memphisLimelight

Tonight is this month's Trolley Tour, 6-9 in South Main.  I'm told there will be some "very affordable art" at 509 S. Main, and as they've done the last few months, there will be hot dogs available in the lot next to Bluff City Coffee.

If you haven't tried out the reopened 5 Spot yet, tonight might be a good time to have dinner there.

Here's their menu:

Posted by admin at 01:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

This weekend will be one of the best festivals in Memphis.  I posted before that the Center for Southern Folklore's Memphis Music and Heritage Festival will take place Sat., the 30th and Sun., the 31st, but I also have some specific recommendations to offer.

The festival happens on several stages on Main St. between Peabody Place and Gayoso, and it showcases music, food, and traditions of all heritages that make up our local culture.  You can find a map here of the festival and of the closest parking. 

There are marching bands, blues bands, gypsy jazz, and workshops as well as performances.  There are art vendors and beer booths in addition to all the restaurants, and the talent ranges from off-the-charts quirky to off-the-charts good.  All is entertaining, and to make it better, you probably don't have to work Monday!

Here are my recommendations:

Sat, 30th

1:30pm - Mr. White (DJ and vocal set) - Gayoso Stage - This is a friend of mine who's a very talented and internationally-known DJ. 

4:30pm - Devil Train (Gypsy Jazz) - Gayoso - I don't remember if I've seen this band before, but as the festival is full of esoteric demonstrations, it's good to expose yourself to things like "gypsy jazz."

5:00pm - Billy Gibson Blues Band - Peabody Place & Main St. Stage

5:45pm - Billy Lee Riley (Rockabilly)- Folklore Hall

5:50pm - Salsa Memphis (Dance Routine) - Trolley Stop Stage - If rockabilly's not your thing, it's always fun to watch people who really know how to dance.

8:30pm - Al Kapone (Hip Hop) - Gayoso Stage

10:00pm - Bobby Rush - Peabody/Main Stage - MUST SEE! - This guy puts on a hilarious show!

Sun, 31st

3:45pm - Judd Grisanti of Spindini (Italian Cuisine Cooking Demo) - Trolley Stop - You know I wouldn't miss this.

5:00pm - Reba Russell - Peabody/Main Stage - That's what I'm talking about!

6:15pm - Eden Brent - Folklore Store - Great blues singer/piano player.

6:25pm - Chef Michael Patrick (Creole Gumbo) - Trolley Stop - If you'd rather watch someone cook, gotta love M.P.

8:00pm - Freeworld (Jam Band)- Peabody/Main Stage - MUST SEE!

10:00pm - Jason D. Williams (Boogie Woogie) - Peabody/Main Stage - MUST SEE! - This Jerry Lee Lewis-like piano rocker puts on a great show.

10:15pm - Blind Mississippi Morris - Folklore Store - I also highly recommend this guy if blues is more your thing.

You can find a full schedule here.

In related news, the Rumba Room at 303 South Main is supposed to open soon.  I don't know the details yet, but it will be a special events venue with a Cuban Cafe and Salsa Nights hosted by Salsa Memphis on Fridays.  This might be fun for girls' nights or for girls to drag their husbands or boyfriends to.

Another of several festivals in September will be Gonerfest 5.  This is Goner Records' showcase of bands to take place primarily at the Hi Tone September 25 - 28.  However, there is something else exciting in the works Downtown for that weekend, but I can't announce it just yet.

Posted by admin at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Some of the gang hanging out on Sunday.

Rufus

Mikey with Clay and Jessica's new puppy, Stella.

Posted by admin at 04:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Last night, I had a ball at a party at Raiford's.  In fact, I think it's safe to say everybody had a ball, and a good number of people got quite a workout on the pole.

If you haven't heard, Bartlett's mayor, A. Keith McDonald, recently initiated a stop work order on Eccentric Studios before it even opened because there were poles installed for a Strip To Fit exercise class.

Owner Rachael Vint was reportedly shocked, especially since the class would have been for fully-clothed, adult women. 

Let me tell you, after attempting my feats of strength on the Raiford's pole last night, every movement feels like my muscles are on fire.  My arms are noodles that are limited to a slow and narrow range of motion.  And now I know that one reason for the black lights in strip clubs is to hide all the bruises.

