Memphis Magazine November 2020

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HABITATS MATT ROSS-SPANG | PAGES DAVID LESS | HOMEGROWN HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Memphis • THE CITY MAGAZINE • W W W.MEMPHISMAGAZINE.COM

T H E C I T Y M A G A Z I N E | VOL XLV NO 7 | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ATLANTIC / SWAN SONG / © CARL DUNN

T H E 5 0th A N N I V E R S A R Y AND ITS SURPRISING MEMPHIS ROOTS

USA $4.99

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0 DISPLAY UNTIL DECEMBER 10, 2020

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THEY’VE SERVED US, NOW LET’S SERVE THEM. Learn more at: ilovememphisblog.com/eatlocal

We know these are difficult times. Here’s one way to make them easier: Eat local. You get a tasty break from cooking; Memphis’ restaurant community gets some local love. They’ve served us, now let’s serve them. SO JOIN US IN SUPPORT BY EATING LOCAL. Our restaurants are safe, open and Ready To Serve You.

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VOL XLV NO 7 | NOVEMBER 2020

ON THE COVER Led Zeppelin in 1970 PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ATLANTIC / SWAN SONG / © CARL DUNN

UP FRONT 10 I N T H E B E G I N N I N G ~ b y a n n a t r a v e r s e f o g l e 12 I N T R O S P E C T I V E ~ b y f r a n k m u r ta u g h 14 P A G E S ~ b y j e s s e d a v i s 16 C L A S S I C D I N I N G ~ b y m i c h a e l d o n a h u e FEATURES 18 Celebration Day

The surprising Memphis roots of Led Zeppelin III. ~

by alex greene

27 Homegrown Holiday Gift Guide ~ b y m at t h e w j . h a r r i s Our seventh-annual collection of the best in local treasures.

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HABITATS

The Living Museum

Music producer Matt Ross-Spang assembles his mid-century dream home. ~ by c h r i s m c c oy

44 The Two Burtons Delve into Faith and Life A new volume pairs Burton Carley and the late Burton Callicott. ~

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b y j o n w. s pa r k s

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901 HEALTH

Your Doctor Will See You Now

The growing field of concierge medicine offers special benefits and personalized service. ~ by m i c h a e l f i n g e r

92

ASK VANCE

Sacred Heart School

Our history expert solves local mysteries: who, what, when, where, why, and why not.

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~ by va n c e l au d e r da l e

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DINING OUT

Taste of the Country

Magnolia & May country brasserie couples Southern flair with international influences. ~ by s a m u e l x . c i c c i

96

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CITY DINING

The city’s most extensive dining listings.

104 L A S T

STAND

The Song Remains the Same Fifty years of being a Led Zeppelin fan. ~

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by m i c h a e l f i n g e r

SPECIAL SECTIONS 59 W E A L T H M A N A G E R S 65 I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S

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Memphis (ISSN 1622-820x) is published monthly for $18 per year by Contemporary Media, Inc., P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101 © 2020. Telephone: 901-521-9000. For subscription info, please call 901-521-9000. Subscription customer service mailing address is Memphis magazine, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101. All rights reserved. • Periodicals Postage Paid at Memphis, TN. Postmasters: send address changes to Memphis, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101.

NOV EMBER 2020 • MEMPHISMAGA ZINE.COM • 7

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Memphis

Memphis Magazine’s

THE 2020

FACE

THE CI T Y M AGAZI N E

OF

General Excellence Grand Award Winner City and Regional Magazine Association 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014

ORIENTAL RUGS

&7

CEO AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF anna traverse fogle EXECUTIVE EDITOR  michael finger MANAGING EDITOR  frank murtaugh SENIOR EDITORS shara clark, jon w. sparks

HEALTHY RUGS Spread love, not germs by having your rugs disinfected.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR  samuel x. cicci CONTRIBUTORS  jesse davis, alex greene,

chris mccoy EDITORIAL ASSISTANT  matthew j. harris CALENDAR EDITOR  julie ray

4 EDITOR jon w. sparks ASSOCIATE EDITOR samuel x. cicci

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR  brian groppe PRODUCTION OPERATIONS DIRECTOR margie neal

STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1950

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR  christopher myers

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER  bryan rollins PHOTOGRAPHERS samuel x. cicci, max malcolms,

terry manning, john pickle

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michelle musolf CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MANAGER deshaune mcghee

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published by contemporary media, inc. memphis, tennessee 901-521-9000 p • 901-521-0129 f subscriptions: 901-521-9000

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4 &7

PUBLISHER EMERITUS  kenneth neill

november 2020

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8 • MEMPHISMAGA ZINE.COM • NOV EMBER 2020

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IN THE DELTA

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T H E

B E G I N N I N G | BY ANNA TR AVERSE FOGLE

Unheard Melodies

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ach day, we take the same walk as the day before. Lily Bear knows which dogs she wants to bark at, and which she will choose to ignore. Even when we vary our schedule, everyone silently adjusting to changing light and weather, we pass the same dogs walking with the same humans. After many months of wandering the same sidewalks, I find myself keeping track of subtle differences even as the days blur together. The Mexican heather a few blocks over flowered deep indigo, then faded. The rose bushes at the corner screamed in apricot and watermelon in early summer. In autumn, they raised their voices once more. Long midsummer evenings, we stood in the middle of the street with binoculars to watch the pair of yellow-crowned night herons in their enormous nest in a tall oak a few houses up. A dense storm muscled through one night; our majestic birds left. Had the mother laid her eggs yet? Would she and her mate return, or had the delicate eggs been shattered in a shower of falling limbs and leaves? I fretted for days. The little black-andwhite cat who prowls our end of the block has been hunting with more determination as the temperature drops; yesterday we saw her, delighted, shaking a stunned chipmunk in her maw. The leaves draw toward their annual copper-andgold sunset. I know each tree like I know friends’ faces, and feel obliged to check in with them regularly. (Checking in with trees seems to me like one of the saner responses a person could have to existing in 2020.) In the midst of such tumult, it surprises me sometimes to look up and observe the natural course of things continuing unabated. Autumn has come. The nights are cool, and smell of woodsmoke. The leaves are turning. Revelations, all. On one of those recent neighborhood walks, I bumped into an artist friend. We spoke (from across the street) about the meditative aspects of experiencing the world around us mostly on foot, slowed down, observant. It’s not all bad. But no one would have chosen this path. Early in the pandemic, I remember people sharing stories and photos of the final live music shows they attended before everything shut down. I’ve enjoyed plenty of live-

streamed music events during the pandemic, and hope this genre continues into the future. But I’ll also be very, very glad when attending an actual show makes sense again, when I can feel the bass hollowing out my chest. Remember that? We live in a city famous for its music, but the only live music I’ve seen in months has been on my computer screen. This month’s magazine turned into a sort of music issue. For some months, Alex Greene has been talking about the story of how Led Zeppelin mixed their third album, aptly titled Led Zeppelin III, at Ardent Studios in Memphis, half a century ago. He tells that story masterfully here. Michael Finger was inspired to write a companion story about attending a Led Zeppelin show at the Coliseum, also in 1970, when our executive editor was earning his concert-ticket money at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor. Our Habitats feature this month has a Memphis-music vibe, too, although not a Zeppelin vibe: Chris McCoy brings us into the mid-century wonderland occupied by Grammy-winning producer Matt Ross-Spang. The place is very, very Memphis. In this very strange year, many of the places that make our hometown so distinctly itself have felt out of reach. They’re still there, not far at all. But as it turns out, it was never about the places, but about the people in them. Maybe that’s why I’ve become so loyal to our daily long neighborhood walks. I love building deep familiarity with the trees and roses and birds, the chipmunks and the cats who eat them. But seeing the quirky cast of characters who all emerge as if on cue to wave hello counts for more than I ever might have guessed. For now, most days, this is enough.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAREN WINTER / DREAMSTIME

Holiday

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I N T RO S PE C T I V E

Plant, Page, and Passages The right music accompanies us, one life stage to the next.

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page

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turned 26 on March 4, 1995, and celebrated my birthday at The Pyramid with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. It was an epic night for a man born in 1969, the year both Led Zeppelin and Led Zeppelin II were released. And it was the precise midpoint between the year Led Zeppelin III was produced here in Memphis (1970) and 2020, a year we’ve come to consider those things dear to us … a little extra dear. Music is of a moment, always. But the temporal quality of the music that reaches us on the deepest level — many would call it spiritual — is a life-shaping force, whatever stage of life we may currently occupy. I attended that 1995 concert with my buddy Michael Finger, a fan old enough to have actually listened to those first three Zeppelin albums within days of their release. I envy that life moment more than I’ve been able to explain to Michael all these years. I knew “Whole Lotta Love” would shake the walls of my soul, because people told me before I first heard it. Michael — and millions of his generation — felt those walls shake without warning. Gives me goose bumps to merely imagine.

When Plant and Page took the stage in ’95 — two-thirds of Led Zeppelin’s surviving members — it became one of the few moments in my adult life that I found myself saying, not quite aloud, “That’s really them. That’s Robert Plant. That’s Jimmy Page. In real life.” When children see Mickey Mouse for the first time at Disney World? The cartoon come to life? That was me, sitting about 80 yards from Plant and Page as they performed songs from their just-released album, No Quarter.

Different takes on Zeppelin classics like “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” and “Kashmir,” but delivered by the very forces who created them. Plant was 46 years old at the time, Page 51. How could gods flash such thunder at such advanced ages? Fast-forward 15 years, and I appeared on the front page of The Commercial Appeal with Robert Plant. The day before, Plant received his sidewalk star from the Orpheum Theatre, a gesture of welcome as he prepared to perform (with Alison Krauss), but a salute to Plant’s gargantuan past as a rock star, standard-maker, and style-setter. The photo of a smiling Plant departing his press conference happened to include a 41-year-old reporter, barely visible behind the Golden God’s right shoulder. Time. Place. Moment. As I write this column, I’m now the age Jimmy Page was when we first met at The Pyramid, an arena that now celebrates (and sells) hunting and fishing equipment. (That may be a tall elevator, but it doesn’t reach quite the heights I did in that building 25 years ago.) The man considered by many the greatest rock guitarist to ever take a stage is now 76. Robert Plant turned 72 in August. But close your eyes and listen to

“Black Dog” (especially if it’s the first time). It’s a song you cannot hear without feeling 17 and bursting with an energy that, quite simply, cannot be wasted on the young. Eddie Van Halen was one of the few men who could intrude on Page’s territory in the conversation about greatest guitarists to ever live. (There’s tragic brevity to Jimi Hendrix’s case, in my view, as the catalog of music produced must count in the debate.) Van Halen died of cancer on October 6th at what I’ll now call a “tender age” of 65. Van Halen — the band — being a little closer to my generation (as defined by our teen years) than Zeppelin, Eddie’s passing sliced off a significant portion of my youth. Too many memories — be they from dance floors, party cabins, or car stereos — wrapped within songs from 1984 and 5150. Just like “Black Dog,” those songs are to be heard by the young at heart. When I listen to “Panama” or “Dreams” today, I’m again young at heart, if not so much in the mirror. But with Eddie gone, there’s a sadness, even within the blistering finger-tapping of his iconic “Eruption.” There’s more life in that guitar solo — less than two minutes, start-tofinish — than in 20 minutes of your favorite classical music. Bach is meant to be listened to, absorbed. Eddie Van Halen’s guitar is to be felt. In the summer of 1988, I had a first date with a special girl. And I was anxious about the music to play in my parents’ car’s cassette deck. KISS (my go-to with the boys) wouldn’t do. AC/DC or Mötley Crüe … gloves off, inappropriate. Led Zeppelin would

I knew “Whole Lotta Love” would shake the walls of my soul.

PHOTOGRAPH BY EAUTOGRAPHHUNTER / DREAMSTIME

BY FR A NK MURTAUG H

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AT BELMONT VILLAGE, WE'RE THRIVING. For nearly 20 years, Belmont Village has safely delivered an unparalleled level of service and care for thousands of families. Collaborations with experts from the nation’s top universities and hospitals have helped us champion nationally-recognized cognitive health and wellness programs with positive, evidence-based results. With our exquisite spaces and superb hospitality, rest assured your loved one will thrive in a safe and vibrant community.

Eddie Van Halen

have made the vibe too Seventies (I thought then). So I put in OU812, the album Van Halen released just a few weeks earlier. She agreed to a second date. And we’ve now been married 26 years. I think this would make Eddie Van Halen smile. Our favorite music is of us, and we are a part of every tune in the playlist that accompanies us, from one stage (pun intended) to another. Be sure and read Alex Greene’s terrific story on how Led Zeppelin III came to life right here in the Bluff City (page 18). An album now 50 years old has raised a few generations of fans and made its own distinct impact on dance floors, party cabins, and car stereos. I may well be playing it as you read this issue, imagining my pal Michael Finger when he was 17 years old. If not, I’m surely cranking up 1984, reminding myself that, yes, I can be 15 again.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAELBUSH / DREAMSTIME

Bach is meant to be listened to, absorbed. Eddie Van Halen’s guitar is to be felt.

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PAG E S

Less Is More

David Less explores the local roots of American music in Memphis Mayhem. BY JESSE DAVIS

back. For that to happen in a small, Southern, sleepy town like Memphis is remarkable.” As Less tells it, the first instance was when composer and bandleader W.C. Handy notated the blues. The second was Elvis Presley bringing rock-and-roll to a wider audience. “It has to do with race. It was Black music out into the white world. Handy was the first time; Elvis was the second time. The third instance was the assassination of Martin Luther King,” Less says. “It really told the world of the righteousness of what was going on with civil rights. And white America couldn’t ignore it anymore.”

MEMPHIS BLUES

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A

ny meaningful discussion of American music must devote at least some time to Memphis. “The home of the blues” and “the birthplace of rock-and-roll” are more than just slogans invented to drive tourism — and they barely scratch the surface. From blues to rock-and-roll to gospel to soul to rockabilly to hip-hop to punk, the little city on the Mississippi River bluffs has more than earned its reputation as a music city, a catalyst for sonic creation. By some trick of geography or society, Memphis calls on performers, both transplants and those native to it, to create and innovate. Though there is no shortage of scholarly tomes seeking to examine, in detail, the various permutations Memphis music has taken over the years, from Sun to Stax and back again, one new book, Memphis Mayhem by David Less, takes a wider view, spreading its focus over a century’s worth of Memphis music. “So much has occurred in Memphis that influenced the world,” Less tells me. “When I started the book, my premise was there were three times that world history hit Memphis and took a turn. Two of those three were based on music, and all three of them were based on race. And once it happened it never came back. History turned and things changed and they never changed

THAT’S ALL RIGHT

I

n setting up the importance of Elvis Presley in introducing the wider world to rock-androll, Less first speaks of WDIA. The Memphis-based radio station helped launch the careers of notable musicians such as B.B. King and Rufus Thomas, who were DJs there, and left an indelible imprint on a young Elvis Presley. “We had a great disc jockey here in Dewey Phillips,” Less says. “When WDIA in 1949 became a Black station with African-American DJs playing Black music, it really changed everything. You’ve got to remember television wasn’t really a thing in the early ’50s. It was there, but it wasn’t ubiquitous in the way it is now. “I quote Larry Raspberry, a great Memphis musician and a really smart guy, and he refers to Elvis as the tributary of Black music into white America,” Less

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY DAVID LESS

David Less

he blues were played long before Handy set the style to sheet music. In fact, the blues represents perhaps one of the best examples of the strength of music born of an amalgamation of different cultural traditions. “In the South, the people freed from slavery introduced their African heritages to European-trained musicians and, conversely, learned European-devised musical concepts,” Less writes in Memphis Mayhem. Handy’s reworking of his composition “Mr. Crump” into the now-famous number “Memphis Blues” in 1912 is considered by many historians to be the first official publication of blues music. “When he did that, he took what was regional music and brought it to a wider public. That was before phonograph records were a big deal,” Less says. At the time, most households had at least one family member who could play a little piano. And so, in sheafs of sheet music carried by U.S. postal workers, a formerly regional style known as the blues made an entrance into American homes outside of the South. To Memphis and Delta residents, the blues song structure would likely have been familiar, but to the public at large, the arrival of blues in their homes must have felt like a sea change. Sales of the sheet music of “Memphis Blues” confirm that the song was a commercial success. The prevalence of blues structures as scaffolding for all varieties of songs forever thereafter illustrates the long-lasting cultural effects of Handy’s song and its publication. “It’s become the bedrock of music that followed,” Less says of the blues. Jazz, rock-and-roll, and even gospel incorporated blues forms, and music the world over has never been the same since.

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says. “When Elvis came and told them it was okay, it opened their eyes.” The author invites me to compare Presley’s arrangement of Big Mama Thornton’s hit “Hound Dog” to, for example, Patti Page’s take on Bob Merrill’s “(How Much Is) That Doggie in the Window?” The contrast could hardly be more stark. Though both songs are about dogs, at least ostensibly, and both are rooted in folk traditions, the similarities seem to end there. Page’s version is a waltz. Presley’s “Hound Dog,” released just three years later, features bass and drums, electric guitar, and a toe-tapping 4/4 beat. If one had to pick a song to soundtrack a dance, the choice, it would seem, is clear. “The Sun records broke out, but they didn’t break out in the way that he did when he went to RCA,” Less continues. “It changed things not only in America but overseas as well. Keith Richards and those guys talk about hearing Elvis and it changing their lives. John Lennon said no Elvis, no Beatles.”

MEMPHIS SOUL STEW

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e s s de vo t e s time and pages to a wider range than space allows discussion of here. And he does not constrain himself to a linear telling of the ongoing saga of Memphis music. Memphis Mayhem is not a history, its author reminds me over the phone — and again and again on the pages. Less weaves a delightful narrative made all the more interesting by its winding ways, unconstrained by chronology. Though Memphis Mayhem is remarkably well researched, it is clear that, for all his professional bona fides, Less is as much an avid fan of Memphis music as any tourist to Sun Studio or the Stax Museum or up-and-coming band reveling in the history as they cut their first track at Royal Studios or Sam Phillips Recording Studio. “The story of music in Memphis is full of intersecting moments and the subsequent developments. There are heroes and bystanders, villains and victims, country bumpkins and slick confidence men in a cast of characters that defines the independent spirit,” the author writes in Memphis Mayhem. “Memphis is not a company town. It’s a place where there are independent labels and independent artists. Independence is really a big part of how musicians make the music,” Less says. That Memphis-brand independent spirit certainly owes some thanks to the Bluff City’s status as a crossroads, a place of intersecting identities. It is a place where city and country folks, white and Black

musicians, the devout and the salacious live together. That, Less argues, more than anything else contributed to Memphis’ status as one of the most important incubators for American music. “While many of the instruments and techniques of African-American music have a direct link to Africa, the music itself emerged from age-old African and European traditions as they endured in the United States,” Less writes. The story of the blues — and of American music on a grander scale — is the story of cultural exchange. Of European musical scales played over African rhythms, of ballads and call-and-response songs. For many years, Memphis was a focal point of that exchange. “Cer tai n ly Memphis had always been a place that people came to shop and spend money, from Arkansas and Mississippi and even Missouri. It was always a center for entertainment,” Less explains. “People would come here, and they would sell their wares. So they had money and they wanted to be entertained. Memphis was the center for all that. The country mouse came to town and often left with little. They’d sell their stuff and leave with little left, but had a good time.” The Bluff City was a hub city long before FedEx, and that helped to make it a place where ideas were exchanged, where the “country mice” come for entertainment, and where there was usually work for musicians.

“The story of music in Memphis is full of intersecting moments and the subsequent developments. There are heroes and bystanders, villains and victims, country bumpkins and slick confidence men in a cast of characters that defines the independent spirit.” — David Less

MEMPHIS IN THE MEANTIME

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ecause they’re two focal points of Memphis Mayhem, much focus has been devoted here to Handy and Presley, but Less’ story is broader. The Box Tops, Hi Records, Carla Thomas, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Jim Dickinson, The Well, the music program at Manassas High School, the Plantation Inn in West Memphis — Less weaves a tapestry that shows off seemingly disparate threads of the Memphis music scene. While excellent histories of Stax, Sun, and other Memphis institutions exist, Memphis Mayhem shines brightest when it gives readers a bird’s-eye view of the river city and its long and ongoing history as a music town. “I think it’s a misconception to think that Memphis music is a history. I think there’s great music still being made. It’s part of the culture, part of the DNA of the city,” Less concludes. “It’s not a completed history. It’s an ongoing process.”   N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 15

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C L AS S I C

D I N I N G

Roasted Sea Bass

Tsunami owner/chef Ben Smith put this popular dish on Tsunami’s first menu 22 years ago. BY MICHAEL DONAHUE

left: The sea bass is served on a bed of black Thai rice with soy beurre blanc. below: Ben Smith.

The dish is “basically a roasted sea bass,” he explains. “I start it in a hot skillet and finish it in the oven. It’s served on a bed of black Thai rice with soy beurre blanc. So, it’s just a reduction of sake and fresh ginger, and I whisk butter into it and fold in a particular soy sauce I use.” “Patagonian toothfish” is the original name of the fish, Smith says. “That’s not a really marketable name, so somebody came up with the name ‘sea bass’ and

it sounds way more sexy than ‘Patagonian toothfish.’” The roots of the dish date to when Smith worked at another restaurant. “Back then,” he says, “the signature dish there was another dish I did, ‘Ginger Crusted Salmon with Soy Beurre Blanc.” Smith used the same sauce for the sea bass when he opened Tsunami. “Butter and soy sauce go together,” he says. “The richness, creaminess of the butter, and the umami of the soy sauce

Tsunami is at 928 S. Cooper St. (901) 274-2556

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAX MALCOLMS

M

any memphians think “sea bass” when they think “Tsunami.” Chilean sea bass has been on the menu since the restaurant opened in Cooper-Young, says owner Ben Smith. “Twenty-two years ago, when we just opened, sea bass wasn’t on just every menu in the restaurant world,” he says. “So, I tried it and I liked it. I liked the way it cooked up. The big flake on it. I liked the way it seared. It got a nice caramelization on it. I went with that when we opened up. It was on the original, very first menu.”

just really makes a distinct powerful flavor on the pallet.” He began using black Thai rice when he worked at a restaurant in Hawaii. He later discovered he could buy the rice in an Asian market in Memphis. Smith tried tuna, salmon, cod, and other fish before he asked his local fish purveyor “about some other fish that might be good and amiable.” They told him about sea bass. In Tsunami’s first restaurant review, Fredric Koeppel, then food writer for The Commercial Appeal, “named it one of the best seafood dishes in town,” Smith says. “That kind of sealed the deal for that fish. Everyone who read that review wanted to try the sea bass.” Smith describes their sea bass as “a whole amalgamation” of what they do with their food at Tsunami. They treat it simply and “let the flavors take center stage. It really works.” As for the sea bass, he says, “There’s something there that goes on between that creamy umami of the sauce and the nutty f lavor of the black Thai rice and the buttery sea bass. Somehow, it all works together really well. And it’s simple. Some of the best things are just simple preparations.”

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The voting period is 9:00 am November 2nd, through 5:00 pm December 14th.

1 Your ballot must have at least 50 percent of the categories completed to be counted. Write-ins encouraged.

2 One ballot per reader, please. We reserve the right to discard any ballot we deem fraudulent.

3

CATEGORIES Best Asian Fusion Best Bar Best Barbecue Ribs Best Barbecue Sandwich Best Beer Selection Best Breakfast Best Brunch Best Burger (non-fast food) Best Cajun/Creole Best Caribbean Best Category We Left Out Best Chain Restaurant

Best Chinese Best Coffeehouse (non-chain) Best Craft Cocktails Best Date Night Best Deli Best Dessert Best Dive Bar Best Food Truck Best Fried Chicken Best Frozen Treat Best Happy Hour Best Indian Best Italian Best Japanese Best Kid-Friendly

Best Local Brewery Best Mediterranean Best Memphis Chef Best Mexican Best New Restaurant Best Outdoor Dining Best People-Watching Best Pizza (non-fast food) Best Place to Impress Out-ofTowners Best Place to Watch The Game Best Plate Lunch Best Restaurant

Best Seafood (non-fast food) Best Server Best Service Best Shared Plates Best Steak Best Taco Best Thai Best Vegetarian/ Vegan Best Vietnamese Best Wine List Restaurant We Miss The Most Worth the Drive

Vote online at memphismagazine.com MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

10/21/20 6:43 AM


CELEBRATION DAY THE

SURPRISING MEMPHIS ROOTS OF

Led Zeppelin III

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COMPILATION OF ILLUSTRATIONS VIA DREAMSTIME

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BY ALEX GREENE

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ou could be excused for not thinking it a very momentous thing: two twentysomethings winding through the hills from southwestern Kentucky to

Memphis sometime in 1966, hewing to a thread of highway from Land Between the Lakes to the banks of the

“THE REAL BEGINNING OF THE BAND” ON ITS

Mississippi River, late at night, seemingly on a mission. Half a century later, the driver, who’d driven to Kentucky that afternoon, still recalls his passenger on the return trip.

50

TH

ANNIVERSARY

“He loved Stax. He loved Memphis. He loved Sun Records,” says Terry Manning, the man behind the wheel that night. “Instead of taking the band’s bus, he wanted to sit and talk about some of this stuff, so he got in the car and we drove back from Murray, Kentucky, to Memphis, which is a fairly long drive. Certainly by English standards. I remember him being stunned, saying, ‘Aren’t we there yet?’ He said he thought they were neighboring states. Well, they are, but this isn’t England. Wait till you get to Texas, buddy.” And yet that passenger, guitarist Jimmy Page, would be able to jet across America at will in a few short years, as his subsequent band leapt from success to success. Indeed, by 1970 he would regularly be flying back to Memphis to put the final touches on the album that would cinch

his band’s worldwide triumph. This was the LP, mixed in Memphis, that would announce in its opening salvo, “We calmed the tides of war! We are your overlords!” Did he guess that 50 years later, in 2020, we’d still welcome our axe-wielding overlords with such fervor?

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ut that’s getting ahead of ourselves. For now, Page was a Yardbird with a little stolen time to talk music. Led Zeppelin was barely a gleam in his eye. Hitting the road after a Murray State University show, Page and Manning reached Memphis in the dead of night and wasted no time. “We got to Memphis at two or three in the morning, and I took him right over to Ardent Studios,” Manning says. “We hung out all night long there. I dragged out

Led Zeppelin played to packed stadiums in August-September of 1970. It was their highest-grossing tour yet. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ATLANTIC / SWAN SONG BY CHUCK BOYD © MYTHGEM LTD.

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all my guitars and amps and we played and talked.” Little did either suspect that the impromptu visit would later bring Page back, packing sonic dynamite. Manning was an engineer at Ardent Studios, then on National Street, across from a Big Star grocery, and after-hour sessions were par for the course there. He was also a musician, and the group Lawson & Four More, for whom he played keyboards, had done well enough to open for the Yardbirds on Dick Clark’s Caravan of Stars. That’s where he first met Jimmy Page, already a hero of Manning’s. Beyond being the band’s second guitarist and/or bassist alongside Jeff Beck, Page was also one of the top session guitarists in London. So when the Yardbirds toured the U.S. again, Manning went to as many of their shows as he could. He wasn’t the only Memphian at Murray State that night. A certain clique of Memphis players, including Manning and others at Ardent, had a fascination with the innovative rock music coming out of England. “Quite a few of us were Anglophiles,”

“So he [Jimmy Page] called up and said, ‘We haven’t finished our third album. We’ve started it, we’re partway through. We’ve got a U.S. tour booked. What are we gonna do? Would you help out?’ And of course I was very happy to help.” — Terry Manning says Manning, “and England had so many great groups coming out of nowhere with an exciting kind of music. I first went there in 1969. And then back several more times. I’ve always had a close relationship with the U.K.” But Page may have found Manning’s job at Ardent even more impressive, for that was a time

when the little studio that could (started in a garage by electronics whiz kids John Fry and Fred Smith while in high school, then moving to National Street in 1966) began picking up spillover sessions from Stax. Manning himself had played marimba on Booker T. & the M.G.’s Soul Limbo while the group polished it up for release at Ardent. He was right in the middle of where all Swinging London wanted to be. After that rogue road trip, as time went by, Page founded his own group, The New Yardbirds, with fellow studio musician John Paul Jones and relative unknowns Robert Plant and John Bonham. And he stayed in touch with Manning. The original Yardbirds played their last show in July 1968, and by the end of the year, The New Yardbirds had signed to Atlantic Records as Led Zeppelin, in a contract that allowed them considerable artistic freedom. Manning followed their progress closely. “We were really very good friends and in close touch,” recalls Manning. “Jimmy would send me cassette copies of the

TOP PHOTOGRAPH BY TERRY MANNING; INSET PHOTO BY CHRIS KING

Ardent Studios began in John Fry’s parents’ garage, then moved to National Street (above) in 1966. inset: Engineer/musician Terry Manning was Ardent’s first employee.

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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ATLANTIC / SWAN SONG / © CARL DUNN

first two albums before they were even released. ‘Oh here’s what we’ve done, what do you think?’ And those albums showed great promise and showed they were amazing musicians. They had great songs, but they weren’t super diverse. And I think Jimmy really knew that the third album is so important to a band. I mean, there’s the first single, the first album, and then the second showing you could still do it, but the third has always been the real thing that turned on the question of, ‘Are we a group that will last a long time?’ So he really went in with the intent of doing something way beyond what they’d done before.” This was the album on which the creative control they’d demanded in their contract came to its fruition. The first two albums, both released in 1969, had created a reliable new formula, best realized in the epic, power-chord heavy blues of “Whole Lotta Love,” the hit single that helped propel Led Zeppelin II into platinum status. But as the band took a much-needed break from touring, it was time to think outside of the box. Page and Plant retreated to a secluded Welsh cottage, Bron-YrAur, the lack of electricity or running water taking their minds back to ages past. It was the first time the two had written songs together in earnest, and it was done largely on acoustic guitars. Later, after starting the recordings at Olympia Studios in London, they would further break with orthodoxy by setting up in a dilapidated mansion named Headley Grange, complete with mobile recording gear. There was just one problem: Having stretched out for the writing and recording process, Led Zeppelin had a U.S. tour booked, and no way to finish the mix in time.

