Issuu

Memphis • THE CITY MAGAZINE • W W W.MEMPHISMAGAZINE.COM

TUPELO: WHERE BOOKSELLERS AFTER BANKRUPTCY: STILL IN LOVE WITH IT ALL BEGAN p. 60 HOW IT TURNED THE PAGE p. 28 ROYAL STUDIOS p. 46

THE CITY MAGAZINE

VOL XL NO 3 | JUNE 2015

THE CULTURE ISSUE

USA $4.99

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How The Grizzlies Changed Our Town.

DISPLAY UNTIL JULY 10, 2015

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T:9” S:7.875”

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YOU DON’T NEED A CROWD TO STAND OUT.

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2015 C 300 4MATIC® Sedan shown in Iridium Silver metallic paint with optional equipment. *MSRP excludes all options, taxes, title, registration, transportation charge and dealer prep. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details. For more information, visit Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. ©2015 Authorized Mercedes-Benz Dealers For more information, call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES, or visit MBUSA.com.

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VOL XL NO 3 | JUNE 2015

THE CULTURE ISSUE

28 Up Front 14 16 20 22 24 26

in the beginning spotlight fine print city journal out and about front and center

80 Features

28 Staying Alive

Despite a tough industry, locally owned bookstores keep moving forward. ~ by marilyn sadler

36 Not With a Whimper

The Grizzlies lost the battle for the 2015 NBA championship, but they’ve won the hearts of Memphians.

~ by kevin lipe, shara clark, frank murtaugh, and martha park

46 Royal Studios

A legacy of sound. ~ by richard alley

60 The Buzz in The Birthplace

24 Hours in Tupelo. ~ by chris mccoy

disclaimer: Memphis magazine’s use of the Memphis Grizzlies logo on the cover of this month’s issue is in keeping with fair-use doctrine, which allows the editorial use of a registered trademark in connection with a feature story speciﬁcally about the owner of that trademark, in this case the Memphis Grizzlies. Our nominative use of this logo in no way, shape, or form indicates that the Memphis Grizzlies endorse or support this article, and our editorial usage is not sponsored by or associated with the trademark owner.

Memphis (ISSN 1622-820x) is published monthly for $15 per year by Contemporary Media, Inc., 460 Tennessee Street, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101 © 2015. Telephone: 901-521-9000. For subscription info, please call 901-521-9000. Subscription customer service mailing address is Memphis magazine, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101. All rights reserved. • Periodicals Postage Paid at Memphis, TN. Postmasters: send address changes to Memphis, P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101.

Columns/Departments 80 ask vance

Digger O’Dell Our trivia expert solves local mysteries of who, what, when, where, why, and why not.

~ by vance lauderdale

82 books

Key Scene A comic memoir recalls a Mississippi childhood ~ by leonard gill

84 dining out Winging It

Lafayette Williams serves up a winning combination. ~ by eric bourgeois

86 city dining

Tidbits: Another Broken Egg Cafe; plus the city’s most extensive dining listings.

96 last stand

Another Route This road less traveled is one I hold dear.

~ by marilyn sadler

JUNE 20 15 • MEMPHISMAGA ZINE.COM • 7

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real estate ALL-STARS

5/14/15 2:01 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

VICKI BLACKWELL

ALEESA BLUM

MARILYN BUTCHER

WE ARE COMMITTED TO serving our clients and making the home buying and selling process as easy and seamless as possible. We are a full-time professional team dedicated to maintaining continual communication, focusing on service, not sales. Our first year in real estate won us “Rookie of the Year.” We exceeded all first-year agents with the number of transactions and sales volume in the history of the company. Both Linda and David bring a wealth of knowledge from previous careers. David graduated from Christian Brothers University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Linda has a Business Management degree from Troy State University and a Masters in Education from the University of Memphis. Her extensive technology background is used effectively to market homes in today’s high-tech world. Both Linda and David are members of the Multi-million Dollar Club and have their GRI designation.

WITH OVER 28 YEARS in Real Estate, Vicki is a Vice President with Crye-Leike Realtors and Managing Broker at the Olive Branch Office. A Lifetime Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club, Vicki has taken an active role in the real estate industry, serving on the Realtor Political Action Committee, The Grievance Committee, Past President of Young Realtors Group and is a Certified Residential Specialist. Vicki served as Past President of the DeSoto County Republican Women and currently serves as Vice President of the Mississippi Federation of Republican Women. She received the Lion Heart Award for Volunteer Service for Youth Villages and served as their YV5K Race Director in 08 & 09. In 2014 she established BARC, Blackwell Animal Rescue Center, a 501C3 Charitable Organization to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome Abused and Abandoned Animals.

5 years ago, following an executive-level career with International Paper, I decided to pursue my LIFE-LONG INTEREST in real estate. Working with Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS, I have focused on selling homes throughout the Memphis, Germantown and Collierville area. I bring a skill set to every one of my transactions that was honed in the serious and challenging world of an international corporation. My clients truly appreciate my professional, forthright, and focused attention to their needs. I am a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) and a member and Director of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors Multi-Million Dollar Club.

Each year brings new challenges to the everchanging real estate market. Qualification rules, market trends and internet access create a lot of confusion for both buyers and sellers. With 30 years of real estate experience, I am always trying to stay informed about the latest information and technology. Buying and selling homes still involves a personal relationship. I work hard to stay in constant contact and share the latest information with each buyer or seller. Helping first-time buyers, those looking for their dream home, or sellers wishing to downsize is something I truly enjoy. Licensed in TN and MS.

CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS

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Broker, Vice President

Affiliate Broker

May I bring my special set of services to your family’s real estate needs? Please don’t hesitate to call.

ABR, CRS

Over the years, some of my pet projects have been helping with Race for the Cure, and supporting the Youth Village Race. I have been blessed to be a cancer survivor myself so I can appreciate how lives are affected.

CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS

901.682.1868 (o) | Linda 901.497.9399 (c) David 901.786.8680 (c) | ashbryanteam.com

662.895.8300 (o) | 901.335.1441 (c) vblackwell@crye-leike.com

(901) 682-1868 (office) | (901) 581-2775 (cell) ablum@marx-bensdorf.com

901.756.8900 (o) 901.289.5868 (dir.) myhomesonline.com

FARA CAPTAIN

KATHY COUNTS

RIP HANEY

LAUREN HARKINS WIUFF

SUCCESS IS MEASURED by my clients’ happiness as shown by winning Yelp’s favorite REALTOR® 2014. I cater to my client’s needs whether it’s an investment property, a first time home buyer, or a luxury home. Furthermore, I ensure my clients’ are receiving the attention they expect and deserve by being responsive, ethical and paying attention to every detail. Please check out my testimonials on my website below. In my spare time, I serve on the Central Gardens Association Board, coach Memphis Inner City Rugby, mentor with Youth Villages and serve on the MAAR YPN Board.

AS A REALTOR for Coldwell Banker CollinsMaury, I am a trusted source of innovative real estate solutions, creating exceptional experiences for all I serve. My knowledge of the residential market allows me to provide personalized service to each client to find the right property. Attentiveness to my client’s needs is my trademark. The combination of a winning attitude and proven negotiating skills has delivered outstanding results across the market spectrum, from first-time homebuyer to the luxury market client.

SINCE 1993 I have provided professional real estate services to buyers and sellers of fine homes in greater Memphis, including Downtown, Midtown, East Memphis, and Germantown. Over 20 years in the business, I have gained a deep understanding of the needs of buyers and sellers. My philosophy of always placing my clients’ needs first has led to a history of repeat clients and personal referrals. Clients know I will always operate in their best interests. I am an Accredited Buyers Representative, a listing specialist, a Life Member of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors Multi-Million Dollar Club, and a native Memphian. I am very proud to have served many relocating employees of local companies such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, FedEx, Smith & Nephew, International Paper, UPS, and LeBonheur Children’s Hospital.

LAUREN IS A FULL-TIME BROKER licensed in 2002. She is a born-and-raised Memphian. Lauren has earned her Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR), Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), and Sellers’ Representative Specialist (SRS) designations. It is her mission to make every transaction as smooth and enjoyable as possible and to serve her clients with integrity and diligence. Through experience, knowledge, and a proactive positive attitude, Lauren can assist with real estate! Lauren Harkins Wiuff knows Memphis! Call her today if you or anyone you know is moving!

Affiliate Broker

CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS, INC 1715 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 901.276.8800 (o) 901.500.8034 (c) 901.653.2302 (f) Fara.Captain@crye-leike.com FaraCaptain.com

Affiliate Broker

COLDWELL BANKER COLLINS-MAURY, INC. REALTOR 968 Civic Center Dr, Suite 103 Collierville, TN 38017 901.259.8500 (office) 901.493.3701 (direct) kathcounts@msn.com kathycounts.com

ABR

MARX-BENSDORF REALTORS 901.682.1868 (o) 901.351.2190 (c) rhaney@marx-bensdorf.com

Realtor

MARX-BENSDORF REALTORS

901.682.1868 ext. 309 (o) 901.859.3565 (c) laurenharkinswiuff.com

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3075 Forest Hill Irene Road, Germantown • 901.753.8515 • www.chestnuthall.com

RE A L E S TAT E A LL S TA RS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LINDA ASH & DAVID BRYAN

5/20/15 12:21 PM

pages 76-79 With the housing market on the rise, these are the people you want on your side. The area’s leading realtors will take the hassle out of moving and make you feel right at home.

Coming in August Memphis • THE CITY MAG A ZINE • W W W.MEMPHISMAG A ZINE.COM

Memphis

USA $4.99

DISPLAY UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

—1

2014

PHO PPH HO H O TTO TOG OG O G RA RAP R APP H © JJEE FFF A FFR FFR R EEYY JA JJAC ACC OB A OBS O BSS B

0 8

THE CITY MAGAZINE

THE

VOL XXXIX NO 5 | AUGUST 2014

T HE CIT Y GUIDE Designed for both newcomers and longtime Memphians alike, our annual guide showcases everything you need to know about the Bluff City. One of our biggest issues of the year, features the widely read “Who’s Who.”

Coming in September T HE V E S TA K IT CHEN & BAT H REMODELING SHOW GUIDE Whether you’re remodeling, renovating, or just redecorating, these two rooms are arguably the most used and deserve a double-take.

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For more information on advertising or our upcoming special sections, please contact Penelope Huston at 901.575.9402 or penelope@memphismagazine.com

8 • MEMPHISMAGA ZINE.COM • JUNE 20 15

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Memphis T H E CIT Y M AG AZIN E

PUBLISHER/EDITOR kenneth neill SENIOR EDITORS michael finger, marilyn sadler MANAGING EDITOR frank murtaugh ARTS & LIFESTYLE EDITOR anne cunningham o’neill FASHION EDITOR augusta campbell FOOD EDITOR pamela denney SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR shara clark CONTRIBUTING EDITORS richard alley, jackson baker,

eric bourgeois, john branston, anna cox thompson, leonard gill, tom jones, vance lauderdale, kevin lipe, chris mccoy, martha park, eileen townsend

CREATIVE DIRECTOR brian groppe ADVERTISING OPERATIONS DIRECTOR margie neal ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR christopher myers GRAPHIC DESIGNERS dominique pere, bryan rollins PHOTOGRAPHY justin fox burks, brandon dill,

laura jean hocking, larry kuzniewski, amie vanderford

published by contemporary media, inc. 460 tennessee street, memphis, tn 38103 901-521-9000 p • 901-521-0129 f subscriptions: 901-521-9000

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER kenneth neill

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Medical • Wellness • Outreach

DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL/OPERATIONS molly willmott ADVERTISING DIRECTOR penelope huston SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES joy bateman,

shaina guttman, sloane patteson taylor EVENTS MANAGER jackie sparks-davila MARKETING/COMMUNICATION MANAGER kendrea collins EMAIL MARKETING MANAGER britt ervin READER SERVICE COORDINATOR lynn sparagowski ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR ashley haeger IT DIRECTOR joseph carey RECEPTIONIST martin lane

&7 june 2015

Amy Gregory, patient

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ON THE WEB

Highlights from memphismagazine.com Our revised, revamped, and reader-friendly website is designed to supplement the printed magazine you are holding in your hands. For further reading by writers in this issue, use the “Archives” link on our website:

“THE LIONS IN WINTER” by frank murtaugh (April 2008)

“MICAH GREENSTEIN: GIF T OF THE R ABBI” by marilyn sadler (December 2013)

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Our Blogs For a closer look at Memphis — past and present — visit our regular blogs:

901 Compiled by the staff of Memphis magazine, this is where readers can find tidbits relating to all facets of life in the Bluff City. memphismagazine.com/Blogs/901

MEMPHIS S T E W We celebrate our city’s community table and the people who grow, cook, and eat the best Memphis food. memphismagazine.com/Blogs/Memphis-Stew

A SK VA NCE Vance Lauderdale, our man-about-town and history columnist, talks about who, what, when, where, why — and why not. memphismagazine.com/Blogs/Ask-Vance

S T Y LE WAT CH Tips and techniques for looking good in Memphis. memphismagazine.com/Blogs/Style-Watch

SPO TL IGH T Snaps from parties and events around Memphis. memphismagazine.com/Blogs/Party-Pix

GE T T ING OU T The online magazine offers a complete events calendar, accessible on the home page, searchable by date and type of event.

E AT ING OU T For the most comprehensive RESTAURANT LISTINGS in town — arranged by their name, location, neighborhood, and even the type of food served — go to memphismagazine.com 12 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U N E 2 0 1 5

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5/11/15 8:46 AM

IN THE BEGINNING | by kenneth neill

A Big-League Moment 3663 Appling Road • Bartlett (901) 385-6440

GREAT PERFORMANCES AND MEMORABLE EVENTS

2015-2016 Performance Season Tickets On Sale Now!

Create your own season with our flexible attendance “Pick Ten” subscription tickets.

Highlights from the new season include

Pat Boone

Jim Brickman, Pianist

The Time Jumpers featuring Vince Gill, Kenny Sears and “Ranger Doug” Green

Taylor Hicks To review the entire 2015-2016 Season schedule visit bpacc.org or call the box office at 901.385.6440.

eauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. And so, evidently, is the concept of civic self-esteem. In the second half of the twentieth century, the political and business leaders of America’s major metropolitan areas seriously competed for the privilege of being considered by their peers and the general public as real cities. Of course, the status of places like New York or Los Angeles was never in doubt. But if you were a major community figure in a medium-sized city like Jacksonville or Charlotte or, yes, Memphis, you put a lot of time, civic energy, and hard cash into proving to the rest of America that your particular city “belonged in the big leagues.”