Last time I pole danced at Raiford's (and it's probably been a year), it didn't hurt.  I was fine.  Maybe I had a bruise or two, but I wasn't sore.  And I guess that's how quickly you start to get old.  I know I'm not alone here.  There have to be at least ten people feeling beat up today, including some with testicles, which I mention because that might be the part that hurts.

So it got me thinking about this Strip To Fit class and how I obviously need to get in one.  I hope the Bartlett mayor comes to his senses because anything that makes exercise more fun is a good thing.  If not, I hope Rachael Vint or someone will teach the class downtown.  I know several people who would go, especially if there was beer.

Posted by admin at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

I know.  What am I bitching about, right?  But as a Downtowner, I don't have to drive much, so it's noteworthy when I do.  And it's especially noteworthy if I have to go somewhere like Walls, Mississippi.  Geeeez.  But I didn't have a choice.

I had to go interview someone for an article.  So at least I'll get paid more than it cost to drive there and back.  Even though I circled the destination twice, due to unclear directions.  And even though I missed I-55 on my way back.  Wait!  Where did my tall buildings go?  Dammit.  (And it's not the first time that's happened.)  But maybe that's because I was taking pictures while I was driving.

I just thought this was kind of interesting.  I wouldn't expect to see advertising for an online adult store on this kind of vehicle.  And the domain name.  Catchy!  But they take PayPal.

He had an 8 ball on his gas tank cover.  Sweet! 

But speaking of weird things on cars, I saw this in my own parking lot:

Sticky notes all over one of my neighbor's car windows.  (Apparently, there's a prankster in our midst.)  It rained all day, and they were there when I left and still there when I got back.  I called my neighbor since he obviously didn't know they were there.  But I was impressed at how long the sticky notes stayed in place. 

Posted by admin at 01:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Posted by admin at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Click image for more information

Posted by admin at 12:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Here's a cool shot of a wine spritzer at the Blue Monkey.  (This was taken by Ryan Hamlin, though he does NOT drink wine spritzers.)  Makes you thirsty, doesn't it?

Sunday Funday, as we call it Downtown, is always a good day to relax and hang out.  And when the weather is nice like it was yesterday, it's a good time to find a patio.  Here are some Downtowners enjoying Circa's patio and the company of Chef John Bragg.

Here's an artsy picture of the city lights reflected in the metal-top table.

Posted by admin at 01:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

I apologize for the cheesy title, but I just had to.  I often wonder what Memphis is like from a tourist's point of view, particularly the Elvis fanatics.  This week was Elvis week (as you know), and I imagine that first-time tourists probably expect to see Elvis everywhere.  I wonder if they're surprised that his face isn't on every newspaper, magazine, and billboard.  Then again, there are impersonators running amuck and Elvis chotchkes all over even the Downtown Walgreens, so maybe in their Elvis-obsessed haze, they do see him everywhere.

• Tonight is the Candlelight Vigil at Graceland, starting at 8 pm.  After living here for 13 years, I think I'll check it out.
• If Elvis weirdos with candles aren't your thing, maybe you'd like a classic movie at The Orpheum.  Tonight, they're showing the "Wizard Of Oz" at 7:15.  $5 - adults.  $4 - kids.  Sometimes the best part of these screenings is the old footage they show before the movie.  And for this classic, I recommend listening to "Dark Side of the Moon" on your iPod while you watch.  Remember, start it when the MGM lion roars.
• Sat. - "$5 Cover" Wrap Party at the New Daisy.  406-2460.  (This is the current Craig Brewer project.)
• Sat. 9 pm - Blind Mississippi Morris at the Center for Southern Folklore - $5.
• Sun. - Kid Rock at the Mud Island Amphitheatre.  576-7241.

Here's a cocktail to kick off your weekend:

Lighting Bolt

• About 2 handfuls of ice
• 2 shots of vodka
• Shot of Rockstar Energy Drink (or Sprite)

Blend all ingredients in blender.  It should be a slushy consistency and light yellow (or white) in color.  Pour in martini glass.  Garnish with rhinestones and banana slice.  That's how you take care of business.  Thank ya.  Thank ya very much.

Posted by admin at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

options

Posted by admin at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Yes!  Booyah.  I got a glass. 

