March 2019

Fresh Elegance Coastal Glamour in the heart of Germantown

MAKE A SPLASH!

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CONTENTS MARCH 2019

24|HOME FEATURE: Memphis Architect Carson Looney and Interior Designer Steve Nabers bring Coastal inspiration to the heart of Germantown.

36|DESIGN: Magnolia Homes delivers an outdoor space worthy of Silver Award

Honors in the Outdoor Living Space Category of the National Association of Home Builders.

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CONTENTS MARCH 2019

20 98

16 24 36 40

52 98

40

For You healthy you The Cold Shoulder on a good note Inspire Community Cafe

Home & Design at home with Eunice Boddie home feature A Coastal Inspiration design Silver Standard in the garden Journal of a Backyard Flower Gardener

Travel & Culture 44 52 64 70 76

80 88 92 94

getaway Mississippi Gulf Coast travel Morocco experience this Wisdom & Waffles social Mid South Happenings wedding Cocke/Lowrance

Food & Drink entertaining An Elegant Affair dining out The Commissary happy hour Blood and Sand in the kitchen Sinful Dijon Deviled Eggs

In Every Issue 14 97

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84.

Publisher's Note Sources

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MARCH 2019 • VOL. 17 NO. 12 PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MARGARET MONGER | mmonger@athomemms.com

ART DIRECTOR ANNA HALEY | aleppert@athomemms.com

MANAGING EDITOR AUBREY ANN MONGER | aamonger@athomemms.com

COPY EDITOR TERRI GLAZER

INTERN HILLARY CLAIRE HANCOCK JAMIE PAYNE

IMAGING COLOR MANAGEMENT CHARLES REYNOLDS | cr@colorretouching.com

ADVERTISING SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE HILARY FRANKEL | hafrankel@comcast.net

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES MEGAN EIDT | meidt@gmail.com BRITTANY SANDERS | brmcdonald45@gmail.com GAIL HARRELL | gharrell@athomemms.com

BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS TRIP MONGER | tmonger@athomemms.com

MARKETING AND CIRCULATION HARRIET W. DEATON | hdeaton@athomemms.com

HOW TO REACH US 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11 | Cordova, TN 38018 901.684.4155

WEBSITE: athomemms.com

At Home Memphis & Mid South doesn't accept unsolicited manuscripts. To inquire about freelance opportunities, send a letter, resume and three writing samples to—Editor, At Home Memphis & Mid South: 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 901.684.4155 or subscribe at athomemms. com. Annual subscription rate: $19.95. Single copy price: $4.99. At Home Memphis & Mid South is published 12 times a year. Postmaster: Send address changes to At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018. We make every effort to correct factual mistakes or omissions in a timely and candid manner. Information can be forwarded to Trip Monger; At Home Memphis & Mid South, 320 South Walnut Bend, Suite 11, Cordova, TN 38018 or to tmonger@athomemms.com.

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publisher’s note I have never been more ready to “spring forward” and lose 60 minutes of slumber in my life! Welcome, spring, March and more daylight, finally!!! I have a countdown running on my desk and I am looking forward to all things spring, including this issue of AHMMS. Much like the warmer temperatures and sunshine, this issue just makes me happy. Our home feature is not only a beautifully designed sanctuary, but its inspiration comes from the coastal architecture of Rosemary Beach; the virtual vacation this article took me on was much needed and appreciated. We also are excited to share with you an interview with Eunice Boddie whose inspiration and love for all things will warm your heart even on the coldest day.

She is truly a ray of sunshine and one of the most beautiful souls I have ever known. Our getaway to the Mississippi Gulf Coast will jumpstart your vacation plans, and don’t miss this month’s dining out feature—Walker Taylor shares his love for Memphis barbeque and his new Commissary location in Collierville. (Ms. Rosie’s barbeque nachos might rule, but a Commissary cheeseburger is forever on my “last meal” list.)

Thank you, spring and all things that make us smile. Whether it is a trip to the beach, planning your spring garden or a good ole bite of Commissary love that makes you happy, we have it all for you in this March issue!

— Margaret

Publisher

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at home with

At Home With

Eunice Boddie Hair Stylist

Eunice Boddie got her start in 1955 at Gould’s as the salon’s first African American hair stylist.

Fast forward to today, and she is still making an impact on all of her clients, or as she prefers to call them, friends.

Text and photos courtesy of Aubrey Ann Monger

Q&A

At Home Memphis & Mid South: Tell us a little about how you got started and your journey as a hairstylist and model.

Eunice Boddie: I always tell people I put God first and God opened the door. Sam Gould saw me right when I walked in in 1955 and I’ve been here ever since. Even my darkest days are light because (my job is) what I dreamed of doing. Back then, growing up looking at hair, it was always silky and pretty compared to my hair. I always looked at the Sears catalog and that’s where I got the idea that when I got old enough to go to beauty school I would. I had to start out as a maid, but Mr. Gould saw my potential and when I said I wanted to become a hairdresser, he told me if I could get in he would pay for it—back then it was only $75. So I got that money and went to school. Years ago we used the word “hairdresser;” now we say “stylist.” I was so excited.

When I first got started, Mr. Gould used to say, “Now, I’m gonna get complaints on you every day, but I won’t confront you.”

Through those first years people tried to get me fired, but he wouldn’t listen. Halfway through school I was able to shampoo in the salon, but if the inspector came in I had to grab a broom and pretend that I was cleaning. To me that made me drive to do bigger and better things. I then went back to school to be a hair colorist, so it just kept rolling from there. (I’ve) been here 63 years—never worked anywhere else.

In 1962 I wanted to become a model, and I didn’t let anything stop me. They told me to lose 50 pounds, so I lost 55. I became the first black model in Memphis. I didn’t want to look or talk like anyone else, I just wanted to be myself. I didn’t think anything of it because that was the way of life. All you have to do is wait. Wait and God will fix it. If you look back you’ll never get ahead. Stay focused. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not promised. You do you.

AHMMS: Tell us a little about your personal life.

EB: Well, my whole life is just beautiful. I have a wonderful son and granddaughter at home. I’ve always been and always will be a workaholic because I love being around people. Even my bad days are good days, ’cause the good always outweighs the bad. Because I was accomplishing something, I always said to people, “You can carry me around but you can’t tear me down.” I did everything I started out to do with God in front of me.

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at home with AHMMS: What inspires you?