Many criteria were involved in determining altar at least three times. Back in 1983 we had which cities were America’s most importa golden opportunity to woo Donald Irsay’s ant. Economic prosperity certainly helped, Baltimore Colts, when he announced that as did having a rich cultural heritage. But by he was taking his team to either Memphis the mid-twentieth century, nothing better or Indianapolis. That sparked an intriguing defined the big-league status of your town competition between two city magazines, this than having a major proone and Indianapolis Monthly fessional sports franchise. (see inset). Both monthlies There was just one probran the same story, in which lem; there were scores of we made the case for Memcities wanting big league phis and they made the case teams, but only so many for Indianapolis. Both edit teams to go around. (In staffs agreed that Memphis 1959 major-league baseball made the more convincing had but 16 franchises, the case. Mr. Irsay didn’t. He NFL 12, the NBA 8, and the moved the Colts to IndiaNHL just 6.) So few teams napolis. and so many suitors! During the 1980s we Shrewd sports entreprehad a seriously good team, neurs could read the tea Billy Dunavant’s Memphis leaves. The 1960s saw not Showboats in the United States Football League just a wave of franchise mu(USFL). The latter was sical chairs, as pro teams February 1983 considered the premier flipped cities like danceaway lovers, but the creation of a rival footfranchise in the fledgling league in terms of ball league, the AFL, which would merge talent, management, and attendance. All well officially with the NFL (and double overnight and good, but when the USFL folded in 1985, so did the Showboats. the number of “major-league football” towns) in 1970. New teams in new towns were welSo were we ready for the Grizzlies’ move comed as conquering heroes, and billions of here in 2001? Do fish swim? public dollars were spent building stadiums Our timing may well have been perfect, and making newcomers feel right at home. since Memphis the city was becoming ever Over the next three decades, expansion, more cosmopolitan just as its first real bigleague mergers and the growth of soccer league team arrived. After 14 seasons, I’m still more than tripled the number of big-league amazed at what I see when I walk around Fepro teams, from 42 in 1959 to a remarkable total dExForum during games: thousands of black of 134 in 2001. The year 2001, of course, was our and white Memphians mingling in near-equal year, the year the Vancouver Grizzlies moved to numbers, all united in their zeal for their warmer climes on the banks of the Mississippi. team. “Why can’t we all just get along?” RodWe too built our new team a brand new stadiney King once famously said, but when we’re all together at the Forum, we certainly do. If um, and we too welcomed Michael Heisley, the Grizzlies owner, with open arms. the Griz never win another game, they will And why wouldn’t we? After all, Memphis, have done their part in making Memphis a in its quest for major-league football glory, much better place. Kenneth Neill had suffered more knockdowns than a punchpublisher/editor drunk boxer. We’d been left at the expansion

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SPOTLIGHT | Second Annual Wilson Derby Day | Wilson, AR | May 2, 2015 | Photography by Amie Vanderford 1

he afternoon weather was picture perfect when 400 guests arrived in the tidy eastern Arkansas town of Wilson to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with hosts Lisa and Gaylon Lawrence and Tommy and Heather Wagner. The party was perfectly planned and executed by Russell and Ruthie Events and held in the new Grange building, a multi-use facility within the organic farm called Wilson Gardens. Red roses, the official flower of the Kentucky Derby, were provided by Memphis’ Garden District and were massed in silver trophies atop tables draped in white silks. Guests in their beautiful hats mixed and mingled while enjoying the sounds of Steve Azar’s band and fabulous food provided by River Oaks in Memphis. The restaurant’s master chef/owner, Jose Gutierrez, was on hand to keep an eye on the bountiful food stations and hors d’oeuvres, which included mini-brioche with chicken salad and tasty little Kentucky hot brown sandwiches. For dessert there was an overflowing table of strawberry parfaits, red velvet cupcakes and chocolate bourbon pecan pie prepared by the town’s own Wilson Café. Mint juleps served in silver cups were the order of the day, although champagne and other cocktails flowed freely. Television screens were mounted high on the walls for viewing the race and souvenir bags of colorful cookies shaped like jockeys’ jerseys were given to departing racing enthusiasts. This Derby Day event was surely one of the best parties of the spring season—well, for that matter, of any season. While the hosts agree it was intended to officially launch the Grange building at Wilson Gardens, it was also a celebration of the reinvigorated spirit of Wilson and the vibrancy of the Arkansas Delta.

For more on other exciting things happening in Wilson, read Eileen Townsend’s article in this month’s issue of our sister publication inside memphis business.

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1 Richard and Beth Hussey, and Katherine and John Dobbs 2-4 Delicious treats surround chefs Becca Burks and Jose Gutierrez 5 Lisa and Gaylon Lawrence, and Tommy and Heather Wagner 6 Sybil and Mike Gunn 7 Evarist O’Neill, and Barbara and Lewis Williamson 8 Desi Bean, Beverly Stillman, and Sandra Brown 9 Corky and Eleanor Dalton 10 Chad and Jennifer Sadler, and Katy and Wes Wagner 11 Bruce Hopkins 12 Heather and Patrick McHaney 13 Stacey and Mark Springer continued on next page

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SPOTLIGHT

14 15

continued from previous page 14 Calvin and Louise Turley 15 Ashley and Ben Massey, and Leslie and John Scribner 16 Lynn and Jonathan Rowe 17 Dr. James and Bridget Shemwell 18 Penny Keras, Tom Morris, and Leslie and Mac McKee 19 Ellen and Brian Dempsey 20 Hope Johnson Link and Sarah Johnson Carter 21 Casey and Ruthie Bowlin

19 20

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5/12/15 11:52 AM

FINE PRINT

Doubt No More Sometimes it’s all right to be wrong.

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMIE VANDERFORD

by john branston

ng car

nd.

NBA

ifteen years ago, Frank Deford, the curmudgeonly dean of American sportswriters, wondered why in the world anyone would pay more than $200 million for an NBA team. It seemed like a good question, and I was among many others who seconded it. Michael Jordan had just retired for the first time. LeBron James had not arrived. A lockout during the 1998-1999 season shortened the schedule to 50 games and attendance plunged below 2,000 for some games in Atlanta. The Vancouver Grizzlies, coached by Sidney Lowe and on the hook to big bust Bryant “Big Country” Reeves for $60 million, went 23-59 in their last season in Canada. While Memphis did not exactly pay $200 million to own the Grizzlies — Michael Heisley retained ownership — a condition

of the move was that Memphis would build a new $250 million arena while The Pyramid served as a stand-in. Now it looks like Deford and the rest of us were wrong. Why pay more than $200 million? Because it made sense, especially for a mid-tier city without bigleague professional sports and a history of settling for upstarts, one-year wonders, love-’em-andleave-’ems, minor-league outfits, and Memphis Tigers basketball, which was also at a low point in the Tic Price years before Coach Cal came to town. “I think the Grizzlies definitely changed the culture of Memphis,” says FedEx founder

Fred Smith, who was involved neck brawlers of the Fifties, and in several efforts to land an NFL well remembers the impact of team. “The Grizzlies were our the King assassination, busing f irst no-excuses big-league and white f light, downtown deteam. It has been something cline, suburban sprawl, and the that the guy who cleans the transition of Memphis from a streets, the car dealer, and the majority-white city to a majorbanker can all get behind. And ity-black city, and the hopeful FedExForum is probably the but hollow sound of Memphis finest NBA basketball facility as Aerotropolis. in the country.” Getting a big-league team was Changing the culture of Memone thing, but success was somephis or any other city is a hard thing else. Imagine the Grizzlies thing to define. The Grizzlies winning fewer than 30 games were definitely the talk of the and failing to make the playoffs town as they advanced through year after year, as seemed possithe NBA Playoffs. They arguably ble if not likely just five years ago. saved daily print journalism, Frank Deford, you old sage, you were right again! which would otherwise be stuck But for once fate, and shrewd with telling readers about public debt, far-off elections, murder management, dealt Memphis a winning hand. The NBA reand mayhem, and the upcoming pro golf tournament. vived, even as the dollars in the Good luck tweeting that. contracts spun out of control. But the conversation is not The gritty underdog team was necessarily the made for the culture. Detroit, gritty underdog “The Grizzlies were remember, has city. The other our first no-excuses Gasol turned four big-league out to be the teams. A culture big-league team. It has changer must right Gasol. The been something that have depth as problem player from Portland well as breadth. the guy who cleans became Z-Bo, It must tranthe streets, the car the most popscend gender, dealer, and the banker generation, ecoular player in nomic class, naMemphis. Tony can all get behind.” tional boundarAllen’s defense — Fred Smith and Mike Conies, and race. ley’s mask, the Smith, 70, knows something about that. dreaded doubters proven wrong, He was born when Memphian and all the rest. It’s only a game, except it isn’t. E.H. “Boss” Crump was still In twenty-first-century America enough of a force to make the it’s the show, 24/7, and Memphis cover of Time magazine, grew is finally part of it. up with Elvis and the rough-

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5/18/15 10:30 AM

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5/14/15 1:59 PM

CITY JOURNAL

History Lesson A refresher course on how Memphis got the Grizzlies.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRANDON DILL

by tom jones

t’s difficult, taking into account the shapeshifting that now transforms the Memphis persona for about half of each year, to remember how improbable it looked in 2001 that the Grizzlies would ever come here. There was the push by Heidi Shafer, self-described stay-athome mom and now Shelby County commissioner, to force a referendum on the $250 million bond issue to pay for Pyramid upgrades so the team could play there for three years and for construction of a new arena. There was the lawsuit by local attorney Duncan Ragsdale — who famously described the litigation as almost as exciting as Vietnam — charging that the new arena was being built to benefit private business, and the ruling by Chancellor Walter Evans agreeing with him, until it was reversed by a scolding Tennessee Court of Appeals. There were the narrowest of votes by Shelby County Commissioners to keep the dream alive. Eventually, a scientific poll showing that a majority of the public supported the project and a University of Memphis report

concluding that the team created new economic activity were the winning shots as the clock was running down. But all of that was merely public theater compared to the weeks-long drama taking place in the boardroom of Storage USA. There, contentious negotiations were playing out between local government officials and the attorney for Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley. Although Heisley was anxious to move his team from Vancouver, Canada, he was doing his best to wring out everything he wanted by pitting Memphis against Charlotte in the sweepstakes for his team. Although it was clear that the Grizzlies could be a salve for the deep wounds to the civic ego caused by repeated National Football League rebuffs, negotiations were anything but a slam dunk. On three occasions, negoti-

ators walked away from the table, spite all odds to the contrary, and government officials packed the Grizzlies accepted the two up their briefcases and called it significant deal breakers of loa loss. cal government. In return for the Often overlooked today is that, team to pay operating losses, city ultimately, it was city and county and county governments agreed governments that got the “W,” to the now infamous non-comdefying predictions that a small pete clause that gave the Grizmarket city could ever get the zlies priority in booking concerts unprecedented concessions it and other performances in Memwanted from an NBA team: an phis. agreement for it to pay all operatAt the time, the arena’s opering deficits for its new arena and ating losses were estimated to be to agree to stay for about 20 years more than $5 million a year, and that’s about what Nashville was (or to pay the rough equivalent of the balance on the bonds if the paying to keep its National Hockteam broke the contract). ey League team. Local governOn the first day of negotiations, ments’ position was influenced by it looked like a deal was not to be. the lesson it learned when both Each side laid out its positions, The Pyramid and Mid-South but after city and county negotiColiseum were kept open. Proators outlined their “nonnegotiamoters, not taxpayers, benefited ble deal breakers,” the Grizzlies from lower rental rates as the representatives picked up their facilities battled each other for f iles, left the business. KeepIn return for the team to building, and ing three arenas f lew out of the with operating pay operating losses, city deficits looked city. Eventually, and county governments even bleaker if with an interthere was no vention by Dean agreed to the now agreement for Jernigan, then infamous non-compete the Grizzlies president/CEO clause that gave the to pay for areof Storage USA, the negotiators na operations: Grizzlies priority in convened again $2 million a year booking concerts and and agreed to at The Pyramid, move through $1 million at the other performances the list of easyColiseum, and in Memphis. to-solve negoti$5 million at FedExForum. ation items. After weeks of removing item To cap that off, no city had ever after item from the checklist, it negotiated the long-term comfinally got down to the big conmitment that city and county tested issues again. City and were demanding, but Memphis county government refused to got that too, dashing widespread budge and the team insisted that rumors that Heisley planned to it would never agree. This time, “flip” the team after being here government negotiators packed only a few years. up their files and went back to After 14 years, every fan has their offices. a memory of their favorite wins Jernigan again mediated the by the Grizzlies, but negotiators conflict and got both sides back believe the biggest wins were the to the table, and eventually, deones earned before the team ever took the court.

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Westin MeMphis

Continuing a Culture of Service Excellence

Don Norword • MMHLA Manager of the Year 2014 / Tammara Bryant • F&B Employee of the Year 2012 / Andrea Franklin • MMHLA Housekeeper of the Year 2014 / Cornelia Banks • MMHLA & THA F&B Employee of the Year 2013 / Kimberly Rainey • MMHLA & THA Community Service Award 2013 / Erica Smith • THA Outstanding Employee of the Year Lodging 2011 / Tammy Hart • MMHLA & THA Community Service Award 2013 / Jeremy DeWitt • MMHLA & THA Community Service Award 2013 / Bradford Toney • MMHLA Rising Star of the Year 2014 / Marcus Blake • MMHLA Food & Beverage Employee of the Year 2014

“ This is how it should feel.” The Westin Memphis Beale Street 170 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. (across from FedEx Forum) 901.334.5900 • westin.com/bealestreet

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5/18/15 6:28 PM

OU T A ND A BOU T |

6.2015 |

compiled by anna cox thompson

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES Levitt Shell Concert Series What’s better than a free concert under the stars, and a new show every few days? Kristina Train ((6.4), 4), Jakubi (6.5), 5), Seryn ((6.6), 6), MarchFourth! (6.7), Davina and The Vagabonds (6.11), Red Baraat (6.12), Black Violin (6.13), Fruition (6.4), Chubby Carrier & The Bayou Swamp Band (6.19), Gedeon Luke & The People (6.20), New Country Rehab (6.21), Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 (6.25), Pokey LaFarge (6.26), Stax Academy (6.27). Levitt Shell, 1928 Poplar, 272-2722, levittshell.org

Peabody Rooftop Parties It isn’t summer until these parties kick off. Bands in June include: Frankie Hollie and The Noise (6.4), Seeing Red (6.11). The Peabody Hotel Rooftop, 149 Union, 529-4000.

6.23

ell known for American classics like “Jack & Diane” and “Hurts So Good,” this Grammy Award winner is also a noted philanthropist with his organization Farm Aid. In 2014, he signed a historic contract with Republic Records for the release of Plain Spoken and all of his albums to follow. When you purchase a ticket to the concert, you won’t be leaving empty-handed. Every concert goer will receive a digital download of Plain Spoken with ticket purchase. The Orpheum Theatre, 203 S. Main, orpheum-memphis.com

6.2-6

Germantown Charity Horse Show

This all-breed event showcases more than 800 horses, including hunter/jumpers, American Saddlebreds, Roaster and Hackney ponies, and Tennessee Walking Horses. Horse aﬁcionados can participate in the $25,000 Grand Prix of Germantown, the Rachel Smith Memorial Costume Contest, and other events. 7745 Poplar Pike, gchs.org

6.4-28

6.5-28

A new revue based on the turbulent life and rich artistic legacy of an Americanl icon features such deﬁnitive Simone classics as “I Loves You Porgy,” “The Look of Love,” “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” “To Be Young, Gifted, and Black,” and “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” Hattiloo Theatre, 37 S. Cooper, hattiloo.org

When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention get tossed out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on a course to true love — proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors. Peppering this timeless classic are such standards as “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and of course, “Anything Goes.” Theatre Memphis, 630 Perkins Ext., theatrememphis.org

Simply Simone

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Anything Goes

6.6

6.6-9.13

6.8-14

This puppy pandemonium will include a pet adoptathon by area rescue agencies, along with games, educational displays and demonstrations, and a “Celebrity Pet Wash” where your pup can enjoy a bath in the hands of local celebrities. Merchants who allow (leashed) dogs in their stores will have bowls of water outside their doors. Sponsored by Memphis Veterinary Specialists, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Shops of Saddle Creek (North) on West Farmington, between Poplar and Germantown Road

One of the first exhibitions to explore the 40-year evolution of video games as an artistic medium showcases some of the most influential artists and designers from five eras of game technology. Five playable games — PacMan, Super Mario Brothers, The Secret of Monkey Island, Myst, and Flower — allow visitors to interact with diverse virtual worlds, highlighting not only their innovative techniques, but their legendary, almost addictive appeal. Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar, brooksmuseum.org

Drawing a who’s who of golfers and sponsors, raising money for St. Jude, and potential celeb-sightings are par for the course at this philanthropic event. Played in Memphis since 1958, the tournament’s previous winners include Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Fred Couples, and Greg Norman. Among the stars expected to play this year are Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, and defending champion Ben Crane. TPC Southwind, 3325 Club at Southwind, stjudeclassic.com

Paws for a Cause

“The Art of Video Games”

FedEx St. Jude Classic

Sesame Street Live at FedExForum

Golf pro Phil Mickelson

5/19/15 11:35 AM

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMERICANSPIRIT | DREAMSTIME

John Mellencamp

Lady Antebellum with Hunter Hayes Are you ready to get “Crazy” with Hunter Hayes and take off on the Wheels Up Tour with Lady A? These country crooners will rock the outdoor amphitheater stage to hits like “Bartender,” “Downtown,” and “American Honey.” BankPlus Amphitheater, 6285 Snowden Lane, Southaven

6.19-21

Juneteenth Urban Music Festival This special three-day event brings families together for fellowship, fanfare, camaraderie, and a jamming good time. Live entertainment includes gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, rap, classical, and neosoul music; also food and merchandise vendors, health and job fairs, exhibits, dancers, storytelling, walk-jog-athon, basketball, softball, family reunions, class reunions, horseback riding, picnics, and more. Robert R. Church Park, Beale Street, memphisjuneteenth.com

6.19-7.12

Gospel at Colonus

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMERICANSPIRIT | DREAMSTIME

Based on Sophocles’ mythical figure Oedipus and set in a contemporary African-American gospel church service, this production will move you with electrifying vocals. Scorned and aged, Oedipus

arrives at Colonus where he will die as fate foretold. But before his demise, he must tell his side of events. His journey toward truth, self-understanding, and forgiveness comes with soaring songs and an ending to lift the soul. Playhouse on the Square, 66 South Cooper, playhouseonthesquare. org

6.20-21

Sesame Street Live

This fun-filled show offers an interactive learning experience, including upclose and furry interactions on the audience floor. Like television’s Sesame Street, each production features timeless tunes and lessons for all ages. Adults will appreciate the high-tech stagecraft, clever script, and music they’ll recognize such as “Count Me In,” and fun new parodies of “Hot and Cold,” and “Moves Like Jagger.” FedExForum, 191 Beale Street

6.26

Live at the Garden Summer Concert Series: Aretha Franklin

The Queen of Soul opens this popular series, so don’t miss your chance to catch “Respect” and “I Say A Little Prayer for You” amid a beautiful garden setting. For more information, visit liveatthegarden.com. Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road, 576-4107

SEE IT IN 3D AT THE P!NK PALACE! M 3D OV IE

6.13

OPENS JUNE 20

Live at the Garden Summer Series: Aretha Franklin.

