The outgoing Chamber CEO has laid the foundation for a more equitable Memphis.
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Robertson
10 IN THE BEGINNING ~ by anna traverse fogle
12 CLASSIC DINING ~ by michael donahue
16 Prosperity for All: Beverly Robertson
The outgoing Chamber president and CEO has laid the foundation for a more equitable Memphis.
~ by samuel x. cicci
23 Facing Her Faith: Elaine Blanchard
This pastor/storyteller sometimes stirs up trouble.
~ by jon w. sparks
29 Big Plans for the Brooks: Zoe Kahr
The new director of Tennessee’s largest art museum hopes to transform it into “the city’s living room.”
~ by abigail morici
35 A Conversation with Dr. Jennifer Collins
The new president of Rhodes College has hit the ground running.
~ by samuel x. cicci
40 The City That Sam Built
Booming Bentonville is Arkansas’ biggest small town.
~ by chris m c coy
52 Into the Woods
A healing journey through the best trails in Memphis.
~ by kristen smith
Our history expert solves local mysteries of who, what, when, where, why, and why not.
~ by vance lauderdale
The gathering space at Caption by Hyatt welcomes visitors seeking both work and play, night and day.
~ by samuel x. cicci
CITY DINING
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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. Quality rug cleaning can only be accomplished by in-store professional rug cleaners. Call us for disinfecting and cleaning of your rugs.
CEO AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF anna traverse fogle
EXECUTIVE EDITOR michael finger MANAGING EDITOR frank murtaugh
SENIOR EDITORS samuel x. cicci, shara clark, jon w. sparks
ASSOCIATE EDITOR abigail morici
EDITORIAL INTERN izzy wollfarth
CONTRIBUTORS michael donahue, vance lauderdale, chris mccoy, kristen smith
4 EDITOR samuel x. cicci
SENIOR EDITOR jon w. sparks
4
CREATIVE DIRECTOR brian groppe
ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR christopher myers
GRAPHIC DESIGNER neil williams
PHOTOGRAPHERS han bach, justin fox burks, samuel x. cicci, houston cofield, michael donahue, lucy garrett, brian groppe, chris mccoy, jon w. sparks
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SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE sloane patteson taylor
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES kelli dewitt, chip googe, michelle musolf, hailey thomas
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CONTROLLER lynn sparagowski
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1875 Covington Pike Memphis, TN 38128
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Alta Simpson,
On September 1st, I woke up second-guessing myself. In my editor’s letter for the new month, I had written about Memphis’ many complications, and my complicated relationship with my hometown. The first day of September is an unofficial local holiday — 901 Day — and instead of simply touting Memphis’ finer points, I had let my messy feelings show.
I talked about the way we drive our cars (“unpredictably” would be charitable) and the stench of garbage on the sidewalks. I also talked about what I called “active disregard for human life,” citing the murders of the Reverend Autura Eason-Williams and of Dr. Yvonne Nelson, and of the several hundred other people who have been, or will be, killed in our city this year.
That morning, I stood by what I had written — every word was honest — but questioned whether I ought to have simply talked about my love of this community without bringing up the mess. I worried that I was raining on the city’s parade for itself by sharing that as much as I love this place — and I do love this place — I also want desperately for it to be safer, more equitable, more hopeful, more prosperous.
Then, on September 2nd, increasingly alarming news reports pinged my phone. Early that Friday morning, a woman named Eliza Fletcher had not returned home from her run. Fletcher’s photo began to circulate widely. She had been out for an early-morning jog — she ran marathons, had small children, and worked; when else could she have trained? — when someone in a dark SUV abducted her violently. The following Monday afternoon, the Memphis Police Department found Fletcher’s body behind an abandoned duplex in South Memphis.
I did not know Eliza Fletcher, not really, but she lived near where I do, and we had chatted briefly as neighbors do. I could tell in passing that she was a loving mother of her two young boys; I have learned since that she was also a wife, a church member, and a kindergarten teacher who, in the early weeks of the pandemic, sang “This Little Light of Mine” for her small students in a video recording.
Her alleged captor, Cleotha Henderson, was a man who spent two decades in prison for an earlier kidnapping, only to be released in 2020. In addition to the abduction and murder of Fletcher, he is now charged with a separate 2021 rape and kidnapping case (the rape kit was not tested until after it was linked to the Fletcher case — ponder that for a moment).
This man is 38 years old, the same age I am. In 2000, when he abducted the late Kemper
Durand, a local attorney, Henderson was 16 years old. Already, he has spent more than half his life behind bars, and surely will spend all or nearly all the rest of it locked up, too. When he was imprisoned previously — his first arrest came at age 11, in 1995 — how seriously did anyone take the work of rehabilitating a clearly broken human? What do we expect will happen, if we essentially put prisoners in cold storage for decades and then deposit them back into the community? Is any of this actually working?
Two days after the police located Fletcher’s body, the MPD issued an unusual statement: Citizens were to shelter in place. A man named Ezekiel Kelly was allegedly shooting people, apparently at random, throughout the city. Seven people were shot, three fatally. Kelly livestreamed portions of his own rampage. Nineteen years old now, he already has prison experience, having served only 11 months of a three-year sentence for attempted murder and other charges. Again, I ask: Is any of this actually working?
Violence is not unique to Memphis; we know this. But we have problems that feed on each other. Ours is largely a poor city, lacking sufficient economic mobility and, for many citizens, lacking a clear on-ramp to better lives. We need better, more accessible mental and physical healthcare for all. We need leaders with vision, and just as importantly, leaders who collaborate with each other and with the people they serve. We need — each of us — to commit to the part we can play in lifting Memphis up.
Memphis is a city of contrasts: rich and poor, Black and white, healthy and not, and on and on. The murder of Eliza Fletcher is heart-shattering — and headline-grab bing, in part because, yes, she was young, white, pretty, and privileged. The shooting rampage overtook all our lives because it affected so many neighborhoods, as Kelly allegedly carjacked person after person. No one could maintain the illusion of immunity. Loath as we humans are to admit it, we are all heartbreakingly, beautifully vulnerable to each other.
What happens next is up to you, up to me, up to all of us.
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Behind her restaurant, Hanh Bach has filled her garden with exotic plants, many of them used in her cooking. Lotus blossoms in a pool of water. e lotus in her garden inspired the name of her restaurant, says Bach, the owner of Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant on Summer Avenue. “I wanted a name that was different. And I like the flowers — they’re pretty.”
Walking among her plants on a recent afternoon, Bach picks strands of lemongrass, which she uses in her chicken, shrimp, and tofu dishes. “I grow mint, basil, hot pepper, lemongrass, and some Vietnamese flowers,” she says.
e garden also features Asian fruit trees, including ai lime trees, which she moves to a greenhouse during the winter. “ ey don’t like the cold over here.”
For now, Lotus is only open for takeout. “We need to do some renovations to the restaurant,” says her son, Han Bach. “It’s going to take some time.”
But customers can still get their favorite items, including the popular banh xeo, which Han describes as a “crispy crepe” filled with bean sprouts, seasoned ground pork, and shrimp.
His mother learned to cook from her mother in Vietnam, says Han, the only one of her five children to have been born in that
country. e others — Solomon, Victor, Bernard, and Kimberly Bach — were born in Memphis, where Hanh and her husband, Joe, moved in 1975.
“My parents were immigrants, so our sponsor first placed us in Fort Chaffee, Arkansas,” Han says. “I was ill and they needed to take me to either Little Rock or Memphis. They chose Memphis, because their sponsoring organization, All Saints Episcopal Church, was located here.”
is city proved a good fit. “When we came over, all the people in the church loved us,” Hanh says. “And we loved them. We stayed.”
Hanh never stopped cooking after she left Vietnam. “When I came to the United States I cooked for the family, for my friends,” she says. “I enjoy cooking. Anytime I have a day
left: Owner Hanh Bach picks strands of lemongrass from the lush garden behind her restaurant on Summer. below: The author with chopsticks.
off I try to cook for my family. Make some of this, some of that. And pastry, too. When I came here I tried to make some money by making wedding cakes for my friends and everybody.”
She also got a job waiting tables at a Chinese restaurant. ings changed for the family when the Bachs invited their sponsors to their son’s birthday parties, where Hanh served Vietnamese dishes. “When they ate my mom’s food, they said it was great. ‘Hey, you should open a restaurant,’” Han says.
Dr. Lester Hofman and his wife, Sterling, who were among friends they made after they moved to Memphis, were the driving force to get his mother to open a restaurant, he says.
Hanh and Joe liked the Summer Avenue location that eventually became Lotus. “We lived on Summer,” Hanh says. “We passed by here and saw the place was for rent.”
People were more familiar with “Chinese-American food” than Vietnamese food when his mother opened Lotus in 1981, Han says. “We had to slowly introduce it to people.”
Vietnamese cooking uses “a lot of herbs and spices,” some of which were difficult to fi nd in Memphis at that time. “It was very hard to get a lot of our products. So, we had to make do with whatever we could. For example, we weren’t able to get ai basil.” Chinese parsley and cilantro were the closest things to it they could find locally.
His mother also cooked Chinese-American dishes, but, he says, “We made it with our own flavors.” Her
“Vietnamese vermicelli” was one of them. “It’s shrimp. And we put roasted pork in it. With bean sprouts, green onion. It’s a curry noodle dish.”
People began ordering some of the Vietnamese dishes, including pho — “the traditional beef noodle soup of Vietnam,” Han says. “More people ordered the Chinese-American food, but every once in a while they would
Hanh Bach is the owner as well as the heart of the Summer Avenue eating spot.The COVID-19 vaccine is how we get to hug again. How we get to watch our kids grow up, graduate and get married. How we root for our favorite teams in person. And high five complete strangers. This is how we get to be there for the ones that matter the most. The COVID-19 vaccine is how we live, not in fear, but in freedom.
order Chinese-American food because they knew it better, but maybe order one dish to try the Vietnamese type.”
The restaurant soon became a success, but on a small scale. “Pretty much our restaurant has always been a best-kept secret,” Han adds. Customers hear about Lotus “by word of mouth. We never advertise.”
The restaurant used to be open for lunch, but Hanh says, “I don’t see any business that way.”
She stopped serving lunch and went to dinner only. “So, for a long time I didn’thave anything to do and I cooked and waited on tables in a Chinese restaurant [Hunan Palace] on Mt. Moriah. I worked there in the morning. And take the kids to school and take them home.”
that night. “I was so green at that time in this country,” Joe says, not really noticing the two rock stars. “I don’t pay attention because we have a full house,” but he still recalls they ate two vegetarian dishes.
When she’s not cooking at Lotus, Hanh is gardening behind the restaurant or working at her other job in banquet services at The Peabody. “I enjoy working,” she says. “I work all the time.”
Customers hear about Lotus “by word of mouth. We never advertise.”
Then she was back in the kitchen cooking dinner for the growing number of diners, including actress Cybill Shepherd, Han says. Paul McCartney and Pete Townshend are two other famous people who visited the restaurant in its early years. But, Hanh says, “I don’t know who they are, honey. They came in late at night, and I was back in the kitchen to cook dinner.”
“We’re so close to the freeway people would stop by just to get a bite to eat,” Han says. His father, Joe, was at his usual stand in the front of the house greeting and seating customers
“They don’t know what rest is,” Han says, referring to his parents. “They don’t know what a vacation is. I have to fight them to go on a vacation. If we go more than three days, they’re jittery. They can’t sit still. They can’t rest. The last time we closed the restaurant was this past July 4th. I made them go on a vacation. We went down to visit some family down in Texas near the Gulf.”
It was a short vacation. “We were only gone three days. They can’t go longer than three days.”
Han is proud of his parents and the legacy they’ve created at Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant. “My dad is always the face of the restaurant,” he says, “but my mom is the heart of it because she’s the cook.”
Lotus Vietnamese Restaurant is located at 4970 Summer Avenue.
The Bach family poses at the Summer Avenue restaurant they have operated since 1981. left to right: Victor, Kylie, Joe, Solomon, Hanh, Han, and Ethan Bach.
HOUSTON COFIELD
has laid the foundation for a more equitable Memphis.
BY SAMUEL X. CICCIFrom her porch growing up in the Orange Mound neighborhood, Beverly Robertson would listen to the delighted whoops of families and kids. e Zippin Pippin roller coaster was close by at Libertyland, the cars coming into view at the apex of the ride and showcasing a perfectly fun family afternoon. But back then, the Pippin was a symbol of Memphis’ division, an attraction that did not offer entertainment to all of its citizens. African Americans were banned from the park every day of the week except for Tuesdays. Robertson vowed that she would do her part to create a Memphis where every child could ride the Pippin. A Memphis where every family had the chance to prosper.
e Pippin may be gone — sold and disassembled long ago and relocated out of state — but Robertson has long been a Memphis institution in her own way: a co-founder of TRUST Marketing, and longtime former head of the National Civil Rights Museum before taking up her position as the fi rst Black president and CEO at the Greater Memphis Chamber. Her leadership has seen the Chamber, in 2021, mark its best year ever for economic development and, thanks to extensive marketing efforts, also its best fi nancial year ever.
e Memphis area has pulled some significant economic levers with Robertson at the helm, chief among them the attraction of Ford’s $5.6 billion Blue Oval City complex, expected to bring 5,800 new jobs to the area. But after more than four years, she feels that the time is right to step down from her role, turning over leadership of the organization to its chief economic development officer, Ted Townsend. “It’s a little bittersweet, for sure,” says Robertson. “I feel that the reasons I assumed the helm here have almost been met. I think too often, we don’t know when to say when, and it means that sometimes we stay beyond our level of effectiveness. So it felt like the right time to pass the baton.
“My goal coming in was to help navigate this team through the trauma that they were experiencing as a
direct result of the untimely death of Phil Trenary. In addition to that, we set about understanding foundational issues that could also propel Memphis forward and build more of a strategic focus to make sure that we get those things done, and build a team that I know would take this Chamber to a whole other level, engage the stakeholders in ways that we’ve never engaged them before, and make sure that they feel the same level of commitment and activation and enthusiasm that we feel as a staff.”
Local tragedies have bookended Robertson’s tenure. e killing of Eliza Fletcher and a violent shooting spree across town, all perpetrated within a week of each other in September, left the city reeling. e Chamber swiftly initiated conversations with local leaders about how best to move forward.
“ e Chamber remains committed to working with our business leaders, elected officials, and residents to thoughtfully identify real solutions that lead to real results,” Robertson said in the aftermath. “I have already reached out to the mayor and police chief of Memphis to ensure the business community will be at the table as we move forward. We all must play a role in driving positive change in our community, and this journey is just starting. Working together, we will make a difference.”
In September 2018, former Chamber president and CEO Phil Trenary was fatally shot while walking home from a fundraiser. e tragedy took place Downtown, a recent recipient of an economic upturn that has revitalized the area, but not far from impoverished sections of Memphis, ones that were often overlooked and passed over for any chance at economic redevelopment.
What Robertson found coming into these circumstances was that for all the progress, many issues facing Memphis then are still present now. “ e team was very traumatized by the sudden loss of their boss,” she says. “ ey were kind of able to manage through it at first, but there was a lot of emotional baggage that I think many of them had as a direct result of having worked so closely with Trenary, who was a great guy and who did some great things here at the Chamber. So the first thing that I thought about is that it would be important for me as a newcomer to talk with every member.”
Robertson sat down individually with each Chamber employee and asked them a question: What is the work of the Chamber? Out of the 36 employees at the time, Robertson recalls hearing many different answers. “But that allowed me to begin homing in on what it was that the Chamber needed to be doing.” at included building on much of Trenary’s legacy by focusing on ways to build a more equitable Memphis: developing talent pipelines, attracting new investment, creating higher wage jobs, and advocating for public policy.
As Robertson refined her mission as a leader, she made “Prosperity for All” the chief slogan of the Chamber, and took the same granular approach that she did when introducing herself to her team. Robertson started with a new “Taking it to the Streets” program, where Chamber representatives would visit various Memphis neighborhoods and work closely with citizens and community leaders to explain the work the Chamber was doing, and convey how those plans would help to improve Memphis.
Robertson approached areas like Orange Mound, Frayser, and Hickory Hill. “We talked about the work of the Chamber,” she says, “how new investments mean creating a much more substantial financial foundation for the city, and why incentives are important. It’s the entry barrier to play in the economic development space. I talked about how it gives businesses in these neighborhoods a chance to get up and running.”
A second unexpected crisis of her time at
the helm came in the form of the Covid-19 pandemic, which dampened economics everywhere and threatened to derail the work of the Chamber. To counteract the situation, she and her team needed to double down on their strategy, continue to communicate with businesses and neighborhoods,
talk with potential outside investors, and persist with aggressive fundraising efforts. Most importantly, it gave some extra time to formulate a long-term economic plan.
Robertson and the Chamber unveiled the Prosper Memphis 2030 plan this summer, a strategy designed to foster continued development in Memphis for the next decade, and long after she has stepped down. “I’ve been laser-focused on driving transformational change here and pursuing prosperity for all,” she says, “and we had to think about how we could tangibly do that.” e Prosper Memphis 2030 plan places major emphasis on workforce development, with a goal of creating 50,000 new high-quality jobs, and half of those going to minorities.
e plan also calls for diversifying business in Memphis by adding 700 new advanced manufacturing firms in the area, and finally, getting Memphis to a point where it is creating 20,000 STEM graduates per year.
“ ere will be three major areas of focus for us: agribusiness and agriculture, medical innovation and device manufacturing, and transportation and distribution,” says Robertson. “ ese are the businesses that have brought us to the party and helped drive things forward over the years, and these jobs will build on themselves.
“As for the 20,000 students who are STEM graduates, we’re in this fourth industrial revolution, and our young people need to be prepared for using digital processes, artificial intelligence, robots, and 3D printing. at’s the fourth wave that is coming, and we’ve got to get our marketplace ready for that. Of course, we also have to look at things like our transit system and affordable housing. It’s not just about the people who have those, but those systems allow us to be competitive. Some other cities have it, we don’t, and that’s a problem. We’ve established a center that will produce regular reports that allow us to track how we’re progressing on all these fronts so we can stay on track.”
For the immediate future, the Prosper Memphis 2030 plan will take shape in the form of people and workforce development, according to Robertson. It will show people who have lived in poverty all their lives that they, too, have access to opportunity, to new jobs that will allow them to lift themselves up out of poverty.
“It’s about putting folks in a place where they can enjoy some of the wonderful things that are a part of living in America — buying houses, cars, educating their children, securing some of these things they haven’t been able to before,” she says.