E

We’ve started it, we’re partway through. We’ve got a U.S. tour booked. What are we gonna do? Would you help out?’ And of course I was very happy to help.” Indeed, Ardent’s reputation had only grown in stature since Page’s first late-night visit. “Ardent was already getting quite a name as a state-of-the-art studio, that was up with the times, if not ahead of them,” says Manning. “So it was a great place for Jimmy to come. Now, John Fry did have to buy two things to accommodate that session. We needed a 16-track machine, because they were recording on 16-track. And we needed Dolby [noise reduction] for the mixing.” Soon to become the industry standard for reducing tape hiss, Dolby was relatively new at the time. Yet it’s ironic that it played a role in Led Zeppelin III, when the first sounds of the first track are the random noises in the room. This is far from a sterile production. Manning is careful to distinguish between room noise and tape hiss: “That was intentional. It’s not just that we couldn’t get rid of the noise. We liked it. A little bit of it was tape noise, but a lot of it was room noise, and then we had a repeat going on it, so it kind of built itself up. And we liked that. It’s the very first

“When we made Led Zeppelin III we achieved two things. We became the band who would never go away and a band who were never going to repeat themselves.” — Robert Plant thing you hear and you pick up your head and say, what is this? So that was like one of those little fanfares, the trumpets letting the king come through, sort of.” As Manning relates for an article in Goldmine magazine, Page told him, “‘I like the sonic texture of everything. I like the feel that you’re really there.’ We really talked all that through.” Such an approach adds an extra punch to the opening track, “Immigrant Song,” its quiet, introductory room noises suddenly shattered

by the band exploding first into a riff, then Plant’s banshee howl. But it’s especially apparent in the songs featuring acoustic guitar, like “Friends.” Page’s love of the country blues was well-established by the third album, and “Friends” begins with room noises and strums that first evoke Mississippi Fred McDowell. Then, as the groove settles in, stranger harmonies appear, leading to an epic example of East-meets-West, grounded in Page’s love of Indian music. As Page and Led Zeppelin continued their tour, Manning recalls, “He would fly in, and any other group member who was needed for an overdub would fly in, and always Peter Grant came. He was very much the manager and protective of his guys. I’d go to the airport and pick them up, and even if it was late at night when they got there, we’d go straight to work. And just work, work, work, until they had to go to the next show.”

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n those days, even a mixing session was somewhat of a performance. Unlike today, with automated consoles being common, or pans and volume levels being literally drawn across waveforms on computer

Led Zeppelin on their U.S. tour, August 1970, as they delved ever deeper into multicultural folk music. Band members often flew to Memphis between shows for overdub and mixing sessions.

Qq

nter Ardent Studios, again. As Manning recalls, “He’d been to Ardent. He knew the layout, he knew the studio, he knew it was professional. He knew I was a professional. He wasn’t just taking a chance. So he called up and said, ‘We haven’t finished our third album. N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 21

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The control room at Ardent Studios in the late 1960s.

screens, mixing was something you did in real time as the multi-tracks were fed onto the stereo master tape. “Jimmy had his hands right on the console as well, and we planned out what we were going to do and who would turn what when, and things like that. Because everything is organic, it happens on the pass you do it on, and you can’t repeat it exactly. So it was all hands on deck there. I think once even Peter Grant, the manager, had to get in the middle and push a fader or something.” One such mixing moment has stayed with Manning over the years. “‘Out on the Tiles’ has a very long fade-out, with tom rolls all the time,” he says. “Well, we didn’t have stereo drums, but we wanted to give a bit of stereo effect. So on tom rolls, just as [John Bonham] finished hitting the snare and was about to hit the toms, I would take the pan pot and jab it over toward the left, and then as he played the tom roll, I would roll it across to the right. Then just before the next snare came in, I would be sure to be right back in the center. But on one of the times, I missed it. And the snare still comes in over on the right quite a bit more than it should. Every time I hear that, I just laugh.” Given the all-hands-on-deck approach, the sonic variety of Led Zeppelin III is doubly impressive, with material running the gamut of acoustic guitar-centered tracks evoking blues, Indian music, and Celtic folk, to hard-rocking stompers like “Celebration Day” or “Out on the Tiles.” The traditional “Gallows Pole,” building slowly to its final rave-up, covers all that ground in a single song. The sheer variety of it was intentional from the start. As Robert Plant told Record Collector magazine, “There was a dynamic about that period where we could go from

reflective acoustic stuff to some heavy shit. When we made Led Zeppelin III we achieved two things. We became the band who would never go away and a band who were never going to repeat themselves.” Though that album wasn’t one of the band’s best-sellers, it was nonetheless significant in their evolution. As Page told Goldmine, “People said we’d blown it not coming up with another album like the second one. But in some ways, the third album was the real beginning of the band.” Manning agrees: “I think he’s right to say that. The third album showed much more of what they could do.”

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ut even after the mixing was done, there was one last step required: mastering. The tapes had to be readied to be pressed into vinyl. And Manning had a hand in that as well — literally. The mastering process included producing the lacquer template from which all record pressings would be stamped, and that offered one last chance for experimentation. Whereas typically only catalog numbers or the like were scratched into a master’s inner groove, one could get creative with it. As Manning told Goldmine, “Working with Big Star, we had added some messages of our own on there. I mentioned this to Jimmy and said, ‘Anything you wanna write?’ and he said, ‘Ooh, yeah … .’ We’d been talking about the Aleister Crowley thing, so he said, ‘Give me a few minutes’, and he sat down and he thought and he scribbled some things out and he finally came up with ‘Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be the Whole of the Law’ and ‘So Mote It Be’ … . “Once he’d figured out what he wanted to say, I took this little metal pencil-like thing

TOP PHOTOGRAPH BY TERRY MANNING

901-494-4400

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and wrote them very carefully, because if you drop that thing you’ve ruined your master. You can’t touch the grooves, you have to lean over. Very difficult to do, that’s why they don’t really like you doing that. But we did it.” There were a few steps left before the album was released to the world. As Manning wrote in an online forum, “I took the masters, carefully boxed in grouped sets, and drove them to Nashville, where Led Zeppelin were playing their next show. There I gave them to Peter Grant, who had them delivered by hand to the various pressing plants.” Upon its release in October 1970, Led Zeppelin III held the number-one album slot for about a month, but by the next year had dropped below the top 40, unlike other perennial best-sellers by the band. And yet posterity has been kind to this statement of diversity and eclecticism from a group that could have easily stuck with its own formula. In 2014, it was remastered, and a special deluxe edition was released with outtakes and alternate mixes.

Terry Manning at the Ardent mixing console, 1971.

Manning, for one, is proud to have his name on it, though that almost didn’t happen. “One great thing Jimmy did, I will never forget,” he wrote online. “When the album covers came back from the printing plant, to be joined with the vinyl pressings, Jimmy found that they had left off the credit for me. So he had them all destroyed, and completely reprinted to include my credit! What a guy!” As it turns out, some of the nicest people are “Satanists.” And given the stature that the album has attained since its release, whatever spiritual or aesthetic visions guided Page in its creation seem thoroughly justified. But for Manning, as it was going down around him, it was just another day at the office. “It was such tense work,” he says. “I mean, we were just working, working, working. Because of their tour schedule, we couldn’t take it easy. So we worked as hard as we could. And when you’re doing that, you’re not thinking, ‘Oh, what will this be like later when I hear it?’ Or, ‘Is this historic?’ Or, ‘Am I enjoying this?’ or anything. You’re just working.”

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PRESENTS OUR SEVENTH ANNUAL

HOMEGROWN HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE C O M P I L E D BY M AT T H E W J . H A R R I S

W

ith the holiday season coming up, it’s time to start figuring out the perfect gift for family and friends. Whether you are just now starting to

shop for gifts or have been planning for months in advance, we’re bringing you a guide filled to the brim with items that can please anybody. Even better, all options on the list are from local businesses, meaning no matter what you choose you are supporting local!

SWEETS

FROM DINSTUHL’S Calling Dinstuhl’s a candy store is like calling Fort Knox a bank. Since 1902, this Memphis institution has blended batches of chocolate, caramel, vanilla, peanuts, pecans, sugar, strawberries, and so much more into enticing creations that add mouthwatering sweetness to any occasion. With so many selections, it’s hard to pick just one for the holidays, but their rich chocolate-covered strawberries or turtle-covered Granny Smiths are easy staff favorites. AVAILABLE AT ANY DINSTUHL’S LOCATION, OR ONLINE AT DINSTUHLS.COM

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HOMEGROWN HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

MEMPHIS CRAFTED JEWELRY FROM VAN ATKINS

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder but Van Atkins is all about providing that beauty. The jeweler has an expansive selection of stones that make great gifts for any occasion. Exclusive designs like their Copper Hoops center around simple bands and stunning diamonds. If you can’t find what you are looking for online you can meet with their helpful staff in person to find the perfect jewelry for you. AVAILABLE AT 124 COURTHOUSE SQUARE, OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI, OR ONLINE AT VANATKINS.COM

FABRIC TOP FROM MBABAZI STYLE

When you look at Memphis it’s hard to miss the international influence that sweeps the city. One international business drawn here is Grace Byeitima’s Mbabazi Style, which has been providing Memphians with a blend of Western and African fashion since 2014. Their shirts and accessories that are centered around Ankara fabric make great gifts for fashion gurus. An easy pick for us was their Ankara Fabric Top, which features beautiful fabric sewn into a breathable blouse. The unique patterns make every top special and ensure that each is a one-of-a-kind gift.

GRAY BACKPACK FROM TEXSTYLESHOP

Sometimes the only thing stopping a good outfit from being a great outfit is the missing accessories. With striking colors and simple designs Samilia Colar’s Texstyleshop is making bags and accessories that will help you stand out in the crowd. All of their products are “Made in Memphis with Love” and the care shows. The handstitched accessories are vibrant and the many different colors and patterns mean you can always find something to fit your personal style. We recommend their trendy Gray Backpack. The $216 handcrafted leather and canvas bag has space for two water bottles and a spacious interior that lets you prepare for a day trip or a weekend in the park.

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COBALT PEACOCK MEGA MUG FROM DAVID JOHNSON CERAMICS

David Johnson’s well-crafted ceramics show what happens when someone takes the time and effort to perfect their craft. The Memphis-based artist and potter took his first pottery class in 2000 at Memphis College of Art and hasn’t slowed down since. His locally made ceramics range from beautiful centerpieces to dependable coffee mugs and everything in between. From his vast array of bowls, dinnerware, and home décor, we choose his Cobalt Peacock Mega Mug from his new Cobalt Collection. The 16-ounce dishwasher-, microwave-, and food-safe mug is a great gift for those wanting a little extra when they start their day. AVAILABLE ONLINE AT DAVIDJOHNSONCERAMICS.COM

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ICE CREAM BOWLS FROM PAPER & CLAY

At Paper & Clay, local potter Brit McDaniel creates artistic and beautiful designs for everyday objects. Throughout the shop, the theme is clear: linear patterns, soft color palettes, and an emphasis on keeping things simple. From ice cream bowls to vases and trays, Paper & Clay's pottery can function as living-room centerpieces in a living room and dinnerware at once. The Memphis-based company makes everything inhouse and sources the majority of their materials locally. So you’re supporting more than one local business with every purchase. AVAILABLE AT 486 N. HOLLYWOOD ST., OR ONLINE AT SHOPPAPERANDCLAY.COM.

DINE-IN EXPERIENCE AT FOLK’S FOLLY

Sometimes a nice gift is a night without cooking or washing dishes. In a city like Memphis where great restaurants are found in almost every neighborhood, Folk’s Folly stands out. Since 1977, it has served as a go-to steakhouse for visitors and food aficionados alike. The historic Memphis establishment is known for the excellent cuisine and immaculate service that leaves no detail overlooked. Their robust menu, carefully curated wine list, and dynamic weekly specials make it less of a dinner and more of an experience. RESERVATIONS AND GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE AT 901–762–8200 OR AT FOLKSFOLLY.COM

MEMPHIS IS MORE KIT FROM MEMPHIS IS MORE

The pandemic has hit local businesses, and hard. The loss in tourism and travel means that Memphians who thrived off incoming attention found themselves in a dire situation. Local marketing gurus Mark McLeod and Pam Routh began looking for ways to support these businesses. Their desire to help led to the creation of the “Memphis Is More” kit. The box is packed with gifts, goods, and trinkets from iconic local shops, all with the goal of showing that Memphis is more than meets the eye. AVAILABLE AT MEMPHISISMORE.COM

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HOMEGROWN HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

BOOKS FROM NOVEL

Books have a special way of transferring people to a different time and place. The pages in your hand and the turn of those pages are a catharsis for some. Few places know this better than Novel, the Memphis-based bookstore that loves the city as much as its customers. And while for some it can be hard to walk through a bookstore right now, Novel is doing its best to provide the next best thing. Their home delivery means that bookworms can order from the comfort and safety of their living rooms. BOOKS AVAILABLE AT 387 PERKINS EXTD. OR NOVELMEMPHIS.COM

CUSTOM CHARCUTERIE BOARDS FROM FEAST AND GRAZE

Tiny treats, delectable sweets, and spiced meats. What’s not to love? Launched in 2019, Feast and Graze is a local business looking to bring a new element to the next get-together. Their feasting boards come in many different shapes and sizes and can be customized to fit the occasion. Picking up one of their many carefully curated boards or grabbing a gift card can make for an uncommon but welcomed gift. AVAILABLE AT FEASTANDGRAZE.COM

HELLO SOAP BOX FROM BUFF CITY SOAP

Oh sure, their products will make you feel clean and fresh, but they also provide a complete sensory experience. Buff City Soap bars come in all the colors of the rainbow, and the fragrances are like walking into a birthday-cake bakery. So, how to chose from so many delights? We suggest the “Hello Soap” box, a surprise assortment of four of their most popular products — bars, washes, scrubs, and more — which can be purchased for $18, or delivered once a month by ordering a subscription. Just opening the box is a treat in itself. AVAILABLE AT ANY BUFF CITY SOAP LOCATION, OR ONLINE AT BUFFCITYSOAP.COM 30 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0

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OFFICIAL MEMPHIS TRAVEL BOX FROM CITY TASTING BOX

PUNS OF ANARCHY:

AN OUTRAGEOUS PUN-MAKING PARTY GAME FROM EVAN KATZ AND JOSH ROBERTS Let’s get this out of the way: Everyone likes puns. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. Card game creators Evan Katz and Josh Roberts (of Charty Party fame) bring the thrill of witty wordplay and banter into the home with their latest creation: Puns of Anarchy. The game tasks players with using a dry erase marker to edit pre-selected phrases (movies, bands, pop culture references) into puns that match up with a specific category placed in front of each player. For instance, when aiming for the food category, a few swipes of the marker will change ‘The Walking Dead’ into ‘The Walking Bread.' At the end of the round, each player judges the puns placed in front of them. Cue laughter, hilarity, and punny shenanigans.

MEMBERSHIP TO THE MEMPHIS ZOO

Memphis has a rich history: culture, music, art … but let’s not forget the food. The Bluff City’s booming restaurant scene has too many delectable dishes to count, so choosing an eatery for guests in town for the hoiidays can be a challenge. But if you can’t decide on just one place, why not include some of the best all at once? Cristina McCarter’s “Official Memphis Travel” Box will put a bit of Memphis into every bite with Rendezvous barbecue sauce, New Wing Order buffalo sauce, Chef Tam’s fried food seasoning, and plenty of others. For dessert, it’s Makeda’s cookies, and the first 100 buyers get their very own Retro Memphis Skyline wood-block art. AVAILABLE AT CITYTASTINGBOX.COM

As one of the top-ranked zoos in the United States, the Memphis Zoo goes above and beyond to create a fun and educational space. From the in-depth interactions between zookeepers and guests to creative holiday events like Zootoberfest, ZooBoo, and Zoo Lights, the Memphis Zoo knows how to accommodate visitors. With Memphis reopening and the zoo returning to full operations, the time couldn’t be better to gift a zoo membership to the animal lover in your life. AVAILABLE AT THE ZOO IN OVERTON PARK OR MEMPHISZOO.ORG

AVAILABLE ONLINE ON THEIR KICKSTARTER PAGE

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You know she’s worth it . . .

THE SOUTH’S LEADER IN ESTATE JEWELRY AND DIAMOND SOLITAIRES LOCATED IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN NEW ALBANY AND THE SQUARE IN OXFORD

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You know she’s worth it!

the south’s leader in estate jewelry and diamond solitaires located in historic downtown new albany and the square in oxford

1.866.VANATKINS | WWW.VANATKINS.COM

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Holiday Gift Guide 2020

Flowers and Flocks

Art by Dr. Gopal Murti

Church Health Christmas Card 2020 suggested donation

10

$

Church Health’s annual Christmas card program is one way you can provide health care to the underserved while honoring those you love.

MAGNOLIA HOUSE HAS G AT H E R E D G I F T S F R O M A L L OVER THE WORLD TO PUT UNDER YOUR TREE THIS YEAR! Come sit by the fire and make your Christmas lists And enjoy the music of owner Nancy Veldman. We offer free Christmas wrapping and are open MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 10-6 SUNDAY 12-4.

To order, visit ChurchHealth.org/ChristmasCards or call 901-701-2000. Please order by December 4, 2020 to ensure your cards arrive before Christmas Day.

Honor your loved ones and friends this year. ChurchHealth.org/ChristmasCards ChristmasCards@ChurchHealth.org | 901.701.2000

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2 9 0 3 M A Y B O U L E VA R D , S T E 1 0 3 S O U T H AV E N , M S 3 8 6 7 2 (662)469-9825 • MAGNOLIAHOUSE.COM

9/28/2020 1:19:25 PM

Give Huey’s

Seasoning |Apparel | Gift Cards Products vary at different Huey’s locations. Visit hueyburger.com/shop to view our online store!

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Holiday Gift Guide 2020 discoveryparkofamerica.com | Union City, TN | 731-885-5455

Featuring Memphis Made Items! Jewelry - Candles - Art Gifts for Everyone! Monday-Saturday 11am-7pm • Sundays 1pm-6pm 410 North Cleveland, Memphis, TN 38104 901-728-9004 • info@oothoons.com • www.oothoons.com Memphis Magazine’s

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Holiday Gift Guide 2020

Flowers and Flocks

Art by Dr. Gopal Murti

Church Health Christmas Card 2020 suggested donation

10

$

Church Health’s annual Christmas card program is one way you can provide health care to the underserved while honoring those you love. To order, visit ChurchHealth.org/ChristmasCards or call 901-701-2000. Please order by December 4, 2020 to ensure your cards arrive before Christmas Day.

Honor your loved ones and friends this year. ChurchHealth.org/ChristmasCards ChristmasCards@ChurchHealth.org | 901.701.2000

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MAGNOLIA HOUSE HAS G AT H E R E D G I F T S F R O M A L L OVER THE WORLD TO PUT UNDER YOUR TREE THIS YEAR! Come sit by the fire and make your Christmas listsAvenue 4538 Poplar And enjoy the music of owner Nancy Veldman. Laurelwood Shopping Center We offer free Christmas wrapping and are open

Memphis, TN 38117

MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 10-6 SUNDAY 12-4.

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2 9 0 3 M A Y B O U L E VA R D , S T E 1 0 3 S O U T H AV E N , M S 3 8 6 7 2 (662)469-9825 • MAGNOLIAHOUSE.COM

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Give Huey’s

Seasoning |Apparel | Gift Cards Products vary at different Huey’s locations. Visit hueyburger.com/shop to view our online store!

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EXQUISITE JEWELS

SEASON TICKETS

GIFTS & ACCESSORIES

Looking for an exquisite gift for the holidays from the Mediterranean Sea to Memphis? Menzaman Jewelry embraces the ancestors' craftsmanship, culture, and tradition to create unique jewelry that tells a story and highlights the individuality of the wearer. Located in Memphis's heart, our jewelry caters to the classic, the bold, and the beautiful.

Now is the perfect time to add a ‘healthy dose of theatre’ into your holiday plans. Playhouse on the Square’s 52nd season will fill your stocking with a diverse lineup of musicals, comedies, and dramas, all designed to satisfy everyone on your gift list. Subscription packages start as low as $100! Get yours today! BOX OFFICE: (901) 726-4656

An exciting new gifts-and-accessories shop, carrying products from around the world for your life and home. Owner Nancy Veldman, pianist, author and watercolor artist, welcomes you to Magnolia House Lifestyle store located in the extraordinary development of Silo Town Square in Southaven, Mississippi. It will take your breath away.

VIEW SELECTION AT MENZAMANJEWELRY.COM

PLAYHOUSEONTHESQUARE.ORG

(662) 469-9825, MAGNOLIAHOUSE.COM

SWAN CREEK CANDLES

CHRISTMAS CARD

FAN MERCH

FROM MENZAMAN JEWELRY

TO PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE

FROM MAGNOLIA HOUSE

FROM OOTHOON'S

TO SUPPORT CHURCH HEALTH CENTER

GIVE THE GIFT OF HUEY’S

Deliciously scented Swan Creek Candles are available in a number of lovely aromas and designs. The ceramic and glass candle jars are reusable, and refill kits are available. Prices between $9 and $20.

“Flowers and Flocks” by Dr. Gopal Murti Honor your loved ones and friends this year, while supporting health care in our community.

With our world-famous seasoning, gift cards, apparel and more, there’s a stocking-stuffer for everyone on your list.

ORDER VIA

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CHRISTMASCARDS@CHURCHHEALTH.ORG

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OR (901) 701-2000. SUGGESTED DONATION OF $10.

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ORDER BY DECEMBER 4TH TO MAKE SURE CARDS

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ARRIVE IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS.

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H A B I TAT S

Inside the great room of Matt Ross-Spang’s midcentury modern home. From the tile floors to the original light fixtures, the 1957 home is remarkably preserved. upper right: Visitors are greeted by the epic gatefold from Isaac Hayes’ 1971 album Black Moses. The zigzag brick planter is echoed in the front of the house. far right: Producer Matt Ross-Spang with his two Grammy awards. The painting over the shelf by Memphis artist Lamar Sorrento depicts legends of the Memphis music industry. PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOHN PICKLE

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E T H

G N I L I V

U M E S M U

Memphis music producer Matt Ross-Spang assembles his mid-century dream home.     B Y C H R I S M c C O Y

M att Ross-Spang has two Grammys sitting on a shelf in the living room of his mid-century modern home in East Memphis. “My parents both loved music — my dad especially. I really connected with a lot of the music that my dad would play — Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, a lot of Memphis stuff. Then in the Nineties, it was Son Volt and Uncle Tupelo, that whole alt-country scene.”

On a trip to visit family in Ohio, Ross-Spang’s cousin showed him his guitar. “I remember spending the whole week just looking at it and playing with it,” he says. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but after we came home, I had to get a guitar as soon as I could.” Ross-Spang practiced incessantly and formed a band. When he was in high school, his parents paid for two hours of recording time at

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The vintage Adrian Pearsall couch appears custom-made for the living room space. RossSpang shops at antique and thrift stores when he travels to other cities to make records. The Christmas tree, decorated with 45s, is a gift from the late singer-songwriter John Prine.

Sun Studio. It turned out to be a life-changing experience. “James Lott, who was the head engineer, treated us like we deserved to be there,” he says. “It was the coolest thing I ever got to do. We were super nervous, but I loved watching him work the big board with all the knobs and faders. I kind of became obsessed with that, and he told me I could come back and intern.” Ross-Spang became a tour guide at Sun so he could learn at Lott’s feet. “I would get off high school, give tours until six, and then I would intern in the studio through the night. That’s where I realized that I wanted to be an engineer. You learn way faster interning than you do in school.”

Creating a great record is about more than learning where to put the microphone. “The thing I learned from James at Sun was, it’s scary,” he says. “People come from all over the world to record there. It’s a dream come true for them — but you’re also in the studio. It’s nerve-wracking. We all hate the sound of our voice, like on a voicemail. So imagine singing a song in Sun Studio! James was always great at making them feel at home, making them feel welcome. You can’t get a good performance out of someone who is nervous. You have to put them at ease. I think that was one thing I got really good at, all those years at the studio.” After 11 years at Sun, Ross-

Spang received an offer to record Anderson East at FAME studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The session went so well that producer Dave Cobb asked him to engineer on the new album by Jason Isbell. “I would need to go to Nashville for a month to do it,” RossSpang recalls. As a manager at Sun, he couldn’t be away from the studio that long. So he had to make a choice. “It was kind of the easiest and hardest decision of my life, but I decided to become an independent engineer and producer,” he says. “I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t take that chance. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done.” Jason Isbell’s 2015 album Something More Than Free debuted at number one on the Billboard Rock and Country album charts. Rolling Stone

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above: The broken tile of the back patio has survived unchanged since the home was built. left: Ross-Spang found the relaxing fountain in California. The homeowner says he has always been a fan of midcentury modern style. below: He was inspired to purchase this 1957 ranch home to be like his hero, Memphis music producer Sam Phillips, who built a home of similar vintage in East Memphis.

called it the best country album of the year, and it won the Grammy award for Best Americana album. “I probably got spoiled on that first record,” Ross-Spang says. Since then, Ross-Spang has worked with a wide variety of artists, such as Margo Price and The Drive-By Truckers. He recorded Al Green’s first new song in 15 years. The late John Prine loved working with Ross-Spang so much, he gave him his Cadillac. Ross-Spang says he feels privileged to be a part of the long tradition of Memphis producers that goes back to Sam Phillips. “What’s so great about Memphis is the classic studios are still here, and the level of musicianship is out of this world.”

O ver the Grammy shelf in Ross-

Spang’s living room is a painting by Memphis artist Lamar Sorrento depicting some of the greats who inspired him to work behind the board. “I got Jim Dickinson, Stan Kesler, Chips Moman, Sam Phillips, Willy Mitchell, Cowboy Jack Clement, Jim Stewart, and Roland James,” says. “It’s just missing John Fry and Doug Easley.” Ross-Spang says he found his East Memphis modernist gem two years ago. His first house was a Midtown bungalow on Holly Street. “It’s a little secret street between Summer and Jackson,” he says. “And I loved living there. It was a great starter home, and I had a lot of roommates at the

time to help pay for it.” But with his career taking off, Ross-Spang started thinking about an upgrade. When he saw the three-bedroom home online, he was intrigued. “I am a huge, huge fan of mid-century modern.” The previous owner had just dropped the price, which put it in the upper range of what RossSpang could afford. Even better, he recognized it was an opportunity to connect with his Memphis roots. “Obviously, Sam Phillips is a hero of mine. His house is over on Mendenhall,” he says. “It’s a beautiful, mid-century ranch built around the same time.” The home was in excellent shape. “It blew my mind. It’s all orig-

inal from ’57,” he says. “As I pulled up to come look at it, my good buddy Scott Bomar, who’s a great producer and engineer, was driving down the street. He goes, ‘Are you coming to look at this house?’” As it turned out, Bomar lived on the same street. “So it was kind of like destiny,” Ross-Spang says.

Once he bought the house, he set out decorating in a period-appropriate manner. He had decorated his 1930s-era bungalow with mid-century modern furniture, but says “it didn’t have the same feel. It was kind of disjointed. But these rooms have the big windows. I came here, and it was perfect. I pretty much got rid of every single

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below: The beaded curtains were a gift from fellow producer Scott Bomar. The doublesided fireplace connects the living room to the great room. bottom: Ross-Spang created his own version of Elvis’ legendary Jungle Room after he helped remix a box set of the King’s recordings. The tikiinspired bar stools are vintage Witcos. A former TV cabinet houses barware. The jukebox is a 1968 Seeburg Discotheque.

thing I owned from the old house, furniture-wise. Because when you look at those old photos from the Sixties of people in their homes, it almost looked like the furniture was made just for that one wall — and I really love that.” Ross-Spang has spent the last two years searching high and low for the perfect period accoutrements. “I travel a lot to record and make records,” he says. “I get to go to Nashville or Birmingham or Muscle Shoals and such. I always like to go on the hunt to antique malls and thrift stores.” The giant couch which wraps around two living room walls is a vintage Adrian Pearsall. “The plan of it looks just like the shape of the windows,” he says. “I was very specific about this model, and when

I found one I liked, it was down in Florida. So I snagged it up!” Next to the couch is a white plastic Christmas tree, covered in vintage 45s. It was another gift from John Prine. “He liked to have a Christmas tree up all year-round, so he sent me one after we made the record.” Connected to the living room via a double-sided fireplace is a sprawling great room. To the right, a couch faces a flat-screen TV on a vintage stand stuffed with a mixture of classic analog and twenty-first-century digital electronics. “The previous owner was downsizing, so he left a couple of old pieces for me. One of them was this Eames knockoff chair,” Ross-Spang says. To the left, the great room flows into a cypress-paneled kitchen with unique, inward-sloping cabinets. “I love to cook,” he says. “I’m gone most of the time, but when I am home, I do a heck of a lot of cooking.” The original tile floor is perfectly preserved. The kitchen also features one of the home’s most charming original touches — a built-in combination intercom and hi-fi system, unchanged since it was installed in 1957. You can

choose to turn on any combination of seven speakers located throughout the home to play music from the radio or turntable. With plenty of space to eat in the great room, Ross-Spang decided he didn’t need a formal dining room. So he chose to do something completely different. “One of the biggest highlights of my career was when I got to mix unreleased Elvis stuff. I did a box set for Sony, called Way Down In The Jungle Room. A lot of the hits he recorded in ’76 were actually done in the Jungle Room, and just getting to be a part of that project was so cool.” Ross-Spang made his own version of Graceland’s legendary den by covering the walls and ceiling with grasscloth wallpaper. The couch, coffee table, and bar stools are all vintage Witco, the brand favored by The King in the original Jungle Room. Naturally, there’s a jukebox — a Seeburg Discotheque built in 1966. “I love that ranch thing where you open the front door and you can see all the way to the backyard,” says Ross-Spang. A zigzag patterned planter in the foyer echoes a larger planter built along the home’s front elevation. A matching planter in the sprawling back yard is one of the few parts of the home that didn’t survive the years. The broken-tile patio, on the other hand, is original. In the corner is a bubbling fountain Ross-Spang found in California. Echoing the tiki theme from the Jungle Room, Ross-Spang snatches up moai, replicas of the famous heads from Easter Island, whenever he finds one in an antique store, and places them around the patio. After two years, the home is still very much a work in progress. Only one of the three bedrooms has been decorated. “I’m thinking maybe a cowboy theme for one of them,” he says. As you can probably tell, RossSpang is having a ball putting together his dream home. “All the little things add up,” he says. “I still wake up every day and I just smile. It’s such a cool place. And I think it’s from my years at Sun and Sam Phillips Recording, but it almost feels like a living museum. Like, I’m not the homeowner. I’m just the curator of this place.”

