How much do you tip for a drink?

For those of us who enjoy a cocktail or two from time to time, there’s good chance that we may be a “regular” at a local bar or pub whose atmosphere we enjoy.  Regulars always get treated special.  Maybe the get their cold, draft beer topped off at no charge.  At the least, they don’t have to wait long to order when the bar is busy.  But to get that special status, you have to treat your bartender right.  Here are a few unwritten tips and guidelines to help keep your bartender happy, staight from the mouth of a veteran bartender… 

• Start a tab. If I swipe your card five times this evening, that’s five times as much paperwork I have to do at 4 a.m.
• If your tipping guideline is still “a buck a drink,” listen closely: That doesn’t fly if you order a $12 cocktail. Tip at least 15 percent.

Do you have a favorite spot of your own around here?  If you’re looking for a great bar in Memphis that’s not to far from Hunters Trace Apartments, check out one of these spots.  Both got great reviews on Yelp.com! 

Doc Watson’s
1817 Kirby Pkwy
Germantown, TN 38138
(901) 755-2481Â
www.docwatsonsmemphis.com

TJ Mulligans
6635 Quince Rd
Memphis, TN 38119Â
(901) 753-8056Â
www.tjmulligans.com/quince

(Photo Credit: jlastras)

Bottoms up…at the Memphis Zoo

Memphis beer lovers, rejoice!  The Memphis Zoo’s “Zoo Brew” is right around the corner on Friday, September 3.  Lager Lovers will be able to sample a slew of local favorites, microbrews and international beers from as far away as Italy, Thailand and the Netherlands.

This year promises to be the biggest Zoo Brew yet, with over 100 different beers to sample, live music, food and wine.  It pretty much sounds like a party waiting to happen.  Tickets are going for $30 now.  If you’re a member of the Memphis Zoo, you will receive a $5 discount.  Last year, tickets sold out early so you may not want to wait to long before you get yours.  You can purchase them either online or at the zoo.  Proceeds from Zoo Brew will go to support animal care and zoo programs.

And just so you know, the animals won’t be invited to the party.  That’s too bad.  It would have been fun to have a beer with an elephant.  There’s something you don’t do everyday.

(Photo Credit: admlcrunch)

Are you getting use out of your college degree?

Are you looking for something constructive to do with that college degree you earned at the University of Memphis in Art History?  How about a little “team trivia” at one of your local Memphis watering holes.  It’s a great way to kick back, have some fun, meet new people and see what  you actually know (or don’t know) about.  Besides, if you’re any good, you can usually win some valuable bar money that’s good to cover your drink/food tab (and who said that degree in Gemology with a minor in Eastern European Studies wouldn’t pay off). 

The structure for each locations’s game varies, but generally there are several rounds of questions that you must try to answer.  Most places have drink specials too.  Below are a few locations and nights to choose from.  Check their websites for more details. 

Trivia Nights in Memphis

The Hi-Tone (1913 Poplar Avenue)
When: Mondays, 6:30 p.m.
Prizes: $50 first place, $25 second, $10 third place. 

Poplar Lounge (2586 Poplar Avenue)
When: Wednesdays, 8 p.m.
Prizes: Prizes for first, second and third place. The team with the best name gets a free pitcher of beer.

Brookhaven Pub (695 Brookhaven Circle)
When: Tuesdays, 8 p.m.
Prizes: First, second and third place teams get Brookhaven Pub gift certificates of up to $50.

Everybody’s Tree House Build Day & Opening, July 24-25

So what do you have planned for this weekend?  If nothing big is going on, how about lending the community a helping hand.  The City of Germantown is looking for volunteers to help construct a new playground at Riverdale Park on Neshoba Rd. (between Riverdale Rd. and Miller Farms Rd.).  The name of the new playgound: Everybody’s Tree House.  Sounds like fun, right?  The build day will be Saturday, July 24 and the ribbon cutting  – and ice cream social – will be Sunday, July 25 at 4:00 p.m. 

They really want this to be a family event and they encourage everyone to come out.  The volunteers are needed for the build and to assist with child care.  And don’t worry about kids running around out of control when your helping to put the playground together.  They will have children’s activities for kids age 4 and older.  In fact, the first 500 children to arrive on build day will receive a free nature backpack. 

Here is info from the city website about the weekend schedule… 

Construction will occur Saturday, July 24, at Riverdale Park near the northwest corner of the school campus. Volunteers may sign up for one or all three shifts which are scheduled for 7 to 11 a.m., noon to 4 p.m. or 4 to 7 p.m. Germantown Kiwanis Club will provide lunch from 11 a.m. to noon for all volunteers. Work will continue Sunday, July 25, with a volunteer shift from noon to 4 p.m., and a cleanup shift at 5 p.m. To volunteer as an individual or with a group, contact Sherrye Rhea at 757-7203 or Pam Beasley at 757-7375. 

Hope to see you there! 

(Photo Credit: ciee.org)

Where to catch the fireworks in Memphis

Independence Day is right around the corner and I can’t wait to watch some fireworks light up the Memphis sky.  It’s always been my favorite part of the holiday.  Fourth of July without fireworks is like a hot dog without mustard, like Tom without Jerry – you get the idea.  It’s just un-American.  With that being said, I’m here to make sure that you know where to take the fam (or a nice date) this weekend to celebrate the 234th birthday of our great country!  Here are a couple options, courtesy of About.com…

July 3: Collierville Independence Day Celebration
This is Collierville’s 25th annual 4th of July celebration featuring entertainment, food, games, and an exciting fireworks display. The event will be held at H.W. Cox Park located at 350 W. Powell Road in Collierville from 5:30 p.m. — 9:30 p.m., when the fireworks will begin.