PHOTOGRAPH BY HOUSTON COFIELD“I’ve been laser-focused on driving transformational change here and pursuing prosperity for all.”
— beverly robertson
“ at’s the Memphis I want to see. And when we start talking about advanced manufacturing and equipment operations, we need to position one-stop-shop training centers close to these communities, so that we then deal with the areas that are hardest hit economically, and can really begin to educate and train them for jobs that could be legacy jobs for their families.”
As she approaches the end of her tenure in December, Robertson says that Memphis’ business community understands that it will succeed in the future if there is a trained workforce, and that it’s up for the challenge. Her final months will be spent
& Resorts. “Ted has both the passion and the economic development experience to make Memphis one of the fastest-growing and prosperous cities in the nation. e board is 100 percent behind his vision to make our region an economic powerhouse.”
Robertson fought hard to bring Townsend to the Chamber team, first as a part-time advisor in a dual role, and then full-time in October 2021. She credits him with being one of the key players in bringing Blue Oval City to Memphis, and touts his leadership and business experience at the highest level.
“Greater Memphis, the Chamber, and
“It’s about putting folks in a place where they can enjoy the wonderful things that are a part of living in America — buying houses, cars, educating their children, securing some of these things they haven’t been able to before.”
beverly robertsonworking on fundraising campaigns for $10-$15 million to support the workforce development initiatives, since those are not part of the Chamber’s operating budget. But when she finally does step away, with plans to return to TRUST Marketing, the Chamber will continue to move forward with consistency in its programming and messaging, thanks to the foundation she laid, and the efforts of her successor.
“Beverly Robertson is an incredibly tough act to follow, but if there’s anyone who can carry forward her work to make Memphis more prosperous for all, it’s Ted Townsend,” says Doug Browne, chairman of the Chamber’s board and president of Peabody Hotels
I all owe Beverly a debt of gratitude for the work she’s done to put inclusion and diversity at the heart of the Chamber’s work,” Townsend said after the Chamber announced its leadership transition.
“In a majority-minority city, the only sustainable growth is inclusive growth, which is why we included bold minority inclusion goals in our recently announced Prosper Memphis 2030 plan to add 50,000 new, quality jobs.”
“Ted was one of the first names that popped into my head when we were looking for a new development officer,” she says. “He is a great person to step in and carry forth the vision. He’s been a part of the
conception of it. He has worked at the state level in economic development. He’s worked in innovation and research with [former U of M president] David Rudd, and just brings a great deal of experience to the table.”
And beyond Townsend, Robertson’s focus and appreciation is unwavering for the whole Chamber team. “I remember focusing on the team when I arrived, and as I leave, I don’t know how we are so blessed to have been able to attract some of the most talented people. You could not ask for a better team moving forward.”
And as the curtain falls on her time as president and CEO, it can’t be overstated how difficult the circumstances were when she took over, and the various unprecedented hurdles that came up during her time in charge. Her impact at the Chamber and beyond has left an impression on many top-ranking business officials around Memphis.
“After Phil’s death, the Chamber needed a leader with both a strong vision for this community and a deep compassion for an organization that had just suffered a tremendous loss,” says Richard W. Smith, president and CEO-elect of FedEx Express and past chairman of the Chamber’s board of directors. “We needed a champion to carry on the growth-focused ‘Prosperity for All’ mission that Phil had started, and to build and improve upon it. Beverly was that champion. A trailblazer who became the right leader at the right time, she leaves our Chamber better than she found it.”
But the real work is never done, and Robertson knows that better than anyone else. Many of the problems she has sought to fix are deep-rooted, requiring tremendous effort to solve and needing the entire city to be pulling in the same direction. But the foundation she laid during her time at the Chamber is ready to launch Memphis to the next level. And in the meantime, Robertson isn’t going anywhere.
“I had always envisioned my time at the Chamber as around a five-year commitment. Afterwards, I’ll turn my focus to building our business at TRUST Marketing. Creating a succession path where we can grow, hire more people, and hopefully become a bigger player in the city. We’re committed to this city and we’re going to stay here. And that’s really an important role for me. I’ve been working consistently for a long time, I can’t tell you how long, and it’s time for me to be able to breathe a little bit. I’ll hopefully have the flexibility to travel and do some other fun things. But I still want to stay engaged. I still want to help drive transformational change. at’s really critical for Memphis as we grow and advance into our future.”
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Elaine Blanchard doesn’t go looking for trouble, but she doesn’t shy away from it either. And it usually happens that trouble is the one that takes a beating from the diminutive minister, storyteller, nurse, and activist.
She is as peaceful a person as you could want to meet, but at age 70, Blanchard is still fiercely determined in whatever she puts her mind to do.
She is pastor at the Disciples of Christ/First Christian Church in Union City, Tennessee. In January 2019, the congregation voted unanimously to bring her in. So, she commutes from her home in Memphis on Saturday mornings, and comes back Sunday evenings — about two hours’ drive, each way.
It wasn’t an easy start, she says. “When I went there, the local paper, the Messenger, ran a story about me, and the last sentence said, ‘She lives in Memphis with her wife, Anna.’ e backlash from that was just terrible. e members of my church got all kinds of calls: ‘Are you all that desperate to have a pastor that you’ll stoop that low?’
ere was much hubbub and the organist left — so we now have this beautiful instrument that we don’t have anybody to play. And two couples left because members of their family said if they kept going to our church, they couldn’t see their grandchildren.”
ere was more. e Obion County Ministerial Association saw that article and jumped into action. “ ey had an emergency meeting to change their bylaws to make
it clear that no lesbian or homosexual could join their organization,” says Blanchard. “So, I won’t be joining. I wouldn’t even want to be part of their organization — and those are the ministers, the core of the spiritual community.”
It hurt, but Blanchard says the church has done well despite the cold shoulder and a pandemic.
“Where I serve is a very conservative area, but we have gotten people who have been disenfranchised in other churches and felt unwelcome,” she says. “ ey have come over to our church and we have grown in the years I’ve been here. I’ve taken in 12 new members. ere were about 12 people when I got there, so we’ve pretty much doubled the size.”
And if it’s a fairly small group, it’s also
faithful and purposeful. One particular mission is to keep a pantry for the community. “ ose 24 people keep a pantry up, and on ursday mornings a whole parade of people in need come to our little church and get their groceries,” she says. “I find that to be wonderful. It’s a very generous, brave group of people, so I feel lucky to serve them.”
at effort continues a life based on service to the community, and while she’s been hailed for her work, it’s also been a rough ride at times.
Iwas a Methodist minister in Lauderdale County,” she says, “but when I came out of the closet, I had to leave the church.” Blanchard then came to Memphis in June 1994 and became part of the First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC), better known as First Congo, in Cooper-Young. “When I came here it really helped me to make a home in Memphis.”
While she is now pastor of a Disciples of Christ church, the denomination is what she calls a sister organization to UCC. “ ey have talked about merging for years, but because the Disciples of Christ has communion every Sunday, they just never have been able to get past that,” she says.
“UCC doesn’t want to have communion
Blanchard at her apartment overlooking the Memphis Zoo.
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every Sunday and Disciples of Christ doesn’t want to let go of having communion every Sunday. So, it remains two separate denominations.”
She loves both denominations, but divisions great and small are what she works against in her many ministries.
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“When it comes to faith in Memphis, I wish that we could all get together better,” she declares. “We could do a lot of good if we didn’t argue about things like homosexuality and abortion. And I wish we could get together racially better than we do.”
But she does more than wish. That “activist” label is for real, and she uses her talents where they will do the most good — which is not always easy. Being a minister, though, she has a parable that fits perfectly, one that shows how Jesus sought to get people to shake off their prejudices.
“I think He tried really hard and it really pissed people off asking them to open up,” she says. “The story of the Good Samaritan was that of a Jew who was injured and in a ditch and a Samaritan stopped to help him. The Jew would have seen the Samaritan — an enemy — coming toward him and probably thought he would kill him. But it ended up that the Samaritan was the one who bandaged his wounds.”
And then Blanchard smiles and observes: “People on Facebook have been posting a meme about the measure of one’s Christianity: ‘It isn’t how much you love Jesus — it’s how much you love Judas.’”
She takes it further: “We seem to think that to be a Christian is to surround ourselves with other people who think like us, spend money like us, drive cars like us, surround ourselves with people like us, and then accuse others of being less than we are. That’s not working for us in terms of Christianity — it’s the opposite of what Jesus came to help us do.”
One of Blanchard’s strengths in connecting with people is through her gift of storytelling. It was something she got into through her work as a registered nurse. “I worked in alcohol and drug treatment, which is what led me to seminary, watching people recover,” she says. “People recover because they get in a circle and they share stories with each other. And people’s lives get turned around. That led me into storytelling and then into seminary and into ministry.”
One of her most celebrated achievements is her Prison Stories initiative, a creative writing and performance program for female inmates in the Shelby County corrections system. “Theater is a great way to reach people,” she says. “That’s why I thought Prison Stories was such a good
thing to do because I didn’t want anybody leaving that theater thinking, well, what happened to her couldn’t possibly have happened to me. Because it could have — it just depends on who your mom and daddy are, what part of town you’re from, what color your skin is. Telling stories really opens up dialogue between people.”
Blanchard isn’t doing that any more as the logistics are difficult to keep the prison program going, and she has the church in Union City. But it’s not off the table. “I feel like I’ll want to do prison work again,” she says. “I saw people really begin to see the value and begin to trust each other. I loved that — when they began to realize they’d had that experience too and that it was safe to talk about that here.
ose stories told by the inmates are as authentic as their own lives; very often they involve sexual abuse. Blanchard’s own writing and performances, including two one-woman shows, carry echoes of the inmates’ stories. Her first, For Goodness Sake, is about oppression and redemption.
“In my second one-woman show, titled Skin and Bones, I talked about sexual abuse and sexuality and gender identity,” she says. When it debuted in 2013 with the Voices of the South performance group, it was forthright in confronting people’s obsessions with their bodies. As Blanchard told e Commercial Appeal, “It’s not gender-specific. It’s about any human being coming to realize that this body is the house we’ve been given to live our lives in. Our lives will be as rich and fulfilling as we are willing to care for and trust this body.”
lanchard is staunchly pro-Memphis, although her focus is more on the humanity than the things that make up a city. Memphis has certainly felt its share of tragedy and difficulty, which have challenged many people’s faith in the city. But she counsels the idea of looking more closely at where good is being done — and there is plenty to be found.
“Look at things like the pantry at my church, a little group of people serving a whole lot of people,” she says. “Whenever I do volunteer work, like for MIFA or for any organization, you see how people pull together.
ere’s this long line of volunteers getting things ready for people who need support. at kind of thing really builds my faith. ere are a lot of things that aren’t working for us that are troubling, but there are more people being good citizens and helping their neighbor than there are people who are shooting up or destroying things.”
Blanchard tells a moving personal story of her own crisis of faith. Years ago, she went to her pastor and said she was losing focus. He told her that she should meet another Elaine who was having her own problems.
“[The other] Elaine belonged to an Assembly of God church,” Blanchard says. “She had cancer and it wasn’t getting better. The people at the church were praying for her and decided that she must have some unconfessed sin that was keeping God from healing her. So, they excommunicated her and said, ‘We’re not coming around. We don’t want anything to do with you until you confess all your sins.’ Now, this was a woman who had three little children. She was poor. Her husband left her because she had cancer and the sex was no longer good. He went off with another woman.”
Blanchard befriended the other Elaine and got to know her and her children. “I found Elaine to be just the vitamin that my faith needed because she was not bitter. She said, ‘Well, you know, that’s what they believe.’ She didn’t take it personally. And she died rejoicing in the love of the Lord. I tried to make life a little better for them, and in turn, they made life better for me.”
Blanchard is all about healing, resolving differences, bringing people together, working to restore faith and promote goodness.
But don’t cross her.
She gained a bit of notoriety in 2017 when she found herself on, of all things, a blacklist. e list of some 84 people, mostly community organizers and former Memphis city employees, specified that those named individuals would require a police escort if they came to Memphis City Hall. It was not clear in every case why some of them had earned the dubious distinction.
It was an alarming action, which resulted in a lawsuit. It was also absurd, which resulted in a fair bit of humor. Blanchard told the Memphis Flyer that she was surprised to find herself on such a roster.
“Mayor Strickland has put my name on a list of persons who are not permitted into Memphis City Hall without an escort,” she told Micaela Watts, writing for the Flyer. “Wow! is grammie is a gangsta!”
e lawsuit — Blanchard v. City of Memphis — resulted in the Memphis Police Department having to change how it surveilled people who were exercising their First Amendment rights.
Not that a little list would ever stop a determined Elaine Blanchard.
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The new director of Tennessee’s largest art museum hopes to transform it into “the city’s living room.”
Starting November 1st, Zoe Kahr will take over as the next executive director of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, following Emily Ballew Neff’s departure in June 2021. Kahr, who holds a bachelor’s degree and M.B.A. from Yale University and a Ph.D. in art history from University College London, brings with her 12 years of experience at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), most recently serving as deputy director for curatorial and planning.
Until a member of the curatorial team at the Brooks reached out to her about a project that LACMA had organized, Kahr admits she didn’t know much about the museum — or Memphis, for that matter. After some research, she tells me over the phone, “I was amazed, really, at how thoughtful the Brooks team has been about reaching out to and serving different Memphis communities over time, focusing on making each community feel welcome and included in the conversation.”
In short, she says, “I think the Brooks is really ahead of many of its museum peers in seeking to serve a wide array of communities through programming.”
Once she came to Memphis for her interview, she found herself drawn to the city even further. “Coming from Los Angeles, people here were just so friendly and wel-
coming,” she says. And while packing up to move across the country with her husband, Daniel Shin, and kids (ages 5 and 8) in tow has been a daunting task, she bubbles with excitement as she speaks to me from her LA home about her plans to immerse her family into the Memphis culture, so different from the places she’s lived before.
But, having lived on the West Coast and in the Northeast, moving from city to city, from region to region, isn’t out of Kahr’s comfort zone, as long as an art museum is nearby. After all, art museums have served as touchstones for the memories that drive her passion for the arts.
“My grandmother was an art historian — that’s how I got interested in museums. She was an expert in seventeenth-century Dutch and Venetian painting. A lot of my childhood memories revolve around being
with her in museums. She taught my parents to love museums, so it was something we did together as a family.”
Perhaps because of this familial connection, Kahr’s role as an art historian and curator taps into more than her scholarly interests; it is a way for her to connect with her family, her colleagues, and her community. is “human component of my work,” she says, is where “something magical happens.”
“I’ve always been interested in working in an encyclopedic museum, meaning we collect and show things from around the world and many different historical periods,” she says. And though she studied eighteenth-century French and American art extensively for her Ph.D. thesis, “there are too many things that I love. Mostly, I love being surrounded by brilliant curators and museum experts who know more than I will ever know about any one topic and who will teach me new things every day.”
is way of thinking is not unusual as museums like the Brooks seek to broaden the definition of expertise. “In the early days [of museums],” Kahr says, “there was only one expert and it was the curator. Now when we consider a work of art, we think about how there might be many points
of view from which you could access it. … And the community is often an important source of expertise.”
To Kahr, including and serving the community is fundamental to a museum’s purpose. “I think of museums as civic assets,” she says, adding that historically, museums were exclusive establishments, belonging to royal and aristocratic families and serving the upper class. ey were places of preservation, not only of the objects within them but also of the status quo.
Today, though, Kahr says, “ e field as a whole has shifted to be driven much less by academic interests and much more about audience and accessibility,” that magical human component.
While at LACMA, in addition to producing more than 300 exhibitions, Kahr worked extensively to fold the museum into the fabric of the city, while dispelling previous notions of exclusivity and formality and encouraging continued engagement. Out of this mission came her idea for Local Access, a program that partnered with smaller museums throughout Los Angeles County and the surrounding areas to bring exhibition programming tailored to the audiences in those specific locations.
“For big museums, the portion of the collection they show is teeny tiny,” Kahr says. “LACMA is in the single-digit percentages. Even the Brooks has a collection of more than 10,000 objects, but less than 1,000 are on public view. So how do we get all these objects out of storage? e Local Access exhibitions consisted entirely of LACMA objects, but they were visited by people from Los Angeles County who would never have come to see them at LACMA due to traffic, distance, or lack of leisure time. We wanted to serve audiences within LA County for whom LACMA was never going to be accessible.”
In addition to local partnerships, Kahr developed new museum partnerships in Asia, Latin America, Australia, and the Middle East.
Overall, under the leadership of Kahr, the curatorial team renewed its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, within the exhibition space. “In a major city museum, you have the opportunity to be the place where people come to learn about other cultures,” she says. “ ere’s definitely a long history of that at the Brooks. And that’s something that I would love to continue. e Brooks is a place where people can discover new cultures and also see their own culture represented, because that is equally important.”
But this need for diversity, equity, and inclusion should extend past the exhibitions themselves, which, at times, can
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a handful of months. Kahr explains, “Each museum has its own ecosystem, but we’re all participating in a global and national dialogue around who works in a museum and what the consequences of that are in terms of what the museum chooses to record in its collections, which artists the museum highlights, and what stories the museum tells.”
To ensure a lasting legacy of diversity, equity, and inclusion at LACMA, Kahr spearheaded efforts to recruit diverse staff into the museum and support them in their career pathways. “We found that many staff would come in at an entry level and would get stuck because they needed additional training or education to get promoted,” she says. So the museum partnered with Arizona State University to provide a free master’s program in art history for LACMA staff, who could remain employed at the museum while getting their education.
“Building career pathways into museums is some of the most satisfying work I’ve done,” Kahr says. “I’m really interested in continuing that conversation at the Brooks.” In general, she hopes her insights from working at LACMA will add to the Brooks’ ongoing efforts towards diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. “Of course, they will all be put through a Memphis and a Brooks filter. Life is about the specificity of location and culture.”
Though she is excited to learn Memphis’ specific needs and tastes, noting her curiosity as a strength for leadership, Kahr already acknowledges the legacy of Memphis artists and Memphis’ vibrant creative community. “As the city museum, we get to play a leading role in recording the story of our region’s artistic production,” she says.
But Kahr also recognizes that this vibrant community suffered a loss with the closure of Memphis College of Art, with its traditions of educating artists, being a creative hub, and providing artistic programming for the community. She hopes to find a way to fill that gap.
“One thing we’ve done really well in Los Angeles is to develop the idea of the museum as a porous space,” she says, explaining that museums can be a part of the living culture, not a stagnant collection of works but a place in service of the present and the future, not just the past.
