Memphis Magazine October 2021 by Contemporary Media

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V O L X LV I N O 6 | O C T O B E R 2021

UP FRONT 10 12 14 18 20

I N T H E B E G I N N I N G ~ by a n n a t r av e r s e f o g l e C I T Y S C E N E ~ by j o n w. s pa r ks & k a r e n p u l f e r f o ch t P A G E S ~ by j e s s e dav i s C L A S S I C D I N I N G ~ by michael donahue I N S I D E M E M P H I S B U S I N E S S ~ by samuel x. cicci

FEATURES 22 Carmeon on Camera

Triumph and tragedy as Memphis designer Carmeon Hamilton makes her national television debut. ~ b y c h r i s m c c oy & a n n a t r av e r s e f o g l e

36 Biloxi Bound

The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers unexpected wonders. ~

b y c h r i s m c c oy

47 Mpact Memphis

Profiles of eight Memphians shaping the city.

COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY LOUIS TUCKER

ASK VANCE

Bessie Vance Brooks

Our history expert solves local mysteries of who, what, when, where, why, and why not. ~ by va n c e l au d e r da l e

TIDBITS

By the Brewery

Biscuits, beer-braised brisket, and sandwiches await you on a once-quiet corner of Tennessee Street. ~ b y s a m u e l x . c i c c i

CITY DINING

LAST STAND

The city’s most extensive dining listings. Honor and Obey

A look at how times have changed for women — or have they? ~

by a b i g a i l m o r i c i

SPECIAL SECTIONS

57 61

WOMEN TO WATCH REAL MEN WEAR PINK

36 47 Memphis (ISSN 1622-820x) is published monthly for $18 per year by Contemporary Media, Inc., 65 Union Avenue, 2nd Floor, Memphis, TN 38103 © 2021. 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.

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THE 2021

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ORIENTAL RUGS

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Master Weaver Ali Taghavi restoring an antique Persian Farahan rug.

Here at Taghavi’s, we would like to do our part to help stop the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus. Recent studies have shown that the virus can be brought into your home, by your shoes and can live on surfaces like your rugs and ﬂoors anywhere from two to nine days. In order to help curb the spread, we at Taghavi’s, recommend that you stop wearing your outdoor shoes into your homes and to have your rugs cleaned and disinfected. Call us for disinfecting and cleaning of your rugs.

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

Mrs. Traverse A. Fogle

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WINDOW ROCK

’m thinking of changing my name. Again. Two years ago, on October 10, 2019, my now-husband and I were married in a short and sweet courthouse ceremony. And I should mention here, before you come to any other conclusions, that we remain very happily wed. Happy anniversary to us! I should also mention that the decision to adopt a second surname (his) was mine alone; he did not (would not) exert any pressure about the matter.

I love the name I carried for my first 35 years: It’s a verb, it’s a mountain-climbing term, it sounds French-y. It makes you think of Mary Poppins (one P.L. Travers’ name is on the Poppins books’ spines, though this was, I was sorry to discover, a pseudonym). I also love my husband’s surname: Fogle means ‘bird,’ which struck me as a poetic companion to my own action-verb, perpetually-in-transit name. And, I suppose, I liked the idea of making plain our status as a family. I was ready for the world to know that I was part of a larger unit, no longer a solitary entity. We even talked about combining our names into a new joint version, and we liked the odd mysticism of ‘Fogverse,’ which could be a setting in a fantasy novel, perhaps. But the idea of legally ridding ourselves of our respective surnames and becoming Anna and Cameron Fogverse — well, it sounded a little ridiculous. (In retrospect, hyphenating our names would have been the simpler choice, and may well be where we settle eventually.) So I added a name, without removing any of the ones I started out with: Anna from my parents; Elizabeth, my middle name, after my grandmother; Traverse after my dad’s family; and Fogle, for my new family. If anything, I wanted to cram yet another name, Marshall, into the already crowded sequence. My mother, Cynthia Marshall, kept her name when she and my dad were married, and I always admired that decision. It made me proud, even (or especially) when a couple of neighbor kids would taunt me, claiming I was a ‘bastard child’ because my parents were clearly living in sin, based solely on their different last names. (They weren’t, but what of it?) But ‘Anna Elizabeth Traverse Marshall Fogle’ would be, even I had to admit, a bit much. Anna (Elizabeth) Traverse Fogle I would be. But here’s what I found: While no one minds if a woman wants to use her ‘maiden name’ (such an antiquated term, if you think

about it) as a middle name in written correspondence, most everyone decides on your behalf to simplify your name in practice. I began hearing myself referred to as ‘Anna Fogle,’ no Traverse to be seen for miles, almost immediately. Not to mention the strange new versions of my name I started seeing on mailing labels. My favorite, from a local arts organization: Mrs. Traverse A. Fogle. Say what? I don’t even know who that is, but she sounds cool (I also hear echoes of “We Three Kings”: “bearing gifts, we traverse a … fog.”) Maybe there are just too many syllables. Maybe it doesn’t help that I added a less-than-ordinary name to a downright unusual name. Maybe people are simply not accustomed to the idea of having to keep up with three names instead of two, and the added effort exceeds the amount of mental energy folks want to expend. Losing both my parents has made me more protective of my name. My father died late last year, and ever since, I have felt more insistent about not allowing Traverse to be erased or elided. I would feel the same if I had inherited my mother’s name, but our culture defaults (disappointingly, in my view) to patrilineage. And, as I have discovered, folks can’t seem to keep up with much complication when it comes to other people’s names. I get it, sort of, but I hope we are all quicker to adjust when, for instance, a friend or colleague takes a new name as part of a gender transition. Folks moving through that process surely deserve this simple grace. I mention all this because October’s magazine is our annual women’s issue, a tradition about which I have expressed mixed feelings in years past. What I hope we’ve conveyed in the pages that follow is that there are as many ways of being a strong and dynamic woman as, well, there are women. No matter what she chooses to call herself.

ILLUSTRATION BY NATIS76 / DREAMSTIME

T H E

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C I T Y

S E E N

Free Speech

Unveiling of the Ida B. Wells statue honors the crusading journalist. BY JON W. SPARKS PHOTOGRAPHS BY KAREN PULFER FOCHT

he word “ SPEECH” is prominent in the sculpture of Ida B. Wells, crafted by Andrea Lugar. It’s a tribute to Memphis Free Speech, the newspaper she co-owned and wrote for. It also signifies the power of speech, enshrined and protected in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. That freedom of speech was the weapon Wells wielded again and again to make the case against rampant injustices that crushed the lives and culture of Black Americans. Her devastating and powerful writings shined an unforgiving light on every element of a racist establishment, from the white

mobs that embraced lynching to the corridors of power where Jim Crow laws and court rulings thrived. Wells’ persistence and courage were honored on July 16, 2021 — her 159th birthday — with the unveiling of a life-sized statue at what is now called the Ida B. Wells Plaza at

Beale and Fourth Streets. In 1892, three Black businessmen who were friends of Wells were abducted and lynched. It shocked the city, but the white power structure in Memphis was uninterested in justice. Wells used the force of her pen, writing an editorial that said, “There is … only one thing left that we can do; save our money and leave a town which will neither protect our lives and property, nor give us a fair trial in the courts, but takes us out and murders us in cold blood when accused by white persons.” Many in the Black community did just that. Meanwhile, her

editorials inflamed a white mob that destroyed the newspaper’s office and threatened her life. At age 30, she would take her own advice and leave the city for Chicago. But she was not silenced. Until she died in 1931, she continued her activism, earning worldwide admiration. She also angered people. An FBI report called her a “dangerous negro agitator,” and her work was thwarted repeatedly by the government. Still, she had the power of her writings, a body of work honored in 2020 with a Pulitzer Prize. She was unstoppable. And her resolve made her a giant in the civil rights movement.

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ABOVE PHOTOS COURTESY PREP CURRY PERSONAL ARCHIVE

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HOOKED ON STORIES

PAG E S

Small Favors, Big Consequences

Former Memphian Erin A. Craig delivers a chilling tale of secret desires and ordinary monsters in her new novel. BY JESSE DAVIS

have definitely always been a reader,” Craig tells me over the phone. Her dad used to tell her tales of his own invention as bedtime stories. Her mother gave her the first chapter books she would read, and with that encouragement, an enduring fascination with stories — as plays, operas, fairy tales, and now her own novels — was set in motion. Craig says her interest was cemented in junior high school, when she discovered scary stories that her parents doubtless wouldn’t have approved of checking out of the local library on their trips there. Her high school and junior high shared a library, accessible by both wings of the school. In that library waited tomes appropriate for older, almost-adult readers. The temptation for young Craig was too much; those books held the allure of the forbidden. “I was way too little when I first read ’Salem’s Lot,” she remembers. “I was utterly convinced vampires were going to come through the window and get me, and I couldn’t tell my mom because she would know I’d read Stephen King books!”

SOPRANOS, NEWBORNS, AND “ANNABEL LEE”

Erin A. Craig

“Enter not the forest deep. Beyond the Bells, the dark ﬁends keep.” — Er in A . C r a ig, S M A L L F A V O R S

rin A. Craig was a Memphian for a time. She was the director of production and stage manager at Opera Memphis, where she nurtured her lifelong love of stories with arias and obligatos. Now, though, Craig lives in Michigan with her husband and daughter and a collection of typewriters. Her love of stories hasn’t faded in the interim; in fact, they’re still her bread and butter, her means for making a living. These days, her stories are told, not with actors and singers, sets and lights, but with paper and ink, in the pages of her novels. Her most recent, Small Favors (Delacorte Press), is a retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, and it is beautifully executed, haunting, and perfect for October.

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torytelling was a part of Craig’s job at Opera Memphis. There are some differences, though, between crafting a story alone on a computer (or antique typewriter) and telling it with the help of librettos and coloraturas. For starters, as Craig points out, “As a stage manager you’re not supposed to be seen!” The author says that even in her stage manager days, she wrote down little stories the way some people might doodle. It was just part of her life. But, as she notes, “It wasn’t really until I had my daughter that I started taking writing seriously. “Newborns and sopranos aren’t necessarily the best mix,” Craig continues. So she took a hiatus from stage management — what was supposed to be a temporary break — to do the work of being a new mom. But some hands are not suited to remaining idle (not that many new moms have much time to be idle, but even the fussiest babies have to sleep sometime). “I very quickly realized I like doing things, and I don’t sit around the house very well, not having a job. So, I have this book I’ve been toying with for a couple of years, you know, why don’t I try to do something with that?” That book was a Peter Pan continuation, which was never picked up. Though few discuss it as openly, that experience is a huge part of the life of a writer. “I think I ended up with like 130 rejections,” Craig says with a laugh, before acknowledging the experience taught her a lot. “So I started thinking, ‘What’s a story that would be intriguing to tell?’ I’ve always naturally gravitated toward retelling. I think it’s because I was a stage manager,” Craig says. “So much of rehearsals and theater, especially in opera, so many of the shows that you do are shows that have been done for hundreds of years. It’s all in the way that you choose to tell the story that makes the story meaningful.”

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY RANDOM HOUSE CHILDRENS BOOKS

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Her first published novel, House of Salt and Sorrows (Random House Children’s Books), was released in 2019. Based loosely on Edgar Allan Poe’s “Annabel Lee,” House became a New York Times bestseller.

RETURN THE FAVOR

f her newest novel, Small Favors, Craig says, “It’s a very loose retelling of Rumpelstiltskin.” Think of a Rumpelstiltskin set in the American West in the 1880s, with nods to M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village and Stephen King’s Needful Things. “I don’t want Rumpelstiltskin to be like these imps or elves,” Craig remembers thinking. “That felt very European, so I started looking at American cryptozoology stuff.” Which, of course, briefly (very briefly) led her to Sasquatch. “Oh, I could make him Bigfoot! That would be cool.” She laughs and admits she quickly discarded that idea. “I ended up on this amalgamation of Pennsylvania’s Mothman and the California Dark Watchers, because they were so creepy to me. They’re these seven-foot-tall figures that just stand on this stretch of Highway One in California and watch,” the author explains. She was drawn to Mothman, she says, because the mythological creature is so closely tied to disaster — “His propensity for showing up when terrible things happen” — which brings us to Small Favors, the little town of Amity Falls, and Ellerie Downing.

ELLERIE’S STORY

llerie Downing lives on a farm with her parents, twin brother, and younger sisters. The Downings are beekeepers, raising bees to collect their honey, and tending fields of flowers to feed the bees. It’s a simple life, and the teenaged Ellerie sometimes finds herself wishing for more. She’s kept busy, though, especially recently. Her brother has been disappearing of late, and Ellerie must pick up his slack. Amity Falls is isolated, cut off from the surrounding world by a nearly impenetrable forest patrolled by strange, monstrous creatures. For the most part, the isolation has forged a tight-knit community. When there’s trouble — like a fire that strikes the Downing farm — neighbors are there to lend a helping hand. But what about when it’s all bad, all over? Where do neighbors turn for help when everyone is hurting? And what dark deeds will even a good man or woman turn to in those times? That question — what does an individual owe the community — is central to Small Favors. “Do you remember what you told me about the bees and the hive? How the actions of one affect the whole?” Ellerie asks her father after the fire that burns away their field of flowers. The book mulls another question as well, a more sinister one. How much bad will a supposedly good person do to get what their heart desires? “Be careful what you say in the dark of the night, Ellerie Downing, lest you promise something you might regret,” a young, handsome trapper warns Ellerie. She thinks he’s teasing, but his words hint at darkness to come. The fire at the Downings’ farm is just the first of a series of troubling events that push the people of Amity Falls to steeper moral precipices. There is mob

violence, petty grudges, a bad harvest, and something more … supernatural. “I definitely gravitate toward quiet, imaginative horror,” Craig tells me. After all, what could be more frightening than discovering something cruel or cold lives in the supposedly warmhearted neighbor you so trusted?

CODA

ommunity is crucial to S ma ll Favor s , so it’s fitting that, though she now lives half a day’s drive away, her only request for this piece was that I mention the local bookstore where she launched the book. “Just give a shoutout to Novel,” she says. “It was awesome getting to do a launch there with them. Even though I’m up here, it was good to be back in Memphis for a little bit.”

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PAG E S

Body Language

Carmen Maria Machado, award-winning author of Her Body and Other Parties, talks stories and craft in advance of her visit to the University of Memphis next month. BY JESSE DAVIS

Carmen Maria Machado

“Brides never fare well in stories. Stories can sense happiness and snuff it out like a candle.” — C a r men M a r i a M ach a d o, H E R B O D Y

AND

O T H E R PA R T I E S

his space is usually devoted to authors with Memphis (or Mid-South, Delta, or Tennessee) connections, but when I was given the chance to interview the author of one of my favorite short story collections, Carmen Maria Machado’s Her Body and Other Parties (Graywolf Press), I took it.

In Her Body and Other Parties, Machado defies genre and writes with a voice so strong and inimitable any reader would be forgiven for thinking it was her twentieth collection, not her first. The stories read like fables and urban legends. “At first everyone blamed the fashion industry, then the millennials, and, finally, the water,” Machado writes in “Real Women Have Bodies,” in which an epidemic has young girls fading away to translucence, then to nothing. Even though pandemics and climate change and words like “millennials” root the collection in the present moment, there’s an air of timelessness to it as well, as if these stories have always been told somewhere, in some form. In a sense they have. These are tales of girls and women who have been taught to fear, and how it feels to fully inhabit a body, to feel love and lust, to be the madwoman in one’s own attic. Machado, author of Her Body and Other Parties and the memoir In the Dream House (Graywolf Press), will give a reading at the University of Memphis next month. In advance of her visit, I asked her about advice for new writers, marketing phrases, and the importance of stories. it was my mom or dad or my happiness and snuff it out Memphis magazine: Have you great-grandmother. like a candle.” I was really always been a reader? Have struck by those lines in “The you always been interested When did you begin writing? Husband Stitch.” Can you in stories? As soon as I could pick up a talk about the importance of Carmen Maria Machado: Yes, pencil, I was writing my own stories in that piece? I was a reader from the very stories and poems, often rifﬁng “The Husband Stitch” is a story beginning. My parents were on writers I loved (like Roald about stories; the stories we tell not huge readers themselves Dahl and Shel Silverstein). ourselves to survive, to be hapbut very much believed in the “Brides never fare well in py, to make sense of a world value of reading — someone determined not to make sense. read to me every night, whether stories. Stories can sense 16 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

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But stories are also unruly; they can shift and evolve, come to mean things you wouldn’t expect, take on new context. Ultimately, it’s a story about how stories can’t save us. I know people who make lists to help with anxiety, and I couldn’t help thinking about them when I read “Inventory.” Does the narrator focus on these details to help banish the pandemic in the story to the margins? I think so? I’m also a list-maker and I’ve always been fascinated by the form; how you can see around a list, or use it to play with foregrounding and backgrounding as a literary technique. I notice that sometimes your characters are unnamed. What made you decide to leave their names unspoken? I think it’s because I write a lot of ﬁrst-person stories and I don’t always think of my protagonist as someone who needs to be named. Much of the collection seems rooted in the physicality of women’s bodies. What is the significance of the disappearing girls and women in “Real Women Have Bodies”? The title seems to draw a line toward supposedly body-positive messaging that nonetheless excludes many women — and is rooted in consumerism and fetishization of women, rather than in reality. Am I way off the mark here? No! This is one of many stories of mine that directly came from its title. I was thinking about the phrase “real women have curves,” which (as you say) comes from a body-positive place but is fundamentally broken as a philosophy. I remember thinking, “Real women have bodies,” and then liking it as a phrase, and writing it down. Eventually the story just unspooled from there. Since the upcoming event at the University of Memphis will have a craft interview

component, I want to talk a little bit about your process. Can you tell what it means to be a working writer today? I have been incredibly lucky; I’m pretty much having a dream career as a writer in every respect. The fact that I can support myself with my writing is truly incredible, and I get to dive into passion projects constantly. That being said, a lot of writers don’t have that luxury; being a working writer can be extremely difﬁcult, and in the U.S. we have so little support for artists. And trying to do all of it during a pandemic and climate crisis? It’s amazing anything gets written at all. Is there anything you’ve learned about writing (and querying, submitting, etc.) that you wish you had known when you were younger? There’s no rush to submit or publish. Make the best work you can make; the rest will come later. I was fortunate enough to get to interview Tayari Jones a few years ago, and she told me, “I believe that people with the most important stories don’t have time to write every day.” Would you agree with that? That’s a very bold statement! I agree with the sentiment if not the sentence itself. Certainly people whose lives don’t permit them massive swaths of time to write every day have stories worth telling, and we would be a better society if we supported them. (Also, the idea that one has to write every day to be successful is very silly; I don’t write every day, and I never have.) Is there anything else you would like to talk about or make sure readers know? Nope! Thank you so much — I can’t wait to come to Memphis. Carmen Maria Machado will give a reading of her work on Th ursday, November 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the University of Memphis UC Theatre. She will give a craft interview the next day at noon in Patterson Hall 456. Both events are free and open to the public. PHOTOGRAPH BY ART STREIBER - AUGUST

9/14/21 11:15 AM

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9/14/21 10:47 12:18 AM PM 9/15/21

C L AS S I C

D I N I N G

Roxie’s Burger at Roxie’s Grocery

This over-the-top-cheeseburger has achieved legendary status. BY MICHAEL DONAHUE

henever you ask people to name their favorite Memphis hamburger, “Roxie’s Burger” usually pops up. This is the incredibly delicious, very large (although not their largest — we’ll get to that), and very juicy cheeseburger served at Roxie’s Grocery in North Memphis. I never knew the history of this store and this burger, so I talked to Reginald Miller, one of six sons of the grocery store’s founders, Red and Roxie Miller. “My dad retired from Ledbetter meat company after 20 years and bought a little corner store,” Reginald says. “And we’ve been here ever since.” They opened the store 37 years ago, he says. He and his parents and his wife, LaToya, work at Roxie’s Grocery, and Kesha

Miller, one of the daughters-inlaw, has been head cook for 10 year. The place is a literal “corner store” at the intersection of Third and Mill Avenue in Uptown. Customers can’t miss it. “Uptown Roxie’s” is painted on one side. I asked Reginald how the hamburger came about. “My dad and mom came up with that,” he says. “We were cooking hamburgers in the microwave at the very beginning. And then 10 years later, ended up with a stove and every-

thing took off from there.” The hamburgers, served on “big buns,” are made with “pure ground beef” as well as lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mustard, and ketchup. They also use hoop cheese, which is a mild, fresh cow’s milk cheese, and, he says, “We put them together and put them on the grill.” But there has to be something else, I thought. A secret ingredient? “I can’t give you that secret,” Reginald says. The hamburgers originally were purchased mainly by people in the neighborhood, he says. “City workers came in one day and stopped by to get plate lunches. They ended up getting burgers and they told other people.”

