Notes from Memphis

Market Cafe; Salad Expressions; Red Fish

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:36:00 +0000

A new restaurant (I'm sure the signage with be forthcoming) called Market Cafe has opened at 149 Madison between Second and Third. They offer lunches M - F, 11 - 3 that feature locally grown seasonal ingredients. Currently the menu offers such dishes as:

Sweet Potato Ravioli (spinach, sage cream sauce and toasted pumpkin seeds)
Mediterranean Sandwich (chickpea fritter, roasted seasonal vegetables, petite greens and herbed yogurt)
Chicken Pot Pie (creamy herb sauce, roasted chicken, seasonal vegetables and a cornmeal pie crust)
Roasted Beet Salad (roasted beets and seasonal vegetables, goat cheese, petite greens and herb goddess dressing)
See the full menu here: http://memphismarketcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/menu_10_26.pdf

Following up yesterday morning's tweet about another new restaurant, Salad Expressions, at 120 A. W. Willis Street (was Auction St.), I received their menu via fax (no website) and they have lots of great sounding salads like Raspberry-Orange Chicken Salad, Strawberry-Spinach Salad, Chicken, Spinach and Avocado Salad and Spicy Cilantro Cucumber Salad to name a few. Their number is 901-572-7004. I will say when I called to ask about the menu the lady who answered was gracious and helpful and, get this, seemed to understand customer service. That's hard to come by these days.

Reminder that Red Fish Gifts at 362 N Main will be having their Fall Preview tonight from 6 - 9, click the graphic below to enlarge:

Getting Back to the Greely Myatt Artwork and Lite Brite

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:56:00 +0000

A few months ago I posted a few pictures of the Greely Myatt artwork installation at Front and Adams. These panels are made of recycled street signs and I have been meaning to go back and take some photos at night. So, here they are.

Lit up by the flash in this way these quilt patterns remind me of the Lite Brite I used to have as a kid. Which in turn reminds me of the Christmas tree color wheel we had. I wonder whatever happened to that thing. I did manage to salvage the 40 year old fake Christmas tree I grew up with that more and more resembles Charlie Brown's tree with a few more little needles falling off each year. In any case, thank you Greely for, perhaps inadvertently, setting off a string of good memories. And speaking of Christmas, the light poles on Main street have been decorated with Christmas lights. The Season is upon us.

Thanksgiving Downtown and Thanksgiving Cautionary Tales

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Here is a list of a few downtown restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving, should you be planning on dining out:

Alfreds on Beale: Opening at 5pm

Grill 83 in the Madison Hotel - open 11 am - 10 pm. Reservations 901-333-1224.

Thanksgiving At the Peabody: Thanksgiving Champagne Brunch, on the Mezzanine level, 10:00am to 2:00 pm, adults $50.00, children 12yrs to 5yrs, $20.00. 901.529.4165.

Bardog Tavern: We will be open from 5PM-3AM.

BB King's: Open at 5:00pm on Thanksgiving evening and will be open until at least midnight.

Chez Philippe in the Peabody Hotel: Thanksgiving Prix Fix Dinner, 3:00pm, $75.00 per person 901.529.4188.

Capriccio Grill in the Peabody Hotel: Regular menu available, as well as special 3 course dinner for $35.00 per person, Serving from 11:00am to 10:00pm 901.529.4199.

Flying Saucer: Open Downtown @ 5pm.

Currents: Fine dining restaurant in the River Inn on Harbor Town will be open 11 am to 8 pm.

Some of the offerings may seem a bit pricey to some people and I imagine those people have never had to:

1. Plan the meal
2. Do all the shopping (this always requires trips to multiple places)
3. Get the house ready (and the unending tasks that alone entails)
4. Cook the turkey in whatever manner you subscribe to - this could take several hours or overnight
5. Prepare all the appetizers (see below)
6. Prepare all the side dishes
7. Prepare something totally separate for a guest with particular food requirements (see below)
8. Prepare the desserts/coffee
9. Clean everything up

$75 sounds like a bargain now doesn't it?