EB: I’m a people person and in my mind I’m a creative person. Once you learn bone structures and heads of hair it’s something that keeps moving. No two hairs are alike and no two facial structures are alike. Just knowing that I can make a person look good and feel better about themselves is nice. We are all beautiful ’cause we are made in the image of God. Hair is my passion. I’ve done hair classes and shows in many places: the Bahamas, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York. I got it made! I have had some of the best friends here that you can ever imagine. They aren’t clients to me; after two or three years they are friends. I have guys coming to me that I have been doing for 35 years. Four generations of some families—too many to keep track of.

AHMMS: What do you like to do when you’re not working?

EB: Watch TV and eat. I love working in my yard. I have a beautiful yard—10 rose bushes and I talk to them like they’re my children. I also love cooking. I have friends that I cook with a lot.

AHMMS: What advice would you give to someone who wants to do something they don’t think they can accomplish?

EB: I tell people what my dad has always told us: “Don’t use the word ‘can’t.’”

Always believe in yourself, because if you believe and achieve, you’re somebody.

Don’t let your mind tell you what you can’t do. I’m a believer in believing in yourself.

AHMMS: What are some of your favorite places in the Mid South?

EB: I love to sit in the park on Front Street and go to church downtown. I love just about everything about Memphis, especially in the summertime.

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at home with spotlight

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heathy you

Cold Shoulder

Text by Michelle Johns

I have always said I was blessed by God to have been born in a Southern climate, where winters are generally on the short side.

I have never been a fan of the cold season—I like to be warm. I practice hot yoga, I spend time in the sauna and I prefer to be outdoors in the spring, summer and fall. In the winter, I have traditionally stayed inside with the heat on for exercise, work and leisure. That all changed for me this winter!

A dear friend of mine had been telling me for some time about his homemade ice baths. I knew athletes took ice plunges to help their muscles recover after a day of intense workouts, but I knew nothing of the science behind this madness of ice baths, something I would surely never experience. I drink hot tea and eat hot soup year-round, for goodness sake! Hot and cold immersion experiences, however, hit the Memphis market and I started asking more questions about these ice bath plunges and hot houses. Cryotherapy, cold air immersion, is a market unto itself, which I also chose to ignore. My curiosity was piqued in December during a yoga teacher training weekend, when a friend introduced me to breathing techniques and cold plunges made famous by Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete. I went home and binged on documentaries about cold plunging. I also recalled reading in The Four-Hour Body by Tim Ferris years ago that the author touted placing an ice pad on the nape of the neck to encourage brown adipose tissue (fat burning cells).

I went to my university library and began the journey of research of peer-reviewed journal articles on how cold-water immersion affects the body physiologically. I found that research has revealed the impact of cold-water immersion as a way to relieve stress and tension, treat metabolic syndrome and decrease weight. It also has anti-inflammatory and post-workout muscle recovery benefits.

I searched for the answers to the dozens of questions I had about this therapy. How much time is enough and how much is too much in an ice bath or freezing cold water? Exactly what are the benefits? What happens to the body during ice immersion? The answers are complex. Every person’s biological makeup is unique. I discovered there is some evidence to show cold immersion is effective for muscle recovery but not significantly effective for athletic performance, meaning you may feel good enough to perform your physical activity, but you may not realize improved endurance or performance level. For me, feeling good enough to participate in physical activity is of the utmost importance; I am not trying to win medals, but I do want to be healthy enough to work out.

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healthy you Although evidence exists to support cold-water immersion as a means of reducing inflammation that leads to chronic illness, the research is ongoing and it is not recognized as an effective treatment by health professionals currently. Cold-water immersion research also indicates that it causes an increase in dopamine and endorphins, therefore elevating the person’s mood. I am no expert in this arena, though I will continue to explore, and I hope to write another article later in the year on the subject. The research seems to indicate that the benefits are largely for active people who engage in the technique to enhance well-being. If you have been curious about cryotherapy or ice baths as a treatment, consult your physician and do a bit of your own research. A good way to start is by googling Wim Hof and reading his e-book.

Research on cold-water immersion is broad in a sense and limited in sense. Studies are ongoing and while the implications for health or harm are debatable, I am enjoying the benefits and will likely continue to incorporate the practice for workout recovery, parasympathetic control and my general health.

Michelle Johns is a corporate onsite health promotion specialist, integrative health and wellness educator, yoga teacher, food literacy educator and a green smoothie connoisseur. She graduated from the University of Memphis with a B.S. in psychology, is a certified health coach from the Institute of Integrated Nutrition and an RYT 200 yoga teacher. Her approach to well being and living your best life every day focuses on the foundations of self-awareness, self-care and self-discovery through whole mind, body and spirit nutrition. Johns educates clients through a journey focused on the way the whole self is nourished through food, career, relationships, exercise and spirituality.

Her ultimate goal is to help clients discover not only how to live longer, but to live better by honoring the unique individual with compassion and self-love as they were created.

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A

Coastal

Inspiration

Memphis Architect, Carson Looney and Interior Designer, Steve Nabers deliver a Coastal Inspiration in the Heart of Germantown Text by Jordana White | Photography by Steve Roberts 24 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2019

home feature

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home feature

The homeowners, a Germantown couple, had specific visions for their new home. Inspired by the architecture and color palette of the Florida gulf coast community of Rosemary Beach, they sought the help of local architect Carson Looney, who had designed many homes in that region.

To begin with, the home’s exterior is unlike any other in the area. As Looney explains, “The layout doesn’t follow the typical suburban model of a front and rear yard. This home has an inviting and welcoming street presence, but is laid out to create an auto court entrance on the southern side of the home and an expanding entertaining courtyard on the northern side of the home. This entertaining courtyard opens to the common green space and lake feature that is unique to the gated community in which it is situated.” The 6,650-square-foot home’s exterior set the tone for how the rest of the house would evolve.

The homeowners turned to Steve Nabers, with whom they had worked for many years, for the home’s interior design. Nabers (with assistance from his daughter and fellow designer, Jesse Nabers Alston) sought to balance a mood of “fresh elegance with a casual, no-fuss lifestyle” for the interiors of the home. Home builder Ken Garland rounded out the team who worked to make the owners’ vision a reality.

Clean lines, white brick and the home’s numerous windows became the major exterior focal points. “The windows are such striking features themselves,” Nabers explains. “On the interior, we wanted them, rather than their coverings, to be emphasized.”