And, Reginald says, “We have specialty burgers.” The “Uptown Burger” includes two beef patties, American cheese, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled bell peppers, and grilled jalapeños. If you are ambitious, you can order the impressively sized “Mr. Good Burger,” which includes two patties, pepper jack and hoop cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, and four strips of deepfried bacon. Roxie’s plate lunches include “oxtail, meat loaf plates, and meat plates,” Reginald says. They also sell fish and smoked sausage dinners and sandwiches. Sides include spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, greens, and cornbread. Customers can get breakfast all day, including the “Big Red Breakfast,” which includes “two huge pancakes, and either four strips of bacon or four sausages, with three eggs, and toast,” says LaToya. So, after all these years, have Red and Roxie Miller considered opening other locations of Roxie’s Grocery? “No,” Reginald says. “My mom and dad are not willing to move or upgrade. They just want to keep it the same.” Last question. Does Roxie’s Grocery actually sell groceries? “We sell groceries,” Reginald says. If you really want to go home and cook. Roxie’s Grocery is located at 520 N. Third Street; 901-525-2817.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL DONAHUE

left to right: Roxie’s Grocery founders Red and Roxie Miller with Kesha Miller holding Bryson Miller, LaToya Miller, and Greg Miller holding Corryn Miller. Hamburger cooked by Erin Hobson.

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9/13/21 3:37 AM

Seeding Sustainability

The Women’s Business Center South helps small businesses chart a path for success.

Executive director Vonesha Mitchell

rosstown Concourse has a new tenant, and it’s got both eyes on helping boost the local small business economy. In August, the Women’s Business Center (WBC) South held its official grand opening, having started its work earlier this year. The organization tapped Vonesha Mitchell to become its executive director, and the local business expert has hit the ground running when it comes to uplifting small businesses. WBC South is the product of a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) South. The SBA announced at the start of 2021 that it would be pushing the largest expansion of services to women-owned businesses that it had overseen in 30 years. That goal meant opening 20 new centers under the WBEC umbrella in urban, rural, and underserved communities, and Memphis was on the list. “WBEC South, based in New Orleans, is the regional partner organization for an entity called WBENC [Women’s Business Enterprise National Council],” says

Mitchell. “It’s the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the country. This certification is a benefit if you’re looking to go after contracts with large corporations or the government.” Beyond certification, each of the country’s 136 WBC centers provides business and finance coaching, training, and resources to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. And while the WBC South mostly advises businesses that are still in ideation, they have the ability to help any business owner that comes to them for help. “We start with an initial assessment for each client,” explains Mitchell, “a 30-minute ‘getting to know you’ type session where we

get a good overview of the business, learn a little bit about the owner’s background, and identify any potential issues. “There’s been a lot of demand for our services,” she continues, “and we’re getting a highly varied group of businesses who sign up for certification and coaching. So I think of us as general practitioners. We’ll help people analyze their most pressing needs when they’re in the early stages, usually under three years old. So many times we’ll take a close look at how to shore up their systems, make sure they’re sustainable. And if they need some specific technical advice, we’ll bring in one of our expert coaches, consultants, or partners in that particular field. That could be CPAs, attorneys, people in the construction field. We have connections with most industries who are available to help.” According to Mitchell, Memphis was earmarked for a center due to the strong rate of growth by women’s startups, with the city ranking third nationally in metro areas for women-run business startups. And nationwide last year, women opened an average of 1,800 businesses a month. “If you look at businesses that were sustainable during the pandemic, or even experience significant growth, many of them are women-owned,” explains Mitchell. “That’s probably due to the fact that these types of businesses are used to not having access to some of the same types of resources as other businesses, so they can’t afford the same mistakes. So you really have to be efficient, and be able to problem solve in a way that’s more than just throwing money at an issue.” And Mitchell is no stranger to helping businesses grow in an efficient way. Most of her career has been spent in and around small businesses as a consul-

tant. But her most recent stint came as director of community and economic development for the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, which she joined on the ground floor and helped build the initiative into what it’s become today. That kind of work made it an easy transition to the WBC South. “I’ve been in this line of work for a while, and it really helps you get connected to the ecosystem and see what kind of resources are there for small business owners,” she says. “And I think there’s a big appetite for this kind of work. For people who have not been uplifted as much as they should have been, Memphis really wants to see that happen. And women are definitely in that category. So it’s good to see so much support in Memphis for small, women-owned businesses.” Despite the pandemic and much economic uncertainty, the pipeline for women-owned businesses is strong. Mitchell cites more than 200 businesses in the pipeline that have applied to the WBC South for consultations. “It mirrors the volatility of everything right now,” she says. “But we’ve seen so much innovation and resiliency. We’ve seen businesses pivot, utilize technology in new ways, and fi nd creative new revenue streams. We have great partners already with organizations like Epicenter, but we’re also partnering with new organizations like Brain Trust, which aims to help women create a perfect storm of circumstances to let their business hit the million-dollar mark. And I’m just excited to help bring our services, and programs like that, to women in this space. It just feels very promising and exciting for Memphis.” For more information, visit wbcsouth.org

PHOTOGRAPH BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

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9/10/21 3:13 PM

CARMEON ONCAMERA Tr i u m p h a n d t r a g e d y a s M e m p h i s designer Ca r meon H a milton m akes her television debut.

B Y

C H R I S

M c C O Y

A N N A

T R A V E R S E

F O G L E

armeon Hamilton is a singular presence: vivacious and determined, her broad smile and almondine eyes framed by locs, you sense immediately upon meeting her that she has a certain ineffable quality, an iridescent glow — that, to call it what it is, she has star power.

Readers of Memphis magazine have already met Carmeon Hamilton. In 2018, we

published a short article about her when the designer was participating in that year’s Art by Design showcase benefitting ArtsMemphis. Then in 2020, we relaunched our Habitats series with a visit to the Cordova home of the interior designer, blogger, and social media influencer. Little did we know that we were catching the 35-year-old on the cusp of a life-changing year that began when she was cast in Design Star: Next Gen, the reboot of the popular interior design competition show on discovery+. 22 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

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PHOTOGRAPH BY LOUIS TUCKER

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above: Alicia George and Carmeon Hamilton shop for mirrors at Palladio Antiques. top right: Hamilton and contractor Dylan McKie make plans for a new project. middle right: Hamilton transformed George’s bare sunroom into a vibrant space where she works with clients. bottom left: Hamilton puts the finishing touches on a kitchen before revealing her new design to a client on Reno My Rental.

“When you guys were here doing the shoot last fall, I was getting ready to leave to do the show,” Hamilton recalls. “Of course. I couldn’t tell anybody about it at the time.” She went on to win the Design Star competition, which came as no real surprise to many of Hamilton’s followers. And as winner, she had the opportunity to launch her very own discovery+ show. Reno My Rental, which was filmed in Memphis, premiered simultaneously on the streamer and HGTV this September. But with her star ascendant, tragedy struck. On the after-

noon of August 29th, Marcus Hamilton, Carmeon’s husband, was riding his motorcycle on North Watkins when an intoxicated driver turned in front of him. Marcus died on the scene. The couple had been together for almost 15 years, since college, and were preparing for a celebration of their 10th wedding anniversary; their son, Davin, recently began seventh grade.

“It’s just devastating,” says friend Alicia George. “Here you are, all your dreams are coming true, everything you’ve worked so hard for. You’re at the top of the game, like everybody wants to be, and your husband is killed by a drunk driver. I can’t wrap my brain around it.” How could anyone? In an Instagram post, Ham24 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

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ilton wrote, “I can’t bring myself to figure out Davin’s and my next step, because I shouldn’t have to.” The show will, literally, go on: Reno My Rental had finished filming before Hamilton’s life turned upside-down. This article was already scheduled to run as the October cover story. We debated shelving it for a time, and asked Hamilton’s team for input. The consensus was that, with the launch of Reno My Rental slated to continue as scheduled, proceeding with Hamilton’s story made sense.

BECOMING A STAR

graduate of the University of Central Arkansas’ Interior Design program, Hamilton started a design blog called Cohesive Randomness while still in college. Her PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF DISCOVERY+

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long-running lifestyle writing slowly gained a following over the years, as she built her business, Nubi Interiors. On Instagram, she amassed tens of thousands of followers (now, more than 135,000 people have been drawn to her on that platform). That’s where she received a direct message from a television producer asking if she would be interested in auditioning for a show. “I had gone through the entire process of casting for several different projects prior to being cast for Design Star,” she says, “but everything just fell through. It was always, ‘We think you’re great! Can you interview for this?’ And then you hear nothing. I went through that probably for two years — lots of interest, but nothing ever came from it. So I was a little jaded, and actually told this casting producer, ‘No thank you.’ But he was very persistent.

I had no idea it was Design Star until they told me I was cast five months later. So even they kept it a secret from me. But the original Design Star was one of my favorite shows, period!” Hamilton was hesitant to say yes. “My business had peaked at the same time. Everything had taken off, and I did not want to say goodbye and shut down, because I would literally have to disappear for a month and a half. I said, ‘Why in the world would I do this?’ Like, if someone said, ‘Here’s your show!’, yes. But to compete for a chance to do a show was not appealing.” It was Marcus, in the end, who convinced her to take the plunge. “There was some apprehension,” Hamilton says. “It’s a competition show, a reality show. What am I going to look like on camera? What if I lose? Is that going to ruin my business? But [he was] like, ‘It’s

an opportunity of a lifetime. You’re going to regret not doing it.’ So, I did it.” Filmed on the Southern California coast, Design Star: Next Gen pitted Hamilton against seven other designers in a series of challenges, ranging from revamping the “ugliest rooms in America” to creating an attractive, practical office space. “TV is a whole different world,” she says. “Social media, where I’m using Instagram Stories and talking to camera, helped me prepare for TV. But when there’s big, 40-pound cameras — 10 of them, all around, watching you all the time — that is a different beast.” Her online experience also helped her combat impostor syndrome. “In the world of social media, you can really get into self-criticism and comparison,” she says. “There are so many people who create beautiful spaces, and then you walk into this so-

above: On Reno My Rental, clients must move out of their homes for up to two weeks while Hamilton and her crew do their work. Here, she reveals a transformed space to clients Zach and Eric.

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You Know She’s Worth It

cial experiment of sorts. It’s nerve-racking, comparing yourself to people you’ve never met before. You don’t know anything about them. So you kind of psych yourself out. What if they’re better than me here? I’ve never seen their work before. It’s so perfect. What if I’m nothing compared to what they do? You basically have to realize, ‘They picked me for a reason.’ And I settled into that very early, because it was stressing me out leading up to the competition.” From the beginning, Hamilton and her fellow contestants were united in insisting

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that the show not devolve into artificial, interpersonal conflict. “They said, ‘No, we’re focusing on design, not drama, this go-round,’” she says. “We all ended up being really close and really supportive, and I think that aspect made the experience that much more positive. … I walked away with seven new friends.” But just because there wasn’t rancor on set doesn’t mean Design Star: Next Gen was easy. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” says Hamilton. “The typical timeline for a one bedroom can be three months — and that’s if everything’s in stock. You have to go through the design process; go through approvals; go through the actual construction, painting, getting the trades together, ordering things and waiting on those things to come in, installing — and then making everything pretty and hanging the art.” On Design Star: Next Gen, contestants had access to resources, but not time. “On TV, it looked like three days. We had 18 hours.” Hamilton compares the experience of designing on the fly in front of an audience of millions to being a gladiator in the arena. “Your life depends on it, or otherwise you’re eliminated, and your chances of winning are over,” she says. “I still can’t believe I made it to the end.” But make it she did. After five rounds of elimination, Hamilton faced two final opponents in a challenge to design a bedroom that

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DISCOVERY+

Carmeon Hamilton sweats the details behind the scenes on Reno My Rental.

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reflected her own unique style. Ultimately, guest judge Jonathan Scott, co-star of Property Brothers, crowned Hamilton the winner. The prize was $50,000 and a contract to create her own design show, which would appear on the streaming service discovery+ while premiering simultaneously on HGTV. “During the competition, they asked all of us, ‘If you had the opportunity to have your own show, what kind of show would it be?’ I think my original idea was named Hometown Hope. From the beginning, I wanted to do a TV show in Memphis.”

A UNIQUE SHOW

hat set Hamilton’s pitch apart from most design show concepts was that she wanted to focus on renters rather than homeowners. “There’s no premier show right now on HGTV or on discovery+ that features or highlights renters,” says veteran reality show producer Ming Lee Howell. “A lot of millennials are choosing to rent because they’re traveling light, and they don’t want the responsibility or the burden of a mortgage. They don’t want the maintenance that comes along with a house. And so they’re trying to turn their rentals into homes. That’s why I feel it’s really relevant right now — the timing is right. And Memphis is a great place, because you can rent whatever you want. There are so many different types of properties, from a historic home to a high-rise apartment building to a loft Downtown.” Development of the show that ultimately became Reno My Rental began even before the world learned, on March 31, that Hamilton had won Design Star: Next Gen. “I thought it was going to take a long time, but the network was excited,” says Hamilton. “They’re like, ‘No, we’re ready to go. We want to get this show moving. We want to get you in Memphis.’ It’s been a whirlwind ever since.” The premise of Reno My Rental mirrors the process interior designers go through with their clients. Hamilton meets with a Memphis family who want to spruce up their rented apartment, studio, or house, assesses their needs, gets a sense of their personalities, and then remakes their space. Alicia George is a makeup artist who serves as vice chair of the Memphis and Shelby County Film Commission. She was one of the first to apply for Reno My Rental — only this time, instead of preparing the talent for a day on set, she wanted to be in front of the camera. “A producer friend of mine posted that there was a design show coming to Memphis, and that they were looking for rental houses,” she recalls. “I got really excited. I love interior design, and I had a feeling it was Carmeon’s show, because of Design Star. I had been following her for a long time.” George says she heard back from the pro-

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Have you looked at your trees lately?

ducers almost immediately. “I think they liked my unique story — I’m a makeup artist who lives in a pink house in Central Gardens.” Howell, who serves as Reno My Rental’s executive producer, was not previously familiar with Memphis. “I was driving around Central Gardens thinking, ‘This is like Hancock Park in Los Angeles,’” she says. “You see these sprawling mansions, and it is beautiful.” Howell says she found a lot to love about the Bluff City. “I found that with true Memphians, once you are here, you don’t want to leave, because you fall in love with the city. I’m from Los Angeles, California, but since I’ve been here, I have not met nicer, more

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earnest, just real people. Memphians really are prideful of the city and they want to do a lot for the city — you know, the grit and the grind, right? It’s a hardworking, persevering, colorful city. “This is our love letter to the city, so we want to represent Memphis in a really great way, in the way it deserves to be represented. I think a lot of young people are moving here. Entrepreneurs, creative types, hardworking professionals are renting here. and you can get a lot for your money. If you’re a couple with a kid, you can move to Cordova or Frayser and have a big front lawn or a big backyard and live in a house. You can’t do that in California.”

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amilton says she wanted to break out of the glossy design show mold by taking her cameras to lower-income neighborhoods, “because I have a huge understanding of how our environments play into our well-being,” she says. “If you love

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DISCOVERY+

Carmeon Hamilton added plants to spruce up this outdoor space on Reno My Rental.

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where you live and are in a space that’s safe and beautiful, you’re that much better of a person when you go out into the world. Everything starts at home.” Ashley Dyson and her husband, Marquise, recently moved from Midtown to a home in Frayser, looking for more space for their young daughter, Harper. Dyson applied for Reno My Rental after a friend showed her Hamilton’s work. “That’s when I started following Carmeon,” she says. “I was looking at her work, her designs and just everything she stands for. … She sees people in her designs. I just really love how she pulls out all those different things, and uses those dark tones, but still makes the room feel bright and open, with a personal touch. And I loved all of her plants!” On Reno My Rental, Hamilton renovates the Dyson family’s kitchen and creates a new den where Marquise can unwind from his stressful job. “I felt like once she saw us, she understood us,” says Ashley. Howell says Hamilton is a natural TV personality. “She’s very fair. She’s so creative. And she’s just a lovely person inside and out. She’s real, you know? What you see is what you get with her, and she’s just so engaging.” “Carmeon lights up the room,” says George, whose bedroom and sunroom were renovated. “Everybody really gravitates towards her. She’s just so humble, but she definitely knows what she’s doing, so you feel very comfortable and safe around her.” That feeling of safety helps participants get through the hardest part of the show: Moving out of their homes for up to two weeks while Hamilton’s crew does their work. They don’t see the final form until everything is complete and Hamilton leads them into the newly redesigned space. “I’m walking in with them,” she says, “so I just hang in the background and watch it, just like the viewers will get to see their reaction. I hold my breath until I hear that scream, ‘Oh my God!’ It’s the fuel to want to do it over and over again. You don’t get that reaction in real-life design, because the clients are right there with you, making these decisions. But [on the show], they literally have to trust me to get it right.”

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amilton says filming R ENO MY Rental has been quite a learning experience. “What have I learned about myself? I take direction well!” she laughs. “I’ve been told from production that I don’t act as if this is my first time having a show. So I’m happy to learn that I’ve been preparing my whole life for this moment. You don’t know what any of this is like until you’re in it, but now that I’m in it, I can do this. I feel like this is where I was supposed to be from the beginning.” She was always quick to credit her hus-

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band Marcus for his role in her success. The evening she was named winner of Design Star: Next Gen, camera crews captured her placing a cell phone call to Marcus to share the news. “Congratulations, baby. I told you! You deserve everything that’s come and everything that is to come,” he says. “I wanted you to be the first person I told,” she responds. When we spoke before Marcus’s death, she said, “He’s been incredible and supportive. This has, of course, meant long hours, and he’s been there every step of the way. I couldn’t be a good mom throughout this process without him being an amazing dad.”

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After her husband’s death, Hamilton gave her blessing for the show to go on as scheduled, partially to honor Marcus, who appears in several episodes. Her only public statement since the accident was a post on her Instagram: “I am no stranger to loss, but this loss brings something beyond pain. Something I can’t describe. I’m now missing a major part of myself, and that void seems to grow more and more every second. I can’t bring myself to figure out Davin’s and my next step, because there shouldn’t be a need for one. But in the midst of this immense pain came a wave of support from the community of people that we’ve worked so hard to build. They are the only reason I have the strength and ability to put these words in writing. Thank you all for being one of the best parts of our love story, and loudly encouraging us to be the passionately flawed humans we were, living a life well lived.” When we profiled Hamilton a year ago, the title of the article was “The Importance of Living Beautifully” — the ethos guiding her design work and her life. In the aftermath of tragedy, her insistence on a beautiful life carries a new poignancy and depth. Reno My Rental premiered on discovery+ on September 18th.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DISCOVERY+

Carmeon Hamilton in one of the bedrooms she designed for her new show.

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R OA D

T R I P

BILOXI BOUND

The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers unexpected wonders. BY CHRIS McCOY

n September 8, 1965, Walter Anderson lashed himself to the tallest tree on Horn Island. Anderson frequently rowed out to the sliver of land 12 miles off the

Mississippi Gulf Coast to paint watercolors inspired by the natural beauty surrounding him. On this particular day, Horn Island was in

top: Looking out over the Mississippi Sound from Biloxi, Mississippi. left: Artist Walter Anderson created this map of the barrier islands off the Mississippi coast. top right: The Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs is built around a community center where the artist created his masterpiece, a vibrant mural that has been called “The Sistine Chapel of Mississippi.” center right: These early works by Anderson, dating from the early 1930s, originally hung in Ocean Springs’ high school auditorium.

the path of Hurricane Betsy, a Category 4 monster that was hurtling toward the artist’s hometown of New Orleans. Instead of leaving for the relative safety of his cabin in Ocean Springs, he decided to “welcome the hurricane and feel nature’s wrath,” says Julian Rankin, executive director of the Walter Anderson Museum of Art. 36 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

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A nderson survived the chest-deep storm surge and 100-mile-per-hour wind, only to succumb to lung cancer two months later. He left behind a body of work that would, over time, burnish his reputation as one of the greatest artists America ever produced. The Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs began life as a community center where Anderson painted what Rankin calls his “magnum opus,” a mural that fills the four walls of a modest banquet hall. The city paid him $1 to create the mural in 1951. Anderson never cashed the check. “He felt that artists had an obligation to the community to do civic-minded work like this,” says Rankin. “But he also felt that the community had an obligation to the artists to allow them to go on their own adventures.” The piece is overwhelming, richly hued and detailed, and it baffled its intended audience. “Folks didn’t quite understand him as a maker, or the art itself,” says Rankin. “The

whole south facade is a historical tableau. You’ve got the landing of the French on the right side, and the Biloxi tribe on the left.” Anderson’s trips to Horn Island were not mere idylls. They were a troubled mind’s attempts to find peace. Rankin says Anderson was a mystic who believed “… you’ve got nature and humanity, and art is this third thing whereby you transcend; you see beyond your mortal coil and try to capture this fleeting instant of beauty.” Today, Anderson’s work and words continue to inspire. The artist had enduring connections to Memphis. The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art was one of the few galleries to show his work during his lifetime.