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FRONT AND CENTER

Michaelyn Bradford with frank murtaugh

Where are you from originally and how did you make it to Memphis? I grew up in Austin, Texas. Went to Baylor University, where I played four years on a golf scholarship. After graduation, I got a job at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, learning the business. [In 2006] the assistant golf professional job opened in Memphis and I’ve been here nine years. [Bradford was named head pro in November 2013.] What are the roots of your interest in golf? I played basketball, volleyball, and golf. I really wanted to be a volleyball player, but when I stopped growing at 5’4”, it left golf. And I learned it was my real passion. I started when I was 5 years old, just had a nine iron and a putter. I’d go out and hit balls with my dad. Didn’t take it seriously at all, just enjoyed being outside. I started getting really into it in high school, and won the state championship my senior year.

Michaelyn Bradford

You have a distinctive name. Is there an origin story? It comes from my uncle Michael (my mom’s only brother) and my aunt Lynne (my dad’s only sister). We brought the two families together with my name. I have a unique name over my sister’s [Whitney], which is all I care about.

What are the chief duties of a club’s head pro? A lot of it is running the business side of things [for a golf club], the budget, inventory, making sure our team at Southwind is cohesive, working toward the same goals. There’s also junior golf programming, programs for kids and women. How much teaching do you do? I love teaching, getting people to enjoy golf. It picks up in the summer. I try to teach seven to ten lessons a week. Have there been cases where you were treated differently because you’re a woman? Golf is predominantly a male industry. But there have been a

lot of females before me who have helped pave the way in how to deal with difficult situations where someone feels like you’re not capable. You rise above it. I’m just happy to be part of the TPC network, and part of the PGA Tour. It’s the most elite brand I can be a part of. Is there such a thing as a perfect golf swing? It doesn’t matter what your swing is, as long as you can enjoy the sport. There are many people who have bad swings but hit the ball well, and there are people with good swings who don’t hit it well. Try to have a consistent swing, get out there and enjoy the game. What’s the most typical flaw you see in a swing? It’s the set-up. Most people will have the wrong alignment that causes problems with their swing. A lot of people think they’re aimed at the pin when their feet are aimed at the pin, but they’re actually 30 yards right. Ninety percent of the golf swing is done prior to you hitting the ball: making sure your alignment is right, grip, posture. All of those elements determine your swing path. Give me your dream foursome, 18 holes at the course of your choice. Jack Nicklaus, an amazing person who got the game going. Jordan Spieth, number-one player in the world right now [and 2015 Masters champion]. And Michelle Wie [2014 U.S. Women’s Open champion]. She’d be awesome to play with. And we’d play at Augusta National.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY TPC NETWORK

he PGA Tour returns to Memphis this month when TPC Southwind hosts the FedEx St. Jude Classic. Michaelyn Bradford can be found at Southwind year-round. She has the distinction of being the only female head professional in the 34-club TPC network.

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5/19/15 11:49 AM

GET YOU R NORMAL BACK Right: LUCY krULL, Semmes Murphey patient, brain & spine cancer survivor, cupcake enthusiast

semmes-murphey.com

See her story at

Memphis Office: 6325 Humphreys Boulevard | Memphis, TN 38120 |

/Semmes.Murphey

(901) 522-7700 | Appts: (901) 522-7722

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5/11/15 8:47 AM

STAYING ALIVE

Four years ago Neil Van Uum and his bookstore survived bankruptcy. Today The Booksellers at Laurelwood — like its

predecessor Davis-Kidd — has become a community institution. And its owner, despite a tough industry, keeps “moving forward.”

by marilyn sadler

hen Neil Van Uum was growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, he rode his bike to the library or browsed its shelves while waiting for the bus. “I probably bought a wing of the library with my overdue fees,” he quips. In college Van Uum bought an old bookcase and says it was the only thing in his apartment that he cared about — that and the volumes it held, many of which he turned to for answers in life. “Books are there for you in transitional moments — going to college, getting married, getting a job,” he says. “Whatever you’re going through, the answers are there, in books.” With that reverence for the printed word, it’s not surprising that Van Uum has been in the bookstore business for nearly 30 years. In 1986, he founded Joseph-Beth Booksellers, later purchased Davis-Kidd Booksellers, including the beloved Memphis store, and has withstood the changing fortunes of a challenging industry. In 2010 and 2011 he faced a bruising bankruptcy and auction that left Davis-Kidd fans holding their breath. But after heightened fears that Van Uum — and Memphis — would lose the landmark store in Laurelwood Shopping Center, they both came through intact, but not unscathed. Recalling that time still hits him like a kick in the gut and triggers the comment, “Business brings out some of the worst in people.”

PHOTOGRAPH BY KAREN PULFER FOCHT

Neil Van Uum

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After the auction dust had settled and Van Uum managed to buy back the store from liquidators, Davis-Kidd was renamed The Booksellers at Laurelwood and benefited from $500,000 in remodeling, including an overhaul of the popular in-store restaurant, Booksellers Bistro (formerly Bronte). “It would have been an absolute sin if this store had closed,” Van Uum says today. “I couldn’t stand that.” Four years after the bankruptcy debacle, the 56-year-old bibliophile identifies himself as “president, CEO, and debtor” then adds with a laugh, “actually debtor ought to come first.” Caught up in a digital revolution that spells endless headaches for brick-and-mortar stores, he stresses the importance of “moving forward.” The key, he says, is to focus on his strengths. Asked to identify them, Van Uum replies: “I have the gift of vision and the ability to lead people towards a common cause. And somewhere [inside] I have more courage than I ever thought possible. I’ve been blessed with a really awesome family, good friends, and people to work with. As long as we can pay the rent, make payroll, keep the lights on, we’ll keep things popping around here. But I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a challenge.”

“Thelma and Karen were so gracious.”

Regarding the Davis-Kidd stores, the former owners speak positively about Van Uum’s purchase. “We had seen the stores Neil had built and thought they were beautiful and had a good inventory,” says Karen Davis, who lives in Nashville and owns a specialty travel company. “Neil had a keen eye for how to design a store that was appealing to the customer.” Thelma Kidd, now a life coach in Nashville, adds that she and Davis felt Van Uum’s purchase of Davis-Kidd would mean “a continuation of having excellent stores.”

“The big stores were opening left and right.”

ookstores have always faced tough competition. As Van Uum puts it, “For years, people have predicted the death of the book. Television would kill it. Movies and DVDs would kill it.” Yet in spite of such dire predictions, business “rolled along pretty well,” he says. Nonetheless, by the late 1990s, the chain bookstores, Barnes and Noble and Borders, posed formidable threats to independent booksellers. “The big stores were opening left and right,” says Van Uum, all of them selling more cheaply than the indies could afford. Discount retailers like Walmart compounded the drain on profits, as did online stores like Amazon.com, with its huge “virtual” warehouse of volumes the store could sell at cost. If those threats weren’t enough to have independents looking over their shoulders, free content on the Internet really made them nervous. “Time was, you had a question or concern, you’d go to the library or the bookstore,” says Van Uum. “That was changing fast.” Change soon generated an even bigger threat: the proliferation of electronic readers, which allow customers to download many books for free or at nominal cost and include such products as Kindles, Nooks, and

PHOTOGRAPH BY BG

an Uum didn’t set out from college wanting to run a bookstore. After earning a degree in business marketing from the University of Cincinnati, he was hired by FMC Corporation selling raw-material chemicals in bulk loads. “It was a great job,” says Van Uum, who headed a territory that included Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and West Tennessee. But even then he felt called to start his own business and while in Memphis, he considered buying a franchise of Auto-Chlor. “They

sell commercial dishwashers, and I sold them products for their business,” he says. Though that pursuit didn’t work out, Van Uum kept his eyes open for an entrepreneurial opportunity, and wherever he traveled he visited the city’s bookstores. “When I’d come to Memphis I’d go to the one in Overton Square,” he recalls. “I’ll never forget sitting in the front window of that little store, reading the entire One Minute Manager. And then I bought the book!” he laughs. In 1986 he took the plunge of opening his own bookstore. “I was looking in Cincinnati and Cleveland, then went to Lexington, Kentucky, on a lark,” he says. He found space there in a shopping center and christened the store Joseph-Beth Booksellers, after his and his ex-wife’s middle names. “It was successful from Day One,” Van Uum recalls. “When I opened, it was 6,000 square feet. And I probably expanded it five times, up to 13,000 square feet.” Before long, he opened a second store in Cincinnati and moved to that city. By then he had come to know Karen Davis and Thelma Kidd, owners of Davis-Kidd Booksellers, which they started in Nashville in 1980; the Memphis store opened in 1985, and other locations were in Knoxville and Jackson. During those years, they all used a book-buying and inventory service started by Tom and Lewis Borders, the founders and owners of the first Borders Bookstore. “Thelma and Karen were so gracious,” says Van Uum, “and I got to know them very well. We sort of grew up in the business together. Then one day they decided to retire. We talked, and one thing led to another.” In 1997, Van Uum became owner of the four Davis-Kidd properties. While the Memphis and Nashville stores did well, the Jackson store was floundering, and the lease was running out on the Knoxville location, so Van Uum closed the latter two. In addition to his Joseph-Beth locations in Lexington and Cincinnati, he opened three more, in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Charlotte.

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iPad’s iBooks. “A big portion of our customers migrated overnight to e-readers,” says Van Uum. “They were probably the biggest blow to business. We had continuing erosion of sales as a result.” These digital marvels wreaked havoc on the big chains as well. In November 2010, Barnes and Noble announced it was putting itself up for sale, news that sent chills through the industry — and prompted a phone call from Van Uum’s bankers. “They’d been watching our sales anyway,” he recalls. “Then they saw that story. They said, ‘Neil, when your loan is up in five months, we’re not gonna renew it.’ I was sitting in my daughter’s driveway in Austin [Texas], and I was like what?! They said, ‘Why didn’t you tell us this was going on in the book industry?’ I said, ‘Well, it’s not good but — you’re just gonna cancel?’” Though he felt the strain over the following weeks, Van Uum was fairly confident he could save the business. “In many cases it was a textbook [retail] reorganization,” says Van Uum. “Prune the bad stores, go forward with a small organization, and find success on the other side.” One of the pruned stores was Davis-Kidd in Nashville, a loss that still grieves Van Uum and its former owners. Says Kidd: “Neil is a visionary and clearly enjoys the creation of new stores. [But] we didn’t agree with some of his decisions, the most significant being to move the Nashville store into [the Mall at Green Hills] . . . And we only learned of its closing just hours before it was announced publicly; that made it practically impossible for us to help locate someone in Nashville who might have stepped in to keep the store open.” Davis adds: “[That] store was an icon in the Nashville community and even today I hear from former customers that they miss it.”

“I knew I had to do something about Davis-Kidd.”

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eanwhile, pruning wasn’t enough to fix the problem. Van Uum’s creditors decided to sue Ingram Book Company — his primary supplier — for $6 million, a suit that spoiled any plans for restructuring. After months of trying to reorganize, his assets would go to auction. That event took place in late April 2011 and the only person bidding against Van Uum was Robert Langley, his former landlord in Lexington. Without going into detail about why Langley would oppose him, Van Uum says, “Some people think anything goes in the world of business. I spent eight hours bidding for my company, trying to keep it, and this guy just keeps bidding me up. [It’s hard] when you have a company you’ve built for 25 years, bring it through months of a reorganization, and watch it ripped from you in a single day.”

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Van Uum left the attorney’s office with sagging spirits. “I lost my company, Joseph-Beth, and the Davis-Kidd store was going to close because of this deal.” He went back to Cincinnati, just to keep moving. “I guess I took a day to feel bad,” he recalls. “Next day I knew I had to decide what I was going to do.” After taking Van Uum’s stores at auction, Langley sold them to Gordon Brothers liquidators. Disturbed about the fate of Davis-Kidd, Van Uum tried to find a buyer, “but no one I talked to had the expertise to make it work. So I knew I had to do something.” With financial backing from Tom Prewitt, owner of Laurelwood Shopping Center, Van Uum purchased the store from the liquidators. “Tom and I got together and we saved it. I signed a new 10-year lease.” While devotees of Davis-Kidd rejoiced when the news came that it would remain open, Van Uum can’t clearly recall how he felt that day in mid-May 2011. “People ask me that,” he says. “I don’t know. I was tired. I just look at God. He’ll throw things in my direction, but I have to keep moving forward. I wanted my daughters to see how I reacted. And I wanted people who think I’m a leader to say, ‘That’s how I would want to be if I got my ass kicked.’” The first action required of Van Uum was to remove the Davis-Kidd name from the store: “[Langley] even bought the rights to that,” he says. “We thought about other names, maybe Neil’s Bookstore, but that wouldn’t be right with so many staff who have been here forever. So we became The Booksellers at Laurelwood. We were able to keep everybody,” he adds. “We employ 62 people divided between the store and Booksellers Bistro. And we all sell.”

