wines, 6:30 PM, $65.00 - 3 Courses
1st Course: Semi-Cuit Scallops Civeche with Apple Caviar
Louis Metaireau, 2007 Muscadet
2nd Course: Petit Freres Cheese Charlotte with Quince
Dominique Cornin, 2007 Macon Chaintre
3rd Course: Walnut Encrusted Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Gnocchi and Wild Mushrooms
La Chapelle Nortre Dame d' Auburne, 2005 Beaumes de Venise
DESSERT: Pear Frangipane Tart with Rum Raison Ice Cream
Porto Niepoort (LBV) 2004
Call for Reservations 901-528-1415
Also, the Center City Commission "Alley Jams" series http://www.downtownmemphis.com/dlive/ starts tonight in Court Square with a karaoke cocktail party, 4:45 pm. Hope the weather cooperates.
News about the monthly Micro Cinema Club movies from the Indie Memphis website: "With the August 31st closing of Power House Memphis, the series will be on a temporary hold until January when it will relaunch at a new location."
September 16th Wine Dinner At Encore With United Liquors & Special Guest From Martine's Wines, 6:30 PM, $65.00 - 3 Courses
1st Course: Semi-Cuit Scallops Civeche with Apple Caviar
Louis Metaireau, 2007 Muscadet
2nd Course: Petit Freres Cheese Charlotte with Quince
Dominique Cornin, 2007 Macon Chaintre
3rd Course: Walnut Encrusted Beef Tenderloin with Creamy Gnocchi and Wild Mushrooms
La Chapelle Nortre Dame d' Auburne, 2005 Beaumes de Venise
DESSERT: Pear Frangipane Tart with Rum Raison Ice Cream
Porto Niepoort (LBV) 2004
Call for Reservations 901-528-1415
Also, the Center City Commission "Alley Jams" series http://www.downtownmemphis.com/dlive/ starts tonight in Court Square with a karaoke cocktail party, 4:45 pm. Hope the weather cooperates.
News about the monthly Micro Cinema Club movies from the Indie Memphis website: "With the August 31st closing of Power House Memphis, the series will be on a temporary hold until January when it will relaunch at a new location."
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Most Important Meal of the Day at Bardog
When Mike's was open I used to occasionally stop in for an egg and cheese biscuit and a coffee. I missed that after they closed and then Bardog opened and the thought of ever getting an egg and cheese biscuit from that particular corner went away forever. Well, forever is a long time and Bardog is now serving breakfast starting at 8 am on weekdays. Aldo mentioned having egg sliders, which have got to be good. They plan to have their breakfast menu posted on their website soon: www.bardogtavern.com
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Update on Frix-Jennings and Besso's
The Frix-Jennings Clinic at 59 S. Main between Union and Monroe plans to be open about the middle of October. The clinic will be a full service spectrum primary care facility and will offer same day and walk-in appointments.
The name of the coffee shop/gelateria will be Besso's and is aiming to open later this year. They roast their own coffees, make their own gelato and plan on serving some Italian wines as well. The original Besso's is in Henderson, TN is and has 28 gelato flavors available. I haven't been there and probably will not get up that way before they open here so I will wait the short while until October. Being a huge lover of both gelato and coffee, you can imagine that I'm just all on tenterhooks over this place opening.
The name of the coffee shop/gelateria will be Besso's and is aiming to open later this year. They roast their own coffees, make their own gelato and plan on serving some Italian wines as well. The original Besso's is in Henderson, TN is and has 28 gelato flavors available. I haven't been there and probably will not get up that way before they open here so I will wait the short while until October. Being a huge lover of both gelato and coffee, you can imagine that I'm just all on tenterhooks over this place opening.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Fly Toward the Stars; Hearts Good and True...