Every year, musician Luther Dickinson performs a concert of music inspired by Anderson in the community center. For 35 years, Memphis College of Art students made pilgrimages to Horn Island to camp on the beach and make art en plein air. In 2019, on the occasion of the final Horn Island exhibition, MCA professor Don DuMont told the Memphis Flyer, “All of these people who participated feel that it had big significance in their lives.”

THE SOUND

aptain Louis Skrmetta understands the lure of the ocean. He is the third generation of his family to ply the waters of the Mississippi Sound, the 90-mile stretch of water between Waveland, Mississippi, and Dauphin Island. “My grandfather came here in 1903 from Croatia — the Dalmatian Coast, the island of Rab,” he says. “At the turn of the century, there was a shortage of labor. Industry was booming. They were catching O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 37

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T R I P

and steaming oysters, canning and shipping them all over the country.” After 20 years on the water, the elder Skrmetta worked his way up to captain. “He had a diesel engine on a 65-foot boat and started hauling people out to the barrier islands in the summertime as a sideline.” In 1932, the family set up shop near a protected harbor on Ship Island. The French landed there in 1699, establishing the first capital of Louisiana at Biloxi. In 1814, 60 British warships and 6,000 Redcoats staged their ill-fated invasion of New Orleans from the island. During the Civil War, Admiral David Farragut (a Tennessean) used Ship Island as a base. The red brick Fort Massachusetts, which stands on the southern shore, is named for the Union gunboat which chased away the Confederate garrison. Efforts to preserve the fort eventually led to the establishment of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. “The islands are very special for their undeveloped beauty,” says Skrmetta, who still runs the family business, Ship Island Excursions. “You have green, clear Gulf water, surf, high-quality natural sand beaches, as opposed to the muddy Mississippi Sound, with man-made beaches and traffic on Highway 90 and all the development. It’s just a totally different experience when you go 12 miles offshore.” Ship Island Excursions’ day trips to the protected beaches were curtailed in October 2020 when Hurricane Zeta severely damaged the docks. “The ferry service will resume, with all the facilities rebuilt, in April 2022,” Skrmetta says. Meanwhile, Ship Island Excursions is helping people experience the wonder of the Mississippi Sound’s teeming sea life with sunset dolphin cruises. It’s prime territory for marine mammals, says Dr. Moby Solangi of the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. “We have one of the largest dolphin populations right

clockwise from top: Captain Mikey Moore briefs his passengers before setting off on a shrimping trip. The stingrays at Ocean Adventures Marine Park are very friendly. Inside the 360-degree tunnel at the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport. The

Mississippi Sound off Biloxi is a dolphin breeding ground; Dr. Moby Solangi’s Institute for Marine Mammal Studies rescues sick and injured dolphins from the Gulf of Mexico and returns them to their natural habitat.

here in Mississippi. … The estuaries that have developed from the Mississippi River, and all of the river systems emptying into the Gulf of Mexico, are very fertile. It’s also a nursery, where baby dolphins are born.” Solangi’s institute monitors the health of the dolphin population, a leading indicator of the state of the area’s ecosystem. “We have one of the primary facilities in this state to respond to sick and injured dolphins, turtles, and manatees,” he says. Next door at the Ocean Adventures Marine Park, visitors can get close to sea life without diving into the sound, with dolphin and sea lion shows, and an exotic bird encounter area. The stingrays in the

petting tank are very friendly. Over in Gulfport, the Mississippi Aquarium opened in August 2020. Its most stunning feature is a state-of-the-art, million-gallon tank teeming with fish from the Gulf and beyond. A transparent 30-foot tunnel takes visitors straight through the center of the aquatic action. In all, the aquarium boasts more than 200 marine species across 12 habitats. Captain Mikey Moore’s Biloxi Shrimping Trip gives you a visceral experience of the community’s historic relationship with the ocean. You will find no better shrimping ground than the Sound. The nets Moore casts into the muddy sound return teeming with fish of all sizes and sorts — most of the “by-

PHOTOS THIS PAGE AND TOP TWO OPPOSITE BY CHRIS MCCOY; OTHER PHOTOS BY LAURA JEAN HOCKING

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clockwise from top: The remnants of a boardwalk destroyed by a hurricane stretch into the Mississippi Sound. Pelicans fly over Deer Island. Bobby Mahoney poses beneath the high-water mark left by Hurricane

Katrina in 2005 inside his restaurant, Mary Mahoney’s, considered the best restaurant on the Gulf Coast. The broiled whole flounder is just a taste of the incredible seafood dishes on the menu at Mary Mahoney’s.

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catch” is thrown back. The most prized catch is the Royal Red, a decapod crustacean that tastes like lobster. The oyster habitat, once one of the biggest in the world, was degraded by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill; then, in 2019, a surge of floodwater was released into the sound by the Bonnet Carré Spillway, changing the salinity of the water and decimating the oyster population. As Captain Skrmetta says, “We’ve had some bad luck down here.”

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magine if you took a desert and covered it in sea water,” says Bobby Mahoney. “Now, imagine you took the Mississippi Delta and did the same.” The bottom of the shallow sound is covered in thousands of years’ worth of Mississippi silt, which accounts for the estuary’s fertility. As Mahoney says, “There’s a lot of lovin’ in that mud.” Mahoney is the proprietor of Mary Mahoney’s, which Emeril Lagasse called the best restaurant on the Gulf Coast. The restaurant was founded by Bobby’s mother, a fierce Mississippi fashionista whose many accomplishments include being the first president of the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce. A few years ago, when Jimmy Carter stopped

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in for a meal, Bobby Mahoney reminded him that Mary had once cooked for him at the White House, as she had for several presidents. “He said that’s about the only bipartisan thing he ever did.” Fresh seafood from the Gulf is the heart of the area’s thriving culinary scene. Not far away at The Half Shell, a Biloxi restaurant that has spawned a chain reaching from Baton Rouge to Tuscaloosa (though it has no connection with the Memphis Half Shell), the redfish is king. The beach is lined with “seafood on stilts” establishments like The Reef, where you can get your Red Royals served as

PHOTOS BY LAURA JEAN HOCKING

Shrimp and grits are a staple at The Half Shell in Biloxi.

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an authentic shrimp boil. Some of the best restaurants in the region are associated with the casinos that rise above Biloxi’s waterfront. Inside the Beaux Rivage Resort and Casino is Stalla, a stylish eatery that artfully incorporates the area’s seafood into its Northern Italian cuisine. The main attraction at BR Prime is high-end steaks for high rollers, but you can also find seafood such as South African rock lobster and Alaskan king crab. Gambling has been a part of the Biloxi attraction for decades, even before it was legalized in the early 1990s. During World War II, soldiers training at bases nearby streamed into the city on paydays to play craps in tavern

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backrooms. The Beau Rivage is a far cry from that tucked-away past. Built beside the water where a seafood cannery once stood, the hotel is the tallest building in Mississippi. From the sprawling gaming floor to the full-service spa to the massive pool, where cocktail waitresses weave between bathers, the resort supplies everything you might need to have a good time. When you tell locals you’re visiting, the hotel’s local-landmark status becomes clear as they inevitably ask, “Are you staying at the Beau?”

THE MAD POTTER

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urricanes are a fact of life here, but both the physical and psychic landscapes of the Mississippi Gulf Coast are shaped by two traumas. The traces live on inside Mary Mahoney’s, where Bobby will show you the signs indicating the high-water mark of Hurricane Camille in 1969, and a man’s height above it, the crest of Hurricane Katrina’s 2005 storm surge. Along the beach, pelicans rest on a double line of pilings where the wooden boardwalk was wrenched away by Katrina’s winds. Nearby, a new concrete

PHOTOS BY CHRIS MCCOY

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fishing pier promises to be more resilient against storms like Ida, which narrowly missed the area on Katrina’s sixteenth anniversary this August. Pieces of the old boardwalk now form the dock that connects The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint with the Old Fort Bayou. Sister and brother team Brooke O. Lewis and Brad Orrison founded the restaurant to serve travelers staying in their parents’ campground, and it has grown into a destination of its own. The indoor-outdoor eatery is decorated with finds from thrift stores and dumpster dives — as Orrison says, “The only difference between me and a hoarder is that I have a lot of land!” The Shed’s barbecue has a legit claim to be some of the best in the world. Their team were Grand Champions at Memphis in May in 2015 and 2018, and they have won trophies in almost every category — except, ironically, seafood. The area’s most distinctive structure is the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, designed by superstar architect Frank Gehry. The fluid stainless-steel shapes of the galleries reflect the twisted work of George E. Ohr, known as the Mad Potter of Biloxi. “Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Frank Gehry were all big admirers of Ohr,” says Bobby Mahoney. “They figure he was the first abstract artist in the United States.” At the same time the Skrmetta family was arriving in Biloxi, Ohr was firing impossible ceramic creations in his kiln. The same pots and bowls he was hawking to turn-of-thecentury tourists for $20 now go on the international art market for tens of thousands. His museum’s permanent collection, proves the

PHOTOS THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE BY LAURA JEAN HOCKING

The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art was designed by architect Frank Gehry to display the work of George E. Ohr, the “Mad Potter of Biloxi.”

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mad potter’s genius, and the galleries provide contemporary artists from all over the South with a place to show their works. The $25 million museum, with the majority of building funds donated by the Jeremiah “Jerry” O’Keefe family, was built in a fouracre stand of live oaks, many of which were destroyed by Katrina. The Beau Rivage sponsors one of the Ohr-O’Keefe’s galleries, and public relations director Mary Cracchiolo Spain says the hotel once displayed several

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Brooke O. Lewis and Brad Orrison welcome diners to The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint. of the potter’s pieces. As Katrina approached, the irreplaceable artworks were secured in a sturdy cage. But when the storm surge tore through the casino’s lower floors, the cage was swept out to sea. “I like to think they’re still out there somewhere,” she says, underneath the waters of the now-placid Mississippi Sound.

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OCTOBER

Breast Cancer AWARENESS MONTH

This is a month that I hold very near and dear to my heart. In honor of all those who have won their fight against breast cancer and in memory of those whom we have lost, I am donating a portion of each of my real estate transactions to The Pink Wig Project for the month of October.

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f you’re a woman, you’ve probably had this experience: You’re sitting in a meeting and you make a solid point — something you know needs to be said.

Your colleagues nod politely. Ten minutes later, a man makes a remarkably similar point, and the same people are so impressed they laughingly tell him to take the rest of the day off. Wait, what just happened? We offer the following introductions of a smattering of local women because we know what they’re saying and doing deserves our attention. Pick an industry, trade, or calling and you will find women leading the charge for progress. This year, we spotlight women whose professional and personal contributions help shape our collective future — women who are making points we should all listen to. The people you will read about on subsequent pages are remarkable, but this is not a contest or a ranking. Rather, we present women whose contributions, just like those of so many other people of all genders, warrant our attention. Listen up.

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DR. MIGUELA CANIZA

DIRECTOR, INFECTIOUS DISEASES PROGRAM, ST. JUDE GLOBAL

rowing up in rural Paraguay as the fifth of 12 children, Dr. Miguela Caniza came of age with a heightened sense of identity. What roles could she play, and where might she thrive? Before her tenth birthday, Caniza discovered a thick book on medical care in her home, somewhat ironic as her mother never learned to read. She found herself working as a nursing assistant during her teen years, and a career in medicine had begun. Today, as director of the Infectious Diseases Program for St. Jude Global, Caniza leads an international effort to inform and educate immunocompromised communities, a role that’s grown in significance amid the Covid-19 pandemic. “This will not be the last pandemic,” says Caniza, noting that some forget the H1N1 crisis of 2009 had legitimate worldwide impact. “A pandemic normally lasts long,” she says. “[These types of virus] live with us and become part of us. They’re creatures, I’d say, with one-way tickets. No return. My view now: actions so relatively simple [masking and vaccinations], many people just can’t do it. Right now, if everybody were to say, ‘I’ll isolate myself,’ this would die off. The reasons for not doing these things are multiple: mobility, obligations, political views, life philosophy. They all come into play. And it’s why we’re still facing [the pandemic].”

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Caniza earned her medical degree at the Universidad Nacional de Asuncion in Paraguay, then moved to the United States (initially California) in 1985. She found her way to Memphis (after some time in Columbia, South Carolina) in 2001 when St. Jude hired her husband, Dr. Stephen White. (White is currently president of the St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.) When Dr. Elaine Tuomanen — chair of St. Jude’s Infectious Diseases Department and a colleague of White’s — learned of Caniza’s experience in the field, a professional match was made. “Infectious disease has a beginning and an end,” says Caniza in explaining her attraction to the field that has come to dominate medical discussion across the globe. “You try to figure out what it is, find the resources to fight, then [hopefully], that’s the end of that. When you suspect an infection, you become a detective. Where is this coming from? How did this arrive in the patient? And is the infection controlled, or not? There are three steps: controlling, curing, and eradicating.” Caniza credits her mother when reflecting on her career in medicine, as she felt no barriers, even as a young girl. It was only upon reaching medical school that her gender seemed to become a factor. “I told classmates I wanted to go into surgery,” she explains, “and they said, ‘Forget it, Miguela. You are a woman.’ You can do either obstetrics or pediatrics. I had already gone through so many challenges, I wasn’t going to fight that. And

I liked pediatrics anyway.” Speaking for herself and eight sisters, Caniza emphasizes that medicine, not to mention humankind, is evolving, and young women interested in a science-based career should pursue it with vigor. “You can overcome,” she says. “It may be difficult at times, but you can overcome with grace and understanding of other people.” “I don’t see much of a difference,” she says, between a woman’s approach to healthcare and that of a man. “My husband is a scientist, and he’s very straightforward. I will consider [multiple factors and possibilities], but that’s not so much because I’m a woman but for my training in infectious disease.” Caniza acknowledges that motherhood — she has a daughter — has influenced her career perspective, and vice versa. “There were times we didn’t go to the doctor for minor illnesses,” she notes, “as I knew it wasn’t necessary. Now, I wouldn’t recommend that for mothers [without my background].” She chuckles with gratitude for her skillset, knowing hyper-vigilance with a child’s health is the rule for all mothers and fathers. What would Miguela Caniza, MD, advise her 13-year-old self if she could go back to those first days in a nursing ward? “I would just nurture,” she says. “Those were years of wonder and curiosity and possibilities. Just encourage. My mom was great. She told me to go ahead and do it. It was a time of innocence.” — Frank Murtaugh

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ST. JUDE GLOBAL

9/15/21 1:38 PM

DEBORAH CLUBB

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MEMPHIS AREA WOMEN’S COUNCIL

he first challenge with any advocacy organization is making people know you're there,” says Deborah Clubb, executive director of the Memphis Area Women's Council (MAWC) since 2004. In the early 2000s, the founding board of the council had researched issues that were at the top of women’s minds. Its members wanted action in areas as diverse as health, education, economic independence, and more, so the board called on Clubb, who had started the annual Women of Achievement event here in Memphis, to make it happen. With no shortage of concerns, the new executive director was determined to find ways to be as effective as possible. “My approach all through this has been to be as collaborative as possible and to absolutely try not to duplicate anything,” she says. Other groups were already providing certain services as well as essential work in research and philanthropy, so Clubb sought to get involved in areas that needed attention and build on the work already being done. At the time, there was no voice aimed at animating action, so the council sought to “take the research and create strategies and communications for change,” she says. MAWC would raise that voice as strategically as possible. “We continue to research and understand all we can about women’s needs and identify solutions in policy change or institutional change or simply

PHOTOGRAPH BY CATHERINE TURNER

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wider awareness and community action in Memphis and Shelby County,” she says. To that end, Clubb says, MAWC has a mantra: “Convene. Collaborate. Communicate = Change.” A key issue driving that is what she says is an epidemic level of violence against women and girls. The strategic focus of the council is on the needs of survivors, on more effective prosecutions of batterers and rapists, and to provide better resources and community involvement. These and other areas of concern have given rise to an impressive list of initiatives that MAWC has created or is part of. Clubb is coordinator of the Memphis Says NO MORE campaign to raise awareness and prevention of domestic violence and rape, and to connect victims and survivors to help and healing. She also created the campaign, “Violence at Home. Victims at Work. Employers Confront Domestic Violence,” which provides corporate training. Some 100 employers so far have participated and become better able to “recognize, respond, and refer” when domestic violence among co-workers and employees is present. The council has also partnered with CHOICES and Planned Parenthood in getting the word out about reproductive rights issues and events. And there’s the annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event that gives local men an opportunity to rally against domestic violence and rape. In 1984 — well before her involvement with MAWC — Clubb was key to starting what

would become the annual Women of Achievement event that celebrates remarkable women. The categories include Courage, Determination, Heritage, Heroism, Initiative, Steadfastness, and Vision. The Covid pandemic has limited the presentation of the event, but it will return next year in all likelihood. A project linked with Women of Achievement is the Memphis Women’s Legacy Trail, an endeavor to document, remember, and celebrate local women. Before becoming executive director of MAWC, Clubb worked at The Commercial Appeal. She’d enjoyed writing assignments since elementary school and found that journalism had a distinct appeal for her. She says, “Being a part of daily journalism would be like writing history every day. And I had loved history.” She was in charge of the school newspaper when she attended Transylvania University in Kentucky, and would go to Northwestern for her master’s degree. She moved to Washington to cover the U.S. Department of Agriculture before taking the job at the CA. “I was very interested in and involved in whatever way I could be as a working journalist in women's issues,” she says. It is a constant struggle to maintain that necessary voice for women in Memphis. “It can feel sometimes like the boulder’s falling on us and we’re not really pushing it uphill anymore at all,” she says. “But then I get a call from somebody who’s out in the suburbs trying to do this work and thinks I’m just the baddest ass she’s ever heard of and says, ‘Come on, help me do what I want to do.’” — Jon W. Sparks

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9/15/21 1:38 PM

ANASATROUTMAN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CLAYBORN TEMPLE

ost people placed in charge of a “National Treasure” might feel uncomfortable with such a responsibility. “That doesn’t make me nervous at all,” says Anasa Troutman, executive director of Clayborn Temple, referring to the 2017 declaration from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “It feels like a beautiful opportunity to share something that is so important to me.” Erected in 1891 as Second Presbyterian Church, and later renamed after a bishop with the African Methodist Episcopal church, the impressive stone building at Linden and Hernando became an enduring symbol of the American civil rights movement. The famous “I AM A MAN” signs carried during the 1968 sanitation workers strike were printed in the basement, organizers gathered here during the protests and marches, and they sought shelter in the sanctuary when police raided the building during those turbulent times. In more recent years, however, without a congregation, the old church fell into decay, facing demolition. Two developers, Frank Smith and Rob Thompson, purchased the property and stabilized the structure. That’s when Troutman entered the picture — and started the Historic Clayborn Temple nonprofit that now owns the property. Born in Harlem and raised in New Jersey, after attending Spelman College in Atlanta she realized, “This is where I belong, and so I’ve lived in the South for

