Toilet Tourism

UPDATE

2009-07-21T08:35:00.001-07:00

This ol' blog of mine will be updated as soon as life calms a bit. I have some good pics to share.

ABYSSINIA

2009-06-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Love, love, love Abyssinia! A hidden little gem in a forgotten part of Memphis. Not Midtown, not East Memphis. Delicious platters and the ever-present injera, the bread used as a utensil. I suggest it to anyone who will listen.

Here are your exotic pics.

NEW ORLEANS

2009-06-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

Figured I'd wrap up this New Orleans trip all in one post so I can get to some more Memphis ones. Enjoy.

Here's Parkway Bakery!

And again...

Uno mas

Napoleon House

Napoleon House #2

N.H. #3

Lafitte's Blacksmith Bar

Lafitte's Blacksmith Bar

Absinthe House

Absinthe again

ARNAUD'S - NEW ORLEANS

2009-06-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

Arnaud's is a New Orleans landmark. We had more drinks made with egg than I ever could have imagined existed. We had the legendary Ramos Gin Fizz(egg whites), something with absinthe & egg whites, and another with bourbon and egg yolks. All very good, and slightly unsettling. The bartender was excellent. He is the heir apparent to the title of best in NO, so he should be. Here's the business.

LATE NIGHT OUT - DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS

2009-06-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, it happened again. Went out and drank enough beers to kill a herd of goats, and one homeless alcoholic. Where was this? It was downtown and I think maybe the Saucer. Help, anyone?

NEW ORLEANS TRIP Part I

2009-06-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

Took the Amtrak down to New Orleans for a lil weekend. The "restroom" was anything but. Imagine trying to wield a fire hose while wearing roller skates. The space shuttle flush sytem was great too. I made many trips as the wife and I stayed in the lounge area the entire time.

PHO VIETNAM II - OLIVE BRANCH

2009-05-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Dropped by the Pho Vietnam in Olive Branch, not expecting much(being Olive Branch). HOT DAMN, was I pleasantly surprised! I enjoyed the seafood pho with pig hearts and quail eggs. It's not for everyone, as pho tends to be full of flavor, which most people are opposed to.

In any case, if the soup did not sit well, at least you could deposit into this lovely black hole of a toilet. Come to think of it, I inhaled my lunch like a black hole.

THE HAPPY MEXICAN

2009-05-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

What a great little place. I tend to go so authentic on Latin cuisine, it's nice to sometimes just chill out, have ritas and vezas, and just enjoy it. The Happy Mexican's location is good, just down the street, and prices rock. The only drawback is that some of the guests are what I like to call "typical". They're young, they want to be noticed, and they just look typical.

Here's the shots. Huge place with two toilets - one on either end(one was in use at the time, sorry dude.) - and nice elbow room.

NIGHT OUT PICS - GUESS WHERE

2009-05-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

You all know the drill, you've been out, and had too many drinks. That's what happened. I have no idea where these were taken. If anyone knows, comment it below. It seems industrial, but it may not be. It might be the BP on Riverside Drive. Maybe I'll check one day. I do remember trying to get into the cabinet. No goodies.

GUESS WHERE

2009-05-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is one, too. No idea where. I know its downtown. I'm sure it serves drinks.

SAFARI MEMPHIS

2009-05-06T13:27:00.001-07:00

This is the kind of place that I would recommend to anyone visiting downtown. we sat down, ordered some drinks and took in the decor. I commented on the artwork all around us - its for sale. The owner came by and talked for a bit. She is cool as hell, and a beautiful woman to boot. Full of life! Anyhow, the food is great, and I'll definitely be back. To show how much I enjoyed the place, here's a lot of pics.

LONG AWAITED RETURN OF THE FLUSH- MIM

2009-05-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

So, we find ourselves in May and I have been lax - nay, nonexistent in the ol blogging for a bit. It's not cause I don't want to, its because I was getting readjusted, yadda, blah, and bullshit.