While doing some research for a project I stumbled across a bit of information that answers a question I've had for a while. If you've been to the Cannon Center at Main and Poplar you may have noticed the unusual stone medallions hanging in the hallway on the Main Street side. I've been wondering where they came from and I found out yesterday that they were original to the former Ellis Auditorium that was located on this same site for about 75 years.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Low Point for High Point; Frix Jennings Clinic, Coffee and Gelato; Bluff City Coffee
While sipping my McCarter Coffee this morning I read in the Commercial Appeal that my very favorite coffee shop, High Point Coffee, has gone out of business. Their Union and Poplar stores are closed and the location in Germantown will close next week. I will really miss them. There was something about their coffee that to me, made it the best in town. If there is a silver lining it's that people will be able to buy their coffee online at brewhighpoint.com. See the entire article at: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/sep/10/high-point-coffee-stores-shut/
In other coffee news, the Frix Jennings Clinic/coffee shop/gelato shop at 59 S. Main looks closer to being completed. I haven't heard much about this in the past few months so I am making the assumption (always dangerous) that the plan is still the same. Another summer has come and gone without gelato and somehow I have survived. Maybe FJ’s coffee, if it comes to be, will fill the void left by High Point’s departure. Though, Bluff City Coffee down on South Main makes a pretty mean cup and their espresso is especially nice. Plus they have some fantastic corn muffins that are like sweet cornbread.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Itta Bena; Felicia Suzanne's; Wakeboarding Contest
Di Anne Price plays Wednesday nights at Itta Bena from 7 – 9. They offer a chef’s special 3 course dinner for $40. Make reservations at http://www.bbkingclubs.com/index.php?page=ibhome. It’s been a while since I’ve been to Itta Bena but the atmosphere and the food were great the last time I was there. Wednesday night is also Bike Night on Beale Street.
Felicia Suzanne's is hosting live music on their patio tomorrow night, September 10. Singer/songwriter Sarah Hughes will perform (folk-rock style) from 8-10 pm. There will be food and drink specials.
The “M-Town Throwdown” is coming up this Saturday, Sept. 12 @ 10am at Mud Island River Park. This is a wakeboarding competition sponsored by MemphisWake.com. Admission is free. Other activities include railjam (I have no idea what that means) in the large pool, a fountain pool for the kids, kayak/canoe/bike rentals to tour the island, giveaways from Q107.5, and a wakeskate division. To see all details and to register, click http://www.memphiswake.com/throwdown.html.
Felicia Suzanne's is hosting live music on their patio tomorrow night, September 10. Singer/songwriter Sarah Hughes will perform (folk-rock style) from 8-10 pm. There will be food and drink specials.
The “M-Town Throwdown” is coming up this Saturday, Sept. 12 @ 10am at Mud Island River Park. This is a wakeboarding competition sponsored by MemphisWake.com. Admission is free. Other activities include railjam (I have no idea what that means) in the large pool, a fountain pool for the kids, kayak/canoe/bike rentals to tour the island, giveaways from Q107.5, and a wakeskate division. To see all details and to register, click http://www.memphiswake.com/throwdown.html.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Fall Block Parties and Alley Parties; Grill 83 Delivery
I am recovering from a super busy weekend and I'm sure most of you are doing the same. I dropped my CMS off at the airport this morning, jetted to the office early and was ready to get back to work. Not much to report today but keep a couple of things in mind for later this month:
A little more information about the FALL BLOCK PARTIES on Main between Gayoso and Peabody Place:
Thursday, September 17
Thursday, October 15
Thursday, November 19
5:30pm-7:30pm
FREE ADMISSION
Live Music
Food and Drink Specials
Retail Discounts
Participating Businesses:Majestic Grille, Shelton Clothiers, Circa, Bluefin, Art Under a Hot Tin Roof, Center for Southern Folklore, Silly Goose, River Town Art Gallery, Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art
These are not to be confused with the Wednesday* night ALLEY PARTIES that start September 16 with a Karaoke Cocktail party in Court Square. See info on all the alley parties at: http://www.downtownmemphis.com/dlive
*Note the last one is on a Friday, October 30
Also, the Madison Hotel's Grille 83 is advertising lunch delivery :
Delivery Guidelines:* Order by 11:00am for deliveries between noon and 2:00pm* Minimum order of $50.00* Delivery will be within 1/2 mile of Grill 83* Delivery is for lunch service only* Delivery service is provided Monday - Friday only.