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most of my life.” In school, she formed her own record label, GrooveMusic/EarthSeed Music, and over time became manager for the award-winning performer India.Arie. She honed other skills as well, and today, when asked what she does, Troutman says, “Mostly I tell people I’m a cultural strategist, writer, and producer” — usually doing all three at once — “and I recently added two other monikers: developer and philanthropist.” Troutman’s link to Clayborn began in 2018, when she produced Union: The Musical, presented there as part of the MLK50 events. “I knew I wanted to stay involved with the project,” she says, “because it was so mind-blowingly beautiful and its history was so important to me.” Smith asked her to serve as executive director for only six months, “but I have no plans to leave,” she says. “I just felt an energy here — for what Dr. King called a ‘revolution of values’ and I wanted to be a part of that.” She learned quickly, she says, “that to do sustainable social-impact work, it’s important to have access to capital so that the ideas you want to bring to your community are actually accessible to you.” Among her many ventures is The Big WE, which Troutman, CEO and founder, describes on the organization’s website as “her vision of a loving world and her belief in creativity as a pathway to personal, community, and global transformation.” In fact, The Big WE “is probably what I spend most of my time on,” she says. “It is funding the work on Clayborn Temple, and it’s the most comprehensive, strategic thing that I’ve ever been able to do

that can really intersect with any conversation about building cultural power — narrative, economic, and political power.” Later this fall, Clayborn Temple will begin a two- to three-year renovation that will transform the property into a cultural arts center. Troutman believes “the beauty of Clayborn Temple is that, from both a cultural and geographic standpoint, it sits at an intersection. It’s been both a white Presbyterian church and a Black AME church, and it sits on the border of Downtown and South Memphis. I feel like Clayborn has an opportunity to do what no other building in our city can do, and that’s bring people together in a place of nurturing and peace and love, and showing them what the future holds.” The word “love” comes up often in any conversation with Troutman. “I feel that’s my role on this planet,” she says. “To bring love into the room, because there’s nothing more potent than love. Love is the answer to every question, because if you say ‘love’ every time you cannot go wrong. Everyone will be treated fairly, and everyone will get what they need. Everyone will have safety and abundance and joy in their lives.” Clayborn Temple marks an important chapter in any account of civil rights in America. “If the story of Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis ends at the Lorraine Motel, then the beginning of that story is at Clayborn Temple,” says Troutman. “We want to be a welcoming place, presenting what I call ‘future history’ because we are holding onto the past and the future at the same time.” — Michael Finger

PHOTOGRAPH BY DARRIUS B. WILLIAMS

9/15/21 1:38 PM

PHOEBE ROAF

BISHOP, EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WEST TENNESSEE

he Bishop is stubborn. You can tell because her favorite Biblical personality is Jonah, who famously was told by God to go to Nineveh. “And Jonah was like, no, I don’t think so,” says Phoebe Roaf, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee. “I’m going to go the opposite direction. And then of course we know what happened for God to finally get his attention. But I feel like my spiritual journey has been a lot like Jonah’s.” Bishop Phoebe was consecrated and ordained as bishop in May 2019 following several instances of telling people, “No, I don’t think so.” Stubborn, yes. But also persuadable. Hers was a roundabout journey from growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to heading up a diocese (although no whales were involved). She got degrees from Harvard and Princeton, and earned her law degree from the University of Arkansas – Little Rock. She clerked for two years for a judge in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and worked at a law firm in New Orleans. Along the way, she was devoted to her church as an active layperson and her abilities were noticed. “My first priest asked me about a calling to ordination, probably in the mid-1990s,” she says. “But it really took a number of people saying that, over

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF WEST TENNESSEE

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a number of years, for me to really hear that God was calling me to something different.” She finally said yes to the process, but wasn’t convinced she would ever be ordained as a priest. “Of course, you know God has the last laugh and it did work out,” she says. “And when I made it through, I loved parish ministry so much, loved being with a single congregation and journeying with people as their relationship with Christ strengthened.” Roaf was in her forties when she attended seminary, so when she found her joy being in parish ministry, she calculated that she’d do that for 20 years and then retire. Evidently, God was still chuckling, because that’s not quite how it worked out, she says: “Some folks that I really trusted and respected in the church said they thought, given my public policy and legal background, that I had a great profile to be a bishop.” She certainly had the liturgical and pastoral aspects down, but, “when you’re a bishop, you’re at the 35,000-foot level,” she says. There are meetings and administration and “helping an entire diocesan system figure out what is our purpose in this era of our lives together.” In a word: vision. So it happened that, in her fifties, Roaf was elected bishop of the diocese that covers the state between the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers. That made her the first woman and first Black person in that position, and she was ready. “I’m a Southerner

through and through,” she says, “but I felt I needed to learn and I couldn’t unilaterally formulate a vision for the diocese without a whole lot of input and feedback.” And then the pandemic happened. “In some ways, I think Covid means some things are going to take longer, but in other ways, it’s expediting things,” Bishop Phoebe says. “I think we have a very significant environmental crisis and not sure if we can pull that genie back into the bottle. I think we have a political system that may be broken beyond repair, and we’re having a serious reckoning with the extent to which racism is embedded in all aspects of our lives as Americans, and especially here in Memphis.” Yet Roaf remains optimistic about the city. “We’re small enough that it is possible to be a part of the conversation and to make a difference,” she says. The diocese, she believes, can enable that conversation. “There are such extremes in Shelby County: great wealth and great poverty and tremendous suffering,” she says. “The church has to say something about the conditions of the most vulnerable members of society, but it’ll be up to the diocese as a whole to figure out in what small way might the Episcopal church collaborate and partner with folks who are already doing amazing work. I really want our diocese to be a full contributing member of this community and to work to make things better.” — Jon W. Sparks

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9/15/21 1:38 PM

KAT GORDON

OWNER, MUDDY’S BAKE SHOP

at Gordon opens the door to her Muddy’s Bake Shop on Broad Avenue. Tarps cover the shelves where pies are normally displayed. A colorful, patterned kerchief wraps Gordon’s hair, with wisps poking out; splatters of paint dot her pants. She’s been working all day on renovating the shop, scrubbing and cleaning along with her staff. They’ve just installed new windows, she says over the upbeat music that fills the space. The windows are not the first change Muddy’s has undergone this year. In the midst of the ongoing pandemic, Gordon went from operating three locations to consolidating to the one on Broad, where she recently purchased the space next door to expand the bakery’s footprint there. “The three years prior to the past 16 months, I had a bigger business and a bigger team, and I wanted to give my all, which is a good thing,” Gordon says. “But having 50 employees for me, I think, was so overwhelming because if I’m going to have 50 people working on my team, I want to do right by those 50 people. Same thing with customers. I want to do an amazing job for everyone and be present for everyone.” At this time, perfectionism was her sole motivator. “It’s a strength most of the time, but, like with any strength that we have, when taken to an extreme or misapplied, suddenly that same

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strength is a weakness,” Gordon says. “Perfectionism is the enemy of creativity. The creative self needs to be able to fail and to experiment. The perfectionist self certainly has a role, but that self is way better as an editor.” Though she hid it well, she says, her perfectionist self consumed her, leaving no time for her creative side. “To me,” she says, “it felt like I was always failing.” But the challenges of the pandemic demanded that Gordon set aside her perfectionist tendencies and embrace experimentation. She remembered that she opened at the height of the recession in 2008, and that even then, her business thrived. “We’ve had so many challenges that it’s a good reminder that whatever the thing is at the moment, you can be creative,” she says. “There are always challenges — they’re not always a recession or a pandemic. … But something that seems like a really big deal or just a huge obstacle probably isn’t as big as it feels in the moment.” In fact, as her friend Preston frequently reminds her, these challenging moments are “tuition. You’ve already paid it.” Gordon recounts the advice, “So what did you learn? … Well, I’ve learned a ton.” As such, consolidating was hardly a failure for Gordon. “Sometimes, we don’t even know what success is until we fail a little bit,” she says. “And I think people define success differently. I think most people would see having a multiple-location business as a success. … One of the things that is a success for me is working with a team. That’s been one of the biggest benefits about being under one roof.”

No longer is she spending time and energy driving from location to location. She’s at Broad Avenue from the start of the day until the end, which is marked by a staff cooldown. “We stretch, we breathe, we do a round of appreciations.” Being around and connecting with people energizes and inspires Gordon. So when faced with limited social interactions at the onset of the pandemic, she started teaching virtual baking classes, which, she admits, she had doubts would work smoothly. Now, months after starting the classes, Gordon takes pride in how she was able to stretch out of her comfort zone — not to mention that the classes were so well attended, Muddy’s plans to open an in-person classroom after this renovation. In addition to a classroom, Muddy’s will be adding storage and office space, leaving the front room entirely for the shop. Of course, each space will be decorated in Muddy’s colorful and cheery style, with each piece of decor intended to inspire. “Even the inevitable chipped plates have a second life on the wall,” Gordon says. Nothing and no one go unappreciated at Muddy’s. “You’re working with good people and you feel supported at your work,” Gordon says. “Even today, after I’ve been working [on renovations], my body is going to be physically tired, but because of who I work with and because of who our customers are, I’m not going to be drained. I’m going home with really great energy for my family, which is awesome.” — Abigail Morici

PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHLEIGH PEAK

9/15/21 1:38 PM

NUBIAYASIN

CHIEF STORYTELLER, TONE

t 22, Nubia Yasin perfectly embodies the inventive Black arts renaissance gracing the city of Memphis today. Beyond that, she epitomizes the very idea of the renaissance person. With formidable skills in poetry, fiction, video direction, and community engagement, she wears many hats. And all of those hats, she might note, are proudly cut from African-American cloth. As she puts it, “Zora Neale Hurston's been a huge influence on me in the way she uses dialect, being unapologetic in the way she uses language. She doesn’t care if you — as a white person, or non-white person, or non-Southern person — don't understand what the characters are saying. She’s like, ‘Figure it out.’ And Toni Morrison, whose novel The Bluest Eye changed my life, talked about the difference between writing Black stories for a white audience and writing Black stories for a Black audience, who she knew would understand. Neither of those women were pausing every couple stanzas or paragraphs to explain what just happened.” Such an approach aligns perfectly with her role as chief storyteller at the newly minted Black arts nonprofit Tone, formerly known as The CLTV. If that's an unorthodox job title, it captures the spirit of radical innovation that sets Tone apart from more longstanding arts organizations, and it dovetails neatly with the fundamental creative pursuit that is at the core

PHOTOGRAPH BY LAWRENCE MATTHEWS III

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of what Yasin does: writing. “It informs everything,” she reflects. “I'm multidisciplinary for sure. I do visual art, I do installation work, I do film, but the writing portion informs all of it. I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know how to read. And I’ve been writing since I had the motor skills to hold a pencil. Now, not all of it was good, but I’ve been doing the practice since I was very, very small. So it’s not really a thing that has ever been separate from me.” Some of her most celebrated words can be heard in the video of her Memphis TEDx Talk in February of 2020, where she addressed “the effects of gentrification on poor Black and brown neighborhoods,” using both her poetry and the photography of longtime collaborator Lawrence Matthews. “Forgive them father, for they know not what they do,” she sings before reciting her work, evoking a primary focus of her presentation: those typically well-meaning white developers and activists who may unwittingly open gentrification’s floodgates. That moment captures Yasin in a nutshell — in the presentation’s mix of poetry, images, and music, and in the unflinching cultural politics of her words. “Because I’m a Black woman, all the intersections that I exist in don’t allow me to be apolitical,” she says. “I think I have always been a person who’s attracted to the work of building community. I grew up in a house where we talked about Malcolm X. My dad literally grew up in Chicago with Fred Hampton’s son. So this idea of activist work was

never separate from my life.” Her mother’s background politicized her as well. “My mom was an orphan that grew up in Somalia. That’s one reason Warsan Shire is one of my favorite poets. She is of Somali heritage, and I saw myself in her and the stories she was telling.” Storytelling comes naturally to Yasin, one reason her current job title sits more comfortably with her than her previous label of community engagement director. And it’s essentially what she’s doing when working in film and video, mediums she’s been exploring with increasing deftness since 2015. This year has seen the release of several music videos she co-directed for Matthews, under his stage name Don Lifted, notable for their intentionally unsettling imagery. And only months before the pandemic struck, she scored big at the Indie Memphis Film Festival, receiving a Documentary IndieGrant for Okbih [Cut Up] Den, “about Black sexuality and the digital space,” and winning the Black Filmmakers Pitch Rally for her proposed feature, See Jane Run, “a dark comedy about drugs in poor Black life.” Work on these two proposed projects was slowed by Covid-19. “We’re trying to get those projects ready,” she says. “We’ll pick back up with them soon.” But, as ever, the immediate, ongoing project is more writing. “I’ve been adding to and taking away from a body of work for the past two years, that I’m hoping to finish soon. And what that will turn into, fingers crossed — Inshallah — will be my first book. But we will see.” — Chris McCoy

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9/15/21 1:38 PM

ELIZABETH ROUSE

PRESIDENT AND CEO, ARTSMEMPHIS

icture the life of an artist. Are you envisioning a solitary studio, a creative type who looks like they could probably use a sandwich, someone working with great intensity to bring to life a vision that may or may not lead to a payday? Yes, working in the arts is a labor of love, and yes, the pandemic was tough on the arts industry. But alongside tough circumstances are signs of hope. Artists of all kinds have collaborated to elevate both themselves and their communities in difficult times. In Memphis, the creative scene has benefited from the leadership of ArtsMemphis president and CEO Elizabeth Rouse, whose steady hand has kept the cash flowing and maintained the course of Memphis’ arts scene. It’s still a tough journey ahead for those working professionally in the arts. An ArtsMemphis survey regarding organizations’ 2020 financial health revealed troubling numbers. Respondents noted a 64 percent reduction in artists’ income compared to pre-pandemic, and a 27 percent reduction in the total number of people making a full-time living in the arts. Institutions reported a 53 percent decrease in staff positions. And from data collected in August 2021, a broad scope of organizations reported that they’d collectively lost $24 million in revenue compared to pre-pandemic times. ArtsMemphis needed to be agile when it came to managing grants and resources. “The arts are forever changed,” says Rouse, currently in her 15th

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year at ArtsMemphis. “Looking forward, it’s going to be a mix of how things were done before and some of the innovations that people have had to employ, like virtual versus live shows. But because of all this uncertainty, ArtsMemphis’ role of being the connector for much of the arts community has really had to be elevated over the past two years.” Like the organizations she supports, Rouse has adapted ArtsMemphis’ work to suit a constantly changing landscape. The early days of the pandemic were focused on distributing the commitments already made to the arts sector while juggling mass event cancellations and rapidly dwindling revenue. Rouse also made significant changes to the grants process. “We really streamlined our grant application and reporting process to make it as easy as possible," she says. “We now offer one-on-one check-ins and conversations with grantees every few weeks. We’ve also brought together leaders from around the arts community over Zoom so they could discuss strategies that had worked for them, and how they were handling other issues.” Rouse was able to maintain a strong level of support over their last fiscal year, distributing $2.2 million to 64 different organizations and hundreds of individual artists. Contributions from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis got many through the summer and fall of 2020. This year, a significant round of January funding and a First Horizon Foundation-sponsored $450,000 grant through the ArtsFirst program provided a

major boost. “We’ve just distributed over a million dollars over the last month in unrestricted support,” says Rouse. “We’re hoping that can bring back staff, resume programs, and cover other immediate cash needs." But with plenty of unknowns still to come, ArtsMemphis is homing in on building a platform for individual artists. The relaunch of the Artist Emergency Fund in late September, in partnership with Music Export Memphis, will see $150,000 in relief funding. Artists can apply for $750 grants to be used however they see fit, whether it’s for rent, groceries, or childcare. “This will extend through 2022 and even into 2023," says Rouse. "We’ve seen that relief funding is happening now and in the future, but external funds won’t last forever. So our main focus now will be to help artists and organizations work back to their regular levels of earned income.” For relief funding to be effective, it needs to be spent well. And that’s only possible if all the players are pulling in the same direction. To that end, it looks like Memphis is going to be okay; Rouse has been impressed by how the entire arts ecosystem — from creators, to donors, to patrons — has worked together to provide support. “Dozens of organizations have evolved throughout the pandemic. Memphis Symphony Orchestra continued operating. Opera Memphis innovated its programming. Memphis Slim House became a food distribution site, and Carpenter Art Garden is now a vaccination site. It’s amazing: You see organizations stepping up to play a greater role in the communities they serve, and that’s a big part of how we’re going to pull through this.” — Samuel X. Cicci

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ARTSMEMPHIS

9/15/21 1:38 PM

KATIE SMYTHE

CEO AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, NEW BALLET ENSEMBLE & SCHOOL

he ‘new ’ in New Ballet Ensemble’s name offers the first clue into the dance company’s contribution to Memphis. Founded by Katie Smythe in 2002, the company has expanded the definition of what (and who) ballet can encompass. The nonprofit’s flagship NutReMix performance has become a cultural holiday touchstone that both audience members and performers alike mark on their calendars. Performers from a diverse range of backgrounds have a chance to put their own spin on an adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, whether it’s dance, costume, or choreography. The award-winning spectacle epitomizes the vision Smythe had when she returned to Memphis in 1997 after teaching and performing professionally around the country. “If you look at NutReMix, that’s essentially our program model,” says Smythe. “It’s a strong multicultural performance which teaches many different styles through preparation. You have flamenco training, hip-hop training, West African dance training. If someone sees something they’d like to change, or doesn’t feel like they’re represented, they can participate in the production from the ground up.” Uplifting young artists and giving them a voice can be rare in the traditional arts world. “So many artists are subjugated to higher leadership, telling them ‘go there, do this, do that,’” says Smythe. New Ballet’s environment rejects that common ethos, allowing students and performers to have a

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say at every level, from the studio to the board room. Smythe frequently taps teenagers to become board members. Those students sit at the same table as executives from FedEx or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and are able to present concerns, questions, and ideas face-to-face. That boost to young artists representative of Memphis’ population is primed to build their success in the dance studio and after. “Locally, there’s a movement behind the empowerment of young Black arts leaders, and it’s terribly exciting,” says Smythe, “and I hope we can continue to be a part of that.” Some New Ballet graduates can choose to participate in the apprenticeship program, which offers professional development for teaching dance. “It’s suitable for those who have a passion for teaching,” she says, “but it’s also a lifeline and a paycheck for an artist who wants to be a performer.” Helping assemble the building blocks for a budding dance career is Smythe’s way of sharing the experiences she enjoyed as a child, where she received instruction from professionals like Alvin Ailey and Martha Graham, or dancers hailing as far afield as London’s Royal Ballet school. “The dance scene here was strong back then, which might surprise some people,” she recalls. “But that’s from the perspective of someone who had a lot of privilege. Barring some rare exceptions, there was no opportunity for something similar for a child who lived on the margins.” After a professional career that included dancing, acting, and television appearances, Smythe came back to Memphis and began formulating an idea to make dance accessible to anyone, no matter

their background. Approaching its official 20th anniversary in 2022, New Ballet is committed to strengthening its core values by taking ballet and dance to public schools and underserved youth in Memphis. Pre-pandemic, the organization went into six Shelby County Schools and two independent schools weekly to teach dance throughout the school year. The past few months have been about getting their programming back to that level in a safe manner. During the worst days of Covid-19, the nonprofit focused on virtual programming through Microsoft Teams. “It’s tough to build a relationship with young people like that,” says Smythe. “But it kept people dancing. For younger kids, we sent them recorded shows and then hosted Q&As, with the performers in full costume.” Smythe also has plans to expand north of New Ballet’s activity in Orange Mound. There have been talks to expand their services into Kingsbury Elementary School, but those are on pause due to the pandemic. And with the addition of Marc Willis (former CEO of Soulsville and executive director of Stax Music Academy) as chief program officer, Smythe hopes to instill more robust leadership training throughout the organization’s programming. But for now, Smythe and New Ballet will continue to spread their love of dance to all who may be interested. And with the 20th anniversary on the horizon, she hopes to see a large group of New Ballet alumni return for a knockout performance of NutRemix. “But before then, if you want to see what we’re all about,” laughs Smythe, “come see this year’s performance on November 20th and 21st!” — Samuel X. Cicci

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9/15/21 1:38 PM

Celebrate Your Company’s Milestone

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9/13/21 3:37 AM

WOMEN to WATCH ANNA BISHOP

FARA CAPTAIN

Fara Captain is the Broker/Owner of Captain & Co. Real Estate LLC. The company’s mission is to elevate the next generation of REALTORS®. Her recent recognition as 2020’s MBJ’s Executive of the Year Honoree highlights her commitment to excellence. She was also nationally recognized by RIS Media in 2021 as a Crusader for her efforts in elevating inclusive practices within the Real Estate Community. Whether it’s working with her clients or her agents, she is dedicated to providing exceptional service. Call Fara today to set up an appointment.