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THE TWO BURTONS DELVE INTO FAITH AND LIFE

A new volume pairs Burton Carley and the late Burton Callicott. BY JON W. SPARKS

T

he public ation of A r t & S o u l wa s conceived as a project to showcase the observations and calligraphy of acclaimed Memphis artist Burton Callicott as well as meditations by Burton Carley, former longtime minister of the First Unitarian Church of Memphis, or Church of the River. The two friends had only modest ambitions, perhaps a chapbook that could be distributed to members of the church congregation. But that was not to be its destiny, in large part due to Callicott’s son, Baird Callicott, who realized that the project could go much further and live on many more levels.

The volume, Baird felt, should have numerous examples of the elder Callicott’s artworks as well as his poetry and calligraphy, all combined with Carley’s meditations. The result is a gorgeous collection of extraordinary artworks, beautifully

lettered poems, and thoughtful contemplations from both Burtons. It’s a further tribute to the quality of the book that noted Memphis photographer Murray Riss signed on as image editor for the volume, and Jeff McMillen designed it.

The elder Callicott and Carley are each an essential part of the history and culture of Memphis. And the pairing is perfectly natural as Callicott was a member of the church (since the early 1930s, long before it moved to the riverbluffs in 1965) and the two Burtons found an instant connection when Carley came to lead the church in 1983. Both shared an abiding spirituality and deep curiosity about religion, philosophy, humanity, and life. The two talked some two decades ago of collaborating on a literary work, but Callicott’s death in 2003 seemed to put that dream to rest. In 2015, however, Baird retired from teaching and Carley retired from his position at the Church of the River. They met and the project was rekindled.

B

aird made sure the book included plenty of his father’s biographical information, showing his long life in, and impact on, Memphis. After art school, young Burton worked for his impresario stepfather, who was in good favor with Boss E.H. Crump. Callicott worked on floats and displays for the Cotton Carnival parades and whatever else his stepdad needed. He would meet and marry Evelyne Baird during the Great Depression. Callicott signed on with the Works Progress Administration Federal Art Project, and in 1933 he painted the murals (still visible) in the foyer of the original Pink Palace Museum. By 1937, he was among the founding faculty of the Memphis Academy of Arts, where he taught until

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his retirement in 1973. (During World War II he worked as a draftsman doing highly detailed “exploded drawings,” such as an illustration pictured in the book for a B-29 pressurized gunner’s cabin sub-assembly.) When he retired, he was well enough regarded that he could live on the sales of his artworks, and to this day it’s a mark of distinction to have a Callicott in one’s collection. If an original is not in your price range, you can still get a rainbow license plate designed by the artist in 2000 to benefit the Tennessee Arts Commission. It was only late in his life, as painting became more difficult for him, that he started his earnest writing of poetry, rendering many of them in calligraphy. The calligraphy, Baird says, came ARTWORK COURTESY BAIRD CALLICOTT

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from two sources. “Dad had gotten a couple of blank books and just started doing these bits of random calligraphy quotations that he ran across that were memorable or were inspiring some of his own thoughts. Over many, many years, he just kept filling these pages.” They present a wide variety of emotions and observations, but one that evokes his artistic sensibility is expressed in No. 10:

How still and peaceful is the horizontal: of distant tree lines beyond flat Delta fields, of striped western skies at sundown; gently laying the diagonals of my unquiet mind.

When Baird revived the book project, he had plenty of time to reflect on his father. “What I like to say about my father is that he was the same person in his home to his family, that everyone else saw,” he says. “He was super nice and self-sacrificing and always maintained a good sense of humor. And he just was a wonderful father.” Baird grew up in the 1940s and 1950s and recalls spending much time at the original Memphis Academy of Arts building, located then in the James Lee House in Victorian Village. “I used to accompany him, especially to Saturday school,” he says, “and just enjoyed running around those old Victorian buildings with the smell of paint and in the carriage house, where the pottery was.” The son of the celebrated artist

opposite: Benediction 2 (1972) is a reflection of Burton Callicott’s daily practice of meditation. above left: his calligraphies were often meditative, but sometimes captured a vivid remembrance from his life. above: Falling Circles (1984), looking east from the artist’s back yard.

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never had any interest or skill when it came to graphic or three-dimensional art. “But I did inherit from my dad a strong impulse to creativity,” Baird says, “which has manifested in my case in what’s somewhat unusual, a genre of academic writing.”

“Burton Callicott’s inner and outer life were in harmony. His thinking, feeling, and behaving were congruent.” — Burton Carley Baird graduated from high school in 1959, the year the Academy of Arts moved from Victorian Village into the new Roy Harrover-designed building in Overton Park. But his choice of school was just across North Parkway at Southwestern at Memphis, now Rhodes College. He earned his B.A. in 1963 and went to Syracuse to get his Ph.D.

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Emblem: Union of Selves (1994) was Callicott’s fourth-to-last oil painting, described as being less readable than most of his other metaphysical abstractions.

Baird came back to Memphis to write his dissertation (too cold up north), and figured he’d try to see what was happening at Memphis State University. It was a time when the baby boomers were all about going to college and schools were expanding to meet the need. “I walked over to introduce myself to the chair of the philosophy department,” he says, “just in hopes of getting on his mailing list so that I could attend lectures and colloquia and things like that. And I walked home with a half-time job. They were taking people off the street to teach.” The university had recently been integrated but had only a few Black instructors. The Black Students Association asked him to be their faculty advisor and, he says, “We were in the middle of the civil rights movement and the sanitation workers strike. So I was working with the local Southern Christian Leadership group here in Memphis coordi-

ARTWORK COURTESY BAIRD CALLICOTT

(901) 907-0434

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Have you looked at your trees lately?

nating campus demonstrations with them and with Martin Luther King’s visit. And I was sticking out like a sore thumb.” And then he got busted. The police searched his house and found marijuana. Although the warrant was invalid and the case would be thrown out, Baird says, “I got a polite letter from Cecil Humphreys, who was president of the university, saying that my services were no longer needed.” Burton Callicott, on hearing the news, declared that it was providential, that it was his son’s destiny. And as it happened, the young scholar got his next job at the University of

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Callicott, in his meditations and calligraphy, would focus on the senses, here reflecting on nature’s sounds.

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Wisconsin-Stevens Point, which happened to put him at the cutting edge of the newly burgeoning environmental movement. “I helped to found a new field in philosophy called environmental philosophy and ethics,” he says. “The specialty of this little branch campus was natural resources. They had forestry and wildlife management and all of the things having to do with the emerging environmental movement. I thought, well, now with all of the things that are going on [in the Sixties], the human relationship with the natural world has not been a subject of close, philosophical attention.”

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aird taught in Wisconsin for 26 years and then joined the Department of Philosophy and Religion Studies at the University of North Texas. He has written numerous books and articles on the philosophy of conservation and environmental ethics. When he retired in 2015 and came back to Memphis, he knew he’d be curating his fa-

ARTWORK COURTESY BAIRD CALLICOTT

WE KNOW MEMPHIS TREES!

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ther’s legacy, but didn’t know that the Art & Soul project would become the ambitious undertaking it turned out to be. Over the years, Baird had visited Memphis and had met Carley. The minister conducted the services when Baird’s mother died in 2001 and when his father died in 2003. Enter Dr. Tom Gettelfinger. The retired ophthalmologist was a member of the Church of the River and happened to live near Baird Downtown. Gettelfinger and Carley were having lunch at a restaurant in Midtown when Baird walked in. “Tom reintroduced us,” Carley says, “and

Emanation and Descent (1995) is another variation on Callicott’s metaphysical themes.

something in our conversation sparked this memory of the project that Baird’s father and I had conjured. Baird asked what I thought of restarting this project and I said, sure.” They worked on it a bit for a couple of years and then it got under way in earnest. “I went to my study,” says Baird, “and wrote my responses to sometimes the poems and sometimes the paintings.” Baird got in touch with his friend Cecil Humphreys Jr. — the son of the university president who had fired him years before, as it happened — because Humphreys had done a book titled Memphis Studios: A Visual Tour. “I asked him how he got it done,” Baird says. “So I pretty much followed his lead. He had raised money for his book and I had envisioned raising money for mine, but I’m just absolutely awful at asking people for money, so I figured I’d fund this out of my own pocket.” He did get some contributions, and with his own frugal lifestyle, he was able to come up with enough money to fund the project.

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T

he book reveals as much about the artist as the minister. “What I loved about Burton was he was a person of integrity,” Carley says. “And what I mean by that, his inner and outer life were in harmony. His thinking, feeling, and behaving were congruent. “And perhaps a special quality I love the most about Burton was his humility with all of his talents and his thoughtfulness and intellect,” he continues. “He’s touched so many people’s lives either through his art or talking about his way of looking at the world and how his art expressed that to the mutations of light. You could never get him to brag anything about himself — he never thought of himself in those terms. He always seemed surprised and glad that someone was interested in learning something from him. When I wrote him and asked about putting our meditations and prayers and his little poems together, a typical reply was something like, ‘I’d be happy to have my little poems put with your magnificent prayers.’ “It’s just the way he was. He was a great man. My fondness for him has only grown these past few years. And I loved Baird making possible working on this book because I got to reinvest myself in him. It was enduring. It wasn’t a passing thing. It’s for real.” Art & Soul is for sale at Burke’s Book Store and Novel.

901.833.YARD (9273) • theyardmemphis.com 1735 Thomas Road, Memphis, TN 38134

Memphis is published monthly. Annual subscription $18. Publisher/Editor: Anna Traverse Fogle. Managing Editor: Frank Murtaugh. Memphis is owned by Contemporary Media, Inc., P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101. Stockholders: Ward Archer Jr., 1902 Nelson, Memphis, TN 38114; Jack Belz, 100 Peabody Pl. #1400, Memphis, TN 38103; Kate Gooch, 2900 Garden Lane, Memphis, TN 38111; Lipman Brothers Partnership, P.O. Box 45, Memphis, TN 38101; Henry Turley Jr., 65 Union Ave. 12th Floor, Memphis, TN 38103. AVERAGE NUMBER COPIES EACH ISSUE DURING PRECEDING 12 MONTHS: Net press run- 18,333. Paid outside county mail subscriptions- 3,277. Paid inside county mail subscriptions- 12,376. Sales through dealers, carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other Non-USPS paid distribution- 606. Other classes mailed through the USPS- 0. Total paid distribution- 16,259. Free or Nominal rate outside-county copies- 274. Free or Nominal rate inside-county copies- 1,309. Free or Nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS- 0. Free or Nominal rate distribution outside the mail- 127. Total Free or Nominal distribution- 1,710. Total distribution- 17,969. Copies not distributed- 365. ACTUAL NUMBER COPIES SINGLE ISSUE NEAREST TO FILING DATE: Net press run- 17,545. Paid outside county mail subscriptions- 3,208. Paid inside county mail subscriptions- 11,897. Sales through dealers, carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other Non-USPS paid distribution- 350. Other classes mailed through the USPS- 0. Total paid distribution- 15,455. Free or Nominal rate outside-county copies- 237. Free or Nominal rate inside-county copies- 1,514. Free or Nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS- 0. Free or Nominal rate distribution outside the mail- 140. Total Free or Nominal distribution- 1,891. Total distribution- 17,346. Copies not distributed- 199.

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YOUR DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW. The growing field of concierge medicine offers special benefits and personalized services.

^6

by michael finger

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHAMAIPORN KITINA / DREAMSTIME

A

lthough he didn’t actually coin the term “concierge medicine,” a doctor in Seattle is generally given credit for developing this new type of medical practice. In 1996, Dr. Howard Maron was the team physician for the Seattle Supersonics, the city’s NBA team, while also maintaining regular office hours as a primary care physician. One day, so the story goes, he walked through his crowded waiting room and thought it was “very odd” that everyone sitting there “was only allowed a 15-minute slot.” That’s usually the amount of time most patients, then and now, are scheduled to see a doctor or nurse practitioner. Thinking there must be a better way, Maron and a colleague, Dr. Scott Hall, formed MD2 (“MD squared”), a radical departure from the patient-doctor relationship. For one thing, instead of seeing hundreds — maybe thousands — of patients throughout the year, each doctor would limit his “patient load” to only 50 families, which would allow them to devote more time to each case. The doctors would not work with health insurance companies. Instead, those

lucky 50 families would pay a premium for such personalized care. In the beginning, MD2 charged anywhere from $15,000 individually to $25,000 for a family of four for an annual “membership.” In return for that fee, they would benefit from more time with the doctor, more individualized treatment plans, and no extra or “hidden” costs for lab work and procedures. And because no insurance companies were involved, there would be no additional — and often unexpected — billing for procedures and tests, and no worry about co-pays, deductibles, authorizations, and other financial elements of a typical health insurance policy. What’s more, the patients would have 24-hour access to the doctor, could arrange same-day appointments, and if necessary could request something nobody had encountered since the days of the old TV show Marcus Welby, M.D. — house calls. “Delivering exceptional medical care must fundamentally revolve around, honor, and protect the most sacred of relationships — that between physician and patient,” according to the MD2 website. “This is only possible when you limit your patient threshold to so few.” The new project was an overwhelming success, with a waiting list of patients hoping to become MD2 members. Across the country, other doctors — and patients — heard about this new approach and paid attention. Other medical practices came to follow this model, calling N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 53

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A Leader in the Battle Against Coronavirus in Tennessee

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901 HE A LTH

it retainer medicine, membership medicine, direct-care, and other terms, but eventually most them settled on one term: concierge medicine.

Concierge medicine doctors even make house calls. Dr. Shannon Finks (left) is the president and chief operating offer of ZüpMed in Memphis.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ZÜPMED

I

n 2000, a group of physicians in Boca Raton, Florida, created MDVIP, the nation’s largest concierge medicine network. The company oversees more than 1,000 physicians, who treat some 350,000 patients across America. Each of those doctors pays MDVIP an annual franchise fee of $500 per patient, in return for administrative, branding, and marketing support, but the group does not own, or otherwise manage, the doctors’ offices. Here’s how it works. On average, MDVIP physicians see only a dozen patients a day, compared to 20 or more in a typical practice. Same-day appointments are considered the norm, and patients see the doctor they have selected — not another physician in the group. Waiting rooms are rarely crowded. What’s more, on the patient’s first visit, the doctor makes a thorough exam and develops a comprehensive “MDVIP Wellness Program,” which they will monitor throughout the patient’s relationship with them. In addition, patients can receive wellness screenings, physicals, and other preventive measures, which are often not covered by typical health insurance plans. The cost varies, depending on what part of the country the physician is located, but in the Memphis area, MDVIP patients pay a membership fee of $450 every three months — or $1,350 a year. Here, as of September 2020, nine physicians were affiliated with MDVIP — seven internal medicine specialists and two doctors

who focus on family medicine. They’re not in a group; each maintains an individual practice in East Memphis or Germantown. Every health insurance policy is different, with varying deductibles and other factors affecting the cost of a patient’s annual premium. But in most cases, the annual fee an individual pays to any of the physicians affiliated with MDVIP would be considerably less than the premium they would pay to Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, or any traditional insurance company. All the MDVIP-affiliated physicians focus on primary care, and that’s fine for a “whole body” approach. What’s missing from the group, however, are cardiologists, OBGYN doctors, neurologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and other specialists. Patients should understand that MDVID isn’t directly affiliated with specialists or hospitals. Any visit to a specialist, or any treatment in a hospital, isn’t covered by that membership fee. For

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Germantown • Memphis • Southaven • Senatobia • West Memphis N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 55

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901 HE A LTH

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Dr. Lynda Freeland is a Memphis primary-care physician affiliated with MDVIP.

help patients achieve health and wellness,” he says. “We will work closely to address your needs. Compassion, communication, and planning are keys to our success, and my desire is not only to be your doctor, but your friend and partner in health.”

I

n March 2020, Drs. Shannon and Lloyd Finks opened ZüpMed, which they describe as a “hybrid” concierge practice, in Laurelwood. Shannon is the group’s president and director of pharmacy services, and Lloyd is the senior physician and director of operations. They are complemented by a staff of nurse practitioners, radiological and lab technicians, an acupuncture specialist, and even a fulltime concierge, who schedules appointments and ensures the ZüpMed experience goes smoothly. The comprehensive suite of services includes preventative, wellness, chronic, and acute healthcare. Patients have two ways to access healthcare here. The practice offers “a la carte” care, meaning they accept walk-in patients who select from a menu of treatment options — a visit with the doctor or nurse, immuniza-

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY DR. LYNDA FREELAND

Miles C. Moore, DDS

this reason, most concierge doctors, including MDVIP, recommend that patients continue to carry their regular health insurance. Even so, concierge doctors feel the benefit of a more personalized approach to healthcare is worth the cost. “All my patients are unique, with their own specific, particular circumstances and concerns regarding their health,” says Dr. Lynda Freeland, a primary-care physician who sees patients at her clinic in East Memphis. “I enjoy practicing medicine in partnership with my patients — developing plans for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of their medical problems. I believe that partnering with MDVIP will allow us to offer more availability as well as more time, so I can give them the optimal care.” Dr. William Bucy, a family medicine practitioner in Germantown, echoes that philosophy. “As an MDVIP-affiliated family practice physician, I will utilize all my resources to

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tions and vaccinations, pharmaceutical needs, pregnancy testing, and more. All these treatments are clearly spelled out on the ZüpMed website, and they are cash-only. As with other concierge practices, no health insurance company is involved. “At the same time, however, we provide patients with an itemized invoice for everything we have done,” says Dr. Lloyd Finks. “We are considered out-of-network with most insurance companies, such as Aetna and Humana, but they may still pay a portion of your bill.” A half-hour medical consultation is $95; the cost is $150 for a full-hour. Pregnancy tests are $20, x-rays are $25, and vaccinations start at $35. A “telemed” visit (via Zoom or other online platforms) is $75, and anyone who really seeks the personal touch can arrange a house call for $325. Either of those last two options is invaluable, says Finks, “for somebody like a mother with a sick child, who simply can’t get to our office very easily.” ZüpMed also offers a concierge membership program, with pricing dependent on the patient’s age. Young patients up to age 21 pay $30 monthly. For ages 21-45 the cost is $55, ages 45-65 pay $75, and for those 65 and older, the monthly membership fee is $125. Finks points out that any of these “is often less than what you are paying for your cellphone service.” The membership fee eliminates most, if not all, the costs for medical services. (House calls aren’t entirely included in the membership costs, but the fee is reduced to $245.) There’s another difference between ZüpMed and traditional doctors’ offices. “We have no waiting room,” says Dr. Lloyd Finks. “As soon as you arrive, our concierge escorts you directly to the exam room, maybe hands you a drink if you want one, and you see the doctor right away.” Afterwards, patients can pick up any needed medications from ZüpMed’s in-house dispensary. “The whole point of a visit here,” says Finks, “is to make things as pleasant as possible for our patients.”

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s concierge medicine right for everybody who can afford it? It depends on their finances and medical needs. If patients already have a comfortable relationship with their primary-care doctor, and they feel their health insurance covers most of their care, despite the premiums and deductibles, there may be no need to change. But if they would prefer access with a physician who can spend more time with them, without having to wait days (or sometimes weeks) for an appointment, then the concierge medicine model may be a good choice for what ails you.   Fo r mo re info r matio n , visit mdvip.com or zupmed.com

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2020 MEMPHIS

FIVE STAR AWARD WINNERS These days, it takes a village to manage your financial world. Whether it is managing your assets with a wealth manager, navigating the ever-changing tax landscape, sorting out your estate and succession planning or picking the right life insurance, finding the right team can be a daunting task. In fact, many consumers have a hard time figuring out where to even begin.

FIVE STAR PROFESSIONAL

PROPRIETARY RESEARCH PROCESS

Sometimes, a few simple questions can put you on the right path. Asking professionals what makes working with them a unique experience can help you understand how they work and if their style meshes with your own. This is a great place to start! Five Star Professional uses its own proprietary research methodology to name outstanding professionals, then works with publications such as Memphis magazine to spread the word about award winners. Each award candidate undergoes a thorough research process (detailed here) before being considered for the final list of award winners. For the complete list of winners, go to fivestarprofessional.com.

Nomination of Candidates The Five Star Professional research team surveyed homebuyers, home sellers and industry peers, and analyzed online consumer evaluations to identify professionals that excel in key attributes of customer service.

Evaluation Score Using our scoring algorithm, each nominee is given an evaluation score based on surveys in our database. High scorers are named candidates.

RESEARCH DISCLOSURES In order to consider a broad population of high-quality wealth managers, award candidates are identified by one of three sources: firm nomination, peer nomination or prequalification based on industry standing. Self-nominations are not accepted. Memphis-area award candidates were identified using internal and external research data. Candidates do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final lists of Five Star Wealth Managers. • The Five Star award is not indicative of a professional’s future performance.

Candidate Submission of Business Information Candidates must complete either an online or over-the-phone interview.

• Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their clients’ assets. • The inclusion of a professional on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the professional by Five Star Professional or Memphis magazine. • Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any professional is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected professionals will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future.

Eligibility Criteria

• Five Star Professional is not an advisory firm and the content of this article should not be considered financial advice. For more information on the Five Star Wealth Manager award program, research and selection criteria, go to fivestarprofessional.com/research.

Candidates must be in the industry for at least five years, have a favorable regulatory history and meet minimum production thresholds.

• 542 award candidates in the Memphis area were considered for the Five Star Wealth Manager award. 42 (approximately 8% of the award candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers.

Blue Ribbon Panel

FIVE STAR WEALTH MANAGER CRITERIA DETERMINATION OF AWARD WINNERS

A Blue Ribbon panel of industry experts reviews the final list of candidates.

Award candidates who satisfied 10 objective eligibility and evaluation criteria were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. Eligibility Criteria – Required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative. 2. Actively employed as a credentialed professional in the financial services industry for a minimum of five years. 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review. 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal firm standards. 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation Criteria – Considered: 6. One-year client retention rate. 7. Five-year client retention rate. 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered. 9. Number of client households served. 10. Education and professional designations. Regulatory Review: As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not: been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; been convicted of a felony. Within the past 11 years the wealth manager has not: been terminated from a wealth management or financial services firm; filed for personal bankruptcy; had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them (and no more than five total pending, dismissed or denied) with any regulatory authority. Five Star Professional conducts a regulatory review of each nominated wealth manager using the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website. Five Star Professional also uses multiple supporting processes to help ensure that a favorable regulatory and complaint history exists. Data submitted through these processes was applied per the above criteria; each wealth manager who passes the Five Star Professional regulatory review must attest that they meet the definition of favorable regulatory history based upon the criteria listed above. Five Star Professional promotes via local advertising the opportunity for consumers to confidentially submit complaints regarding a wealth manager.

Final Selection Less than 7% of professionals in the market are selected.

2020

All award winners are listed in this publication. Financial Planning Jay Lawrence Healy ∙ Century Wealth Management William B. Howard Jr. ∙ William Howard & Co. Page 5

Stacey Hyde ∙ Envision Financial Planning Page 5

George H. Moore Jr. ∙ Park Avenue Securities Page 4

Jeff Grimm ∙ Memphis Planning and Wealth Page 5

David McAdams ∙ McAdams Group, LLC Pages 2 & 3

Investments

Hulon O. Warlick ∙ Independent Wealth Management, LLC Page 4

Robert J. Cremerius ∙ Prudent Financial

Continued on FS-6

FS • 1

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEALTH MANAGERS

McAdams Group, LLC

Left to right: Taylor Perry; Seven-year winner David McAdams, President; Richard Burt; Gary Osing

For a company focused on finance, McAdams Group, LLC looks like a company focused on people, family and community. McAdams Group offers clients a wealth of services under one roof. Our advisors can help clients with: • Income tax planning • Investment planning • Retirement and income planning

• Estate planning • Social Security optimization planning • Required minimum distribution (RMD) planning

We do a lot of things for our clients that would never be expected, because our primary goal is to wow our clients. 98 Timber Creek Drive • Cordova, TN 38018 Office: 901-737-3883 www.mcadamsgroupllc.com www.retirementincomeprogram.com Investment Advisory Services offered through Sound Income Strategies, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. McAdams Group LLC and Sound Income Strategies, LLC are not associated entities. McAdams Group LLC is a franchisee of the Retirement Income Store. The Retirement Income Store and Sound Income Strategies LLC are associated entities. Wealth Manager Award Winner

The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client’s assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 542 Memphis area wealth managers were considered for the award; 42 (8% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. 2019: 544 considered, 54 winners; 2018: 548 considered, 69 winners; 2017: 400 considered, 52 winners; 2016: 447 considered, 105 winners; 2015: 690 considered, 143 winners; 2014: 1,034 considered, 152 winners; 2013: 880 considered, 166 winners; 2012: 695 considered, 166 winners.

FS • 2

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEALTH MANAGERS

McAdams Group believes managing your money wisely means being knowledgeable about all the options available to you. That’s why we place a heavy emphasis on financial education. Our focus on education, along with our more conservative approach to planning and saving for retirement offers unique opportunities for our clients. With over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, David McAdams has personally mentored and coached hundreds of advisors on the best way to help clients try to protect their retirement savings by: • Reducing, and even eliminating, your exposure to stock market risk • Establishing renewable streams of income for your retirement • Helping you navigate the complexities of planning and saving for retirement Clients’ primary expectation, of course, is solid financial guidance. McAdams Group, LLC aims to provide that in unique ways. McAdams follows a defensive reduced-risk strategy that may fit the needs of clients, many of whom are retired or are nearing retirement. The company is independent and free to recommend what advisors, David McAdams, Gary Osing, Richard Burt and Taylor Perry consider among the best for clients.

7

YEAR WINNER Left to right: Taylor Perry; Gary Osing; Richard Burt; Seven-year winner David McAdams, President Wealth Manager Award Winner

The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client’s assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 542 Memphis area wealth managers were considered for the award; 42 (8% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. 2019: 544 considered, 54 winners; 2018: 548 considered, 69 winners; 2017: 400 considered, 52 winners; 2016: 447 considered, 105 winners; 2015: 690 considered, 143 winners; 2014: 1,034 considered, 152 winners; 2013: 880 considered, 166 winners; 2012: 695 considered, 166 winners.

FS • 3

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10/7/20 4:52 PM


SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEALTH MANAGERS

George H. Moore Jr. CLU®, ChFC®, Managing Partner

Helping You Protect, Plan and Advance Your Unique Situations of Wealth

Photo 6.2” wide by 4.5” high at 300 dpi. Maximum of 6 people.

∙ Comprehensive wealth management ∙ Unique wealth-building philosophy and process

5

YEAR WINNER Five-year winner George H. Moore Jr., CLU®, ChFC®, Managing Partner

6060 Primacy Parkway, Suite 175 • Memphis, TN 38119 Phone: 901- 602-5100 • george.moore@ashfordadvisors.net • www.ashfordadvisors.net

With 30 years of industry experience, George is focused on assisting those planning for retirement or business succession. His focus is on planning and the relationship while bringing unique ideas to the process. With an emphasis on developing and executing strategic plans to reduce taxes and maximize income opportunities, his goal is to put his clients’ minds at ease so they can enjoy a memorable retirement. Registered Principal and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities, LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Ashford Mid South, LLC is an affiliate of Ashford Advisors an agency of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. (Guardian) General Agent of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY . PAS is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Ashford Advisorsand Ashford Mid South LLC are not affiliates or subsidiaries of PAS or Guardian. Ashford Advisors and Ashford Mid South, LLC are not registered in any state or with the US Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Advisor. AR Insurance License 2062454. This award is not issued or endorsed by Guardian or its subsidiaries. 2020-108591.

Wealth Manager Award Winner

Hulon O. Warlick Senior Vice President and Senior Investment Advisor

2013, 2015 – 2020 Five Star Wealth Manager ∙ It’s about your dreams and goals ∙ It’s about listening, understanding and adapting With decades of experience and a passion for serving our customers, Independent Wealth Management, LLC is more than our name — it’s our commitment to you. Our job is to help you establish the foundation for your financial security, uniquely defined by your dreams and objectives. And as your life and circumstances change, we will be there to make sure your plan evolves right along with you. Our core values guide us as we guide you. We treat you like a person, not a portfolio balance. It is our privilege to know you, to serve you and to empower you to achieve financial security and to be independent.