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“The more comfortable you make me, the more I will buy.”

dapting to industry changes meant adding e-books to Booksellers’ inventory several years ago because “we need to offer our customers books in whatever form they want them,” says Van Uum. But independent bookstores must offer something their challengers don’t. Service of veteran staffers, book-signings by popular authors, children’s programs, and of course good food at the Booksellers Bistro all serve to draw shoppers. Perhaps even more important is the welcoming atmosphere that Van Uum felt years ago at the little store in Overton Square. “That was the model I wanted,” he says. “The more comfortable you make me, the more I will buy, and I think others will be that way too.” Beyond that, “we do so much besides sell books,” he continues. “We look at our product mix, try to determine what people who

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Corey and Cheryl Mesler

As it changes with the times, Burke’s Book Store owners say they’ve turned a corner. By Marilyn Sadler Back in 2006, the owners of Burke’s Book Store were afraid they’d have to close up shop. But a move from Poplar and Evergreen to their current space in Cooper-Young has brought home the old real estate saying: location, location, location. “Moving here has been fantastic,” says Cheryl Mesler, who owns Burke’s along with her husband, Corey. “Sometimes I think all we have to do is open the doors.” Of course it takes more than that, she’s quick to add. “We’ve been lucky, but the real secret is digging in your nails and staying with it. We’re dinosaurs and slow to change. But we adapted. Our inventory today is very different from when I started here.” Indeed Burke’s has a history of adapting. The bookstore — which celebrates its 140th anniversary this year and is now in its fourth location —

was founded in 1875 on Main Street by Walter Burke Sr. and for decades sold books, newspapers, slates, and tin toys. In 1946 the store began supplying textbooks to public and parochial high school students, until a city sales tax covered that cost. In the 1950s, grandson Bill Burke shifted the focus to used and antique books. The owners who followed him — Diana Crump in the 1970s and Harriette Beeson in the mid-1980s — continued that focus, as did the Meslers when they bought Burke’s in 2000. “The business of used and rare books, especially the modern ﬁrst editions that were so big for us 20 years ago: the Internet killed that,” says Mesler. “Suddenly anyone with a computer could list and sell their books, which completely saturated the market and really drove down prices.” In response to that saturation, Burke’s began selling what Mesler calls “esoteric books — photography volumes or unusual academic titles that are not as readily available online.” The store also has a wide selection of used books and hard-to-ﬁnd

collectibles, as well as paperback classics in fiction, mystery, horror, and sci-fi, she says. “We also sell some new books, including fiction, and our children’s books do very well.” In addition to these options, the Meslers built their own website that lists titles they sell online. “We send out an average of 20 packages a day going all over the country, even internationally.” The store also still sells textbooks to two local Episcopal schools, Grace St. Luke’s and St. Mary’s. Though the Meslers are pleased with business — in fact they’ve extended store hours on weekends — they still face nagging challenges. “The biggest is trying to convince people to shop here before they go to Amazon,” says Mesler. “It’s a knee-jerk reaction; they think they can get it cheaper and faster.” Cheaper may be true: “We’ll never be able to compete with Amazon with new books because they sell them at cost and will till eternity.” But when it comes to quick delivery, “we can place an order on Monday, and the customer

PHOTOGRAPH BY KAREN PULFER FOCHT

RE ASON for HOPE

has it on Tuesday because our supplier is in Nashville.” Just as important: “We try to educate people that keeping the money here in Memphis makes a difference.” As for e-readers, Mesler no longer sees them as tough competition. “I think they ﬂatlined,” she says. “And my daughter’s generation, who do everything online, are not reading a Kindle or other device as much as you think they are.” Maybe the toughest threat, she says, is that people don’t read as much as they used to: “They’re all pulled in a thousand directions.” As for adding nonbook items to the inventory, Burke’s owners believe in doing one thing well: “I don’t want the store bigger than this. We have a good staff — four part-time people besides us — and they know everything we sell.” Burke’s intimate size and cozy nooks invite browsers, as do the dozen old typewriters that sit on tables throughout the store. “All the hipsters love the old stuff,” says Mesler. “Kids will come in who don’t have any idea what a typewriter is and they’re fascinated.” A possible future touch that will add to Burke’s appeal is a tricycle they hope to buy as part of their 140th anniversary. Says Mesler: “With all the bike lanes in Midtown we can run errands, and deliver books to people in the area.” Mesler acknowledges that running a bookstore is hardly easy. “You know early on it’s hand-to-mouth, a labor of love, and you’ll never get rich. But I think we’ve turned a corner,” she says. “One reason is the trend back to small bookstores. When I came to Memphis in 1990, Burke’s and [then-]Davis-Kidd were it, then the chains started moving in. But no chains are left in the Memphis city limits. It’s just us and the Booksellers at Laurelwood. We’ve come full circle.”

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love books would also love. Gift items do well, and people especially like to buy locally made gifts. Music used to be a good seller, but thanks to electronic sales, that has seen a steady decline.” Overall, books and magazines comprise 65 percent of sales, and nonbook items, 35 percent. “But you blend Bistro sales into that,” he adds, “and books and magazines drop to mid-50 percent of sales.”

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xplaining what brings customers in to browse, relax, and hopefully buy, Van Uum says, “Reading is cultural. People who are readers are different from others. It’s like people who go to sporting events when they could watch them on TV. They go to games, and readers come to bookstores. They want to be part of the culture, to immerse themselves in books. So our goal is to foster that culture.” Asked why he stays with the bookstore business when he could try another field, he says, “It’s important work. People live life through books. So that’s a symbiotic relationship for me that just fits. I know I could do other things. But I think I’m pretty good at what I do.” Nonetheless he cites some hard facts about the bookstore scene in general: “Sixty percent of chain stores have closed. Borders is gone. Barnes and Noble is in retraction, stagnant, and say they’re going to close 20 stores this year. [The remaining big chain] Books a Million is still alive but I don’t hear much about them. Public companies are fueled by Wall Street speculation. Money’s good if lenders feel good about you. If not, you’re floundering. And it’s no secret: Most smart people say bookstores are not a growth industry.” One national expert on bookselling takes a more hopeful view, especially of independents. Oren Teicher is head of the American Booksellers Association, a membership trade organization. In his 25 years with the ABA he has seen indies survive competition from big-box retailers, mall stores, warehouse clubs, online stores, and now, of course, digital readers. Even up against all that, he says, “indie bookselling is alive and well in the U.S. Sales across the network of member ABA stores is up. New stores are opening, existing stores are opening additional locations . . .” He attributes this resurgence to several factors: the localism movement across the country, easier and more affordable access to technology that allows stores to communicate more readily with their customers, and efforts by publishers to work with booksellers. Beyond that, he echoes Van Uum about the importance of a “physical place.”

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“Consumers like to interact with other customers and to take advantage of the knowledge and passion about books one can find in an indie bookstore,” says Teicher. “In the end . . . that is why we continue to thrive, despite expectations about our demise. We are still here and we are not going away.” Regarding Van Uum, he says, “He and his store typify the indie resurgence.”

You Know She’s Worth It

“This is the work I’m supposed to be doing.”

s owner of another bookstore in downtown Cincinnati called The Booksellers on Fountain Square, Van Uum splits his time between his hometown and Memphis. When he’s here, he spends most every waking moment at The Booksellers at Laurelwood: “I just want to be in the store as much as I can. They closed with me last night.” When he’s not working, he might be reading, and often has three books going at a time. “One will be a work of fiction because I love having someone else’s story to turn to and catch up on,” says Van Uum, who’s a fan of novelists Jonathan Tropper and Larry McMurtry. “I also read one book for personal or spiritual enrichment. I really enjoyed [musician] Bono’s life journey as a Christian, as well as the story of the Guinness Beer Company and its rooting in spiritual matters. “I also try to get through a history book,” he continues, “recently a couple about World War I. The interesting thing about all these is that they provide me guidance, balance, and a foundation to better work through challenges of my life.” Or — as he said earlier — books are there to help through transitions. So what did he turn to during one of the hardest transitions of all — bankruptcy? “An all-time favorite,” he responds: M. Scott Peck’s The Road Less Traveled. Although divorced, he’s still on friendly terms with his ex-wife. They have three daughters, ages 28, 25, and 21, one of whom is a “crazy book nut” the other two not so much. Among his blessings, family is at the top. But what has really strengthened him through the years is his trust in God. “When people ask how I get through difficult times. I could lie and say I’m just tougher than everybody. But I think it’s my faith,” says Van Uum. “That faith tells me I’m doing the work I’m supposed to be doing. Life is out to get you, nobody gets out alive,” he says, smiling at that old joke. “But God gives us gifts. It’s up to us to accept them and to keep moving forward. “I’m probably gonna die at my old bookshelf, fall over when I’m 80 or something,” he concludes with a laugh. “But that’s okay. What have I got to feel bad about?”

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Not With A Whimper The Grizzlies may have lost the battle for the 2015 NBA championship, but long ago, they won the war for the hearts and minds of a million Memphians.

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s the sun rose over the Bluff City on a glorious BBQ Festival Friday morning, I’d already started working on the post for my Memphis Flyer blog that I would use if the Grizzlies’ season ended, and the quote right at the top was from T.S. Eliot: “This is the way the world ends/Not with a bang but a whimper.” In all honesty, that kind of epitaph seemed something of a no-brainer; down three games to two in the Western Conference semifinals to the NBA’s best regular-season team, the Golden State Warriors, the Griz had lost the previous two games, each by more than 20 points. With the injury report filling up and the Warriors hitting their stride, it seemed like the Grizzlies would again be overmatched against the best offensive team in the league, and another 20-point trouncing to close out the series seemed a more-than-likely outcome. But a funny thing happened on the way to the Forum. Instead of the blowout most of us secretly feared, the Grizzlies’ season ended with a feisty 108-95 loss to a Golden State team that was just flatout better. The home team went down swinging. They fell way behind early, rallied mightily in the third quarter, even getting within one point with 2:49 left in the period. But when the hapless Jeff Green shot a rushed three-pointer that missed, and the Warriors ran it the other way (where Andre Igoudala buried a three of his own), a crowd about to go nuts after taking a two-point lead was reduced to silence. The Griz were down four again.

by kevin lipe, shara clark, martha park, and frank murtaugh J U N E 2 0 1 5 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 37

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PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

It all unraveled from there, and for the rest of the game the Grizzlies’ starters (all of whom had played huge minutes, as you’d expect) were running on fumes. The substitutions started happening, and when Green got roughly blocked taking a 3 at the end of the third quarter, and MVP Steph Curry launched a 62-foot shot from inside the Grizzlies three-point-line that sailed through the net without even touching the rim at the other end of the court, there was nothing much left to say about this game or this season. The fourth quarter felt like a formality, the turbulent recession of a wave that had already broken onto the sand. There will be lots more said about just how successful this particular season was. No doubt the Grizzlies’ ever-present lack of offensive firepower and outside shooting played a big role in their elimination. But so did the laundry list of injuries to Mike Conley — a wrist issue, a bum foot that never got all the way healed, a broken face with titanium plates in it and a nasty recovery from a tough surgery, and then an ankle injury on top of all of that made his running labored — and the fact that Tony Allen gamely tried to play Game 6 when he could neither run nor jump because of his hamstring injury. The Grizzlies got bitten by the injury bug at the worst possible time; anyone who says that didn’t play a factor is being dishonest. But this memorable season is now history, and while the sports blogs and talk shows will be humming all summer long about what next year’s team will look and play like, there’s no time like the present to

speak one final time about what 2014-15 was about, for all of us. This, after all, was a legendary regular season that turned into a frustrating one, then turned back into a legendary playoff run featuring a point guard who put a mask on and carried the team to some improbable wins, even though he had no business doing so. True, we didn’t get to see these Griz play for as long as we’d hoped, because in the end they weren’t who we wished they would be. But that’s how things go sometimes, and even in those moments it’s better to embrace what’s there than be dissatisfied by what isn’t. Now is the time for gathering ourselves, catching our breath, remembering the thundering roar of the Forum when the masked Mike Conley was introduced before Game 3, the way every other sound in the world was drowned out by the howl of the crowd, even the sound of our own thoughts. In that roar, somewhere, is everything . . . — Kevin Lipe

God, Family, Grizzlies

t all peaked for me the morning after the Grizzlies unexpectedly beat Golden State in Game 2 in Oakland, 99-89. Something (besides my staying up way too late) was different about my drive to work the next morning. A feeling had swept the streets, a triumphant aura that couldn’t have gone unnoticed, even by those who missed the sweet victory the night before. But it wasn’t just

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PHOTOGRAPH BY LARRY KUZNIEWSKI

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRANDON DILL

a feeling. It was tangible, too. On E.H. Crump Boulevard, I passed an SUV with the words “BELIEVE IN THE GRIZZ” written in white paint on the back windshield. An elderly black man scooted down the sidewalk on a motorized wheelchair with a growl towel draped over its back. When I pulled up to our downtown office, I noticed a yellow Grizzlies flag swaying in the wind in the yard of one of the houses across the street. In the parking lot, another Grizzlies flag: a blue one, attached to a co-worker’s car. Though we all might not have a thing in common besides our Grizzlies fandom, we are all connected in that feeling, in this verve for our team. But it isn’t just about the games. For someone who’s never been a big fan of basketball, or any sport for that matter, my level of excitement watching this year’s playoffs surprised me. My boyfriend isn’t really into sports either, but there we sat, night after night, yelling at the TV when the other team forced a turnover, cheering when we hit a three-pointer, filling with an undeniable and somehow merited pride when Tony Allen fell to the floor to save the ball, again and again, repeating “First Team Defense!” afterwards like a madman. In strange fashion, the Grizzlies’ tenacity on the court somehow mirrors the battle we as Memphians fight to overcome the negatives placed on us — often by the nation at large. But during games, time seems to stand still. And for a moment, Memphis isn’t

(opposite page) Beale Street beats to a Grizzly drum on game nights. (center) Road playoff games mean watch parties at FedExForum. (right) Minus the most famous mask in Memphis history, Mike Conley congratulates NBA MVP Steph Curry after the Warriors’ Game 6 victory.

on any wallethub.com worst lists, or trending positively on social media for violence or crime. In fact, every time the Grizzlies play, my Facebook newsfeed blows up with commentary, as friends I don’t even know voice their support in unison: “Go Grizz!” “Fear the mask!” “Rise and grind!” Let’s face it. Our NBA team puts us on the map: as fighters, as hustlers, banging out our best against all odds. And for that magic moment when a game breaks out, everyone in Memphis is one. As the now-famous growl towel says, it’s Memphis vs. Errrbody. And when the Grizzlies win, we all win. If only for a little while . . . The Grizzlies are Memphis. We’ve all seen tons of team merchandise for sale this year as always, but the text on one shirt stands out for me: “GOD – FAMILY — GRIZZLIES.” Our team has brought us all together, as if we’re all part of one big unrelated family. We’re united — in the grit and grind, and in hope for our team and our city — not just on game days, but every day. And win or lose, the nation has heard us roar. — Shara Clark J U N E 2 0 1 5 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 39

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Just Who Are Those People?

PHOTOGRAPH BY AMIE VANDERFORD

n the unusual occasions when Memphis’ NBA team is way ahead and everything is breaking its way in a game, one can lose sight of just how hard things always seem to be for the Grizzlies. Far more often, every single field goal is the basketball equivalent of oil shale, scraped out of the ground and processed within an inch of its life just to extract something useful from it, anything of value at all. The way things are during the regular season is also the way things are here in a macro sense. The Grizzlies play in the poorest market in the NBA and one of the poorest metro areas in the country. Players give away tickets by the hundreds just so people can see that one NBA game that they can’t otherwise afford to see. And at playoff time, people stand in line for hours just to try to get one of those 500 precious, last-minute tickets, unable to see the front of the line, just praying they’re not number 501. Most of the time it doesn’t feel like these two levels of reality are related, until the playoffs. When everything gets harder, the truth shines through: like so many Memphians, the Grizzlies themselves wouldn’t know what to do at playoff time if everything weren’t a life-or-death struggle. We — those of us who watch them — wouldn’t know what to do if they were so good they never had any struggles. Remember last November and December, when the Grizzlies were actually the best team in the NBA? Remember how strange that felt, like you (a) didn’t believe it was actually happening and (b) were just waiting for the other shoe to drop and bring with it some precipitous decline? That’s the way we are as a city, too. Somehow we’ve created a basketball team that mirrors our own civic strengths and weaknesses. The shining moments of transcendent brilliance. The self-sabotage. The sense that if things don’t go our way, we’ll just fight somebody. The refusal to perform at the highest level without facing dire odds, impossible circumstances. The possibility that it’s not just something that happens during competition, but that we’re actually insane. Then there’s the moment when all this comes into perfect focus: 18,119 black and white people together chanting “Whoop That Trick” at the Portland Trail Blazers, while television audiences across America shudder in non-recognition. Who are these people? How is it possible that they are like us? We are not. Somehow, the Grizzlies are everything we are, for better or for worse. — Kevin Lipe

How To Be Here

(clockwise from top left) Kyle Taylor, artist and muralist, in front of his “Big Spain” mural on the side of the Icon wall at Southern and Highland; another Marc Gasol mural on the side of the Airways Flea Market in Orange Mound; yet another Grizzly mural on the Advance Memphis building on Vance Avenue downtown; Dr. Frank Chin looks very different with his eyes closed!