ASHTORIA AESTHETICS & WELLNESS

They say it’s not what you do, but why you do it. Anna Bishop’s dedication and passion for helping others has been the driving force behind her successful career as one of Crye-Leike Realtors’ Top Producing Real Estate Agents. Anna specializes in residential sales all over the Mid-South, is recognized as an official REALTOR® of the University of Memphis Tigers and is consistently named one of Tennessee’s Top Agents by Real Trends magazine. “Knowledgeable, motivated, and professional. Anna Bishop was a pleasure to work with. She took care of everything, always making sure we were satisfied every step of the way. We highly recommend her!“ — Happy Client

4630 Merchants Park Circle #703 Collierville, TN 38017 901.310.3530 • ashtoria.com

901.573.2832 (c) • 901.260.4780 (o) annabishop.crye-leike.com

901.500.8034 (c)• 901.390.HOME (o) CaptainandCo.RealEstate

ASHTORIA AESTHETICS & WELLNESS Wellness

Realtor

Driven by a passion for making medical aesthetics more transparent and approachable, Valerie Monismith, RN (center) opened Ashtoria Aesthetics & Wellness in 2015. She named the award-winning medical spa after her daughters Ashley (right) and Victoria (left) and focused on bringing beauty and wellness together in a safe and private setting. Soon after, both daughters joined the practice with Ashley as Business Manager and Victoria as an Esthetician and Laser Technician. This mother-daughter trio combine years of experience in nursing, nutrition, and customer service to elevate the standards for patient care and satisfaction in the Memphis area. Together with the other skilled female professionals at Ashtoria, these ladies are Women to Watch!

CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS

Broker/Owner

CAPTAIN & COMPANY REAL ESTATE

SUSAN AKIL EWING

SHANNON W. FINKS

KAREN GARNER

ALEXANDRA GARRETT DDS

Susan Akil Ewing is Founder and Chief Navigator of Ewing Marketing Partners, a boutique marketing firm that helps organizations grow through practical, effective marketing strategies. Susan’s specialty is developing streamlined solutions for even the most complex marketing problems by using innovative thinking, extraordinary attention to detail, and more than two decades’ worth of experience. Her business acumen, strategic expertise and collaborative relationships enable her to help clients build brands, increase visibility, and achieve sales growth while increasing market share.

Popular UT Pharmacy Professor Shannon W. Finks will be the first to tell you that COVID-19 “wasn’t even in our vocabulary” when she and husband Lloyd planned their LA-style concierge medical clinic for Laurelwood. The first-time president learned quickly, though, and in the 18 months since opening ZüpMed has made it the place to go for expert care, genetic testing, and COVID guidance, all served with a signature white glove hospitality.

Magnolia Homes Founder and President Karen Garner has been a staple in custom home-building in the Memphis area for over 34 years! Her hard-work and determination has brought about a detailed and personalized experience that is displayed throughout every Magnolia Home built! Additionally, the recently-opened Design Center perfectly complements the tradition of quality and service that is the trademark of Karen and Magnolia Homes. Karen is also very committed to serving Memphis, supporting numerous local causes and charities, while also actively participating as a member on the board of the Methodist Foundation.

Dr. Garrett has been building strong relationships through dental healthcare in the Memphis area since 2002. Her patient focused practice is a relaxing space with a rush-free experience. She continues to invest in cutting-edge technology, like Same Day Crowns, so she can offer the most comprehensive and comfortable care. Dr. Garrett provides full service dental care including smile reconstruction, replacing missing teeth, and comprehensive dental care for children and adults. She also helps improve your appearance by providing Botox and Juvederm services.

EWING MARKETING PARTNERS

ZÜPMED

Susan@EwingMarketingPartners.com 901.517.4634 EwingMarketingPartners.com

4576 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN 38117 901. 701.7010 • zupmed.com

Marketing Consultant

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Professor

Homebuilder

MAGNOLIA HOMES

193 Cartwright Farm Lane, Collierville, TN 38017 901.309.0710

Dentist

GERMANTOWN COSMETIC AND FAMILY DENTISTRY

9045 Forest Centre Way, Suite 101 Germantown, TN 38138 901. 347.3527 • gtownsmiles.com

9/15/21 11:59 AM

WOMEN to WATCH President and CEO

DR. KRISTA JOHNSON

Executive director and founder of ALLMemphis

AMANDA LEE

LEIGH MARTIN

Dawn Graeter, President and CEO of seven-branch Southern Security Federal Credit Union, has not only succeeded in the financial industry but continues to lead a recording-breaking team, year after year. Dawn has been with Southern Security since 2011. In that time, she has grown the credit union by 100 percent, increased the fulltime work force by 37 percent and doubled credit union assets. Dawn currently serves on the Board of the Tennessee Credit Union League, Shareone and serves as Board Chairman of Confluent Strategies.

Krista Johnson has spent the past decade bridging her experience in theory and research to the clinical world of reading remediation. Since founding ALLMemphis in 2017, Krista and her team have worked to empower Memphis educators with the skills necessary to meet the unique learning needs of our city’s youth. Memphis is filled with passionate teachers who want to obtain a fully literate community – ALLMemphis is committed to coaching and guiding them every step of the way.

2021 marks the eighth year of Amanda Lee’s ascent into the upper echelon of Realtors around Memphis. Her charismatic personality and love for data create a valuable resource in the world of real estate investing. Her first year, she won her brokerage’s Rookie of the Year, and followed that up with their Rising Star award. A lifetime member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club and a top 500 producer in the MAAR, clients benefit from this success because Amanda prides herself on creatively positioning buyers and sellers to achieve the best results when transitioning to their next home. You’ll be relieved Amanda was by your side through the entire process.

Leigh Martin has been an affiliate broker with Sowell Realtors for 24 years, and has consistently proven her success with both buyers and sellers as a Top 5 Producer, Top Listing Agent, Top Selling Agent and Top Closing Agent. Additionally, she is a Life Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club, an honor given in recognition of REALTORS® a n d R E A LT O R - A S S O C I AT E S ® o f the Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® who have achieved outstanding sales performance. The best interests of Leigh’s clients always come first because she believes her client relationships are the foundation and driving force behind every transaction. #leighsellsmemphis

DAWN GRAETER

SOUTHERN SECURITY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Affilate Broker

MCWATERS & ASSOCIATES REALTORS

Affiliate Broker

SOWELL REALTORS

allmemphis.org

2851 Stage Village Cv Ste 2, Bartlett, TN 38134 901.378.0433 • amanda@leeteammemphis.com

54 South Cooper, Memphis, TN 38104 901.351.3877 • martlei@aol.com

TAMMY MCCULLEY, M.D.

BRITTANY MYERS COBB

ASHLEY ONSBY

MOLLY PHILLIPS

Dr. McCulley has been serving the Memphis Metro Area since 1999 and is board certified in Allergy & Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. She started her own practice in 2016 and has now grown to offer 5 convenient locations. Her sixth location will be opening in East Memphis in December. Dr. McCulley and her compassionate team treat both adult and pediatric patients for a variety of conditions including environmental allergies (pollen, pet dander, grasses, dust mites, mold, etc.), asthma, recurring infections (ears, sinus, chest), eczema, contact dermatitis, food allergies, drug allergies, insect allergies, and hives.

Brittany Myers Cobb, Memphian of 15+ years, co-founded Myers Cobb Realtors, a boutique family-owned firm licensed in Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. Myers Cobb Realtors has quickly grown to a team of eight with her expertise in marketing and strategy. Benefiting Arrow Creative, last year, Myers Cobb chaired Memphis Fashion Week, Arrow’s largest Fundraiser. By cofounding Myers Cobb Realtors, Brittany Myers Cobb is hoping to build a family legacy and serve others in the city she loves.

Ashley Onsby has been a residential real estate agent in the Memphis area for 14 years. She believes good communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. Having the right agent means someone who is committed to helping you buy or sell your home with the highest level of expertise. Ashley’s goal is to make every customer a happy customer for life. Ashley has been voted ‘Best of Memphis’ Realtors in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 by Memphis Flyers readers.

Molly is a seasoned real estate professional that has been working with buyers and sellers throughout the Mid-South since 1996. She is a licensed broker in both TN and MS, has been a managing TN broker for a local franchise and is currently the managing MS broker for Real Living McLemore & Co., Realtors. Her accomplishments include: Multi-Million Dollar Club member, Centennial Task Force member, MAAR Ambassadors, Fair & Affordable Housing committee member, and Scholarship committee member. Molly loves selling new construction and has worked with residential mass production builders and high-end custom builders as well. Molly would love to help assist you with all your real estate needs in TN & MS!

765 W. Poplar Ave., Collierville, TN 38017 901.452.7900 • southernsecurity.org

ALLMEMPHIS

Allergy & Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics

MCCULLEY ALLERGY, SINUS & ASTHMA CENTER

www.mcculleyallergy.com 901.623.3323

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Partner

Realtor

MIDSOUTH RESIDENTIAL

MYERS COBB REALTORS

6075 Poplar Ave. Suite 107 Memphis, TN 38119 901-552-4036 • myerscobbrealtors.com

8046 N. Brother Blvd, Ste. 103 Memphis, TN 38133 901.581.9331 (c) 901. 333.1357 (o) ashleyonsby.com ashleyonsby@hotmail.com

Broker

REAL LIVING MCLEMORE & CO. REALTORS 901.701.7555 (o) • 901.336.1406 (c)

9/15/21 4:03 PM

WOMEN to WATCH DR. CHRISTINA T. ROSENTHAL

SARAH STRAMEL

ASHLEY WISCH

Dr. Christina T. Rosenthal, owner/CEO of Paradigm Dental Center LLC in Memphis, TN, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Memphis, earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from the University of Tennessee’s College of Dentistry, and a Master’s in Public Health from Harvard University. She’s also the founder of globally recognized, non-profit, The 516 Foundation, with its primary initiative, Determined to be a Doctor Someday, created to encourage under-represented students to pursue careers in healthcare. Her newest endeavor is a children’s book entitled You Can Become a Doctor Too.

Sarah Stramel of Stramel PR & Social Media supports small business via public relations campaigns, social media and email marketing. Her clients are flourishing during a time when many businesses are closing. Marketing is an integral piece of owning a business. Sarah understands the need to be known, liked and trusted online. This must-have for business can be accomplished through a strategic marketing campaign. She ensures every client at Stramel PR & Social Media receives 5-Star service. Sarah takes your success seriously!

Real estate is an intensely personal business and no one takes it more personally than Ashley Wisch. As a Memphis native and graduate of the University of Memphis, Wisch has developed the skills necessary to thrive in the challenging real estate market. Her boundless energy and drive allow her not only to enjoy her faith and her four children but has allowed her to rise to the top of her field. According to the National Association of Realtors, Wisch ranks in the top 1% of the country for real estate volume and has sold over 23 million in 2021 YTD. Wisch combines southern grace with her extensive knowledge and skill to ensure her clients have the best possible results.

Owner / CEO

Public Relations Pro

PARADIGM DENTAL CENTER LLC

P: 901.758.2127 • F: 901.758.2297 paradigmdentalcenter.com determinedtobeadoctor.org prescribinginspiration.com

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STRAMEL PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

sarah@stramelpr.com 901.262.0986 stramelpr.com

Realtor

LOVE YOUR MEMPHIS GROUP EXP REALTY

901.361.1293 • ashley@loveyourmemphis.com loveyourmemphis.com

TO ADVERTISE IN

WOMEN to WATCH please contact Margie Neal at: 901.521.9000 or margie@ memphismagazine.com.

9/15/21 10:44 AM

PROMOTE CONNECT LEARN SAVE The Collierville Chamber is committed to being here for you no matter the circumstance or crisis – promoting, connecting, educating and advocating for you and your business.

JOIN TODAY: 485 Halle Park Dr. Collierville, TN 901.853.1949 www.colliervillechamber.com

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9/15/21 2:16 PM

OVERVIEW AND HISTORY The American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign was created to engage and empower community leaders in the fight to end breast cancer. Each Real Men Wear Pink participant accepts a fundraising challenge and competes to be the top fundraiser among his peers by the end of the campaign. While this campaign is a fundraising initiative, it also provides strong awareness efforts in the local community for the American Cancer Society and its efforts to save lives from breast cancer. The Real Men Wear Pink in Memphis started in October 2015 with 26 candidates raising over $71,000. Since then, over 150 ambassadors from all around the Greater Memphis Area have come together in the fight to raise over $870,000 and in 2021, we plan to cross the $1 million mark! We are calling this year’s class the Million Dollar Men! This year’s Chairs are Phil Daniele and Tracy Trotter. Phil is the Executive Vice President of Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing, and E-commerce for AutoZone and is joining us for his third year as a Real Men Wear Pink Ambassador. He has raised over $29,000 since 2019! Tracy is Vice President of Development for the Orpheum Theatre Group and has played a vital role in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign since its inception in Memphis over seven years ago. As a former staff partner of ACS and now volunteer, she has helped grow this campaign tremendously by helping to bring in over $870,000 since 2015!

www.RealMenWearPinkACS.org/MemphisTN

This year on Wednesday, October 13th,

the American Cancer Society will be turning Tennessee Pink! We encourage everyone to wear pink, take pictures, and hashtag #TurnACSTNPink and donate to the Real Men Wear Pink of Memphis campaign.

PHOTOGRAPH BY YUPIRAMOS GROUP / DREAMSTIME

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9/15/21 11:25 AM

Real Men Wear Pink While October is officially breast cancer awareness month, the Memphis campaign kicks off in the month of September with an official Reveal Party. The Real Men Wear Pink Reveal Party is an opportunity for each year’s ambassadors to come together and network as we officially “reveal” our class of men to the public, our media partners, and sponsors. This year’s Reveal Party will be on Thursday, September 16th at Old Dominick Distillery and will be presented by Caesars Entertainment. Each October, over 3,000 men from across 240 campaigns nationwide come together to see who can raise the most money for the fight against breast cancer and represent their area. Over the last seven years, Memphis has competed against some of the largest cities in the U.S., beating out cities like Boston, Los Angeles, and Miami. Since 2017, Memphis has ranked in the top 15 campaigns in the country with individual candidates ranking in the top 10 overall. Past winners/top fundraisers in Memphis include Nat Hooker, Andrew Bettis, Daniel Weickenand, and and three-time top fundraiser, Randall Melton.

Andrew Douglas

N ationally, Real Men Wear Pink has raised more than $40 million since its inception, which fuels a live 24/7 helpline for answers and support, breakthrough breast cancer research, and so much more. We have been able to provide support through many programs and services like the ACS Harrah’s Hope Lodge located on Union Avenue. Since 2009, the American Cancer Society has funded over $1.8 million in breast cancer research alone at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. Currently, the American Cancer Society of Tennessee is funding over $933,000 in breast cancer research through two separate grants at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Meharry Medical College. ◗ The ACS is currently investing $76 million in breast cancer-specific research through 174 grants (as of October 2020). ◗ To date, more than $56 million has been invested in metastatic breast cancer research (as of February 2021). ◗ In addition, the American Cancer Society’s commitment to health equity includes a $48.6 million investment in research to help understand cancer inequalities and create strategies for overcoming them.

Marvin Todd

PHOTOS BY CREATION STUDIOS

WHERE THE MONEY GOES

Our Sponsors: Caesars Entertainment, Carrier, Cigna Our In-Kind Sponsors: Creation Studios, Old Dominick Distillery, Hampline Brewing Company 62 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

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9/15/21 11:33 AM

Breast Cancer Survivor Is ‘Thankful’ for Baptist Cancer Center After falling at work and injuring her shoulder, Angela Palmer was sent to her primary care physician for a physical. She was also scheduled for a routine mammogram that turned out to be not so routine. Doctors saw something of concern and immediately scheduled a biopsy. While waiting for her biopsy results, Angela did her own research on breast cancer. She learned about the different types of breast cancer, including an aggressive, hard-to-treat kind that is more likely to come back after treatment. If she had breast cancer, Angela hoped she didn’t have that kind. When the nurse called to tell her she did have cancer, it was ironically the triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis she had hoped it wouldn’t be. According to the American Cancer Society, triple-negative breast cancer accounts for about 10–15% of all breast cancers. The term triple-negative breast cancer refers to the fact that the cancer cells don’t have estrogen or progesterone receptors or make enough of the protein called HER2. These cancers tend to be more common in women who have a BRCA1 mutation or who are African American or younger than 40 years old. Triple-negative breast cancer can have the same signs and symptoms as other common types of breast cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer is considered an aggressive cancer because it grows quickly, is more likely to have spread at the time it’s found and is more likely to come back after treatment than other types of breast cancer. The outlook is generally not as favorable as it is for other types of breast cancer. The diagnosis felt surreal and as a tear rolled down her face, Angela had a conversation with God: “OK, God, there will be days when I will cry, not because I don’t have faith but because I am overwhelmed. But I know you’ve got this.”

Angela Palmer and her dad, Paul Clark, are grateful to her caring doctor and the team at Baptist Cancer Center. Angela felt safe in the care of Dr. Sailendra Vasireddy and his team at Baptist Cancer Center. “He broke everything down so I could understand it all,” said Angela. “He talked to me, and he listened to me. He was on top of every issue that came up.” Her faith was tested when TennCare denied her claims right as her chemotherapy treatments started. But when she called to cancel her appointments because she didn’t have insurance or the ability to pay, the nurse navigator at Baptist Cancer Center told her not to stop for any reason and that they would set up a plan for her while she appealed the TennCare ruling.

“Everybody at Baptist did everything they could to help me,” said Angela. “They didn’t just treat me like a patient, they treated me like family.”

Angela’s own family, specifically her high school-aged son, was very concerned about her beating this cancer. “I could see it in his face,” said Angela. “But I told him, ‘I’m a fighter—always have been, always will be!’” Angela’s treatment included two lumpectomies, five rounds of chemotherapy every other week for 12 weeks, and three weeks of radiation therapy. During these treatments and the many complications she suffered, including shingles and neuropathy, Angela kept smiling. “And I’m still smiling today. I’m just so thankful,” said Angela. In February 2021, Angela’s mammogram came back clear. She is grateful to her caring doctor and the team at Baptist Cancer Center for getting her to this point and providing her with hope throughout her cancer journey.

baptistpink.com

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9/10/21 3:18 PM

PHOTO BY CREATION STUDIOS

Real Men Wear Pink

John Leslie

DONATE TO YOUR FAVORITE MEMBER OF THE 2021 CLASS www.RealMenWearPinkACS.org/MemphisTN

Phil Daniele, E xecutive Vice President, of Merchandising, Supply Chain, Marketing, and E-Commerce for AutoZone, third-time returning ambassador, and 2021 Chairman. “I have been involved for more than two years now and enjoy being part of the team and the effort to reach the $1MM raised for RMWP. I frequently discuss RMWP with people I come in contact with. Not just in October. It’s truly shocking how many people deal with breast cancer, both men and women. It has touched so many people and this has been a great platform to help spread awareness.”

Jim Holloway

Holloway Furs Established 1992

Various Fur Accessories & Outerwear HOURS: Monday-Friday 10am-5:30pm & Saturday 10am-4pm

901-685-FURS (3877) 404 Perkins Ext. Memphis, TN 38117

Memphis Magazine's

THE 2021

FACE OF

FURS

Donny Granger, C EO of Creation Studios. “Cancer affects all of us. Cancer has taken the lives of several of our close family friends and we have seen the pain and turmoil that fighting cancer causes.” Donny and his team at Creation Studios have supported Real Men Wear Pink since 2015, offering up their services to provide each class with professional pink headshots.

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9/15/21 11:06 AM

WHEN THE PROBLEM IS PAIN, WE’RE HERE TO HELP. Pinpointing and treating the source of your pain • Providing advanced interventional treatments

Our physician practice, in-house surgery center, and physical therapy department provide compassionate, comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for patients suffering from chronic pain.

901-747-0040 • www.maysandschnapp.com 55 Humphreys Center Dr., Ste. 200 • Memphis, TN 38120 7900 Airways Blvd., Ste. A6 • Southaven, MS 38671

COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR YOUR PAIN.

Medical Director: Moacir Schnapp, MD, Pain Clinic Associates PLLC d/b/a Mays & Schnapp Neurospine and Pain is a licensed pain management clinic. License #PLLC0000000690

Ask Questions. Get Answers! I see it all the time. You finally find a great home and lose it because you weren’t prepared to offer a contract.

Why?

You didn’t get pre-qualified for the mortgage.