7

YEAR WINNER Left to right: Debbie Whaley; Donald Scott, CPA, PFS; Seven-year winner Hulon O. Warlick, CRC®; Atalya Peterson

5050 Poplar Avenue, Suite 2200 • Memphis, TN 38157 Phone: 901-844-0370 • Cell: 901-848-5527 • hulon@i-wmonline.com www.i-wmonline.com • Facebook: @IndependentWealthManagement

Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, member FINRA/ SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Investments are not insured by the FDIC and are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, any depository institution. Funds are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal invested. Independent Bank is not a registered broker-dealer or Registered Investment Adviser. Independent Bank and Commonwealth are separate and unaffiliated entities. Fixed insurance products and services offered through Independent Wealth Management, LLC or CES Insurance Agency.

Wealth Manager Award Winner

The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client’s assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 542 Memphis area wealth managers were considered for the award; 42 (8% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. 2019: 544 considered, 54 winners; 2018: 548 considered, 69 winners; 2017: 400 considered, 52 winners; 2016: 447 considered, 105 winners; 2015: 690 considered, 143 winners; 2014: 1,034 considered, 152 winners; 2013: 880 considered, 166 winners; 2012: 695 considered, 166 winners.

FS • 4

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

WEALTH MANAGERS

Stacey Hyde CPA, CFA, CFP®, President, Financial Planner

Envision Financial Planning ∙ Mission: to help you use your financial resources to live life on your terms

9 YEAR

Left to right: Nine-year winner Hugh “Hank” Parks, CFP®; Nine-year winner Stacey Hyde, CPA, CFA, CFP®, President, Financial Planner; Clayton Chapman

We want to understand you, your dreams, your fears and we also want to get to know those you love. It’s the personal part of financial planning that brings meaning to what we do. At the end of day, we judge ourselves based on the impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives, the milestones we’ve helped them reach and the relationships we’ve built. We believe that money is a tool; use it wisely. We invite you to envision your future.

5100 Poplar Avenue, Suite 2428 • Memphis, TN 38137 Office: 901-422-7526 Info@EnvisionFPTN.com • www.Envisionfptn.com

Advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, a Registered Investment Adviser.

WINNER

Wealth Manager Award Winner

Jeff Grimm

William B. Howard Jr.

CFP®, Financial Advisor

President

795 Ridge Lake Blvd., Suite 100 Memphis, TN 38120 Phone: 901-761-9990 jgrimm@memphisadvisory.com memphisadvisory.com

William Howard & Co. Financial Advisors, Inc. Head and Shoulders photo 3.6” wide by 3.8” high at 300 dpi

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YEAR WINNER

6410 Poplar Avenue, Suite 330 Memphis, TN 38119 Office: 901-761-5068 whoward@whcfa.com www.whcfa.com Five Star Wealth Manager Award Winner, 2012 – 2020

∙ Comprehensive financial planning ∙ Focus on client goals and objectives ∙ 40 years of delivering sound financial advice ∙ Long-term advisory relationships built on trust and integrity William Howard & Co. is an independent, fee-only financial planning and investment advisory firm. We are committed to providing excellent service to our clients by listening to them, working with them and designing solutions that work for their future. Please contact me for more information. William Howard & Co. Financial Advisors, Inc. (“William Howard”) is a Registered Investment Adviser with the Securities Exchange Commission and holds notice filings with the states of Tennessee, Texas, and Mississippi.

∙ 2020 Five Star Wealth Manager ∙ CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional

Jeff focuses on comprehensive planning and wealth management for entrepreneurs and medical professionals. He offers personalized and impartial investment strategies. Jeff’s independent status allows him to tear down traditional corporate barriers and deliver maximum value for his clients.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Wealth Manager Award Winner

Wealth managers not only offer advice, but they also guide you through the process of managing your money and investing it for you.

Wealth Manager Award Winner

The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client’s assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 542 Memphis area wealth managers were considered for the award; 42 (8% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. 2019: 544 considered, 54 winners; 2018: 548 considered, 69 winners; 2017: 400 considered, 52 winners; 2016: 447 considered, 105 winners; 2015: 690 considered, 143 winners; 2014: 1,034 considered, 152 winners; 2013: 880 considered, 166 winners; 2012: 695 considered, 166 winners.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION Continued from FS-1

Sudhir K. Agrawal ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Nancy Hughes Coe ∙ Dominion Partners Wealth Management

Chas Emerson ∙ Independent Planning Group

David Jonathan Lee ∙ Summit Wealth Group

Kent B. Monypeny ∙ Paragon Wealth

Susan Kasserman Babina ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Mark Paul Collinsworth ∙ Vere Global Wealth Management

Walter Glenn Grant ∙ Aegis Retirement Group

Robert Edwin Leger ∙ Applied Financial Strategies

Hugh Harold Parks ∙ Envision Financial Planning

Charlotte Mcbryde Cooper ∙ Massmutual Financial

Kevin Kevin Johnston ∙ Financial Resource Management

Frank Mitchell Lequerica ∙ Securian Financial Services

Vincent C. Perry ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Gary Stuart Dering ∙ Voya Financial Advisors

Joshua James Joiner ∙ Vere Global Wealth Management

Hal Frederick Lewis ∙ Stephens

John T. Peterson ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors

Brian Kevin Douglas ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Christopher Kauker ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Darrell W. Douglas ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Marty Samuel Kelman ∙ KelmanLazarov

Mark Gerald Billions ∙ Wells Fargo Advisors Becky Ahl Bridgmon ∙ Morgan Stanley Larry Corragon Clayton ∙ Lincoln Investment

Mark Christopher Miller ∙ UCL Financial Group David Landon Mills ∙ Shoemaker Financial

David Anthony Pickler ∙ Pickler Wealth Advisors Ivan J. Rodriguez ∙ New Southern Advisory Services

James Edward Sims Jr. ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC Robert Byron Stokes ∙ B. Riley Wealth Management Julie Westbrook Terry ∙ Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC John Paul Webber ∙ The Associated Agency Steven Wishnia ∙ Highland Capital Management

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified finanCial Planner™ and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. The Chartered Financial Consultant credential [ChFC®] is a financial planning designation awarded by The American College. The Five Star Wealth Manager award, administered by Crescendo Business Services, LLC (dba Five Star Professional), is based on 10 objective criteria. Eligibility criteria – required: 1. Credentialed as a registered investment adviser or a registered investment adviser representative; 2. Actively licensed as a registered investment adviser or as a principal of a registered investment adviser firm for a minimum of 5 years; 3. Favorable regulatory and complaint history review (As defined by Five Star Professional, the wealth manager has not; A. Been subject to a regulatory action that resulted in a license being suspended or revoked, or payment of a fine; B. Had more than a total of three settled or pending complaints filed against them and/or a total of five settled, pending, dismissed or denied complaints with any regulatory authority or Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process. Unfavorable feedback may have been discovered through a check of complaints registered with a regulatory authority or complaints registered through Five Star Professional’s consumer complaint process; feedback may not be representative of any one client’s experience; C. Individually contributed to a financial settlement of a customer complaint; D. Filed for personal bankruptcy within the past 11 years; E. Been terminated from a financial services firm within the past 11 years; F. Been convicted of a felony); 4. Fulfilled their firm review based on internal standards; 5. Accepting new clients. Evaluation criteria – considered: 6. One-year client retention rate; 7. Five-year client retention rate; 8. Non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered; 9. Number of client households served; 10. Education and professional designations. Wealth managers do not pay a fee to be considered or placed on the final list of Five Star Wealth Managers. Award does not evaluate quality of services provided to clients. Once awarded, wealth managers may purchase additional profile ad space or promotional products. The Five Star award is not indicative of the wealth manager’s future performance. Wealth managers may or may not use discretion in their practice and therefore may not manage their client’s assets. The inclusion of a wealth manager on the Five Star Wealth Manager list should not be construed as an endorsement of the wealth manager by Five Star Professional or this publication. Working with a Five Star Wealth Manager or any wealth manager is no guarantee as to future investment success, nor is there any guarantee that the selected wealth managers will be awarded this accomplishment by Five Star Professional in the future. For more information on the Five Star award and the research/selection methodology, go to fivestarprofessional.com. 542 Memphis area wealth managers were considered for the award; 42 (8% of candidates) were named 2020 Five Star Wealth Managers. 2019: 544 considered, 54 winners; 2018: 548 considered, 69 winners; 2017: 400 considered, 52 winners; 2016: 447 considered, 105 winners; 2015: 690 considered, 143 winners; 2014: 1,034 considered, 152 winners; 2013: 880 considered, 166 winners; 2012: 695 considered, 166 winners.

FS • 6

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Biz 901 PH

ILANTHROPY How covid-19 has impacted giving and what changes are in store.

ILLUSTRATION BY ALBERTO ANDREI ROSU | DREAMSTIME

B Y

KEVIN DEAN exudes a “get it done” quality that has come in particularly handy in this pandemic year. As CEO of Momentum Nonprofit Partners, he works to bring together nonprofits in the MidSouth so they all can benefit. Momentum provides the organizations with learning opportunities, resource connections, and assistance in order to make the most of their diverse missions. While it’s been a grim year for groups that have taken significant hits in funding, Dean believes Momentum was able prevent what could have been even more disastrous. “This has been a big year for us because we’re built for something like covid-19,” he says. With Momentum’s role at the center of the local nonprofit sector, it was able to help groups access around $36 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans that otherwise might have been difficult or impossible for organizations to obtain on their own.

J O N

W .

S P A R K S

Momentum’s knowledge of its member groups has made it an important voice in a regional collaboration. “The week that everything shut down,” Dean says, “the City of Memphis, Shelby County government, and United Way approached the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis about setting up a fund. Momentum was invited to participate.” The result was the Mid-South covid-19 Regional Response Fund. “I really have to commend Bob [Fockler] and Sutton [Mora Hayes] for making sure that in this decision-making process there was going to be a rapid response-type scenario,” Dean says. “One thing that can often happen in philanthropy is that decisions are made in a vacuum, and with a crisis like this, you have to hear from the constituents, people on the ground, and people on the front line, because things move very quickly. At Momentum, we hear from both philanthropy organizations and nonprofits. So we were immediately hearing what the nonprofits needed in aggregate.” N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 • I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S • 65

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Momentum quickly did a survey of nonprofits and about 300 organizations responded. “We used that survey to find the gaps in service delivery and how we could mitigate that,” Dean says. “We found organizations like the Mid-South Food Bank and MIFA [Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association] that were always going to be funded in situations and crises like this. But there were other organizations that were smaller and didn’t have the name recognition or the infrastructure of big organizations, but who were doing really powerful things under the radar in communities.” Although the response was swift and the groups that needed to be there were part of it, there still wasn’t enough funding for every-

body. “In that first month, we found a $32 million loss in earned revenue, special event loss, donations, and things like that because of the crisis,” Dean says. The impact of the pandemic and the response of philanthropic organizations have brought focus to some traditional practices that are being reconsidered. “There were a lot of lessons learned and it’s aligned with what’s happening nationally,” Dean says. “Before the crisis happened, there was already a national movement around trust-based philanthropy. The idea is that if you trust your grantees enough to give them a large amount of money, you have to trust them to do what they’re supposed to do without

making them jump through too many hoops.” Dean remembers the case of a funder who provided $20,000 a year, but whose requirements were so onerous that the nonprofit had to spend some $50,000 on staffing and copying. More philanthropies are giving more multiyear operating support as opposed to specific program grants that can be so problematic, Dean says. “They cause more harm than good, because they don’t cover overhead. They don’t cover staff salaries. They don’t cover evaluations although they require an evaluative process to be built into the program. That doesn’t work for getting the biggest bang out of your philanthropic dollars.” Dean says the Kresge Foundation is a good

ILLUSTRATION BY ALBERTO ANDREI ROSU | DREAMSTIME

Future

Present …

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example of a philanthropic organization that provides operating support and tells grantees to report back on what they did. “I think this kind of trust-based general operating support is something we’re going to see a lot more of,” he says. Another aspect of philanthropic practices has been highlighted because of the impact of the pandemic. “The grant process itself has been a little weighty,” Dean says. “It’s a long process. It costs a lot of money to write a grant and get a strategic plan in place.” When the Community Foundation got its Mid-South covid-19 Regional Response Fund going, there were requirements to apply for funding, but he says, “They got that money out quickly because the nonprofits needed it right away and didn’t need to wait six months.” Dean would like to see a practice like that become more common so that grant applications are streamlined and nonprofits don’t have to stop delivering services to write a grant. Another change is the significant turnover of nonprofit leadership. “It’s already happening,” Dean says. National studies indicate that 20 to 25 percent of nonprofit executives will leave in the next five to 10 years. Dean says those figures apply to Memphis as well. He did a study in 2016 of nonprofit leaders and since then, about 20 percent have moved on. “We have to really be intentional about grooming the next generation of leaders in the nonprofit sector, because this is a really complicated job,” he says. “We’re setting folks up to fail if we install them in a CEO position without giving them the proper competencies and tools to be successful, but there are leadership initiatives underway in Memphis.” Another challenge that nonprofits are facing is the consequences of the economy. “This happened in 2008 when the economy collapsed,” says Dean. “There will be a lot of nonprofits closing, merging, and rethinking their missions. I don’t think the worst has hit the nonprofit sector. We got PPP loans and some extra grant money this year, but I think next year is going to be harder. Right now is the time for nonprofits to start talking about mergers or hibernation or sunsetting. The philanthropy’s responsibility to that is to help that happen where it needs to happen.” Philanthropies can help if two nonprofits are doing the same thing by encouraging a merger or some other solution.

United Way of the Mid-South DR. KENNETH S. ROBINSON is president and CEO of United Way of the MidSouth, a public charitable foundation that battles poverty by funding improvements in education, financial stability, and health. It relies on gifts from some 28,000 individual donors and 125 companies. Many of those individual donors give through payroll deductions, but with a significant number of workers being furloughed or let go as a result of the pandemic, many have had to reconsider discretionary charitable giving. And the corporate donors also had to rethink their support. “We are having to continue to refocus on making priorities and adjust accordingly,” Robinson says. “Understanding the reality is not distressful to us except in our capacity to provide grants to the vast network of nonprofit agencies that we’ve historically supported. That is on the revenue side.” On the service side, however, he says that United Way of the Mid-South is able to be creative. It continues to provide its Free Tax Prep program for low- to moderate-income families. “We typically see 10,000 individuals and prepare their tax returns for free,” Robinson says. Volunteer tax preparers have gotten about $14 million returned over the last few years. Normally people would come in and sit across a table from the preparer at several locations around the city. In the age of covid-19, that’s a non-starter, of course. But this year tax assistance became a drivethrough service at the United Way headquarters. “These individuals could come and drop off their documentation and their consent forms to allow us to then prepare their taxes away from them remotely and to electronically file them,” he says. Another way the agency has adapted is changing one of its critical services, which Robinson calls “a network of agencies that work seamlessly in sharing clients that have multiple needs, but who walked through one door and then can get referred to multiple services through our integrated collective action network.” This year, they decided to expand that program during covid-19. Many more people have needed services so it opened a call center that got numerous people into the network. “We are normally an intermediary, a

foundation that makes grants to other frontline agencies, but this was a front-line service, much like our Free Tax Prep.” Such adaptive responses enhance the regard people have for the United Way, Robinson feels: “covid-19 has reiterated the value of a United Way that has the capacity to bring multiple agencies together out of multiple domains to address the multiple needs of people that are occurring simultaneously.” As for when things go back to something resembling normalcy, Robinson says the pandemic has, in its way, yielded unexpected and unprecedented positive outcomes. “We’re able to reach people digitally with our virtual campaigns and with our digital tool kits and materials,” he says. “I think that trend of greater reliance on digital appeals, a greater reliance on digital marketing in general, and a much more important stream revenue generated by social media and crowd-sourcing techniques and platforms will be where philanthropy will continue.”

Assisi Foundation Executive director DR. JAN YOUNG of the Assisi Foundation oversees millions of dollars in grants in the areas of arts and culture, education, social justice, health and human services, and community

enrichment. The consequence of covid-19 has been particularly brutal to arts and culture organizations, but Young feels there have been some remarkable adaptations to the situation that forced performing arts groups to shut down the usual presentations. “We’ve seen some really creative responses like Opera Memphis going around in the truck singing,” she says. “Some of the performing arts venues have had to become a little bit more creative to figure out how to do things, maybe outdoors or to respond in a very different way. So we’re there working together in ways that maybe they weren’t working together before. They’ve done some things with virtual events as if they were performing to a live audience. It’s allowing them to demonstrate their creativity in a different way.” She points out some of the efforts that organizations have made, such as Hattiloo Theatre’s playwrights workshops, and the Germantown Performing Arts Center’s outdoor Grove stage. “Playhouse has been really good about taking care of their folks, and the dance

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I L A N T H R O P Y H P folks have been showing their rehearsals through virtual means,” she says. “We’re so proud of them. They’re still doing well and they’re highly respected nationally, so we’re very fortunate in Memphis.”

Christian Community Foundation

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REX JONES is president of the Christian Community Foundation and although he knows the business of philanthropy, he remains in awe of the giving power of people. The fiscal year ending in April, he says, was a record year at the foundation, having given away $84 million. “Memphis is already an extremely generous city per capita in the United States,” he says. “What happened when the pandemic came, I watched people that were already generous begin to think and give more.” CCF is not a fundraising organization. “We help people get strategic plans for how they want to do their charitable giving and the more people that we can influence to be more charitably minded in their giving, then we will have accomplished our goal,” Jones says. “When we have our donors calling us, it does speak very highly to the charitable hearts of the people that we get to serve here.” His foundation also takes pride in working with other community foundations, which he sees as crucial to the city. He cites the Jewish Foundation of Memphis and the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, both of which he works with toward common goals. When the pandemic hit, he noticed that although many people were working less or out of work entirely, there was still an impetus for giving. “People were seeking opportunities to give, looking for opportunities, especially for opportunities to meet the needs for the underserved here in Memphis,” he says. “We had to ask ourselves what is the role of a community foundation in a pandemic? We needed to be responsive on a timely basis for people’s desires to get the money that they entrust with us. Normally we write

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03 2018

project location size project type

6263 Poplar Towers Memphis, TN 110,000 sf Office - Renovation

100 Peabody Place, Memphis, TN 38103 • 901.260.7370 • www.belzdesignbuild.com

©Jeffrey Jacobs Photography

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Watkins Uiberall, PLLC Certified Public Accountants Memphis • Tupelo 901.761.2720 • 662.269.4014 www.wucpas.com

Providing quality accounting and business consulting since 1971. MM_FullPage_TrimSize_9x25_11x125.indd 1

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I L A N T H R O P Y H P checks every other week, so we decided during the pandemic we’d write checks every week to get them in on a quicker, more timely basis.” One of the roles of a community foundation, Jones says, is to have its fingers on the pulse of what is happening in the community. “We got so many questions and were able to give information on food pantries, homeless shelters, understanding the basics of rent,” he says. “Timeliness was important.” He points to the foundation’s Hope for Memphis Fund, which he calls the crown jewel of what CCF does. “If we generate any fees for what we do over and above our budget, we basically give it away about every quarter.” When the pandemic started, CCF went to people it had supported in the past in the Hope for Memphis Fund. “We gave them a short questionnaire grant request form for what they were doing to give to the things that we would support,” Jones says. “It would have to be in Memphis, be for an underserved population, and would have to have a gospel message at the center of it. There are countless people that have those three things in common. We had donors saying they wanted to help, but not tomorrow — they wanted to help today. So I think most of what we did differently was just a quicker response.” With the lessons of 2020 well learned, Jones looks to the future of philanthropies and sees how two aspects must remain in balance. “Organizations need to stay focused on what they do,” he says. “A tendency I saw a little bit during COVID was people beginning to drop what they normally do and start to address what the glaring needs were. But you can’t be everything to everybody. Organizations need to stay grounded on the foundation with which they start and their purpose for why they exist.” Simultaneously, he says, philanthropies can’t turn a blind eye to change. “We really don’t know what those changes are, but we also need to be able to adjust to the needs.” Ultimately, Jones says, people want to give where they can have the largest impact. “What we do is just get out there and study the impact that people are having in the community,” he says. “And it doesn’t take long to figure that part of it out.”

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Welcome to Triumph. Let’s talk growth.

Memphis Magazine’s

2020 FACE FACES

THE 2020 OFOF THE

ELDER LAW

MID-SOUTH

N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 • I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S • 71

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Biz901

/ H E A LT H CA RE

2020 Healthcare Year in Review A roundup of Memphis’ year in medicine BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

Model for Christ Community Health Services‘ S. Third St. Center

T

his remarkable year has been rocked by the covid-19 pandemic, with time, resources, and energy poured into fighting the life-changing virus. But as brave medical professionals continue to do their best around the clock to help fight it, Memphis medical institutions are making key discoveries or making moves in other fields. With everything from new headquarters, innovative sickle-cell treatments, or changing leadership, Memphis continues at the forefront of medical innovation.

Mark the spot on 3362 South Third Street. In a couple of years, it will be unrecognizable thanks to the efforts of Christ Community Health Services (CCHS). Even during this tough pandemic year, the nonprofit community health initiative is making plans for a new health center at the place where its mission began over two decades ago. CCHS started out in a small office 25 years ago, but under the leadership of CEO Shantelle Leatherwood, it plans to revitalize the area with a $32 million investment plan. The plan calls for a complete revamp of what is mainly almost 90,000 square feet of abandoned mall space, as well as a large, 500-place parking lot. The new clinic will contain 24 exam rooms, behavioral health services, a counseling center for groups and individuals, and a large dental clinic. In addition, CCHS plans a second building on-site to host specialty medical partners. Aesthetically, the new center will have a predominantly glass exterior, with plenty of outdoor spaces and art rooms. Currently, CCHS has a network of 11 centers, an annual budget of $46 million, and employs 415 people. As a federally qualified health center, CCHS serves patients in extreme poverty. Charges are based on income, while homeless patients are served for free. CCHS hopes to break ground on the project soon, with a completion date scheduled for 2022.

UTHSC researcher makes strides in sickle-cell treatment What kind of options are out there for those battling sickle-cell disease? Over the past century, the FDA has approved only four drugs to treat the group of blood disorders. But at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC),

Dr. Athena Starland-Davenport is working to find new treatment options. Earlier this year, she secured a $1 million grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for her project, “titled MicroRNA-based Epigenetic Approach to Induce Fetal Hemoglobin.” Starland-Davenport’s research is focused on a small molecule – miRNA29Bb – in the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor class of epigenetic modulators. “In the initial CORNET application, my team provided preliminary results to show that miRNA29b could increase levels of fetal hemoglobin in a compatible human cell line, but we needed further preliminary data to determine what effect miRNA29b had on fetal hemoglobin induction in red blood cells from individuals with and without sickle cell disease,” Starland-Davenport said in August. The NIH funding she received will be disbursed over three years, aimed toward collecting blood samples from sickle-cell patients so a team can test whether the molecule improves clinical symptoms, with a long-term goal of creating a new drug. Sickle cell is a common disease, found in more than 100,000 people in the United States, and 1 in 13 African Americans have the sickle cell trait. The mutation causes production of an abnormal sickle hemoglobin, which can lead to organ failure.

Campbell Clinic CEO announces retirement George Hernandez, who has led Campbell Clinic since taking the reins in 2010, announced his retirement at the end of 2020. Daniel Shumate, who has served as the clinic’s CFO in the same time span, will take over as CEO next year. Hernandez’s full tenure stretches back to 1995 and he has seen the institution make great strides over 30-plus contin u ed on page 88

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

Christ Community Health Services plans health center

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GIVING GUIDE PROFILES Give back to the Mid-South this year by supporting one of many wonderful nonprofit organizations. On the following pages, you can find out more about the area’s leading nonprofits — what they do, who they help, their impact, successes, and connections. Looking to feed a passion project or aid in making a difference in our area? Opportunities abound. Start here to see how — and why — you could become involved with a worthy cause right here at home.

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GIVING GUIDE

ABOUT US ESTABLISHED: Established in 1983, Baptist Memorial

Health Care Foundation is the fundraising arm of Baptist Memorial Health Care. The Foundation raises money to benefit Baptist’s programs and services. Generous donations from grateful patients, families and the community help support the Foundation. ADDRESS

350 N. Humphreys Blvd., Memphis, TN 38120 PHONE

901.227.7123 WEBSITE

bmhgiving.org facebook.com/baptistonline @baptistonline linkedin.com/company/baptistonline

MISSION: Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation supports the Baptist Memorial Health Care system, which provides excellent care to patients in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. We partner together to develop the advancement of patient care, addressing current health issues, helping those most in need, and molding new generations of health care professionals, while honoring our vision of the three-fold ministry of Christ — healing, preaching and teaching. Board of directors’ grants and other fundraising initiatives help establish new projects and facilities such as: Kemmons Wilson Family Center for Good Grief services include adult, children and teen grief support groups, Camp Good Grief, Teen Camp Good Grief, and individual bereavement counseling. Services are also provided at Milla’s House in midtown Memphis and the NEA Center for Good Grief in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Universal Parenting Places (UPP), provides parents with practical information, guidance and emotional support in a welcoming and warm environment. Baptist Cancer Center patients receive world-class cancer care, including a variety of treatment options and access to research trials and adult cancer genetic counseling services. Spence and Becky Wilson Baptist

Children’s Hospital continues to expand its pediatric services and specialists with a thriving emergency department and pediatric intensive care unit. NicView™ cameras, provided on each bed in the newborn intensive care unit at Baptist Memorial Hospital for Women, give reassurance to parents of their baby’s condition when they can’t be in the NICU. Baptist Reynolds Hospice House provides compassionate care to patients with life-limiting illnesses. Donations help support room and board for those patients who need assistance. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Donations include bequests and stock gifts, AmazonSmile, employee giving and gift-in-kind. Visit https://www.bmhgiving.org/.

LEADERSHIP

Jason M. Little President & CEO J. Scott Fountain Senior Vice President & Chief Development Officer Jenny Nevels Executive Director

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Be the Good in Grief

The death of a loved one can be overwhelming. Finding support can bring new hope. The Baptist Centers for Good Grief help children, teens and adults openly grieve and discover healthy ways of coping. With three centers in the Mid-South, our grief centers connect families to bereavement services, camps, plus individual and group counseling—and all services are free of charge. All of our services and future growth depend completely on the generosity of others. If you would like to help, please visit bmhgiving.org.

KEMMONS WILSON FAMILY CENTER FOR GOOD GRIEF 1520 W. Poplar Ave., Collierville, TN 38017 MILLA’S HOUSE 28 S. Evergreen St., Memphis, TN 38104 NEA BAPTIST CENTER FOR GOOD GRIEF 1717 Executive Square, Jonesboro, AR 72401

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GIVING GUIDE

ABOUT US ANNUAL REVENUE: $3.14M EMPLOYEES: 45 ESTABLISHED: 1916 SOURCES OF FUNDING

Individuals – 20 % Corporations – 3% Organizations and City of Memphis – 23% Foundations – 54%

WEBSITE

MISSION: The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art enriches the lives of our diverse community through the museum’s expanding collection, varied exhibitions, and dynamic programs that reflect the art of world cultures from antiquity to the present.

brooksmuseum.org facebook.com/brooksmuseum instagram.com/brooksmuseum/

OUR VISION: Transforming lives through the power of art.

Emily Ballew Neff, Ph.D. Executive Director

OUR CORE VALUES: The work of the Brooks is guided by: • the responsible and thoughtful stewardship of the art entrusted to our care. • the promise that art is accessible to all people. • a culture of warm hospitality and polite civic discourse. • a commitment to inclusion and diversity at all levels: collections, programming, board and staff, volunteers and audiences. • a dedication to excellence, best practices, and constant improvement in order to merit the public trust. • the abiding belief that art inspires, enlightens, and educates, and, in doing so, transforms lives, engages citizens, and builds communities.

ADDRESS

Overton Park, 1934 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104 PHONE

901.544.6200

LEADERSHIP Mark Resnick, J.D. Deputy Director & COO Patty Burt CFO Jennifer Draffen Director of Registration Exhibitions & Publications Kathy Dumlao Director of Education & Interpretation Johnny Hill Director of Operations Dorothy Lane McClure Director of Development Jeff Rhodin Director of Marketing & Communications

BOARD Deborah Craddock, President Vice President, Southeastern Asset Management Carl Person, Vice President Retired, UPS Milton L. Lovell, Treasurer CFO & General Counsel, nexAir, LLC Wendi Mihalko, Secretary Community volunteer Nathan A. Bicks Member, Burch, Porter & Johnson, PLLC Gloria Boyland Retired, FedEx Corp. Pam Cain (ex-officio) Executive Assistant to the Mayor, City of Memphis

Darrell T. Cobbins President, Universal Commercial Real Estate, LLC Michael S. Dragutsky CEO/CFO, Gastro One Mary Lee Formanek Community volunteer September Gingras Vice President, International Paper Harry L. Goldsmith Community volunteer Eleanor Halliday Community volunteer Debi J. Havner Community volunteer Robert G. Heard, III Executive Vice President, First Horizon Bank

GIVING: The Brooks enjoys and depends on the financial contributions of both our public partners and private supporters, including individual members and patrons, corporate sponsors, and foundations. Our donors make possible the enriching art experiences we offer year round and, in turn, we commit to upholding our mission, vision, and values in gratitude for their investment and trust. Like so many cultural institutions in these challenged times, the Brooks relies more than ever on the continued generosity of donors to sustain and support our city’s art museum. As we work to secure resources to build a new museum Downtown overlooking the river that will define the heart of Memphis and be a welcoming destination for all, we invite you to come visit the Brooks in Overton Park, and to support us in bringing art to life for young and old alike.