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

s we rallied around the Grizzlies this playoff season — I say “we” as a native Memphian, although I watched this year from afar, from Hollins College (in Virginia), where I’m working on an MFA — I found myself thinking about a team I’ve only heard about: the 1973 Memphis State Tigers. In a way, the Tigers of the Gene Bartow era and teams of the last few Grizzlies seasons have had a lot in common. The integrated Memphis State team which lost to UCLA in the 1973 NCAA finals presented an aspirational image of Memphis to

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PHOTOGRAPH BY LARRY KUZNIEWSKI

the rest of the county. My parents and their peers all remember the canonization moment at the end of the game, when Larry Finch and Billy Buford helped an injured Bill Walton off the court, projecting an image of racial harmony and cohesion that, frankly, did not exist in Memphis in 1973. The basketball Tigers of that generation gave Memphis something to think about, post 1968, something that allowed us to hope for a different and better future. They allowed the city something to hope for, to work toward. Today’s Grizzlies are far less aspirational; they exist in the now. They are more like mirrors of us as we actually are. Like them, we Memphians are a mixed bunch, white, black, tall, short and even Spanish (thank you, Marc, for all you do). Want evidence? See “Whoop That Trick” played at the end of games; hear Z-Bo’s voice shouting “I’ll beat your ass,” audible on TV even over the noise of the crowds; see Tony Allen’s kamikaze steals and the mascot’s unfurled banner reading Finish Them. As the Grizzlies get ever more press coverage, as more reporters refer to the Grizzlies’ style as “unconventional,” or “tireless,” and/or “aggressive,” we see ourselves in the Grizzlies — not as we could be but as we are — as citizens of a city that has struggled equally with outsiders’ negative perceptions as well as our own low self-esteem. After the Grizzlies made it to the Western Conference finals for the first time in 2013, it didn’t matter to me if they ever made it that far, or were that successful, again. I’m aware that others don’t share this opinion, but I didn’t fall in love with the Grizzlies because they were successful. I love them because they are ours, because they embody the city in a way that feels real and true, and because through this team, we are able to tell our story. After the 2013 elimination loss to the San Antonio Spurs, a reporter asked Tony Allen, who was about to be a free agent, what he thought about the possibility of playing for a different team. His eyes filled with tears as he said, “I don’t want to cry, but . . .” The same questions were asked of Z-Bo. His answer: a laugh and then, “Nah! I would like to retire a Grizzly and be here.” This might be the most important lesson basketball has taught me. From the Tigers’ first fans to the Grizzlies’ current huge following — in a city where choosing to stay is still seen by some as an act of faith — if we’ve learned anything from basketball, it’s been learning how to be here. — Martha Park

Mid-South Mind Expansion

(top left) The Grindfather himself, Tony Allen, drives to the basket. (bottom left) Zach Randolph and Courtney Lee team up to keep Steph Curry from doing the same.

PHOTOGRAPH BY LARRY KUZNIEWSKI

’m a Dallas Mavericks fan. Have been for 32 years. (Long story short, the Mavs drafted my college hero, Dale Ellis, in 1983 and my fandom has long outlasted the Tennessee All-American’s stay in Dallas.) That said, I’ve never rooted against the Memphis Grizzlies, and never will. The two most uncomfortable nights of my sports year are when the Mavericks visit FedExForum. The massive cheers (when Memphis wins) squeeze me emotionally. And the silent exit of thousands (when Dallas wins) deadens the thrill I take when the Mavericks beat any of 28 other NBA teams. I root for the Grizzlies as a civic enterprise more than I do as merely a team in the second-most famous professional sports league on the planet. (The National Basketball Association bows only to soccer’s English Premiership.) For 14 years now, the franchise has been celebrated for making Memphis “big league,” a tag that seems

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THE GRIZZLY BEAR SONG

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

“I’m a Z-Bo ballin’, Marc Gasolin’ Grizzly bear.” So sings 6-year-old Graham, a.k.a. “G3” in “The Grizzly Bear Song.” The video took a month to produce and Graham says writing the lyrics was the most timeconsuming element. Check out the final product and you’ll likely agree it was worth the wait. #3 On YouTube, search for THE GRIZZLY BEAR SONG by G3drummer.

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most significantly, these days, to apply to a city’s standing in the over-hyped world of sports. It’s all a bit silly, of course. Ask folks at St. Jude or FedEx about their definitions of “big league,”and they’ll quickly adjust your perspective. No, the Grizzlies are more about human bonding to me, and the component of human bonding we treasure most: emotion. Most Memphians are devoted to the FedEx brand (hey, over 30,000 of us work there), and every Memphian champions the cause of St. Jude. But much as we love them both, when, exactly, can we tune in together for a collective, regional spasm of pure joy over their successes? The Grizzlies give us (potentially) 82 of these moments, one regular season after another. Heartache is a component of the emotional bonding, of course. In the early Griz days, back-to-back seasons of 22-60 basketball made winter longer (and colder) than it should have been. Favorite players departed mid-career for greater glory elsewhere (Pau Gasol in Los Angeles, Shane Battier eventually in Miami). And more recently, there has been no worse hangover than the morning after a season-ending playoff defeat, a weight with which Grizzly fans have grown familiar over the years since the team’s remarkable run in the spring of 2011, when Memphis as an eighth-seed upset the mighty San Antonio Spurs (ranked #1) before falling to Oklahoma City. But oh, the joy. Any fan fully invested in his or her team knows the endorphin kick of an unlikely win, or a victory that takes a team to a place it’s never been. In an age that now spins by the whims of technology, natural highs can, in fact, be achieved. The Memphis Grizzlies have been the strongest mind-expanding substance the Mid-South can claim as its own since Elvis Presley. Young Elvis. The Grizzlies are of us every bit as much as we — as a community — are of them. For starters, Memphis is simply too small a place for

Z-Bo and friends to hide for seven months. The morning after the Grizzlies eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2013 playoffs, I got to congratulate Tony Allen for his team’s dynamic comeback in a Germantown computer store, where he was doing the same thing I was (buying a laptop). The Grindfather himself smiled as we shook hands and offered but two words, “Appreciate you.” It would be hard to identify a part of Memphis life appreciated more these days than the Memphis Grizzlies. We believe in them. We cherish their grit and relish their grind. We’ve come to recognize bright, yellow towels as community calling cards. Our very nickname — the Bluff City — has been somewhat redefined. It’s a culture easy to embrace. Even for the Maverick fans among us. — Frank Murtaugh

When Ours Becomes Us

verything changed in the 2011 playoffs. That’s when people realized, en masse, that the “Believe Memphis” towels they’d been waving around as they screamed for Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess’ blood could actually be something else: They could be signs for the national television audience, for the Spurs players, for the world. Believe Memphis. It was a slogan as defiant as it was unifying, a team that wasn’t supposed to be there, playing a style of basketball that wasn’t supposed to work with players, with guys like Zach Randolph and Tony Allen, who weren’t supposed to be able to carry a team. That was the magical season when it all changed, when we, Memphis, all of us, realized that this team wasn’t just ours; it was us. To this day, nothing comes easy for them. Every basket scored involves maximum

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effort, maximum violence, minimum verticality. Every defensive stop requires a swarm from the perimeter, the ability to stand in the paint and absorb body blows without being deterred. For almost five years now, every game has been a struggle to score enough points to win with grinding, punishing defense. Every season has been a struggle to hold the whole thing together at maximum intensity for 82 games — something that hasn’t always been possible with injuries, attitudes, and the sheer amount of effort it takes to play basketball in this fashion night in and night out. If you had actually wanted to create a basketball team that was a metaphor for the city in which it played, and the team you were creating was for Memphis, Tennessee, you couldn’t possibly have turned up this particular team all on your own. In recognition of that fact, we watch these men like we’re watching ourselves. We embrace them like they’re members of our immediate family. We talk about individual players as if they’re that uncle who’s the baddest man in the whole wide world — but are careful not to ask too many questions about what he was up to when he was younger. In this sense, every Grizzlies home playoff game is a referendum on our own sense of self-worth. It’s always Us vs. Them, Face vs. Heel, Memphis vs. Errrbody, as the Warriors Game 3 towels so delicately phrased it. I’m not so sure that the Grizzlies have changed us as much as they have made us more aware of who we are. And more willing to celebrate ourselves, too, all of us. The Grizzlies have provided a whole new answer to the question of what exactly Memphis is. Answer? Memphis is a city that’s been down on itself for a long time now, that’s now being represented by a group of outcasts who take prettier teams from prettier places and beat them up on television in front of a national audience, while the local crowd roars

(left) Cooper-Young residents Bill and Carol Jackson pose in front of their growl towel-adorned home. (above) Rhonda Peppers takes a seat on Grizz, the NBA’s finest mascot, inside FedExForum.

and hollers and generally loses its entire collective mind. That’s not a bad definition of who we are. And that’s why our towels became signs. Believe Memphis. You may not like us, but you have to deal with us now. You may not want to watch us, but we are here anyway. In a city in which so many struggle just to hang on to a place to live and to make ends meet and provide for themselves — the Grizzlies, after all, have not changed the fact that Memphis is one of the poorest metro areas in the country, a city in which a larger percentage of the population than anybody wants to talk about can’t afford tickets to these games in the first place — the fact that a group of men with our name across their chests goes out and disrupts and frustrates and usually pummels the rest of the NBA is a point of pride that means way more than the team’s won-lost record You see it most — and in the pages of this magazine — in the Grizzlies murals that proliferate like weeds in empty lots in the spring, f lowers that aren’t supposed to be there but are too pretty to pull up. An entire industry of unlicensed t-shirts has sprung up around town, further proof that everyone in Memphis has a side hustle. You see it in the way we carry ourselves walking down the street the morning after a big win, heads jangling from a lack of sleep, voices shot, ears ringing. But with a real attitude. The Grizzlies are us, and we are they. For better or for worse. Believe that. — Kevin Lipe J U N E 2 0 1 5 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 45

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PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell sits at the helm — and the original recording console — of Royal Studios. “I was crawling around down here when I was a little boy,” recalls the son of the late Willie Mitchell, producer of such Memphis staples as Al Green and Ann Peebles.

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A Legacy of Sound by richard j. alley

here is no gift shop. No T-shirts, no coffee mugs, no bumper stickers. Tourists aren’t lined up outside the door to gaze upon thigh-high go-go boots, gold records, or gold-appointed cars. There is no reproduction studio with a vestigial mixing board because the recording studio at

Royal Studios in South Memphis has been operating consistently since its heydays in the 1970s. Nothing against its big sister down the road — the one with the marquee, the MGs, the worldwide caché. The Stax Museum of American Soul — exactly one mile from where Royal sits at 1320 Willie Mitchell Boulevard — was a gathering place for blacks and whites in a segregated 1960s Memphis, and has become a catalyst for rebirth in the blighted 21st century. Its music academy and charter school are positives in the lives of children whose parents (or grandparents) danced to the grooves of soul born on that very land.

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The interior has changed little since the 1970s when the Hi Rhythm Section backed up Al Green and others. The one-time movie theater has a sloping ﬂoor where “the music gets bigger, it separates,” Willie Mitchell used to say.

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

The original facade of Royal Studio in South Memphis is handpainted with an homage to Willie Mitchell by local artist Lamar Sorrento.

But Royal Studios has something Stax does not: Continuity. It has a legacy of output, but also a legacy in name. And that name is “Mitchell.” I stand outside the two-tone brick building with the Lamar Sorrento artwork on its facade waiting for owner/engineer/producer Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell to come to the door but the wait is futile, he isn’t here. He’s late. That’s okay, though, because it’s an unusually sunny and warm winter day. There on the worn steps painted as piano keys, I watch as neighborhood boys run past while rolling a hula hoop. People pass by on foot and say hello. When Boo arrives, he’s on the phone and whispers his own greeting as he lets us in the front door. Boo Mitchell is busy these days. That day, he’d only just arrived home from Los Angeles where he’d hobnobbed with the likes of Taylor Swift at the Grammy Awards. But even without the Grammys (Boo is president of the Memphis chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the organization that presents the awards show each year), it’s been a whirlwind year for the 44-year-old son of famed music producer Willie Mitchell. The marathon No. 1 hit album (the first such local accolade in 40 years) Uptown Special (with its hit single “Uptown Funk”) was recorded at his studio. That studio was once a movie theatre

known as the Shamrock, but Boo’s good luck isn’t predicated on any four-leaf clover. It’s steeped in the walls of his studio. The interior is wood-paneled with sound-dampening material that looks like insulation come loose and tacked to the ceiling. There are scraps of carpet laid here and there, and electric cords run back and forth like a spider’s web. Clamp lights, the sort for a workshop and picked up at any Home Depot, illuminate the place. I’m standing in what looks like any garage anywhere set up as a practice room for high school, wannabe rockers. But your garage never heard Al Green sing. Teenie Hodges’ melodious guitar never filled the air shared by your parents’ SUV. And the Mitchell family never sat at a mixing console to churn out hit after hit in your garage. Sure, there’s room for the décor to be improved. Any decorator with a sensibility leaning toward clean lines and polished surfaces could do wonders, bringing the look more in line with what a New York or London-based clientele might expect. And you could also take the bacon out of your beans and grill your chicken instead of fry it. But then, you’d be taking the soul out of the equation. Soul and funk and something intangible sprouting from the cracked sidewalks of South Memphis is what brings those New

York and London-based artists to our city. It’s the grittiness and the just-this-side-of-clean décor that attracted one of those star-makers. “Mark Ronson and Jeff Bhasker, two of the biggest producers in music, walk in the studio,” Boo recalls, sitting at a mixing board that isn’t original to the Al Green days, but which has a pedigree of its own: It is the board that mixed AC/DC’s Back in Black (1980). “They were looking for singers,” he continues, “and they had this idea to rent a car and start in New Orleans and just drive up to Chicago, stopping everywhere along the way and try to find a new singer. A friend of mine from one of the local radio stations called me up out of the blue and said, ‘I got these two heavy producers in town and they’re looking for talent, so can you get some singers that you know and meet us at Royal?’ So they come in, I’ve got a couple of R&B singers, and when they walked in the studio they were just fascinated. Mark knew the history, but had never been here. They were just fascinated that it was still intact and just from the vibe.” Still intact. That’s the key. The studio was founded in 1957 by Joe Cuoghi as a home for Hi Records (the “Hi” taken from the end of Cuoghi’s name). It was a rockabilly recording room for the likes of the Bill Black Combo and Ace Cannon, and would come to be known as “the house of instrumentals.”