Get prepared. Be ready. Step #1....One Phone Call

901-494-4400 Ludy Callaway, Vice-President 901-494-4400 ludy@i-bankonline.com NMLS# 267872

NMLS #772685

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Custom Compounding for People and Pets

Memphis Magazine’s

THE 2021

FACE OF COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

785 Brookhaven Circle E • Office 901-682-2273 • Fax 901-682-4146 PeoplesCustomRx.com

9/15/21 11:09 AM

Real Men Wear Pink Memphis Magazine’s

THE 2021

CREATING FAMILIES TOGETHER

FACE OF

REPRODUCTIVE

MEDICINE

Fertility Associates of Memphis is the only state-of-the-art practice providing comprehensive reproductive health care to couples of the Mid-South and beyond … treating patients struggling with infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss and reproductive disorders. Our highly specialized team utilizes cutting edge techniques including in vitro fertilization with laser blastocyst biopsy, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and fertility preservation. Our compassionate physicians, board-certiﬁed in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, have been bringing dreams to life for over 25 years.

Amelia P. Bailey, M.D. Paul R. Brezina, M.D. William H. Kutteh, M.D., Ph.D. Raymond W. Ke, M.D.

(901)747-BABY (2229) fertilitymemphis.com Centers of Excellence for Reproductive Medicine and In Vitro Fertilization.

Divorce is a bad choice, but it may be the best choice. Our hope is that neither you, nor anyone close to you, need information about divorce. The reality is that you probably know someone who needs this information so they can make the best decisions about divorce.

Aboutdivorce.com Rice Law firm@ricelaw.com 901-526-6701

Darrell Bagby, V ice President of Operational Excellence for Varsity Spirit. “I lost a good friend and co-worker to breast cancer. I’m most excited to be part of this campaign to help bring continued support and awareness to the cause and to add a little more pink to my wardrobe.” Darrell is the seventh RMWP candidate for Varsity Spirit. They have had a Varsity employee participate in this campaign every year since it started in Memphis. Freeman Peterman, Marketing and Technology Director for Jim Keras Automotive. “I enjoyed being a RMWP candidate in 2017 and am honored and privileged to participate again this year. This year has extra meaning for me. My grandmother battled breast cancer for many years, and this February she passed away from lingering complications from the cancer. Nobody should have their life shortened because of cancer, and I’m participating in RMWP to help make this a reality.” Derrick Madison, G eneral Manager of Horseshoe Casino – Caesars Entertainment. Derrick is proud to be wearing his pink and representing the Presenting Sponsor, Caesars Entertainment. Andrew Douglas, Morning Anchor/Reporter for WMC-TV5. “I started “Andrew’s Pink Tie Campaign” six years ago. I would wear pink ties sent in from people who told me their struggles and their families struggle with cancer ... many of which passed away from the disease. I would wear pink ties in their honor.” Marvin Todd, Manager of Revenue Management Analysis for FedEx Services. Quintin Robinson, Vice President of Account Management at Cigna. Nick May, Audit Senior at Deloitte & Touche, LLP. William Plenk, Director of Athletic Bands for the University of Memphis. Carlos Salgado, Corporate Development Manager for Silver Tree Residential, LLC.

Donate

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9/15/21 11:11 AM

Real Men Wear Pink Reggie Crenshaw, President and CEO at Leadership Memphis. Dane Williams, Insurance Advisor for Shoemaker Insurance Solutions. Vance Stacks Jr., CEO and Founder of Pink Ain’t Whatcha Think. Preston Butts Jr., F ounder and CEO of MEM10 Consulting. Ben Jabbour, B ilingual Patient Services for Semmes-Murphy.

Personal fitness begins with a personal fit.

Cato Johnson III, E ngagement Consultant for Cigna. Brett Martin, M arket Sales Director for Vertava Health. John Leslie, Senior Medical Director for Tri-South Region for Cigna. Chris Ollar, Owner of Ollar and Son’s Service Company. Jeff Hulett, Principal of Jeff Hulett Public Relations.

4530 POPLAR AVE — MEMPHIS 2130 W POPLAR AVE — COLLIERVILLE FLEETFEETMEMPHIS.COM

@fleetfeetmemphs /fleetfeetmemphis

Matt Rich, M arketing Manager for Sayle Oil Company. Brett Heinrich, Career and Technical Education Supervisor for Collierville Schools. Hugh Balthorp, Owner and Creative Director for Sweet Magnolia Gelato Company. Richard Rhodes, Partner for Hampline Brewing Company. Jon Dickens, R ealtor Associate for Marx-Bernsdorf Realtors. Eric Bailey II, D irector of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion for the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy. Travis King, CEO of Monumental Marketing and Management.

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9/15/21 11:12 AM

AS K

VA N C E

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

DEAR VANCE: Who is — or was — the “Brooks” of Memphis Brooks Museum of Art?

— R.H., MEMPHIS.

It’s a good question, and I’m surprised it doesn’t come up more often. The museum’s official name, when it opened in 1916, was Brooks Memorial Art Gallery, as a tribute to Samuel Hamilton Brooks. Born in 1834 in Beverly, Ohio, he came to Memphis when he was 24 and took a job in an iron foundry, according to old city directories. After the Civil War, he teamed up with a partner to establish Brooks, Neely & Company, cotton factors and grocers with offices on Front Street, and became quite wealthy. He also served as vice president of First National Bank and was a charter member of the Cotton Exchange. The Commercial Appeal called him “a man of generous DEAR R.H.:

impulse, ever ready to extend a helping hand in any direction.” In 1876, he was the first to donate funds to purchase the fountain in Court Square, among other civic contributions. When he passed away in 1912 during a trip to Baltimore, the CA eulogized, “He was involved in innumerable good works for the city and for humanity, and his name and memory are held in deepest reverence by all who knew him.” Before his death, he had told friends that he hoped Memphis would someday have an art gallery, but apparently that’s as far as he got with it. The credit for turning that dream into reality goes to his wife, Bessie Vance Brooks. Born in Memphis in 1854, Bessie was the only child of Margaret and Calvin Vance, a prominent attorney here. She attended the Clara Conway Institute, one of this city’s most prestigious schools, and also studied art in Paris. I don’t know the circumstances — how and where they met — but in 1902, she married Samuel Hamilton Brooks. Newspaper articles describe her as a “talented artist in her own right” and she created works that are in public or private collections. Even more impressive, though, she left behind an entire art gallery. When her husband passed away, Brooks quickly decided to create a memorial in his name. She didn’t bother asking for donations. Within months of his death, it seems she simply wrote a check for $100,000 — an astonishing sum in those days — and got to work. The first task was to select a designer, and here again money was apparently no concern. In 1913, she hired New York architect James Gamble Rogers, who had established a national reputation for creating distinctive buildings on the campuses of Yale and Columbia universities. In Memphis, Rogers designed the Shelby County Courthouse, one of the city’s most impressive buildings. Brooks selected a site in Overton Park, and groundbreaking took place on the relatively small building — it measured only 90 by 100 feet — in 1914. The exterior was clad in white Georgia marble, with elaborately carved panels on either side of the entrance representing Art and Sculpture. Above the doorway was an inscription chosen by Brooks: “Put thou thy faith in the Lord and be doing good.” The Commercial Appeal helpfully explained, “If the beautiful example set by Mrs. Brooks shall be emulated by others, if the prayer that welled from the heart of the donor to be chiseled in imperishable letters over the entrance finds an echo in the hearts of all who read it, many good and profitable things will come to Memphis, for it will bring love, prosperity, and good will to all.” The interior, which offered visitors two floors of galleries, featured walls of gleaming white marble panels, with floors of polished teakwood. When it first opened, though, the building was practically empty. Inside were two paintings — life-size oil portraits of Bessie (shown here) and Samuel, painted by Cecilia Beaux (1855-1942), a highly regarded Philadelphia-born artist — along with

ARTWORK COURTESY MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM | CECILIA BEAUX, AMERICAN, 1855-1942, PORTRAIT OF MRS. SAMUEL HAMILTON BROOKS, 1911, OIL ON CANVAS, 47 3/4” X 35”, GIFT OF MRS. SAMUEL HAMILTON BROOKS

Bessie Vance Brooks

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POSTCARD COURTESY VANCE LAUDERDALE

“a very suitable exhibition” arranged by the Memphis Art Association, though newspapers didn’t provide details. Other paintings and sculptures would come later, of course. The formal dedication of the building took place at 5 p.m. on May 25, 1916, with hundreds of men and women gathered around the entrance. Although Mayor Thomas Ashcroft couldn’t attend “on account of city budget matters,” he still sent a huge bouquet of red roses for Brooks, “along with the hope that the perfume from every flower would bring a sweet thought to the recipient.” City Attorney Charles Bryan formally accepted the building as a gift to the citizens of Memphis, referring to Overton Park as “this garden spot, which only needed a jewel to make it complete.” For years afterwards, Brooks Art Gallery was called “the jewel in the Brooks family plot in Elmwood Cemetery, but box in the park.” for reasons I can’t explain, the space on her husband’s Bishop Thomas F. Gailor gave a lengthy invocation gravestone, where her name should have been carved, and then read a short speech prepared by Brooks, who remains blank. didn’t want to speak before such a large crowd: Over the years, of course, the little “jewel box in “I hereby give and donate this building to the public the park” has outgrown the original building, with use, as a repository, conservatory, and museum of art major expansions in 1955, 1973, and 1989. The name — to be kept and maintained forever, under the care has changed too, from Brooks Memorial Art Gallery and regulation of the Park Commission and other auto Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Current plans, thorities of the City of Memphis in the as most people know, involve moving “I hereby give and donate State of Tennessee, to be known and desBrooks out of Overton Park entirely, ignated as ‘The Samuel Hamilton Brooks where it has stood for more than a this building to the public Memorial’ for the free use and service of century, and relocating it to a modern use, as a repository, building Downtown, overlooking the students of art and for the enjoyment, inconservatory, and museum river at Front and Union. Those plans spiration, and instruction of our people.” Another part of the official dedicadon’t specify what would happen to of art — to be kept and tion involved presenting the gallery the original building. maintained forever, under keys to Robert Galloway, chairman of The remarkable contribution of Besthe care and regulation the Memphis Park Commission. “Colsie Vance Brooks hasn’t been forgotonel Galloway was almost overcome at ten. In 2014, the Women of Achieveof the Park Commission several stages of his address,” reported ment honored her life and work in the and other authorities of The Commercial Appeal, “but he made an category of “Heritage,” for “a woman the City of Memphis in eloquent reply and said that the value of of generations past whose achievean art gallery was immeasurable.” ments enrich our lives.” the State of Tennessee, to The last speaker was Frances Church, The award made this observation: be known and designated president of the Memphis Art Associa“Bessie’s generosity provided more than a building; it created a place tion. Her remarks give present-day readas ‘The Samuel Hamilton ers some idea of the enormity of the gift where many other women in the city Brooks Memorial’ for the contributed to the arts and, especialBessie Brooks had bestowed upon Memfree use and service of phis, saying that “she had lost all hope ly, to arts education.” Among them of seeing an art gallery in Memphis, but were the Memphis Art Association, students of art and for the now she witnessed the realization of this which eventually became the Memenjoyment, inspiration, and hope. This made her believe that many phis College of Art, and the Brooks instruction of our people.” good things would yet come to pass.” Museum League, a women’s orgaAfter all the speeches, the newspanization with a special emphasis on — Bessie Vance Brooks per reported that “Mrs. Brooks was children’s programs. showered with thanks from grateful hearts, acceptThe Women of Achievement concluded their 2014 ing all with graceful modesty and an expression of tribute in this way: “With a collection that numbers happiness in the thought that she had done some almost 9,000 works of art, and a building that has been good for Memphis.” expanded three times, the Brooks has no doubt exceedIndeed she had. Just a few months after the gallery ed what Bessie imagined for her community. Her legacy opened, however, she moved away to Daytona, Florida, endures, and generations have benefited from the beauwhere she lived until her death in 1943. She is buried ty and glory of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.”

opposite: This portrait of Bessie Vance Brooks, by American artist Cecelia Beaux, was one of the few paintings on display when the art gallery first opened in 1916. above: The original entrance of the gallery, shown here, faced west. This view of the building has changed very little over the years.

Got a question for Vance?

EMAIL: askvance@memphismagazine.com MAIL: Vance Lauderdale, Memphis magazine, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101 ONLINE: memphismagazine.com/ ask-vance

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By the Brewery

Biscuits, beer-braised brisket, and sandwiches await you on a once-quiet corner of Tennessee Street. BY SAMUEL X. CICCI

ess than a decade ago, the Tennessee Brewery was an abandoned shell, Memphis’ version of a European cathedral in ruins. Now, the nearly 130-year-old structure has been reinvented as an apartment building. Robin Joyce setting up shop by the revitalized building, just across the street at 496 Tennessee Street, may have been one of the best things to happen to the apartment residents. Joyce, an experienced caterer, whips up fresh and healthy breakfast and lunch offerings, and has quickly ingratiated herself with the neighborhood via By the Brewery’s delicious salads and sandwiches.

and a honey sriracha sauce. But one of the most-requested biscuits is its meatless counterpart, the grits cake biscuit. “It’s Delta Grind grits with smoked gouda that are poured into a pan. We cut them out the same size as the biscuits,” says Joyce. “We bread them and deep-fry them, and they’re dressed in the same way with the sriracha honey. Cooked that way, I’d liken it to polenta. But when you compare it with the chicken biscuit, it’s hard to tell the difference.” By the Brewery’s hash browns, known as smash browns, are also in high demand. Whole potatoes are chopped up, then dropped into the deep fryer. They emerge from the experience crispy and tender at once. Joyce says that over the course of each weekend,

Avocado toasted sandwich

Owner Robin Joyce

Tennessee Street biscuit

Joyce started her catering company, A Catered Affair, in the late ’80s while pregnant with her first child, Hannah. Fast forward to today, and Hannah now helps out at By the Brewery, handling social media, photography, and even contributing to a peaceful botanical garden mural painted on the far wall within the restaurant. The artwork adds to the calm and cheery interior, boosted by large windows letting in plenty of sunlight. It’s an easy space to relax in, with its soft white brick walls and an approachable reclaimed wooden counter carrying coffee and dog treats, among other things. On the wall behind the counter hang several blueprints of the original Tennessee Brewery expansion that Joyce has collected over the years. But the decoration that stands out the most is a pair of large vintage wooden doors from New Orleans

that leads to the kitchen. “The space was completely empty when we moved in,” she laughs, “so I knew I could work those doors in somehow and put my own little touch on it.” Joyce has always had a family component to her work. “For a small, family-owned catering company, if you’re tall enough to look over the counter, you’re going to be helping out,” she laughs. “Now, Hannah’s my harshest critic, which I need!” Diving into the menu, though, it’s hard to see any basis for criticism. By the Brewery ticks a lot of breakfast and lunch options: house-made brewery biscuits infused with Ghost River Grindhouse beer, classic deli sandwiches such as the reuben, and sweet treats anchored by Oreo brownies. First-time arrivals might start with the Tennessee Street biscuit, showcasing crispy fried chicken with homemade pickles

the restaurant sells 100 pounds of potatoes. One of the biggest lunch hits so far is the avocado toasted sandwich. The top slice of bread holds an egg-in-the-hole, while between the slices are stuffed sauteed spinach and fresh mozzarella. Topping it off are sliced tomatoes, avocadoes, and goat cheese. But the standout for me is Joyce’s take on what’s normally a simple lunchtime staple: grilled cheese. The brisket grilled cheese piles on tender cuts of chili-rubbed, beer-braised beef, mixed with pepperoncinis and onions. “Instead of packing everything in the middle, we give it a cheesy crust,” says Joyce. “It starts under the whole wheat bread, and the glue that keeps it on is Duke’s Mayonnaise. Instead of grilling it at the center, we do the opposite. The shredded cheese side goes down, and then we load in fresh

provolone, muenster, and monterey jack to the center.” For something a little lighter, there are plenty of salad options. Joyce recommends the Thai noodle salad, with shredded chicken, curly Thai noodles, purple cabbage, carrot shreds, red peppers, green onions, and shelled edamame dressed up with black sesame seeds. And beyond the main menu, Joyce is always incorporating seasonal specials. “When watermelon was really ripe, we put together a watermelon and nectarine salad with blueberries and a citrus dressing. We sometimes walk down to the farmer’s market and see what they have, and go from there.” In recent weeks, Joyce has prepared both gumbo and seafood chowder specials, with proceeds directed to Hurricane Ida relief on the Gulf Coast. What diners won’t see are traditional breakfast items like pancakes and waffles; that’s by design. “We want a lot of our items to be grab-and-go,” explains Joyce. “We also initially had the idea that we could do a breakfast-in-bed service and deliver items to tenants in the building. But we’ve found that with people working from home more, they’re more likely to want to go out and come to us.” Having had six months to settle in, Joyce is thinking ahead to what she can add to the experience. With a liquor license in the pipeline, mimosas and bloody marys should soon be gracing brunch tables. She’s also hoping to introduce wine and cheese tastings for the neighborhood. But don’t expect too much menu chopping and changing at the moment. “With Covid still a concern, you have to hang in there since everything’s always changing,” she says. “You have to find your niche and stick to it. But we’ve been really well received since we opened, and we’re looking forward to getting to know the neighborhood better.” By the Brewery, 496 Tennessee St. 901-310-4341. bythebrewery.com. Open for breakfast and lunch, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Closed Mondays.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY HANNAH JOYCE