Domingo Hertado Senior Vice President International, AutoZone Bernice H. Hussey Community volunteer Barbara R. Hyde Chair & CEO, Hyde Family Foundation Jason Maykowski Senior Vice President, SunTrust Bank Kojo McLennon Portfolio Manager, Gerber/Taylor Management Co. Logan E. Meeks Partner-President, A2H T. Mathon Parker, Jr. Head of Fixed Income Sales, Raymond James

James K. Patterson Patterson OB/GYN Rushton E. Patterson, Jr. Patterson OB/GYN Linda Rosser Executive Director, Global Business Analytics, Smith & Nephew Teresa Sloyan President, Hyde Family Foundation Melyne Strickland Community volunteer David A. Thompson Managing Director, Raymond James Neville Williams Community volunteer

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Robert Henri, American, 1865-1929, Cori with Cat,1907, Oil on canvas, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis, TN; Memphis Park Commission purchase 54.1

Memphis’ home for 10,000 art objects spanning 5,000 years of culture Overton Park | 1934 Poplar Ave. | Memphis, TN | brooksmuseum.org SPECIAL PROMOTION

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GIVING GUIDE

ABOUT US ANNUAL GIFT REVENUE:

$19 million 435

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: ESTABLISHED: 1871

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Individuals - 7% Corporations - 3% Foundations - 77% Government - 13%

MISSION: Christian Brothers University is a Catholic university in the student-centered tradition of the De La Salle Christian Brothers. CBU fosters academic excellence in a range of programs to prepare students from all faiths and backgrounds for careers and lives informed by the Lasallian values of faith, service, and community.

LOCATION

650 East Parkway South, Memphis, TN 38104 PHONE

901.321.3270 WEBSITE

cbu.edu facebook.com/ChristianBrothersUniversity twitter.com/FromCBU

Jack Shannon President

Mark Billingsley Vice President for Advancement

BOARD MEMBERS OFFICERS Louis F. (Bo) Allen Jr. (’95) Chair Emily Sawyer Greer (’84) Vice Chair James L. Reber (’82) Treasurer John Wigley (’91) National Alumni Board President John T. (Jack) Shannon Jr. President Of The University

While large enough to provide educational opportunities in the arts, business, education, engineering, and sciences, the University is small enough to promote teaching as ministry and to provide challenging student-centered learning and personal growth. Students of diverse cultures and religious traditions are encouraged to grow in their own faith. The University welcomes students into an educational community of faith and service, one that is committed to academic excellence, the betterment of society and the care of God’s creation. For nearly 150 years, the Christian Brothers community in Memphis has provided a highquality education for all who are interested in learning. True to our Lasallian heritage, we are a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community who welcomes all to our beautiful Midtown campus.

MEMBERS Robert H. Buckman Br. Francis Carr, FSC Judge J. Robert Carter (’77) Tyree Daniels (’01) Br. Chris Englert, FSC (’77) Richard L. Erickson Jr. (’90) Br. Michael Fehrenbach Russell J. Hensley Margaret Hodges, MD Michael E. Keeney John R. Lammers

Maria T. Lensing (’01, MEM ’07) James Maclin Jr. (’96) Bishop Robert Marshall Jr. (’80) Harold G. McNeil (’79) Paul Posey Jr. (’89, MBA ’08) Br. Michael Quirk, FSC Cathy Ross (’78) Christopher Singer (’83) Stephen Waechter (’71) Greg Wanta Laurel C. Williams (’82)

We were founded on five core principles: respect for all persons, quality education, inclusive community, faith in the presence of God, and concern for the poor and social justice. Each day we operate under the motto, “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve,” asking all in our community to value the opportunities provided by a CBU education and commit to giving back to others to improve the world for everyone. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Charitable gifts of cash, stock, or securities from individuals, corporations, foundations, faith, and civic groups provide much needed support for our students and programs. Every dollar raised goes to supporting our students, faculty, and staff in their efforts to educate minds and touch hearts in service of a greater good.

TRUSTEES EMERITI Joseph F. Birch Jr., AFSC (’78) Bena Cates H. Lance Forsdick Sr., AFSC (’61) Richard T. Gadomski, AFSC (’62) Robert G. McEniry, AFSC Joyce Mollerup

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Discover

YOUR

Impact

Students come to CBU ready to make a difference in the world. Your support helps them make an IMPACT today… and tomorrow. DISCOVER the IMPACT of your gifts at cbu.edu/giving.

(901) 321-3270

giving@cbu.edu

Christian Brothers University A Lasallian Institution

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GIVING GUIDE

ABOUT US STUDENTS: 1300 EMPLOYEES: 174 ESTABLISHED: 2019 SIX CAMPUS

Berclair – 3880 Forest Ave, 38122 Binghampton – 2540 Have Ave, 38112 Frayser – 3690 Thomas St, 38127 Hickory Hill – 3572 Emerald St, 38115 Midtown – 61 N McLean Blvd, 38104 Orange Mound – 2718 Lamar Ave, 38114 SOURCES OF FUNDING

Individuals – .37% Corporations & Organizations – 3.04% Foundations – 15.19% State & Federal Funding – 81.4% ADDRESS

61 N McLean Blvd, Memphis, TN 38104 PHONE

901.618.7422 WEBSITE

compassmemphis.org facebook.com/compassmemphis @compassmemphis

WHO WE SERVE: Across the nation, Catholic Schools are closing in urban neighborhoods. Compass Community Schools represent an unprecedented example of urban charter schools in Memphis opening to serve predominantly low-income students that would otherwise be left behind by the closing of Jubilee Catholic Schools. At the time of their closing in May 2019, Jubilee served approximately 1,300 students and housed 174 employees. Compass opened its doors to students in July of 2019 to welcome students and diversity in all forms: cognitive, cultural, ethnicity, gender, racial, residency status, and socioeconomic. Today, Compass serves approximately 1,300 students (54% Latino, 38% African American, 5% Caucasian, 2% Asian) and employs 174 employees. MISSION: The mission of Compass Community Schools is to prepare students for college and lifelong success by developing the whole child through a focus on academic excellence, values-based character education, and service learning in the community. Compass has designed an education based on the pillars of academics, character, and service. Our schools are intentionally small to foster a family environment where teachers can focus on the individual child. In Memphis, where 45% of all children live in poverty, Compass Community Schools has six campuses to serve targeted communities where poverty rates are some of our city’s highest, including Berclair, Binghampton, Frayser, Hickory Hill, Midtown, and Orange Mound. Approximately 91% of Compass students meet the federal guidelines for free/reduced lunch. We

believe all children learn best in an environment where caring school leaders and staff develop positive relationships with families, students and the community. GIVING: As a charter school, each student is supported by state and federal funding. While this funding is significant, it does not cover the total cost of educating a child, which has now increased due to the current pandemic. New necessities such as personal protective equipment and safety procedures, social-emotional support programs and personnel, as well as technology needed to level the digital learning gap, have stressed an already stretched budget. Consider partnering with us to bring the dream of a “world-class” education to students in Memphis that need it most. Visit compassmemphis.org/invest today.

Kristi Baird Executive Director LEADERSHIP Kristi Baird Executive Director BOARD Dr. Richard Potts CBU - President Marty Petrusek Trane US - Treasurer Marty Regan Lewis Thomason Law - Secretary Dr. John Smarrelli CBU Teresa Sloyan Hyde Foundation Emily Greer St. Jude Greg Diaz Las Americas

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GIVING GUIDE

osten

Pancreatic Cancer Support

Research

Advocacy

Education

Hope

ABOUT US ANNUAL REVENUE: $250,000

Support Group

Kick It 5k

ESTABLISHED: 2003 SOURCES OF FUNDING INDIVIDUALS: 90% CORPORATIONS: 5% ORGANIZATIONS: 5% ADDRESS

6060 Poplar Avenue, Suite 140 Memphis, Tennessee 38119 PHONE

901-606-7542 WEBSITE

www.kostenfoundation.com facebook.com/KostenFoundation/ @KostenFDN EVENTS:

The Kosten Foundation support group is open to everyone affected by pancreatic cancer, including patients, family members, caregivers, and anyone interested in supporting those who are impacted by, or wants to learn more about this disease. Everyone is welcome. The Support Group meets on the second Saturday of every month. The safety of our Support Group members is our primary concern, so we are following CDC guidelines and hosting our support group virtually. If you would like to join the support group and for additional information, please contact Kathryn Gilbert Craig, Director of Community Engagement, kgilbertcraig@ comcast.net, 901-832-4782 Kick It 5K: The Kick It 5K takes place in early April and is the largest fundraiser for the Kosten Foundation. The allages event includes a 5k run, 1-mile fun walk, opportunities for spirit runners, an inspirational survivor ceremony, entertainment and food vendors. The 10th annual Kick It 5k had been scheduled for April 5, 2020. Out of an abundance of caution, the Kosten Foundation has decided the 2020 Kick It 5k will be a virtual event hosted November 5 - 19 during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.

E XECUTIVE LE ADERSHIP

Alan L. Kosten Chairman Of The Board Jeffrey A. Goldberg President Kathryn Gilbert Craig Director of Community Engagement

MISSION To establish support and a forum for communication among those afflicted with pancreatic cancer via support group meetings, our website, social media channels, and events. To assist with the training of future pancreatic cancer surgeons. To provide funding for a yearly Memphis public lecture on pancreatic cancer delivered by a nationally and or/internationally renowned expert on the disease. To provide funding for clinical and basic research toward improving outcomes for those afflicted with pancreatic cancer It is our sincere hope that we can provide an informative, compassionate, and humane approach toward improving the quality of life for those afflicted with pancreatic cancer and their families. Additionally, through research efforts, it is our very realistic passion to find a path to the early diagnosis and cure of pancreatic cancer in our lifetimes. ABOUT THE HERB KOSTEN FOUNDATION: The Herb Kosten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research was founded in 2003 by the family of Herb Kosten after his death due to pancreatic cancer. Kosten’s family sought to improve community support, awareness, and funding for pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest known cancers. As the only organization of its kind in a five -state area, the group focuses on providing access to resources and support through a combination of communication, initiatives, programs, and events. All members of the Foundation are volunteers who donate hundreds of hours each year and believe in leading by example. The organization has raised more than $2,000,000 for pancreatic cancer research and hosts a very active monthly support group meeting for patients, their families, and anyone interested in learning more about pancreatic cancer. In 2004, in honor of Kosten’s love of tennis, the Memphis-based organization began hosting annual tennis tournaments to raise money to fight pancreatic cancer and in 2011 the group held its first Kick It 5K run/walk. The annual event has grown to include more than 2,000 participants. Money raised from the Kick It

Herb Kosten 5K and other Kosten Foundation events help fund pancreatic cancer research, In addition, the Foundation presents a yearly symposium headlined by nationally recognized leaders in the field of pancreatic cancer. For more information about the Kosten Foundation, its programs, and events, visit the website at kostenfoundation.com.

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VIRT UA L

PRESENTED BY

NOVEMBER 5-19, 2020 RUN/WALK FROM ANYWHERE

REGISTER ONLINE @

kickit5k.raceroster.com SPECIAL PROMOTION

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GIVING GUIDE

ABOUT US ESTABLISHED: 1974 NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 10 2019 REVENUE: $6.45

M • Clinical Priorities – 16% • Community Outreach – 10% • General Support – 12% • Hospice – 12% • Humanitarian Fund & Help Funds – 9% • Research & Education – 32% • Sickle Cell – 9%

METHODIST LE BONHEUR HEALTHCARE MISSION: Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, in partnership with its medical staffs, will collaborate with patients and their families to be the leader in providing high quality, costeffective patient-and family-centered care.

LOCATION

1211 Union Ave., Suite 450, Memphis, TN 38104 PHONE

901.478.0704 CONTACT

www.methodisthealth.org/give facebook.com/methodisthealth @methodisthealth @MethodistHlth Methodist Healthcare linkedin.com/company/methodist-le-bon heur-healthcare

METHODIST HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION MISSION: Methodist Healthcare Foundation will support the life of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare by inviting community philanthropic partners to invest in the parts of our mission that demand enhancements in research, facility, or programs. WHY GIVE | KEY AREAS OF NEED Clinical Priorities, including Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, and Transplant, to advance the level of care available through staff, resources, and research Community Health programs offered to promote and protect community health and well-being COVID-19 Relief funds to support caregivers, patients, and families impacted by the public health crisis Hospice Care to provide compassionate end-of-life care to all community members Mental Health resources, support, and navigation through the Dennis H. Jones Living Well Network

SENIOR LEADERSHIP Michael Ugwueke President & Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Forbes, MD Executive Vice President, Academic Group Cato Johnson Chief of Staff & SVP of Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs Chuck Lane Chief Financial Officer Albert Mosley SVP & Chief Mission Integration Officer Michael Paul SVP & Chief Strategy Officer

Nikki Polis Chief Nurse Executive Monica Wharton EVP & Chief Administrative Officer

Karen Garner David Hankins Yvonne Madlock Shane Stanford

FOUNDATION B OARD OF DIRECTORS Nicholas Bragorgos, Chair Wilson Moore, Vice Chair Michael Drake, Asst. Secretary Sally Aldrich Dana Armstrong Roshun Austin Wes Barnett

FOUND ATION STAFF Zach Pretzer President Emily Tipton Director of Strategic Philanthropy Cameron Mann Director of Corporate Partnerships Bob Plunk Director of Stewardship

Sickle Cell Care to promote improved quality of life for patients through dedicated care, innovation, and research Social Determinants of Health programs and resources to address social barriers faced by community members to promote holistic health WAYS TO GIVE: Donations can be made through cash gifts, bequests, gifts of stock, gifts inkind, employee matching programs, event sponsorships and tickets, and shopper loyalty programs. FOUNDATION EVENTS: • Mental Health Breakfast — Breakfast with keynote speaker benefitting the Dennis H. Jones Living Well Network • Methodist Healthcare Golf Classic — Golfing tournament benefitting Camp BraveHearts Family Grief Camp • Living Awards Benefit — Awards dinner honoring individuals and organizations for their faith-based work improving community health • Sickle Cell Benefit — Event to raise awareness and support for the Methodist Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center • Night Life for Methodist Hospice — Country concert event benefitting Methodist Hospice • Methodist Healthcare Luncheon — Luncheon with celebrity guest benefitting the mission of Methodist Healthcare

Kristin Attaway Manager of Foundation Events Joey Maurizi Planned Giving Specialist Flora Jenkins Executive Assistant Lori Dale-Bratton Director of Funds Management JoAnn Franklin Donor Relations Coordinator Anna Levina Finance Coordinator

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www.cbu.edu • 901.321.3270 SPECIAL PROMOTION

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GIVING GUIDE United Way of the Mid-South is a convener of funders, fighters, and followers who join us in our pursuit to address priority issues in our community, and to break the cycle of generational poverty for our most vulnerable neighbors. To achieve this — particularly during these challenging times — we feel required to act with a sense of urgency; leading the charge for economic justice, providing financial support to non-profit agencies in our community, and driving the dreams of individuals and families throughout the Mid-South. As the critical nature of the COVID-19 pandemic became evident in our community, United Way mounted a response with a three-fold purpose: to provide immediate support to nonprofits addressing the most essential community needs related to the pandemic; to provide long-term recovery support to United Way partner agencies in their continued and even more vital work; and to provide pivotal and timely support for our adaptive response efforts to meet the ongoing influx of need in our community.

ABOUT US NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 50 ESTABLISHED: 1923 ADDRESS

1005 Tillman Street, Memphis, TN 38112 PHONE

(901) 433-4300 WEBSITE

www.UWMIDSOUTH.ORG facebook.com/uwmidsouth @uwmidsouth linkedin.com/company/united-way-of-the-mid-south/

Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D. President & CEO

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D. President & CEO Gia Stokes Chief Financial Officer Angelia Allen VP, Strategic Development Albert Edwards Interim VP, Resource Development BOARD MEMBERS Jean M. Morton Board Chair SunTrust Bank/Trust Christopher Anderson Enterprise Holdings

Way of the Mid-South’s powerful network of collaborating agencies which use shared tools, shared data, and evidence-based practices to advance economic justice. Driving The Dream breaks down the walls of siloed services and systemic barriers to create equitable access to the support individuals and families in our community need — perhaps now, more than ever — to truly achieve economic advancement.

COVID-19 RESPONSE: United Way of the Mid-South quickly stood up our COVID-19 Economic Relief Fund, providing supplemental funds for health and human service organizations which experienced a surge in demand from our neighbors significantly impacted by this crisis. In addition, we instituted a first-in-the-nation, low-risk, socially-distanced, Drive-Thru Drop-Off service for our IRS-certified Free Tax Prep program; allowing us to still prepare tax returns — for free — for low income families who truly needed their refunds, given the disruptions to our economy.

GIVING: United Way is the largest public charitable foundation in the Mid-South, with our grant-making totally dependent on the generous donations of individual and corporate partners — our “funders.” We invest 83 cents of every dollar given to our Community Impact Fund to boost prosperity for all in our community and fuel the fight against poverty, by supporting the “fighters” — over 70 high-performing, human services agencies. United Way offers donors the ability to personally create social impact, to have measurable impact upon the lives of individuals and families, and to change the economic trajectory of our community through their financial contributions.

DRIVING THE DREAM: Finally, during this unprecedented time, United Way of the Mid-South felt compelled to support the general public by initiating a pivotal Relief Call Center, implemented urgently to directly connect callers to critical services, partner agencies, and employment resources — without individuals having to repeat their circumstances multiple times — and by providing follow-up to ensure those connections were made. The Relief Call Center is powered by Driving The Dream, United

GOALS: Last year, support for United Way of the Mid-South from 23,000 donors and 128 corporate partners made a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals more than 300,000 times throughout our eight-county region. We continue to strive to be a mobilizer of community resources — human, financial, and social — the convener of a collaborative network of partners, and a leading catalyst in progressively transforming the lives of individuals and families in the Mid-South.

Shannon A. Brown FedEx Express Irvin Calliste Memphis, AFL-CIO Labor Council Johnekia “Nexi” Carton Southland Gaming Darrell Cobbins Universal Commercial, LLC Roland Cruickshank Methodist University Hospital, Methodist LeBonheur Cathy Culnane AutoZone Scott Fountain Baptist Memorial Health Care

J.W. Gibson Gibson Companies Jeffery Greer FedEx Freight Alisa Haushalter, DNP Shelby County Health Department Mary Ann Jackson Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz Melanie A. Keller Meritan, Inc. Herman Lewis United Parcel Service Ursula Madden City of Memphis

David May Regions Bank John Pettey, III Raymond James Nataline Purdy Communities In Schools of Tennessee at Memphis Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D. United Way of the Mid-South Cathy Slater International Paper Randy Stokx Deloitte Service LP Charles Thomas AT&T

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years. Revenues stood at about $30 million when he first started at the company, but under his leadership, it’s up to around $300 million annually. He’s also seen steady employment growth, with Campbell Clinic employing about 600 staffers and medical professionals. Some recent achievements by Hernandez, who earlier this year was named an Inside Memphis Business CEO of the Year, include the completion of a flagship medical office at 7887 Wolf River Boulevard in late 2019. The facility has four stories, 120,000 square feet, and hosts office space, an eight-operating-room ambulatory surgery center, and physical therapy services. The new building also includes the state-of-theart Accel Performance and Wellness Center, 11,000 square feet of dedicated to using techniques designed to treat professional athletes, including underwater and antigravity treadmills, nutritional guidance, and cryotherapy.

A few institutions dominate federal funding During the initial coronavirus surge, hospitals and medical practices sometimes struggled to stay afloat. Many had to make cuts due to reduced cash flow. But when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services started divvying up federal money from the CARES Act, Baptist Memorial Healthcare Corp. was the big winner. The network was able to bring in more than $100 million in relief money over the summer. That, coupled with other decisions like hefty executive pay cuts, meant that Baptist was able to avoid layoffs that unfortunately plagued so many other healthcare providers. As of now, Baptist Memorial Health Care has brought in over $150 million. Another big winner was Methodist Le Bonheur, which netted more than $40 million in funding.

Regional One takes covid-19 treatment to trials As the United States continues to see plenty of covid-19 cases, Regional One (in partnership with UTHSC) is set to participate in a clinical trial program. The two late-stage clinical trials will evaluate Regeneron’s REGN-COV2, a two-antibody cocktail for the prevention and treatment of covid-19. “By enrolling in one of the clinical studies, individuals in our community suffering with covid-19 symptoms or living with someone with covid-19 will have the opportunity to gain early access to a potentially life-saving treatment or preventive option and be part of an effort that may be far-reaching,” says Martin Croce, MD, chief medical officer at Regional One Health and a professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Trauma and Critical Care at UTHSC. Drs. Amber Thacker, Jay Sullivan, and John Jefferies are leading the efforts, and are conducting trials with patients at Regional One Health’s downtown campus. The first trials, a Phase 2/3 trial, will gauge the cocktail’s ability to treat patients who tested positive for covid-19 and are symptomatic, but did not require 88 • I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S • N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0

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hospitalization. The Phase 3 trial will test its ability to prevent infections with individuals who may have had exposure to the virus. Regeneron’s antibodies work by binding themselves to the SARS-CoV2 protein, preventing it from attaching to cells in the human body. That process is expected to kill SARS-CoV-2. “Memphis is a hard-hit area,” said Thacker when the trials were announced. “Many of our patients have comorbidities that put them at higher risk, so we see patients who are very sick. Treating people before they need to be in the hospital, or giving them better outcomes if they are hospitalized, is an amazing thing.”

St. Jude finds positive trial results for anti-malarial drug In March, researchers at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital received the first results from a preclinical trial investigating the effectiveness of an anti-malarial drug. The fast-acting compound, discovered at St. Jude, showed promising results, with the findings released in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal in March. “The results support further development of the compound SJ733 as a fast-acting component of combination anti-malarial therapy,” says corresponding author Dr. Aditya Gaur, of the St. Jude Department of Infectious Diseases. “The drug was well tolerated and well absorbed with a rapid anti-parasitic effect.” Malaria, caused by a parasite that is transmitted by infected mosquitos, targets red blood cells, and is still a leading cause of death or illness around the globe. New trials are needed, however, due to the parasite’s emerging drug resistance. The preclinical trials showed that SJ733 worked against malaria parasites that are resistant to frontline drugs like artemisin-based therapy. The compound disrupts malaria’s ability to remove excess sodium from red blood cells. As a result, the build-up of sodium causes the infected cells to be less flexible, and they are consequently removed by the immune system or are caught in small blood vessels. After the trial, researchers found no significant SJ733-related side effects.

Newsroom pivots to hospital building The former location of The Commercial Appeal at 495 Union Avenue found itself transformed during the summer. Contractors and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked quickly in April and May to turn the building into an overflow hospital for patients of covid-19. The reconstruction project provided for 401 available beds spread throughout four floors. There were also 33 negative-pressure rooms to help tamp down the risk of spreading the infection. After its completion, control of the facility was handed over to the federal government. At a cost of more than $51 million, the Memphis overflow hospital was one of the most expensive projects of its kind in the United States. As of mid-October, the facility has not been needed.

DO More good for the organizations and causes you value. More good for the communities that benefit from your generosity. More good for your financial plan, with professional, strategic fund management. The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis brings it all together, so you can give where giving does more good. For everyone.

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D.J. Naylor

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It might be a given that the Celtic Crossing owner knows whiskey, but Naylor’s first business in town was real estate. He arrived in Memphis after a decade of consulting experience at KPMG and mainly purchased rental properties. “Nowadays, we’ve got 65 doors, and then we have a few other projects going on,” he says. Naylor splits his time focusing on his real estate business (Naylo Properties) and Celtic from his home office, and runs them both with his wife, Jamie. (Their little dog, Milo, snoozing in a dog bed at the foot of the desk, does his part as well.) The walls of the office are adorned with knick-knacks and souvenirs from all over the

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world, as well as plenty of family photographs. Everything on the shelves behind his desk pays tribute to Naylor’s greatest loves: “In order, I’d say it’s family, soccer, business, golf, pets, and until recently, travel.” There’s plenty of sports paraphernalia, too. A Liverpool fan, Naylor displays a photograph of himself at the 2016 Europa League final, contested between Liverpool and Sevilla in Basel, Switzerland. There’s also a personalized bobblehead of Naylor, wearing a red Liverpool jersey and holding a golf club, lined up next to Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson, Jr. And while plenty of routine paperwork is done in his office, the space has hosted a much more exciting event since the pandemic hit. With business slow across the hospitality industry, Naylor decided to start holding virtual whiskey tastings over Zoom. Many of the massive collection of varied bottles in his office have been accumulated in 2020. “Every

tasting has a particular theme,” he explains. “Sometimes we might be doing all single malts. Another time, we’re only focusing on whiskey from Canada.” When he selects each option for the tasting, Naylor goes all in to learn everything he can about the vintage. For an upcoming Canada-based tasting, he points to a bottle of Waterford. “This will be my first time trying this, but I’ve already made a connection with them,” he says. “I will speak to the CEO and learn a great deal about them. Naylor decided And the idea to start holding behind these are that evvirtual whiskey ery field has different bartastings over ley. So what Zoom. impact does it have on the whiskey? Via the tasting, I’ll take you to Waterford, I’ll take you to meet the master distiller, and we’ll learn a lot of particular facts about Waterford.” When it’s time for a tasting, Naylor sets up a high table in front of his whiskey wall. There, he details the rich history of each vintage before the viewers dive into the samples. And even though there are plenty of bottles, Naylor plans to continue with his due diligence. “I won’t do a whiskey unless I can figure out all the details about it,” he says.

left: Celtic Crossing owner D.J. Naylor has been hosting virtual whiskey tastings out of his home office in Midtown. upper left: A bobblehead of the Grizzlies‘ Jaren Jackson Jr. stands next to a custom-made model of Naylor. upper right: Naylor, an avid soccer fan, has traveled to plenty of matches in Europe, including the 2016 Europa League final. bottom: Naylor has a wall lined with whiskey bottles in his office. While many are recognizable brands, others are rare and limited-release bottles.

“If you picked a whiskey from up there or asked me to pick three for a private tasting, I’d have to know everything about them before I selected them.” With the pandemic looking to stretch on for a while longer, Naylor’s whiskey collection will likely continue to grow as he dives deeper into research. But while he’ll keep putting the work in to curate the best possible tasting, the experience ties back to running Celtic Crossing, a venture that manages to incorporate so many of Naylor’s passions into one. There’s plenty of whiskey to be had at the Irish pub’s patio, shared among soccer supporters of many different teams who gather together for the communal love of the sport. When everything is in service of that passion, it doesn’t seem like such a bad way to work.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

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oint to a bottle, any bottle, of whiskey on the walls of D.J. Naylor’s Midtown home office, and he’ll launch into a detailed description of the vintage. And it’s not just a few varieties: The rows of liquor span distillations from all over the world, from the expected countries like Ireland and Scotland, to farther-flung locales like Japan. “Ireland, in terms of new distilleries, is on fire right now,” says Naylor. “Just like the beer business has moved to the craft revolution, now we’re seeing micro distilleries opening basically throughout the world, even in places like Taiwan and Japan.”

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VA N C E

Sacred Heart School Our history expert solves local mysteries: who, what, when, where, why, and why not. Well, sometimes. BY VANCE L AUDERDALE

DEAR VANCE: My mother graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Memphis in the late 1940s, but I can find nothing online about such a school. Is it still in existence? — k.l., nashville.

below: The entire senior class of 1940 — 31 students in all — could hold hands and stand on the front steps.