Where privacy was a necessity, the father-daughter design team opted for a solid, natural linen fabric for shades or panels. Thanks to the abundance of windows, the home’s interior is filled with natural light. Moving through the house, the scale and proportion of the spaces “feel good,” as many visitors have stated.

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home feature

Family Room

Pantry 28 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2019

home feature

While the windows add to the drama of the family’s gathering space, they serve a different function in the kitchen. In that area, which is highlighted by a large island and artfully distressed cabinetry, the subtle windows provide the perfect light for showcasing the homeowners’ extensive collection of McCarty pottery, carefully displayed throughout the room.

In the dining room, as well, furnishings and features take pride of place. Nabers anchored the space with a large round dining table in a handsome pecan finish. And, having been tasked with incorporating his clients’ existing furniture with some new purchases, he repurposed a pair of American period consoles which the homeowners had used in a previous residence, by placing them together to form a serving area along one wall. Rounding out the room, Nabers selected framed wall art and iron urns filled with boxwoods. The result? “Simple elegance,” as the designer explains.

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That same beautiful simplicity can be viewed in the laundry room, an area that is nothing more than utilitarian in many homes. For these clients, however, the design scheme was elevated with special details: custom cabinetry and countertops, plus porcelain tile for the floor and the backsplash, all of which combine to create “one of the home’s pleasant surprises,” according to Nabers.

In the master bath, the Nabers team chose textural porcelain tiles and trim to add visual interest. Rich colors in a Serapi rug and contemporary watercolors balance with neutral-colored furnishings and bedding to create a calming retreat for the homeowners in the master bedroom.

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home feature

Master Bedroom

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home feature

Upstairs an inviting sitting porch awaits. “It’s the perfect spot for afternoon naps or for curling up in the large iron swing to listen to the sound of the fountains from the pool area below (with its waterfall and fire features). From that vantage point, one can enjoy the soft lights around the lake or count the stars at night,” says Nabers.

Upstairs Sitting Porch

After a two-and-a-half-year process from conception to completion.....

"It just simply works" - Looney and Nabers agree.

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home feature

The main screened porch and outdoor kitchen off the family room also provides views of the multi-level terrace, complete with dining and conversation areas. The large porch is equipped with a fireplace for chilly nights and a large ceiling fan for warmer ones.

Every cozy nook includes vistas of the neighborhood’s glistening lake with its lighted center fountain. The home, indoors and out, is a full-fledged entertaining oasis for family and friends of all ages.

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home feature

home feature

Home Feature Sources Architect – Carson Looney, Looney Ricks Kiss, lrk.com, 901.521.1440 Builder – Ken Garland, Ken Garland Custom Homes, kengarland.com, 901.751.1632 Interior Designers – Steve Nabers, Jesse Nabers Alston, Nabers Interiors, nabersinteriors.com, 901.323.2892 Pool/Hardscape – Rocky Wisley, Serenity Hardscapes, serenityhardscapes.com, 901.262.3090 Landscape Architect – Marley Fields, Fields Landscape Architecture, fieldslandarch.com, 901.486.8884 Landscaping – Paul Bruns, Good Winds Landscape, goodwindsinc.com, 901.758.1895 Painting – Tom Marable, River City Painting, 901.461.8205 Cabinetry – Joe Byler, Byler Craft, bylercraft.com, 731.254.9460 Timber Beams – Wade Burrus, Burrus Company, burruscompany.com, 901.569.1228 Masonry – Mike McCarter, McCarter Masonry, 662.404.0036 Stone – Michael Christie, Christie Cut Stone Company, christiecutstone.com, 901.382.6242 Tile – Ricky Cox, Memphis Tile and Marble, memphistileandmarble.com, 901.794.4636 Granite/Quartz Countertops – Patrick Houston, Pro-Stone Kitchen & Bath, 662.895.4795 Lighting – Graham's Lighting Fixture's, Inc., grahamslightng.com, 901.274.6780 34 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2019

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home feature design

Silver Standard Text by Terri Glazer | Photos courtesy of Magnolia Homes

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home feature design

As spring approaches and the days become longer and warmer, Mid Southerners start to look for ways to spend more time outside.

One Collierville family has every reason to venture out their back door, but the homeowners aren’t the only ones who think so—their outdoor living space recently received a prestigious national award.

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design

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home feature The residence, built by Magnolia Homes and owned by Reggie Garner, Magnolia’s vice president, received Silver Award honors in the Best Outdoor Living Space category of The Nationals™, the National Association of Home Builders’ largest and most prestigious awards competition. Jeff Bramlett of Jeff Bramlett Custom Residential Design in Collierville designed the project.

Magnolia Homes’ award-winning outdoor living space incorporates a total of approximately 4,000 square feet, including an inviting 700-square-foot screened porch that features vaulted ceilings with planking, infrared heaters, a 22-foottall brick fireplace, the latest in sound technology, and concrete pavers on the floors. Beyond the four-season retreat is a stunning swimming pool with a generous ledge and an adjacent hot tub incorporating a luxurious waterfall. A well-equipped outdoor kitchen is graciously tucked away, yet has convenient access. The kitchen features a grill, beverage fridges and professional vent hood. Mature trees and lush landscaping give the space a cozy feel, despite its generous scale.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized for the design,” says Garner, adding that the idea of an exceptional exterior space isn’t unique to the home he shares with his wife Jennifer and their three children. “At Magnolia we focus significant efforts on designing an outdoor environment that all our homeowners can enjoy for entertaining or gathering with their families.”

The Nationals’ Best Outdoor Living Space category was judged based on how the outdoor space enhances the livability of the indoor space and floor plan. Entries were judged on concept, creativity, and impact of design and finishes. A panel of distinguished judges from the industry selected five Silver Award recipients out of nearly 1,300 entries from all across the US.

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in the garden

Journal of a Backyard Flower Gardener Text and photos by Tricia Hunt

Tricia Hunt is a passionate gardener who started a garden business more than 30 years ago from her garage. She currently owns and operates Millstone Market and Nursery, a full-service garden center and gift shop. When she is not working, you will find her spending time with her husband of 34 years, Dave, and her children and grandchildren. Read on as Hunt shares some memorable journal entries from her three decades of experience in the garden.