I just get distracted. That's one of the reason why we are no longer Toilet of the Day, and It's Memphis Toilet Tourism. I don't do this often enough. Between FB, Twitter, work, and all that jazz, I find less time for such things. See other blog for proof.

The first is Memphis in May, cause after many beers, you can go pretty much anywhere. This was taken from the Memphis Flyer VIP tent. If you look closely I think you can see two teens sneaking smokes, and some guy with his shirt off - he's from Marion, obviously.

PIZZA INN - WEST MEMPHIS

2009-04-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

HOLY MOO! I almost had my arm torn off going for a slice of dessert pizza. the look in her eye said, "Don't touch mah pizzuh!" I didn't. I went into this stall, curled into a ball, and cried. Good pizza, though. And cheap ranch. The power combo.

SECOND STREET SHOPPERS

2009-04-16T07:48:00.001-07:00

Convenience, it's all about convenience. And Elvis.

SAUCES RESTAURANT

2009-04-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Went to Sauces for brunch. Quite good stuff. I really enjoyed everything, especially the "Green Room Mimosas". Brunch has gotten huge downtown. My question is: if it starts at noon, isn't it lunch? Here's the money shot. Tastefully decorated, just like the rest of the space.

EARNESTINE & HAZEL'S

2009-04-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Went back to E & H. Always a good time. Here are some more interesting pics than the last ones. I may have climbed into the tub.

WAL-MART WEST MEMPHIS

2009-04-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

What can I say? Went to Wal-Mart in West Memphis. There are some horribly ugly people in there. Got in, got out, won't be back. Not an enjoyable shopping experience. They didn't even have Nutrish for the puppies.

WAL-MART WINCHESTER/385

2009-03-31T11:27:00.001-07:00

Looks nice, but it's all cheap and made in China. No one was paid a decent wage to put this in place, either.

MOVING TO SOUTH MAIN

2009-03-27T10:57:00.001-07:00

I will be back in action after I get the move completed this weekend. Sorry for the lack of updates.

EARNESTINE & HAZEL'S

2009-03-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

I have always loved Earnestine & Hazel's! Cracked, chipped, and old paint, scary ghosts in the corners, and a black restroom to boot. Check out the upstairs bar, and have a Soul Burger(or two).

SEKISUI - DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS

2009-03-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

Ugh. If any sushi restaurant could be more bland, I will never step foot in it. I understand that this is in a hotel, but give me a break. On the day I went, the sushi "chef" was leaning on the counter, his wife was hanging out at the bar, and their kid was playing video games on a laptop two seats down. All the noise with bland, uninspired sushi. I will never go back. Been avoiding Sekisui for a while, this just sealed the deal.

This is the restroom of the hotel. Nice, bland, and corporate as well.

HUEY'S MIDTOWN

2009-03-17T14:33:00.001-07:00

Oh, Huey's, how I enjoy your trying to hold onto what made you great in the first place. That locals' bar feel goes quite nicely with the continual mainstreaming. I do love how you support local events and charities. The writing on the wall does not carry into the restroom, and no toothpicks, either.

I will take a Senor Huey, please.

KOOKY CANUCK

2009-03-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

Went to the Kooky Canuck on Sunday for the 34 oz green beers. I had three at the table. Not a bad start to the festivities. Here's the show. Exactly as one expects, a nice decor that carries the theme of the restaurant into there. Always good times.

SUPER SUB SHOP - HIGHLAND & SOUTHERN

2009-03-02T14:07:00.001-08:00

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, Super Sub Shop. Anything that has "sauce" on it is the bomb. I could eat these every day! The restroom/toilet is just like the place - hasn't changed for years. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." The only thing is, the difference between "hard" and "soft" bread is negligible. I just like saying "hard".

"THE BIG ONE" - FAIRGROUNDS

2009-02-27T17:03:00.000-08:00

Went to "The Big One" at the fairgrounds. Not sure what made it big, or how it compares the the little one, but I did find some nice bee pollen, pickled beets, and jalapeno pickled eggs. Yum.