Over the years, I have written about several old private schools and colleges for women in Memphis. Miss Higbee’s School, the Clara Conway Institute, and Siena College come to mind, and all of them are now closed. I’m sorry to tell you that I can add Sacred Heart to that list, though the building itself, a Gothic Revival structure of yellow brick and carved stone, is still standing at 1325 Jefferson. The name of the school has caused some confusion, with some calling it an academy and others calling it a school. But anybody who drives by the main building today can look above the entrance, where the words “The Sacred Heart School” are carved into the stonework. So let’s stick with that. Anyone trying to conduct research on this school may get a headache, as I did, because it’s one of those places in Memphis fondly remembered by the young women who went there, but it rarely made the news. Thanks to help from my pal Wayne Dowdy at the Memphis and Shelby County Room, I turned up an old Commercial Appeal article that tried to summarize its history, but the reporter also complained about DEAR K.L.:

the “skimpy records.” So I’ll just tell you what I know. The school was part of the Sacred Heart campus, which included the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at the northwest corner of Jefferson and Cleveland, the Sacred Heart Convent next door, and a separate home for the priests. The Catholic Diocese of Nashville opened the church and school here in 1900. I’m sorry, but I have no images to show you of the original school. The building you see here was constructed in 1930 at a cost of $150,000, which seems like a bargain today but was considered a hefty sum at the time, and it shows. Look carefully, and you’ll admire the fine stonework here and there. This was — and still is — a very attractive structure, and the architectural team of Regan and Waller (also designers of Immaculate Conception Cathedral) did a fine job matching the design with the other Sacred Heart buildings. Another Commercial Appeal article, dated December 7, 1930, reported, “In a colorful ceremony, Bishop Alphonse J. Smith, head of the Catholic Diocese of Nashville, will dedicate the new Sacred Heart School at 3 o’clock this afternoon … and he expects more than 5,000 to attend.” As part of the dedication, “members of the Knights of Columbus, dressed in uniform, will serve as the guards of honor.” That same article mentioned, without providing as much detail as I would have liked, that “the old building, which has been used as a church and a school, will be torn down after the first of the year. The ground will be used as a playground for the students.” Praising the “Collegiate Gothic design,” the article noted, “The new school is one of the finest Catholic school buildings in Tennessee. It is three stories high and has 16 classrooms. Special rooms have been provided for commercial courses and science work.” The building included a library, cafeteria, and auditorium. I found this last detail especially interesting: “The enrollment of the school is 550.” This was in 1930; I’ll tell you more about that later. This may surprise you: W hen it f irst opened, Sacred Heart allowed boys and girls to attend. That explains why its football and basketball teams — known as the “Fighting Cardinals” — were able to play other schools in town such as Memphis University School and Catholic High. “In 1935, it became a member of the Prep League — the ninth school,” wrote CA reporter James Cortese in 1978. “Sacred Heart played the first Sunday game ever at Crump Stadium, against

PHOTOS COURTESY VANCE LAUDERDALE

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arch-rival Christian Brothers. They didn’t win, but scared the bejabbers out of the Brothers, holding them scoreless until the end of the third quarter.” Meanwhile, the girls’ teams did quite well, one year (1936) winning the Memphis, district, and regional championships in basketball. “Scholastically, it fared well,” wrote Cortese in that same article. “Margaret Carlson, a member of the 1934 graduating class, as an eighth-grader won the city spelling championship and went on to Washington to win the national spelling bee.” Over the years, I’m sure Sacred Heart had many students who went on to some measure of fame and fortune. Well, at least one of them did. Movie star Stella Stevens, back when people knew her only as Estelle Eggleston, attended Sacred Heart in the 1950s. The Lauderdale Library has the photograph you see here (left), showing the Sacred Heart Class of 1940 posed on the front steps. Mulford Jewelers provided students with their class rings, so it makes sense (to me, anyway) they would sponsor the senior class photo. Also in my collection are several old Crest yearbooks, which show that Sacred Heart offered a full complement of courses: English, Spanish, French, history, mathematics, algebra, music, religion, biology, and physical education. In its long history, the administration changed many times, but if there was a spiritual leader of Sacred Heart, that honor surely goes to The Right Reverend Monsignor Louis J. Kemphues. He served as pastor of Sacred Heart Church and counselor to the school for almost four decades, from 1929 until his death in 1967. 1969. “A Catholic education was very important to my He is standing at the left in the 1940 photo. Various family,” she says. “We picked Sacred Heart because I nuns served as the school principal over the years; in had cousins there and my mother was an alumna there.” the same photo, Sister Mary Lucian is at the far right. She has nothing but good memories of the old school. In the early part of the 1900s, the school mainly drew “I had outstanding teachers,” she says, singling out her students from the surrounding neighborhoods. “Stualgebra teacher, Lucinda Savage Faber, as one “who dents seemed to be mainly of Irish and Italian backexpected her students to work hard, and we did not grounds,” wrote Cortese. “The Dwyers, McNamaras, want to disappoint her. I also had wonderful English, Spanish, and science teachers.” Gavins, Murphys, Clearys, Doyles, And life at Sacred Heart wasn’t all and Ahearns. And the Peras, Gemi“We always knew how to throw classwork. “I have great memories of glianis, Gallinis, and Palazolas.” a great party with little money Change came in 1946, when Sacred our proms and dances,” she says. “We and a lot of imagination. One Heart became an all-girls school. always knew how to throw a great The boys transferred to Catholic or party with little money and a lot of year, we were able to have the Christian Brothers. I found no reason imagination. One year, we were able Bar-Kays for a Valentine’s Day for this decision, but an unfortunate to have the Bar-Kays for a Valentine’s result was a decrease in enrollment. Day dance at The Peabody.” dance at The Peabody.” Members of her class were able to Remember that 1930 article mentioning 500 students? Well, the 1940 photo shows only 27 visit their former school in 2019, as part of their 50th women and four boys in the entire senior class. In the reunion activities. “The first two stories now house two yearbooks in my collection, the 1953 edition reveals Catholic Charities,” she says, “but the third floor was that number had climbed to 36 seniors, with a total still classrooms, just as when we went there, so that enrollment of only 180. brought back memories for all of us.” With so few students it simply wasn’t feasible to keep Like so many Sacred Heart students, Jacobs says the large school open. In 1970, the Catholic Diocese she was “very sad that the doors closed for the last finally made the decision to close Sacred Heart School. time, just the year after I graduated. I always feel very nostalgic when I go by there, but I feel very blessed to The building is now home to the Catholic Diocese of Memphis and Catholic Charities of West Tennessee. have such happy memories of my high school years.”   The Sacred Heart Church remains very active in the community, serving as the religious center for hundreds Got a question for Vance? of Hispanic and Vietnamese families (offering online EMAIL: askvance@memphismagazine.com sermons only during the covid-19 pandemic). MAIL: Vance Lauderdale, Memphis magazine, P.O. Box 1738, I happen to know quite a few Memphians who went Memphis, TN 38101 there. Patricia Jacobs graduated from Sacred Heart in ONLINE: memphismagazine.com/ask-vance

left: The imposing entrance to Sacred Heart School now leads to offices of the Catholic Diocese of Memphis.

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Taste of the Country Magnolia & May country brasserie couples Southern flair with international influences. BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

Chip and Amanda Dunham

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hat do you do when a beloved institution closes? Well, open another one, of course. Longtime Grove Grill veterans Chip and Amanda Dunham know their way around the food industry, and when the iconic Memphis restaurant closed down earlier this year, it meant the time was right to strike out on their own. Now at Magnolia & May, founders Chip and Amanda embrace creativity, approachability, and fun at Memphis’ newest country brasserie.

As the son of Grove Grill owner Jeff Dunham, Chip found himself in and around the restaurant industry during his childhood. As a teenager, he needed money to pay for extracurricular interests, and a spot at the Grove Grill was an obvious choice. “My father talked me into cooking at the restaurant,” he says, “and I just kind of fell in love with it and worked there throughout high school.” After gradating, he ended up at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. There, he met New York native Amanda, who had cut her teeth at a German bakery growing up before working as a server in Manhattan. The two moved to Charleston, and after five years in South Carolina, moved back to Memphis to work at the Grove Grill. Its closure earlier this year provided the perfect transition for the Dunhams to launch Magnolia & May. The restaurant opened (aptly) earlier this year in late May. “It’s just about While it was a bit risky to open showing that chefa new establishment in the driven dishes and middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dunham’s had no high-quality food hesitation. “We’d been waiting can be affordable.” so long,” says Amanda, “and we thought it might be a way to — Chip Dunham restore a little bit of normalcy to our family. So we figured let’s open up, do what we can, keep pushing forward, and hopefully get some positivity out there.” Preparing the space, however, took some work. The foundations were kept in line with the Dunham family legacy, with Chip earmarking his grandfather’s former law office as the place to begin the next step of his career. They knocked out walls and squared off the building, and decided to pursue a more open floor plan. The final piece was adding an outdoor patio to accommodate extra guests. Inside, the Dunhams went for a more casual appeal. One of the walls consists of wood from old bourbon barrels, and they framed the restaurant with oak for a rustic feel. For a local touch, the bar is crafted of maple salvaged from Imperial Lanes, the classic bowling alley on Summer. Meanwhile, the shelving behind the bar is left over from the original building. The idea for Magnolia & May first took root about a year and a half ago. Since the Dunhams already knew of the vacant office that could be repurposed, it made the decision easier. “We got the idea in our head to turn it into a restaurant because it’s kind of an up-and-coming area,” says Chip, “and we saw the potential.” But, he’s also blunt about the personal stakes involved in the decision. “At the Grove Grill, I was never going to step out from behind my father’s shadow, because it’s such an institution,” he says. “This allows me and Amanda to both showcase our skills and put our personalities into the place. There are no limits to what we can do here, and it’s a nice thing.” Other than the associated family name, the Dunhams have strived to differentiate Magnolia & May from the Grove Grill. A key word that the couple uses when discussing all the changes is “casual.” That’s ref lected in everything from the menu, to the décor, and to the overall vibe. The menu certainly lists more casual fare, but the Dunhams talk about

PHOTOGRAPH BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

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turning their restaurant into an open and accessible community destination. “We’re trying to make this place as cool as possible,” says Amanda. “We love the idea of having a place in East Memphis that’s affordable and has a quality product, where you can go and dine in multiple times a week without breaking the bank.” The duo eat out a lot, and Amanda laments the difficulty in trying to keep costs down when accommodating multiple diners. The menu born out of that approach offers plenty of variety. “It’s just about showing,” says Chip, “that chef-driven dishes and high-quality food can be affordable.” As a brasserie, there are certain to be French influences in the cuisine. But an important distinction is that Magnolia & May is branded as a “country” brasserie. The Dunhams didn’t want to be pigeonholed into just one type of food, so they utilized all their restaurant experience to bring in international cooking elements. “For example, we’re currently running a falafel and hummus dish,” explains Chip, “and we’ve also experimented with fried rice as a base.” Currently, the menu is split into dinner and brunch. The casual theme is evident among many of the entrees, with the Dunhams including plenty of sandwiches. The double cheeseburger has been a big hit, alongside the pastrami sandwich. Vegan options include the barbecue squash sandwich and a veggie burger. But it’s the appetizer list that truly encapsulates Chip’s willingness to experiment. The deep-fried Buffalo Broccoli has proven to be one of the most popular items on the menu, but don’t overlook the Tacos con Mempho, either. Magnolia & May’s take on the Mexican dish has melted American cheese sandwiched between two tortillas, underneath a helping of pulled pork, avocado salsa, and tobacco onions. But while the menu maintains all the popular staples, the Dunhams are using the pandemic as an excuse to experiment more than they might normally. “The menu changes daily, as well,” says Chip. “It’s almost out of necessity at this point since we have to give everyone a brand-new menu each day. But we thought, we might as well take advantage of that and bring in the freshest possible product possible.” While Chip continues to whip up varied and eclectic dishes, thirsty diners can turn their attention to Amanda’s carefully curated beverages list. With input from bartenders Taylor and Ashley, the list contains plenty of wine and local beer but really shines when it comes to cocktails. The restaurant saw a boom in frozen cocktail sales over the summer, leading to the creation of a frozen dragon fruit margarita alongside mainstays like Violette Fields Forever (Bowling & Burch gin, lemon, crème de fleur, egg white, mint) and Southaven Sling (lychee Old Dominick gin, mango puree, rum float). But as the seasons change, so does Magnolia & May’s cocktail menu. “What we’re doing is always changing things up using fun ingredients,” says Amanda, “and kind of challenging the way that people see their beverage.” And when the restaurant’s fire safety system went out one morning, Amanda used that time to do some cocktail R&D. The result? The Fall Tiki Cocktail. With Old Dominic gin as the base, the fruity concoction incorporates lychee, mango, pineapple, and a bit of rum. “It’s got all these fall spice f lavors, but it’s just really well-bal-

THREE TO TRY BUFFALO BROCCOLI It’s buffalo-battered goodness with one of Magnolia & May’s most popular appetizers. The florets are first breaded and deepfried, before being tossed with buffalo sauce (blue cheese or buttermilk dressing included for good measure). “If we took these off the menu,” laughs Chip, “I think people would line up outside the restaurant to protest.” Appetizer, $6

BLUFF CITY MUSHROOM POTATO GNOCCHI A Memphis take on an Italian pasta dish, the Bluff City Mushroom Potato Gnocchi is the poster child for the Dunham’s locally sourced, fresh ingredients approach to cooking. The gnocchi is made in house and smothered in a wide variety of Bluff City mushrooms and whatever seasonal vegetables the restaurant has on hand. “He makes it almost like a mushroom beurre blanc,” says Amanda. “Chip puts so much flavor in there with the mushrooms, and adds in so much more with the vegetables he uses. It’ll knock your socks off.” Entrée, $20

CHEESEBURGER Single or double, Magnolia & May’s ground beef patty is topped with the usual lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, and infused with the Dunham’s special sauce. But rather than a slice of melted cheese, Chip goes in a different direction. “We get the cheese all crispy on the flattop, and it gives something different to the burger.” Entrée, Single: $10; Double: $15

anced,” says Amanda. The fall menu has some other surprises in store as well. Expect to see egg whites in some cocktails for more of a frothy, foamy texture. And, of course … beet pickling liquid. “I’m not sure if it was a joke at first,” she says, “but Chip brought it over to us one day. We tried it, and it worked out very well, so that will be appearing in another fall cocktail as well.” If that all sounds fun, well, that’s what the Dunhams are going for. Even throughout a tough 2020, they don’t want to compromise on that welcoming vibe for diners. “We want people to feel super comfortable coming in,” says Amanda, “whether they’re arriving in workout clothes, or as the precursor to a formal event. Some people initially thought we were going for fancy, but now people are saying, ‘The atmosphere feels like I’m at my own home with someone cooking for me.’ And that’s what we want you to feel like coming in.”

MAGNOLIA & MAY 718 Mt. Moriah; 901-676-8100 magnoliamay.com Open 4-10 p.m., Tuesday–Friday; 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m –9 p.m., Sunday. Reservations for indoor seating only.

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TH E M E M P H I S D I N I N G G U I D E M

emphis magazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service to our readers. Broken down alphabetically by neighborhoods, this directory does not list every restaurant in town. It does, however, include the magazine’s “Top 50” choices of must-try restaurants in Memphis, a group that is updated every August. Establishments open less than a year are not eligible for “Top 50” but are noted as “New.” This guide also includes a representative sampling of other Bluff City eating establishments. No fast-food facilities or cafeterias are listed. Restaurants are included regardless of whether they advertise in Memphis magazine; those that operate in multiple locations are listed under the neighborhood of their original location. Suggestions from readers are welcome; please contact us at dining@ memphismagazine.com.

eatery in Old Dominick Distillery. Closed Mon. 301 S. Front. 4666324. D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ GRECIAN GOURMET TAVERNA—Serves traditional favorites like spanakopita, pastitso, moussaka, and hand-rolled dolmathes, as well as lamb sliders and pita nachos. Closed Mon. 412 S. Main. 249-6626. L, D, X, $ GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN—Serves chicken with signature spicy batter, along with homemade beans, slaw, and pies. 310 S. Front. 527-4877; 215 S. Center St. (Collierville). 853-6005; 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 373-9111; 730 S. Mendenhall. 7672323; 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN. 901-294-2028. L, D, X, MRA, $ HAPPY MEXICAN—Serves quesadillas, burritos, chimichangas, vegetable and seafood dishes, and more. 385 S. Second. editor’s note: As Memphis continues to navigate covid-19, some restaurants are open for socially 529-9991; 6080 Primacy Pkwy. 683-0000; 7935 Winchester. distanced dine-in, while others are focusing on takeout and delivery. Please call ahead to confirm 751-5353. L, D, X, $ hours, adjusted menus, and available services. HU. DINER—An extension of Hu. Hotel, diner serves such dishes as country-fried cauliflower, cornflake-fried chicken, and octopus and grits. 3 S. Main. 333-1224. L, D, X, $-$$ CATHERINE & MARY’S—A variety of pastas, CENTER CITY HU. ROOF—Rooftop cocktail bar with superb city views serves grilled quail, pâté, razor clams, and monkfish are toasts with a variety of toppings including beef tartare with cured among the dishes served at this Italian restaurant in 117 PRIME—Restaurateurs Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp team egg, cognac, and capers or riced cauliflower with yellow curry, the Chisca. 272 S. Main. 254-8600. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ up with Chef Ryan Trimm to recreate the traditional American currants, and almonds. Also salads, fish tacos, and boiled peanut CHEF TAM’S UNDERGROUND CAFE—Serves steakhouse. Serving oysters on the half shell and a variety of surf hummus. 79 Madison. 333-1229. D, $ Southern staples with a Cajun twist. Menu items include and turf options. 117 Union. 433-9851. L, D, WB, X, $-$$$ HUEY’S—This family-friendly restaurant offers 13 totchoes, jerk wings, fried chicken, and “muddy” mac and ALDO’S PIZZA PIES—Serving gourmet pizzas different burgers, a variety of sandwiches, and delicious cheese. Closed Sun. and Mon. 668 Union Ave. 207-6182. L, D, $ — including Mr. T Rex — salads, and more. Also 30 beers, soups and salads. 1927 Madison. 726-4372; 1771 N. CHEZ PHILIPPE—Classical/contemporary French bottled or on tap. 100 S. Main. 577-7743; 752 S. Cooper. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 754-3885; cuisine presented in a luxuri725-7437. L, D, X, $-$$ DINING SYMBOLS 77 S. Second. 527-2700; 2130 W. Poplar ous atmosphere with a seaTHE ARCADE—Possibly Memphis’ oldest cafe. (Collierville). 854-4455; 7090 Malco Blvd. sonal menu focused on local/regional Specialties include sweet potato pancakes, a fried peaB — breakfast (Southaven). 662-349-7097; 7825 cuisine. The crown jewel of The Peabody nut butter and banana sandwich, and breakfast served L — lunch Winchester. 624-8911; 4872 Poplar. 682for 35 years. Afternoon tea served Wed.all day. 540 S. Main. 526-5757. B, L, D (Thurs.-Sat.), X, MRA, $ D — dinner 7729; 7677 Farmington Blvd. Sat., 1-3:30 p.m. (reservations required). AUTOMATIC SLIM’S—Longtime downtown favorite (Germantown). 318-3030; 8570 Highway SB — Sunday brunch Closed Sun.-Tues. The Peabody, 149 specializes in contemporary American cuisine emphasizing local 51 N. (Millington). 873-5025. L, D, Union. 529-4188. D, X, MRA, $$$$ WB — weekend brunch ingredients; also extensive martini list. 83 S. Second. 525-7948. L, X, MRA, $ COZY CORNER—Serving D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ X— wheelchair accessible HUSTLE & DOUGH up ribs, pork sandwiches, BARDOG TAVERN—Classic American grill with Italian MRA — member, Memphis BAKERY & CAFE—Flaky, chicken, spaghetti, and more; influence, Bardog offers pasta specialties such as Grandma’s Restaurant Association baked breakfast goodness every also homemade banana pudding. NJ Meatballs, as well as salads, sliders, sandwiches, and daily $ — under $15 per person without day with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and Closed Mon. 745 N. Parkway and specials. 73 Monroe. 275-8752. B (Mon.-Fri.), L, D, WB, X, MRA, drinks or desserts more at Arrive Hotel. 477 S. Main St., Manassas. 527-9158. L, D, $ $-$$ 701-7577. B, L, X, $ $$ — under $25 CURFEW—An elevated BEDROCK EATS & SWEETS—Memphis’ only PaleoITTA BENA—Southern and Cajun$$$ — $26-$50 sports bar/American tavern centric restaurant offering such dishes as pot roast, waffles, American cuisine served here; specialties concept by Top Chef contestant $$$$ — over $50 enchiladas, chicken salad, omelets, and more. Closed for dinner are duck and waffles and shrimp and Fabio Viviani at the Canopy Memphis Sun. 327 S. Main. 409-6433. B, L, D, X, $-$$ grits, along with steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta. 145 Beale St. Downtown hotel. 164 Union Ave. B, L, D, X, $-$$ BELLE TAVERN—Serving elevated bar food, including a 578-3031. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ EVELYN & OLIVE—Jamaican/Southern fusion cuisine butcher board with a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as KOOKY CANUCK—Offers prime rib, catfish, and burgers, includes such dishes as Kingston stew fish, Rasta Pasta, and daily specials. 117 Barboro Alley. 249-6580. L (Sun.), D, MRA, $ including the 4-lb. “Kookamonga”; also late-night menu. 87 S. jerk rib-eye. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun.-Mon. 630 BISHOP—Ticer and Hudman’s newest venture at the Second. 578-9800; 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy. 1-800-2453 L, D, Madison. 748-5422. L, D, X, $ Central Station Hotel features upscale dishes in a French X, MRA, $-$$$ FAM—Casual Asian restaurant serves sushi rice bowls, noodle brasserie style. 545 S. Main St., 524-5247. L, D, X, $$-$$$ THE LITTLE TEA SHOP—Downtown institution bowls, sushi rolls, and spring rolls. Closed Sun. 149 Madison; 521 BLEU—This eclectic restaurant features American food with serves up Southern comfort cooking, including meatloaf S. Highland. 701-6666. L, D, X, $ global influences and local ingredients. Among the specialties are and such veggies as turnip greens, yams, okra, and FELICIA SUZANNE’S—Southern cuisine with a 14-oz. bone-in rib-eye and several seafood dishes. 221 S. Third, tomatoes. Closed Sat.-Sun. 69 Monroe. 525-6000, L, X, $ low-country, Creole, and Delta influences, using in the Westin Memphis Beale St. Hotel. 334-5950. B, L, D, WB, X, LOCAL—Entrees with a focus on locally sourced products regional fresh seafood, local beef, and locally grown MRA, $$-$$$ include lobster mac-and-cheese and ribeye patty melt; menu foods. Entrees include shrimp and grits. Closed Sun. and Mon. A BLUEFIN RESTAURANT & SUSHI LOUNGE— differs by location. 95 S. Main. 473-9573; 2126 Madison. 725-1845. downtown staple at Brinkley Plaza, 80 Monroe, Suite L1. 523Serves Japanese fusion cuisine featuring seafood and steak, L, D, WB, X, $-$$ 0877. L (Fri. only), D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ with seasonally changing menu; also a sushi bar. 135 S. Main. LOFLIN YARD—Beer garden and restaurant serves vegetarFERRARO’S PIZZERIA & PUB—Rigatoni and 528-1010. L, D, X, $-$$ ian fare and smoked-meat dishes, including beef brisket and pork tortellini are among the pasta entrees here, along with pizzas BRASS DOOR IRISH PUB—Irish and New-American tenderloin, cooked on a custom-made grill. Closed Mon.-Tues. 7 (whole or by the slice) with a variety of toppings. 111 Jackson. cuisine includes such entrees as fish and chips, burgers, W. Carolina. 249-3046. L (Sat. and Sun.), D, MRA, $-$$ 522-2033. L, D, X, $ shepherd’s pie, all-day Irish breakfast, and more. 152 Madison. THE LOOKOUT AT THE PYRAMID—Serves seafood FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR— 572-1813. L, D, SB, $-$$ and Southern fare, including cornmeal-fried oysters, sweet tea Serves steaks and seafood, along with such specialties CAFE KEOUGH—European-style cafe serving quiche, brined chicken, and elk chops. 1 Bass Pro Dr. 620-4600/291-8200. as bison ribeye and Muscovy duck, all matched with paninis, salads, and more. 12 S. Main. 509-2469. B, L, D, X, $ L, D, X, $-$$$ appropriate wines. 39 S. Main. 521-8005. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE—Offers LUNA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE—Serving a limited FLYING FISH—Serves up fried and grilled versions of prime steaks, fresh seafood (lobster tails, grouper, mahi mahi), menu of breakfast and lunch items. Dinner entrees include Citrus shrimp, crab, oysters, fish tacos, and catfish; also chicken and pasta, and several Northern Italian specialties. 149 Union, The Glaze Salmon and Cajun Stuffed Chicken. 179 Madison (Hotel burgers. 105 S. Second. 522-8228. L, D, X, $-$$ Peabody. 529-4199. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$$ Napoleon). 526-0002. B, D (Mon.-Sat.), X, $-$$$ THE GRAY CANARY—The sixth restaurant from CAROLINA WATERSHED—This indoor/outdoor eatery, MACIEL’S—Entrees include tortas, fried taco plates, chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, offering small set around silos, features reimagined down-home classics, quesadillas, chorizo and pastor soft tacos, salads, and plates and entrees cooked on an open flame. Oysters, including fried green tomatoes with smoked catfish, a buttermilk more. Downtown closed Sun. 45 S. Main. 526-0037, X, octopus, and hearty steaks are among the menu options at this fried chicken sandwich, burgers, and more. Closed Mon.-Thurs. MRA, $ 141 E. Carolina. 321-5553. L, D, WB, $-$$

We celebrate our city’s community table and the people who grow, cook, and eat the best Memphis food at M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M / F O O D 96 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0

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THE MAJESTIC GRILLE—Housed in a former silent-picture house, features aged steaks, fresh seafood, and such specialties as roasted chicken and grilled pork tenderloin; offers a pre-theatre menu and classic cocktails. Wellstocked bar. 145 S. Main. 522-8555. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ McEWEN’S—Southern/American cuisine with international flavors; specialties include steak and seafood, sweet potato-crusted catfish with macaroni and cheese, and more. Closed Sun., Monroe location. 120 Monroe. 527-7085; 1110 Van Buren (Oxford). 662-234-7003. L, D, SB (Oxford only), X, MRA, $$-$$$ MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE—The focus here is on steaks, including prime fillet, rib-eyes, and prime-aged New York strip; also, some seafood options. 5960 Getwell (Southaven). 662-8902467; 88 Union. 527-5337; 3165 Forest Hill-Irene (Germantown). 249-5661. D, SB (Germantown), X, $$-$$$ MOLLIE FONTAINE LOUNGE—Specializes in tapas (small plates) featuring global cuisine. Closed Sun.-Tues. 679 Adams Ave. 524-1886. D, X, MRA, $ MOMMA’S ROADHOUSE—This diner and dive at highway 55 serves up hot and crispy fried chicken wings, among other solid bar food options. 855 Kentucky. 207-5111. L, D, MRA, $ THE NINE THAI & SUSHI—Serving authentic Thai dishes, including curries, as well as a variety of sushi rolls. Closed for lunch Sat. and Sun. 121 Union. 208-8347. L, D, X, $-$$ PAULETTE’S—Presents fine dining with a Continental flair, including such entrees as filet Paulette with butter cream sauce and crabmeat and spinach crepes; also changing daily specials and great views. River Inn. 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3300. B, L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ PEARL’S OYSTER HOUSE—Downtown eatery serving seafood, including oysters, crawfish, and stuffed butterfly shrimp, as well as beef, chicken, and pasta dishes. 299 S. Main. 522-9070; 8106 Cordova Center Dr. (Cordova). 425-4797. L, D, SB, X, $-$$$ PONTOTOC LOUNGE—Upscale restaurant and jazz bar serves such starters as alligator filet fritters; entrees include Mississippi pot roast with jalapeño cornbread and tagliatelle with braised beef. 314 S. Main. 207-7576. D, X, $-$$ PUCK FOOD HALL—Food hall featuring a variety of vendors serving everything from bagels and beer to comfort food and healthy cuisine. 409 S. Main. 341-3838. $-$$ REGINA’S—New Orleans-inspired eatery offering po’boys, Cajun nachos topped with crawfish tails, catfish platters, oysters, and more. Closed Mon. 60 N. Main. 730-0384. B, L, D, SB, X, $-$$ RENDEZVOUS, CHARLES VERGOS’—Menu items include barbecued ribs, cheese plates, skillet shrimp, red beans and rice, and Greek salads. Closed Sun.-Mon. 52 S. Second. 523-2746. L (Fri.-Sat.), D, X, $-$$ RIZZO’S DINER—Chorizo meatloaf, lobster pronto puff, and lamb belly tacos are menu items at this upscale diner. Michael Patrick is among the city’s best chefs. 492 S. Main. 304-6985. L (Fri.-Sat.), D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ SABOR CARIBE—Serving up “Caribbean flavors” with dishes from Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Closed Sunday. 662 Madison. 949-8100. L, D, X, $ SAGE—Restaurant and lounge features daily lunch specials and tapas with such dishes as braised short ribs, teriyaki pulled pork, and the Sage burger made with Angus beef, avocado mash, fried egg, and flash-fried sage. 94 S. Main. 672-7902. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ SLEEP OUT LOUIE’S—Oyster bar with such specialties as char-grilled Roquefort oysters and gulf oysters on the half shell with Prosecco mignonette; also serves flatbread pizzas and a variety of sandwiches. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111. 707-7180. L, D, X, $ SOUTH MAIN SUSHI & GRILL—Serving sushi, nigiri, and more. 520 S. Main. 249-2194. L, D, X, $ SOB—Elevated gastropub that serves favorites like general Tso’s cauliflower or duck fried rice. 361 S. Main. 526-0388. L, D, WB, X, $-$$. SPINDINI—Italian fusion cuisine with such entrees as woodfired pizzas, Gorgonzola-stuffed filet, and fresh seafood; large domestic whiskey selection. 383 S. Main. 578-2767. D, X, $$-$$$ SUNRISE MEMPHIS—From owners of Sweet Grass and Central BBQ. Serves breakfast all day, including house-made biscuits, frittatas, kielbasa or boudin plates, and breakfast platters. 670 Jefferson. 552-3144. B, L, X, MRA, $ TERRACE—Creative American and Continental cuisine includes such dishes as filet mignon, beef or lamb sliders, chicken satay,

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and mushroom pizzetta. Rooftop, River Inn of Harbor Town, 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3366. D, X, MRA, $$ TEXAS DE BRAZIL—Serves beef, pork, lamb, and chicken dishes, and Brazilian sausage; also a salad bar with extensive toppings. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 103. 526-7600. L (Wed.-Fri.), D, SB, X, $$-$$$ UNCLE BUCK’S FISHBOWL & GRILL—Burgers, pizza, fish dishes, sandwiches, and more served in a unique “underwater” setting. Bass Pro, Bass Pro Drive, 291-8200. B, L, D, X, $-$$ THE VAULT—Oysters, shrimp beignets, flatbreads, stuffed cornish hen, and Smash Burger featured on “Late Nite Eats” are among the dishes offered at this Creole/Italian fusion eatery. 124 G.E. Patterson. 591-8000. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ WESTY’S—Extensive menu includes a variety of wild rice dishes, sandwiches, plate lunches, and hot fudge pie. 346 N. Main. 543-3278.L, D, X, $