“I’ve been thinking about how we blur the edges of the museums,” she says. “We can use that porosity to help people who might remember a negative experience in the past — something they read, or a feeling they had when they went to a museum. We want to help them feel a little more curious and a little more invited into the museum space.”
With the Brooks’ move Downtown in a few years, this living culture within the museum, Kahr explains, could take form in partnerships with Tom Lee Park or the National Civil Rights Museum, ways to connect the museum with a different energy. e new location on the river bluffs is “a much denser community,” she says, “and public spaces become more important in dense areas.”
But, no matter the location, whether Downtown or Overton Park, Kahr sees the museum as the city’s living room. “It’s
“If Brooks is the city’s living room, it’s not one person’s living room. It’s a space where you can have a personal experience, but it’s a public space where you also come into contact with your fellow citizens.”
— zoe kahrsuch a lovely way of thinking about what the city’s art museum can be and all the different ways you can be drawn to visit. I just think that’s a really nice ambition for Memphis’ art museum — to be a space where people feel comfortable and engage in a wide array of activities. Your living room is a place where you do a bunch of different things — you might read a book, you might socialize with your friends, you might watch a movie, you might eat an embarrassing amount of ice cream alone.
“And if it’s the city’s living room,” she continues, “it’s not one person’s living room. It’s a space where you can have a personal experience, but it’s a public space where you also come into contact with your fellow citizens. e city’s living room is where we can build a strong and resilient community.”
Most importantly, a living room is a place you return to day after day, a place where memories are formed and shared from youth into old age. It’s timeless and priceless, much like the memories Kahr formed with her grandma all those years ago, wandering the museum halls and staring at the masterpieces — the memories that keep her going back time and again.
Dr. Jennifer Collins, the twenty-first president of Rhodes College, officially began her tenure on July 1st and has quickly immersed herself in the school’s culture. She brings a unique perspective to her new role. A lawyer by trade, she garnered experience as a homicide prosecutor and family law attorney before segueing into education as vice provost and professor of law at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. And before coming to Memphis, Collins served as the Judge James Noel Dean and professor of law at Southern Methodist University in Texas. Memphis sat down with Collins in early September to discuss higher education, translating law experience into leadership, and immediate goals for Rhodes College.
MEMPHIS: You’ve had time to get settled now. What has the experience been like for you since you arrived in Memphis this summer?
JENNIFER COLLINS: We’ve been here for about two months and have felt so welcomed by the community. My husband and I have really enjoyed spending lots of time exploring all the terrific restaurants and the music scene, which we’ve been very excited about. And obviously, being on the campus here at Rhodes has been a fantastic experience. We have incredible students and extraordinary faculty and staff, and it’s so exciting. We welcomed students back, and it’s wonderful to have the buzz and the excitement on campus.
Is the college still holding any virtual classes, or has everything returned to in-person sessions?
We are entirely back in the classroom now for the fall and spring semesters. One of the very few benefits of the pandemic is that it has really enhanced the ability of colleges and universities to use technology to teach in an engaging and informative way. We did, however, have some summer classes that were virtual. at enabled students, for example, to work and have an internship, and at the same time take a class they’re really excited about.
I have three college students of my own who have been in college during the pandemic. And it really has had such an impact
on their college experience. I feel for these young people and I feel for the kids in the K through 12 system, and I think we’ll really be seeing the impact of the pandemic for years to come. I read a study showing that the pandemic wiped out 20 years’ worth of gains for third-graders in reading and math.
at’s something that will translate all the way up through their educational journey. We really have to be thoughtful and intentional about how we support students and make sure they’re on track to succeed.
Congratulations on your new appointment! Is the role of college president something you’ve always aspired to, or is it something that after so many years in education, you felt like you were ready to take on that type of responsibility?
It was absolutely not something that, if you had asked me when I graduated from college, that I would’ve predicted would be my future. When I talk to students, I always tell them about the role serendipity is going to play in their career and to be open to the unexpected. I may be a little bit of an unusual higher education administrator in that I am a lawyer by training and I actually practiced for about 10 years before I went into teaching. To me, that’s benefited my career in so many ways. It’s made me a more effective classroom teacher. It’s made me a more
effective communicator. I had never really thought about higher education administration, but a leader at Wake Forest, where I started my academic career, recommended me for a position. And that has led to my career journey since.
I’m curious to hear more about how the legal side of your background has enhanced your leadership capabilities.
Ilike to give two examples. One is that it gives you absolutely nerves of steel. It makes you unflappable. I was a homicide prosecutor for the bulk of my time in practice, dealing with the highest stakes cases that you can imagine, where families and communities had been through terrible experiences. You have to be the calm, steady leader who sets the tone that this is terrible, but we are going to get through this journey through the criminal justice system together. Unexpected things come along every day as a higher education administrator, from a tree falling on a staff member’s car to bizarre cases like when I was at SMU, we had a student take just a small step and somehow shatter her leg in three places. I sat there holding her hand while we waited for the ambulance.
The other thing I think you have to do as both a homicide prosecutor and leader of a college, you have to be a storyteller. You want to tell the story of your institution to prospective students, to community members, to prospective donors. There’s no better practice for being an effective storyteller than having to talk to 12 citizens who couldn’t figure out how to get out of jury duty who will have to sit with you for four weeks and evaluate this homicide case, and understand both the story of the case and the stakes. So I would say nerves of steel and the ability to be an effective storyteller are two of the takeaways from that practical experience.
Now that the school year has started, what are some of your short-term goals for the college?
To start, we want to begin telling our story in a more effective and compelling way, to make sure that a national and international audience knows about the jewel that is Rhodes College. It’s an ongoing challenge to think about how you tell your story when there are so many different sources of information and so many ways that people can get distracted. We have done tremendous work in terms of promoting a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging on campus. It’s certainly a priority to continue that work. We want to make sure that our campus reflects the great city that we happen to be located in, as well as our country.
We also want to continue to deepen and
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develop our relationship with the city of Memphis. As I said at the beginning, we’re so fortunate to be a liberal arts college located in a city. And I view that as both an opportunity and obligation.
Finally, we’re set to begin thinking about a capital campaign. We have so many dreams for ourselves, so many ambitious goals, and the opportunity to generate some additional resources to accomplish those goals is a really exciting area.
The college launched a 10-year strategic plan shortly before Covid-19. Are those same long-term goals still in place, or will there be any alterations to the plan?
The strategic plan was the product of a lot of work by so many individuals across campus. We’re not going to toss that aside and start from square one, but that plan was drawn up pre-pandemic. What we need to think about is whether the pandemic has affected any of our goals. One area in the plan that we’re looking at more closely is the idea of bringing interdisciplinary centers on campus. Now we have the chance to work with faculty to think about how that might start to take shape.
We are also getting feedback from students, faculty, and staff about things they think we could be doing differently. One example we’ve been hearing a lot is our students definitely want a student center. To me, that’s a wonderful reflection of how they want an opportunity to have more communal spaces and come together for all sorts of different programs and initiatives. Student centers have taken many shapes at colleges around the country, but they all act as vibrant social hubs. And a lot of students missed out on those types of interactions during the pandemic.
It comes down to listening to feedback from all the groups that make up the college. Some concerns and goals might
MUS volunteers at Carpenter Art Gardenbe different than they were when the plan originally launched, so we’ll continue to have these conversations.
At Wake Forest, you launched both the LGBTQ+ Center and the Women’s Center and also led a series of conversations focusing on improving campus culture. Can you talk about your views on the need to build diversity and inclusion?
Ithink it has to be one of your core commitments as a leader. You have to bring that lens to all the work that you’re doing across campus. e way I like to think about it is we want to make sure every member of our community feels comfortable bringing their whole selves to the table, whatever that may be. You grew up in your socioeconomic background, your sexual orientation. We want to make sure students feel comfortable in all our spaces. And not just students, but our faculty and staff as well. at’s really been an area that I’ve tried to focus on at both Wake Forest and SMU, and I’m excited to continue the great work that’s already going on here on campus.
Building on that, some issues tend to split the Rhodes community. When you see a polarizing graduate like Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett who divides the community, as a leader, what’s your approach?
Well, that’s why I think liberal arts colleges are so important these days, because one thing that we prioritize with our students is how to think critically, how to communicate effectively, and how to listen and learn across differences. We have a wonderfully diverse country in every sense of the word, where students are going to go out into the world and encounter people who have viewpoints that are different than their own. You don’t always have to agree with each other, but it’s incredibly important that you are able to listen to one another, respect one another, learn from one another, and try to come forward in some consensus that moves the country forward in a meaningful way.
I think our faculty are incredibly skilled and thoughtful about fostering those kinds of conversations in the classroom and outside the classroom. Our alumni obviously have different positions on Justice Barrett. And to me, that shows in some ways our liberal arts education has succeeded, that students are able — and our graduates are able — to articulate their points of view, hopefully listen to one another, and move forward in a positive and constructive way. So to me, it just reaffirms the importance of a liberal arts education.
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above: Rapidly growing Bentonville, Arkansas, is transforming itself into a bike- and pedestrian-friendly city, combining small-town charm with big-city amenities.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY VISIT BENTONVILLE, THE MOMENTARY, AND CHRIS McCOY
BY CHRIS McCOY
In 1945, Sam Walton bought a Ben Franklin variety store in Newport, Arkansas. Walton had a head for business, and within three years had tripled the store’s profits. But a dispute with his landlord caused him to sell the shop and open Walton’s Five and Dime in nearby Bentonville. He signed a 99-year lease on the new store in the tiny town square. at space is now the Walmart Museum, and the battered front door
of the old Ben Franklin store is its first exhibit. You probably know that the five-and-dime grew into Walmart, an international retail powerhouse and the largest private employer in the world. Walton’s relentless focus on cost cutting and customer service proved replicable far and wide. e former Army man took up flying, buying his own airplane and zooming around the country to scout new locations and close increasingly big deals.
top: Sam Walton’s desk and office are preserved at the Walmart Museum in downtown Bentonville. His interests, such as aviation, still shape the city three decades after his death. above: First Fridays bring families to the town square.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRIS McCOY
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When the Walmart board of directors pleaded with him, the company’s irreplaceable mastermind, to hire a professional pilot, he flatly refused. If someone else flew the plane, his workaholic brain would force him to deal with the mountains of paperwork that accumulated on the desk that now sits in the museum. His time behind the stick, absorbed in the task of staying airborne, was the only time he had to himself.
By the time Walton died in 1992 at age 74, he had opened 1,960 Walmart stores and was the richest man in America. The ownership of the company went to his wife, Helen, and their four children, Robson, John, Jim, and Alice. Until 2005, five of Forbes magazine’s 10 richest people in America were Waltons.
need an office in Bentonville, too — and what producer of consumer goods can afford to ignore the largest retailer on the planet?
I discovered that Bentonville has all the trappings of a boom town. The streets of the once sleepy community, smack dab in the middle of one of the most impoverished rural areas in North America, now thrum with activity.
Walmart is currently building a huge new headquarters in Bentonville. It’s conventional wisdom that, if your company wants to have a long-term relationship with Walmart, you
On my recent visit, I discovered that Bentonville has all the trappings of a boom town. The streets of the once sleepy community, smack dab in the middle of one of the most impoverished rural areas in North America, now thrum with activity. Everywhere you look, new buildings are popping up. More than once during a recent visit, my GPS tried to direct me down a street that was closed due to heavy construction activity. The houses are a curious mix of the modest ranch homes you find all over rural Arkansas and shiny new dwellings. In recent years, the trucks and SUVs going to and from Walmart offices and warehouses have been joined by cars bearing tourists and lines of helmeted mountain bikers. The stamp of the Walton riches is everywhere, and inescapable. Bentonville today is the town that Sam built.
CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART - BENTONVILLE Marvel at this architecturally stunning destination that houses masterworks from the colonial era to modern day.
EDEN FALLSBUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER AREA No Arkansas road trip is complete without checking out some of our amazing waterfalls.
GREERS FERRY LAKEHEBER SPRINGS
The crystal waters of this lake make it an outdoor-lover’s paradise.
JOHNNY CASH BOYHOOD HOME - DYESS Stop in and experience a piece of American music history at the boyhood home of Johnny Cash.
WINDOW ROCKOUACHITA NATIONAL FOREST Stunning views of the Little Missouri River are waiting at the top of this scenic hike.
PINNACLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARKLITTLE ROCK
Just minutes from downtown Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain offers trails and hikes for all ages and skill levels.
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LAKE CHICOT STATE PARKLAKE VILLAGE The largest oxbow lake in the country is a favorite for anglers and paddlers.
FOR EVEN MORE IDEAS, VISIT ARKANSAS.COM.
BALANCED ROCK FALLS, NEAR JASPER Top: Inside The Preacher’s Son, a fine dining restaurant built inside a former church. Above lefT And righT: Breakfast tacos at Sunrise, one of the many small eateries that have recently popped up in downtown Bentonville.above: The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is built around a mountain stream. The free museum was founded in November 2011 by Alice Walton.
above right, center, and below: Crystal Bridges’ “We The People” exhibit collects rare copies of America’s founding documents, as well as art which speaks to the changing attitudes towards our great national experiment in democracy.
Alice Walton was born in 1949, while her father was in the early stages of empire building. She built her own career as a banker and money manager, and like her father, cultivated an interest in aviation. From an early age, she loved to paint. On November 11, 2011, she opened the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. It would prove to be a transformative moment in the history of the city.
“Crystal Bridges was the catalyst,” says Aaron Mullins, director of communications and marketing for Visit Bentonville.
I was never far from a window, where I could easily orient myself.
e permanent collection consists solely of works by artists born in the United States, even if their work was done elsewhere. e list is a who’s who of the greatest painters and sculptors our country has produced in the last three centuries: John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Norman Rockwell, Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, and so many more.
The current blockbuster exhibit, “We The People: The Radical Notion of Democracy,” collects for the first time outside of the halls of the Library of Congress original copies of our country’s founding documents.
Admission to Crystal Bridges is, and always will be, free. “One of Alice Walton’s visions was to create this world-class museum that could be accessible specifically for schoolchildren in the middle of the country, and for folks both locally and regionally to be able to come in at any time and experience the art,” says Mullins.
e art collection is indeed world-class, as is the architecture that houses it. Crystal Bridges is literally built on a series of bridges over a small pond. I could wander the winding galleries for hours, but
e current blockbuster exhibit, “We e People: e Radical Notion of Democracy,” collects for the first time outside of the halls of the Library of Congress original copies of our country’s founding documents. On display is a broadside of the Declaration of Independence printed in Philadelphia in 1776; a copy of the Articles of Confederation, and one of only 11 copies of the original printing of the Constitution known to exist in the world. ere’s a dog-eared copy of the Federalist Papers, a draft of the Bill of Rights with two additional amendments that was circulated in Congress during the debate leading up to ratification, and a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln.
As impressive as that is, I found the lead-up even more intriguing — a chronological collection of American art, beginning in the pre-colonial era and culminating with contemporary pieces commissioned specifically for the exhibit. e show includes all of the major names from the history of American art — there’s an early Georgia O’Keeffe cityscape with none of her signature flowers, for example — along with many artists you’ve probably never heard of. It reflects the changing concerns of the people of the Republic in a way any cut-anddried historical account never could.
Today, our concerns continue to evolve. “We e People” brings skill and balance to telling the story of our country, now that we have matured enough to recognize the dark sides of our history. It is unflinching in pointing out that many champions of Enlightenment ideals — human freedom; individual dignity — owned fortunes built on the backs of enslaved people, and that the westward expansion was accompanied by brutal suppressions of the native population who were here for thousands of years before Columbus discovered the so-called
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY VISIT BENTONVILLE (TOP LEFT: MICHAEL DRAGER) (TOP CENTER & RIGHT: STEPHEN IRONSIDE) AND (BOTTOM) SUSAN VINEYARD / DREAMSTIME
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“New World.” It is a warts-and-all portrait of America that celebrates our radical notions of self-government while acknowledging the ways we have fallen short of our ideals. It is a call to continue the project of creating a more perfect union.
Bentonville is becoming a city of museums. In addition to Crystal Bridges, I enjoyed a visit to e Momentary, a contemporary gallery space associated with the bigger museum that recently hosted cutting-edge work from filmmaker and performance artist Matthew Barney. e museum, located in a former Kraft cheese plant, has both indoor and outdoor performance spaces that have recently hosted acts from indie rockers Japanese Breakfast to the rootsy
The Momentary’s crowning element is The Tower Bar, a swanky establishment perched on a five-story structure that was designed to provide patrons with a panoramic view of the rolling Arkansas hills.
Americana of Lyle Lovett and John Hyatt. From October 20th to 23rd, the gallery will host Momentous, a four-day electronic music festival featuring performers from all over the world. e Momentary’s crowning element is e Tower Bar, a swanky establishment perched on a five-story structure that was designed to provide patrons with a panoramic view of the rolling Arkansas hills.
Bentonville’s most surprising museum provides a window into the pre-history of this continent. e Museum of Native American History grew from a private collection of arrowheads into a definitive story of the human occupation of the Americas. “David Bogel is the founder of the museum, and he still has a major part in the day-to-day running,” says Jazlyn Sanderson, the programming manager at the museum.
Inside the Tower Bar high atop The Momentary contemporary art gallery.
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The Museum of Native American History boasts a fascinating collection of artifacts.
e stunning collection includes artifacts from all over North and South America, including several pieces found here in Shelby County. One of the museum’s crown jewels is an ancient knife made from deer bone and sinew. “It is very, very rare, and fully intact,” Sanderson tells me. “ is was found just lying in a cave in Texas. ink about it — someone put it down, walked off, and forgot about it. en, 2,000 years later, someone picks it up again. at never ceases to amaze me.”
Later, I’m sitting at e Hive, the restaurant at the 21c Hotel. Across from me, a large group of diners are chatting over their meal. I do a double take — is that a giant green penguin at the head of the table?
My server, Neil Casement, assures me I am not seeing things. “Our founders, Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, were in Italy, and there was an art exhibit of red penguins,”
The Museum of Native American History grew from a private collection of arrowheads into a definitive story of the human occupation of the Americas.
he says. “[Brown and Wilson] were art collectors, which is how the whole concept of 21c started. ey bought a few of them, and brought them back for their own personal collection. When 21c brought these penguins into the museum for guests to interact with, they loved them so much that they decided to keep them as a mascot. ey actually bought the rights for the penguins from the art group in Milan, and they became kind of our symbol. As they opened more locations, they kept the penguins and changed the color for every location. We got green, because we are the Natural State.”