April 2, 1984 First dry day of spring that we could start removing the looming 30' privet hedge. The first month in our first home, I am eager to cultivate my cutting garden. With all the charm that comes with an old home, it’s the garden where I see the most potential. We were careful not to disturb the fragrant phlox and daffodils putting on their show. The stately Tulip poplar is in all its glory, shading the promising peony starting to bloom. I cut the remainder of the Lenten rose beneath the dogwood for my kitchen arrangement. Timing the angle of the sun for the longest stretch of light for the future cutting garden. The garden has good bones, but it hasn’t been tended to in many years.

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in the garden

To Do: Draw bed lines Order compost Stake peony Plant roses before April 15 Shop for dahlia tubers, hydrangea Research and add camellias Start zinnia and sunflower seeds Start a compost pile

August 28, 1992 Today marks the fourth week without any rain, although the coneflower, salvia, gaillardia and yarrow have fared well. The goldfinch has entertained us while feeding on the coneflower pods, and the hummingbirds have spent evenings with the salvia preparing for their migration. The dahlias have been producing more blooms than expected—I’ve kept them well fertilized and cut back. The humidity and warm nights have perpetuated the black spot on the roses. I have been careful to remove and destroy all infected leaves to prevent the spores from settling into the soil.

Daily misting seems to have discouraged those pesky spider mites.

To Do: Spray fungicide for powdery mildew on zinnias and blackspot on roses Stake dahlias Fertilize roses Cut hydrangea heads to dry Order tulip, daffodil, hyacinth bulbs Add cottonseed meal around camellias Fertilize azaleas Turn compost March 2019 • athomemms.com | 41

in the garden

October 2, 2000

Autumn has rolled in and the flowers have benefited from the shorter days and cooler nights.

The dahlias are still the queen of my cutting garden with the longest vase life. Keeping an eye out for the first frost; it will be a job digging up the tubers after that. The basil is hanging in there despite a bout with Japanese beetles and slugs earlier this summer. Many rootbound perennials need to be divided and shared: columbine, coral bells, lamb’s ear, speedwell, turtlehead and astilbes...I will tackle that this fall. I look forward to planting the poppy seeds that Shirley shared for spring color. Will get the children to help plant spring bulbs and pansies next week.

To Do: Trim euonymus wintercreeper Plant poppy seeds Plant spring bulbs Divide perennials Divide hosta After frost dig up dahlia tubers Shred leaves for compost Turn compost

January 9, 2004 We have heavy snow in the forecast this week and I have added extra compost over my spring bulbs. We pruned the butterfly bush to the ground hoping it will take on a better shape in the spring. The oakleaf hydrangea has been cut back to the flower buds. The azaleas we planted spring of 1984 have been cut back over half their size. Once again, the Yuletide camellias are putting on a show; they are beautiful to cut and put in the powder room. With the warm December, I still spot spray the winter weeds.

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in the garden

To Do: Order seeds Move Japanese maple to the morning sun side of the yard Cut back roses Clean and organize garden tools Turn compost Sit back, relax and plan for spring

Millstone Market & Nursery | 6993 Poplar Avenue, Germantown, TN 38138 | 901.730.1183 Follow our journey on Instagram @millstonenursery

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design getaway

The Mississippi Text by Anna Roy | Photos courtesy of Anna Roy of Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast

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getaway

Gulf Coast Searching for a getaway filled with authenticity and adventure?

The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers a host of unique things to do, see and experience year-round. The 62 miles of scenic coastline are home to a wide variety of attractions, activities, excursions and cuisine. From outdoor pursuits such as kayaking, boating, fishing and hiking to museums, festivals, world-class gaming and championship golf courses, there’s an adventure for everyone.

Restaurants offer culinary delights ranging from down-home Southern cooking to fine coastal cuisine.

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getaway Each of Mississippi’s 13 coastal communities has a unique experience to offer. Stroll through charming, scenic harbor towns and explore the heart of each downtown area, quaint and quiet, shaded with live oaks or bustling with generations-old boutiques waiting to greet you with warm hospitality. Experience world-renowned shows and casino headliner entertainment or enjoy the sounds of area favorites at one of many popular local hangouts. Find adventure on and off the coast, whether it’s on a nature tour through a river, marsh or bayou, a sunset schooner sail or riverboat ride on the Gulf of Mexico, or even a shrimping excursion that dives deep into the area's fascinating maritime heritage. A region of diversity, the Mississippi Gulf Coast has an activity for every personality and budget.

The Coast is a hotbed of creativity and culture. Spend an afternoon at the world-class Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi, designed by internationally renowned architect Frank Gehry, and marvel at the thin-walled, glazed vessels of 19th-century ceramicist George E. Ohr, widely regarded as the father of American AbstractExpressionism. Across the bridge in Ocean Springs, discover the beautifully eccentric world of the illustrious Anderson family at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art and the nearby Shearwater Pottery Workshop and Showroom, founded by Peter Anderson. The brothers’ drawings, paintings, murals and pottery all showcase the inherent beauty of the coast’s color palette, landscape and wildlife. Experience pop-up exhibits and community-centered art festivals like Frida Fest, an homage to Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, at Smith & Lens Gallery in Bay St. Louis. The art scene on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is as diverse as its landscape.

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getaway “Family-friendly” is a popular theme, with plenty of affordable activities for all ages. Cool off at Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport and ride the coast’s only water roller coaster; challenge yourself on the tree-to-tree obstacle course at ZIP’N FUN Adventure Park, complete with tightropes, swinging logs and zip lines. Swim with dolphins and encounter stingrays at the educational and interactive Ocean Adventures Marine Park. For more family fun, visit the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, a nationally rated children’s museum, cheer on the Biloxi Shuckers baseball team at MGM Park, or tour INFINITY Science Center, the official visitor center for NASA Stennis Space Center, where guests can explore the farthest reaches of outer space, uncharted depths of the oceans and more.

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getaway Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum

Biloxi Shrimping Trip When it comes to food, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is the place to be. The culinary scene is brimming with an array of offerings: choose from quaint local eateries serving the freshest Gulf seafood, farmto-table fine dining restaurants or fusion cuisine spots. The gulf is the inspiration behind every menu— shrimp, oysters and an abundance of fresh catches take center stage.

Seafood is served every way imaginable, from buttered, battered and fried to spiced, seasoned and grilled. Diverse Creole, Southern and Asian-fusion influences ensure that each bite leads to another.

