Daily Memphian: May is here and the events abound
By Jennifer Biggs
Well, I’m back and ready to get back to some non-physical labor, as this past week-plus has been exhausting. But the last of the work to my kitchen finishes up today and it’s minor stuff. And while I haven’t been doing the actual construction, I have been hauling boxes around, moving furniture through the house and so on. This has been one heckuva spring cleaning, folks, a remodel and a major purge.
So what did I do? I signed up for boot camp, because it sounded like a great idea before that painful purge started and my COVID-soft body will be in a parking lot in the dark before you even read this. This could be the last thing I write; I might die.
But if I survive, I’ll have plenty to do and so do you. First up: Summer Under the Stars, a benefit for Merge Memphis’ Clare’s House, a shelter for women, on May 8.
Tickets are $65 and chefs include Michael Patrick of Rizzo’s, B.J. Chester-Tamayo of Alcenia’s, Brent McAfee of Black Sheep Meats and Kathleen Barth of 901 Thyme Catering; Jimmy Sinh, better known as Sushi Jimmi, is sending sushi. The event is at 409 S. Main, 6:30-10 p.m. and includes a band and a silent auction. Click here for tickets; not many remain, so jump on it.
And then comes the biggie: Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. I’ll have more about the ins and outs of this year’s modified festival coming up, but here’s the main thing you need to know now. There will be no tickets sold at the gate because park capacity is restricted to about 40%. There are tickets available, but they’re expected to sell out so again — get on it.
But if you miss out, there’s more to do that weekend. Barbecue is Wednesday, May 12 through Saturday, May 15, and there are two other events that Saturday, because we are all so ready to do fun stuff again.
Vintage 901 is also outdoors this year. The wine festival’s Grand Tasting will be a one-day event May 15 at Levitt Shell instead of being spread around town over a weekend. There’s a brunch from noon-3 p.m. and a dinner 6-9 p.m. Tickets range from $100 for general admission to a VIP table for $900 for 6 people. Local chefs include Tamra Patterson and Jimmy Gentry, there will be food trucks, live entertainment and of course, wine.
Vintage 901 has partnered with ArtsMemphis and proceeds will benefit the arts organization. Get your tickets by clicking here.
If you’re more into hot and spicy than essence of stone fruit with a hint of verbena, then you might want to head over to Wilson, Arkansas for a Bloody Mary Contest. In fact, you might want to enter it if you think you have the right stuff.
Old Dominick will provide the vodka and it’s up to you to bring the ingredients and your A game. Professionals (bartenders or folks who otherwise work in the spirits industry) and amateurs are welcome to compete and you can win money. There’s a judges’ pick and a people’s choice award. Want to sign up to show off? Click here and register.
Want to just go, taste and have fun? Get your tickets by clicking here. It’s 2-5 p.m. May 15 at The Grange at Wilson Gardens, 15 S. Jefferson St. in Wilson.
Don’t forget: Wednesday is Cinco de Mayo and you know that means margaritas will be flowing freely all over town. It also means it’s your last opportunity until May 15 to grab a container of Arbo’s cheese dip at Cinco de Arbo, which is the name of the celebration at Sweet Grass this year. Of course there will also be tacos and such, and starting May 15, Arbo’s cheese dip will be available at High Point Grocery.
Source: Daily Memphian