With a first floor devoted to gallery space, the hotel provides a unique experience. “21c is without a doubt, one of the premier attractions that we have, not just for the museum, but also e Hive restaurant, which is fantastic,” says Mullins.
Bentonville is a city built on ambition, and right now its ambition is to become the mountain-biking capital of the world. e city adds an average of 1.5 miles of new bike paths every week, from the easygoing forested undulations of the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve trails to black diamond “gravity” trails that challenge daredevil riders. e purpose is not solely recreational — the city’s current growth spurt is being treated as an opportunity to fully integrate human-powered infrastructure alongside cars and roads.
“It’s what sets us apart from any other mountain bike community in the nation,” says Mullins. “Whether you’re at Moab or you’re out in Denver, you have to drive outside of the city to get to a trailhead. e reason mountain bikers love this place is, you can come here, get a hotel, park your car and leave it. e whole time you’re just on your bike.”
e Bike Inn is a renovated roadside motel that caters to pedal tourism. Steve Campbell, a mountain biker from Houston, stayed there on a return visit to Bentonville. “I came three years ago, and I didn’t get to see enough,” he tells me. “ is time, I’ve got it all lined up in my head. e maps have improved, and the city has more stuff going on. It seems to be so much more put together than it was three years ago. I thought it [the Coler Preserve] was awesome. I just biked right from here, and I loved it. And when I was downtown, it reminded me of Austin back in the Nineties.”
Inside the Coler Preserve, Jackie Chasteen stopped for a smoothie at Airship Coffee, a popular establishment accessible only via bike. “ e biking is really community-driven,” she says. “Everybody is super supportive of whatever you do.”
“We talk about ourselves as being the mountain bike capital of the world,” says Mullins. “And we want to make mountain biking accessible for everyone. at’s why
Bentonville adds an average of 1.5 miles of new bike trails each week around the city, in a concerted effort to become the mountain biking capital of the world.
The Hive is a fine dining establishment inside the artsy 21c Hotel. An art gallery occupies the ground floor, offering a unique experience for visitors to Bentonville.
the trails have been built in a way to create experiences for beginners all the way up to the experts. Some of the events we host are very targeted towards the extreme mountain biker, but most of them are focused, accessible events for the community. is whole city’s becoming a mountain bike community, and we want everybody to feel comfortable.”
The city’s newest amenities are in Osage Park, a recently purchased stretch of wetland that is being remediated and preserved. “We are just over 70 acres, but it’s not your typical urban park,” says site
With a first floor devoted to gallery space, the hotel provides a unique experience. “21c is without a doubt, one of the premier attractions that we have, not just for the museum, but also The Hive restaurant, which is fantastic.” — Aaron Mullins
manager Angie Chavez “We’ve got 12.5 acres of open canopy wetland or marsh, and then we also have five acres of lowland forest area. One of the key aspects of this park is promoting native plants and allowing people to get into nature without necessarily leaving their comfort zone. We have boardwalks that run through the wetlands, so people can walk through and not fear snakes or any of that sort of thing.”
e park sits next door to aden Field, named for Louise aden, a famed aviatrix from the golden age of flight who was a Bentonville native. I could watch the comings and goings of the private planes and helicopters from Louise, a restaurant located as close to the fl ight line as the FAA allows. Now abuzz with activity, it has come a long way since Sam Walton first sped down the runway in search of new territories to conquer — much like the town he called home.
Village Creek State Park
Less than two months after my mom died, I found myself standing at the entrance of Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, California. I had discovered this place through a sleep story on the Calm app. Initially, I had wanted to travel here with my mom. But as summer came to an end, I knew we would not be able to make this journey together. So in November 2021, I stood at the entrance to this magnificent place, all by myself, ready to embrace its beauty and splendor.
Muir Woods is beyond description. Standing before centuries-old redwood trees was both healing and cathartic for my grief-stricken soul. In that moment, I felt alive and free — awed by the brilliance around me, ready to face the next chapter of my life. As I walked, I remembered all of the amazing trails in my own neck of the woods. e trails in Memphis that served as a special place in my healing journey. A place to cry. A place to laugh. A place to scream. Without driving more than an hour, I had found the most magical places on earth. Magic in their inherent beauty, but also magic in the healing and comfort that they provided.
In Japan, the term shinrin yoku describes the process of “forest bathing” — a calm and quiet practice of observing nature and breathing deeply. It is said that this practice can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost the immune system. In my experience, I have found being in nature an antidote to the stress and toxicity of our world. When it seemed like everything was falling apart around me, being present in nature brought me back to my true self.
What follows is a very informal guide to some trails in and around Memphis. Yet, more than anything, this is an invitation for discovery — for you to find your own magical places in your own backyard, in our collective backyard. For the purpose of this story, we’ll visit four special trails en route to healing.
above: Kristen Smith with her dog Sunny.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KRISTEN SMITH
ADDRESS: South Walnut Bend Road, Memphis, opposite Lowe’s on Germantown Parkway
FACILITIES: Small parking lot and portable toilet at trailhead
HOURS: Sunrise to sunset
DISTANCE: 12.5-mile loop along the Wolf River consisting of three trails
had just left a therapy session on the edge of a breakdown. A few days earlier, I had been in Boston at the same time that one of the first Covid-19 cases entered our country through Logan International Airport. at news added more anxiety to my already very stressed nervous system. After a short drive, I found myself in the parking lot of the Wolf River Refuge Trailhead.
When most people pull into this lot, they head to the very popular beach on the Wolf River. I started my trek on the blue trail heading straight into the middle of the woods. In less than five minutes, I was completely lost in the trees and the sounds of nature.
Everything in my life was uncertain, and in the several months that followed, the world came to a screeching halt, and all of my stress compounded to crippling anxiety and panic attacks. Within these trees, however, I would always find peace and clarity. While everything else was shutting down, this trail became open and alive for me. is would become a space for me to breathe against the forces of the world around me.
Although these trails can continue for 12 miles, for two years I often found myself on the same 4-mile loop on repeat, taking in the beauty of the Lucius Birch State Natural Area. And although this area is popular with mountain bikers, there is still plenty of solitude to be found on these trails.
ADDRESS: 201 County Road 754, Wynne, AR
FACILITIES: Ample parking, visitor center, and restrooms
HOURS: 8 am – 5 pm
DISTANCE: 25 miles of a multi-use trail system winding through the forests on Crowley’s Ridge
April 2021
God, please, PLEASE show me how to fi nish the race.” e stress of the previous year had taken a toll on my physical and mental health. While I had not completely lost my will to live, I had lost my passion and zest for life. ere were brief moments of joy at my new job, but I longed for
a world full of light and colors. I desperately wanted to feel alive and free. Instead, I was lost. Confused. Tired. Uncertain.
After a quick Google search, I found myself at Village Creek State Park, across the Mississippi River near Wynne, Arkansas. Village Creek sits on Crowley’s Ridge, one of the most interesting geological landscapes in Arkansas. On the Austell Trail, I traversed the hilly terrain crossing a clear creek before reaching Lake Austell, one of the two large lakes within the park.
It was on this trail that I cried those words into the atmos and the universe. By circumstance, or maybe something more divine, I looked down at the rainbow Nike sweatshirt I was wearing and knew at once that I could not spend another day running from my queerness
I came out that day, and so began a new journey of self-love, acceptance, and empowerment. As I stood on the ridge, I felt my power re-emerging as I no longer could run from myself and the internalized voices of middle school bullies shaming me. In that moment, 55 miles from the hustle and bustle of Beale Street, the quiet of the woods emboldened me to live my truth.
ADDRESS: 140 Herb Parsons Way, Collierville
FACILITIES: Parking lot and restroom facilities at trailhead
HOURS: Sunrise to sunset
DISTANCE: 7-mile loop around the 177-acre Herb Parsons Lake
Ihad just come back to Memphis after spending almost three weeks abroad in both Africa and Europe. I recalled the moment I stood atop Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, watching the brilliant sunset and knowing that I had to move forward in all earnestness pursuing my dreams. After my mom passed away in September, I could feel her spirit and a divine drive to find my voice and live unapologetically.
Although I wasn’t exactly sure of my ultimate goal, I knew I wanted to write and use my voice and artistry in service to the world around me. When I stumbled upon Herb Parsons Lake, I was fully ready to embrace all of the magic around me.
About a mile into the walk, it began to rain. I stood there arms outstretched and realized how happy my inner child was in that
Wolf River Refuge Herb Parsons Lake PHOTOGRAPHS BY KRISTEN SMITHmoment. Standing on the edge of a vast lake among the myriad of trees, I felt light and free. is place became my playground. My sanctuary. My stage. My shalom.
Around the lake, a 7-mile walking and biking trail leads through hardwood trees with the lake not too far out of sight. Along this trail, I’ve spotted deer and several species of birds in and out of the water. Usually, very few people are on the trail, making this a perfect place for full immersion into nature and discovery.
ADDRESS: 419 W.C. Johnson Park Drive, Collierville, in W.C. Johnson Park
FACILITIES: Ample parking and restroom facilities located in park area
HOURS: 6 am – 11 pm
DISTANCE: 3.9-mile loop through the 135-acre park containing 75 acres of wetland areas
bestselling author,” I declared to my friend before starting my walk at Peterson Lake Nature Center.
“ en, write,” he said. “Go to the woods with your journal and write.”
“ at’s not a book,” I shot back emphatically.
“Just do it,” he answered.
I began by walking three-quarters of a mile on the boardwalk over the wetlands, then went down steps to enter the “primitive” trail, which is blazed in white on the trees.
After a short time among the trees on the dirt trail, I found a turn-off that led to a vast and private beach on the Wolf River. ere were no other sounds besides the occasional call of a bird or chirp from the crickets. I could even hear the gentle rush of water from the river.
As I laid out my yoga mat, my puppy jumped in and out of the water gleefully — a perfect playground for her with the washed-up driftwood and branches.
Overtaken by the serenity and joy of the moment, I grabbed my journal and began to write a note to myself. A declaration to keep going. A note of encouragement. A song a freedom. A manifesto. A promise. A love letter.
“I don’t know what’s next,” I wrote. “But I will not stop. I will not quit. I will work with more vigor and focus. I will not stop. I will march forward every day. Every day and every breath is a miracle. Never forget that. Always growing with grind and grace to see the end of the race.”
Iwalked nearly 20 miles over three days visiting each of these places again — reflecting on these months of deep loss and great joy. As I took each step in the hallowed coverings of oak and pine trees, I reflected on the immense healing that happened in the great greenscape of the Bluff City. I also recalled each moment of awe and amazement. I remembered walking along the Wolf River and seeing an owl peering down at me the very moment I felt my mom was watching me. Tears streamed down my face as I recounted all the silent prayers heard in these great sanctuaries. I took my familiar paths on these walks, but I noticed how much was yet to be discovered, not only at these places, but across our area.
In these woods, I found my voice once again. I healed from the most tragic two years of my life. I bared my hurt and all of my heart into the very soul of the trees. Shortly after the ice storm brought down trees and power lines across the city, I walked into the woods and found a tree that had just recently fallen. I could not help but reach out and lay my hands on the trunk. ough the tree was no longer standing tall, I thanked it for its service to humankind and my own healing journey.
I hope you accept this invitation to go for a
Peterson Lake Nature Center
walk in one of these magical places or discover one of your own in “Memphis … the most beautiful land in the world.”
ROBBINS-HALLE NATURE PRESERVE
ADDRESS: Wolf River Blvd., Collierville, opposite St. George’s Independent School
TRAIL INFO: 0.6-mile out and back paved trail leading to a wetland observation deck overlooking 100 acres of natural wetlands
RIVERWOODS STATE NATURAL AREA ADDRESS: Wolf River Blvd. and Kimbrough Rd., Germantown
TRAIL INFO: 0.8-mile unpaved loop through a 21acre natural area
INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER
MANAGERIAL PARK ADDRESS: 4523 Canada Rd., Lakeland
TRAIL INFO: 4 miles of dirt trails through rolling hills and woods
OVERTON PARK ADDRESS: 1914 Poplar Ave., Memphis
TRAIL INFO: 4 miles of dirt trails and 1.4-mile limestone loop through the 126-acre Old Forest
MEEMAN-SHELBY FOREST
STATE PARK
ADDRESS: 910 Riddick Rd., Millington
TRAIL INFO: 20 miles of trails that wind throughout the park sitting mostly on the Chickasaw Bluff overlooking the Mississippi River
SHELBY FARMS PARK
ADDRESS: 6903 Great View Dr., North, Memphis
TRAIL INFO: 40 miles of paved and unpaved trails traversing one of the largest urban parks in the country
Kristen Smith is a native Memphian, proud dog mama, avid world traveler, writer, and incessant dreamer who is passionate about the transformative power of personal healing and growth. She draws upon her own experiences to encourage others in their healing journeys through her Memphis-based wellness collective, High Vibe, Mane highvibemane.com
Overton Park PHOTOGRAPH BY ANNA TRAVERSE presented byKelly Dobbins started Mid-South Drug Testing nearly 20 years ago, offering drug and alcohol testing, certification, and training; DNA testing; expert witness and CLE services. As the company has grown, so has the team, who serves the Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri markets. With the recent addition of FedEx’s business, the experienced twenty-person highly seasoned team serves over 250 clients in four offices across two states. For nearly the past decade, daughter Madison Dobbins has become just as knowledgeable on drug testing protocol as her mother, while learning about operations and studying Business Management at the University of Memphis. Now that Madison has graduated, Kelly plans to have her step into a more management and operations-focused position over the next few years. Together, this mother-daughter duo has plans to expand their clientele and reach new markets within Tennessee, and the four-state area. With their already large diverse clientele in various fields such as transportation, schools, public utilities and local government, the sky is the limit for this family-owned, family-run local business.
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Driven by a passion for making medical aesthetics more transparent and approachable Valerie Monismith, RN (left) opened Ashtoria Aesthetics & Wellness in 2015. She named the award-winning medical spa after her daughters Ashley and Victoria (right) and focused on bringing beauty and wellness together in a safe and private setting. Since then, Victoria has joined the practice as an Esthetician and Laser Technician. “We utilize three world class Fotona Laser systems to treat all skin tones,” says Valerie. “Everyone deserves access to great skin care.” This mother-daughter duo combines years of experience in nursing, nutrition, and customer service to elevate the standards for patient care and satisfaction in the Memphis area. Together with other skilled female professionals at Ashtoria, these ladies are Women to Watch!
ASHTORIA
AESTHETICS & WELLNESS 4630 Merchants Park Circle #703 Collierville, TN 38017 901.310.3530 • ashtoria.com
SHANNON W. FINKS
They say that there is no greater joy in life than serving others. Her love for helping families has not only been one of the greatest joys, but also her motivation to becoming one of Crye-Leike Realtors’ Top Producing Real Estate Agents. She specializes in residential sales all over the Mid-South, was recognized as CryeLeike’s #1 Top Producing residential Realtor in 2021, is an official REALTOR® of the University of Memphis Tigers, and has been consistently named one of Tennessee’s Top Agents by Real Trends magazine.
“We had such a smooth and wonderful experience buying a house. We love Anna and she helped us so much. It was such an easy process. I highly recommend her!“ — Happy Client
CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS 901.573.2832 (c) • 901.260.4780 (o) annabishop.crye-leike.com
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.
Susan@EwingMarketingPartners.com 901.517.4634
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Shannon Finks is the President and Director of Pharmacy Services at ZüpMed, and a Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy. Committed to providing patients with compassionate personalized care, Shannon has been a leader in the local healthcare community for over two decades. By utilizing genetic information as a part of comprehensive medication management services, Finks has grown ZüpMed into the leading outpatient pharmacogenomic center in Memphis.
ZÜPMED 4576 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN 38117 901.701.7010 • zupmed.com
Magnolia Homes Founder and President Karen Garner has been a staple in custom home-building in the Memphis area for over 35 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 Healthcare Foundation.
193 Cartwright Farm Lane, Collierville, TN 38017 901.309.0710
KAREN GARNER Homebuilder ANNA BISHOP Realtor VALERIE MONISMITH, RN & VICTORIA GAITHER, LME Wellness President & Director of Pharmacy Services KELLY & MADISON DOBBINS Mother-Daughter Duo Growing TogetherDr. 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.
GERMANTOWN COSMETIC AND FAMILY DENTISTRY 9045 Forest Centre Way, Suite 101 Germantown, TN 38138 901. 347.3527 • gtownsmiles.com
2022 marks the ninth 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 100 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.
MCWATERS & ASSOCIATES REALTORS 2851 Stage Village Cv Ste 2, Bartlett, TN 38134 901.378.0433 • amanda@leeteammemphis.com
Born and raised in Memphis, Katrina Grubb is a graduate of the University of Memphis and University of Tennessee Health Science Center. After 10 years in the healthcare field she decided it was time for a career change. Her passion for helping people meet their goals and real estate collided in 2017 when she became a licensed Realtor. She recently earned her Broker’s license and in 2021 she started The FIRM-Memphis Real Estate with three other partners.
The FIRM has 20 agents and are just getting started! She is a top 500 producer out of 4000+ agents in the city. She is a lifelong learner who loves a challenge. Making sure her clients are completely satisfied and meet their goals is her #1 focus.
THE FIRM 7475 McVay Station Ct. #101, Germantown, TN 38138 901.870.1650 • katrina@thefirmmemphis.com
Marissa is a Top Producer in the Memphis Area. She enjoys living in Lakeland and experiencing all the nature it has to offer! In her spare time, she loves serving on the board of YWCA, spending time with her dogs, and being with family. Marissa is also a Managing Broker for one of the Captain & Co. offices. Along with her fellow Captains, she is one of the coaches at Captain and Co elevating the industry average!
Holly provides a custom experience for her clients by always working in the best interest of each individual client. Holly’s intuitive understanding of people, her appreciation for each client’s unique circumstances, and her passion to meet the needs of her clients makes her a patient, dynamic Realtor. With a prior background in teaching and social work, Holly knows access to food, healthcare, and education are vital to sustaining a strong community which is why she supports local philanthropic and volunteer organizations specifically benefitting Memphis children and families.
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REAL ESTATE 901.846.6028 (c) • 901.390.4663 (o) captainandco.realestate/agents/marissa-hertzog/
MARX-BENSDORF, REALTORS 901 682 1868 (o) • 901 734 4411 (c)
5860 Ridgeway Center Parkway, Suite 100 Memphis, TN 38120
hjames@m-brealtors.com • hollyandhomes.com
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 care at six convenient locations: Germantown, East Memphis, Southaven, Bartlett, Arlington, and Olive Branch.