COLLIERVILLE CAFE EUROPE—From Italian chef Michele D’oto, the French, Spanish, and Italian fusion cuisine includes a variety of dishes like Rosette al Forno, fish ceviche, and sole meuniere. Closed Sun. 4610 Merchants Park Circle, Suite 571. 286-4199. L, D, X, $$-$$$$ CAFE PIAZZA BY PAT LUCCHESI—Specializes in gourmet pizzas (including create-your-own), panini sandwiches, and pasta. Closed Sun. 139 S. Rowlett St. 861-1999. L, D, X, $-$$ CIAO BABY—Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza made in a wood-fired oven. Also serves house-made mozzarella, pasta, appetizers, and salads. 890 W. Poplar, Suite 1. 457-7457. L, D, X, $ COLLIERVILLE COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches. 3573 S. Houston Levee Rd. 979-5540. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ DAVID GRISANTI’S—Serving Northern Italian cuisine and traditional family recipes, like the Elfo Special, shrimp sauteed in garlic and butter, tossed with white button mushrooms and white pepper, and served over vermicelli with ParmigianoReggiano. Closed Sun. 684 W. Poplar (Sheffield Antiques Mall). 861-1777. L, D (Thurs.-Sat.), X, $-$$$ EL MEZCAL—Serves burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, and other Mexican cuisine, as well as shrimp dinners and steak. 9947 Wolf River, 853-7922; 402 Perkins Extd. 761-7710; 694 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 755-1447; 1492 Union. 274-4264; 11615 Airline Rd. (Arlington). 867-1883; 9045 Highway 64 (Lakeland). 383-4219; 7164 Hacks Cross Rd. (Olive Branch). 662890-3337; 8834 Hwy. 51 N. (Millington). 872-3220; 7424 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 417-6026. L, D, X, $ EMERALD THAI RESTAURANT—Spicy shrimp, pad khing, lemongrass chicken, and several noodle, rice, and vegetarian dishes are offered at this family restaurant. Closed Sunday. 8950 Highway 64 (Lakeland, TN). 384-0540. L, D, X, $-$$ FIREBIRDS—Specialties are hand-cut steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, and wood-grilled salmon and other seafood, as well as seasonal entrees. 4600 Merchants Circle, Carriage Crossing. 850-1637; 8470 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 379-1300. L, D, X, $-$$$ JIM’S PLACE GRILLE—Features American, Greek, and Continental cuisine with such entrees as pork tenderloin, several seafood specialties, and hand-cut charcoal-grilled steaks. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 3660 Houston Levee. 861-5000. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ MULAN ASIAN BISTRO—Hunan Chicken, tofu dishes, and orange beef served here; sushi and Thai food, too. 2059 Houston Levee. 850-5288; 2149 Young. 347-3965; 4698 Spottswood. 609-8680. L, D, X, $-$$
 OSAKA JAPANESE CUISINE—Featuring an extensive sushi menu as well as traditional Japanese and hibachi dining. Hours vary for lunch; call. 3670 Houston Levee. 861-4309; 3402 Poplar. 249-4690; 7164 Hacks Cross (Olive Branch). 662-8909312; 2200 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 425-4901. L, D, X, $-$$$ RAVEN & LILY—Eatery offers innovative Southern-inspired cuisine with such dishes as crispy shrimp and cauliflower salad, spiced lamb sausage and parmesan risotto, and bananas foster pain perdu. Closed Monday. 120 E. Mulberry. 286-4575. L, D, SB, X, $-$$

STIX—Hibachi steakhouse with Asian cuisine features steak, chicken, and a fillet and lobster combination, also sushi. A specialty is Dynamite Chicken with fried rice. 4680 Merchants Park Circle, Avenue Carriage Crossing. 854-3399. L, D, X, $-$$ ZOPITA’S ON THE SQUARE—Cafe offers sandwiches, including smoked salmon and pork tenderloin, as well as salads and desserts. Closed Sun. 114 N. Main. 457-7526. L, D, X, $

CORDOVA BOMBAY HOUSE—Indian fare includes lamb korma and chicken tikka; also, a daily luncheon buffet. 1727 N. Germantown Pkwy. 755-4114. L, D, X, $-$$ THE BUTCHER SHOP—Serves steaks ranging from 8-oz. filets to a 20-oz. porterhouse; also chicken, pork chops, fresh seafood. 107 S. Germantown Rd. 757-4244. L (Fri. and Sun.), D, X, $$-$$$ COASTAL FISH COMPANY—Upscale offerings of international fish varieties utilizing styles ranging from Carribbean, East Coast, West Coast, Chinese, to Filipino, and more. 415 Great View Dr. E., Suite 101. 266-9000. D, X, $$-$$$ GREEN BAMBOO—Pineapple tilapia, pork vermicelli, and the soft egg noodle combo are Vietnamese specialties here. 990 N. Germantown Parkway #104. 753-5488. L, D, $-$$ KING JERRY LAWLER’S MEMPHIS BBQ COMPANY—Offers a variety of barbecue dishes, including brisket, ribs, nachos topped with smoked pork, and a selection of barbecue “Slamwiches.” 465 N. Germantown Pkwy. #116. 509-2360. L, D, X, $ JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q—Serves barbecued pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, and fish, along with other homemade Southern specialties. 2359 N. Germantown Pkwy. 388-0998. L, D, X, $-$$ EL MERO TACO—This food truck turned restaurant serves up Mexican and Southern-style fusion dishes, including fried chicken tacos, chorizo con papas tacos, and brisket quesadillas. 8100 Macon Station, Suite 102. 308-1661. Closed Sun.-Mon. L, D, WB, X, $ MISTER B’S—Features New Orleans-style seafood and steaks. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. and Mon. 6655 Poplar #107. 751-5262. L, D, X, $-$$$ PEI WEI ASIAN DINER—Serves a variety of Pan-Asian cuisine, including Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Thai. Noodle and rice bowls are specialties; a small plates menu also offered. 2257 N. Germantown Pkwy. 382-1822. L, D, X, $-$$ SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT—Entrees include tempura, teriyaki, and sushi, as well as grilled fish and chicken entrees. 2324 N. Germantown Pkwy. 384-4122. L, D, X, $-$$ TANNOOR GRILL—Brazilian-style steakhouse with skewers served tableside, along with Middle Eastern specialties; vegetarian options also available. 830 N. Germantown Pkwy. 443-5222. L, D, X, $-$$$

EAST MEMPHIS

(INCLUDES POPLAR/ I-240) ACRE—Features seasonal modern American cuisine in an avante-garde setting using locally sourced products; also small plates and enclosed garden patio. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 690 S. Perkins. 818-2273. L, D, X, $$-$$$ AGAVOS COCINA & TEQUILA—Camaron de Tequila, tamales, kabobs, and burgers made with a blend of beef and chorizo are among the offerings at this tequila-centric restaurant and bar. 2924 Walnut Grove. 433-9345. L, D, X, $-$$ AMERIGO—Traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine includes pasta, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and cedarwood-roasted fish. 1239 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall. 761-4000. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN— Traditional Italian cuisine with a menu from two of the city’s top chefs that changes seasonally with such entrees as Maw Maw’s ravioli. Closed Sun.-Mon. 712 W. Brookhaven Cl. 347-3569. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE—Offering several varieties of eggs Benedict, waffles, omelets, pancakes, beignets, and other breakfast fare; also burgers, sandwiches, and salads. 6063 Park Ave. 729-7020; 65 S. Highland. 623-7122. B, L, WB, X, $ BANGKOK ALLEY—Thai fusion cuisine includes noodle and curry dishes, chef-specialty sushi rolls, coconut soup, and duck and seafood entrees. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day

Sun. at Brookhaven location; call for hours. 715 W. Brookhaven Cl. 590-2585; 2150 W. Poplar at Houston Levee (Collierville). 854-8748. L, D, X, $-$$ BENIHANA—This Japanese steakhouse serves beef, chicken, and seafood grilled at the table; some menu items change monthly; sushi bar also featured. 912 Ridge Lake Blvd. 767-8980. L, D, X, $$-$$$ BLUE PLATE CAFÉ—For breakfast, the café’s serves old-fashioned buttermilk pancakes (it’s a secret recipe!), country ham and eggs, and waffles with fresh strawberries and cream. For lunch, the café specializes in country cooking. 5469 Poplar. 761-9696; 113 S. Court. 523-2050. B, L, X, $ BROOKLYN BRIDGE ITALIAN RESTAURANT— Specializing in such homemade entrees as spinach lasagna and lobster ravioli; a seafood specialty is horseradish-crusted salmon. Closed Sun. 1779 Kirby Pkwy. 755-7413. D, X, $-$$$ BRYANT’S BREAKFAST—Three-egg omelets, pancakes, and The Sampler Platter are among the popular entrees here. Possibly the best biscuits in town. Closed Mon. and Tues. 3965 Summer. 324-7494. B, L, X, $ BUCKLEY’S FINE FILET GRILL—Specializes in steaks, seafood, and pasta. (Lunchbox serves entree salads, burgers, and more.) 5355 Poplar. 683-4538; 919 S. Yates (Buckley’s Lunchbox), 682-0570. L (Yates only, M-F), D, X, $-$$ CAPITAL GRILLE—Known for its dry-aged, hand-carved steaks; among the specialties are bone-in sirloin, and porcini-rubbed Delmonico; also seafood entrees and seasonal lunch plates. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. Crescent Center, 6065 Poplar. 683-9291. L, D, X, $$$-$$$$ CASABLANCA—Lamb shawarma is one of the fresh, homemade specialties served at this Mediterranean/Moroccan restaurant; fish entrees and vegetarian options also available. 5030 Poplar. 725-8557 ; 7609 Poplar Pike (Germantown). 4255908; 1707 Madison. 421-6949. L, D, X, $-$$ CIAO BELLA—Among the Italian and Greek specialties are lasagna, seafood pasta, gourmet pizzas, and vegetarian options. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 565 Erin Dr., Erin Way Shopping Center. 205-2500. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ CITY SILO TABLE + PANTRY—With a focus on clean eating, this establishment offers fresh juices, as well as comfort foods re-imagined with wholesome ingredients. 5101 Sanderlin. 729-7687. B, L, D, X, $ CORKY’S—Popular barbecue emporium offers both wet and dry ribs, plus a full menu of other barbecue entrees. Wed. lunch buffets, Cordova and Collierville. 5259 Poplar. 685-9744; 1740 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 737-1911; 743 W. Poplar (Collierville). 405-4999; 6434 Goodman Rd., Olive Branch. 662893-3663. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ DAN MCGUINNESS PUB—Serves fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers, and other Irish and American fare; also lunch and dinner specials. 4694 Spottswood. 761-3711; 3964 Goodman Rd. 662-890-7611. L, D, X, $ ERLING JENSEN—For over 20 years, has presented “globally inspired” cuisine to die for. Specialties are rack of lamb, big game entrees, and fresh fish dishes. 1044 S. Yates. 763-3700. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves wetaged and dry-aged steaks, prime beef, chops, and seafood, including salmon, Australian lobster tails, and a catch of the day. 6245 Poplar. 761-6200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FOLK’S FOLLY ORIGINAL PRIME STEAK HOUSE—Specializes in prime steaks, as well as lobster, grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, rack of lamb, and weekly specials. 551 S. Mendenhall. 762-8200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin cuisine, including broccoli beef, hot-and-sour soup, and spring rolls. Closed Monday. 6685 Quince. 753-9898. L, D, X, $-$$ FOX RIDGE PIZZA & GRILL—Pizzas, calzones, sub sandwiches, burgers, and meat-and-two plate lunches are among the dishes served at this eatery, which opened in 1979. 711 W Brookhaven Cir. 758-6500. L, D, X, $ FRATELLI’S—Serves hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts, all with an Italian/Mediterranean flair. Closed Sunday. 750 Cherry Rd., Memphis Botanic Garden. 766-9900. L, X, $ FRANK GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT— Northern Italian favorites include pasta with jumbo shrimp and mushrooms; also seafood, filet mignon, and daily lunch specials.

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Closed for lunch Sunday. Embassy Suites Hotel, 1022 S. Shady Grove. 761-9462. L, D, X, $-$$$ HALF SHELL—Specializes in seafood, such as king crab legs; also serves steaks, chicken, pastas, salads, sandwiches, a ”voodoo menu”; oyster bar at Winchester location. 688 S. Mendenhall. 682-3966; 7825 Winchester. 737-6755. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves a variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and sides. Closed Monday. A neighborhood fixture. 477 High Point Terrace. 452-3339. L, D, X, $-$$ HOUSTON’S—Serves steaks, seafood, pork chops, chicken dishes, sandwiches, salads, and Chicago-style spinach dip. Farmous for first-class service. 5000 Poplar. 683-0915. L, D, X $-$$$ LA BAGUETTE—An almond croissant and chicken salad are among specialties at this French-style bistro. Closed for dinner Sun. 3088 Poplar. 458-0900. B, L, D (closes at 7), X, MRA, $ LAS DELICIAS—Popular for its guacamole, house-made tortilla chips, and margaritas, this restaurant draws diners with its chicken enchiladas, meat-stuffed flautas, and Cuban torta with spicy pork. Closed Sunday. 4002 Park Ave. 458-9264; 5689 Quince. 800-2873. L, D, X, $ LIBRO AT LAURELWOOD—Bookstore eatery features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and homemade pasta dishes, with Italian-inspired options such as carbonara and potato gnocchi. Closed for dinner Sun. 387 Perkins Ext. (Novel). 800-2656. B, L, D, SB, X, $-$$ LISA’S LUNCHBOX—Serving bagels, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. 5885 Ridgeway Center Pkwy. 767-6465; 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Suite 1200; 730-0064; 6070 Poplar. 2335875; 50 N. Front. 574-0468. B, L, $ LOST PIZZA—Offering pizzas (with dough made from scratch), pasta, salads, sandwiches, tamales, and more. 2855 Poplar. 572-1803; 5960 Getwell (Southaven). 662-892-8684. L, D, X, $-$$ LYNCHBURG LEGENDS—This restaurant with a Jack Daniels’ theme and Southern cuisine serves such entrees as Bourbon Street salmon, buttermilk-fried chicken, and grilled steak and wild mushroom salad. DoubleTree Hotel, 5069 Sanderlin. 969-7777. B, L, D, X, $-$$$ MAGNOLIA & MAY—The family behind Grove Grill cooks up Southern-inspired casual dining at this country brasserie, with popular menu items like peach gazpacho and low country shrimp n’ grits. 718 Mt. Moriah Rd. 676-8100. D, $$-$$$. MAHOGANY MEMPHIS—Upscale Southern restaurant offers such dishes as coffee-rubbed lamb chops and baked Cajun Cornish hen. Closed for dinner Sun. and all day Mon.-Tues. 3092 Poplar, Suite 11. 623-7977. L, D, SB, X, $-$$$ MARCIANO MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALIAN CUISINE—Veal Saltimbocca with angel-hair pasta and white wine sauce is among the entrees; also steaks, seafood, and gourmet pizza. 780 Brookhaven Cl. 682-1660. D, X, $-$$
 MAYURI INDIAN CUISINE—Serves tandoori chicken, masala dosa, tikka masala, as well as lamb and shrimp entrees; also a daily lunch buffet, and dinner buffet on Fri.-Sat. 6524 Quince Rd. 753-8755. L, D, X, $-$$ MELLOW MUSHROOM—Large menu includes assortment of pizzas, salads, calzones, hoagies, vegetarian options, and 50 beers on tap. 5138 Park Ave. 562-1211; 9155 Poplar, Shops of Forest Hill (Germantown). 907-0243. L, D, X, $-$$ MOSA ASIAN BISTRO—Specialties include sesame chicken, Thai calamari, rainbow panang curry with grouper fish, and other Pan Asian/fusion entrees. Closed Mon. 850 S. White Station Rd. 683-8889. L, D, X, MRA, $ NAM KING—Offers luncheon and dinner buffets, dim sum, and such specialties as fried dumplings, pepper steak, and orange chicken. 4594 Yale. 373-4411. L, D, X, $
 NAPA CAFE—Among the specialties are miso-marinated salmon over black rice with garlic spinach and shiitake mushrooms. Closed Sun. 5101 Sanderlin, Suite 122. 683-0441. L, D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ NEW HUNAN—Chinese eatery with more than 80 entrees; also lunch/dinner buffets. 5052 Park. 766-1622. L, D, X, $ ONE & ONLY BBQ—On the menu are pork barbecue sandwiches, platters, wet and dry ribs, smoked chicken and turkey platters, a smoked meat salad, barbecue quesadillas, Brunswick Stew, and Millie’s homemade desserts. 1779 Kirby Pkwy. 751-3615; 567 Perkins Extd. 249-4227. L, D, X, $ ONO POKÉ—This eatery specializes in poké — a Hawaiian dish of fresh fish salad served over rice. Menu includes a variety

of poké bowls, like the Kimchi Tuna bowl, or customers can build their own by choosing a base, protein, veggies, and toppings. 3145 Poplar. 618-2955. L, D, X, $ OWEN BRENNAN’S—New Orleans-style menu of beef, chicken, pasta, and seafood; jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and crawfish etouffee are specialties. Closed for dinner Sunday. The Regalia, 6150 Poplar. 761-0990. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ PARK + CHERRY—The Dixon offers casual dining within the museum. Seasonal menu features sandwiches, like rustic chicken salad on croissant, as well as salads, snacks, and sweets. Closed for breakfast Sun. and all day Mon. 4339 Park (Dixon Gallery). 761-5250. L, X, $ PATRICK’S—Serves barbecue nachos, burgers, and entrees such as fish and chips; also plate lunches and daily specials. 4972 Park. 682-2852. L, D, X, MRA, $ PETE & SAM’S—Serving Memphis for 60-plus years; offers steaks, seafood, and traditional Italian dishes, including homemade ravioli, lasagna, and chicken marsala. 3886 Park. 458-0694. D, X, $-$$$ PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO—Specialties are orange peel shrimp, Mongolian beef, and chicken in lettuce wraps; also vegetarian dishes, including spicy eggplant. 1181 Ridgeway Rd., Park Place Centre. 818-3889. L, D, X, $-$$ PHO SAIGON—Vietnamese fare includes beef teriyaki, roasted quail, curry ginger chicken, vegetarian options, and a variety of soups. 2946 Poplar. 4581644. L, D, $ PYRO’S FIRE-FRESH PIZZA—Serving gourmet pizzas cooked in an open-fire oven; wide choice of toppings; large local and craft beer selection. 1199 Ridgeway. 379-8294; 2035 Union Ave. 208-8857; 2286 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 207-1198; 3592 S. Houston Levee (Collierville). 221-8109. L, D, X, MRA, $ RED HOOK CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Cajun-style array of seafood including shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, and oysters. 3295 Poplar. 207-1960. L, D, X, $-$$ RIVER OAKS—Chef Jose Gutierrez’s French-style bistro serves seafood and steaks, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 5871 Poplar Ave. 683-9305. L, D, X, $$$ RONNIE GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT— This Memphis institution serves some family classics such as Elfo’s Special and handmade ravioli, along with house-made pizza and fresh oysters. Closed Sun. 6150 Poplar #122. 850-0191. D, X, $-$$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE—Offers prime steaks cut and aged in-house, as well as lamb, chicken, and fresh seafood, including lobster. 6120 Poplar. 761-0055. D, X, $$$-$$$$ SALSA—Mexican-Southern California specialties include carnitas, enchiladas verde, and fajitas; also Southwestern seafood dishes such as snapper verde. Closed Sun. Regalia Shopping Center, 6150 Poplar, Suite 129. 683-6325. L, D, X, $-$$ SEASONS 52—This elegant fresh grill and wine bar offers a seasonally changing menu using fresh ingredients, wood-fire grilling, and brick-oven cooking; also a large international wine list and nightly piano bar. Crescent Center, 6085 Poplar. 682-9952. L, D, X, $$-$$$ SOUTHALL CAFE—Locally-sourced ingredients bolster a chef-driven menu offering breakfast and lunch classics. 669 S. Mendenhall. 646-5698. B, L, WB, X, $ STAKS—Offering pancakes, including birthday cake and lemon ricotta. Menu includes other breakfast items such as beignets and French toast, as well as soups and sandwiches for lunch. 4615 Poplar. 509-2367; 7704 Poplar (Germantown). 800-1951. B, L, WB, X, $ SUSHI JIMMI—This food truck turned restaurant serves a variety of sushi rolls, fusion dishes — such as kimchi fries — and sushi burritos. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Mon. 2895 Poplar. 729-6985. L, D, X, $ SWANKY’S TACO SHOP—Taco-centric eatery offers tortas, flatbreads, quesadillas, chimichangas, burgers, and more. 4770 Poplar. 730-0763; 6641 Poplar (Germantown). 737-2088; 272 S. Main. 779-3499. L, D, X, $ THREE LITTLE PIGS—Pork-shoulder-style barbecue with tangy mild or hot sauce, freshly made coleslaw, and baked beans. 5145 Quince Rd. 685-7094. B, L, D, X, $ TOPS BAR-B-Q—Specializes in pork barbecue sandwiches and sandwich plates with beans and slaw; also serves ribs, beef brisket, and burgers. 1286 Union. 725-7527; 4183 Summer. 3244325; 5391 Winchester. 794-7936; 3970 Rhodes. 323-9865; 6130 Macon. 371-0580. For more locations, go online. L, D, X, $

VENICE KITCHEN—Specializes in “eclectic Italian” and Southern Creole, from pastas, including the “Godfather,” to hand-tossed pizzas, including the “John Wayne”; choose from 50 toppings. 368 Perkins Ext. 767-6872. L, D, SB, X, $-$$ WANG’S MANDARIN HOUSE—Offers Mandarin, Cantonese, Szechuan, and spicy Hunan entrees, including the golden-sesame chicken; next door is East Tapas, serving small plates with an Asian twist. 6065 Park Ave., Park Place Mall. 763-0676. L, D, X, $-$$ WASABI—Serving traditional Japanese offerings, hibachi, sashimi, and sushi. The Sweet Heart roll, wrapped — in the shape of a heart — with tuna and filled with spicy salmon, yellowtail, and avocado, is a specialty. 5101 Sanderlin Rd., Suite 105. 421-6399. L, D, X, $-$$ WOMAN’S EXCHANGE TEA ROOM—Chicken-salad plate, beef tenderloin, soups-and-sandwiches, and vegetable plates are specialties; meal includes drink and dessert. Closed Sat.-Sun. 88 Racine. 327-5681. L, X, $

GERMANTOWN BLUE HONEY BISTRO—Entrees at this upscale eatery include brown butter scallops served with Mississippi blue rice and herb-crusted beef tenderloin with vegetables and truffle butter. Closed Sun. 9155 Poplar, Suite 17. 552-3041. D, X, $-$$$ FOREST HILL GRILL—A variety of standard pub fare and a selection of mac-and-cheese dishes are featured on the menu. Specialties include Chicken Newport and a barbecue salmon BLT. 9102 Poplar Pike. 624-6001. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ GERMANTOWN COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches; Mon.-night all-you-can-eat ribs. 2290 S. Germantown Rd. S. 754-5540. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ KOHESIAN SOKO STYLE EATERY— Korean-American eatery serves up fusion-style dishes like bibimbap burgers or gochujang marinated loaded spicy pork nachos. 1730 S. Germantown Rd. 308-0223. L, D, X, $$ LAS TORTUGAS DELI MEXICANA— Authentic Mexican food prepared from local food sources; specializes in tortugas — grilled bread scooped out to hold such powerfully popular fillings as brisket, pork, and shrimp; also tingas, tostados. Closed Sunday. 1215 S. Germantown Rd. 751-1200; 6300 Poplar. 623-3882. L, D, X, $-$$ MISTER B’S—Features New Orleans-style seafood and steaks. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. and Mon. 6655 Poplar #107. 751-5262. L, D, X, $-$$$ MOONDANCE GRILL—From the owners of Itta Bena and Lafayette’s. Serves steak cooked sous vide and seafood dishes including Abita-barbecued shrimp and pan-seared sand dab, in addition to an extensive wine and cocktail list. 1730 S. Germantown Road, Suite 117. 755-1471. L, D, X, $$-$$$ NOODLES ASIAN BISTRO—Serves a variety of traditional Asian cuisine, with emphasis on noodle dishes, such as Singapore Street Noodles and Hong Kong Chow Fun. 7850 Poplar #12. 755-1117. L, D, X, $ PETRA CAFÉ—Serves Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern sandwiches, gyros, and entrees. Hours vary; call. 6641 Poplar. 754-4440; 547 S. Highland. 323-3050. L, D, X, $-$$ PIMENTO’S KITCHEN + MARKET—Fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, and plenty of pimento cheese at this family-owned restaurant. 6540 Poplar Ave. 602-5488 [Collierville: 3751 S. Houston Levee. 453-6283]. L, D, X, $ RED KOI—Classic Japanese cuisine offered at this family-run restaurant; hibachi steaks, sushi, seafood, chicken, and vegetables. 5847 Poplar. 767-3456. L, D, X $-$$ ROCK’N DOUGH PIZZA CO.—Specialty and custom pizzas made from fresh ingredients; wide variety of toppings. 7850 Poplar #6. 779-2008. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $$ ROYAL PANDA—Hunan fish, Peking duck, Royal Panda chicken and shrimp, and a seafood combo are among the specialties. 3120 Village Shops Dr. 756-9697. L, D, X, $-$$ RUSSO’S NEW YORK PIZZERIA AND WINE BAR—Serves gourmet pizzas, calzones, and pasta, including lasagna, fettuccine Alfredo, scampi, and more. 9087 Poplar, Suite 111. 755-0092. L, D, WB, X, $-$$

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SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties here. 2060 West St. 758-8181; 4840 Poplar. 572-1002. L, D, X, $-$$ SOBEAST—Eastern branch of the popular South of Beale, featuring the restaurant’s traditional staples, as well as rotating special menu items. 5040 Sanderlin. 818-0821. L, D, SB, X, $-$$. SOUTHERN SOCIAL—Shrimp and grits, stuffed quail, and Aunt Thelma’s Fried Chicken are among the dishes served at this upscale Southern establishment. 2285 S. Germantown Rd. 754-5555. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ WEST STREET DINER—This home-style eatery offers breakfast, burgers, po’boys, and more. 2076 West St. 757-2191. B, L, D (Mon.-Fri.), X, $ WOLF RIVER BRISKET CO.—From the owners of Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza, highlights include house-smoked meats: prime beef brisket, chicken, and salmon. Closed Sun. 9947 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 101. 316-5590. L, D, X, $-$

MIDTOWN (INCLUDES THE MEDICAL CENTER) ABYSSINIA RESTAURANT—Ethiopian/Mediterranean menu includes beef, chicken, lamb, fish entrees, and vegetarian dishes; also a lunch buffet. 2600 Poplar. 321-0082. L, D, X, $-$$ ALCHEMY—Southern fusion, locally grown cuisine features small and large plates; among the offerings are pan-seared hanger steak, quail, and lamb chops; also handcrafted cocktails and local craft beers. 940 S. Cooper. 726-4444. D, SB, X, $-$$ ART BAR—Inventive cocktails feature locally foraged ingredients; snacks include house-cured salt & vinegar potato chips and herb-roasted olives. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue #280. 507-8030. D, X, $ BABALU TACOS & TAPAS—This eatery dishes up Spanish-style tapas with Southern flair; also taco and enchilada of the day; specials change daily. 2115 Madison. 274-0100; 6450 Poplar, 410-8909. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ BACK DO / MI YARD—A revamped patio space behind The Beauty Shop features rotisserie meats and fishes via Brazilian-style outdoor grill. Dinner Wednesday-Saturday, weather permitting. 966 S. Cooper, 272-7111. D, X, $$ BAR DKDC—Features an ever-changing menu of international “street food,” from Thai to Mexican, Israeli to Indian, along with specialty cocktails. 964 S. Cooper. 272-0830. D, X, MRA, $ BAR KEOUGH—It’s old school eats and cocktails at the new Cooper-Young neighborhood corner bar by Kevin Keough. 247 Cooper St. D, X, $ BAR-B-Q SHOP—Dishes up barbecued ribs, spaghetti, bologna; also pulled pork shoulder, Texas toast barbecue sandwich, chicken sandwich, and salads. Closed Sun. 1782 Madison. 272-1277. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ BARI RISTORANTE ENOTECA—Authentic Southeastern Italian cuisine (Puglia) emphasizes lighter entrees. Serves fresh fish and beef dishes and a homemade soup of the day. 22 S. Cooper. 722-2244. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ BARKSDALE RESTAURANT—Old-school diner serving breakfast and Southern plate lunches. 237 S. Cooper. 722-2193. B, L, D, X, $ BAYOU BAR & GRILL—New Orleans fare at this Overton Square eatery includes jambalaya, gumbo, catfish Acadian, shrimp dishes, red beans and rice, and muffalettas. 2094 Madison. 278-8626. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ BEAUTY SHOP—Modern American cuisine with international flair served in a former beauty shop. Serves steaks, salads, pasta, and seafood, including pecan-crusted golden sea bass. Perennial “Best Brunch” winner. Closed for dinner Sunday. 966 S. Cooper. 272-7111. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ BELLY ACRES—At this festive Overton Square eatery, milkshakes, floats, and burgers rule. Burgers are updated with contemporary toppings like grilled leeks, braised tomatoes, and sourdough or brioche buns. 2102 Trimble Pl. 529-7017. L, D, X, $ BHAN THAI—Authentic Thai cuisine includes curries, pad Thai noodles, and vegetarian dishes, as well as seafood, pork, and duck entrees. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. and all day Mon. 1324 Peabody. 272-1538. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ BOSCOS—Tennessee’s first craft brewery serves a variety of freshly brewed beers as well as wood-fired oven pizzas, pasta,

seafood, steaks, and sandwiches. 2120 Madison. 432-2222. L, D, SB (with live jazz), X, MRA, $-$$ BOUNTY ON BROAD—Offering family-style dining, Bounty serves small plates and family-sized platters, with such specialties as chicken fried quail and braised pork shank. 2519 Broad. 410-8131. L (Sat. and Sun.), D (Mon.-Sat.), SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ BROADWAY PIZZA—Serving a variety of pizzas, including the Broadway Special, as well as sandwiches, salads, wings, and soul-food specials. 2581 Broad. 454-7930; 627 S. Mendenhall. 207-1546. L, D, X, $-$$ CAFE 1912—French/American bistro owned by culinary pioneer Glenn Hays serving such seafood entrees as seared sea scallops with charred cauliflower purée and chorizo cumin sauce; also crepes, salads, and onion soup gratinée. 243 S. Cooper. 722-2700. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ CAFE BROOKS BY CITY & STATE—Serving grab-and-go pastries, as well as lunch items. Menu includes soups, salads, and sandwiches, such as the Modern Reuben and Grown-Up Grilled Cheese. 1934 Poplar (Memphis Brooks Museum of Art). 544-6200. B, L, X, $ CAFE ECLECTIC—Omelets and chicken and waffles are among menu items, along with quesadillas, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. Menu varies by location. 603 N. McLean. 725-1718; 111 Harbor Town Square. 590-4645. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $ CAFE OLÉ—This eatery specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine; one specialty is the build-your-own quesadilla. 959 S. Cooper. 343-0103. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ CAFE PALLADIO—Serves gourmet salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts in a tea room inside the antiques shop. Closed Sun. 2169 Central. 278-0129. L, X, $ CAFE SOCIETY—With Belgian and classic French influences, serves Wagyu beef, chicken, and seafood dishes, including bacon-wrapped shrimp, along with daily specials and vegetarian entrees. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 212 N. Evergreen. 722-2177. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ CELTIC CROSSING—Specializes in Irish and American pub fare. Entrees include shepherd’s pie, shrimp and sausage coddle, and fish and chips. 903 S. Cooper. 274-5151. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ CENTRAL BBQ—Serves ribs, smoked hot wings, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, turkey, nachos, and portobello sandwiches. Offers both pork and beef barbecue. 2249 Central Ave. 272-9377; 4375 Summer Ave. 7674672; 147 E. Butler. 672-7760 ; 6201 Poplar. 417-7962. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ THE COVE—Nautical-themed restaurant and bar serving oysters, pizzas, and more. The Stoner Pie, with tamales and fritos, is a popular dish. 2559 Broad. 730-0719. L, D, $ THE CRAZY NOODLE—Korean noodle dishes range from bibam beef noodle with cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, to curry chicken noodle; also rice cakes served in a flavorful sauce. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 2015 Madison. 272-0928. L, D, X, $ THE DOGHOUZZ—It’s both bark and bite at the Doghouzz, which pairs a variety of gourmet hot dogs alongside local craft beer and one of the city’s most extensive whiskey selections. Open for lunch, dinner, and latenight. Closed Sunday. 1349 Autumn Ave. 207-7770. L, D, X, $ ECCO—Mediterranean-inspired specialties range from rib-eye steak to seared scallops to housemade pastas and a grilled vegetable plate; also a Saturday brunch. Closed Sun.-Mon. 1585 Overton Park. 410-8200. L, D, X, $-$$ FARM BURGER—Serves grass-fed, freshly ground, locally sourced burgers; also available with chicken, pork, or veggie quinoa patties, with such toppings as aged white cheddar, kale coleslaw, and roasted beets. 1350 Concourse Avenue #175. 800-1851. L, D, X, $ FINO’S ITALIAN DELI & CATERING—The newly revived Fino’s offers the old favorites such as the Acquisto as well as a new breakfast menu. 1853 Madison. 272-FINO. B, L, D, X, $ FRIDA’S—Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex standards, including chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas; seafood includes shrimp and tilapia. 1718 Madison. 244-6196. L, D, X, $-$$ GLOBAL CAFE—This international food hall hosts three immigrant/refugee food entrepreneurs serving Venezuelan, Sudanese, and Syrian cuisines. Samosas, shawarma, and kabobs are among the menu items. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue #157. L, D, X, MRA, $