Biloxi Lighthouse

Set Sail!

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Photographer: Persuasion Photography

The Roost Hotel Outstanding Southern hospitality is a big part of what makes the Mississippi Gulf Coast special.

Locals go a long way to make sure visitors feel right at home. The region offers an array of lodging options to cater to any type of traveler. Seeking charm? Book a room in a quaint bed and breakfast inn or boutique hotel such as the Grand Magnolia in Pascagoula, the Roost in Ocean Springs or Bay Town Inn in Bay St. Louis. Looking to let the good times roll? Check out the region’s 12 casino resorts.

Want to escape in a natural setting?

Several campgrounds offer a quiet respite. Mississippi Gulf Coast lodgings are ready to accommodate every preference and budget.

Bay St. Louis Angel Tree

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Photographer: Persuasion Photography

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travel

ORIGINALLY

MOROCCO AN EXOTIC DESTINATION

Text by Terry Beaty | Photos courtesy of Regency Travel, Inc.

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travel Morocco

M

orocco’s reputation for hospitality and friendly people has made it a much sought-after tourist destination. From elegant hotels and resorts to intimate riads, (traditional Moroccan houses built around gardens) varied lodging options are plentiful, and the country’s recreational offerings promise a memorable experience.

Strategically located on the northwest tip of the African continent, Morocco is a short ferry ride from southern Spain—only nine miles across the Strait of Gibraltar. Direct flights to either Casablanca or Marrakech (with its new International Airport) from cities like Lisbon, Madrid, Paris or London make it easier to get to from Europe and provide convenient connections for flights departing from the USA. The Kingdom of Morocco includes Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat (the capital), Meknes, Fez and Tangier. The country has an area of approximately 280,000 square miles. Located north and west are 2,100 miles of diverse coastline along the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. To the east and south lie Algeria, Mauritania and the Great Sahara Desert.

The rugged High Atlas Mountains separate the northern coastal areas and the Sahara.

Morocco is a treasure trove for adventurers desiring to experience a truly foreign land with ancient cultures, intimate kasbahs (historic fortresses) and lively souks (bazaars).

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Majorelle Garden

travel

Marrakech

Marrakech Doorways

Marrakech is typically the first stop on a Moroccan itinerary. As an Imperial City, it was once the capital of Southern Morocco. Explore its splendid mosques, palaces and gardens. The sprawling medina and imposing Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, a UNESCO site, are located in the heart of Marrakech. Here shoppers will be thrilled with a leisurely walk through the colorful souks located deep within the outdoor bazaar. The crowds can be a bit intimidating, but the thrill of bargaining for clothes, leather goods, jewelry, carpets, spices and handicrafts is intoxicating. The square is filled with vendors of all types as well as snake charmers, organ grinders, storytellers, musicians, dancers and merchants. Men and women bring their crafts to life using traditional tools and methods. By day or night, this exciting and vibrant spot is the gathering place for visitors and citizens alike.

Marrakech is also a modern city with population growth that has moved outside the walls of the medina; urban spread and new construction can be seen everywhere. Many deluxe hotel chains like Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Sheraton and Aman have opened new properties in and around town. Visitors from all over the world are coming to Marrakech to visit the meticulously designed Majorelle Garden and the new Yves Saint Laurent Museum, with its impressive collection of the couture designer’s accessories, sketches and photographs that are dramatically displayed.

Casablanca

Although Marrakech is embracing modern culture, it is Casablanca that is Morocco’s most cosmopolitan and largest metropolis. Even though there is a small medina in the oldest part of the city, Casablanca is modern in so many ways. Its most impressive landmark is the new and magnificent Hassan II Mosque, which allows Muslims as well as non-Muslims to enter. Built by King Hassan II, this structure is the largest religious monument in the world outside of Mecca. Islam is the official religion of Morocco and it exists in harmony with other religions. There are important Christian and Jewish groups in Casablanca and throughout the country.

Morocco has a rich Jewish history and boasts several historic Jewish Ghettos and trade centers. It is the one Arab country which coexists and accommodates an important population of Jewish people.

Decorated Entrance

Hassan II Mosque

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travel The exciting seaside resort of Essaouira, located on the Atlantic coast, is an active fishing port that was once a Portuguese-occupied harbor. Another must-see is Ouarzazate (the door of the desert), one of the major outposts before the Sahara. Routes to these sites are dotted with traditional Berber villages and UNESCO World Heritage sites that have become colorful settings for numerous movies and fashion shoots for all types of publications. The locals are most welcoming, hospitable and proud of their lifestyle. With their rich heritage and timeless culture, they offer a wide variety of unique handicrafts for purchase.

Essaouira

Essaouira

Morocco is diverse in many ways, with a population of over 34 million. It is a young country; 60 percent of Moroccans are under the age of 25. Arabic, French and Spanish are spoken primarily, and English is taking hold in the tourist areas. Education is mandatory throughout the country, however, only 53 percent of students continue to high school.

Historic remains found in Morocco date the area’s history to early prehistoric times. Early inhabitants included Phoenicians, Berbers, Romans and Vandals before the invasion of the Arabs in the eighth century. The French made Morocco a protectorate in 1912; the country received its independence in 1956. Now the only monarchy on the African continent, Morocco is ruled by King Mohammad VI as its head and chief of state, while Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani is head of government. Mohammad VI is a progressive ruler and has made many attempts to include women and religious groups in the government, unlike other Arab countries. Morocco is also one of the safest Arab countries for foreign visitors.

Kasbah Bab Ourika

On Deck

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On my most recent visit and with limited time available, I spent New Year’s Eve in Marrakech. I also enjoyed two exciting days in the lush Ourika Valley and the elegant Kasbah Bab Ourika. Hiking through small Berber villages and along mountain streams with beautiful vistas of the High Atlas Mountains was a lovely break from the hustle and bustle of the city. One special find was the Palais du Safran, an organic saffron farm owned by Christine Ferrari, originally from Switzerland. Here I learned all about saffron and medicinal plants.

Ferrari’s gardens are exquisite with a vast collection of herbs, fruit-bearing trees and exotic plants. My last days were spent in the Agafay Desert Luxury Camp with sunset camel rides and desert hiking through the sand dunes. The accommodations here were luxury tents with dinner and overnight under the stars—a most memorable experience!

