Fielder's Choice

Trips to Memphis are pretty rare for me. I’ve never been much of a big-city guy.

But a couple of weeks ago I went twice in just a few days, each extremely enjoyable.

First up, I attended my second Memphis Grizzlies NBA game of the season.

Basketball fan or not, you’d love watching this group of Grizzlies. They’re young, and they have a ton of fun playing the game. They remind me a lot of a bunch of high school kids celebrating and cutting up together and such. They’re a close-knit group.

And I guess most important, they’re good at basketball ­ really good.

The playoffs are near, and they’re going to be the number two seed from the West, behind the Phoenix Suns.

Some experts believe they have a legitimate shot at winning the NBA championship. That would be remarkable.

On Thursday, March 24, my son Andy and I, along with Erin’s boyfriend Tommy and his sister Hannah saw Memphis play the Indiana Pacers. It was no contest.

Granted, the Pacers are probably one of the worst teams in the NBA, but the Grizzlies scored 49 points in the first quarter alone. The final score was 133-103.

The Grizzlies have a lot of depth. Their star player, Ja Morant, has been out for a few weeks with an injury. His teammates just keep on winning and winning in his absence.

The whole experience of going to Memphis for a Grizzlies game is great ­ from the smiles and kindness of the FedEx Forum staff to the gift shop and concession stand.

Next up, I’m looking forward to going to some minor league baseball games as the Memphis Redbirds start their season this week.

Also recently, Pam, Emma, Erin, Tommy and I enjoyed a brunch in downtown Memphis at The Paramount with some good friends.

One of those good friends, Rubye Del Harden, made the reservation, saying she basically knew nothing about the place but it was one of the only ones with our time slot available.

We weren’t disappointed with her selection.

Sure, just like every other restaurant this day and time, they were understaffed. But the very, very busy waitress was as kind and considerate as she could be under tough circumstances.

I’m a basic country breakfast kind of guy — eggs, sausage, bacon grits, toast or biscuits. And I prefer my eggs over easy.

I took a chance on the creole seafood omelet — stuffed with creamy greens, sautéed crawfish and shrimp in a tomato gravy, four cheese béchamel — since I’m a big seafood lover, too.

We spent about two hours at The Paramount — the food was excellent but the conversation and laughs were much, much better. It seems we’re guilty these days of rushing through meals — eating fast and moving on to the TV or the next thing on our hectic agenda.

Take some time to enjoy a family meal together. Or enjoy a meal with a big group of friends.

Slow down. Talk. Visit. Smile.

It’s great seeing all the busy restaurants in Marshall County. Pam and I go out to eat a lot.

Most of all, it’s great seeing people spending time together.