Toilet was as expected, very nondescript, but surprisingly clean.

COMEDY, TN

2009-02-26T20:40:00.000-08:00

The funniest thing about Comedy, TN is the fact that I can't seem to get past that it's in the building that used to be The Eagle's Nest. Many, many crazy times there. I once saw a friend of mine get a drink poured on him by a bitchy girl, then he proceeded to pour one back on her. Damn that seems like a long time ago. It was probably the last time someone renovated this restroom. Notice the "comedic" remarks on the wall.

LAVORO'S ITALIAN

2009-02-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

So I went Lavoro's, a little Italian place near Bartlett. The building used to be home to a KFC that would run out of chicken. How that happens, I do not know.

Anyhow, the visit was excellent. Great upgrade from KFC, have you ever been in one with restrooms like this? Clean, nicely dressed, and all of the comforts of and Italian restaurant that happened to be a KFC.

KROGER - KIRBY & QUINCE

2009-02-24T11:32:00.000-08:00

Here's the Kroger at Kirby & Quince (Kirby Gate. Not much unexpectedness here. A bit messy, and generic artwork on the wall. If you look closely, someone wrote "Support Local Art" on the pic. Notice it is misspelled. That's my kind of graffiti.

SQUARE BOOKS - OXFORD

2009-02-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

Square Books has to be one of the best things about Oxford. It feel like the way the town should be, save all of the ass-munch kids running around in Patagonias, flip-flops, and croakies. I hate croakies, it makes me want to give someone the chokie.

Anyhow, here's the big finish...love the poster in the restroom.

LOBSTER KING

2009-02-20T11:35:00.001-08:00

Count me in as a Lobster King fan...been going there since they opened. I just wish they would stop giving me the don't-know-any-better-white-ass-guy menu. Guess I can't blame them. Usually go for dim sum. One suggestion: don't order any of the stuff they suggest to go along with it. That where they make the bucks. Nine dollar broccoli, my foot.

Here is is - nice, clean, simple presentation, with a little kitsch.

OTHERLANDS - MEMPHIS

2009-02-19T09:17:00.000-08:00

If there ever was a great place to soak up some caffeine, info, and great bagels, this is it. Nice diverse, "eclectic", and beautiful crowd. The oasis of midtown, here is Otherlands.

RED ROBIN - COLLIERVILLE

2009-02-18T13:14:00.000-08:00

I love all that is Red Robin. I used to go on out of town trips and go out of my way to visit Red Robin. Before there were any here, of course. Went there on Saturday, with a "free appetizer" coupon. The server lied and said that another table had gotten our rings, which the manager came by and said was a lie. We got our coupon back, but he was such a dumbass that we had to laugh. No hard feelings. Anyways, the entire experience was summed up by the toilet. Really flashy, had the essentials, but something was fucked up. And funny. See proof:

AJAX DINER - OXFORD, MS

2009-02-17T13:26:00.000-08:00

I fucking hate Oxford. Well, I don't like most of the people in Oxford.
Anyhow, went for a Saturday to visit, and while there, went to Ajax Diner. Here's the toilet. I'm surprised it doesn't have sunglasses with straps on them, or an "oxford" shirt. Guess they couldn't find any Patagonia paper towels. I will give them props on the burger, beer, and bloody mary.

TEXACO - SUMMER & HIGHLAND

2009-02-16T12:00:00.003-08:00

This visit was a pleasant surprise. The gas station had all the makings of a train wreck - closed up pizza shop, bulletproof glass, and they sell 32 oz beers(IN A CAN)! Please note: I will be buying some of these soon.

Anyway - to the surprise! The restrooms were nice. Of course, someone didn't flush. Perhaps Wednesday would be a nice day for a powerball ticket and a powerBEER can.

P.S. Screw the guy at Kirby Wines & Liquors. Apparently he does not know that according to TN State Law, a business located in a building has to provide a restroom for customers. I won't be back, and will discourage others every chance I get. Oh well, he was an ugly fucker anyway.