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PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

SPECIALISTS IN URBAN WILDLIFE REMOVAL

The studio would become home to a young jazz trumpeter named Willie Mitchell from Ashland, Mississippi, who played with Al Jackson Sr.’s big band, behind B.B. King and Howlin’ Wolf, and fronting his own big band in West Memphis’s Plantation Inn, Manhattan Club, and Danny’s Club. Peter Guralnick writes in his 1986 tome Sweet Soul Music: Rhythm and Blues and the Southern Dream of Freedom, “To young whites like Steve Cropper and Duck Dunn, Jim Dickinson and Packy Axton, who made the [Plantation Inn] their second home, bands like Willie’s were the pinnacle of cool and provided a level of musicianship and formal elegance to which they could scarcely aspire.” Willie was a composer, arranger, and producer, as well as a musician, and found a modicum of success with Hi Records in 1962 with the instrumental “Sunrise Serenade” and again two years later with “20-75.” He would go on to produce O.V. Wright and Bobby Bland for Hi, but it was in a small club in Midland, Texas, that his — and Hi’s — fortunes would change forever. He convinced the opening act at the club, a young man from Forrest City, Arkansas, named Albert Greene, to join him at the little studio in South Memphis, assuring the singer he’d make him a star inside of two years. It took some time, but Al Green made his way to Memphis and the theatre-cum-studio, and found that success

with his first recordings, backed by the Hi Rhythm Section of the Hodges brothers — Teenie, Charles, and Leroy on guitar, organ, and bass, respectively, along with Howard Grimes and the MG, Al Jackson, on drums. First came a cover of the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” followed by “One Woman” from Isaac Hayes and David Porter, and then the Temptations’ “I Can’t Get Next to You.” Preceding Green’s arrival by a few years, and continuing for several years after, Stax was being dealt a one-two-three-and-beyond punch. Atlantic Records, with whom Stax had an exclusive distributorship deal, was absorbed by Warner Bros. in November 1967. With that merger, Stax lost all of its master recordings as well as the hit-making duo of Sam & Dave. The following month Otis Redding, Stax’s premier artist, died in a plane crash in Lake Monona, Wisconsin. April the next year saw the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and, with it, the crumbling of the integrated system that had worked so well at Stax for years. Enter the larger-than-life personality of company PR man and co-owner Al Bell, and the selling of the company to Gulf & Western, and the recipe for chaos was in place. Sure, there were hits — Isaac Hayes’ Hot Buttered Soul became the best selling soul record ever (though Hayes was under contract with Stax, the album was recorded at Ardent Studios and released on

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By Richard J. Alley

Back in the 1960s, the Stax recording studio and in-house Satellite Record Shop were gathering spaces for musicians — black and white — to exchange ideas and collaborate on songs. The music that came from that time and that place would be heard around the world and become the soundtrack for change during the Civil Rights movement. With the downfall of Stax and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the area would see a sharp decline and blight would ﬁll in the gaps left by an exodus of residents and businesses. But the Memphis Music Magnet is looking to turn that around. Led by organizations such as the LeMoyne-Owen CDC, Community LIFT (Leveraging Investments for Transformation), and the Soulsville Foundation, a new twist is being put on

myth [was] that ‘at Stax everybody came together,’ but it was really only the people that worked at Stax, they all worked together. At Sun [Studios], they worked together. Here, it’s people who are all doing different things coming here to collaborate, but they still have their own things that they’re doing — they’re putting out their own music, they’re producing the right beats, performing with the symphony, or what have you. But here, they can come together and work together, share music, share ideas, write together, and everything. So that’s why the phrase ‘community center’ seems to work better in explaining what we do.” John “Peter” Chatman was born in Memphis 100 years ago. Better known as Memphis Slim, the jump blues piano compositions he recorded for such labels

PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

“Musicians get the opportunity to come in here and collaborate and work with one another on different projects,” says Isaac Daniels, a musician and director of Memphis Slim House.

the idea of a gathering place as impetus for revitalization. The Memphis Slim House is a music “collaboratory” (collaboration + laboratory), best described as a community center focusing on music rather than after-school sports; a gathering spot for members of the art and music worlds. “This place is the Memphis music myth realized,” explains Memphis Slim board member Pat Mitchell Worley. “That

as Okeh, Chess, Bluebird, and King in the 1930s through the 1980s have been covered for years by musical legends in their own right. Slim’s band was known as the House Rockers, named for his Miracle label recording “Rockin’ The House.” His own house, having fallen into disrepair in the South Memphis neighborhood that gave us the likes of Aretha Franklin and David Porter, has been reborn and is rocking

the neighborhood in its own way again. “Musicians get the opportunity to come in here and collaborate and work with one another on different projects,” says Isaac Daniel, director of the House. He’s a working musician, playing woodwinds and saxophone, the production manager for the Stax Music Academy, and has worked with the collaboratory since last fall. The Greater Memphis Neighborhoods Plan was developed in 2011 by citywide stakeholders to revitalize underserved areas and, through a selection process of community input, focused on three neighborhoods to start: Binghampton, Frayser, and South Memphis. Memphis Slim House is owned by the LeMoyne-Owen College CDC and operated by Community LIFT, an organization that uses strategic investments to revitalize neighborhoods and develop thriving, sustainable communities. Memphis Slim House underwent a $365,000 renovation funded by the Kresge Foundation, ArtPlace America, the Assisi Foundation of Memphis, and the Hyde Family Foundation, beginning in 2012 and ending with its grand opening just over a year ago. “With the redevelopment of Slim House, it’s the reinvigoration of that tradition [music], we’re really trying to use that tradition as our primary economic development strategy for the neighborhood,” says Tsedey Betrou, Vice President of Community LIFT. “It’s not just part of revamping the culture of the neighborhood, but really using it as a magnet to attract musicians, tourists, and other people into the neighborhood.” The new building, the same footprint as the original house, was designed by Jason Jackson of brg3s architects. It has an interior of warm woods, some of it repurposed from the old home which was in such disrepair that the only original piece is the brick ﬁreplace (dismantled and soundly rebuilt). The space ﬂows for both people and music, and is accommodating for a group as small as a trio of musicians to the audience that might sit to hear them.

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“We have an event called the Memphis Sandbox,” Daniel says, “where we have different artists of different genres who come in together and they make music from scratch and just vibe, or sometimes they’ll have prepared pieces and perform in different genres.” On one such occasion, Daniel continues, artists from Opera Memphis, the Stax Music Academy, the University of Memphis, and a local Beale Street musician came to play together. Most of the artists utilizing the space are local, Daniel says. “This is really for our community to bring us together in Memphis and this is the focal point.” But those from other cities, such as Lady Rizo who came in recently to write music and rehearse before recording at nearby Royal Studios, want to be part of the magic as well. Music Makers is an educational-based program for people to come in, make music and, at the end of seven weeks, have the opportunity to perform and sell their merchandise. “It gives them the platform to learn the whole entire process,” Daniel says. In addition to musicians, support people such as artists and photographers are brought in to collaborate on album covers, and engineers work to perfect the sound and concept of compositions. There is gallery space upstairs with a revolving showing of local artists, from photographers to painters to sculptors. Membership runs $75 per year and comes with an allotment of practice hours per month and the use of recording equipment. But it’s the sense of community that is the real prize. Just as one might find at Royal around the corner, or as was found in Stax across the street; just as the porches and living rooms were when the neighborhood was the heartbeat of Memphis music. Like the bookend beats of Stax and Royal, Memphis Slim House has a strong foundation of history and hits. However, says Worley, “It is more about the present. It focuses on helping present artists who may grow into being the next superstar or the next musician who’s playing around town. But it’s dealing with ‘the now.’”

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the Enterprise label), Shaft was released, and WattStax was held in Los Angeles. But with the beginnings of Stax’s demise only a mile away, Hi Records would release “Tired of Being Alone” in 1971 and the world would come to know Al Green and, by affiliation, Royal Studios would begin its upward trajectory. “Tired of Being Alone” became a number one hit and for the next four years Willie and Al teamed up for a number one hit each year. Green found religion and gave up the secular life and muse in the late 1970s, but the end of the Mitchell-Green team didn’t mark the end of recording at Royal. Others would follow, hoping to ingest just a pinch

Boo Mitchell with Bruno Mars whose “Uptown Funk,” from the No. 1 album Uptown Special, soared to the top of the charts. It was the first recording from Royal Studios to hit those heights in 40 years.

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of this melodious medicine, to breathe the air that swirled in and out of the horns, the kick drum, and that flowed down the sloping floor of the one-time movie theatre. Peter Guralnick reports: “There’s something about the floor,” he [Mitchell] told more than one reporter. “As you go down that slope, the music gets bigger, it separates.” “Everybody was trying to record here in the ’70s,” Boo says. “Even John Lennon tried to book the studio.” The Beatle was enamored with Ann Peebles, a Royal chanteuse, calling “I Can’t Stand the Rain” from the album of the same name, recorded in 1973, “the best song ever.” Lennon requested recording time, but Willie turned him away. “He said, ‘Man, I’m cutting Al Green now,’” Boo recounts. In 1975, federal marshals seized Stax Records and the home base for soul music worldwide was forced into involuntary bankruptcy. With that communal center of soul went the neighborhood. Already on a downward slope, along with Downtown Memphis after the death of King, the streets of South Memphis would become desolate and blighted for block after block. Yet the little studio on South Lauderdale (as the street was named at the time) kept swaying with the time, booking in artists who wanted some of that buttery soul for themselves. Others looking for that big sound include Elton John, Keb Mo, Buddy Guy, Robert Plant with the North Mississippi Allstars, the Sta-

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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ROYAL STUDIOS

ples Singers, Tom Jones, Jesse Winchester, De La Soul, Robert Cray, My Morning Jacket, and John Mayer. Portions of Keith Richards’ 1988 solo album Talk is Cheap were mixed here. In 2009, the Mitchell house on Mendenhall in East Memphis caught fire, Boo recalls. The chaos made Willie late to the studio to meet Elvis — Elvis Costello that is — who didn’t believe the excuse at first. Boz Scaggs’ Come On Home (1997) was born here, and he returned in 2013 for Memphis, paying tribute to the studio. Produced by drummer Steve Jordan, the album features Ray Parker, Jack Ashford of Motown’s The Funk Brothers, Keb Mo, and features a cover of Al Green’s “So Good To Be Here.”

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Producers Jeff Bhasker (left) and Mark Ronson rented a car to drive from New Orleans to Chicago looking for a singer. They found their way to Royal and Boo Mitchell, and were “fascinated that it was still intact and just from the vibe.”

“I worked on one of Rod Stewart’s albums in 2008 called Soul Book,” Boo says. “That was one of the last two projects I worked on with my dad. And Solomon Burke’s Nothing’s Impossible. That was Pop’s last album he produced and it was also Solomon’s last album that he performed. Pop died in January 2010 and Solomon died later that year.” The notoriously dysfunctional Wu Tang Clan came together at Royal Studio to record A Better Tomorrow (2014), using many of the same session players that performed on Al Green’s hits. In 2014, the documentary Take Me To The River was released to critical acclaim. Bringing together artists from the golden years of Memphis soul with contemporary musicians, the film seeks to bridge a gap. A memorable scene has Charles “Skip” Pitts (that’s his “wahwah” guitar on “Theme From Shaft”), Marvell Thomas, Ben Cauley of the Bar-Kays (and only survivor from the Redding plane crash), with Bobby Rush and rapper Frayser Boy on vocals recording Rufus Thomas’ “Push and Pull” at Royal. It’s a family affair at Royal, Boo having had his start under the tutelage of his famous father. “I was crawling around down here when I was a little boy,” he recalls. “When I was about 9 or 10, I started spending summers here and by the time I was 13 or 14, I was

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completely hooked. I did my first paid session when I was 17. Al Green had this gospel song called ‘As Long As We’re Together’ that eventually won a Grammy, so playing keys on that, I got a real union check.” And while it’s the history of the storied building that brought Ronson and his team, it may have been the food that kept them. Boo’s mother Lorraine and aunt Yvonne prepare a feast of soul food for all recording musicians. Who could say no to that? “When they got ready to leave, Mark comes to me and says, ‘Man, I think I want to record my album here,’” Boo says. “I got a call a week later asking for 10 days and they came back two weeks later.” When Ronson came back, he brought with him Trombone Shorty, the Dap-Kings, Emile Haynie (Lana Del Ray’s producer), Steve Jordan, Willie Weeks, and Andrew Wyatt of the Swedish band Miike Snow, Bruno Mars, and Mystikal. Also along for the ride was Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon who contributed lyrics. “Michael was just roaming through the neighborhood,” Boo laughs. “This is so classic for Royal,” he continues. “Some people hire us for one thing but the moment they step in the door, it becomes all these other things.” Neo-bluesman John Mayer booked the room to record horns on his 2006 album Continuum. “Then John’s like, ‘Man, can I try a vocal? Can we get a keyboard player?’ It just snowballs because of the vibe, there’s a magic in the room.” Ronson told Rolling Stone late last year: “[Royal Studios] breathes music . . . You want to start playing the minute you walk in.” And it isn’t all history. The popularity of Uptown Special and its affiliation with Royal marks a new beginning for the facility. “It’s definitely started something, and for Memphis, too,” Boo says, a Cheshire grin spreading across his bearded face. “It’s a great thing for our studio, but it’s a great thing for the city, too, putting attention back on the city.” Musicians at all levels once flocked to South Memphis, drawn there like moths to the twin beacons of Royal and Stax studios. Since the mid-1970s, there has been very little reason for a musician or producer to venture to this side of town, but a band of organizations are working to change that. The Soulsville Foundation oversees the Stax Music Academy and, just across College Street, Community LIFT has reimagined the Memphis Slim House as a “collaboratory” for musicians of all ilk to come together and bounce ideas off each other; think: “Community center for music.” The LeMoyne-Owen CDC works to put the community back in the neighborhood and bring population density back to the area. And, of course, there is Royal Studios, still a workhorse of a production company, and a symbol of what the neighborhood used to be and what it may return to.

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The soaring popularity of Uptown Special did not catch Boo off guard. He was ready for it; it was the jumpstart to a vision he’d had all along. “It was like a dream come true for me. I had this vision of the studio after my dad died: What did I want the studio to be doing? My sister, Oona, helps me down here and my mom, and my aunt, and we kind of get together and have these meetings about what we want the studio to be. “We have three control rooms here; the old control room is still upstairs completely vintage and intact like it was. We had a preproduction room in the back that we called Studio C, and my vision was for all of these rooms to be making music and for big name artists to come here.”

While much of the studio and equipment is original, the mixing board was added later, and this now legendary spot has seen its share of work with the likes of Elton John, Boz Scaggs, the Wu Tang Clan, Rod Stewart, and Mystikal.

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It was during the Uptown Special recording sessions that the vision was realized. “I’d be back here with Mark, we’d record something in here, run it up front to the small studio and Jeff Bhasker and Keyone Starr from Mississippi, the singer they found, they’d put a vocal on it, and then it’d go from there upstairs to Emile who’s up there with his laptop and MPC [music production controller] just making the sickest stuff you ever heard. So it was like a music factory.” Royal Studios may not be sleek and scrubbed, but then neither is Memphis. (“Memphis has that ‘secret ingredient,’” bluesman Charlie Musselwhite says in Take Me To The River.) In the end, it’s more clubhouse than garage. When a musician enters Royal, it feels like home and he’s welcomed in that way with a grin and a hug from Boo, and a meal from his mother and aunt. There are signatures of famous folks on the wall, soul food on the table, and a variety of microphones for the choosing (but not the one in the corner, the one with a number 9 on it. That’s Al Green’s, and it is not for mere mortals). “It’s like the musical Jerusalem,” Boo says. “There’s just some kind of magic here that, when you walk into Royal, you feel something that you just don’t feel anywhere else in the world.”

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ROAD TRIP

The Buzz in The Birthplace

24 H O U R S I N T U P E L O : H O W O N E M I S S I S S I P P I T O W N I S R E I N V E N T I N G I T S E L F by chris mccoy | photography by laura jean hocking Editor’s note: We sent Chris McCoy, film editor of the memphis fly er , on a quick “voyage of discovery” to northeastern Mississippi’s largest city. Here’s his report.

12 :00 PM: F R ID AY IN T HE PA R K

e roll into Tupelo about noon. Our hour-and-a-half trip from Memphis down Highway 78 has taken us past the city’s industrial outskirts through the rolling, red clay of the Mississippi hill country. With me is my wife, Laura Jean Hocking, serving as mission photographer. We park on Main Street and pop into the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Inside the lobby are runners registering for the Gum Tree 10K race.

“I’ve run it five years in a row, but I’m not running this year,” says Philip Mathis, clutching a fat packet of registration materials. “We have a soccer team of five little girls who will be running.” Mathis is a Tupelo native who loves the town. “It’s awesome,” he says. “It seems like they’ve got a different festival every weekend.” Also signing up is DJ Black Caesar. Sporting a Superman tattoo on his forearm, he leans easily on a hardwood cane with a compass embedded in the hilt. He tells us he has had six strokes, and wants to participate in

above: The statue of Elvis in Fair Park depicts the King of Rockand-Roll at his homecoming concert in 1956. Its creation was championed by Tupelo native turned Memphis indie film auteur Mike McCarthy.

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T U P E L O ,

the race as part of his recovery. “This is my first time. I walk every day, so I thought, why not participate in this great event?” He is only planning on covering 2 miles of the 6.1-mile course. We admire the spectacular Mississippi spring outside. “I hope it’s nice like this tomorrow,” he says. Returning to the car, we decide to take a moment in Fair Park, a broad greensward where kids play in a fountain, watched over by smiling parents. “Tons of sunshine and picnics!” says Cindy Autrey, a nanny who is watching her charge, a 5-year-old named Henry, splash happily. “It’s very popular. I’ve lived here all my life, 30 years,” Autrey says. “I love it. It’s hard to picture myself anywhere else.” Over by city hall, an outdoor photography exhibit by Paul Caldwell commemorates a

M I S S I S S I P P I

Tupelo tragedy. A year ago this weekend, an F3 tornado ripped through the town, leaving a path of destruction in its wide wake. As we leave the park, we encounter Kyle Chism and his bulldog Hercules. He says he’s here for the food trucks, as the stout, friendly pup strains at his leash trying to get to the park. “My child calls him Bully, because of the Mississippi State mascot. That’s about all he answers to any more.”