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.
MCCULLEY ALLERGY, SINUS & ASTHMA CENTER www.mcculleyallergy.com 901.623.3323
Abbey is a native Memphian that has been selling real estate for over 26 years. She is a dedicated professional who works tirelessly to help buyers find the perfect house and assist sellers in getting their property sold quickly and efficiently. Abbey was currently in the TOP 10 of record sales June 1, 2022 from all licensed realtors that are members of Memphis Area Assoc of Realtors!
As she continues to grow with her experience and education, Abbey has already accomplished earning the following designations: Broker, ABR, GRI, SREC, New Home Specialist, and is a Life Time Member of Multi Million Dollar Club. She has served 3 years on the Board of Governors of the Multi Million Dollar Club. Call Abbey today to buy or sell a home!
OAK GROVE REALTY 901.309.0710 (o) • 901.237.3290 (c)
If you don’t love what you do, it’s never too late. Morgan Myers, hairstylist for 17 years, has been giving her clients exactly what they want, but also maintains the health of their hair. As a Blonding Specialist in Collierville, TN, Morgan has achieved that and so much more. She was voted 2nd place in the 2021 Memphis Flyer’s Best Of in the inaugural year of Morgan Myers Hair Professional. Proving her talent, benevolence, and thrive is no fluke. Morgan again earned a spot on the ballot this year with results of the voting being announced in September. Myers is not only an extremely talented blonding specialist, but has a compassionate and kind demeanor; making it no surprise that her clients quickly call her friend. It’s no wonder she has developed a large and loyal clientele.
VERSEAU HAIR STUDIO 2136 W Poplar Ave #118, Collierville, TN 38017
MORGAN MYERS Hairstylist TAMMY MCCULLEY, M.D. Allergy & Immunology, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics AMANDA LEE Affilate Broker HOLLY JAMES Realtor MARISSA HERTZOG Managing Broker/ REALTOR® ALEXANDRA GARRETT DDS DentistRenee Pinlac is a Family Nurse Practitioner and the owner of De La Belle Wellness & Spa. Renee received her Master’s of Science in Nursing from Arkansas State University and is certified in Family Practice. She specializes in weight-loss management, endocrinology, and advanced aesthetics, such as platelet-rich plasma injections. Renee also holds certifications in Botox, dermal fillers, laser hair reduction and resurfacing, as well as cellulite reduction and fat destruction. Renee’s 17-plus years at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have allowed her to bring a higher level of professionalism and compassion when working with her patients.
DE LA BELLE WELLNESS & SPA
3086 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38111 901.433.9024 • delabelle.net
ASHLEY WISCH Realtor & Entrepreneur
Dr. Christina T. Rosenthal 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. A practicing general dentist, she’s also the founder of globally recognized, non-profit, The 516 Foundation, with its primary initiative, Determined to be a Doctor Someday (D.D.S.), created to encourage underrepresented students to pursue healthcare careers. She is author of the children’s book, You Can Become a Doctor Too, and motivates audiences through her speaking company, Prescribing Inspiration LLC.
PRESCRIBING INSPIRATION LLC 901.758.2127 • prescribinginspiration.com youcanbecomeadoctortoo.com determinedtobeadoctor.org
Beth is a Top Producer in the Memphis Area. Born and raised in Collierville. She loves everything that Collierville has to offer! In her spare time, she loves serving on the board of the Collierville Education Foundation, traveling with friends and family, and playing golf. Beth is also a Managing Broker for one of the Captain & Co. offices. When she is not assisting her clients, she is passionately mentoring the next generation of REALTORS.
Sharonda Walton is a native Memphian and board-certified nurse practitioner. Her experience in adult health and wellness helped create her passion for the medical aesthetics and personal care industry. Sharonda began her career in cosmetic aesthetics in 2017 and prides herself in providing her clients with personalized care in an intimate and friendly environment. This has gained her the title of Top Recommended Provider by The Best Aesthetic Injectors in America. Sharonda’s southern hospitality, along with her extensive knowledge and skills, allows her to offer clients the best experience and life-changing results.
CAPTAIN & COMPANY REAL ESTATE 901.264.6610 (c) • 901.390.4663 (o) captainandco.realestate/agents/beth-shindler/
ROYALTY WELLNESS SPA 901.410.8905 • royaltywellnessspa.com IG: @royalty_wellnessspa
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 + shifting 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 since 2020. Wisch combines southern grace with her extensive knowledge and skill to ensure her clients have the best possible results.
901.361.1293 • ashley@loveyourmemphis.com loveyourmemphis.com
B.J. is “an area star” committed to serving the Memphis community. Her background — Booker T. Washington High School, LeMoyne Owen college, post-graduate work at U of M — reinforced her capacity to excel, lead and overcome challenges. 30 yr. church musician, past deacon at Lindenwood Christian Church, Pres. Memphis Silver Bullet Ski Club, charter member of River City Links, Inc. MIFA volunteer, 33 yr. life member of MAAR’s MultiMillionDollar Club. She will forever provide unparalleled trust, professionalism, real estate expertise, quality service, and communication.
1930 Exeter Road, Germantown, TN 38138 901.685.6000 (o) • 901.409.5605 (c) bjworthy64@gmail.com
DR. CHRISTINA T. ROSENTHAL Owner / CEO BETH SHINDLER Managing Broker/ REALTOR® SHARONDA WALTON ANP-BC Medi-spa OwnerOne night at home, Lela Canter, a mother of two who lives in Germantown, Tennessee, felt a lump in her breast. After a visit to her OB-GYN and a mammogram and biopsy at Baptist Women’s Health Center, Lela was quickly diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer.
“It was scary at first because I felt like I was too young, and I was concerned that the cancer was as advanced as it was,” said Canter who had just turned 35 years old when she learned she had hormone receptorpositive breast cancer.
Canter has been a patient at Baptist Cancer Center since her diagnosis in 2019. After her cancer didn’t respond to her initial chemotherapy treatment, Canter had a single mastectomy with lymph node removal, followed by several more rounds of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation therapy.
With the tough part behind her, Canter’s treatment for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer now involves hormone blocker medication to help prevent estrogen and progesterone from fueling cancer growth. She is also undergoing breast reconstruction.
“I am grateful for my team at Baptist,” said Canter. “It was really a team effort. When I saw my primary oncologist, Dr. Philip Lammers, I could tell that he and my surgical oncologist, Dr. Alyssa Throckmorton, and my radiologist, Dr. Lynn Gayden, were all on the same page, had discussed my individual case and came up with a treatment plan for me. I was important and not just another patient on their list.”
Baptist Cancer Center helps to reduce the stress that a cancer diagnosis can cause by bringing together specialists at one location through multidisciplinary clinics, which saves patients time driving between appointments and helps them get answers sooner. These multidisciplinary clinics offer patients access to multiple specialists, comprehensive examinations, testing, diagnosis and treatment planning from a single location.
Lela Canter is grateful for the Baptist Cancer Center team that cared for her during her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Another way that Baptist Cancer Center makes receiving cancer care easier is with navigators, offered at each location. Navigators guide patients, serve as a liaison with their health care team and offer personalized support and information.
“ My navigator is Emilie, and she has been super helpful with answering questions,” said Canter. “She’s also a cancer survivor, and she helped me through the steps, telling me what’s next and checking to see if anything was needed.”
While her family doesn’t live nearby and she lost her mother in 2017, Canter still found plenty of support during her treatment from her community of friends, and a lot of greatly
appreciated help with childcare from her mother-in-law. She also had plenty of visits from family.
“Occasionally, my grandmother, who lives in Brownsville, would take me to chemotherapy!” shared Canter.
Canter loves spending time with her husband, John, their two kids, ages 4 and 7, and their two dogs and cat. When she has free time, she likes to get away with her sister who is also a breast cancer survivor.
“It took a while after I finished treatment to get back to where I felt I had a normal amount of energy to do day-to-day activities, but I’m able to live more normally now,” said Canter, who has even taken up running again now that she’s feeling more like herself.
For more information about Baptist Cancer Center, go to baptistcancercenter.com.
baptistcancercenter.com
T he 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. One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. For men, it’s 1 in 833. The goal of this campaign is to step up and lead the fight in world where breast cancer is primarily considered as a women’s disease.
The Real Men Wear Pink in Memphis started in October 2015 with 26 candidates raising over $71,000. Since then, more than 180 ambassadors from all around the Greater Memphis Area have come together in the fight to raise over $1 million for breast cancer research, programs, and services. In 2021, more than 30 men in the Memphis area sported their pink, engaged their networks, and raised over $200,000 to bring Memphis in as the #11 campaign in the country.
Phil Glass
This year’s chairman is Nick May. Nick, audit senior for Deloitte is joining the Memphis campaign for his second year. In 2021, he was the top fundraiser in Memphis, raising over $25,000. When asked what he is most excited about as chairman this year, he said, “I am most excited to lead by pushing myself and helping others to raise awareness, donations, and the desire to fight against breast cancer. I’m excited to continue the strong momentum and show what Memphis is really made of. Real Men Wear Pink is an exciting campaign for leaders in any profession or background and an opportunity
to unite for a great cause and stand up against breast cancer.”
While October is officially breast cancer awareness month, the Memphis campaign kicked off in early 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 was held on Thursday, September 8th, at Old Dominick Distillery and presented by Caesar’s 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, Randall Melton, and Nick May.
N ationally, Real Men Wear Pink has raised more than $50 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 $71 million in breast cancer-specific research through 153 grants (as of August 2021).
◗ To date, more than $59 million has been invested in metastatic breast cancer research (as of February 2022).
◗ 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.
DONATE TO YOUR FAVORITE MEMBER OF THE 2022 CLASS
Carlos Salgado, recruiting manager for Silver Tree Residential, LLC — 4th year returning ambassador
Phil Daniele, executive vice president of merchandising, supply chain, marketing, and e-commerce for AutoZone — 4th time returning ambassador
Reggie Crenshaw, president and CEO of Leadership Memphis — 2nd year returning ambassador
John ShiversEdward Bogard
Kevin Klein, market president for iHeart Media
Matt Koyak, director of marketing for Regional One Health Shannon Brown, chief diversity officer for FedEx Express
Phil Glass, general manager of Alsco Uniforms & Linens — 2nd time returning ambassador
Nick May, audit senior at Deloitte — 2nd time returning ambassador
Amelia P. Bailey, M.D. William H. Kutteh, M.D., Ph.D. Raymond W. Ke, M.D. Paul R. Brezina, M.D.
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.
(901)747-BABY (2229) fertilitymemphis.com
Centers of Excellence for Reproductive Medicine and In Vitro Fertilization.
Milton Howery
Mike Palazzolo, mayor of Germantown — 2nd time returning ambassador
Curtis Pettis, manager for Amazon
Alejandro Becker, business development specialist for Supreme Staffing
Dave Moore, owner of The Dave Moore Companies
Chad Pendleton, president & CEO of Amerigroup
Marvin Todd, manager of revenue management analysis for FedEx Services
Jon Shivers, director of Beale Street for the Downtown Memphis Commission
Milton Howery, vice president of marketing at Memphis Tourism — 2nd time returning ambassador
Dane Williams, insurance advisor for Shoemaker Insurance Solutions — 3rd time returning ambassador
Kendall Robertson, owner of Alfred’s on Beale, Dyer’s on Beale, Café Olé, Ubee’s, Automatic Slim’s, and Catering for U
James Fyke, detective for University of Memphis and 901 Batman
Morgan Tate, affiliate broker for River City Land Company
Robert Lofton, Science Department chair for Hutchison School
Danny Smith, truck driver for Abilene Trucking
Raymonn Moore, owner of Nightlife Concierge 901
Matt Rich, marketing manager for Sayle Oil Company — 3rd time returning ambassador
Brett Heinrich, career and technical education supervisor for Collierville Schools — 2nd time returning ambassador
Gary Whittam, director of mechanical engineering for Chad Stewart & Associates
William Jones, casino operations manager for Caesar’s Entertainment, Horseshoe Tunica
Amadou Sanghott, casino shift manager for Caesar’s Entertainment, Horseshoe Tunica
Robert Hughes, gaming table manager for Caesar’s Entertainment, Horseshoe Tunica
Lamar Johnson, director of slot performance for Caesar’s Entertainment, Horseshoe Tunica
Daniel Higginbotham, poker and sportsbook manager for Caesar’s Entertainment, Horseshoe Tunica
Jeff Lovitt, gaming table manager for Caesar’s Entertainment, Horseshoe Tunica
Mitch Pate, gaming table manager for Caesar’s Entertainment, Horseshoe Tunica
Tyrone Dailey, gaming table manager for Caesar’s Entertainment, Horseshoe Tunica
Edward Bogard, founder and philanthropic designer for SoGiv
Michael Scruggs, site coordinator for Agape Child & Family Services –
Our history expert solves local mysteries: who, what, when, where, why, and why not. Well, sometimes.
BY VANCE LAUDERDALEDEAR VANCE: In February you wrote about J.C. Harbin, who operated several businesses in Whitehaven in the mid-1900s, but you didn’t tell the full story of his wife, Emma, a famous aviatrix. What happened to her?
— T.C., MEMPHIS.
DEAR T.C.: I devoted my February column to John Clyde Harbin, because he was involved in so many ventures here: restaurant, tourist court, race track, swimming pool, and even a shopping center. Lack of space prevented me from saying too much about his wife, and that’s a shame, because in many ways her accomplishments were more remarkable than his, earning her national recognition as “ e Dixie Eagle.”
Emma Rose Miller was born in the little town of Drew, Mississippi, on July 5, 1897. At some point, she encountered J.C. Harbin — how and where, I don’t know
— and they married. After running a small restaurant in DeSoto County for a few years, they moved to Whitehaven in the 1920s and opened Harbin’s Tourist Court.
Although Emma Harbin helped run the motel and restaurant, she quickly made a name for herself with her athletic endeavors. One I mentioned earlier was her attempt to set a record for “tank swimming” — floating in a pool for more than 50 hours, an ordeal that seems just dreadful to me.
But somehow she encountered two of this area’s most famous fliers, Vernon and Phoebe Omlie, and they helped her earn a pilot’s license — one of the very few women in this area (heck, in the entire country) to do so. A 1929 Commercial Appeal article praised this accomplishment, noting that “Mrs. J.C. Harbin, who already has won laurels at swimming, passed the Department of Commerce test for a private pilot’s license at the Memphis Airport [and] ‘soloed’ in less time than the average male student.”
Within a year, she was invited to join the Betsy Ross Air Corps, “the only patriotic organization of women fliers in the U.S.A.,” and took part in just about every aerial event in this area, developing a reputation as a “clever stunt performer.”
Harbin would sometimes carry a passenger along, and she made national news in 1932 when a local musician, Bessie Bradbury, claimed her ears “popped” after a high-altitude flight, and when she landed the deafness that had plagued her for two years was gone. Other Memphians with hearing problems lined up for this miracle cure. Newspapers reported, “So many requests for fl ights have come to Mrs. Harbin that she has been thinking of going into the business.” She told reporters, “I don’t own a plane, so they would have to pay the small rental for the ship, but I wouldn’t ask a penny for my services.”
But did it really work? e CA noted, “Airplane riding to improve the hearing of deaf patients has shown marked results, but doctors are not agreed as to whether the improvement is likely to be permanent.”
Well, those doctors finally agreed that it wasn’t, so Harbin eventually stopped her “aerial cures” and returned to stunt flying. For the 1932 Fall Air Festival, her “acrobatic thrillers” included “hair-raising tail spins, slow rolls and snap rolls, thrilling loops, and graceful Immelman turns,” whatever those were. e newspaper coverage noted that the Sterick Building would serve as the “pylon” for many of her loops, meaning that these stunts took place over Downtown. is seems incredibly risky, not just for the pilots involved, but for all the people watching from the buildings nearby and the streets below.
It’s hard to convey the excitement and glamour that surrounded this new mode of transportation. e Commercial Appeal ran a full-page story about the “Latest in Air Togs,” with women fl iers demonstrating pilot fashions.
e newspaper also devoted space to an aviation column, with stories and photos about races and stunts taking place in other cities. Looking back, some of the events held here seemed downright foolhardy.
OPPOSITE AND LEFT: A newspaper cartoon tried to illustrate some of the stunts “The Dixie Eagle,” shown here perched on a biplane at Memphis Municipal Airport, might perform for a 1932 Cotton Carnival air show.
In 1933, the Dixie Aviation Club presented an air festival at the Memphis Municipal Airport that included “contests aplenty.” Among them were “balloon bursting, where the pilot is given three balloons to burst after a passenger has thrown them from the cockpit” and “bomb dropping, with the pilot attempting to score a hit on a moving tractor with two-pound sacks of flour.” (I wonder how the driver of that tractor felt about this stunt?) For her part, Harbin (“one of the nation’s outstanding women stunt fliers”) would perform something extremely dangerous: “She will fly her ship across the airfield with one wheel touching the ground the entire time.”
And then — it all came to an end, but not in the fiery crash that you probably expected. Because of unspecified health problems, in 1934 Harbin was unable to pass the annual physical exam required to renew her pilot’s license. “The Dixie Eagle” was grounded.
Her marriage to J.C. Harbin also fell apart. A 1934 Commercial Appeal headline announced, “Dixie Eagle Wants to Soar Alone” and she filed for divorce. She won, and got custody of their three children: 18-year-old Clyde, and 11-year-old twins Emily and John Jr.
Harbin then embarked on a number of ventures that didn’t involve flying. In 1934, a tiny newspaper ad shows she opened a small restaurant at Central and East Parkway, called simply Emma Harbin’s, with a menu offering “real Italian spaghetti and ravioli, steaks, seafood, barbecue, baked ham, and dinners.” It didn’t remain in business very long, and within two years, she unveiled more ambitious plans.
Still described as “the Memphis aviatrix,” Harbin hired the prominent local architect Estes Mann to design an ultra-modern tourist court on 10 acres of land “on the Bristol Highway [now Summer] north of the WMC radio station.” The complex would include 10 cottages, a laundry, gas station, and an art-deco “tourist center with dining room, café, and dance floor.” I’m not sure these plans ever left the drawing board, however, since I never found any news stories saying the elaborate complex opened.
In January 1940, Hardin married Kirby Waldrup, a
Memphis postal carrier. The union lasted barely a year, with “The Dixie Eagle” filing for divorce in January 1941.