Camel Ride

Moroccan cuisine is delicious and features main courses of couscous with vegetables, lamb or chicken. Oven-roasted lamb is a mainstay, as is pastilla (pastry stuffed with pigeon). Local favorite Tagine is slow-cooked lamb or beef stew with spices and vegetables steamed for hours in a cone-shaped earthenware pot. Delicious pastries filled with honey and nuts top off traditional meals. World-class and notable chefs have opened exciting new restaurants specializing in local cuisine as well as French, Italian, and Spanish specialties in Morocco’s cities. There is definitely food for every taste here and it is readily available.

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travel The best time to visit Morocco is during the spring and autumn when the weather is warm and dry. Summer temperatures are hot, usually over 95˚. A passport is required of US citizens for entrance into Morocco and it must have at least six months of validity remaining after return.

Travel to Morocco and experience the unique, rich culture of its legendary cities—a blend of Arab, Berber, European and African influences.

Agafay Desert

A SENSORY OVERLOAD OF EXOTIC SIGHTS, SOUNDS, SMELLS AND TASTES

Moroccan Slippers

Visit a medina, the central and oldest part of the city. This area typically has towering walls and a labyrinth of narrow streets. Stroll along the tiny alleyways and watch the locals while you sip sweet mint tea. In Berber lands, a souk is an open-air marketplace where vendors offer wares from small stalls. Traditionally, souks are grouped according to their specialty; for example: the gold souk, the spice souk, the leather souk, etc. As you search for treasures, haggling is required procedure in the souk.

The colorful and fragrant food displays are extraordinary and include dried fruits, olives, nuts and spices. Shop for a djellaba, a traditional Berber outer robe that is long and loose-fitting. In the Atlas Mountains, the color of the robe indicates a person’s relationship status. Kasbahs are the chateaus or small castles of Morocco. They are often built high up on hills as fortresses by wealthy families. There are hundreds and hundreds of kasbahs throughout Morocco, some in ruins and some restored to their former glory as hotels and restaurants.

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home trends El Cosmico

Fabrics

TREE CLIMBING GOATS!

Found only in southwest Morocco, the rare argan tree is not the most aesthetically pleasing plant with rough, thorny bark and crooked branches. The tree produces a completely unique crop, prized for its oil.

It is this delicious olive-like, yellow morsel that attracts legions of local goats to hop up into the gnarly trees to eat the fruit.

For more information on a trip to Morocco, call the travel advisors at Regency Travel, Inc. at 901.682.9065 or visit www.regencytravel.net.

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getaway

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experience this

Wisdom and Waffles Calvary Episcopal Church’s Lenten Preaching Series

Text by Alice Fugate | Photos courtesy of Calvary Episcopal Church

Lent begins this month, and whatever your religious bent, Calvary Episcopal Church on N. Second Street, downtown Memphis, invites you to a stimulating and reflective experience through their annual Lenten Preaching Series. The series began in 1923 and has occurred every year since. At noon every Tuesday to Friday during Lent the church hosts a speaker to deliver a sermon on a topic of his or her choosing. The invited speakers come from a variety of faith traditions and backgrounds and not all are religious leaders; this year’s lineup features a poet.

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experience this Part of Calvary’s mission is to welcome people who have a variety of beliefs and value sets. The church’s website describes its congregation as “eclectic,” saying that its members may not all have the same ideas about God or the meaning of human life, “But we believe we need each other because of our differences, not in spite of them.”

The congregation welcomes conversation to wade through the many discrepancies and questions within Christianity, and, as evidenced by this preaching series, those outside the faith, as well.

Robyn Banks, Calvary’s director of communications, describes the series this way: “Lent is a time of reflection, inquiry, and prayer, as we prepare for the heartbreak of Good Friday and the resurrection joy of Easter. During the noon hour of the Lenten season, Calvary Church invites wise and inspiring preachers into our pulpit from places near and far (geographically, philosophically and even temperamentally). People from across Memphis come to hear voices that may challenge, but also instruct, inspire, comfort and unite.”

Among the speakers scheduled for this year are Rev. Buddy Stallings, president of Rhodes College Dr. Marjorie Hass, Rev. Hester Mathes (who grew up attending Calvary), Rev. Phoebe Roaf (who will become bishop of the local diocese), and poet Marie Howe from New York.

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experience this Coupled with the intellectual nourishment the series provides is the physical nourishment offered by the church’s Waffle Shop, operated by the women of Calvary.

When it started in 1928, the restaurant was located on North Front Street, but in 1933 the shop moved to the church building and expanded the menu. What began with waffles and coffee grew to include eventual favorites spaghetti and rye bread, fish pudding, chicken salad, gumbo, Boston cream pie, and shrimp and grits with fried green tomatoes.

The Waffle Shop is run by volunteers from various churches and organizations and the proceeds benefit outreach ministries in Memphis. Lunch is served at community-style tables so diners can mingle.

The majority of the series’ attendees come from all over the city and the Mid South, not just from within Calvary’s own congregation.

The local tradition draws fans back year after year.

“One of my favorite annual Memphis events. I’m always amazed to see friends I haven’t seen all year and never fail to make new ones. The preaching series is always so varied that even non-religious people like me can enjoy it simply for the diversity of views,” according to one regular visitor. Another attendee says, “For a ringside seat on some great preaching, treat yourself to a ‘listen’ apart from your everyday flock!”

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Calvary’s Lenten Preaching Series and Waffle Shop will be held every TuesdayFriday from Thur., Mar. 7 to Fri., Apr. 12. The Waffle Shop is open in the Mural Room from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the Preaching Series is in the sanctuary from 12:05-12:40 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend one, the other, or both events, according to their preference.

On Wednesdays during Lent a Waffle Shop meal will be available from 5:156:15 p.m. and a speaker will preach in the Great Hall from 6:30-7:30 p.m. These extended sessions allow the speaker to talk for a while and still have time for a question-and-answer period with those in attendance, says Banks.

“No matter your religious or political persuasion, there is something for you here,” she adds. “It is a place to be fed, both physically and spiritually.

The combination is rich in every way.

Calvary’s doors are open wide and all of Memphis is invited. Whoever you are, we hope to see you at Calvary this Lent.”

In these days of rampant polarization, Calvary’s longstanding tradition is a refreshing and encouraging call for people to come together to listen and learn about beliefs all across the spectrum, and to focus on the value and truth in our common humanity.