UNITED WAY

2009-02-13T14:47:00.001-08:00

Here's one from the United Way. They are an integral part of charitable organizations and help out in so many ways. Therefore, they are allowed an uniteresting restroom. At least it's clean.

FIREHOUSE SUBS - EASTGATE

2009-02-12T14:32:00.000-08:00

I don't go to Firehouse Subs very much. I don't understand why a restaurant that was "Founded by Firemen" is supposed to mean good food. It's only decent. But, it happens to be close to my house. Looks like there were a couple of paper towels on the floor. Is that a fire hazard? I have no idea, but the sauce I got definitely put the fire in my mouth. Good thing there was a nice PBR around to wash it away.

HOLIDAY INN - UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

2009-02-11T10:06:00.000-08:00

Went to the Opera Memphis Wild Game dinner, and visited the restroom. Pretty nice, and clean. As one would expect at the Holiday Inn - Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality. Dinner was great, and as was the wonderful wine. Whee!

H & M MARKET - ROSSVILLE

2009-02-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

Ouch! Visited the H & M Market in Rossville on the way out to William B. Clark Conservation area. Someone may need to come in and see if there are any wildlife forms in this restroom. I thought I saw a beaver in here.

PINK PALACE MEUSEUM

2009-02-09T19:36:00.000-08:00

Went to see a reading by Eric Schlosser at the Pink Palace. He has some great views on things, but I have a couple of problems with him. First, he cut in line. Second, he stands with his feet together. Oh, there was nothing fast about the food, the line was loooong. Good things we got there early. Here's the Pink Palace throne. It's not pink. Damn.

BROOKS MUSEUM

2009-02-06T18:29:00.000-08:00

So, went to the Brooks for the AbunDANCE preview. They subscibe to the modern minimalist theory of restrooms. At least they were clean. Great place to recycle wine.

EASY WAY - MT MORIAH

2009-02-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

Holy compost. This is from Easy Way Produce. The nicest thing about this restroom is the new hose. Are those mushrooms growing in the corner?

RITE AID - QUINCE/PERKINS

2009-02-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Rite-Aid. Quick! Get to the pharmacy, we have to get you some antibiotics, and perhaps some vitamin C. This is one you can get Hep C just by looking at it. No needle necessary. Unless you want the dengue fever vaccination.

POPEYE'S CHICKEN PERKINS & 240

2009-02-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

Oh boy, this Popeye's was damn busy when we visited. Love the spicy chicken & biscuits. From the looks of things, someone has been too busy to clean things up. Good thing I "know" the chicken is clean...um, maybe not. I feel a little funny.

CHARLIE'S MEAT MARKET

2009-02-03T11:24:00.000-08:00

Holy balls, Charlie's is great. The only place to get cheaper meat is the coed restrooms of Flashback's at 5 A.M. Hmmmm...there's an idea. I like this one, just the toilet, some inspirational reading, and a mirror. The sink is outside. With a floor control. I splashed myself, as I knew I would.

MEMPHIS MAIN LIBRARY

2009-02-02T07:07:00.000-08:00

Just like the main library itself, made to look kinda fancy, but has A LOT of empty space. Less could have been spent on the prettiness, and more could have been spent on BOOKS.

RAFFE'S DELI

2009-01-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

I like Raffe's Deli, the selection of beers can't be beat. I like the falafel pita. The restroom is small, cozy, with a chair in there. Hmmm? I like the mirror. Unexpected.

CALHOUN'S

2009-01-29T12:18:00.000-08:00

I love Calhoun's, and since they now have NTN trivia, it's even better! It's a true "local" bar. After last night, I realized I have put off getting glasses long enough. I wore them for a bit in 2004, but lost them. Might as well replace them now. Love those 1.50 PBR's!!! Megan ran into the women's for a quick pic.

TEXACO GETWELL&AMERICAN WAY

2009-01-27T06:08:00.000-08:00

This one is great! In da hood. The men's restroom was "Out of Order", so I had to go into the women's. Check out the gang graffiti on the lid. You gotta be awfully hard to tag the women's restroom.