The Pink Cadillac Elvis glass at the Saucer last night had to be one of the most coveted ever.  The place was packed.  I mean a total madhouse.  It looked like the Stock Exchange or Toys-R-Us at Christmas time.  So I figured I better get one, and I did.  I'm a winner. 

But Calhoun's wasn't going to be outdone.  They had their own bastard Elvis glass, as you can see here.  (Not that anyone is calling Elvis a bastard.  I would've capitalized "bastard," so calm down.)

Last night was also Bike Night on Beale, but I didn't bother to take any pictures, except this one:

Gotta love a Vespa.

Posted by admin at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

options

Festival season is fast approaching, and Downtown's Center for Southern Folklore will kick it off Labor Day weekend with the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival.  This festival on Main St., between Peabody and Gayoso, is always a great time with lots of great performances, art, beer, food, and fun.  It'll all happen Aug. 30th and 31st.  For more info, check out www.memphismusicandheritagefestival.com.

Another festival Memphis looks forward to every year is the Cooper-Young Festival, which will be Sat., Sep. 13th this year, with the kickoff party on Thursday, the 11th.  See the scheduled activities here.

I posted some general info recently about the new Downtown Alive concert series, and now I have the details.  These outdoor concerts, hosted by the CCC, will be free with vending starting at 4:30 pm and music from 5:15 to 8:30 pm.

• SEP 17 - Neosoulville Showcase - Gayoso Alley
• SEP 24 - Latino Memphis Hispanic Heritage Month Showcase - Court Square
• OCT 1 - Folk Alliance Showcase - Natl Civil Rights Museum Plaza (Great.  Racist poser Jackie Smith will no doubt be part of this show.)
• OCT 8 - Blues Foundation Showcase - Jefferson Davis Park
• OCT 15 - Goner Records Showcase - Barboro Alley at Main St.

There's a variety of artists at each show, but I don't want to type them all.  So you'll have to go to www.downtownmemphis.com when they post the info.

Posted by admin at 02:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Isn't that pretty?  Those are the ... uh, I don't know what you call them.  But they play a very important part in the brewing process at the Boscos Brewery on South Main. 

That's where the South Main Association meeting was held last night, and we got a tour and a lesson in good beer.

This is Boscos brewer Chuck Skypeck.  Interestingly, Chuck's brother is Dave Skypeck, the very talented drummer for local band Freeworld.  And as pointed out by an SMA member, Chuck is a renowned and accomplished beer brewer.

Available for purchase at the 827 South Main brewery are small kegs (pictured above) and growlers (pictured here).  Growlers are the glass jugs that beer was bottled in during prohibition.  When you were fortunate enough to finagle one, it was so good, you growled.  Growlers are $10 + a $3 deposit that you get back if you return the bottle.

This is resident Corn Journalist Bonez Maloney (in pastel) who, of course, was able to answer in detail what hops are.  Flowers that look like brussel sprouts.

Chuck really talked up the local water, crediting the Memphis Sands Aquifer with making their locally-brewed beer even better.  In addition, Ghost River Brewing (whose home is the same South Main brewery) promotes water conservation by donating a portion of the proceeds of every barrel sold to the Wolf River Conservancy.  You can check out more at www.ghostriverbrewing.com.

Posted by admin at 11:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

The best place to watch the Olympics is ... somewhere I'm going to stop advertising if the owner doesn't start reading this blog. 

Posted by admin at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

The 2008 Memphis Fantasy Football Championship
Sponsored by Memphis Sport Magazine

Memphis Sport is hosting the Second Annual Fantasy Football Championship this upcoming 2008-2009 NFL season. You’ve competed against your friends in smaller private leagues, but do you have what it takes to win an overall Memphis City Championship?

All participating teams will receive an official 2008 MFFC t-shirt and qualify for other entry prizes on draft day. Teams that make the postseason will also win other prizes. The overall winner will receive the coveted MFFC trophy.     

TO PLAY:
1. By Monday, August 25th, email ed@memphissport.net with your name and phone number. There is a $15 charge to enter.

2. Attend the Live Draft on Sunday, August 31th at 3:00PM. If you cannot attend, your initial will be selected for you by either a proxy or by selecting the best available player (your choice).