A little more information about the FALL BLOCK PARTIES on Main between Gayoso and Peabody Place:
Thursday, September 17
Thursday, October 15
Thursday, November 19
5:30pm-7:30pm
FREE ADMISSION
Live Music
Food and Drink Specials
Retail Discounts
Participating Businesses:Majestic Grille, Shelton Clothiers, Circa, Bluefin, Art Under a Hot Tin Roof, Center for Southern Folklore, Silly Goose, River Town Art Gallery, Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art
These are not to be confused with the Wednesday* night ALLEY PARTIES that start September 16 with a Karaoke Cocktail party in Court Square. See info on all the alley parties at: http://www.downtownmemphis.com/dlive
*Note the last one is on a Friday, October 30
Also, the Madison Hotel's Grille 83 is advertising lunch delivery :
Delivery Guidelines:* Order by 11:00am for deliveries between noon and 2:00pm* Minimum order of $50.00* Delivery will be within 1/2 mile of Grill 83* Delivery is for lunch service only* Delivery service is provided Monday - Friday only.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Mandala; 5K and Redbirds; Fettuccini and Chestnut Cake
Happy Labor Day. Speaking of labor the mandala sand painting (above) that was carefully created over several days by the visting Tibetan monks at Memphis College of Art, was destroyed in a ceremony yesterday which is meant to symbolize the impermanence of life. Ponder that.
Downtown continues to be hopping today starting with the Chick-fil-A 5K run this morning benefiting Junior Achievement (http://www.chickfila5k.com/) and an afternoon Redbirds game against Oklahoma.
I cooked the Otty's fettucini (www.ourtabletoyours.com) from the downtown Farmers Market yesterday with a cream sauce and it was delicious. Fresh pasta is just so great. I put it straight in boiling water from frozen and it took about 10 minutes. Some people may like it more cooked but al dente is how I like it. Meanwhile, my CMS (certified source) cooked up some of their spaghetti with a meat sauce and reported back that it was outstanding. She also cooked hers from frozen and said she boiled it about 20 minutes.
I've had some chestnut flour in my freezer for a while and since I was on an Italian theme in the kitchen I decide to yet again put a new twist on the chestnut cake (castagnaccio). This time I used almonds instead of pine nuts but still sprinkled on rosemary and so far of all the variations I've tried, I like this one the best. This is the simplest recipe in the world, chestnut flour, water, milk, sugar, nuts and rosemary. Mario Batali does a castagnaccio with lemon sauce that sounds great - I think I'll try it next: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mario-batali/chestnut-cake-with-lemon-sauce-castagnaccio-recipe/index.html
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Al Kapone & Bobby Rush at the Memphis Music Festival and Fall Block Parties
The Memphis Music & Heritage Festival continues today from 11 am - 11 pm. We got to see the very end of Al Kapone last night then moved on to see Amy Lavere on another stage but it rained just as we got there. Bobby Rush however, moved inside and played on the folklore stage to a nicely packed crowd. This festival gets better every year.
Al Kapone:
Bobby Rush:
And the parties continue....
Posters were up in the storefronts advertising that the Block Parties on Main between Gayoso and Peabody Place are starting back up this month on September 17. They will be happening every third Thursday.
Al Kapone:
Bobby Rush:
And the parties continue....