SOUTH PHILLY

2009-01-26T18:14:00.000-08:00

Went to South Philly for the buffalo chicken philly. Damn, those are good!. This is just like South Philly, no frills, just the toilet in all its glory.

WALNUT GROVE RD ANIMAL HOSPITAL

2009-01-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

Took the pup for his "maintenance", and took a side trip to visit the restroom of Walnut Grove Rd Animal Hospital. A cross between a country home, and a free clinic. Cozy, comfy, and disinfected. They treat the puppy and kitty well. Neither like to be there.

ANOTHER GROCERY STORE???

2009-01-21T18:08:00.000-08:00

I have been on a grocery store kick. Here's Schnuck's in...you guessed it! EAST MEMPHIS! Kinda bland, nothing exciting, and nothing I can't get for less at Kroger. Still, neither compare to Whole Foods. Heading downtown this weekend. I will have some great ones.

KOSHER KROGER MENDENHALL

2009-01-21T18:01:00.000-08:00

The beautiful "Kosher" Kroger! Unlike its near neighbor, Whole Foods, Kroger has hometown spirit! Come on in, grab your coleslaw at the Kosher deli, and roll.

TACO BELL ESTATE

2009-01-21T17:57:00.000-08:00

We have a beaut here! At Taco Bell, they already have the toilet paper waiting. I feel sorry for the poor chap that needs it.

ARRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!

2009-01-21T08:36:00.001-08:00

I have many pics to post, I am going to make a special trip tonight so I can get this update in.

WHOLE FOODS

2009-01-18T17:34:00.000-08:00

For today, the selection is Whole Foods. Just like the supermarket, this restroom is tasteful, organic, and utterly devoid of any local flavor. In fact, if there were any locally-owned organic toilets nearby, Whole Foods would immediately try to drive them out of business. Be thankful for what you have, I suppose.

SMART MART WHITE STATION & PARK

2009-01-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

Is this a restroom from the future or is it just completely utilitarian and convenient? Either way, this restroom is just like Smart Mart - efficient, and without any unnecessary frills.

YOUNG AVENUE DELI

2009-01-16T18:50:00.000-08:00

Ah, the Young Avenue Deli, in all its glory. The women's restroom is all nice and granite-like. Here is what the men have. A trough. I like its grittiness. Unfortunately, preppy women do not. Stop on by, guests are always welcome, and the door is usually open.

MAPCO EXPRESS PARK & MENDENHALL

2009-01-15T14:20:00.000-08:00

This one is a beautiful example of Mapco restrooms. You can find toilet paper, roaches, and chlamydia in just one place. Get your powerball tickets and wrapping papers on the way out.

Walgreen's Quince/White Station

2009-01-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

Relish in the roominess that is the Walgreen's restroom. There is enough space in here to open another pharmacy. They like to put the business on the corner.

NAGASAKI MEMPHIS

2009-01-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

Here is is, in all its glory...the toilet from Nagasaki, in Memphis. Just like the restaurant, reservations are recommended for this little throne.

Orleans on Front/Voodoo Room

2009-01-12T08:14:00.001-08:00

Enjoy the view from Orleans on Front/Voodoo Room's toilet. A new friend is just a handshake away.

My favorite bar, by the way.

Trial Post

2009-01-07T09:22:00.000-08:00

Here is a trial post. Enjoy the toilet from Tap Room on Beale. A diverse crowd can always be found.

I can't wait until February!

2009-01-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

First post will be Monday, looks like I am going to have to hit the town until then.

First Post

2009-01-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

The first post is scheduled for around Feb 1st. I need to generate a bit of a backlog to keep things going smoothly.

CALHOUN'S

2009-01-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

I love Calhoun's. Now that there is NTN trivia, you can bet I will be there more often. I need glasses really badly, couldn't see the screen really well last night. Or was it the 1.50 pints? Calhoun's is GREAT, and it's a "local" bar. Restrooms are nice. Even had the wife run an expedition into the women's.