3. On or before September 3rd, receive your username, password and link to “The Memphis Fantasy Football Championship,” where your team will have been “uploaded” for you. Then, set your starting line-up!

Visit www.memphissport.net for more details.

Posted by admin at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Woodard Properties is listing six lots at the southeast corner of Nettleton and Tennessee.  They range in size from 5040 to 7200 square feet, and are priced from $269,000 to $369,000.

While the lots will allow for yards and pools, there will be design guidelines for the custom homes, particularly that they must have a contemporary design.

I am blogging this because I know Phil Woodard and his work.  (If there's one thing true Downtowners hate, it's when developers slap up some cheap, suburban-looking crap.)  Phil's projects are unique and top quality.  And though he will not necessarily be building the homes, he is recommending Archimania to design them and obviously cares about the appearance of the Downtown landscape.

According to an article in the MBJ, Garland Co. is marketing the properties.  The contact info listed is (901)755-1903, www.philwoodard.com.

Posted by admin at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

I heard from a very reliable source at the CCC that a new concert series will start next month.  The CCC is doing this in conjunction with the Folk Alliance, Goner Records, and others, and this series will take the place of the Court Square series of the past few years.

The free concerts will be at different public areas downtown and will run for about five weeks.  The first one is set for Wed., Sep. 17th, in Gayoso alley, and the shows will go from 4:30 - 8 pm.

Posted by admin at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

(CNN) -- Soul singer and arranger Isaac Hayes, who won Grammy awards and an Oscar for the theme from the 1971 action film "Shaft," has died, sheriff's officials in Memphis, Tennessee, reported Sunday.

Singer Issac Hayes seen performing in the U.K. last year. Hayes was found dead Sunday at age 65.

Relatives found Hayes, 65, unconscious in his home next to a still-running treadmill, said Steve Shular, a spokesman for the Shelby County Sheriff's Department.

Paramedics attempted to revive him and took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 2 p.m., the sheriff's department said.

No foul play is suspected, the agency said in a written statement.

Hayes was a longtime songwriter and arranger for Stax Records in Memphis, playing in the studio's backup band and crafting tunes for artists such as Otis Redding and Sam and Dave in the 1960s.

He released his first solo album in 1967, and his 1969 follow-up, "Hot Buttered Soul," became a platinum hit.

In 1971, the theme from "Shaft" topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and won an Academy Award for best original theme song. The song and the movie score also won Grammy awards for best original score and movie theme.

Hayes won a third Grammy for pop instrumental performance with the title track to his 1972 "Black Moses" album.

The role introduced him to a new generation of fans, but he left after the show lampooned his own religion, the Church of Scientology.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002. In a CNN interview at the time, Hayes credited his success to "adjusting and constantly evolving, expanding and trying to stay as young as I can."

The new generation of popular musicians, he said, "could use a little more substance like we had in the day."

"They're standing on our shoulders. Some of them don't realize [it] because they sample me so much," he said.

Hayes credited his role on "South Park" with expanding his fan base, and said that he had almost passed on the job.

"I started to walk out. I thought it was a Disney thing. I [had] never heard of this thing," he said. But his agent persuaded him to tape some episodes.

"Toward the opening I started having trepidations -- 'Oh my god, what have I done? I've ruined my career.' But when it aired, the ratings went through the roof," he said.

"I went back on speaking engagements and encouraged African-Americans to go to Africa [to] interact socially, culturally and/or economically," he said.

Posted by admin at 02:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Well, it's Monday, and wouldn't you rather relive the weekend? 

On Saturday, a group of Downtowners heard about some unusual activities going on in Handy Park on Beale.  So we headed down there, not wanting to miss something called the "Sister Big Bone" Contest.

Here are the three contestants/finalists.

Here they are getting their prizes from emcee Thaddeus Matthews.  The one on the far left got first place and won a buttload of prizes.

We then headed on over to the King's Palace patio.  On the way, we saw this:

Stand up and be herd?

These people were toting their Silky's diver bucket around.  And as you can see here, they really loved "Bye-bye Miss American Pie / Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry / Good ole boys are drinkin whiskey and rye / Singin this'll be the day that I die ..."  Now it's stuck in your head.

Then as if there wasn't enough going on, we became the entertainment with our rock art.

And then Sherlock had his mojo working.

