Memphis Brew Coffee Shop, Memphis, Tenn.

It’s about time some one realized that college students and coffee go together like ribs and dry rub.

Memphis Brew has been open for about a month just across the tracks from the U of M in an unassuming yellow building next to Baker Automotive. The massive space is divided into three parts: an entry way with comfortable couches, a large main room with the coffee bar, and a smaller room with a stage. It’s cozy, but seems a little unfinished.

Inside Memphis Brew, Memphis, Tenn.

At the barista’s recommendation, I tried the cold brew (iced coffee with milk and an optional flavor shot) and a ricotta cheese brownie. The brownie was chewy and delicious, but insanely rich. I was told that it had espresso in it, so don’t be surprised if you get a little buzz from your baked goods.

Ricotta brownie and Cold Brew from Memphis Brew

Memphis Brew is open seven days a week. Sunday – Thursday, they’re open until 1 a.m., and they stay open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday (making them one of the only coffee shops in town that’s open late on week nights). Every Thursday night, there’s an open mic night that starts at 9 p.m.

Go There:

Memphis Brew

3573 Southern Avenue
Memphis, TN 38111-5813
(901) 325-1469

44/365

In the Laser Tag room at FunQuest in Collierville, getting ready to skate in Saturday’s Memphis Roller Derby bout.

45 / 365

A fake fireplace outside of the art building at the University of Memphis. There’s a chair across from it, too. I feel warmer already.

Found: a cup from Memphis State's 1985 Final Four

My mom’s friend Jim reached into the deep recesses of his memory (and kitchen cabinets) and produced this blue plastic tumbler from the Tigers 1985 Final Four appearance. The Tigers, led by Keith Lee, lost to Villanova. (There’s a great Coach and Four song about the loss called “Tiger High ’85″.)

For those new to the area, the University of Memphis was called Memphis State University until 1994. Most of us have been able to make the switch to calling the University by the correct name, but sometimes, former Tigers (and basketball announcers) slip up. It’s not uncommon to find Memphis State items lingering in restaurants, bars, and homes all over Memphis.

No matter what the university between Highland and Goodlett is called, it’s still a major source of pride for the city. They’ve got incredible academic programs, the only public earthquake resource center in the Mid-South, and great sports teams.

Memphis State, I raise my retro cup full of water to you.

1. University of Memphis Tigers vs. Gonzaga, FedEx Forum, Saturday, 3 p.m.

After Wednesday’s epic win against UAB, I’m completely excited to watch the Tigers take on Gonzaga tomorrow. If you can’t make it to the game, it’ll be broadcast on ESPN 2 (and online on ESPN360). If you are going to the game, why don’t we all meet up at halftime?

2. Cirque du CMOM, Children’s Museum of Memphis, Saturday, 7:30, $125

The Memphis Children’s Museum is a wonderful non-profit museum for kids of all ages in the Mid-South. Cirque du CMOM is their annual fundraiser. Expect a big, fabulous party that’s full of top hats, feather boas, delicious food and drinks, sideshow acts and plenty of celebrating.

3. Lucero with the Glossary, Minglewood Hall, Friday, 8 p.m., $15

Hometown boys Lucero are playing at Minglewood tonight. They’re currently touring for their latest release, 1372 Overton Park. The record was critically well-received, but hope they play some of the pared-down country tracks from their first few independent releases.

4. Superbowl Sunday, bars all over town, Sunday, 5 p.m.

This year’s Superbowl is worth watching – the Saints (who’ve never been to a Superbowl) are playing the Colts (lead by Peyton Manning in their second Superbowl). Bars all over the city are having drink and food specials. Try Bardog, Local, South of Beale, Young Ave. Deli and the Cove. If you’re watching from home, order sushi from Sekisui or wings from Chings.

5. Pippin, Playhouse on the Square, Through Feb. 21, $35

Playhouse on the Square is all settled into their fabulous new home on the corner of Union and Cooper. Their first production in the new space is Pippin, a musical about the son of Charlemagne setting off to find himself on the battlefield.

I mentioned going to a Tigers game a few weeks ago, but couldn’t remember which one. She whipped out her iPhone and found the schedule using a Memphis Tigers iPhone app.

Are you with me? A Memphis Tigers iPhone app.

Go Tigers Go iPhone App

The Go Tigers Go app was made by Michael Mayo, a Memphian living in California. It’s got football and basketball schedules built in. Michael was also kind enough to include both the words and music to the University of Memphis fight song (especially helpful if you’re a Tiger fan who didn’t happen to attend the U of M, like me).

The app is free, and I found it by searching the app store for “memphis tigers” and “go tigers go”.

For those of you following the scavenger hunt, here’s another item checked off of the list – a pocket-sized University of Memphis sports schedule.

I picked this football schedule up at Cafe Eclectic. The next game is Saturday at MTSU. The next home game is Sept. 19 against UT Martin.

Go Tigers go!