12:48 PM: NOT THE MISSISSIPPI YOU GREW UP IN

e decide to lunch at Sao Thai, a pleasantly appointed restaurant away from downtown on Gloster Street. Laura orders a tofu fried rice curry and spring roll from the lunch menu, while our server steers me towards

top: Vernon Presley took out a $180 loan to build this house in 1934. The next year, on January 8, 1935, Elvis Presley was born here. bottom: You can still buy guitars at Tupelo Hardware, where Elvis’ mother Gladys bought her son his first guitar at age 11. J U N E 2 0 1 5 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 61

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T U P E L O ,

M I S S I S S I P P I

1945. He got fifth place in the youth category. Eleven years later, he would again play the fair, this time as a budding superstar. When he discovered his old house was for sale, Elvis convinced the city fathers to buy it and create a park for kids from the poor side of Tupelo. Years later, his childhood friend Janelle McComb championed the creation of the museum here. Inside Vernon Presley’s tiny sharecropper’s shack, an English tourist quizzes the tour guide. There was no electricity? The family were evicted because they couldn’t make payments on a $180 loan? She can’t seem to wrap her mind around the crushing poverty the King of Rock-and-Roll was born into. In the gift shop, they sell blue suede shoes.

3:01 PM: H A R D WA R E

W above: The Tupelo Automobile Museum holds a collection of more than 150 classic cars. Before he founded the telecom company MCI, Frank Spain helped build the first radio and television stations in Tupelo. He created the Tupelo Automotive Museum to house his collection of cars, some dating back to the dawn of the automotive age.

MOR E T H A N 150 C A R S , D AT ING B A C K T O T HE NINE T E E N T H C E N T UR Y, A R E L INE D UP C HR ONOL OGIC A L LY IN T HE 12 0,000 -S Q U A R E- F OO T T UPE L O A U T O MU S E UM, BUILT A R OUND T HE C OL L E C T ION OF T HE L AT E F R A NK S PA IN A ND OPE NE D IN 2 003.

the basil ground chicken. Both dishes are delicious, and out of character from the stereotypical Southern comfort food you would expect from a small town in North Mississippi. “This is a very different Mississippi from where I grew up,” Laura says. “Back then, if you wanted to be a vegetarian, all you got to eat was french fries.” We ask to speak with the chef, but he is too busy filling orders in the kitchen, so we move on.

e return downtown to check into the Hilton Garden Inn, with its fresh new hotel smell. Afterwards, we make a swing down Main Street, which is packed with small stores. We duck into Tupelo Hardware, where Gladys Presley bought Elvis his first guitar for $11. It’s a classic country store, a long, thin room lined with wooden shelves stacked to the ceiling. A rolling ladder allows the clerks access to the goods, both practical, like plumbing supplies, and impractical, like T-shirts. One clerk is answering Elvis questions from a Japanese couple at the register. He’s clearly done this before.

3:4 2 P M: C L A S SIC C A R S

he Tupelo Automobile Museum turns out to be the unexpected highy far the biggest tourist light of the trip. Frank Spain helped attraction in North Mississippi is the build both the first AM radio station and Elvis Presley Birthplace Park. Set in the first TV station in Tupelo. Later, he a nondescript neighborhood is a small, co-founded pioneering telecom comgrassy park crowded with tourists from pany MCI. Having done well in life, England and Japan. Elvis was born here Spain was a classic car collector, and on January 8, 1935, in a house his father when he saw casino mogul William built on a plot of land that was a dairy H. Harrah’s collection auctioned off, pasture a few months before. he vowed to create a museum in TupeAs old Memphis hands, we are lo to keep his collection intact. well-versed in Presley lore, More than 150 cars, dating but we still learn things back to the nineteenth century, are lined up from the museum’s main chronologically in the exhibit. As a 10-year-old sporting Harry Potter 120,000-square-foot wire-rimmed glasses, museum. There’s a real Elvis sang a ballad Tucker 48, a survivor called “Old Shep” at of only 51 produced DJ Black Caesar gets the Mississippi-Alain, yes, 1948, by enready for the Gum bama Fair and Dairy gineering genius Tree 10k race. Show on October 3, Preston Tucker; the

1:56 PM: T HE R O YA L B A B Y

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PRESENTS

the

I N N O V A Ta wI aOr dNs

company folded the following year. The last Tucker 48 that sold at auction brought over $2 million. Later on the tour, I see my first Delorean DMC-12, manufactured in the 1980s. I am kind of shocked by how shoddy the “advanced” aluminum and fiberglass car looks compared to the handmade treasures from the turn of the century. I guess that’s why they never caught on. “I hope they like lots of photographs of cars,” Laura says of this magazine’s editors.

NOMINATIONS T

6:00 PM: DINNE R AT K E R MI T ’ S

ACCEPTED

NOW

he sun is low in the sky, and clouds are rolling in as we walk through the perfect evening to Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen. Meeting us there is Jennie Bradford Curlee from the CVB. She’s a Tupelo native (a “Tupeloean,” she says) who left for college in Alabama and a stint in Memphis before returning. “This is not the town where I grew up,” she says. “There’s so much opportunity. Every day, something new opens up.” The city’s population is about 30,000, but during the work week it swells to almost 100,000 as people stream into the city to work

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usiness is pushed forward by change and evolution, and it is those in the forefront of that evolution — the tinkerers, the questioners, the visionaries — who keep the machine of commerce oiled.

But who are these people? We want to know. Send us your best and brightest nominations for our third annual Innovation Awards issue coming in October. Please include any pertinent biographical or business information, and why the person, business, or organization should be recognized as a leader among innovators.

Email your nomination to richard@insidememphisbusiness.com Deadline for nominations is July 1, 2015.

above: Kermit’s Outlaw Kitchen sources all of its ingredients from 25 farms in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.

in the several manufacturing facilities, such as the Toyota Corolla plant, that have sprung up in North Mississippi. Two banks (Bancorp South and Renasant) are headquartered here. I ask about all the construction we’ve seen around downtown, and Curlee informs me that there’s a walking and biking trail being built to connect the Elvis Birthplace Park with the city center. “We have a lot of international visitors because of Elvis, and they love to walk. It’ll be a great thing for them.” Our appetizer arrives: a long plate with feta cheese, pita bread, cured pork belly, house pickles, house celery slaw, Estes honeycomb, and gouda cheese. Kermit’s Country Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant owned by Mitch McCaney and Sam Copeland. The pair’s other

MEMPHIS

PARENT memphisparent.com

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above: Shanelle Roberts snaps a photo of young Colby Jones with the Elvis statue in Tupelo’s Fair Park.

culinary venture in Tupelo, the Neon Pig, also has a butcher shop that supplies both restaurants with cured meats sourced, as is practically everything else on the menu, from 25 farms across North Mississippi, Southwest Tennessee, and Alabama.

T HE FA IR PA R K E LV I S S TAT UE WA S T HE BR A INC HIL D OF T UPE L O N AT I V E S ON T UR NE D ME MPHI S UNDE R GR OUND F IL MM A K E R MIK E MC C A R T H Y. For the main course, I have a wood-grilled duck breast wrapped in bacon with smashed purple potatoes; fresh, hydroponically grown tomatoes; mixed vegetables, and house-made pork skins as a garnish. My normally vege-

tarian companion is wooed by the organic, grass-fed beef and decides to try a petit New York strip. Both meals are exceptional, and I get to finish off Laura’s steak, dipping it in a side of smoky bacon sauce.

7:5 4 PM: S UN SE T IN T HE PA R K

t Golden Hour, we return to Fair Park, which is located on the site where Elvis played two momentous hometown shows. A statue of him stands in the park, modeled after an iconic photograph of The King taken at his homecoming show on September 26, 1956. The statue was the brainchild of Tupelo native son turned Memphis underground filmmaker, Mike McCarthy. “Roger Marshultz was a cub reporter from up East, and he was given the crappiest spot down in front,” McCarthy says of Elvis’ Tupelo show. “There were a lot of people there who were curious about this guy who had taken over pop culture. The local photographers, like Cary Wood, were allowed onstage to take pictures, because they were trusted and known in town. But Marshultz,

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Moon Lake Farm & Bed and Breakfast PEACEFUL AND RELAXING GETAWAY!

because of his forced perspective, winds up getting this “God created Man” pose. It was an image I was sort of stuck on, because I knew my mother was in the crowd that day. “The event itself was, to me, the greatest rock-and-roll event of all time. It’s the prodigal son returning in the miracle year of 1956. His life was half over at that point. He was not just the King of Rock-and-Roll, he was the king of all pop culture, and he was returning home to a place that he used to try to sneak into for free, because he didn’t have the money to get into the fair. It’s the American dream wrapped up in one single day, and it happened in Tupelo.” We wander over to Crave, a small coffee shop with bare brick walls bursting with people getting ready for the Gumtree Festival. Where’s the action? I ask our server. “The Blue Canoe on Gloster,” he says without hesitation. Over bread pudding, Laura and I debate going out for some live music, but the cottonwood trees have been inflaming our allergies, and we have an early start in the morning, so we decide to turn in.

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8:00 A M: T HE RUN A R OUND

e’re supposed to have brunch and watch the 10K at the home of Jennie Bradford Curlee, but we discover that the streets have already been blocked off for the race. After confusedly driving around trying to find an alternate route, we text our regrets and have breakfast at the hotel. Stuffed with an omelet, bacon, and grits, we walk to the downtown portion of the race where I am made to feel slovenly and inadequate by the runners who have covered six miles this morning. The crowd swells as athletes young and old cross the finish line.

10:15 A M: A R T S IN T HE PA R K

he 44th annual Gumtree arts Festival is already crowded 15 minutes before it officially starts. “They’ve opened it up and added more artists over the last three years,” says collage artist and North Mississippi native Jimmy Criddle. “The first year I showed here, in 2012, I sold out.” Georgian Lula Kaufman’s booth is filled with colorful, whimsical folk art. “I work with recycled material and found objects,” she says. “Everything is old tin, old wood, old windows, and all recycled.” Harold Miller creates ceramic sculpture with deep, complex glazes. The Brandon,

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T U P E L O ,

M S

Grownup Getaway #playtime

This bronze statue of Elvis and his guitar at 13, sculpted by Michiel Van der Sommen, was dedicated at the Elvis Presley Birthplace Park in 2002.

Bill Butner H A R P I S T

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901.383.9356 harpobill@att.net

Mississippi, native has been practicing his art for 25 years. “I’ve never done the show before, but I come through here all the time,” he says. “I fish at Pickwick, and we stop here for supplies. It’s a quaint little town. I like it.” A woman who introduces herself as Chupa (“like Chupa-Lo”) is visiting Tupelo for the first time from the Netherlands. She and her mother Helen (“I’m 83, but actually 38.”) are soaking in the atmosphere. “It’s very welcoming, very friendly,” Chupa says. Memphian Jonathan Coules is presenting his fine woodworking at the festival for the first time anywhere. “I started out as a carpenter,” he says. “But I really got passionate about fine woodworking probably three or four years ago. I started working with exotic hardwoods, above and beyond the stuff a carpenter would use. It’s a different realm. It gets ahold of you, like a bug, a virus. You have to keep putting your hands on the wood.” We wander the festival for more than an hour as the crowd grows ever larger. People are friendly, and the positive vibe is contagious. Clouds roll in, but the threatened rain never materializes. Tupelo, a place with a deep history and resilient spirit, seems like a city on the rise.

#chowtime

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visitgreenwood.com

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This project is partially funded by Visit Mississippi.

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tupelo.net

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LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE IN BEAUTY GUIDE

Local experts offer tips on how to keep skin healthy and youthful-looking. by Shara Clark

veryone experiences it. The development of fine lines and wrinkles and the dulling and sagging of skin as we age is all but inevitable and can sometimes hamper self-esteem. We can’t stop time. But there are a few things we can do to halt the progression of unwanted skin problems and lessen their appearance. We talked to local skin-care professionals who’ve shared with us some information about products, treatments, and tricks of the trade that can help people of all ages love the skin they’re in.

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Q&A WITH ALEXANDRA NICOLE RUSHING, PRESIDENT OF ADEL AMOR COSMETICS Rushing has had 13 years of training with cosmetics and skin-care products. In 2007, she created Adel Amor Cosmetics, a makeup and skin-care line that features products that treat or benefit your skin while you wear them. Here she shares some of what she’s learned over the years. WE WANT TO COMBAT PREMATURE SKIN AGING. WE KNOW WE NEED TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM THE SUN’S DAMAGING UV RAYS, BUT WHAT ARE SOME OTHER WAYS WE CAN PREVENT AGING BESIDES A P P LY I N G S U N S C R E E N DA I LY ?

Always wear a big hat and sunglasses when you know you will be in the sun for any period of time. Not only will it protect your skin, but the classic floppy hat paired with large shades is in. All you need is a hint of red lipstick to complete the look. Another way to shade the sun is to carry an umbrella: a small, decorative one that matches your look. As a stylist, I think an umbrella for shade is a statement of confidence and fashion. It is also very important to stay hydrated. It will not protect your skin from UV rays, but it will protect you from dehydration and premature aging lines. Think of your skin like a grape: when fresh and hydrated, a grape is supple, juicy, and unwrinkled, but when it drys out, it begins to harden, wrinkle, and shrivel. Keep some water, coconut water, or fresh fruit in your bag for hydration.

Alexandra Nicole Rushing

recommend several foods and vitamins that I use to keep my epidermis luminous. I follow nutritionist and dietitian Nicolette Pace for recommendations and guidelines. • Olive oil — I use it in place of butter or any other oil. It contains polyphenols, wh ich a re p otent a nt iox id a nt s . • Tomatoes — I eat them raw. They contain a lot of vitamin C, which is great for the promotion of collagen. Collagen helps make the skin look fuller and plumper. Tomatoes also have lycopene, which protects skin from UV damage and promotes a healthy vascular system. • Teas — Most importantly green tea, not only because it is packed with antioxidants, but it also contains EGCG, which, in many studies, has been shown to help cells grow properly.

BESIDES STAYING WELL-HYDRATED, COULD YOU OFFER TIPS REGARDING DIET THAT CAN ENHANCE SKIN?

• Berries — Great for snacking on the go and an easy dose of the “good stuff” for your skin. These little bursts of amazing flavor contain probiotics, vitamins, flavonoids, polyphenols, and lots of antioxidants. A berry-rich diet is said to promote cell regeneration, and it is known to protect against oxidation. I define oxidation like this: You know when you have a pretty, new, shiny bike,

I’m not a doctor or dermatologist, but I can

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and it is uncovered and exposed to the elements for months? What happens? It begins to rust, or oxidize. Now, imagine your face being the bike. Scary, huh? That’s why this stuff is so important. WHAT ABOUT DAILY AND WEEKLY MAINTENANCE? WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST FOR A SKIN-CARE ROUTINE? Here’s a basic daily skin-care regimen: • Wash and tone — Choose a non-drying facial wash, and if it has a scrub in it, make sure that the scrub particles are spherical or small grains like sand. If they are larger pieces with jagged edges, you will risk getting microscopic tears in the skin. These scrubs are too harsh for the delicate skin on the face. I use a toner without alcohol, as alcohol can dry out the skin. A toner is great for removing leftover debris that the cleanser did not take care of. • Serum — Now this is the “medicine” of the regimen. Serums are said to have the ability to penetrate a little beyond the top layer of skin for rejuvenation on a deeper level. This means

that as your skin goes through its cycle and sheds over a few months, the skin below will look more flawless than ever before. When it comes to serums, I don’t skimp. My serums must have some sort of seaweed or algae in them. I have found that, for my skin, these seem to pack the biggest punch. • Moisturize — Even if you have oily skin! Without a moisturizer, your makeup will never look its best. You need a healthy, supple palette before applying makeup or your skin will attempt to “drink” the makeup, and you are left with dry patches and pores, or what I call the “muddy face” look. For oily skin, choose an oil-free moisturizing gel or light lotion. For normal skin, a moisturizing lotion will do, and for dry to very dry skin, choose a moisturizer with a creamy consistency. Your moisturizer should include SPF. That way, you can protect while benefiting your skin. Now, for the extras: • I use a pumpkin mask weekly. They are potent, can sting, and may not be suitable for sensitive skin, but I have found this type of mask to be the best natural,

effective peel for removing dead skin. • I use a skin conditioner before applying my serum. Skin conditioners are a bit watery but are said to help the products penetrate better. The best time to apply skin-care products is after you have just taken a shower because your pores are more open to absorb them. • And my favorite: a monthly professional derma-blade facial. A derma-blade facial is perfect for an instant glow. A sterile blade is used in a sweeping movement to remove dead skin cells and fuzzy hairs. • Always use a foundation with an SPF. If you aren’t a fan of foundation, a CC cream is great. They are lightweight and contain vitamins and minerals, as well as SPF for added benefits. Also be sure to use hydrating lip products. When the skin on the face is compromised, the lips are the first to show it by becoming flaky and cracked. A hydrating lipstick or tinted balm is perfect for this. I have all of these products in my line. For more from Rushing, visit adelamor.com.