On her own again, she tried other occupations. In the early 1940s, she posted ads announcing she was the “sole agent” for the General Realty Company. When World War II began, she took a job at the Fisher Body Plant in North Memphis. A division of General Motors, this factory had been crafting wooden frames for automobiles but converted to wartime production building aircraft.
Though she hadn’t flown in years, Harbin was still such a celebrity — remembered as “the daredevil of the skies” — that she took part in a weekly radio show, Victory Is Our Business, broadcast on WMC and WMPS, which described the local war effort. For a while, she also contributed an aviation column to The Commercial Appeal
Remember those twins of hers? In 1944, they both joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. Son John was stationed in preflight training school in Bakersfield, California, and daughter Emily became a member of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), stationed in Orlando, Florida. Hardin moved with her son to California, where the newspapers reported “she is going into a business venture with the San Francisco Marine Instrument Company.”
In her flying days, Harbin always carried a little frogshaped pin as a good-luck token. “Tucked away in her bags is the frog,” that newspaper story continued, “who will soon be flying high again, pinned on the jacket of young Harbin. It should bring good luck to the young flier who plans to follow in the footsteps of his mother. Promised to a thousand admirers and trophy hunters, the little green frog is now going to work with the Dixie Eagle’s son.”
I’m not sure how long Harbin stayed in California. After the war, though, she returned to Memphis and operated the Harbin Mill and Cabinet Company, while living alone in a house on Mallory Road. And it was there, on January 18, 1948, that she died. “The Dixie Eagle,” described as “one of the most picturesque fliers Memphis has ever known,” was just 50 years old. A simple stone marks her grave in Forest Hill Cemetery.
EMAIL: askvance@memphismagazine.com
MAIL: Vance Lauderdale, Memphis magazine, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101
ONLINE: memphismagazine.com/ ask-vance Or visit him on Facebook.
It’s a bar, it’s a lounge, it’s a restaurant: The gathering space at Caption by Hyatt welcomes visitors seeking both work and play, night and day.
BY SAMUEL X. CICCI
The corridor on Front Street by the One Beale project and the old Wm. C. Ellis & Sons building has been under construction for what may feel like an eternity. But the second stage of the project is completed, revealing a chic-looking café and beer garden oasis nestled in the midst of Downtown. Open to the public since late June, Talk Shop aims to feed Downtown workers and visitors alike, as well as provide a hip, latenight hang-out spot.
e team at Hyatt envisioned a one-stop-shop to serve as the Caption by Hyatt’s food and beverage option. A long counter in the shared Talk Shop/hotel lobby runs throughout most of the space, and features the restaurant sections, a full-service bar, and a coffee roasting station. e Hearth Bar is the centerpiece of
the counter, home to customizable breakfast options and other assorted baked goods for sale. Directly outside is the beer garden patio, perfect for getting some fresh air and people-watching folks walking by on Front Street.
Adam Arencibia, who earlier this year was named executive chef at the Hyatt Centric and
CIMAS, a three-minute walk down Front, is also leading the kitchen at Talk Shop. “Over here, it’s a bit more casual than CIMAS,” he says. “For this menu, we wanted to have a super fun experience, a localized menu that can bring all kinds of people in. We wanted to avoid anything that felt too pretentious. Just good local fun, and good eats.”
Arencibia’s downto-earth background makes him suited to juggling several different restaurants at One Beale. He came to Memphis in 2021 when he was named an executive
chef partner at the Capital Grille and has long cultivated a passion for cooking. But at an early age, that passion had to compete with a love for Top Gun and a desire to become a pilot. e Las Vegas native ultimately found his high-octane thrills in the kitchen rather than the cockpit, working his way through some of the biggest hotels in Nevada alongside top professionals like Michael Mina and three-star Michelin chef Joël Robuchon.
Talk Shop is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. For breakfast or brunch (served until 11:30), Arencibia points to the shop’s French toast, one of the restaurant’s most popular items.
“We soak [the bread] in this cereal-milk custard that’s prepared overnight, and it’s really delicious,” he says. “And then we layer it with a beautiful glaze that’s a caramelization of fresh sugar, berries, and local syrups.” Heartier options are also available, like the biscuits and gravy with pork sausage and black pepper country gravy, or the croque-madame made with a fried egg, hardwood-smoked bacon, and pimento cheese.
“We wanted to have a super fun experience, a localized menu that can bring all kinds of people in. We wanted to avoid anything that felt too pretentious.
Just good local fun, and good eats.”
For those seeking a bit more customization, the Hearth Bar section at the counter should be the first stop. Featured options to order include toast with smashed avocado, radish, oven-roasted tomato, and an everything seed shake over a brioche bun, or the lox with smoked salmon, Boursin cheese, red onion, a hard-boiled egg, and
Just outside Talk Shop, the restaurant’s beer garden-esque patio looks out onto Front Street and features hanging wall greenery, plenty of seating, and assorted fire pits for colder weather.arugula piled on sourdough.
But the build-your-own station is where the hearth bar truly shines. Want béchamel on brioche topped with Boursin? You can make that happen. Or toss arugula pesto over a fl atbread covered with capicola and parmesan, if you so desire. Each order includes a base, sauce, and two toppings. “It’s basically a build-your-own breakfast or snack over there with the amount of options we have,” says Arencibia. “It’s probably one of my favorite parts of our menu. And it goes on all day long, too.”
The rest of the menu, titled “Beyond Breakfast,” comprises the lunch and dinner offerings, with plenty of savory snacks to please diners throughout the day until Talk Shop closes in the late evening. The meat-andcheese plate is a large assorted charcuterie board, perfect for a group of grazers. Pigs in a blanket with Cajun honey mustard make for an easy snack, and the baked mac and cheese is delicious, with smooth pepperjack béchamel, bacon, and a pork skin crust.
But the most popular Beyond Breakfast item by far is Netta’s chicken sammy, a spicy fried chicken sandwich topped with honey hot sauce and slaw, rounded out by dill pickle and butter lettuce. “I’ll admit, we were overthinking that one,” laughs Arencibia. “We were all coming at it from kind of an elevated cuisine viewpoint, spending too much time workshopping. One of our team members, Netta, basically said, ‘Whoa, slow down! Keep it simple, put some honey hot sauce and some slaw on there and people will love it.’ Sure enough, they did, and it’s one of our best sellers. She really got us back on track there.”
Talk Shop also has a station (just around the far side of
the bar) for local grab-and-go snacks, but the place is designed primarily for comfortable dinein experiences. The colorful furniture and tables of the long, rectangular interior make it easy to post up with a laptop for a long work session or meeting, or just as a fun place to hang out. The patio directly outside is set up as a beer garden, with greenery hanging from the walls, fire pits throughout, and plenty of exposed brick.
If you’ve driven down Front recently, you know the exterior maintains the familiar Wm. C. Ellis and Sons logo and façade. For happy hour, enjoy the Wm. C. Pilsner, specially brewed for Talk Shop by Grind City Brewing. ere are also colorful cocktails — or test your creativity
and “Mix It Up” and make your own cocktail, served in a large pineapple-shaped glass. Guests of the hotel lucky enough to be facing West can pop upstairs to their room balconies with their food and drinks for a view of the Mississippi River.
Arencibia says of the future of Talk Shop and the One Beale project, “When the third hotel is up, I’ll be taking charge of their kitchen too. We don’t know what shape that will take just yet, but I’m excited.”
Talk Shop is located on the ground floor of the Caption by Hyatt hotel at 245 S. Front St. The restaurant is open 6:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 6:30 a.m. –11 p.m. Friday through Sunday. talkshopmemphis.com
top: West-facing hotel rooms at the Caption by Hyatt look out over the Mississippi River. Down at Talk Shop, customers can order the shop French toast, left, or the avocado toast at the Hearth Bar.
above: When the restaurant first opened, the Talk Shop food truck handed out Netta’s chicken sammies to hungry diners.
Memphis magazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service to our readers. Broken down alphabetically by neighborhoods, this directory does not list every restaurant in town. It does, however, include the magazine’s “Top 50” choices of must-try restaurants in Memphis, a group that is updated every August. Establishments open less than a year are not eligible for “Top 50” but are noted as “New.” is guide also includes a representative sampling of other Bluff City eating establishments. No fast-food facilities or cafeterias are listed. Restaurants are included regardless of whether they advertise in Memphis magazine; those that operate in multiple locations are listed under the neighborhood of their original location. is guide is updated regularly, but we recommend that you call ahead to check on hours, prices, or other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome; please contact Samuel X. Cicci at scicci@contemporary-media.com.
117 PRIME—Restaurateurs Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp team up with Chef Ryan Trimm to recreate the traditional American steakhouse. Serving oysters on the half shell and a variety of surf and turf options. 117 Union. 433-9851. L, D, WB, X, $-$$$
ALDO’S PIZZA PIES—Serving gourmet pizzas — including Mr. T Rex — salads, and more. Also 30 beers, bottled or on tap. 100 S. Main. 577-7743; 752 S. Cooper. 725-7437. L, D, X, $-$$
THE ARCADE—Possibly Memphis’ oldest cafe. Specialties include sweet potato pancakes, a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, and breakfast served all day. 540 S. Main. 526-5757. B, L, D (Thurs.-Sat.), X, MRA, $
AUTOMATIC SLIM’S—Longtime Downtown favorite specializes in contemporary American cuisine emphasizing local ingredients; also extensive martini list. 83 S. Second. 525-7948. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$
BACKLOT SANDWICH SHOP—Big sandwiches, breakfast bowls, and build-your-own-biscuits for breakfast, lunch, and an early supper. 265 S. Front St. 509-8612. B, L, D, $
BARDOG TAVERN—Classic American grill with Italian influence, Bardog offers pasta specialties such as Grandma’s NJ Meatballs, as well as salads, sliders, sandwiches, and daily specials. 73 Monroe. 275-8752. B (Mon.-Fri.), L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$
BEDROCK EATS & SWEETS—Memphis’ only Paleo-centric restaurant, offering such dishes as pot roast, waffles, enchiladas, chicken salad, omelets, and more. Closed for dinner Sun. 327 S. Main. 409-6433. B, L, D, X, $-$$
BELLE TAVERN—Serving elevated bar food, including a butcher board with a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as daily specials. 117 Barboro Alley. 249-6580. L (Sun.), D, MRA, $
BEN YAY’S GUMBO SHOP—Spiritual successor to DejaVu, offering fresh and authentic Creole staples. 51 S. Main St., 779-4125. L, D, X, $-$$
BISHOP—Ticer and Hudman’s newest venture at the Central Station Hotel features upscale dishes in a French brasserie style. 545 S. Main St., 524-5247. L, D, X, $$-$$$
CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE—Offers prime steaks, fresh seafood (lobster tails, grouper, mahi mahi), pasta, and several Northern Italian specialties. 149 Union, The Peabody. 529-4199. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$$
CAROLINA WATERSHED—This indoor/outdoor eatery, set around silos, features reimagined down-home classics, including fried green tomatoes with smoked catfish, a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, burgers, and more. Closed Mon.-Thurs. 141 E. Carolina. 321-5553. L, D, WB, $-$$
CATHERINE & MARY’S—A variety of pastas, grilled quail, pâté, razor clams, and monkfish are among the dishes served at this Italian restaurant in the Chisca. 272 S. Main. 254-8600. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$
CHEF TAM’S UNDERGROUND CAFE—Serves Southern staples with a Cajun twist. Menu items include totchoes, jerk wings, fried chicken, and “muddy” mac and cheese. Closed Sun. and Mon. 668 Union Ave. 207-6182. L, D, $
CHEZ PHILIPPE—Classical/contemporary French cuisine presented in a luxurious atmosphere with a seasonal menu focused on local/regional cuisine. The crown jewel of The Peabody for 35 years. Afternoon tea served Wed.-Sat., 1-3:30 p.m. (reservations required). Closed Sun.-Tues. The Peabody, 149 Union. 529-4188. D, X, MRA, $$$$
CIMAS—It’s breakfast tacos, shrimp and grits, chilaquiles verdes, and plenty of other Southern and Latin-American twists at the Hyatt Centric. 33 Beale St. 444-3232. B, L, D, $-$$$
THE CLOVER CLUB Southern fusion and internationally-inspired small plates at Hotel Indigo. 22 N. B.B. King.
COZY CORNER—Serving up ribs, pork sandwiches, chicken, spaghetti, and more; also homemade banana pudding. Closed Mon. 745 N. Parkway and Manassas. 527-9158. L, D, $
CURFEW—An elevated sports bar/American tavern concept by Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani at the Canopy Memphis Downtown hotel. 164 Union Ave. B, L, D, X, $-$$
EVELYN & OLIVE—Jamaican/Southern fusion cuisine includes such dishes as Kingston stew fish, Rasta Pasta, and jerk rib-eye. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun.-Mon. 630 Madison. 748-5422. L, D, X , $
Sun. and Mon. A Downtown staple at Brinkley Plaza, 383 S. Main. 5230877. L (Fri. only), D, X, MRA, $$-$$$
FERRARO’S PIZZERIA & PUB—Rigatoni and tortellini are among the pasta entrees here, along with pizzas (whole or by the slice) with a variety of toppings. 111 Jackson. 522-2033. L, D, X, $
FISHBOWL AT THE PYRAMID—Burgers, fish dishes, sandwiches, and more served in a unique “underwater” setting. Bass Pro, 1 Bass Pro Drive, 291-8000. B, L, D, X, $-$$
FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR—Serves steaks and seafood, along with such specialties as bison ribeye and Muscovy duck, all matched with appropriate wines. 39 S. Main. 521-8005. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$
FLYING FISH—Serves up fried and grilled versions of shrimp, crab, oysters, fish tacos, and catfish; also chicken and burgers. 105 S. Second. 522-8228. L, D, X, $-$$
GOOD FORTUNE CO.—Authentic handcrafted noodles, ramen, and dumplings. 361 S. Main. 561-306-4711. L, D, $-$$
THE GENRE—Burgers, tenders, catfish, and plenty of vegan options made to order at this music-themed restaurant/lounge. 200 Poplar, Suite 105. 410-8169. B, L, D, $-$$
THE GRAY CANARY—The sixth restaurant from chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman, offering small plates and entrees cooked on an open flame. Oysters, octopus, and hearty steaks are among the menu options at this eatery in Old Dominick Distillery. Closed Mon. 301 S. Front. 466-6324. D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$
GRECIAN GOURMET TAVERNA—Serves traditional favorites like spanakopita, pastitso, moussaka, and hand-rolled dolmathes, as well as lamb sliders and pita nachos. Closed Mon. 412 S. Main. 249-6626. L, D, X, $
GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN—Serves chicken with signature spicy batter, along with homemade beans, slaw, and pies. 310 S. Front. 527-4877; 3100 Forest Hill Irene (Germantown). 853-6005; 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 373-9111; 730 S. Mendenhall. 767-2323; 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN. 901-294-2028. L, D, X, MRA, $
HAPPY MEXICAN—Serves quesadillas, burritos, chimichangas, vegetable and seafood dishes, and more. 385 S. Second. 529-9991; 6080 Primacy Pkwy. 683-0000; 7935 Winchester. 751-5353. L, D, X, $
HU. ROOF—Rooftop cocktail bar with superb city views serves toasts with a variety of toppings including beef tartare with cured egg, cognac, and capers or riced cauliflower with yellow curry, currants, and almonds. Also salads, fish tacos, and boiled peanut hummus. 79 Madison. 333-1229. D, $
HUSTLE & DOUGH BAKERY & CAFE—Flaky, baked breakfast goodness every day with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and more at Arrive Hotel. 477 S. Main St., 701-7577. B, L, X, $
INKWELL—Unique craft concoctions, charcuterie plates, flatbreads, and sandwiches at this dope cocktail bar. Closed Mon.-Tue. 631 Madison Ave. 334-9411. D, $-$$
ITTA BENA—Southern and Cajun-American cuisine served here, conveniently located above B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale St.; specialties are duck and waffles and shrimp and grits, along with steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta. 145 Beale St. 578-3031. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$
KING & UNION BAR GROCERY—Classic Southern favorites including catfish plate, pimento cheese, po-boys, chicken & waffles. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with cocktails served with flair and favorite Memphis beers. Locally made confections available in the grocery. 185 Union Ave. 523-8500. B, L, D, $-$$
KOOKY CANUCK—Offers prime rib, catfish, and burgers, including the 4-lb. “Kookamonga”; also late-night menu. 87 S. Second. 578-9800; 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy. 1-800-2453 L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$
BLEU—This eclectic restaurant features American food with global influences and local ingredients. Among the specialties are a 14-oz. bone-in ribeye and several seafood dishes. 221 S. Third, in the Westin Memphis Beale St. Hotel. 334-5950. B, L, D, WB, X, MRA, $$-$$$
BLUEFIN RESTAURANT & SUSHI LOUNGE—Serves Japanese fusion cuisine featuring seafood and steak, with seasonally changing menu; also a sushi bar. 135 S. Main. 528-1010. L, D, X, $-$$
BRASS DOOR IRISH PUB—Irish and New-American cuisine includes such entrees as fish and chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie, all-day Irish breakfast, and more. 152 Madison. 572-1813. L, D, SB, $-$$
BY THE BREWERY—Breakfast and lunch café, with a focus on Southern-style biscuits, salads, and soups. 496 Tennessee St. 310-4341. B, L, $
CAFE KEOUGH—European-style cafe serving quiche, paninis, salads, and more. 12 S. Main. 509-2469. B, L, D, X, $
FAM—Casual Asian restaurant serves sushi rice bowls, noodle bowls, sushi rolls, and spring rolls. Closed Sun. 149 Madison; 521 S. Highland. 701-6666. L, D, X, $
FANCY’S FISH HOUSE—Serving chef-inspired favorites at One Beale, including fresh, daily-caught fish and seafood, a raw bar, and signature dishes from the grill, with fabulous river views from the dining room and patio. 1 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. #1. 589-3474. L, D, $$-$$$$
FEAST & GRAZE—Whipped goat toast, open faced grilled cheese, and other local pantry snacks and charcuterie boards. Closed Sun./Mon. 55 S. Main. 654-5926. L, $
FELICIA SUZANNE’S—Southern cuisine with low-country, Creole, and Delta influences, using regional fresh seafood, local beef, and locally grown foods. Entrees include shrimp and grits. Closed
LITTLE BETTIE—New Haven-style pizzas and snacks from the Andrew-Michael team at Wiseacre’s Downtown location. 398 S. B.B. King Blvd. 334-9411. L, D, $-$$
THE LITTLE TEA SHOP—Downtown institution serves up Southern comfort cooking, including meatloaf and such veggies as turnip greens, yams, okra, and tomatoes. Closed Sat.-Sun. 69 Monroe. 525-6000, L, X, $
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, $-$$
LOFLIN YARD—Beer garden and restaurant serves vegetarian fare and smoked-meat dishes, including beef brisket and pork tenderloin, cooked on a custom-made grill. Closed Mon.-Tues. 7 W. Carolina. 249-3046. L (Sat. and Sun.), D, MRA, $-$$
We celebrate our city’s community table and the people who grow, cook, and eat the best Memphis food at MEMPHISMAGAZINE.COM/FOOD
(This guide, compiled by our editors, includes editorial picks and advertisers.)