Posters were up in the storefronts advertising that the Block Parties on Main between Gayoso and Peabody Place are starting back up this month on September 17. They will be happening every third Thursday.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Pasta and An Apology
The 50% reliable source I mentioned yesterday was hurt by my assessment of her dependability. As it turns out she was 100% correct on the pasta at the Farmers Market as a company called Otty's is selling it down there. They have uncooked pasta as well as prepared pasta and a variety of sauces and meatballs also. I am sorry I did not have faith in my source and her information and I sincerely hope she continues to send me downtown related information. I hereby proclaim my source to be a CERTIFIED MEMPHISTANISTA SOURCE (CMS) and I will never again doubt the validity of her claims. My CMS graciously bought me a pound of Otty's fettuccine which I will try soon and give a full report on how it is. CMS, mi dispiace! In the meantime, Otty's Pasta can be yours www.ourtabletoyours.com:
Friday, September 4, 2009
Rocky Horror; MMH Festival; Stone Soul Picnic; Redbirds; Tigers vs. Rebels; Frank's Deli Revisted; Courtyard and Flu Shots
I'm all over the place with this post but sometimes it has to be that way. All the downtown events happening this weekend are scattershot as well:
The Orpheum is showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show tonight (toast optional);
The Memphis Music and Heritage Festival that I covered earlier this week happens this Saturday and Sunday;
WLOK's Stone Soul Picnic is Saturday in Tom Lee Park;
There are Redbirds baseball games today through Monday. Dog owners don't get excited, Autozone Park's $1 Dog Day promotion on September 7 means hot dogs are only a $1. Poppy was so bummed to learn this;
On Sunday, September 6 at 11 am there is an Ole Miss parade on Beale Street. I have but one comment:
*G O * T I G E R S*!;
I heard that someone will be selling fresh, homemade pasta at the Farmers Market this Saturday. I can't verify that 100% but my source is reliable. Well, 80% reliable. Ok, 50% reliable but it's worth it to go down there even if the pasta is an urban farmers market myth.
How's all that for diversity?
A follow up on Frank's Deli renovation: I went in this week for lunch and I didn't start crying and screaming like people do on those home makeover shows. The transformation is much more subtle. They did add more coolers (read: more beer), moved the miniscule atm machine to the back and made a bit more room for the tables. All in all, it's pretty much the same. Just keep making that smoked turkey sandwich!
Felicia Suzanne's installed a sign on their patio area advertising the fact that it's there I suppose. They have the best looking outdoor seating area with lots of trees, white lights, and a beautiful, sleek fountain.
The randomness continues...
Flu season is upon us and you can get the flu shot at Walgreens on Main at Madison but some buildings downtown arrange to have flu shots administered on site as a convenience for their tenants.
The Orpheum is showing the Rocky Horror Picture Show tonight (toast optional);
The Memphis Music and Heritage Festival that I covered earlier this week happens this Saturday and Sunday;
WLOK's Stone Soul Picnic is Saturday in Tom Lee Park;
There are Redbirds baseball games today through Monday. Dog owners don't get excited, Autozone Park's $1 Dog Day promotion on September 7 means hot dogs are only a $1. Poppy was so bummed to learn this;
On Sunday, September 6 at 11 am there is an Ole Miss parade on Beale Street. I have but one comment:
*G O * T I G E R S*!;
I heard that someone will be selling fresh, homemade pasta at the Farmers Market this Saturday. I can't verify that 100% but my source is reliable. Well, 80% reliable. Ok, 50% reliable but it's worth it to go down there even if the pasta is an urban farmers market myth.
How's all that for diversity?
A follow up on Frank's Deli renovation: I went in this week for lunch and I didn't start crying and screaming like people do on those home makeover shows. The transformation is much more subtle. They did add more coolers (read: more beer), moved the miniscule atm machine to the back and made a bit more room for the tables. All in all, it's pretty much the same. Just keep making that smoked turkey sandwich!
Felicia Suzanne's installed a sign on their patio area advertising the fact that it's there I suppose. They have the best looking outdoor seating area with lots of trees, white lights, and a beautiful, sleek fountain.
The randomness continues...
Flu season is upon us and you can get the flu shot at Walgreens on Main at Madison but some buildings downtown arrange to have flu shots administered on site as a convenience for their tenants.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Mystical Arts of Tibet at MCA and the Dalai Lama at the Cannon Center
Lamas from the Drepung Loseling Monastery are creating a sand mandala over the next couple of days at the Memphis College of Art. I went by there at lunch time today and watched as one of the monks was painstakingly laying colored sands on the manadala they had sketched out. This Sunday they will have a closing ceremony at 1 pm and will also give a performance called "Sacred Dance, Sacred Music" at the Levitt Shell at 7 pm. All events are free. Read all the details and more about mandalas at: http://www.mca.edu/e_news/sandmandala.html
The Dalai Lama, who will be in Memphis to accept the International Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum, will speak at the Cannon Center September 23rd, 1:30 pm. See the CA article: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/sep/02/harmonious/
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