#5 - The appetizers. Some well meaning soul will always volunteer to bring an appetizer. Great! You are in the kitchen painstakingly making 35 dishes from scratch, using the most expensive ingredients and trying to decipher family recipes written down 30 years ago on now yellowing notebook paper. But this is Thanksgiving and it's the one time when the meal is supposed to be special and important. At least you think it is. When the appetizer maker shows up, you rush to door with bay leaves in your hair and sweat on your brow from standing over 150 simmering pots and pans in the kitchen, you greet them and are happy to usher them into kitchen and receive their dish. You are nonplussed as they pull out a can, jar, or package of something and start arranging it (could be anything like pickles, saltines, nuts, Vienna sausage, olives, hearts of palm, marshmallows, sardines, etc.) on some plate apparently in use since the Civil War that has been chipped one too many times. Or better yet they ask you if you have a serving dish.

#7 - Special Food Requirements. I used to date a vegetarian. He was cool and would eat anything on the table as long as it wasn't meat. Fine. But this was something my grandmother couldn't understand. As we sat down and started to eat she, as all grandmothers are, was concerned that everyone should have enough of everything. She noticed right away that the boyfriend did not have any turkey and started to serve him some. He stopped her and said "Thank you, it looks great but I don't eat meat." She looked slightly bewildered and after a few seconds retorted, "This isn't meat, it's turkey." This was a "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" moment for sure except that in the movie the aunt offered to make Ian Miller lamb instead of "meat".:

The Boulevard Boutique on Madison Avenue

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Boulevard Boutique opened last week on Madison between Second and Third. I stopped by last night and breezed through on my way home from work. They are open Monday - Friday 11am - 7pm and Saturdays 11am - 8pm. They have what I would call young, urban, trendy clothes that are affordably priced. Not so trendy and young, mind you, that a girl of a certain age who understands her body type couldn't pick up a few pieces there. They have a few accessories that are way young and trendy and if you can rock a huge pair of iridescent earrings, this is the place for you. The best part about this shop is the vintage section in the back; they had the coolest clutches I've seen anywhere for a steal. 164 Madison.

8th Annual Harbor Town Dog Show; Memphis Marathon

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Click the graphic below to enlarge it and see all the details:

The St. Jude Memphis Marathon is coming up December 5th: http://www.stjudemarathon.org/marathon.htm

I haven't run in this or any marathon or even a half marathon. Maybe I could run a 10K. Maybe.

Photos for Monday

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:58:00 +0000

The photos above are of a building suffering from urban decay but in an oddly beautiful way. It's at the "corner" of Pennsylvania and Illinois and if you know where that is then you too like wandering around desolate areas of downtown.

Two more crumbling buildings at Crump and Kentucky that I hope will one day be restored to their former glory. They clearly have potential.

Downtown Dining Week Starts Today; Banquet Space in South Main

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:05:00 +0000

Downtown Dining Week kicks off today. Several downtown restaurants are participating by offering three course dinners for $20.09. Click here for all the details and a listing of participating restaurants: DOWNTOWN DINING WEEK - MEMPHIS

409 S. Main, formerly Jay Etkin Gallery, is now serving as event space. Keep it in mind for upcoming holiday events. They can accomodate small or large parties and there is a parking lot next door. http://www.409southmainstreet.com

A little interesting note about this building is the mosaic high up on the facade. You would miss it unless you were on the other side of the street. The building, built in 1912, originally housed the Puck Grocery and Warehouse. So the mosaic is of Puck, a character from Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Puck is a sprite, an elf, a knave.