I hope you got your mojo working this week.

Posted by admin at 02:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Well, kids, it's 8-8-08.  I don't know what that means, but I'm sure some fundamentalist whackjob has predicted Armageddon.  So prepare to be enraptured!

In case you survive the day, here's what you should do tonight:

• The Redbirds are playing the New Orleans Zephyrs (not Mets, as the CCC's site says) at 7:05.  That's always a good time, but they're also playing through Monday. 6:05 on Sat. and 1:35 on Sun.
• If you don't feel like a ballgame, check out the 5-Spot (behind Earnestine & Hazel's) for dinner.  Great food!
• And though the CCC site only lists the Butch Mudbone Blues Band, I have it on good authority that Preston Shannon will be at Ground Zero Blues Club 8p - 12.
• And of course E&H and Calhoun's are always a good time after hours.

Now go be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid.

Posted by admin at 01:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

options

Thanks for all your comments on Spindini.  That was fun, wasn't it?  I knew that the topic would open up the existing rivalry between Downtown and Suburbia, Germantown, or East Bumblefuck, if you prefer.

Obviously, the crowd at Spindini is perceived by Downtowners as ... well, botoxy to say the least.  It doesn't really matter that these two demographics dress and act differently, except for a few key points.

Spindini is in a Downtown neighborhood, and every successful restaurant or bar Downtown treats all its patrons well, showing extra appreciation to resident regulars.  And maybe because we live Downtown, we don't go somewhere because it's the place to be seen.  So we don't really care how East Bumblefuckians dress or how much plastic surgery they want to have.  But their overwhelming presence in one of our neighborhood bars just adds to what doesn't make sense about the place. 

Judd doesn't even seem to get the irony of having a Downtowners' night when his restaurant is a Downtown establishment.  I wonder how long his friends will keep driving to their Downtown hot spot.  Because when they get tired of it, he's gonna hear crickets.

Moving on, while Spindini is one of the worst, you have until Wed., Aug. 13th to submit your Memphis Flyer's Best Of ballot.  That ought to pass some time at the office.  I did actually vote for Spindini in the category of Best 'Cougar' Bar.  If you have trouble, here are some suggestions:

Best Chef:  Michael Patrick (EP Delta), John Bragg (Circa), and Patrick Riley (Majestic Grille) have to be considered.  I voted for all of these in different categories, and the Majestic got a few due to great food, affordability, atmosphere, and its patio.

Best Mexican Restaurant:  The Happy Mexican and Rio Loco are good write-in votes.  I went with Rio Loco for their very friendly service, great salsa, fajitas, and margaritas.

Best Tapas:  Dish in Cooper-Young

Best Late-Night Dining:  Hoop's Bar

Best Bartender:  Karen Brownlee (E&H) or Michele Fields (Calhoun's) is sure to win

I gave E&H several votes for After-Hours Club, Jukebox, Hole-in-the-Wall, etc.

Best Dance Club:  Raiford's (DUH!)

Best Sports Bar:  Calhoun's is a great write-in for this and for Best New Bar

Best Blogger:  Well, who do you think?

Best Grocery Store:  Any affordable, organic one that opens Downtown!!

Best Liquor Store:  The Corkscrew, of course

Best Hair Salon:  I recommend Rachel's

Best Category They Left Out:  I said Tourism - American Dream Safari

Best Neighborhood:  I'll give you a hint -- it's not East Bumblefuck.

Best Memphis Success of '08:  I voted for the implementation of the Downtown Security Patrol, which has decreased panhandling and crime.  Yea, CCC, Paul, and Mikey!!

Those are just some highlights and suggestions.  Let your conscience be your guide.

Posted by admin at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Check out those comments on the "What's the Deal With Spindini?" post.  There are only two so far, but they're very interesting.  Keep them coming!  Does anybody have anything good to say?

Tonight is country music night at the Red Rooster with 50 cent PBR draft.  I'm with Paul on this.  50 cent PBR is hard to pass up, but I would definitely have to take my iPod.  I wouldn't be surprised to see a group of downtowners in a corner, all with earbuds in.

I went to the National Night Out last night in South Main.  It was reeeally fun.  The cops were all on one end, civilians on the other, and there was no co-mingling.  But there was free beer even though SoMainers weren't afraid to show up even to this event with open containers, or travelers, as we call them. 