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social

Literacy is Key Luncheon Text and Photos Courtesy of Marsha Berry and JJ Keras

Bookworms, book lovers and book friends all united recently for the ninth annual Literacy is Key luncheon presented by the Memphis Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association (memphis.kappa.org). It was a packed, yet intimate event with three nationally renowned authors sharing personal stories and backgrounds about their books. Emcee Darrell Greene, of WHBQ FOX13 News, sat down with authors Kristina McMorris, Anne Bogel and Brad Taylor.

Since its inception, the event has raised and donated more than $201,000 for literacy charities in the Mid South, including First Book (@FirstBook).

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social

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social

Ge r mantow n P e r f o r m i n g Arts Center Gala Text by Parke Kennedy and photos courtesy of GPAC

A celebration of the culinary arts, GPAC’s gala, Cravings, has been described as an evening with “an exquisitely delectable meal, warmly inspiring company, seductive sights and sounds.” The party features Master Chef José Gutierrez, with dinner on the main stage. The event is set for Apr. 6 and tickets are $250 each.

For more information call GPAC at 751.7505.

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social social

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social

Tara Felice Interiors, LLC Launch Party

Friends and clients gathered on Thur., Feb. 7 for drinks and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate the official launch of the company’s website and TFI’s feature article in At Home Memphis and Mid South’s February 2019 issue. For more information on Tara Felice Interiors go to their website, tarafeliceinteriors.com, or find them on social media.

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social

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wedding getaway

Gracie Cocke Gabe Lowrance November 10, 2018 Braden, Tennessee Parents of the Bride: Teresa & Chester Cocke Parents Forsyth Fountain of the Groom: Becky & Jim Lowrance 76 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2019

getaway wedding

SOURCES

Rehearsal Dinner: Flight Restaurant & Wine Bar Wedding: Cocke family home in Braden, TN Reception: Cocke family home in Braden, TN Event Coordinator: Madison McGhee with Southern Sparkle Weddings Photographer: Jessica Riley Photography Florist: Sand’s Florist & Gifts Wedding Dress: Hayley Paige via Maggie Louise Bridal Wedding Rings: James Gattas Jewelers Bridesmaids' Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu Hair: Madlen Frans Makeup: Alicia George Entertainment: Mustache the Band Cake: MISS MUFF’N by Confections & Connections Caterer: Me & My Tea Room

Tent and Rentals: Amerispan Tents/ M&M Rentals

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entertaining

Bridesmaids An Elegant Affair Luncheon

Event Design by Angela Mazanti | Photography by Allen Clark

Event designer Angela Mazanti brings elegance and formality to an intimate bridesmaids’ luncheon.

Held at the historic Hermitage Hotel in downtown Nashville, this event was a true show-stopper. Check out Mazanti’s tips to plan your own refined affair.

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“Neutral, yet formal” describes the event color scheme, which included a variety of shades of gold, champagne, white and ivory. The table settings and florals perfectly followed the theme and highlighted the bride’s personality, according to Mazanti. Tall candelabras draped with spiraled floral garlands and gold votives graced the length of the table.

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Set the table

entertaining

Guests enjoyed beautiful tablescapes set on champagne satin underlays with fullcoverage overlays of sheer, beaded organza lace. The place settings consisted of golden chargers with ivory china plates accented by a gold band trim, and the ivory hemstitched linen napkins were embroidered with the couple’s new monogram.

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entertaining

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Create Your Own

entertaining entertaining

“If you want to host a formal luncheon, consider using a venue that has very ornate architecture as a backdrop. It really adds to the formality of the atmosphere,� says Mazanti. She suggests using gold-rimmed china and drinking goblets, lovely textures in the linens and napkins, beautiful natural light and, of course, exquisitely designed floral arrangements.

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entertaining

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dining out entertaining

The Commissary A Germantown staple comes to Collierville

Text by Claire Hancock | Photos courtesy of AHMMS

When in Memphis, do as the Memphians do. That means jamming to the blues, taking a trip down Beale Street and eating a lot of barbeque. Among locals, the Germantown Commissary is a legendary spot, known its take on the area's most famous food—barbeque, Memphis style. This spring, fans across the region can rejoice as the Commissary opens a Collierville outpost.

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From ribs to sandwiches, both locations have something to please everyone. Local favorites include the BBQ nachos and “the best hamburger you’ll ever get at a barbeque joint,” according to At Home Memphis and Mid South editor Margaret Monger. Other must-tries include the BBQ shoulder sandwich plate, brisket plate, “Boss Man” salads and, of course, the half or full slab of hickory-smoked BBQ ribs.

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dining out getaway

"Barbecue nachos, fool!"

Mabon was a fixture at the Commissary; she worked there for years and even after she retired kept close ties to Taylor and his barbeque. Her legacy remains; in the original Commissary a picture of her, standing over the pit, hangs in the entryway to greet guests as they walk in.

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First opened in 1981 by Walker Taylor, the Commissary is a Memphis and Mid South staple. Its history is as rich as its Lemon Ice Box Pie. Amid all the delicious menu items, there’s one that puts the Commissary above the rest: the BBQ nachos. Now a local classic, the nachos have been around since the early 1980s, when Taylor was selling concession food outside a West Tennessee horse show. His sous chef that day was Rosie Mabon, creator of Memphis’ first plate of barbeque nachos ever. While serving food that day, Taylor says, “I’m back there, selling hamburgers and hot dogs and barbeque and nachos. I look back there and my assistant had nacho chips and cheese with some barbeque meat on them.”

When asked what was on her plate that hot Saturday afternoon, Mabon replied, “Barbeque nachos, fool!” And thus, the dish was born. That day, Taylor remembers, “A guy in town, a world-renowned ophthalmologist now, goes, ‘Let me have an order of those!’” So began a Memphis tradition. Since that day, BBQ nachos have been a standout on the Germantown Commissary menu, and continue to delight patrons of both the original and new locations.

dining out The newest addition to the Commissary family, the Collierville location, continues the tradition of excellence. The restaurant is decorated with antique signs and memorabilia found over the years, and when the door opens, that telltale smell of meat cooking provides a friendly welcome even before the hostess. One of the biggest differences between the Germantown and Collierville locations is size; the Collierville location is much larger than the Germantown eatery, which was originally home to a traditional southern commissary that sold “everything from blue jeans to bologna.”