T I D B I T S

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The Memphis Dining Guide

FISHBOWL AT THE PYRAMID—Burgers, fish dishes, sandwiches, and more served in a unique “underwater” setting. Bass Pro, 1 Bass Pro Drive, 2918000. B, L, D, X, $-$$ FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR— emphis magazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service Serves steaks and seafood, along with such specialties as to our readers. Broken down alphabetically by neighborhoods, this directory does bison ribeye and Muscovy duck, all matched with appronot list every restaurant in town. It does, however, include the magazine’s “Top 50” choices priate wines. 39 S. Main. 521-8005. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ FLYING FISH—Serves up fried and grilled versions of shrimp, of must-try restaurants in Memphis, a group that is updated every August. Establishments crab, oysters, fish tacos, and catfish; also chicken and burgers. 105 open less than a year are not eligible for “Top 50” but are noted as “New.” This guide also S. Second. 522-8228. L, D, X, $-$$ includes a representative sampling of other Bluff City eating establishments. No fast-food GOOD FORTUNE CO.—Authentic handcrafted noodles, ramen, and dumplings. 361 S. Main. 561-306facilities or cafeterias are listed. Restaurants are included regardless of whether they advertise 4711. L, D, $-$$ in Memphis magazine; those that operate in multiple locations are listed under the neighborhood THE GRAY CANARY—The sixth restaurant from of their original location. This guide is updated regularly, but we recommend that you call chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, offering small ahead to check on hours, prices, or other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome; please plates and entrees cooked on an open flame. Oysters, octopus, and hearty steaks are among the menu options at this contact Samuel X. Cicci at scicci@contemporary-media.com. eatery in Old Dominick Distillery. Closed Mon. 301 S. Front. 4666324. D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE—Offers DOWNTOWN GRECIAN GOURMET TAVERNA—Serves traditional prime steaks, fresh seafood (lobster tails, grouper, mahi mahi), favorites like spanakopita, pastitso, moussaka, and hand-rolled pasta, and several Northern Italian specialties. 149 Union, The 117 PRIME—Restaurateurs Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp team dolmathes, as well as lamb sliders and pita nachos. Closed Mon. Peabody. 529-4199. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$$ up with Chef Ryan Trimm to recreate the traditional American 412 S. Main. 249-6626. L, D, X, $ CAROLINA WATERSHED—This indoor/outdoor eatery, set steakhouse. Serving oysters on the half shell and a variety of surf GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED around silos, features reimagined down-home classics, including and turf options. 117 Union. 433-9851. L, D, WB, X, $-$$$ CHICKEN—Serves chicken with signature spicy batter, fried green tomatoes with smoked catfi sh, a buttermilk fried ALDO’S PIZZA PIES—Serving gourmet pizzas along with homemade beans, slaw, and pies. 310 S. chicken sandwich, burgers, and more. Closed Mon.-Thurs. 141 E. — including Mr. T Rex — salads, and more. Also 30 beers, Front. 527-4877; 215 S. Center St. (Collierville). 853-6005; 2965 N. Carolina. 321-5553. L, D, WB, $-$$ bottled or on tap. 100 S. Main. 577-7743; 752 S. Cooper. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 373-9111; 730 S. Mendenhall. 767CATHERINE & MARY’S—A variety of pastas, 725-7437. L, D, X, $-$$ 2323; 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN. 901-294-2028. L, D, X, MRA, $ grilled quail, pâté, razor clams, and monkfish are among THE ARCADE—Possibly Memphis’ oldest cafe. HAPPY MEXICAN—Serves quesadillas, burritos, chimithe dishes served at this Italian restaurant in the Chisca. Specialties include sweet potato pancakes, a fried peanut changas, vegetable and seafood dishes, and more. 385 S. Second. 272 S. Main. 254-8600. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ butter and banana sandwich, and breakfast served all 529-9991; 6080 Primacy Pkwy. 683-0000; 7935 Winchester. CHEF TAM’S UNDERGROUND CAFE—Serves day. 540 S. Main. 526-5757. B, L, D (Thurs.-Sat.), X, MRA, $ 751-5353. L, D, X, $ Southern staples with a Cajun twist. Menu items include totchoes, AUTOMATIC SLIM’S—Longtime Downtown favorite HU. DINER—An extension of Hu. Hotel, diner serves such jerk wings, fried chicken, and “muddy” mac and cheese. Closed specializes in contemporary American cuisine emphasizing local dishes as country-fried cauliflower, cornflake-fried chicken, and Sun. and Mon. 668 Union Ave. 207-6182. L, D, $ ingredients; also extensive martini list. 83 S. Second. 525-7948. L, octopus and grits. 3 S. Main. 333-1224. L, D, X, $-$$ CHEZ PHILIPPE—Classical/contemporary French D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ HU. ROOF—Rooftop cocktail bar with superb city views serves cuisine presented in a luxurious atmosphere with a BACKLOT SANDWICH SHOP—Big sandwiches, toasts with a variety of toppings including beef tartare with cured seasonal menu focused on local/regional cuisine. The breakfast bowls, and build-your-own-biscuits for breakegg, cognac, and capers or riced cauliflower with yellow curry, crown jewel of The Peabody for 35 years. Afternoon tea served fast, lunch, and an early supper. 265 S. Front St. 509-8612. currants, and almonds. Also salads, fish tacos, and boiled peanut Wed.-Sat., 1-3:30 p.m. (reservations required). Closed Sun.-Tues. B, L, D, $ hummus. 79 Madison. 333-1229. D, $ The Peabody, 149 Union. 529-4188. D, X, MRA, $$$$ BARDOG TAVERN—Classic American grill with Italian HUSTLE & DOUGH BAKERY & CAFE—Flaky, baked CIMAS—It’s breakfast tacos, shrimp and grits, chilaqinfluence, Bardog offers pasta specialties such as Grandma’s NJ breakfast goodness every day with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and uiles verdes, and plenty of other Southern and LatinMeatballs, as well as salads, sliders, sandwiches, and daily specials. more at Arrive Hotel. 477 S. Main St., 701-7577. B, L, X, $ American twists at the Hyatt Centric. 33 Beale St. 73 Monroe. 275-8752. B (Mon.-Fri.), L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ ITTA BENA—Southern and 444-3232. B, L, D, $-$$$ BEDROCK EATS & SWEETS—Memphis’ only PaleoDINING SYMBOLS Cajun-American cuisine served here, COZY CORNER—Serving centric restaurant, offering such dishes as pot roast, waffles, conveniently located above B.B. King’s up ribs, pork sandwiches, enchiladas, chicken salad, omelets, and more. Closed for dinner B — breakfast Blues Club on Beale St.; specialties are chicken, spaghetti, and more; Sun. 327 S. Main. 409-6433. B, L, D, X, $-$$ duck and waffles and shrimp and grits, L — lunch also homemade banana pudding. Closed BELLE TAVERN—Serving elevated bar food, including a along with steaks, chops, seafood, and Mon. 745 N. Parkway and Manassas. D — dinner butcher board with a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as daily pasta. 145 Beale St. 578-3031. D, X, MRA, 527-9158. L, D, $ SB — Sunday brunch specials. 117 Barboro Alley. 249-6580. L (Sun.), D, MRA, $ $$-$$$ CURFEW—An elevated sports BEN YAY’S GUMBO SHOP—Spiritual successor to DejaVu, WB — weekend brunch bar/American tavern concept by KING & UNION BAR GROoffering fresh and authentic Creole staples. 51 S. Main St., 779-4125. X— wheelchair accessible Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani L, D, X, $-$$ CERY—Classic Southern favorites MRA — member, Memphis at the Canopy Memphis Downtown hotel. BISHOP—Ticer and Hudman’s newest venture at the Central including catfish plate, pimento cheese, Restaurant Association 164 Union Ave. B, L, D, X, $-$$ Station Hotel features upscale dishes in a French brasserie style. 545 po-boys, chicken & waffles. Open $ — under $15 per person without EVELYN & OLIVE—Jamaican/ S. Main St., 524-5247. L, D, X, $$-$$$ for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with Southern fusion cuisine includes such drinks or desserts BLEU—This eclectic restaurant features American food with cocktails served with flair and favorite dishes as Kingston stew fi sh, Rasta $$ — under $25 global influences and local ingredients. Among the specialties are Memphis beers. Locally made confections Pasta, and jerk rib-eye. Closed for a 14-oz. bone-in rib-eye and several seafood dishes. 221 S. Third, available in the grocery. 185 Union Ave. $$$ — $26-$50 lunch Sat. and all day Sun.-Mon. 630 in the Westin Memphis Beale St. Hotel. 334-5950. B, L, D, WB, X, 523-8500. B, L, D, $-$$ $$$$ — over $50 Madison. 748-5422. L, D, X, $ MRA, $$-$$$ KOOKY CANUCK—Offers prime FAM—Casual Asian restaurant serves BLUEFIN RESTAURANT & SUSHI LOUNGE—Serves rib, catfish, and burgers, including the 4-lb. “Kookamonga”; also sushi rice bowls, noodle bowls, sushi rolls, and spring rolls. Closed Japanese fusion cuisine featuring seafood and steak, with late-night menu. 87 S. Second. 578-9800; 1250 N. Germantown Sun. 149 Madison; 521 S. Highland. 701-6666. L, D, X, $ seasonally changing menu; also a sushi bar. 135 S. Main. 528-1010. Pkwy. 1-800-2453 L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ FELICIA SUZANNE’S—Southern cuisine with L, D, X, $-$$ low-country, Creole, and Delta influences, using BRASS DOOR IRISH PUB—Irish and New-American LITTLE BETTIE—New Haven-style pizzas and regional fresh seafood, local beef, and locally grown cuisine includes such entrees as fish and chips, burgers, shepherd’s snacks from the Andrew-Michael team at Wiseacre’s foods. Entrees include shrimp and grits. Closed Sun. and Mon. A pie, all-day Irish breakfast, and more. 152 Madison. 572-1813. L, D, Downtown location. 398 S. B.B. King Blvd. 334-9411. L, D, Downtown staple at Brinkley Plaza, 80 Monroe, Suite L1. 523SB, $-$$ $-$$ 0877. L (Fri. only), D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ BY THE BREWERY—Breakfast and lunch café, THE LITTLE TEA SHOP—Downtown institution FERRARO’S PIZZERIA & PUB—Rigatoni and tortellini with a focus on Southern-style biscuits, salads, and serves up Southern comfort cooking, including meatloaf are among the pasta entrees here, along with pizzas (whole or soups. 496 Tennessee St. 310-4341. B, L, $ and such veggies as turnip greens, yams, okra, and tomaby the slice) with a variety of toppings. 111 Jackson. 522-2033. L, CAFE KEOUGH—European-style cafe serving quiche, paninis, toes. Closed Sat.-Sun. 69 Monroe. 525-6000, L, X, $ D, X, $ salads, and more. 12 S. Main. 509-2469. B, L, D, X, $

A Curated Guide to Eating Out

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 72 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O • O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1

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(This guide, compiled by our editors, includes editorial picks and advertisers.)

9/7/21 9:02 AM

LOCAL—Entrees with a focus on locally sourced products include lobster mac-and-cheese and rib-eye patty melt; menu differs by location. 95 S. Main. 473-9573; 2126 Madison. 725-1845. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ LOFLIN YARD—Beer garden and restaurant serves vegetarian fare and smoked-meat dishes, including beef brisket and pork tenderloin, cooked on a custom-made grill. Closed Mon.-Tues. 7 W. Carolina. 249-3046. L (Sat. and Sun.), D, MRA, $-$$ LONGSHOT—Chef David Todd has something for everyone with a wide variety of international fusion dishes, and a side of shuffleboard. 477 S. Main. D, $-$$ THE LOOKOUT AT THE PYRAMID—Serves seafood and Southern fare, including cornmeal-fried oysters, sweet tea brined chicken, and elk chops. 1 Bass Pro Dr. 620-4600/291-8200. L, D, X, $-$$$ LUNA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE—Serving a limited menu of breakfast and lunch items. Dinner entrees include citrus glaze salmon and Cajun stuffed chicken. 179 Madison (Hotel Napoleon). 526-0002. B, D (Mon.-Sat.), X, $-$$$ MACIEL’S—Entrees include tortas, fried taco plates, quesadillas, chorizo and pastor soft tacos, salads, and more. Downtown closed Sun. 45 S. Main. 526-0037, X, MRA, $  THE MAJESTIC GRILLE, DBA COCOZZA—It’s red sauce, all the time in the Majestic Grille space on Main. Variety of Italian dishes for curbside and takeout orders. 145 S. Main. 522-8555. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ 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). 662-890-2467; 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, $-$$$ PONTOTOC LOUNGE—Upscale restaurant and jazz bar serves such starters as alligator filet fritters; entrees include Mississippi pot roast with jalapeño cornbread and tagliatelle with braised beef. 314 S. Main. 207-7576. D, X, $-$$ RAW GIRLS—Raw and hot plant-based food alongside cold-pressed juices made from seasonal, locally grown sources. Closed Sun. 150 Peabody Pl., Suite 118. 207-5463. B, L, D, $-$$ REGINA’S—New Orleans-inspired eatery offering po’boys, Cajun nachos topped with crawfish tails, catfish platters, oysters, and more. Closed Mon. 60 N. Main. 730-0384. B, L, D, SB, X, $-$$ 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, $-$$

Memphis Magazine’s

THE 2021

FACE OF

INSURANCE & SURETY

TODD DYSON & LOUIS CLAY 866 RIDGEWAY LOOP ROAD • MEMPHIS, TN 38120 (901) 767-3600 • WWW.CLAYANDLAND.COM

Broadway Pizza House Legendary Pizza Since 1977

Memphis Magazine’s

THE 2021

FACE OF

2581 Broad Avenue (901) 454-7930

629 South Mendenhall

(901) 207-1546

PIZZA

O C T O B E R 2 0 2 1 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 73

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The Memphis Dining Guide

SILLY GOOSE LOUNGE—Gourmet, wood-fired pizzas and hand-crafted cocktails at this Downtown restaurant and lounge. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111. 435-6915. L, D, X, $ SLEEP OUT LOUIE’S—Oyster bar with such specialties as chargrilled 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. 345 S. Main. 526-0388. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ SUGAR GRITS— Who said breakfast has to be in the morning? The Westmorelands offer grits and other breakfast goodness all day long, in addition to other Southernstyle lunch and dinner options. 150 Peabody Pl., Suite 111. 249-5206. B, L, D, $-$$ SUNRISE MEMPHIS—From the 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, and mushroom pizzetta. Rooftop, River Inn of Harbor Town, 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3366. D, X, MRA, $$ TEXAS DE BRAZIL—Serves beef, pork, lamb, and chicken dishes, and Brazilian sausage; also a salad bar with extensive toppings. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 103. 526-7600. L (Wed.-Fri.), D, SB, X, $$-$$$ TUG’S—Famous for New Orleans gumbo, fabulous burgers, fried thin catfish, and specialty pancakes. Now serving Grisanti Crafted Pizza. 51 Harbor Town Square. 260-3344. B, L, D, WB, X, $$-$$$ THE VAULT—Oysters, shrimp beignets, flatbreads, stuffed cornish hen, and Smash Burger featured on “Late Nite Eats” are among the dishes offered at this Creole/Italian fusion eatery. 124 G.E. Patterson. 591-8000. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ 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, $

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 Spanishstyle 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, $-$$ BARI RISTORANTE ENOTECA—Authentic Southeastern Italian cuisine (Puglia) emphasizes lighter entrees. Serves fresh fish and beef dishes and a homemade soup of the day. 524 Cooper. 722-2244. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ 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. 2788626. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ BEAUTY SHOP—Modern American cuisine with international flair served in a former beauty shop. Serves steaks, salads, pasta, and seafood, including pecancrusted golden sea bass. Perennial “Best Brunch” winner. Closed for dinner Sunday. 966 S. Cooper. 272-7111. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ 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, $ 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, $-$$ CENTRAL BBQ—Serves ribs, smoked hot wings, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, turkey, nachos, and portobello sandwiches. Offers both pork and beef barbecue. 2249 Central Ave. 272-9377; 4375 Summer Ave. 767-4672; 147 E. Butler. 672-7760 ; 6201 Poplar. 417-7962. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ COMPLICATED PILGRIM—Quick serve coffee shop, bar, and restaurant all in one at The Memphian hotel. 21 S. Cooper St. 601-909-5820. B, L, D, $-$$ THE COVE—Nautical-themed restaurant and bar serving oysters, pizzas, and more. The Stoner Pie, with tamales and fritos, is a popular dish. 2559 Broad. 730-0719. L, D, $ THE CRAZY NOODLE—Korean noodle dishes range from bibam beef noodle with cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, to curry chicken noodle; also rice cakes served in a flavorful sauce. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 2015 Madison. 272-0928. L, D, X, $ THE DOGHOUZZ—It’s both bark and bite at the Doghouzz, which pairs a variety of gourmet hot dogs alongside local craft beer and one of the city’s most extensive whiskey selections. Open for lunch, dinner, and late-night. Closed Sunday. 1349 Autumn Ave. 207-7770. L, D, X, $ ECCO—Mediterranean-inspired specialties range from rib-eye steak to seared scallops to housemade pastas and a grilled vegetable plate; also a Saturday brunch. Closed Sun.-Mon. 1585 Overton Park. 410-8200. B, L, D, X, $-$$ FABIOLA’S KITCHEN—Longtime caterer Fabiola Francis serves up burgers, tacos, fish, and much more. 1353 Jackson Ave. B, L, $ 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, Suite 175. 8001851. 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, $ FLAME RAMEN—Traditional Japanese ramen restaurant serving up bowls of noodles in Midtown. 1838 Union Ave. 779-8666. D, $-$$ FRIDA’S—Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex standards, including chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas; seafood includes shrimp and tilapia. 1718 Madison. 244-6196. L, D, X, $-$$ GLOBAL CAFÉ—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, Suite 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, $-$$ GROWLERS—Sports bar and eatery serves standard bar fare in addition to pasta, tacos, chicken and waffles, and light options. 1911 Poplar. 244-7904. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, $ 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, $ HUEY’S—This family-friendly restaurant offers 13 different burgers, a variety of sandwiches, and delicious soups and salads. 1927 Madison. 726-4372; 1771 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 754-3885; 77 S. Second (Downtown). 527-2700; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-4455; 7090 Malco Blvd. (Southaven). 662-3497097; 7825 Winchester. 624-8911; 4872 Poplar. 682-7729; 7677 Farmington Blvd. (Germantown). 318-3030; 8570 Highway 51 N. (Millington). 873-5025. L, D, X, MRA, $ 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). 662-5361364. L, D, X, $-$$ MIDPOINTE FROM EDGE ALLEY—Edge Alley’s sister cafe at the Ballet Memphis headquarters focuses on freshness for its breakfast, lunch, and happy hour tapas. Closed Sunday-Monday. 2144 Madison Ave. 425-2605. B, L, X, $ MOLLY’S LA CASITA—Homemade tamales, fish tacos, a vegetarian combo, and bacon-wrapped shrimp are a few of the specialties. 2006 Madison. 726-1873. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$

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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-to-earth as it gets. 1762 Lamar. 272-1523. L, D, $-$$ PARISH GROCERY—Shrimp? Roast beef? Oysters? Whatever type of po’boy you want, the New Orleansthemed eatery has got it. Closed Monday. 916 Cooper St. 207-4347. L, D, X, $-$$ PIZZERIA TRASIMENO—Small pizzas baked in woodfired 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. $ 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, $-$$ RED FISH ASIAN BISTRO—In the former Nineteenth Century Club building, serves sushi, teriyaki, and hibachi. Specialties include yuzu filet mignon and Chilean sea bass. 1433 Union. 454-3926; 9915 Highway 64 (Lakeland). 729-7581; 6518 Goodman (Olive Branch). 662-874-5254. L, D, X, $-$$$ 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, $-$$ SALT|SOY—Nick Scott and Brac McCarley team up to provide Southern and Asian-inspired dishes at this Japanese Izakaya. Closed Sunday, Monday. 2583 Broad Ave. 726-4444. D, $$

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, $-$$$ TAMBOLI’S PASTA & PIZZA—Pasta-maker Miles Tamboli whips up Italian soul food with seasonal menus featuring dishes like crispy fried chicken or creamy bucatini with pecorino cheese. Serves dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Pizza only menu after 9pm. 1761 Madison. 410-8866. D, X, $-$$

TAKASHI BISTRO—Fusion restaurant with an open kitchen that lets customers watch chefs prepare a variety of Japanese and Thai cuisine. 1680 Union Ave. Suite 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, $-$$ FABULOUS FLAVORS & FRIENDS—”The Candy Lady” Precious Thompson Jones comes up with a little bit of everything: omelettes, quesadillas, t-bones and waffles, and plenty of soul food. 2063 E. Brooks Rd. 314-0735. L, D, $ THE FOUR WAY—Legendary soul-food establishment dishing up such entrees as fried and baked catfish, chicken, and turkey and dressing, along with a host of vegetables and desserts. Around the corner from the legendary Stax Studio. Closed Monday. 998 Mississippi Blvd. 507-1519. L, D, $ HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY–No one cares how late it gets; not at Hernando’s Hideaway. Live music, killer happy hour, and plenty of bar fare at this South Memphis hang. 3210 Old Hernando Rd. 917-982-1829. L, D, $ INTERSTATE BAR-B-Q—Specialties include chopped pork-shoulder sandwiches, ribs, hot wings, spaghetti, chicken, and turkey. 2265 S. Third. 775-2304; 150 W. Stateline Rd. (Southaven). 662-393-5699. L, D, X, $-$$ JIM & SAMELLA’S—It’s a revolving menu of soul food delight from Chef Talbert Fleming, with anything from southern ribs to fried tamales. 841 Bullington Ave. 265-8761. 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, $-$$ MARLOWE’S—In addition to its signature barbecue and ribs, Marlowe’s serves Southern-style steaks, chops, lasagna, and more. 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd. 332-4159. D, X, MRA, $-$$ 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. 662-342-4544 (check online for additional locations). L, D, X, MRA, $ LA TAQUERIA GUADALUPANA—Fajitas and quesadillas are just a few of the authentic Mexican

The Memphis Dining Guide 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, $-$$ QUEEN OF SHEBA—Featuring Middle Eastern favorites and Yemeni dishes such as lamb haneeth and saltah. 4792 Summer. 207-4174. L, D, $ SIDE PORCH STEAK HOUSE—In addition to steak, the menu includes chicken, pork chops, and fish entrees; homemade rolls are a specialty. Closed Sun.-Mon. 5689 Stage Rd. 377-2484. D, X, $-$$ TORTILLERIA LA UNICA—Individual helping of Mexican street food, including hefty tamales, burritos, tortas, and sopes. 5015 Summer Ave. 685-0097. B, L, 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. 3240144. B, X, $ CHAR RESTAURANT—Specializing in modern Southern cuisine, this eatery offers homestyle sides, charbroiled steaks, and fresh seafood. 431 S. Highland, Suite 120. 249-3533. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ DERAE RESTAURANT—Ethiopian and Mediterranean fare includes fuul, or fava beans in spices and yogurt, goat meat and rice, and garlic chicken over basmati rice with cilantro chutney; also salmon and tilapia. Closed Monday. 923 S. Highland. 552-3992. B, L, D, $-$$ 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). 624-9358; 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, $ PLANT BASED HEAT—All of your favorite Southern-style recipes, but deliciously transformed into a vegan format. Specialties include the spicy fye junt burger, or the chopped ‘n’ smoked bbq jackfruit sandwich. Closed Sun. 669 S. Highland St. L, D, $ SAM’S DELI—Everything from sandwiches to bibimbap bowls at this local favorite. Closed Mon/Tue. 643 S. Highland St. 454-5582. L, D, $