July 4: Germantown Family Fourth Celebration
This family friendly celebration includes food, fireworks, and music. The fun starts at 5:00 p.m. at Municipal Park and fireworks will begin at 9:10pm.

July 4: Red, White, and Blue Search Party at CMOM
Head over to the Children’s Museum of Memphis at 3:00 p.m. for a patriotic scavenger hunt for the whole family. Admission is $10 for anyone age 1 or older.

July 4: Red, White, and Blues Celebration
The Red, White, and Blues Celebration will be held at Handy Park on Beale Street and will include food, music, and entertainment. The festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at approximately 10:00 p.m.

I hope one of these options work for you.  Bottom line: enjoy your holiday weekend!

(Photo Credt: Drozhkov)

Who will the Memphis Grizzlies select in the NBA Draft?

Where are my Memphis Grizzlies fans?  Are you guys excited about the draft this week on Thursday!  The Grizz have three first round picks (12th, 25th and 28th) - the most of any team in the NBA, I believe.  I really think this is an opportunity to make some noise in the Eastern Conference.  We have a nice young nucleus to build around with Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and O.J. Mayo.  But as it seems every year, we still need some help at point guard (no offense Mike Conley…but everybody knows we need help)!  It would be nice to get top-prospect John Wall from Kentucky, but there’s no way he’s still going to be around by the time the Grizzlies pick.

If you’re free, come out to their Draft Party at FedEx Forum on Thursday, June 24 to support the team.  Doors for the free event will open at 5:30 p.m. and draft coverage will tip-off at 6 p.m.

The coaches, The Grizz Girls, Grizz and the Claw Crew and newest team addition Ronnie Brewer will also be there.  Grizzlies television and radio play-by-play broadcasters Pete Pranica and Eric Hasseltine will give a live break down of the draft selections.

There will also be a kids area with face painters, inflatables and more.  Kids can even shoot baskets on the FedEx Forum floor!

What’s in bloom at the Memphis Botanical Garden?

Memphis offers so many opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the summer months.  One place full of color is the Memphis Botanical Gardens; perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll.  Every month the landscape changes as new plants come into bloom, bursting with new vibrant colors.

Curious what you’ll find blooming during your visit?  The gardens make it easy to find out.  Visit their site for a month to month schedule.  Currently, hydrangeas and hosta are in full bloom (very popular for summer weddings), while coming into season are the crape myrtle.  If you haven’t been the botanical gardens lately, why not plan a trip that includes a hike around the butterfly gardens and lake.

General admission to the garden is only $5 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children.  Ther are also plenty of specialty programs and workshops for Memphians to take advantage of.  Best part: The MBG is only 10 short minutes from Hunter’s Trace!  Directions are as follows:

• Go SOUTH toward HUNTERS BLUFF DR. (0.1 mi)
• Turn RIGHT onto HUNTERS BLUFF DR. (0.0 mi)
• Turn RIGHT onto GREAT OAKS RD. (0.1 mi)
• Turn LEFT onto KIRBY PKWY. (0.4 mi)
• Turn RIGHT onto POPLAR PIKE. (0.7 mi)
• POPLAR PIKE becomes PARK AVE. (3.9 mi)
• Turn RIGHT onto CHERRY RD. (0.3 mi)
• The MBG will be on your right!

Does Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous have the best BBQ in Memphis?

Barbecue is a staple in Memphis and everyone has their favorite spot to get it from.  Landmark restaurant Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous is a favorite among tourists but have you visited lately?  Better yet, what rib spot would a true Memphian consider to be the best?  Weight in Hunter’s Trace!  What do you think?  Granted, lines are long at 8pm on a weekend night but if they’re truly the best, I’d have not problem stopping by and waiting for some of the delicious ribs one night after work.  I’m just wondering what spot, if any, is better?

If you’ve never been, they’re down the alley near the Holiday Inn downtown.  Check out the video featuring some of his world famous BBQ.

Gibson Guitar 5K Run-Walk this weekend

Any runners out there at Hunter’s Trace! After you watch Team USA beat England in the World Cup this Saturday (June 12) afternoon at the Celtic Crossing downtown, head over to the Gibson Guitar Factory (141 Lt. George W. Lee Ave.) at 7 pm for the 14th annual Gibson Guitar 5K Run-Walk benefiting St. Patrick Learning Center.  The race starts at the The purpose of the race is to raise funds for St. Patrick Learning Center, a non-profit that focuses on children’s services and families in the 38126 zip code.

Registration is easy: just apply online or pick up a form at any Memphis area running shoe store. The registration fee is $20 in advance and $25 day of. Want to know what you get for your money?  Well, of course you get entry into the race, but you also get a commemorative Gibson Guitar 5K T-shirt, a goodie bag (while supplies last) and a post-race party with refreshments and entertainment by Faces with Shoes on the stores roof!

On your mark…get set….GO!

Memphis Italian Festival

Looking for something to do this weekeind?  The Memphis Italian Festival is a mix of food, games and music.  The festival will take place at Marquette Park, on the corner of Mt. Moriah and Park Avenue. The festival starts Thursday (June 3) and will continue on Friday and Saturday.

For 21 years, the festival has been a can`t miss, Memphis area tradition where you will see old friends, meet new ones and celebrate the Italian-American heritage in a family friendly atmosphere. There are many activities and events to participate in, whether you are young or young at heart.

Admission to the festival is $7 on Thursday and $10 Friday and Saturdayat the door. Gates open 5pm Thur, 11am Friday and Saturday.  For more info, call 767.6949.

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