GOLDEN INDIA—Northern Indian specialties include tandoori chicken as well as lamb, beef, shrimp, and vegetarian dishes. 2097 Madison. 728-5111. L, D, X, $-$$ GROWLERS—Sports bar and eatery serves standard bar fare in addition to a pasta, tacos, chicken and waffles, and light options. 1911 Poplar. 244-7904. L, D, X, $-$$ HATTIE B’S—Fried chicken spot features “hot chicken” with a variety of heat levels; from no heat to “shut the cluck up” sauce. Sides include greens, pimento mac-and-cheese, and black-eyed pea salad. 596 S. Cooper. 424-5900. L, D, X, $ HAZEL’S LUCKY DICE DELICATESSEN— Jewish deli venture by Karen Carrier, serving up all manner of New York-style and kosher sandwiches. Takeout only. 964 Cooper St. 272-0830. L, S. HM DESSERT LOUNGE—Serving cake, pie, and other desserts, as well as a selection of savory dishes, including meatloaf and mashed potato “cupcakes.” Closed Monday. 1586 Madison. 290-2099. L, D, X, $ IMAGINE VEGAN CAFE—Dishes at this fully vegan restaurant range from salads and sandwiches to full dinners, including eggplant parmesan and “beef” tips and rice; breakfast all day Sat. and Sun. 2158 Young. 654-3455. L, D, WB, X, $ INDIA PALACE—Tandoori chicken, lamb shish kabobs, and chicken tikka masala are among the entrees; also, vegetarian options and a daily all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. 1720 Poplar. 278-1199. L, D, X, $-$$ INSPIRE COMMUNITY CAFE—Serving breakfast all day, in addition to quesadillas, rice bowls, and more for lunch and dinner. 510 Tillman, Suite 110. 509-8640. B, L, D, X, $ LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM—Serves such Southern cuisine as po’boys, shrimp and grits, and wood-fired pizzas. 2119 Madison. 207-5097. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ LBOE—Gourmet burger joint serves locally sourced ground beef burgers, with options like the Mac-N-Cheese Burger and Caprese. Black bean and turkey patties available. 2021 Madison. 725-0770. L, D, X, $ THE LIQUOR STORE—Renovated liquor store turned diner serves all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and entrees such as Salisbury steak and smothered pork chops. Closed for dinner Sun.-Mon. 2655 Broad. 405-5477. B, L, D, X, $-$$ LITTLE ITALY—Serving New York-style pizza as well as subs and pasta dishes. 1495 Union. 725-0280; L, D, X, $-$$ MARDI GRAS MEMPHIS—Fast-casual establishment serving Cajun fare, including an etouffee-stuffed po’boy. Closed Mon.-Tues. 496 N. Watkins. 530-6767. L, D, X, $-$$ MAXIMO’S ON BROAD—Serving a tapas menu that features creative fusion cuisine; entrees include veggie paella and fish of the day. Closed Mon. 2617 Broad Ave. 452-1111. D, SB, X, $-$$ MEMPHIS PIZZA CAFE—Homemade pizzas are specialties; also serves sandwiches, calzones, and salads. 2087 Madison. 726-5343; 5061 Park Ave. 684-1306; 7604 W. Farmington (Germantown). 753-2218; 797 W. Poplar (Collierville). 861-7800; 5627 Getwell (Southaven). 662-536-1364. L, D, X, $-$$ MIDPOINTE FROM EDGE ALLEY—Edge Alley’s sister cafe at the Ballet Memphis headquarters focuses on freshness for its breakfast, lunch, and happy hour tapas. Closed Sunday-Monday. 2144 Madison Ave. 4252605. B, L, X, $ MOLLY’S LA CASITA—Homemade tamales, fish tacos, a vegetarian combo, and bacon-wrapped shrimp are a few of the specialties. 2006 Madison. 726-1873. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ NEXT DOOR AMERICAN EATERY—Serves dishes sourced from American farms. Menu features chorizo bacon dates, spicy gulf shrimp, and dry-aged beef burgers. 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 165. 779-1512. L, D, X, $ PAYNE’S BAR-B-QUE—Opened in 1972, this family-owned barbecue joint serves ribs, smoked sausage, and chopped pork sandwiches with a standout mustard slaw and homemade sauce. About as down-toearth as it gets. 1762 Lamar. 272-1523. L, D, $-$$ PARISH GROCERY—Shrimp? Roast beef? Oysters? Whatever type of po’boy you want, the New Orleansthemed eatery has got it. Closed Monday. 1545 Overton Park Ave. 207-4347. L, D, X, $-$$ PIZZERIA TRASIMENO—Small pizzas baked in wood-fired clay ovens along with a selection of small salads. Menu is soon to include desserts, local beer on tap, and Umbrian wine. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 181. 308-1113. L, D. $

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Generosity of space. Millions of twinkling lights and our soaring 48-foot Christmas tree. Hundreds of enhanced cleaning protocols. Boundless family-friendly holiday events, from snow tubing, ice skating and Breakfast with Charlie Brown™ & Friends to our brand-new I Love Christmas Movies™ immersive pop-up experience featuring ELF™, THE POLAR EXPRESS™, and more! November 13 – January 3 | ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com Peanuts© 2020 Peanuts Worldwide LLC · ELF and all related characters and elements © & ™ New Line Productions, Inc. (s20) THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s20)

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10/14/20 PM 10/19/20 10:48 7:04 AM


PHO BINH—Vietnamese, vegetarian, and Cantonese specialties include lemon tofu and spring rolls. Closed Sunday. 1615 Madison. 276-0006. L, D, $ RAILGARTEN—Located in a former rail station space, this eatery offers breakfast items, a variety of salads and sandwiches, and such entrees as short rib mac-and-cheese and fish tacos. Also serves shakes, malts, floats, and cream sodas. 2166 Central. 231-5043. B, L, D, $-$$ RED FISH ASIAN BISTRO—In the former Nineteenth Century Club building, serves sushi, teriyaki, and hibachi. Specialties include yuzu filet mignon and Chilean sea bass. 1433 Union. 454-3926; 9915 Highway 64 (Lakeland). 729-7581; 6518 Goodman (Olive Branch). 662-874-5254. L, D, X, $-$$$ RESTAURANT IRIS—French Creole-inspired classics, such as Gulf shrimp and rice grits congee served with lap chong sausage and boiled peanuts, are served at this newly remodeled restaurant owned by Chef Kelly English, a Food and Wine “Top Ten.” 2146 Monroe. 590-2828. D, X, $$-$$$ ROBATA RAMEN & YAKITORI BAR—Serves ramen noodle bowls and Yakitori skewers as well as rice and noodle dishes. 2116 Madison. 410-8290. L, D, X, $ SABROSURA—Serves Mexican and Cuban fare, including arroz tapada de pollo and steak Mexican. Closed Sun. 782 Washington. 421-8180. L, D, X, $-$$ SALTWATER CRAB—Offers an array of seafood dishes including boils with blue crab, crab legs, lobster tails, and more, and specialty sushi like the Dynamite or Royal King rolls, in addition to signature sangrias and cocktails. 2059 Madison Ave. 922-5202. L, D, X, $$ SAUCY CHICKEN—Specializes in antibiotic-free chicken dishes with locally sourced ingredients, with such items as hot wings and the Crosstown Chicken Sandwich, and a variety of house-made dipping sauces; also, seafood, salads, and daily specials. 1350 Concourse, Suite 137. 203-3838. L, D (Mon.-Fri.), $ THE SECOND LINE—Kelly English brings “relaxed Creole cuisine” to his newest eatery; serves a variety of po’boys and such specialties as barbecue shrimp, andouille shrimp, and pimento cheese fries. 2144 Monroe. 590-2829. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ SEKISUI—Japanese fusion cuisine, fresh sushi bar, grilled meats and seafood, California rolls, and vegetarian entrees. Poplar/Perkins location’s emphasis is on Pacific Rim cuisine. Menu and hours vary at each location. 25 Belvedere. 725-0005; 1884 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 309-8800; 4724 Poplar. 767-7770; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-0622; 2990 Kirby-Whitten (Bartlett). 377-2727; 6696 Poplar. 747-0001. L, D, X, $-$$$ STICKEM—Brick and mortar location for the popular food truck, which offers grilled meat on a stick. 1788 Madison. Closed Sunday. 474-7214. L, D, X, $ STONE SOUP CAFE—Cooper-Young eatery serving soups, salads, quiche, meat-and-two specials; and daily specials such as Italian roast beef. Closed Monday. 993 S. Cooper. 922-5314. B, L, SB, X, $ SOUL FISH CAFE—Serving Southern-style soul food, tacos, and po’boys, including catfish, crawfish, oyster, shrimp, chicken, and smoked pork tenderloin. 862 S. Cooper. 725-0722; 3160 Village Shops Dr. (Germantown). 755-6988; 4720 Poplar. 590-0323. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ SWEET GRASS—Chef Ryan Trimm takes Southern cuisine to a new level. Low-country coastal cuisine includes such specialties as shrimp and grits. Closed Mon. Restaurant’s “sister,” Sweet Grass Next Door, open nightly, serves lunch Sat.-Sun. 937 S. Cooper. 278-0278. D, SB, X, $-$$$ TAMBOLI’S PASTA & PIZZA—Pasta Maker Josh Tamboli whips up Italian soul food with seasonal menus featuring dishes like crispy fried chicken or creamy bucatini with pecorino cheese. Serves dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Pizza only menu after 9pm. 1761 Madison. 410-8866. D, X, $-$$ TAKASHI BISTRO—Fusion restaurant with an open kitchen that lets customers watch chefs prepare a variety of Japanese and Thai cuisine. 1680 Union Ave. Ste. 109. 800-2936. L, D, $-$$. TSUNAMI—Features Pacific Rim cuisine (Asia, Australia, South Pacific, etc.); also a changing “small plate” menu. Chef Ben Smith is a Cooper-Young pioneer. Specialties include Asian nachos and roasted sea bass. Closed Sunday. 928 S. Cooper. 274-2556. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$

ZINNIE’S—Dive bar classic reopens with a makeover and signature Zinnaloni sandwich. 1688 Madison. 726-5004. L, D, X, $

SOUTH MEMPHIS (INCLUDES

PARKWAY VILLAGE, FOX MEADOWS, SOUTH MEMPHIS, WINCHESTER, AND WHITEHAVEN)

COLETTA’S—Longtime eatery serves such specialties as homemade ravioli, lasagna, and pizza with barbecue or traditional toppings. 1063 S. Parkway E. 948-7652; 2850 Appling Rd. (Bartlett). 383-1122. L, D, X, $-$$ CURRY BOWL—Specializes in Southern Indian cuisine, serving Tandoori chicken, biryani, tikka masala, and more. Weekend buffet. 4141 Hacks Cross Rd. 207-6051. L, D, $ DELTA’S KITCHEN—The premier restaurant at The Guest House at Graceland serves Elvis-inspired dishes — like Nutella and Peanut Butter Crepes for breakfast — and upscale Southern cuisine — including lamb chops and shrimp and grits — for dinner. 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd. 443-3000. B, D, X, $-$$$ DWJ KOREAN BARBECUE—This authentic Korean eatery serves kimbap, barbecued beef short ribs, rice and noodles dishes, and hot pots and stews. 3750 Hacks Cross Rd., Suite 101. 746-8057; 2156 Young. 207-6204. L, D, $-$$ THE FOUR WAY—Legendary soul-food establishment dishing up such entrees as fried and baked catfish, chicken, and turkey and dressing, along with a host of vegetables and desserts. Around the corner from the legendary Stax Studio. Closed Monday. 998 Mississippi Blvd. 507-1519. L, D, $ HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY—Hernando’s Hideaway–No one cares how late it gets; not at Hernando’s Hideaway. Live music, killer happy hour, and plenty of bar fare at this South Memphis hang. 3210 Old Hernando Rd. 917-982-1829. L, D, $ INTERSTATE BAR-B-Q—Specialties include chopped pork-shoulder sandwiches, ribs, hot wings, spaghetti, chicken, and turkey. 2265 S. Third. 775-2304; 150 W. Stateline Rd. (Southaven). 662-393-5699. L, D, X, $-$$ LEONARD’S—Serves wet and dry ribs, barbecue sandwiches, spaghetti, catfish, homemade onion rings, and lemon icebox pie; also a lunch buffet. 5465 Fox Plaza. 360-1963. L, X, $-$$ MARLOWE’S—In addition to its signature barbecue and ribs, Marlowe’s serves Southern-style steaks, chops, lasagne, and more. 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd. 332-4159. D, X, MRA, $-$$ UNCLE LOU’S FRIED CHICKEN—Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for good reason: fried chicken (mild, hot, or home-style); jumbo burgers four patties high; strawberry shortcake, and assorted fruit pies. 3633 Millbranch. 332-2367. L, D, X, MRA, $

SUMMER/BERCLAIR/ RALEIGH/BARTLETT ASIAN PALACE—Chinese eatery serves seafood, vegetarian items, dim sum, and more. 5266 Summer Ave. 766-0831. L, D, X, $-$$ ELWOOD’S SHACK—Casual comfort food includes tacos, pizza and sandwiches. Specialties include meats smoked in-house (chicken, turkey, brisket, pork), barbecue pizza, and steelhead trout tacos. 4523 Summer. 761-9898. B, L, D, X, $ EXLINES’ BEST PIZZA—Serves pizza, Italian dinners, sandwiches, and salads. 6250 Stage Rd. 382-3433; 2935 Austin Peay. 388-4711; 2801 Kirby Parkway. 754-0202; 7730 Wolf River Blvd. (Germantown). 753-4545; 531 W. Stateline Rd. 662-3424544 (check online for additional locations). L, D, X, MRA, $ GRIDLEY’S—Offers barbecued ribs, shrimp, pork plate, chicken, and hot tamales; also daily lunch specials. Closed Tues. 6842 Stage Rd. 377-8055. L, D, X, $-$$ LA TAQUERIA GUADALUPANA—Fajitas and quesadillas are just a few of the authentic Mexican entrees offered here. A bona-fide Memphis institution. 4818 Summer. 685-6857; 5848 Winchester. 365-4992. L, D, $

LOTUS—Authentic Vietnamese-Asian fare, including lemon-grass chicken and shrimp, egg rolls, Pho soup, and spicy Vietnamese vermicelli. 4970 Summer. 682-1151. D, X, $ MORTIMER’S—Contemporary American entrees include trout almondine, chicken dishes, and hand-cut steaks; also sandwiches, salads, and daily/nightly specials. A Memphis landmark since the Knickerbocker closed. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 590 N. Perkins. 761-9321. L, D, X, $-$$ NAGASAKI INN—Chicken, steak, and lobster are among the main courses; meal is cooked at your table. 3951 Summer. 454-0320. D, X, $$ PANDA GARDEN—Sesame chicken and broccoli beef are among the Mandarin and Cantonese entrees; also seafood specials and fried rice. Closed for lunch Saturday. 3735 Summer. 323-4819. L, D, X, $-$$ QUEEN OF SHEBA—Featuring Middle Eastern favorites and Yemeni dishes such as lamb haneeth and saltah. 4792 Summer. 207-4174. L, D, $ SIDE PORCH STEAK HOUSE—In addition to steak, the menu includes chicken, pork chops, and fish entrees; homemade rolls are a specialty. Closed Sun.-Mon. 5689 Stage Rd. 377-2484. D, X, $-$$

UNIVERSITY NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT (INCLUDES CHICKASAW GARDENS AND HIGHLAND STRIP)

A-TAN—Serves Chinese and Japanese hibachi cuisine, complete with sushi bar. A specialty is Four Treasures with garlic sauce. 3445 Poplar, Suite 17, University Center. 452-4477. L, D, X, $-$$$ THE BLUFF—New Orleans-inspired menu includes alligator bites, nachos topped with crawfish and andouille, gumbo, po’boys, and fried seafood platters. 535 S. Highland. 454-7771. L, D, X, $-$$ BROTHER JUNIPER’S—This little cottage is a breakfast mecca, offering specialty omelets, including the open-faced San Diegan omelet; also daily specials, and homemade breads and pastries. Closed Mon. 3519 Walker. 324-0144. B, X, $ CHAR RESTAURANT—Specializing in modern Southern cuisine, this eatery offers homestyle sides, char-broiled steaks, and fresh seafood. 431 S. Highland #120. 249-3533. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ DERAE RESTAURANT—Ethiopian and Mediterranean fare includes fuul, or fava beans in spices and yogurt, goat meat and rice, and garlic chicken over basmati rice with cilantro chutney; also salmon and tilapia. Closed Monday. 923 S. Highland. 5523992. B, L, D, $-$$ EL PORTON—Fajitas, quesadillas, and steak ranchero are just a few of the menu items. 2095 Merchants Row (Germantown). 754-4268; 8361 Highway 64. 380-7877; 3448 Poplar (Poplar Plaza). 452-7330; 1805 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 6249358; 1016 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-5770. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ JOES’ ON HIGHLAND—Specializes in fried chicken and comfort sides such as warm okra/green tomato salad and turnip greens. Entrees include salmon patties and chicken-fried steak. Closed Mon. 262 S. Highland. 337-7003. L, D, X, $ MEDALLION—Offers steaks, seafood, chicken, and pasta entrees. Closed for dinner Sunday. 3700 Central, Holiday Inn (Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality). 678-1030. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ OPEN FLAME—This authentic Persian and Mediterranean eatery specializes in shish kebabs as well as kosher and halal fare. 3445 Poplar. 207-4995. L, D, X, $

OUT-OF-TOWN BOZO’S HOT PIT BAR-B-Q—Barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and subs. 342 Hwy 70 (Mason, TN). 901-294-3400. L, D, $-$$ CATFISH BLUES—Serving Delta-raised catfish and Cajunand Southern-inspired dishes, including gumbo and fried green tomatoes. 210 E. Commerce (Hernando, MS). 662-298-3814. L, D, $ CITY GROCERY—Southern eclectic cuisine; shrimp and grits is a specialty. Closed for dinner Sunday. 152 Courthouse Square (Oxford, MS). 662-232-8080. L, D, SB, X, $$-$$$

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COMO STEAKHOUSE—Steaks cooked on a hickory charcoal grill are a specialty here. Upstairs is an oyster bar. Closed Sun. 203 Main St. (Como, MS). 662-526-9529. D, X, $-$$$ LONG ROAD CIDER CO.—Specializes in hard apple ciders made with traditional methods. Cafe-style entrees include black-eyed peas with cornbread and greens, chicken Gorgonzola pockets, cider-steamed sausage, and housemade ice creams. Closed Sun.-Wed. 9053 Barret Road. (Barretville, TN). 352-0962. D, X, $ MANILA FILIPINO RESTAURANT—Entrees include pork belly cutlet with lechon sauce, and shrimp and vegetables in tamarind broth; also daily combos, rice dishes, and chef specials. Closed Sun.-Mon. 7849 Rockford (Millington, TN). 209-8525. L, D, X, $ MARSHALL STEAKHOUSE—Rustic steakhouse serves premium Angus beef steaks, seafood dishes, rack of lamb, and more. Breakfast menu features griddle cakes, and lunch offerings include hamburger steak and oyster po’ boys. 2379 Highway 178 (Holly Springs, MS). 628-3556. B, L, D, X, $-$$$ MEMPHIS BARBECUE COMPANY—Offers spare ribs, baby backs, and pulled pork and brisket, along with such sides as mac-and-cheese, grits, and red beans. 709 Desoto Cove (Horn Lake, MS). 662-536-3762. L, D, X, $-$$ CASINO TABLES BOURBON STREET STEAKHOUSE & GRILL AT SOUTHLAND CASINO RACING—1550 Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182 CHICAGO STEAKHOUSE AT THE GOLDSTRIKE—1010 Casino Center Dr., Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-24KSTAY /662-357-1225 FAIRBANKS AT THE HOLLYWOOD—1150 Casino Strip Blvd., Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-871-0711 JACK BINION’S STEAK HOUSE AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center Drive, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE LUCKY 8 ASIAN BISTRO AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center Drive, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE THE STEAKHOUSE AT THE FITZ—711 Lucky Ln., Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-766-LUCK, ext 8213 NAGOYA—Offers traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi bar; specialties are teriyaki and tempura dishes. 7075 Malco Blvd., Suite 101 (Southaven, MS). 662-349-8788. L, D, X, $-$$$
 PANCHO’S—Serves up a variety of Mexican standards, including tacos, enchiladas, and mix-and-match platters; also lunch specials. 3600 E. Broadway (West Memphis, AR). 870-735-6466. 717 N. White Station. 685-5404. L, D, X, MRA, $ PIG-N-WHISTLE—Offers pork shoulder sandwiches, wet and dry ribs, catfish, nachos, and stuffed barbecue potatoes. 6084 Kerr-Rosemark Rd. (Millington, TN). 872-2455. L, D, X, $ RAVINE—Serves contemporary Southern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally grown foods and a menu that changes weekly. Closed Mon.-Tues. 53 Pea Ridge/County Rd. 321 (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, SB, X, $$-$$$ SAINT LEO’S—Offering sophisticated pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. A James Beard nominee for Best New Restaurant in 2017. 1101 Jackson (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, L, WB, $-$$ SNACKBAR—Billed as an intriguing mix of “French Bistro with North Mississippi Cafe.” Serving a confit duck Croque Monsieur, watermelon-cucumber chaat, pan-fried quail, plus a daily plate special and a raw bar. Chef Vishesh Bhatt was named as Best Chef South by the James Beard Foundation in 2019. 721 N. Lamar (Oxford, MS). 662-236-6363. D, $-$$$ WILSON CAFE—Serving elevated home-cooking, with such dishes as deviled eggs with cilantro and jalapeño, scampi and grits, and doughnut bread pudding. 2 N. Jefferson (Wilson, AR). 870-655-0222. L, D (Wed. through Sat. only), X, $-$$$

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The Song Remains the Same Fifty years of being a Led Zeppelin fan. BY MICHAEL FINGER

Robert Plant and Jimmy Page

I

t was April 17, 1970, and I had a conundrum: Should I pay $6.50 and catch Led Zeppelin at the MidSouth Coliseum, or should I work the Friday-night shift at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor? This new job — with benefits like leftover pizza and a promotion someday to “beertender” — paid $1.60/hour, so I decided to work that night at Shakey’s. I was only 17; I would catch the band the next time they passed through town. Smart, huh? Look, I never thought I’d have to wait 25 years for that to happen, and only half the quartet would be on stage. Kids today can’t comprehend the musical experience from that period. With the swipe of a finger, anybody who enjoys “classic rock” can download a band’s entire playlist, and listen to their songs in any order they please. But when I was growing up, you needed patience to enjoy your favorite bands, and you heard their music in the order they created it. You listened for their songs to play on FM100. You read Rolling Stone and hoped their tour included Memphis. And you waited for their singles and albums to come out. I still remember the afternoon in 1969 when my friend

David brought over the debut album from a new British band. “Just listen to the incredible solo on ‘Dazed and Confused,” he said. I studied the Hindenburg artwork on the sleeve, placed the record on my turntable, and lowered the tone arm into the fourth set of grooves on the “A” side. Wow! Here was a guitarist — Jimmy somebody — playing so fast that engineers had surely sped up the track (they hadn’t), a drummer pounding the drums so hard that he probably burst the skins, and a singer hitting notes so high they had to come from Mt. Olympus. Years before, somebody had spray-painted on a London wall, “Clapton Is God,” and my favorite group was Cream, featuring Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker — three of rock’s greatest musicians. But as I listened to Led Zeppelin, with only nine songs, I discovered something on another level. Led Zeppelin II came out barely eight months later, featuring hits like “Heartbreaker” and

“Whole Lotta Love,” where headphones let the eerie solo travel through your brain. Diehard fans bought black lights and pinned the gatefold sleeve to their walls and watched it glow. I did all that, too. A few months later, that band rocked a sold-out crowd at the Coliseum, while I burned pizzas that evening. And then, in late 1970, the music stores here offered Led Zeppelin III. This was a departure — hard-rockers playing acoustic melodies and slow blues? As we gathered around the stereo again, my friends gradually came to admire the brilliance behind now-classics like “Gallows Pole” and “Since I’ve Been Loving You.” Then we noticed something intriguing. Tiny print at the bottom of the album listed two engineers, Andrew Johns in London and “Terry Manning, Ardent Studios, Memphis, Tennessee.” What in the world? I played bass in a garage band that never left my cousin’s garage, and I thought I knew the local music scene. Yet one of the world’s biggest acts had come to Memphis and nobody told me about it? Alex Greene shares that amazing story — a huge event in our city’s musical history — on page 18. Other Zeppelin albums followed, and every year I waited for the group to hit Memphis, but they never came back. In 1980 any hopes of seeing the band here ended with the death of drummer John Bonham. I had missed my chance. Fast forward to 1995, and my colleague Frank Murtaugh and I found ourselves inside The Pyramid, cheering as Jimmy Page and Robert Plant took the stage. The guitarist and vocalist had reunited, bringing along backup musicians and even an

Tiny print at the bottom of the Led Zeppelin III album listed two engineers: Andrew Johns in London and “Terry Manning, Ardent Studios, Memphis, Tennessee.” What in the world?

Egyptian orchestra. The music wasn’t quite the same, and they played only a half-dozen Led Zeppelin numbers, but that was good enough. There they were, right in front of us — no cover bands screeching out “Stairway to Heaven” or stumbling over the drum intro to “Rock and Roll.” Here was the real thing, from way back. Three years later, Page and Plant returned, this time performing two dozen Led Zeppelin songs. They didn’t have John Paul Jones or Bonzo, but even in their 50s they played with the power they displayed so many years ago. When the last notes faded away, I left the arena in a daze, feeling as if I had been hit, as Page himself once said, with the “hammer of the gods.” “It’s been a long time since I rock-and-rolled,” sang Plant that evening, and I’ve been listening to Led Zeppelin for half a century now. Okay, I was wrong to miss that Coliseum concert in 1970, but years later, I was lucky enough to hear the band — or as close as anyone could get at the time — twice. And hey, I still have my old Shakey’s cap.

LED ZEPPELIN PHOTO BY TERRY MANNING; LZIII ALBUM COVER BY GRZEGORZ CZAPSK / DREAMSTIME; HINDENBERG PHOTOGRAPH FROM SATORI13 | DREAMSTIME

L AS T

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Over the past three years, BMW has assisted in providing 4.3 million meals to Feeding America® to help the 1 out of every 8 Americans struggling with hunger. This year, with your help, we are looking to do even more. Your test drive on November 17th – 21st will generate 200 meals for Feeding America.* You’ll also receive a

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10/19/20 7:02 AM


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