There was also free food from Earnestine's, and I heard from Murphy (the chef) himself, that the 5-Spot (in the back of Earnestine & Hazel's) will re-open this weekend.  The eclectic restaurant has been closed for a while but always had great food, and Murphy will be back in business Friday.

Posted by admin at 01:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

What was I thinking the other day, not adding Spindini to the ON NOTICE board?  They've more than earned it.

I'm a fair person, and I don't hold a grudge unnecessarily.  And because of that, I'm pardoning a few subjects from being on notice.  They're just no longer worthy of my anger.  So from the ON NOTICE board, I'm removing flies, the pregnant "man," and trash-talking bitches.  They've done their time.

On the other hand, right there with another new addition, the intolerable heat, Sit-and-Spindini seems completely and totally committed to a permanent spot.

ON NOTICE:

Sit-and-Spindini, who reserves the right to refuse service to everyone

The Heat (Lawd, it's sultry up in here.)

Jesse's Girl

Oprah

Jackie Smith, Racist poser

Posted by admin at 02:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

As I mentioned recently, I seem to be having some kind of mid-blog crisis.  I was reluctant to start a blog in the first place, which is a little ironic since I'm a writer.  But I didn't have any desire to talk about myself.  My feeling was confirmed by a New Yorker cartoon I saw with a man looking, puzzled, at his laptop, and his wife said, "Maybe nobody wants to read your blog because it's about you."  And that is the very reason I started this blog as a satirical one.

Like everything else, a blog evolves, and I suppose Freud would say I was revealing a lot just by hiding behind satire.  But fuck him.  Freud was a freak who was hung up on sex and bowel movements.  And satire is fun. 

The thing is, I just haven't been that inspired to write that way lately, and the tone of my blog will change a lot.  Due to practice and a lot of positive feedback, I've become more comfortable expressing more in more ways.  And I either have ADD or I just tire easily of the same thing.  And sometimes I just refuse to blog about what I did the night before.  My life is very exciting, but there's no reason to rub people's noses in it.

So anyway, this blog will continue to change a lot.  It's not a place for consistency.  There will still be satire, and there will be scathing reviews and judgments of restaurants, movies, and city politics.  And now ... sound the trumpets -- there will be an advice column. 

For the simple fact that I give great advice and because the interaction will be fun, I am now accepting your cries for help.  Articulate your conundrums in an email to ultraviolet@memphislimelight.com, and I will help you systematically unfuck your cluster of a life. 

If you don't have a problem, make one up.  All losers (respondents) will remain anonymous.  And remember, I'm not a professional.  I just play one on this blog.

Posted by admin at 01:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

options

Before I rant, I have to go ahead and apologize to my wonderful BGF, Mikey because he has put effort into the coordination of the new Downtowners' Night at Spindini, which is worth recognizing.  However, this has to be said because I just had another ridiculous experience at this rude, snooty place that I like to call Sit-and-Spindini.

First of all, it's almost impossible to get me in there because out of all my visits, all but one or two were bad.  And I'm not the only one. 

But a few, very few, of my friends like it, and sometimes you just have to go with the flow.  But these bad experiences weren't just poor service.  It wasn't just a long wait for this or that.  It's always a long wait for anyone working to acknowledge you.  You're forced to stop a server in their tracks the sixth time they fly by, avoiding eye contact.  And then they give a dirty look as they tell you they'll send someone.  Then you wait at least another 10 minutes.  I've actually had the most blatantly rude treatment from bartenders there than I've ever seen anywhere in my life.

You would think that after a while, Judd Grisanti would work out the kinks.  But last night, as I conceded to spending money there, once again, after flagging down two people, our table waited 20 minutes after placing drink orders with a third server. 

All this took place after the valet outside told us they were closing up even though the place was packed.  They brightened the lights with a crowd in there before we even got our long-awaited drinks.  And when we got them, the ice was almost completely melted, and the server couldn't track down the limes until she brought them on a plate about 15 minutes later.

But I guess Sit-and-Spindini doesn't see any kinks to work out when the place continues to fill with what I have to assume are massochists, suburbanite strangers who must get some validation out of paying big bucks to be treated like shit.

Posted by admin at 05:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

options