The Subteens, et al at Nocturnal; Cotton Museum Harvest Party

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:41:00 +0000

Looking for a night of southern-punk-rock-indie music? Look no further than Nocturnal in midtown this Saturday, November 7:

Featuring: Gasoline Grace, Richard James & the Special Riders and The Subteens at Nocturnal (formerly the Antenna Club) 1588 Madison 9:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. $5 Cover. The Subteens were interviewed on the Chris Vernon show yesterday (730AM). Yes, that's a sports show but he regularly interviews Memphis musicians as well. Anywho, those young hooligans said they would be playing this weekend so they are top of mind.

Also this Saturday night is the 3rd Annual Harvest Party benefiting the Cotton Museum at 8 p.m. at Earnestine & Hazel’s, 531 South Main. Featuring: Silent Auction ~ Live Music & Open Bar ~ Food, $75 per person

RSVP 901.531.7826

Lost Cutie in South Main

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:53:00 +0000

A reader sent me the message below about the lost dog pictured above. A kind friend of his has taken her in while they search for the owner :

"There has been a stray dog around S. Main probably not for too long but at least a week. My wife spotted her last night in the lot next to Harry's Detour and was able to get her to come over. She was a little timid but was obviously a people lover, not a born stray. She almost immediately offered up her belly, and took to a leash immediately. Our friend Mikey took her in last night and cleaned her up, got her fed and safe, and now we're trying to spread the word and find this little girl a home or reunite her with her original owners."

Email inquiries to tazzking37@gmail.com.

It would be great to have a happy ending for a dog rather that the horrible news we've been hearing about the idiots at the Animal Shelter. I never write things like that on the blog but the pathetic people who allowed those things to happen deserve it.

CCC Alley Party Tonight

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:11:00 +0000

The Goner Records alley party that had originally been scheduled for October (and was rained out) will be tonight in Gayoso Alley. Harlan T. Bobo, Mouserocket and Magic Kids will perform. Click the graphic below for details:

Over the River and Down Madison to Grill 83 We Go

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:37:00 +0000

Not planning on having Thanksgiving Dinner at home and looking for a place to go? Grill 83 at the Madison Hotel has you covered. Click on the menu below to enlarge it:

What's Showing: Idiots and Angels and La Strada

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:53:00 +0000

Well, nothing is showing downtown but in midtown you'll find a couple of interesting films. Indie Memphis' Micro Cinema Club will pick back up in January. These used to be shown at Power House before they closed and I am hoping they continue on downtown somewhere. But for now....

Indie Memphis presents:
Idiots and Angels, Monday, Nov. 2 @ 7:30 pm at the Studio on the Square
$5 for the General Public / Free for Indie Memphis members and Memphis College of Art students with valid ID ** Presented on 35mm film.

Bill Plympton is scheduled to attend and participate in a Q&A after the screening. In Bill Plympton's latest feature, Idiots & Angels, a selfish and morally bankrupt man, wakes up one morning with wings on his back. Even more troublesome than their embarrassing appearance is the wings' tendency to want to do good deeds. After much ridicule, he desperately tries to rid himself of the good wings, but eventually finds himself fighting those who view the wings as their ticket to fame and fortune. Is Angel's misguided soul capable of being rescued? Told through Plympton's trademark animation style Idiots and Angels is a dark comedy about a man's battle for his soul.

Indie Memphis and the Brooks Museum of Art continue their year-round collaboration with this special program of Essential Art House Cinema:

La Strada Thursday, Nov. 5 @ 1 pm & 7:30 pm at the Brooks Museum of Art.
$5 for Indie Memphis members and members of The Brooks / $7 for non-members / Free with Indie Memphis '09 Silver or Gold Pass or Brooks VIP Film Pass **

New, restored high-definition digital transfer. There has never been a face quite like that of Giulietta Masina. Her husband, the legendary Federico Fellini, directs her as Gelsomina in La Strada, the film that launched them both to international stardom. Gelsomina is sold by her mother into the employ of Zampano (Anthony Quinn), a brutal strongman in a traveling circus. When Zampano encounters an old rival in highwire artist the Fool (Richard Basehart), his fury is provoked to its breaking point. With La Strada, Fellini left behind the familiar signposts of Italian neorealism for a poetic fable of love and cruelty, evoking brilliant performances and winning the hearts of audiences and critics worldwide.