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, $-$$
THE LOOKOUT AT THE PYRAMID—Serves seafood and Southern fare, including cornmeal-fried oysters, sweet tea brined chicken, and elk chops. 1 Bass Pro Dr. 620-4600/291-8200. L, D, X, $-$$$
LUCY’S—Hu. Hotel’s downstairs diner serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start your day with a Hu. breakfast burrito, or Lucy’s Burger for a late-night bite 3 S. Main. 333-1200. B, 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—Features aged steaks, fresh seafood, and such specialties as roasted chicken and grilled pork tenderloin; offers a pre-theater menu and classic cocktails. Well-stocked bar. 145 S. Main. 522-8555. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$
McEWEN’S—Southern/American cuisine with international flavors; specialties include steak and seafood, sweet potato-crusted catfish with macaroni and cheese, and more. Closed Sun., Monroe location. 120 Monroe. 527-7085; 1110 Van Buren (Oxford). 662-234-7003. L, D, SB (Oxford only), X, MRA, $$-$$$
MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE—The focus here is on steaks, including prime fillet, rib-eyes, and prime-aged New York strip; also, some seafood options. 5960 Getwell (Southaven). 662-890-2467; 88 Union. 527-5337; 3165 Forest Hill-Irene (Germantown). 249-5661. D, SB (Germantown), X, $$-$$$
MOLLIE FONTAINE LOUNGE—Specializes in tapas (small plates) featuring global cuisine. Closed Sun.-Tues. 679 Adams Ave. 524-1886. D, X, MRA, $
MOMMA’S ROADHOUSE—This diner and dive at Highway 55 serves up hot and crispy fried chicken wings, among other solid bar food options. Temporarily closed. 855 Kentucky. 207-5111. L, D, MRA, $
NEW WING ORDER The award-winning food truck cooks up its signature hot wings at its first physical location, at Ghost River on Beale. Closed Mon/Tue. 341 Beale. L, D, $-$$
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, $-$$
THE PARAMOUNT—Fried green tomato and crab beignet small plates to grilled lamb loin, cowboy ribeye, and an extensive cocktail list. Closed Sun/Mon. 265 S. Front. 410-8169. D, $-$$$$
PAULETTE’S—Presents fine dining with a Continental flair, including such entrees as filet Paulette with butter cream sauce and crabmeat and spinach crepes; also changing daily specials and great views. River Inn. 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3300. B, L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$
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, $-$$
SABOR CARIBE—Serving up “Caribbean flavors” with dishes from Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Closed Sunday. 662 Madison. 949-8100. L, D, X, $
SAGE—Restaurant and lounge features daily lunch specials and tapas with such dishes as braised short ribs, teriyaki pulled pork, and the Sage burger made with Angus beef, avocado mash, fried egg, and flash-fried sage. 94 S. Main. 672-7902. L, D, WB, X, $-$$
SILLY GOOSE LOUNGE—Gourmet, wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted cocktails at this Downtown restaurant and lounge. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111. 435-6915. 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 , $-$$
SOUTH POINT GROCERY—Fresh and delicious sandwiches made to order at Downtown’s new grocery market. 136 Webster Ave. B, L, D, $
SUGAR GRITS—Who said breakfast has to be in the morning? The Westmorelands offer grits and other breakfast goodness all day long, in addition to other Southern-style lunch and dinner options. 150 Peabody Pl., Suite 111. 249-5206. B, L, D, $-$$
SUNRISE MEMPHIS—Serves breakfast all day, including house-made biscuits, frittatas, kielbasa or boudin plates, and breakfast platters. 670 Jefferson. 552-3144. B, L, X, MRA, $
SUPPER CLUB ON 2ND—Fine dining and urban bistro styles collide at this snazzy, chic restaurant, featuring gold-encrusted tomahawk steaks, a deep sea lobster dawg, fancy cocktails, and plenty of other elevated goodies. 85 S. 2nd St. 453-6334. D, WB, $$-$$$
TALK SHOP—Southern-style cuisine, a breakfast bar, and plenty of other cool dishes and drinks at the Caption by Hyatt. 245 S. Front St. B, L, D, $-$$
TERRACE—Creative American and Continental cuisine includes such dishes as filet mignon, beef or lamb sliders, chicken satay, and mushroom pizzetta. Rooftop, River Inn of Harbor Town, 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3366. D, X, MRA, $$
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, $-$$
WAHLBURGERS WILD—Wahlburgers brings its classic menu, but with a few gamey twists at the Bass Pro Pyramid. 1 Bass Pro Drive. B, L, D, $-$$
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)
ABNER’S FAMOUS CHICKEN—Fried chicken tenders and dipping sauces galore at this Mid-South staple. 1350 Concourse Ave, Suite 137. 425-2597; (East Memphis) 1591 Poplar Ave. 509-3351; (Cordova) 1100 N. Germantown Pkwy. 754-5355. L, D, $-$$
ABYSSINIA RESTAURANT—Ethiopian/Mediterranean menu includes beef, chicken, lamb, fish entrees, and vegetarian dishes; also a lunch buffet. 2600 Poplar. 321-0082. L, D, X, $-$$
ALCHEMY—Southern fusion, locally grown cuisine features small and large plates; among the offerings are pan-seared hanger steak, quail, and lamb chops; also handcrafted cocktails and local craft beers. 940 S. Cooper. 726-4444. D, SB, X, $-$$
ART BAR—Inventive cocktails feature locally foraged ingredients; snacks include house-cured salt & vinegar potato chips and herb-roasted olives. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue #280. 507-8030. D, X, $
BABALU TACOS & TAPAS—This eatery dishes up Spanish-style tapas with Southern flair; also taco and enchilada of the day; specials change daily. 2115 Madison. 274-0100; 6450 Poplar, 410-8909. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$
BACK DO / MI YARD—A revamped patio space behind The Beauty Shop features rotisserie meats and fishes via Brazilian-style outdoor grill. Dinner Wed.-Sat., weather permitting. 966 S. Cooper, 272-7111. D, X, $$
BAIN BARBECUE & BAKERY—Brian Bain’s popular Texasstyle barbecue is back, alongside an assortment of baked goods. 993 S. Cooper. 310-4141. B, L, $-$$
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 CooperYoung neighborhood corner bar by Kevin Keough. 247 Cooper St. D, X , $
BAR-B-Q SHOP—Dishes up barbecued ribs, spaghetti, bologna, other classics. Closed Sun. 1782 Madison. 272-1277. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$
BARI RISTORANTE ENOTECA—Authentic Southeastern Italian cuisine (Puglia) emphasizes lighter entrees. Serves fresh fish and beef
dishes and a homemade soup of the day. 524 S. Cooper. 722-2244. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$
BARKSDALE RESTAURANT—Old-school diner serving breakfast and Southern plate lunches. 237 S. Cooper. 722-2193. B, L, D, X, $
BAYOU BAR & GRILL—New Orleans fare at this Overton Square eatery includes jambalaya, gumbo, catfish Acadian, shrimp dishes, red beans and rice, and muffalettas. 2094 Madison. 278-8626. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$
BEAUTY SHOP—Modern American cuisine with international flair served in a former beauty shop. Serves steaks, salads, pasta, and seafood, including pecan-crusted golden sea bass. Perennial “Best Brunch” winner. Closed for dinner Sunday. 966 S. Cooper. 272-7111. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$
BELLY ACRES—At this festive Overton Square eatery, milkshakes, floats, and burgers rule. Burgers are updated with contemporary toppings like grilled leeks, braised tomatoes, and sourdough or brioche buns. 2102 Trimble Pl. 529-7017. L, D, X, $
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, $-$$
CAFE PALLADIO—Serves gourmet salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts in a tea room inside the antiques shop. Closed Sun. 2169 Central. 278-0129. L, X, $
CAFE SOCIETY—With Belgian and classic French influences, serves Wagyu beef, chicken, and seafood dishes, including bacon-wrapped shrimp, along with daily specials and vegetarian entrees. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 212 N. Evergreen. 722-2177. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$
CAMEO—Three longtime Memphis bartenders join forces for creative cocktails, cheese boards, snacks, and Sunday brunch. 1835 Union Ave., Suite 3. 305-6511. D, SB, $-$$
CELTIC CROSSING—Specializes in Irish and American pub fare. Entrees include shepherd’s pie, shrimp and sausage coddle, and fish and chips. 903 S. Cooper. 274-5151. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$
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. 4177962. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$
COMPLICATED PILGRIM—Quick serve coffee shop, bar, and restaurant all in one at The Memphian hotel. 21 S. Cooper St. 601-9095820. B, L, D, $-$$
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, $
EAT AT BLACK LODGE—High-end breakfasts, like waffle grilled cheese sandwiches, nacho and tater-tot “tot-chos,” and other entrees like sweet spicy thai pork at the longtime video store. Closed Mon./Tue. 405 N. Cleveland. 672-7905. L, D, $-$$
ECCO—Mediterranean-inspired specialties range from rib-eye steak to seared scallops to housemade pastas and a grilled vegetable plate; also a Saturday brunch. Closed Sun.-Mon. 1585 Overton Park. 410-8200. B, L, D, X, $-$$
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. 800-1851. L, D, X, $
THE FARMER AT RAILGARTEN—Mac Edwards comes out of retirement with classics including pan-seared catfish, gulf shrimp and grits, or a Gibson donut bread pudding. Closed Mon./Tue. 2166 Central. 313-0087. D, $-$$
FINO’S ITALIAN DELI & CATERING—The newly revived Fino’s offers the old favorites such as the Acquisto as well as a new breakfast menu. 1853 Madison. 272-FINO. B, L, D, X, $
FLAME RAMEN—Traditional Japanese ramen restaurant serving up bowls of noodles in Midtown. 1838 Union Ave. 779-8666. D, $-$$
FLIP SIDE Pinball meets pub in the Crosstown neighborhood, with plenty of games alongside a Caribbean- and Latin-inspired menu. Closed Mon. 1349 Autumn Ave. L, 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, $
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). 7543885; 77 S. Second (Downtown). 527-2700; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-4455; 7090 Malco Blvd. (Southaven). 662-349-7097; 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, $-$$
INSPIRE COMMUNITY CAFE—Serving breakfast all day, in addition to quesadillas, rice bowls, and more for lunch and dinner. 510 Tillman, Suite 110. 509-8640. B, L, D, X, $
KNIFEBIRD—Neighborhood wine bar boasts plenty of flights, cocktails, and mocktails alongside bruschetta and charcuterie boards. Closed Sun. 2155 Central Ave. 748-5425. D, $-$$$
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM—Serves such Southern cuisine as po’boys, shrimp and grits, and wood-fired pizzas. 2119 Madison. 2075097. 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, $-$$
MAXIMO’S ON BROAD—Serving a tapas menu that features creative fusion cuisine; entrees include veggie paella and fish of the day. Closed Mon. 2617 Broad Ave. 452-1111. D, SB, X, $-$$
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). 7532218; 797 W. Poplar (Collierville). 861-7800; 5627 Getwell (Southaven). 662-536-1364. L, D, X, $-$$
MEMPHIS WHISTLE—Cocktails, cocktails, and even more delicious cocktails alongside burgers, sandwiches, and other tasty snacks. 2299 Young Ave. Closed Mon.-Tue. 236-7136. D, $-$$
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 Sun.-Mon. 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, $-$$
PANTÀ—Small, Catalan-inspired plates by Kelly English in the former Restaurant Iris space. 2146 Monroe Ave. Closed Mon.-Wed. 590-2828. L, D, $-$$.
PARISH GROCERY—Shrimp? Roast beef? Oysters? Whatever type of po’boy you want, the New Orleans-themed eatery has got it. Closed Monday. 916 S. Cooper St. 207-4347. L, D, X, $-$$
PAYNE’S BAR-B-QUE—Opened in 1972, this family-owned barbecue joint serves ribs, smoked sausage, and chopped pork sandwiches with a standout mustard slaw and homemade sauce. About as down-to-earth as it gets. 1762 Lamar. 272-1523. L, D, $-$$
PIZZERIA TRASIMENO—Small pizzas baked in wood-fired clay ovens along with a selection of small salads. Menu is soon to include desserts, local beer on tap, and Umbrian wine. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 181. 308-1113. L, D. $
PHO BINH—Vietnamese, vegetarian, and Cantonese specialties include lemon tofu and spring rolls. Closed Sunday. 1615 Madison. 276-0006. 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, $$
SALTWATER CRAB—Offers an array of seafood dishes including boils with blue crab, crab legs, lobster tails, and more, and specialty sushi like the Dynamite or Royal King rolls, in addition to signature sangrias and cocktails. 2059 Madison Ave. 922-5202. L, D, X, $$
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, $-$$
SEKISUI—Japanese fusion cuisine, fresh sushi bar, grilled meats and seafood, California rolls, and vegetarian entrees. Poplar/ Perkins location’s emphasis is on Pacific Rim cuisine. Menu and hours vary at each location. 25 Belvedere. 725-0005; 1884 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 309-8800; 4724 Poplar. 767-7770; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-0622; 2990 Kirby-Whitten (Bartlett). 377-2727; 6696 Poplar. 747-0001. L, D, X, $-$$$
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, $-$$
STICKEM—Brick and mortar location for the popular food truck, which offers grilled meat on a stick. 1788 Madison. Closed Sunday. 474-7214. L, D, X, $
TAMBOLI’S PASTA & PIZZA—Pasta-maker Miles Tamboli whips up Italian soul food with seasonal menus featuring dishes like crispy fried chicken or creamy bucatini with pecorino cheese. Serves dinner Tues.-Sat. 1761 Madison. 410-8866. D, X, $-$$
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, $-$$.