El Cosmico

Fans of the Germantown Commissary will find the classics they love on the new location’s menu. It’s all there, from the famous BBQ nachos to the succulent meats cooked in classic Memphis barbeque style and combo platters—perfect for barbeque enthusiasts who can’t bear to limit themselves to only one choice. The Commissary offers catering and shipping, so even those far from the Bluff City can always get a barbeque fix.

The new Commissary is located at 3573 Houston Levee Rd. in Collierville and the original location is at 2290 South Germantown Rd., Germantown.

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happy hour

BLOOD AND SAND AND

Cold-weather cocktails call for fresh blood oranges. Usually available only in the winter months, freshsqueezed blood orange juice makes a great addition to any libation, especially tequila-based drinks like Margaritas, and the always-delicious Aperol Spritz. One of the few “classic” cocktails made with scotch and blood orange juice is the Blood and Sand from the Savoy Cocktail Book, published in 1930. A simple cocktail to reproduce at home, it works well using any high-quality blended scotch.

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Recipe and photos courtesy of Brad Pitts

Blood and Sand Ingredients ¾ oz. Scotch whisky ¾ oz. Heering cherry liqueur ¾ oz. Sweet vermouth ¾ oz. Blood orange juice

Directions • Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker.

• Shake vigorously and double strain into a cocktail coupe.

• Cheers and enjoy!

Brad Pitts is an awardwinning Memphis mixologist and beverage manager at Germantown Performing Arts Center.

Photo by Yasmine Omari

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in the kitchen

Si n f u l Di jo n Deviled Eggs

Text andand Recipe photography photography by by JimJim Norton Norton 94 | At Home Memphis & Mid South • March 2019

Deviled eggs are great year-round and always a crowd pleaser. If you like a little “heat” you are going to love my spin on this Southern favorite. I top them with a spicy shrimp, but you can make them your own with a custom topping—maybe caviar or crumbled cooked bacon.

Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with these tasty treats.

in the kitchen

Sinful Dijon Deviled Eggs Ingredients

Directions

• 8 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled • ¼ cup mayonnaise • 1 ½ Tbsp. sour cream • 1 ½ tsp. horseradish • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard • ½ Tbsp. chili powder • ½ Tbsp. sugar • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper • Fresh chopped chives for garnish

• Once you have boiled and peeled the eggs, cut each in half lengthwise and place the yolks in a small mixing bowl. Set the whites aside. Using a fork, mash the yolks until mostly smooth, getting rid of most of the lumps. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, horseradish, mustard, chili powder, sugar and cayenne pepper to the yolks. Using the same fork, blend until the mixture is nice and smooth.

• To assemble the eggs, simply spoon the mixture into a pastry bag that you have fitted with your favorite tip. (Preferably a ¼-½” in size.) Pipe yolk mixture into each egg half. Top with your choice of shrimp, caviar, bacon, or serve them as is! Once plated, sprinkle with fresh chopped chives for garnish. Enjoy!

To learn more about Jim Norton follow him on his social media: www.thenortonrecipe.com Facebook @thenortonrecipe Instagram @the_norton_recipe March 2019 • athomemms.com | 95

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SOURCES 16 | AT HOME WITH

Special thanks - Eunice Boddie of Gould’s Salon & Spa gouldsalonspa.com

20 | HEALTHY YOU

Special thanks - Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com

24 | HOME FEATURE

See sources on page 34

36 | DESIGN

Special thanks - Susan Ewing with Magnolia Homes yourmagnoliahome.com

40 | IN THE GARDEN

Special thanks - Tricia Hunt of Millstone Market & Nursery millstonenursery.com

80 | ENTERTAINING

Special thanks - Angela Mazanti of Angela Mazanti Event Design angelamazantidesign.com

88 | DINING OUT

Special thanks - Walker Taylor of the Commissary commissarybbq.com

92 | HAPPY HOUR

Special thanks - Brad Pitts bradpitts@me.com

94 | IN THE KITCHEN

Special thanks - Jim Norton thenortonrecipe.com

98 | ON A GOOD NOTE

Special thanks - Kristin Fox-Trautman of Inspire Community Cafe inspirecafememphis.com

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on a good note

Inspire Community Cafe Text by Claire Hancock | Photos courtesy AHMMS

Everybody loves good food, and it’s even better if the food is as good for you as it tastes.

That is one of the motivations behind the creation of Binghampton’s newest eatery, the Inspire Community Cafe. Founded by Terrance Wigley, Charlena Branch, Jackie Thomas, Kristin Fox-Trautman and Tevin Whitley, the restaurant’s goal is to serve healthy, tasty food at affordable prices.

Inspire began as the brainchild of its five founders and opened in January thanks to supporters including Fox-Trautman’s husband, Lucas Trautman. The owners’ mutual love of working with nonprofits and desire to help a community spurred them to create a business that provides its employees a living wage, says Fox-Trautman. She adds that the cafe uses an employee profit-sharing model to motivate staff members. “As this business does really well, so will our core team.” It’s all part of the ownership group’s effort to improve the lives of the people they serve, and to provide their employees with a stable financial situation and time to be with their families.

The cafe’s menu centers on fresh, nutritious food, a concept Fox-Trautman says appealed to the owners because of Inspire’s location in Binghampton, where healthy dining options have been lacking. “Everything is minimally processed and we don’t use things that have high-fructose corn syrup or anything,” she explains.

Prices are kept affordable to encourage patrons to try new things. The owners aimed for their fare to be accessible to the community in terms of pricing and quality of food, says Fox-Trautman, adding that she hopes every diner will find something that appeals to them.

A major focus of Inspire Community Cafe is to inspire. Fox-Trautman emphasizes the importance of having a place for people to meet to share ideas, build dreams and just hang out. She says staff from nonprofits often come to the cafe to eat, to work, to meet with other organizations and to hatch new projects and ideas. “So many different people are drawn to this space because of the mission, and they’re able to connect and collaborate here.”

She attributes the atmosphere of cooperation to Inspire’s welcoming vibe.

“Everyone from every background feels comfortable in this space and it feels accessible.”

Inspire shines a spotlight on a different nonprofit each month; the featured organization is invited to display information about events and contacts, and encouraged to use the cafe as a meeting space. Even the table cards have information about community volunteer opportunities, part of the owners’ effort to customers to get involved in their community.

Inspire Community Cafe is located at 510 Tillman St. in Memphis. It is the perfect spot for people who want to eat well and do good.

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