The Day of the Dead

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:33:00 +0000

A kind of spookiness pervades this time of year as we segue from Halloween to All Saints' Day (Nov. 1) and then to All Souls' Day or Dia de los Muertos in Mexico (Nov. 2). These are days of honoring the dead by displaying skeleton figurines, making altars to welcome the dead and making cool little things called sugar skulls which are taken to the cemetery and placed on the graves of the deceased. I've always loved the idea of these things and thought I might try to make some... that is until I found a website with what appears to be the longest process on earth for making them. Check this out: http://www.zanzibartribalart.com/makingsugarskulls.htm.

I thought I may like to just buy some but I'm sure there is nowhere downtown to get them and I don't know if any Latino groceries around here sell them.

We Call It Halloween

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:19:00 +0000

There's no "fall festival" on this blog. Happy Halloween!

The origins of Halloween come from the ancient Celts in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany. November 1 marked the beginning of a new year and the coming of winter. On October 31st they celebrated the Lord of the Dead with a festival called Samhain. During this festival, Celts believed the souls of the dead returned to mix with the living. In order to scare away any evil spirits, people would wear masks and light bonfires.

After the Romans conquered the Celts, their traditions were added to the Samhain festival, such as making apple and nut centerpieces for the Roman goddess of orchards, Pomona, bobbing for apples and drinking cider. In 835, Pope Gregory IV moved the celebration for martyrs (later all saints) from May 13 to November 1. The night before became known as All Hallow’s Even or “holy evening.” Over time the name was shortened to "Halloween". The Catholic Church celebrates All Souls Day on November 2.

More Halloween Happenings Downtown

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:42:00 +0000

The Friends for Life Under the Big Top Halloween Party at Bridges. Click the image below to enlarge:

For a complete list of Halloween events click this CCC website link: http://www.downtownmemphis.com/Search.aspx?date=10/31/2009

The Orpheum's 2nd Annual Online Auction

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:16:00 +0000

Click the graphic below to enlarge it and see the details on how to bid. The auction ends November 5th:

Tokyo Milk at Lucky Duck; I Take Back What I Said About October; South Main Trolley Tour

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:14:00 +0000

Being a fan of Tokyo Milk perfumes, I twittered a while back that Toad Hall Antiques in Midtown carries a few of them. To my delight, I discovered that Lucky Duck gift shop in the Peabody also carries a few of the perfumes as well as soaps and other Tokyo Milk items. Other than the fact that these smell great, the other thing I like about them is that each bottle has a unique label with a "vintage" image you can see through the bottle.

I am sure I said earlier this month, on a sunny day, that October is the most beautiful month of the year in Memphis. I would like to retract that statement, for 2009 anyway, as it seems as though it has rained more this October than it ever has. Witness this morning's scene above on the way to work. Gloomy.

If you didn't get enough art and culture at last weekend's River Arts Fest, you'll be happy to know that the monthly South Main Trolley tour is tomorrow night. 6pm - 9pm. You'll be unhappy to know there is a predicted 100% chance of rain for tomorrow. *sigh*

Some More Halloween Weekend Events Downtown

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 21:06:00 +0000

Click on the image below to enlarge:

Is there a scarier place?

Also, don't forget about:
Mud Island's “Halloween on the Island.” Activities include a Haunted River Walk with trick-or-treat stops along the way, hay rides, haunted train rides, games, prizes, candy, and fun for the whole family. “Halloween on the Island” will take place Saturday, October 31st (rain or shine) at Mud Island River Park from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Admission is $2 per person. Did you get that - $2!!

Also:
Harvest of Hope Rescue Rally 9am to 1pm at the SEASON'S LAST MEMPHIS FARMERS MARKET DAY DOWNTOWN, Saturday, October 31st:

Leashed Pets and Their Caretakers Are Welcome.
Bring Your Rescued Pet & Receive a Free Gift.

