Restaurant Updates: Arrivederci Club G, South Of Beale

The Grisanti family announced today that Ronnie Grisanti's on Poplar will close its doors on Saturday. Many Memphians are upset by this, but there shouldn't be a reason to be concerned. The quality of the establishment has always been overrated, but only due to the fact that Memphis lacks good Italian food in general. At its best (since 2001) the food has been average at best. A special thanks goes out to the staff that has always done a fantastic job. Thursday nights at Club G will always be missed, but there is hope that new and better cuisine will make its presence in the Memphis market in the near future.

Managed to stop by South Of Beale tonight. Only open less than a month, this new bistro on South Main will be a wonderful spot once the kinks are knocked out. The menu looks great and is reasonably priced. Combined with a great bar staff, there is potential for this new eatery to do well. Only negative is that the owners need to be more outgoing and friendly. A customer ass kissing is not required, but common courtesy and a "hello" will pay off major dividends, especially when things are slow. Work out this customer service flaw and things will be good.