TONICA—Paella and other Spanish-inspired dishes with an Italian touch, alongside an extensive list of gin and tonics. 1545 Overton Park. Closed Mon.-Wed. D, $-$$
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, $$-$$$
TUYEN’S ASIAN BISTRO—A variety of Asian dishes from the minds and chefs behind Saigon Le. Closed Sun. 288 N. Cleveland. L, D, $-$$
ZINNIE’S—Dive bar classic reopens with a makeover and signature Zinnaloni sandwich. 1688 Madison. 726-5004. L, D, X, $
SOUTH MEMPHIS (INCLUDES PARKWAY VILLAGE, FOX MEADOWS, SOUTH MEMPHIS, WINCHESTER, AND WHITEHAVEN)
BALA’S BISTRO—Authentic West African cuisine available to order or by the pound, alongside traditional American dishes and an extensive vegan menu. 4571 Elvis Presley Blvd. 509-3024. L, D, $-$$
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, $-$$
FABULOUS FLAVORS & FRIENDS ”The Candy Lady” Precious Thompson Jones comes up with a little bit of everything: omelettes, quesadillas, t-bones and waffles, and plenty of soul food. 2063 E. Brooks Rd. 314-0735. L, D, $
THE FOUR WAY—Legendary soul-food establishment dishing up such entrees as fried and baked catfish, chicken, and turkey and dressing, along with a host of vegetables and desserts. Around the corner from the legendary Stax Studio. Closed Mon. 998 Mississippi Blvd. 507-1519. L, D, $
HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY–No one cares how late it gets; not at Hernando’s Hideaway. Live music, killer happy hour, and plenty of bar fare at this South Memphis hang. 3210 Old Hernando Rd. 917-982-1829. L, D, $
INTERSTATE BAR-B-Q—Specialties include chopped pork-shoulder sandwiches, ribs, hot wings, spaghetti, chicken, and turkey. 2265 S. Third. 775-2304; 150 W. Stateline Rd. (Southaven). 662-393-5699. L, D, X, $-$$
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, $-$$
BISCUITS & JAMS—Biscuits, waffles, French toast, and plenty of sharables at this Bartlett breakfast spot. Closed Mon./Tue. 5806 Stage Rd. 672-7905. B, L, $
CEVICHERIA AND GRILL CHILEMON—Ceviche, of course, but also plenty of other postres, aperitivos, and mixed grilled meat and seafood feasts. Closed Sun. 4509 Summer Ave. 672-7905. L, D, $
ELWOOD’S SHACK—Casual comfort food includes tacos, pizza, and sandwiches. Specialties include meats smoked in-house (chicken,
turkey, brisket, pork), barbecue pizza, and steelhead trout tacos. 4523 Summer. 761-9898. B, L, D, X, $
EXLINES’ BEST PIZZA—Serves pizza, Italian dinners, sandwiches, and salads. 6250 Stage Rd. 382-3433; 2935 Austin Peay. 388-4711; 2801 Kirby Parkway. 754-0202; 7730 Wolf River Blvd. (Germantown). 753-4545; 531 W. Stateline Rd. 662-342-4544. L, D, X , MRA, $
LA TAQUERIA GUADALUPANA—Fajitas and quesadillas are just a few of the authentic Mexican entrees offered here. A bonafide Memphis institution. 4818 Summer. 685-6857; 5848 Winchester. 365-4992. L, D, $
LOTUS—Authentic Vietnamese-Asian fare, including lemon-grass chicken and shrimp, egg rolls, Pho soup, and spicy Vietnamese vermicelli. 4970 Summer. 682-1151. D, X, $
MORTIMER’S—Contemporary American entrees include trout almondine, chicken dishes, and hand-cut steaks; also sandwiches, salads, and daily/nightly specials. A Memphis landmark since the Knickerbocker closed. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 590 N. Perkins. 7619321. L, D, X, $-$$
NAGASAKI INN—Chicken, steak, and lobster are among the main courses; meal is cooked at your table. 3951 Summer. 454-0320. D, X, $$
NAM KING—General Tso’s chicken, hot and sour soup, and homemade chicken wings are back at the longtime Raleigh Chinese eatery. 3624 Austin Peay Highway, #3. 373-4411. L, D, $-$$
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, $
DISTRICT (INCLUDES CHICKASAW
GARDENS AND HIGHLAND STRIP)
A-TAN—Serves Chinese and Japanese hibachi cuisine, complete with sushi bar. A specialty is Four Treasures with garlic sauce. 3445 Poplar, Suite 17, University Center. 452-4477. L, D, X, $-$$$
THE BLUFF—New Orleans-inspired menu includes alligator bites, nachos topped with crawfish and andouille, gumbo, po’boys, and fried seafood platters. 535 S. Highland. 454-7771. L, D, X, $-$$
BROTHER JUNIPER’S—This little cottage is a breakfast mecca, offering specialty omelets, including the open-faced San Diegan omelet; also daily specials, and homemade breads and pastries. Closed Mon. 3519 Walker. 324-0144. B, X, $
CHAR RESTAURANT—Specializing in modern Southern cuisine, this eatery offers homestyle sides, 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, $-$$
MEDALLION—Offers steaks, seafood, chicken, and pasta entrees. Closed for dinner Sunday. 3700 Central, Holiday Inn (Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality). 678-1030. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$
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, $
ACRE—Features seasonal modern American cuisine in an avantegarde setting using locally sourced products; also small plates and enclosed garden patio. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 690 S. Perkins. 818-2273. L, D, X, $$-$$$
AGAVOS COCINA & TEQUILA—Camaron de Tequila, tamales, kabobs, and burgers made with a blend of beef and chorizo are among the offerings at this tequila-centric restaurant and bar. 2924 Walnut Grove. 433-9345. L, D, X, $-$$
AMERIGO—Traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine includes pasta, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and cedarwood-roasted fish. 1239 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall. 761-4000. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$
ANDALUSIA— Authentic Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, brochettes, and briouates. 5101 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 103. 236-7784. L, D, $-$$
ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN—Traditional Italian cuisine with a menu from two of the city’s top chefs that changes seasonally with such entrees as Maw Maw’s ravioli. Closed Sun.-Mon. 712 W. Brookhaven Circle. 347-3569. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE—Offering several varieties of eggs Benedict, waffles, omelets, pancakes, beignets, and other breakfast fare; also burgers, sandwiches, and salads. 6063 Park Ave. 729-7020; 65 S. Highland. 623-7122. B, L, WB, X, $
ANTIGUA MEXICAN BAR & GRILL—Tortas, tacos, and other authentic Mexican cuisine alongside freshly-made salsa, guacamole, and white queso dip. 717 N. White Station Rd. 761-1374. L, D, $-$$
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, $-$$
BENIHANA—This Japanese steakhouse serves beef, chicken, and seafood grilled at the table; some menu items change monthly; sushi bar also featured. 912 Ridge Lake Blvd. 767-8980. L, D, X, $$-$$$
BIG BAD BREAKFAST—Fresh biscuits, house-made cured meats, jams, jellies, and more for the most important meal of the day. 6450 Poplar. 881-3346. B, L, $-$$
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. 662-8907611. 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 decades, 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, $$-$$$
ERLING JENSEN SMALL BITES—Enjoy Erling Jensen’s specialty dishes in a sharable, small plate format alongside TopGolf Swing suites. 5069 Sanderlin Ave. 587-9464. L, D, X, $-$$$
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves wet-aged and dry-aged steaks, prime beef, chops, and seafood, including salmon, Australian lobster tails, and a catch of the day. 6245 Poplar. 761-6200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$
FOLK’S FOLLY ORIGINAL PRIME STEAK HOUSE Specializes in prime steaks, as well as lobster, grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, rack of lamb, and weekly specials. 551 S. Mendenhall. 762-8200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$
FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin cuisine, including broccoli beef, hot-andsour soup, and spring rolls. Closed Mon. 6685 Quince. 753-9898. L, D, X, $-$$
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 Sun. 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 Sun. 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, $-$$$
HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves a variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and sides. Closed Mon. A neighborhood fixture. 477 High Point Terrace. 452-3339. L, D, X, $-$$
HOG & HOMINY—The casual sister to Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen serves brick-oven-baked pizzas, including the Red-Eye with pork belly, and small plates with everything from meatballs to beef and cheddar hot dogs; and local veggies. And with a few surprises this time around. Closed for lunch Mon. 707 W. Brookhaven Cir. 207-7396. L, D, SB, X, MRA. $-$$$
HOUSTON’S—Serves steaks, seafood, pork chops, chicken dishes, sandwiches, salads, and Chicago-style spinach dip. Famous for first-class service. 5000 Poplar. 683-0915. L, D, X $-$$$
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 Sun. 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, $-$$
LOST PIZZA—Offering pizzas (with dough made from scratch), pasta, salads, sandwiches, tamales, and more. 2855 Poplar. 572-1803; 5960 Getwell (Southaven). 662-892-8684. L, D, X, $-$$
LYNCHBURG LEGENDS—This restaurant with a Jack Daniels’ theme and Southern cuisine serves such entrees as Bourbon Street salmon, buttermilk-fried chicken, and grilled steak and wild mushroom salad. DoubleTree Hotel, 5069 Sanderlin. 969-7777. B, L, D, X, $-$$$
MAGNOLIA & MAY—The family behind Grove Grill cooks up Southern-inspired casual dining at this country brasserie, with popular menu items like peach gazpacho, low country shrimp n’ grits, and plenty of weekend brunch options. Closed Mon. 718 Mt. Moriah Rd. 676-8100. D, SB, MRA. $$-$$$.
MAHOGANY MEMPHIS—Upscale Southern restaurant offers such dishes as coffee-rubbed lamb chops and baked Cajun Cornish hen. Closed for dinner Sun. and all day Mon.-Tues. 3092 Poplar, Suite 11. 623-7977. L, D, SB, X, $-$$$
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 E. Brookhaven Cir. 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, $-$$
MOSA ASIAN BISTRO—Specialties include sesame chicken, Thai calamari, rainbow panang curry with grouper fish, and other Pan Asian/ fusion entrees. Closed Mon. 850 S. White Station Rd. 683-8889. L, D, X, MRA, $
NAM KING—Offers luncheon and dinner buffets, dim sum, and such specialties as fried dumplings, pepper steak, and orange chicken. 4594 Yale. 373-4411. L, D, X, $
NAPA CAFE—Among the specialties are miso-marinated salmon over black rice with garlic spinach and shiitake mushrooms. Closed Sun. 5101 Sanderlin, Suite 122. 683-0441. L, D, X, MRA, $$-$$$
NEW HUNAN—Chinese eatery with more than 80 entrees; also lunch/ dinner buffets. 5052 Park. 766-1622. L, D, X, $
ONE & ONLY BBQ—On the menu are pork barbecue sandwiches, platters, wet and dry ribs, smoked chicken and turkey platters, a smoked meat salad, barbecue quesadillas, Brunswick Stew, and Millie’s homemade desserts. 1779 Kirby Pkwy. 751-3615; 567 Perkins Extd. 249-4227. L, D, X, $
ONO POKÉ—This eatery specializes in poké — a Hawaiian dish of fresh fish salad served over rice. Menu includes a variety of poké bowls, like the Kimchi Tuna bowl, or customers can build their own by choosing a base, protein, veggies, and toppings. 3145 Poplar. 618-2955. L, D, X , $
OWEN BRENNAN’S—New Orleans-style menu of beef, chicken, pasta, and seafood; jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and crawfish etouffee are specialties. Closed for dinner Sun. The Regalia, 6150 Poplar. 761-0990. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$
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, $-$$$
PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO—Specialties are orange peel shrimp, Mongolian beef, and chicken in lettuce wraps; also vegetarian dishes, including spicy eggplant. 1181 Ridgeway Rd., Park Place Centre. 8183889. L, D, X, $-$$
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. 5125923. L, D, $-$$$
RESTAURANT IRIS—French Creole-inspired classics, such as Gulf shrimp and rice grits congee served with lap chong sausage and boiled peanuts, are served at this newly remodeled restaurant owned by Chef Kelly English, a Food and Wine “Top Ten.” Opening soon at 4550 Poplar. 590-2828. D, X, $$-$$$
RIVER OAKS—Chef Jose Gutierrez’s French-style bistro serves seafood and steaks, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 5871 Poplar Ave. 683-9305. L, D, X, $$$
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, $-$$$
ROTOLO’S CRAFT & CRUST—Louisiana-based pizza company’s first Memphis location, whipping up pizza pies with homemade sauces and fresh ingredients, pasta, wings, and other shareables. 681 S. White Station. 454-3352. L, D, $-$$
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, $$$-$$$$
SALSA—Mexican-Southern California specialties include carnitas, enchiladas verde, and fajitas; also Southwestern seafood dishes such as snapper verde. Closed Sun. Regalia Shopping Center, 6150 Poplar, Suite 129. 683-6325. L, D, X, $-$$
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. Closed Sun. 4715 Poplar. 907-0741. L, D, $
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, $-$$.
STAKS—Offering pancakes, including birthday cake and lemon ricotta. Menu includes other breakfast items such as beignets and French toast, as well as soups and sandwiches for lunch. 4615 Poplar. 509-2367; 7704 Poplar (Germantown). 800-1951; 2902 May Blvd. (Southaven). B, L, WB, X, $
SWANKY’S TACO SHOP—Taco-centric eatery offers tortas, flatbreads, quesadillas, chimichangas, burgers, and more. 4770 Poplar. 730-0763; 6641 Poplar (Germantown). 737-2088; 272 S. Main. 7793499. L, D, X, $
TENERO CAFÉ & BUTCHER—A chef-driven menu offering breakfast and lunch classics, plus Sunday dinner, accompanied by a full-service butcher bar. 669 S. Mendenhall. 646-5698. B, L, D, X, $-$$
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. 3710580. For more locations, go online. L, D, X, $
TORCHY’S TACOS—Plenty of Tex-Mex variety, with creative monthly special tacos. 719 S. Mendenhall. 343-8880. B, L, D, $
VENICE KITCHEN—Specializes in “eclectic Italian” and Southern Creole, from pastas, including the “Godfather,” to hand-tossed pizzas, including the “John Wayne”; choose from 50 toppings. 368 Perkins Ext. 767-6872. L, D, SB, X, $-$$
WANG’S MANDARIN HOUSE—Offers Mandarin, Cantonese, Szechuan, and spicy Hunan entrees, including the golden-sesame chicken; next door is East Tapas, serving small plates with an Asian twist. 6065 Park Ave., Park Place Mall. 763-0676. L, D, X, $-$$
WASABI—Serving traditional Japanese offerings, hibachi, sashimi, and sushi. The Sweet Heart roll, wrapped — in the shape of a heart — with tuna and filled with spicy salmon, yellowtail, and avocado, is a specialty. 5101 Sanderlin Rd., Suite 105. 421-6399. L, D, X, $-$$
WOMAN’S EXCHANGE TEA ROOM—Chicken-salad plate, beef tenderloin, soups-and-sandwiches, and vegetable plates are specialties; meal includes drink and dessert. Closed Sat.-Sun. 88 Racine. 327-5681. L, X, $
ZAYDE’S AT THE J—Kosher options at the Memphis Jewish Community Center cafe include traditional New York-style dishes and Israeli fusion. 6560 Poplar Ave. 208-3495. L, D, $-$$
BOMBAY HOUSE—Indian fare includes lamb korma and chicken tikka; also, a daily luncheon buffet. 1727 N. Germantown Pkwy. 755-4114. L, D, X, $-$$
THE BUTCHER SHOP—Serves steaks ranging from 8-oz. filets to a 20-oz. porterhouse; also chicken, pork chops, fresh seafood. 107 S. Germantown Rd. 757-4244. L (Fri. and Sun.), D, X, $$-$$$
GREEN BAMBOO—Pineapple tilapia, pork vermicelli, and the soft egg noodle combo are Vietnamese specialties here. 990 N. Germantown Parkway, Suite 104. 753-5488. L, D, $-$$
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, $-$$$
BLUE HONEY BISTRO—Entrees at this upscale eatery include brown butter scallops served with Mississippi blue rice and herbcrusted beef tenderloin with vegetables and truffle butter. Closed Sun. 9155 Poplar, Suite 17. 552-3041. D, X, $-$$$
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. 6246001. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$
GERMANTOWN COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches; Mon.-night all-you-can-eat ribs. 2290 S. Germantown Rd. S. 754-5540. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$
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 Sun. 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, $$
ROYAL PANDA—Hunan fish, Peking duck, Royal Panda chicken and shrimp, and a seafood combo are among the specialties. 3120 Village Shops Dr. 756-9697. L, D, X, $-$$
SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties here. 2060 West St. 758-8181; 4840 Poplar. 572-1002; 255 New Byhalia Rd. 316-5638. L, D, X, $-$$
SOUTHERN SOCIAL—Shrimp and grits, stuffed quail, and Aunt Thelma’s Fried Chicken are among the dishes served at this upscale Southern establishment. 2285 S. Germantown Rd. 754-5555. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$
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, $
UNCLE GOYO’S—More than 30 dishes with a focus on authentic Mexican cuisine, from the brains behind TacoNganas. 1730 S. Germantown Rd. L, D, $-$$
WEST STREET DINER—This home-style eatery offers breakfast, burgers, po’boys, and more. 2076 West St. 757-2191. B, L, D (Mon.-Fri.), X, $
ZEN JAPANESE FINE CUISINE—A full sushi bar and plenty of authentic Japanese dishes, like Hibachi or Wagyu beef. 1730 S. Germantown Rd. 779-2796. L, D, X, X, $-$$$
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 woodfired 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, $-$$
COLLIERVILLE PIZZA COMPANY—Family-friendly and locally owned pizza company featuring live music and other events. 144 US 72. L, D, $-$$
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, $-$$$
EL MEZCAL—Serves burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, and other Mexican cuisine, as well as shrimp dinners and steak. 9947 Wolf River, 853-7922; 402 Perkins Extd. 761-7710; 694 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 755-1447; 1492 Union. 274-4264; 11615 Airline Rd. (Arlington). 8671883; 9045 Highway 64 (Lakeland). 383-4219; 7164 Hacks Cross Rd. (Olive Branch). 662-890-3337; 8834 Hwy. 51 N. (Millington). 872-3220; 7424 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 417-6026. L, D, X, $
EMERALD THAI RESTAURANT—Spicy shrimp, pad khing, lemongrass chicken, and several noodle, rice, and vegetarian dishes are offered at this family restaurant. Closed Sunday. 8950 Highway 64 (Lakeland, TN). 384-0540. L, D, X, $-$$
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 Southern-inspired cuisine with such dishes as crispy shrimp and cauliflower salad, spiced lamb sausage and parmesan risotto, and bananas foster pain perdu. Closed Mon. 120 E. Mulberry. 286-4575. L, D, SB, X, $-$$
STIX—Hibachi steakhouse with Asian cuisine features steak, chicken, and a fillet and lobster combination, also sushi. A specialty is Dynamite Chicken with fried rice. 4680 Merchants Park Circle, Avenue Carriage Crossing. 854-3399. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 115 (Downtown). 2077638 L, D, X, $-$$
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; 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 165. 791-4389 L, D, X, $-$$
ZOPITA’S ON THE SQUARE—Cafe offers sandwiches, including smoked salmon and pork tenderloin, as well as salads and desserts. Closed Sun. 114 N. Main. 457-7526. L, D, X, $
BOZO’S HOT PIT BAR-B-Q—Barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and subs. 342 Highway 70 (Mason, TN). 901-294-3400. L, D, $-$$
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, $
CITY GROCERY—Southern eclectic cuisine; shrimp and grits is a specialty. Closed for dinner Sun. 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, $-$$$
ELFO GRISANTI’S NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE—Grisanti family classics like lasagna, homemade ravioli, garlic bread, and Northern Italian pizza. Closed Sun. 5627 Getwell Rd. (Southaven, MS). 662-4704497. L, D, X, $-$$
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, $
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
IGNITE STEAKHOUSE AT SOUTHLAND CASINO RACING—1550 N. Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182
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
SOUTHLAND CASINO HOTEL'S THE KITCHENS—1550 N. Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182
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, $-$$$
MEMPHIS BARBECUE COMPANY—Offers spare ribs, baby backs, and pulled pork and brisket. 709 Desoto Cove (Horn Lake, MS). 662536-3762. L, D, X, $-$$
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, $-$$$
PIG-N-WHISTLE—Offers pork shoulder sandwiches, wet and dry ribs, catfish, nachos, and stuffed barbecue potatoes. 6084 Kerr-Rosemark Rd. (Millington, TN). 872-2455. L, D, X, $
RAVINE—Serves contemporary Southern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally grown foods and a menu that changes weekly. Closed Mon.-Tues. 53 Pea Ridge/County Rd. 321 (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, SB, X, $$-$$$
SAINT LEO’S—Offering sophisticated pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. A James Beard nominee for Best New Restaurant in 2017. 1101 Jackson (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, L, WB, $-$$
SNACKBAR—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, $-$$$
TEKILA MODERN MEXICAN—Modern interpretations of classic dishes from all over Mexico. 6343 Getwell Rd. (Southaven, MS). 662-510-5734. B, L, D, $-$$
WILSON CAFE— An impressive culinary destination in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. Serving jambalaya, Waygu flatiron, butternut ravioli, swordfish & shrimp kabobs, burgers. 2 N. Jefferson (Wilson, AR). 870-655-0222. L, D, WB, $-$$$
Born in Memphis in 1918, Marjorie Duckett began to teach dancing with her mother, Doris, as early as the 1930s, initially working out of their home on South Bellevue. In the mid1940s, she opened the Marjorie Duckett School of Dance at 1648 Union, and a few years later moved her school down the street to 1562 Union. e photo here shows her in 1943, dancing with a sailor the newspapers identified as Jimmy Stroud, who years later would open the Memphis Union Mission.
Duckett’s school building was a rambling old house. e dancing school was on the ground floor, and Marjorie lived with her parents upstairs. She eventually married a successful dentist, Dr. Arthur Binford, and moved with him to a nice home in Central Gardens, while continuing to teach until her retirement in 1969. Even then, she remained active in the world of dance, serving as president of the Southern Association of Dance Masters, an organization that she co-founded in 1960.
e music came to an end in 1999, when Duckett passed away at age 82. She is buried alongside her husband in Memorial Park. I’m sure she would be pleased that SADM remains active today, with members representing 14 states.
After her school closed, the building on Union was demolished and replaced with a Bonanza Sirloin Pit. at too eventually came down; the site is today home to the Mattress Firm and Domino’s Pizza.
PHOTO COURTESY MEMPHIS