Activities
9:00 – 10:00 Best Booth Contest (For all the participating Rescue Groups)
10:00 – 11:00 Waggin’ Tail Contest
11:00 – 12:00 Halloween Pet Costume Contest
12:00 – 1:00 Weenie Bobbin’ Contest

Coming Up This Weekend

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Click on the graphics below to enlarge:

Upcoming: Downtown Dining Week

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:36:00 +0000

Downtown Dining Week is November 8th - 14th. All participating restaurants are offering three course dinners for $20.09/per person. The menus look fantastic and will satisfy just about any taste.

Click here for all the details and a listing of participating restaurants: DOWNTOWN DINING WEEK - MEMPHIS

Missed a Sidewalk Marker; A Plague of... Ladybugs?

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:12:00 +0000

I ran into local historian Jimmy Ogle yesterday and he informed me I had missed a sidewalk marker during my summer time marker tour. So, thanks to Jimmy and here is #67 on Madison by Autozone Park:

This is unrelated to markers but while out walking Poppy today three ladybugs landed on me simultaneously. That's weird, I thought, and then I noticed a swarm of them buzzing around. I hope it's true that ladybugs bring good luck, as they say. My Mom mentioned she noticed them swarming as well as she was outside planting pansies all day.

Photos from River Arts Fest

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:54:00 +0000

View looking north on South Main. There seemed to have been more artists here this year as the festival sprawled down S. Main from Huling to St. Paul. The weather was picture perfect both days.

The Coolers playing in front of the Lorraine Motel/National Civil Rights Museum.

Kid's artwork

Street musicians (I think this is a misnomer for what these guys were - a great group with no stage).

BBQ Nachos from Central BBQ

David Lynch's 2010 Calendar

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:08:00 +0000

While you're at the River Arts Fest this weekend, be sure to stop by 525 S. Main (where Gestures used to be) and check out David D. Lynch's prints and his 2010 calendars. The calendar, designed by Melissa Petersen, features David's vibrant paintings of downtown Memphis landmarks and text by yours truly!

River Arts Fest Preview Party

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Click on the graphic below to enlarge:

I have been looking forward to River Arts Fest all month and it looks like Saturday and Sunday are going to be beautiful. There are a lot of great/interesting artists and craftsmen at this event like John Robinette, the artist who did this year's poster.

www.riverartsfestmemphis.org
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Saturday October 24th
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday October 25th

Need to Hear from the Other Side?

poppysit@aol.com (Michelle) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:16:00 +0000

From the Orpheum website:

Lisa Williams, the clairvoyant/medium who has had two shows on Lifetime (Lisa Williams: Life Among the Dead and Lisa Williams: Voices From the Other Side), will be at the Orpheum Theatre tonight at 7:30 pm. Here's how Lisa describes her live show:

"At a live show, I will perform random readings throughout the audience. No pre - planning goes into these events (except for setting up the venue of course). I have no prior knowledge about anyone before going on stage and I don't read any cards that have been left for me at the venue until after the event, in order not to be influenced at all. I communicate directly with your loved ones who have passed over and will often receive messages throughout the whole day prior to going on stage. All the messages that are received I will read out and also post on my website under 'Messages from Beyond' so that if you feel a message is for a friend who did not attend then they can read it at a later date.

The whole event will be readings. I will not know who I am coming to and I will gather information from the Spirits and then it is up to you to let me know if you can relate to what I am talking about. This is not a time to be shy. If you feel you can relate to the information please let me know and I will determine who I need to work with. The reading could last 10 minutes or longer. Sadly I am unable to get to everyone in the audience, however please listen to other peoples readings as one message can relate to so many other people, and you will find that you may get a message in the evening. There is no limit to how many readings I am able to do in a 3 hour time frame."

Hmmmm..... (that was my comment).