Blogger Bashing

Apparently there's a Memphis Blogger Bash tonight. While I'd love to attend, I'm not sure I will be able to make it. See, in a weird twist of fate, I've discovered that weekends are the worst time for me to go to Bash-Type events. One would think that the weekend is perfect because I could stay out late, no work, and weekends are just spectacular. But with a family, weekends mean family stuff. Maybe if the Bash were a family event I would reconsider but I can't see dragging my kids to Garibaldi's to talk blogs and other stuff.

Things may work out but I'm not optimistic. However, if you don't have kids then by all means, go! Get your fanny there and chat. The worst thing that could happen is you meet someone who hasn't linked your blog and they decide to add yours to their blogroll. ;o)

Race and Restaurants

In Memphis the issue of race is always percolating beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary, everyday occurrences. Most people like to pretend that race issue isn't there, but it is.

For whatever reason the Isaac Hayes Restaurant in Memphis has had a "dark" reputation since it opened. A few of my friends declined an offer to dine there citing that it's not their type of place. I'll admit, the place got some bad reviews when it opened and I heard the food and service was pretty bad but those were always secondary excuses. The first reason for avoiding the place was that it was "too dark." Maybe if the food was better that reason wouldn't have been offered but we may never know.

Now, before you think White Racist Snob, let me explain. You've seen those movies where a seedy bar is filled with smoke and tattooed bikers only to be intruded upon by some straight-laced traveler who's lost his way? Sure you have. One of the best is called Pee Wee's Big Adventure. Of course Pee Wee is a different creature than you and me so he ends up having a grand time with the bikers. But my point is that said traveler would feel very uncomfortable walking into this situation. He would be out of his element. Were he adorned with tattoos, full beard and leather then he may feel right at home. But in his turtle-neck and brown chinos he feels very awkward.

That is what is meant by "dark," at least I think that's the case. It's not a term I think I've ever used but the meaning behind it seems to follow this idea. My point is that such comments weren't about it being a place filled with predominantly black patrons, the comments were directed at the perception of the atmosphere, the climate.

So, anyway I couldn't get anyone to go to the restaurant with me though I don't want to give the impression that I was constantly trying either. It wasn't on my "must visit" list but when I strolled by in Peabody Place I'd always think, "wonder if that's any good?" Well, the restaurant was redone a few months ago (new management and a new menu or something), I decided to give it a try by myself. The result? It was great. I had some catfish sandwich and it was pretty darn good. Service was good. Ambiance was good. The whole experience was very nice. I'll go back.

What I don't understand is how a place becomes "dark" in the minds of white Memphians? When do white Memphians decide that they wouldn't feel comfortable at a particular business? Maybe being a native Memphian makes it harder for me to understand. I dunno. I do know that my instincts are telling me to delete this post before it goes live but damn those instincts. I'm just blogging, not running for mayor.