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The Memphis Dining Guide 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, $$-$$$ ANDALUSIA— Authentic Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, brochettes, and briouates. 5101 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 103. 236-7784. L, D, $-$$ AGAVOS COCINA & TEQUILA—Camaron de Tequila, tamales, kabobs, and burgers made with a blend of beef and chorizo are among the offerings at this tequila-centric restaurant and bar. 2924 Walnut Grove. 433-9345. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, $-$$$ ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN— Traditional Italian cuisine with a menu from two of the city’s top chefs that changes seasonally with such entrees as Maw Maw’s ravioli. Closed Sun.-Mon. 712 W. Brookhaven Circle. 347-3569. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE—Offering several varieties of eggs Benedict, waffles, omelets, pancakes, beignets, and other breakfast fare; also burgers, sandwiches, and salads. 6063 Park Ave. 729-7020; 65 S. Highland. 623-7122. B, L, WB, X, $ BANGKOK ALLEY—Thai fusion cuisine includes noodle and curry dishes, chef-specialty sushi rolls, coconut soup, and duck and seafood entrees. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. at Brookhaven location; call for hours. 715 W. Brookhaven Circle. 590-2585; 2150 W. Poplar at Houston Levee (Collierville). 854-8748. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, $$$-$$$$ CASABLANCA—Lamb shawarma is one of the fresh, homemade specialties served at this Mediterranean/Moroccan restaurant; fish entrees and vegetarian options also available. 5030 Poplar. 725-8557 ; 7609 Poplar Pike (Germantown). 425-5908; 1707 Madison. 421-6949. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, $-$$$ CITY SILO TABLE + PANTRY—With a focus on clean eating, this establishment offers fresh juices, as well as comfort foods re-imagined with wholesome ingredients. 5101 Sanderlin. 729-7687. Germantown: 7605 W. Farmington Blvd., Suite 2. 236-7223. B, L, D, X, $ COASTAL FISH COMPANY—Upscale offerings of international fish varieties utilizing styles ranging from Carribbean, East Coast, West Coast, Chinese, to Filipino, and more. 415 Great View Dr. E., Suite 101. 266-9000. D, X, $$-$$$ 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. 662-893-3663. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ DAN MCGUINNESS PUB—Serves fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers, and other Irish and American fare; also lunch and dinner specials. 4694 Spottswood. 761-3711; 3964 Goodman Rd. 662-890-7611. L, D, X, $ DORY—Chef David Krog whips up Southern specialties with classic French techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Current specialties include pork tenderloin, beef bourguignon, or cocoa-dusted chocolate truffles, with new weekly additions. 716 W. Brookhaven Circle. 310-4290. L, D, X, $$-$$$ ERLING JENSEN—For over 20 years, has presented “globally inspired” cuisine to die for. Specialties are rack of lamb, big game entrees, and fresh fish dishes. 1044 S. Yates. 763-3700. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves wet-aged and dry-aged steaks, prime beef, chops, and seafood, including salmon, Australian lobster tails, and a catch of the day. 6245 Poplar. 761-6200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FOLK’S FOLLY ORIGINAL PRIME STEAK HOUSE—Specializes in prime steaks, as well as lobster, grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, rack of lamb, and weekly specials. 551 S. Mendenhall. 762-8200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin cuisine, including broccoli beef, hot-and-sour soup, and spring rolls. Closed Monday. 6685 Quince. 753-9898. L, D, X, $-$$ 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 Circle 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. Closed for lunch Sunday. Embassy Suites Hotel, 1022 S. Shady Grove. 761-9462. L, D, X, $-$$$ HALF SHELL—Specializes in seafood, such as king crab legs; also serves steaks, chicken, pastas, salads, sandwiches, a ”voodoo menu”; oyster bar at Winchester location. 688 S. Mendenhall. 682-3966; 7825 Winchester. 737-6755. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ HEN HOUSE—Hybrid wine/cocktail bar and tasting room with plenty of cosmopolitan eats. Closed Sun. 679 S. Mendenhall. 499-5436. D, $-$$$ HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves a variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and sides. Closed Monday. A neighborhood fixture. 477 High Point Terrace. 452-3339. L, D, X, $-$$ HOUSTON’S—Serves steaks, seafood, pork chops, chicken dishes, sandwiches, salads, and Chicago-style spinach dip. Famous for first-class service. 5000 Poplar. 683-0915. L, D, X $-$$$ LA BAGUETTE—An almond croissant and chicken salad are among specialties at this French-style bistro. Closed for dinner Sun. 3088 Poplar. 458-0900. B, L, D (closes at 7), X, MRA, $ LAS DELICIAS—Popular for its guacamole, house-made tortilla chips, and margaritas, this restaurant draws diners with its chicken enchiladas, meat-stuffed flautas, and Cuban torta with spicy pork. Closed Sunday. 4002 Park Ave. 458-9264; 5689 Quince. 800-2873. L, D, X, $ LIBRO AT LAURELWOOD—Bookstore eatery features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and homemade pasta dishes, with Italian-inspired options such as carbonara and potato gnocchi. Closed for dinner Sun. 387 Perkins Ext. (Novel). 800-2656. B, L, D, SB, X, $-$$ LOST PIZZA—Offering pizzas (with dough made from scratch), pasta, salads, sandwiches, tamales, and more. 2855 Poplar. 5721803; 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, $-$$$ MARCIANO MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALIAN CUISINE—Veal Saltimbocca with angel-hair pasta and white wine sauce is among the entrees; also steaks, seafood, and gourmet pizza. 780 Brookhaven Circle. 682-1660. D, X, $-$$  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, $-$$$ PARK + CHERRY—The Dixon offers casual dining within the museum. Seasonal menu features sandwiches, like rustic chicken salad on croissant, as well as salads, snacks, and sweets. Closed for breakfast Sun. and all day Mon. 4339 Park (Dixon Gallery and Gardens). 761-5250. L, X, $ PATRICK’S—Serves barbecue nachos, burgers, and entrees such as fish and chips; also plate lunches and daily specials. 4972 Park. 682-2852. L, D, X, MRA, $ PETE & SAM’S—Serving Memphis for 60-plus years; offers steaks, seafood, and traditional Italian dishes, including homemade ravioli, lasagna, and chicken marsala. 3886 Park. 458-0694. D, X, $-$$$ 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, $-$$ PHO SAIGON—Vietnamese fare includes beef teriyaki, roasted quail, curry ginger chicken, vegetarian options, and a variety of soups. 2946 Poplar. 458-1644. L, D, $ PIMENTO’S KITCHEN + MARKET—Fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, and plenty of pimento cheese at this family-owned restaurant. 6540 Poplar Ave. 602-5488 (Collierville: 3751 S. Houston Levee. 453-6283). L, D, X, $ PYRO’S FIRE-FRESH PIZZA—Serving gourmet pizzas cooked in an open-fire oven, wide choice of toppings, and large local and craft beer selection. 1199 Ridgeway. 379-8294; 2035 Union Ave. 208-8857; 2286 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 207-1198; 3592 S. Houston Levee (Collierville). 221-8109. L, D, X, MRA, $ RED HOOK CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Cajun-style array of seafood including shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, and oysters. 3295 Poplar. 207-1960. L, D, X, $-$$ 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 $-$$ RED PIER CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Owners of Red Hook bring more cajun-style seafood dishes. 5901 Poplar Ave. 512-5923. L, D, $-$$$ 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.” Opening soon at 4550 Poplar. 590-2828. D, X, $$-$$$

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CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE PLAZA AND ATRIUM

1350 Concourse Way, Midtown Memphis

Saturday November 13th and Sunday November 14th 10am-4pm each day

It’s the most Wonderful Time of the Year! Crafts & Drafts will feature 80+ local makers, artists, and craftsfolk - join us and Shop Local!

Our unique Crafts & Drafts shopping experience showcases a curated group of independent local artists for two fun days of shopping and local brews! H O S T E D BY: S P O N S O R E D BY:

I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H

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9/15/21 2:33 PM 9/15/21 2:43 PM

The Memphis Dining Guide 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, $$$ RONNIE GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT— This Memphis institution serves some family classics such as Elfo’s Special and handmade ravioli, along with house-made pizza and fresh oysters. Closed Sun. 6150 Poplar, Suite 122. 850-0191. D, X, $-$$$ 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, $$-$$$ 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, $-$$. SOUTHALL CAFE—Locally sourced ingredients bolster a chef-driven menu offering breakfast and lunch classics. 669 S. Mendenhall. 646-5698. B, L, WB, X, $ STAKS—Offering pancakes, including birthday cake and lemon ricotta. Menu includes other breakfast items such as beignets and French toast, as well as soups and sandwiches for lunch. 4615 Poplar. 509-2367; 7704 Poplar (Germantown). 800-1951. B, L, WB, X, $ SUSHI JIMMI—This food truck turned restaurant serves a variety of sushi rolls, fusion dishes — such as kimchi fries — and sushi burritos. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Mon. 2895 Poplar. 729-6985. L, D, X, $ SWANKY’S TACO SHOP—Taco-centric eatery offers tortas, flatbreads, quesadillas, chimichangas, burgers, and more. 4770 Poplar. 730-0763; 6641 Poplar (Germantown). 737-2088; 272 S. Main. 779-3499. L, D, X, $ THREE LITTLE PIGS—Pork-shoulder-style barbecue with tangy mild or hot sauce, freshly made coleslaw, and baked beans. 5145 Quince Rd. 685-7094. B, L, D, X, $ TOPS BAR-B-Q—Specializes in pork barbecue sandwiches and sandwich plates with beans and slaw; also serves ribs, beef brisket, and burgers. 1286 Union. 725-7527; 4183 Summer. 324-4325; 5391 Winchester. 794-7936; 3970 Rhodes. 323-9865; 6130 Macon. 371-0580. For more locations, go online. L, D, X, $ VENICE KITCHEN—Specializes in “eclectic Italian” and Southern Creole, from pastas, including the “Godfather,” to hand-tossed pizzas, including the “John Wayne”; choose from 50 toppings. 368 Perkins Ext. 767-6872. L, D, SB, X, $-$$ 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. 7630676. 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, $ ZAYDE’S AT THE J—Kosher options at the Memphis Jewish Community Center cafe include traditional New York-style dishes and Israeli fusion. 6560 Poplar Ave. 208-3495. L, D, $-$$

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, $-$$ THE BUTCHER SHOP—Serves steaks ranging from 8-oz. filets to a 20-oz. porterhouse; also chicken, pork chops, fresh seafood. 107 S. Germantown Rd. 757-4244. L (Fri. and Sun.), D, X, $$-$$$

GREEN BAMBOO—Pineapple tilapia, pork vermicelli, and the soft egg noodle combo are Vietnamese specialties here. 990 N. Germantown Parkway, Suite 104. 753-5488. L, D, $-$$ KING JERRY LAWLER’S MEMPHIS BBQ COMPANY—Offers a variety of barbecue dishes, including brisket, ribs, nachos topped with smoked pork, and a selection of barbecue “Slamwiches.” 465 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 116. 509-2360. L, D, X, $ JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q—Serves barbecued pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, and fish, along with other homemade Southern specialties. 2359 N. Germantown Pkwy. 388-0998. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, $ POKÉ WORLD—Serves up Hawaiian poké bowls filled with rice and diced, raw fish. Also offers Taiwanese bubble tea and rolled ice cream for dessert. 1605 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 111. 623-7986. East Memphis: 575 Erin Dr. 779-4971. L, D, $ 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, $-$$ TANNOOR GRILL—Brazilian-style steakhouse with skewers served tableside, along with Middle Eastern specialties; vegetarian options also available. 830 N. Germantown Pkwy. 443-5222. L, D, X, $-$$$

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, $-$$ MOONDANCE GRILL—From the owners of Itta Bena and Lafayette’s. Serves steak cooked sous vide and seafood dishes including Abita-barbecued shrimp and pan-seared sand dab, in addition to an extensive wine and cocktail list. 1730 S. Germantown Road, Suite 117. 755-1471. L, D, X, $$-$$$ NOODLES ASIAN BISTRO—Serves a variety of traditional Asian cuisine, with emphasis on noodle dishes, such as Singapore Street Noodles and Hong Kong Chow Fun. 7850 Poplar, Suite 12. 755-1117. L, D, X, $ PETRA CAFÉ—Serves Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern sandwiches, gyros, and entrees. Hours vary; call. 6641 Poplar. 754-4440; 547 S. Highland. 323-3050. L, D, X, $-$$ ROCK’N DOUGH PIZZA CO.—Specialty and custom pizzas made from fresh ingredients; wide variety of toppings. 7850 Poplar, Suite 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, $-$$ SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties here. 2060 West St. 758-8181; 4840 Poplar. 572-1002. L, D, X, $-$$ 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. 7545555. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

TAZIKI’S—Mediterranean-inspired dishes all made from scratch. 7850 Poplar Ave., Suite 26. 612-2713. East Memphis: 540 S. Mendenhall Rd. 290-1091. Bartlett: 7974 US-64. 203-0083. L, D, $ 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, $ ZEN JAPANESE FINE CUISINE—A full sushi bar and plenty of authentic Japanese dishes, like Hibachi or Wagyu beef. 1730 S. Germantown Rd. 779-2796. L, D, X, 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, $-$$ DAVID GRISANTI’S—Serving Northern Italian cuisine and traditional family recipes, like the Elfo Special, shrimp sauteed in garlic and butter, tossed with white button mushrooms and white pepper, and served over vermicelli with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Closed Sun. 684 W. Poplar (Sheffield Antiques Mall). 861-1777. L, D (Thurs.-Sat.), X, $-$$$ 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). 662-890-3337; 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. 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). 662-890-9312; 2200 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 425-4901. L, D, X, $-$$$ RAVEN & LILY—Eatery offers innovative Southerninspired cuisine with such dishes as crispy shrimp and cauliflower salad, spiced lamb sausage and parmesan risotto, and bananas foster pain perdu. Closed Monday. 120 E. Mulberry. 286-4575. L, D, SB, X, $-$$ 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. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 115 (Downtown). 207-7638 L, D, X, $-$$ WOLF RIVER BRISKET CO.—From the owners of Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza, highlights include house-smoked meats: prime beef brisket, chicken, and salmon. Closed Sun. 9947 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 101. 316-5590; opening soon at 1350 Concourse Ave, Suite 165. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, $

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 Cajun- and Southern-inspired dishes, including gumbo and fried green tomatoes. 210 E. Commerce (Hernando, MS). 662-298-3814. L, D, $

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The Memphis Dining Guide 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, $$-$$$ 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, $-$$$ ELFO GRISANTI’S NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE—Grisanti family classics like lasagna, homemade ravioli, garlic bread, and Northern Italian pizza. Closed Sun. 5627 Getwell Rd. (Southaven, MS). 662-470-4497. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, $ 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 TWAIN’S STEAKHOUSE AT SAM’S TOWN TUNICA—1477 Casino Strip Resorts Boulevard, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-456-0711 MARSHALL STEAKHOUSE—Rustic steakhouse serves premium Angus beef steaks, seafood dishes, rack of lamb, and more. 2379 Highway 178 (Holly Springs, MS). 628-3556. B, L, D, X, $-$$$ MEMPHIS BARBECUE COMPANY—Offers spare ribs, baby backs, and pulled pork and brisket. 709 Desoto Cove (Horn Lake, MS). 662-536-3762. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, $-$$$  PANCHO’S—Serves up a variety of Mexican standards, including tacos, enchiladas, and mix-and-match platters. 3600 E. Broadway (West Memphis, AR). 870-735-6466. 717 N. White Station. 685-5404. L, D, X, MRA, $ PIG-N-WHISTLE—Offers pork shoulder sandwiches, wet and dry ribs, catfish, nachos, and stuffed barbecue potatoes. 6084 Kerr-Rosemark Rd. (Millington, TN). 872-2455. L, D, X, $ RAVINE—Serves contemporary Southern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally grown foods and a menu that changes weekly. Closed Mon.-Tues. 53 Pea Ridge/County Rd. 321 (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, SB, X, $$-$$$ SAINT LEO’S—Offering sophisticated pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. A James Beard nominee for Best New Restaurant in 2017. 1101 Jackson (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, L, WB, $-$$ 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. 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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Honor and Obey

A look at how times have changed for women — or have they? BY ABIGAIL MORICI

Dione and Don Makofsky (Gammy and Papa) on their wedding day in 1963.

got married late in life,” my grandmother’s friend told me in between bites of cake. She talked with her hands, waving a spoon in one. “I was 26.”

My 80-year-old Gammy and two of her friends had toasted each other earlier in the course of our lunch. Their conversation loosened with champagne, and they began talking about their youth. Gammy got married when she was my age, 22. I asked her if she could imagine me married right now, and she laughed loudly — almost insultingly loudly. “Things are different now,” she reassured me, her friends nodding along. Later, on the phone, I asked Gammy if she had ever imagined a different life for herself — had she ever thought that she wouldn’t get married young, have

a baby right away, take care of a family? No, she said. She didn’t expect anything else and nothing else was expected of her. But what if things were different then, like they are now? “Well, I think I might’ve wanted to go into medicine,” she answered. Gammy had completed one year of college before her parents pulled her out — they didn’t like the boy she was dating there. Soon after, she met my Papa. “I went from my parents’ house to my husband’s,” she said. “But I rebelled.” My Papa never really had “control” over her in their more than 55 years of marriage. When

they would fight, usually over can’t control it, and any control something minor like whether you think you have over your Papa should have a second bowl health and your body depends of ice cream, he’d remind her of on the politicians in office — usutheir vows and pull his “honor ally the male ones. In the future, and obey” card. Gammy would reproductive rights might still respond colorfully while sticking exist or they might be limited seout her tongue or making anothverely or they might be abolished er more suggestive gesture. And entirely. Who knows? he wouldn’t get that second bowl But don’t fret. You can still live a fruitful and productive of ice cream. These days, “honor and obey” life. Luckily, the definition of a has mostly fallen out productive life has Any control you of use in marriage expanded for womthink you have over vows, but I can’t en. No longer is a ignore the implicit your health and your woman bound to the “honor and obey” home; women can body depends on the have careers, or they in the way many women lead our politicians in office — can stay home with lives. Even though usually the male ones. the family — men the times and concan, too. Women can ditions have changed, we’re still be doctors, lawyers, engineers. honoring and obeying many of But don’t expect the same pay as men. Luckily, though, if you’re a the same spoken and unspoken rules as our grandmothers, rules teacher or nurse or caretaker of that are more poignant and sesome sort, there won’t be a wage vere for BIPOC women, transgap. Ignore the fact that you’re women, and non-binary people. in a female-dominated field, so Rules like: Don’t walk home it doesn’t get the same level of alone at night. Watch your drinks respect or social value or pay as a male-dominated field. And igwhen you’re with a guy, even if you know him, especially if you nore the fact that all this inequity know him. Fortunately, you can has been exacerbated by a pannow buy pepper spray or nail demic, when women, far more than men, cut down on hours polish that changes color when you dip your fingers in a Rohypor even quit their job altogether once remote learning kicked in. nol-laced drink. And sure, there’s With that said, though, always still a pink tax, but look! the plastic container comes in pink with prioritize family. If you don’t, polka dots. who will? Statistically speaking, Follow all the safety guidewomen take on a far greater burlines, and you’ll probably be safe. den of household and caretaking And at least now, compared to responsibilities, the burden of when my grandmother was 22, which has increased in the midst we’re more equipped to be safe. of a pandemic. Of course, there Think seat belts. Sure, car compaare exceptions. I’d consider the nies aren’t required to use crash men in my life to be a part of that test dummies modeled on female group, but I wish they were the bodies, so they don’t. Women rule, not the exception. have a higher risk of injury and Even so, both my Gammy and I death in car crashes. But the seat can appreciate one rule: Cultivate belts themselves — times are imand cherish female friendships. proving, right? Plus, women have “You have to find friends who are close as we are,” Gammy’s a higher pain tolerance. But never bring that up. friend told me at that lunch, as Never bring up the effects of she dragged her spoon through birth or miscarriage or post-parthe last bits of icing smeared on the plate. She winked at me and tum depression or infertility. smiled. Also, don’t talk about periods. It makes people uncomfortable. “Carol, that’s a nice thing to Sure, periods are the number-one say,” Gammy interrupted, “but reason for women to miss school you have lipstick on your teeth.” and work, but that’s biology. You See, what did I tell you?

PHOTO COURTESY ABIGAIL MORICI

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