BEAUTIFUL SKIN FROM WITHIN Detoxifying wellness therapies treat the whole body to reveal natural, radiant beauty.

Amber Sam Thompson

At Renew Wellness Spa, they believe that when the best of science meets the best of nature, true agelessness can be achieved. Renew specializes in detoxification and beauty wellness, and their therapies — which include organic facial treatments, colon hydrotherapy, farinfrared radiant sauna (FIR) sessions, and ionic foot baths — address the body as a whole to heal from within and reveal natural, radiant beauty, so you’ll love the skin you’re in. Renew’s holistic beauty wellness therapist and expert, Amber Sam Thompson, has been studying the beauty traditions of the world’s most beautiful women for more than a decade. She’s taken from these ancient healing secrets to create products and services that purify skin and enhance natural beauty. “Our detoxification services encourage wellness by cleansing and renewing your major channels of elimination for balanced well-being,” Thompson says. “Our beauty wellness services focus on enhancing your natural beauty with food-grade, fresh organics and natural products applied in ways that heal and enhance overall health through your largest healing organ, your skin.” For skin-care treatments, Renew uses organic botanicals, herbs, and clays to hand-make fresh, one-of-a-kind facial masks and serums. “Our skin-care products don’t just come out of a bottle. Each facial formula is specially made for each client based on their needs, sensitivities, and desired results,” Thompson says. “Because we make each facial fresh

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for you, it allows us to avoid preservatives and chemicals that may harm or irritate your skin.” Renew Wellness Spa’s facial services fall into three major categories: HEAL, TONE, and GLOW. The HEAL facials balance oily, acne-prone, reactive, and irregularly pigmented skin. HEAL formulations use raw, organic mud from Africa enhanced with soothing oils (like tea tree and calendula) and herbs and spices (like turmeric, ginger, amla, sandalwood, and saffron). “Turmeric healing masks have been used for centuries to clear acne, reduce scars and pigmentation, and naturally balance sebum,” says Thompson. “This gentle, skin-clearing mask hits acne hard but also heals the sensitive, damaged skin that acne can leave behind.” For pigmentation issues, Renew offers an Asian Radiance mask. This lightening and tightening mask uses the power of fermented rice water, bamboo, green tea, Kojic acid, and hibiscus for flawless, spotless skin. Renew’s TONE facials focus on combination and sagging skin, as well as early signs of aging. TONE formulations include skinhealing botanicals from Europe (like French green clay and lavender), toning grapeseed oils from Greece, and seaweeds and marine collagen from the Mediterranean to naturally tone skin, balance oil, and moisturize. “We have a wonderful Hawaiian papaya and pineapple peel that gently removes dead skin and strengthens skin with natural enzymes,” Thompson says. “Our skin-care specialist follows up the peel with our Mean Green mask, which feeds the skin a healing complex of wheat, barley, moringa, and matcha grass in a base of oat protein and almond oil.” The newest addition to Renew’s TONE treatments is a Bee Venom mask. “Our Bee Venom mask is nature’s answer to Botox,” says Thompson. “It produces an instant lift without needles.” Renew’s GLOW facials add moisture and hydration to aging or sagging skin. Their instant GLOW facials deep clean and hydrate for immediate results. Among the instant GLOW treatments is the Model’s Secret mask that instantly reduces acne and minor skin

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problems and hydrates with honey and yogurt. The formula includes Chinese jasmine, carrot oil, and Indian frankincense and amla for a radiant glow. GLOW formulations are rich in organic oils, flowers, and vitamins to combat aging and enhance skin clarity and firmness. “GLOW facials also use the newest scientific advances in skin care, like polypeptides, Matrixyl 3000, and other proteins made naturally in laboratories,” says Thompson. “We are careful to investigate our sources, so that we are able to offer the best of organic botanicals married with the best of natural science.” While the various facial treatments deep clean and penetrate facial skin to hydrate and revitalize it, the FIR sauna uses chromotherapy to purify and detoxify the whole body at a cellular level by penetrating the skin up to two inches with solar carbon dry heat. How it works: Deep penetrating lights circulate to mimic the rays of the sun and improve skin conditions by regenerating skin through cellular renewal. “The lights also help stimulate the natural production of vitamin D on the skin,” Thompson says. “Increased vitamin D can aid weight loss and improve immunity.” Renew has added pure Himalayan salt plates to their FIR sauna. “Himalayan salt with FIR heat creates negative ions and increases detoxification,” says Thompson. “Salt is beneficial to your skin and may reduce cellulite, acne, and psoriasis and eczema symptoms. Salt naturally produces negative ions, which have been shown to reduce stress, headaches, and depression, as well as increase energy and mental alertness.” FIR treatment sessions are 30 minutes in a private room, and each treatment burns approximately 350 calories and detoxifies seven times more than a normal sauna. Infrared saunas are said to increase metabolism, purify the body, and create a mild cardio effect. Regular use of the FIR sauna can help the body purge excessive waste water that lies beneath the skin. Renew’s therapeutic ionic foot baths also help detoxify the body. “Each bath introduces the cells to ion-rich, negatively charged water, creating a sense of well-being and relaxation,” Thompson says. “Our baths are salted with pure Himalayan sea salt, encouraging the release of toxins and increasing your natural pH. Each bath is finished with an organic foot rub, and our shiatsu foot massage may be added for additional relaxation and healing.” The ionic foot bath treatment is 30 minutes and is followed by an application of aromatic, healing foot rub. The ionic foot bath, rub, and shiatsu is a 60-minute treatment. “Clients with chronic pain conditions, high levels of heavy metals, stress, and depressive conditions have reported improvement with regular use of ionic foot baths,” Thompson says. For more information about Renew Wellness Spa’s services, visit renewspamemphis.com.

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LET IT SHINE!

Lovely locks are easy to attain with the right products and treatments. We all want shiny, luscious locks, but many of us struggle with hair that is dry, dull, and prone to breakage. A number of factors can contribute to this, including stress, poor diet, over-processing, or a lack of moisture and natural oils. Liz Suarez, stylist at Gould’s Park Place, says a person’s hair could become dull, frizzy, or unmanageable as they age because our bodies produce less oil and protein, leaving hair undernourished. “To combat this, I suggest topical deepmoisturizing conditioners and protein treatments,” Suarez says. “They can be purchased at salons or given by salons as services. There are deep treatments in most all lines of hair-care products.” Your stylist can prescribe a treatment that would be most beneficial to you for your specific issues. Suarez points to argan oil-infused products as a recent trend for restoring hair to a more youthful and vibrant appearance. “It nourishes and replenishes hair of moisture and nutrients, giving clients the hair they desire,” she says. Many current hair products boast that they’re sulfate-free. But do sulfates damage hair? Not exactly. Suarez says sulfate-free products have gained popularity among people who have their hair colored often. “Sulfates have been known to strip the hair-color molecules from the hair shaft, decreasing the life and luster of a color service,” she says. To ensure long-lasting, vibrant color, she suggests using products that are free of sulfates. “Gould’s carries a complete line of deepconditioning treatments, sulfate-free hair-care products, and argan oil products to help you maintain strong and healthy hair,” says Suarez. For more information about Gould’s Day Spa & Salon and their products and services, visit gouldsalons.com.

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(Poplar @ Forest Hill in Germantown) J U N E 2 0 1 5 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 75

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MARX-BENSDORF REALTORS

901.682.1868 ext. 309 (o) 901.859.3565 (c) laurenharkinswiuff.com

5/20/15 12:21 PM

real estate ALL-STARS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Stan Holmes/Broker Charly Amos Jeri Bechard Joyce Chasteen MICHELLE HAYES THOMAS JIM HOOD LITA HURSTON REED 461-9544 857-4997 301-5504 485-3986

Laura Clifton JAN JAEGER, JAN JAEGER 268-9291

Realtor

Real Estate Professional, ABR, SFR

Realtor

CRS, GRI, GRI, Realtor/Vice-President Realtor/Vice-President CRS,

PRESIDENT OF HAYES HOMES & REALTY, Michelle Hayes Thomas has been serving Memphis for over 15 years and is proud to make Hayes a name you can trust. She cares about people and carries that into her everyday business practices. Michelle understands that every client is different and tries to help them according to their needs. She has sold hundreds of homes but still offers a personal touch to each of her clients. Hayes’ team takes pride in working through the tough situations, and gliding through the easy ones to make home ownership happen.

MY GOAL TO all my Clients is TOTAL SATISFACTION via my Exceptional Work Ethic! I spend my time working to sell YOUR HOME, NOT soliciting new listings! My tag-line: “Call Hood & He’ll Come A’Runnin!” it’s more than just a catchphrase, it is my commitment to all my clients! I am proud of the testimonials that I have earned! Please review my testimonials on my website at jimhood.net. Top Ten Agents at ReMax Real Estate Experts!

MY REAL ESTATE “EDUCATION” did not all come from a classroom. I was very fortunate to have had a great deal of “one-on-one” tutoring. I truly feel that being a native Memphian helps with my overall knowledge of the growth patterns of our city/county — and enables me to deliver a broad-based concept of our market to transferees as well as local customers. Many of my customers are repeat customers, friends, family of friends, friends of friends and business associates of family and friends.

broker andand vicevice president JAN isis aareal realestate estate broker president with Crye-Leike Realtors. She will will do doeverything everything possible to soldsold or toorfi nd toget getyour yourhome home to afind a home that youryour life situation. home thatperfectly perfectlysuits suits life situation. She isis aalife thethe She lifemember memberofofMAAR, MAAR,member memberofof National Association Realtors, Crye-Leike National Associationof of Realtors, Crye-Leike Multi-Million Dollar vicevice president/ Multi-Million DollarClub Clubandand president/ Circle of Circle of Excellence. Excellence. For For an anagent agentwith withbusiness business knowledge, great service, and integrity with the knowledge, great service, and integrity with the personal touch call JAN. personal touch call JAN.

HAYES HOMES & REALTY INC

RE/MAX REAL ESTATE EXPERTS

MARX-BENSDORF, REALTORS

Jack Grissom 277-0777

5100 Poplar Ave Ste 3125a Memphis, TN 38137 901.650.0486 (c) 901.405.7653 (o)

Cindy Lesley 359-4773

Owen & Joann Hughes 359-3095

Dustin Holmes 461-7131

901.461.9711 EFAX: 901.969.1440 jimhood.net

Ann Marie Matthews 921-1561

WORTH JONES Realtor

CRS

HOBSON REALTORS

5384 Poplar Avenue, Suite 250 Memphis, TN 38119 901.761.1622 (o) 901.289.1890 (c) wjones@hobsonrealtors.com hobsonrealtors.com

Bethany Hesser 259-5101 Closing Attorney

professional, I keep up with the ever-changing real estate market on a daily basis. I have found that listening carefully to my clients’ needs creates a successful relationship and enables them to reach their goals in a timely manner. I have served as a past MAAR Board of Director, Women’s Council of Realtors President, Treasurer of the Multi-Million Dollar Club, Life Member of Multi - Million Dollar Club and Realtor of the Year. Currently a member of Tennessee Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and hold an Arkansas license.

MARX-BENSDORF, REALTORS 901.682.1868 (o) 901.351.4210 (c) lkenner@marx-bensdorf.com

Meribeth LaBarreare 488-2477 Loan Originator NMLS #771204

Dotty Carter 259-5673

Loan Originator NMLS #771233

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NMLS #680773

392 Arena Rd.

MARIA L. KRAHN

JERRY LUCIUS

Moscow, TNREALTORS 38057 CRYE-LEIKE

Beverly Michalek 240-4040

Affiliate Broker

outstanding service that will result in the timely completion of your sale. I take pride in the MidSouth market and the positive exposure it continues to gain. Through communication and feedback as well as an interactive review of the current market and emerging trends, I will create a personalized strategy to best equip you in making informed decisions that will ensure quick, hassle free results. MAAR, TAR, NAR.

Cecil Jord 497-993

CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS 901.854.5050 (o) | 901.355.6857 (c) jjaeger.crye-leike.com jjaeger.crye-leike.com janjaeger@aol.com

FOR THE PAST 37 YEARS I have been helping AN AFFILIATE BROKER with Hobson Realtors, I WE’VE BOUGHT FOUR HOUSES in the past 15 David Robertson Jeremy Ryan Polly ShipleyASbelieve Roel Smit families move into and from the Memphis in its foundation of honesty and integrity. years and had multiple agents in different states. Area. Being a full-time and experienced I am committed to accuracy and quality and the 351-1719 337-9242 304-7827 Worth Jones is by far the best agent 488-8461 we’ve

ever had. — C. Condra and M. Adams. It was undoubtedly the best experience that I have ever had with a realtor. — F. Camors. I have no hesitation in recommending Worth to anyone. — Wells. Licenses and Affiliations: Awarded the ABR Designation (Accredited Buyer’s Representative) Awarded the GRI Designation (Graduate Realtor Institute) Member, Memphis Association of Realtors (MAAR) Member, Tennessee Association of Realtors (TAR) Member, National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Jan Jaeger 355-6857

901.351.1119 litahurstonreed@marx-bensdorf.com litahurstonreedrealtor.com

Joyce McKenzie 335-8460

LAURENCE KENNER

Sandra Irby 619-3495

D.K. Engla 299-102

Cardiac Electrophysiology

Laura Nicolia 488-0328

Kay Pau 485-955

Broker

Molly Stevens 672-4402

BY TRADE I am a professionally trained Sales Consultant, so it makes sense that my favorite part of the Real Estate business is interacting with people. I knew I wanted an environment where I could communicate with people. Being well trained with a successful and diversified background in Sales and Marketing, I fell right into Real Estate and have loved all 15 of my years in the business. I am fortunate that I represent two Top Quality Builders, Southern Serenity Homes the award winning Builder of the “The St. Jude Dream Home” and Centennial Homes who are Top Quality builders in Collierville. Centennial Homes are currently focusing on Old Craftsman style homes, small lots all on one level.

Nancy Thom 292-918

Living, Working and Our Commun

HOBSON REALTORS

5384 Poplar Avenue, Suite 250 Memphis, TN 38119 901.761.1622 mkrahn@hobsonrealtors.com mariakrahnrealtor.com

#1 in the Mid-South • #5 in t MARX-BENSDORF REALTORS 901.355.3076 www.jerryluciusrealtor.com

901.854.5050 • 435 New Byhalia Road • 5/20/15 12:21 PM

real estate ALL-STARS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LEIGH MARTIN

JOYCE MCKENZIE

BETH PRICE

AMY WOODS

LEIGH MARTIN HAS been a licensed real estate agent in Tennessee for over 15 years. She is a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club. Top 5 producer at Sowell for 15 years. HomeLight ranks her as one of the top 6% of agents in Memphis for successfully selling homes and as one of the top agents for selling homes for top dollar. Leigh is a Mid-South native, longtime Midtowner, member of Central Gardens Association and involved in many other community organizations. For exceptional service, call Leigh today.

JOYCE IS A REAL ESTATE BROKER and vice president with Crye-Leike Realtors. Joyce’s vast knowledge of the real estate market and an effective marketing plan has earned her consistent rankings within the top 5 producing realtors for Crye-Leike. She holds the CRS, GRI, and CPPS professional designations. She is licensed in Tennessee and Mississippi and is a life member of both the Memphis Association of Realtors and Crye-Leike Multi-Million-Dollar Clubs. She is knowledgeable in all areas of real estate, specializing in buyers, sellers, relocation and new construction. Whether you are buying or selling, contact Joyce McKenzie and her professional team to help ease your move. She has been Crye-Leike Collierville’s # 1 agent for the last 14 years and hopes to teach her trade secrets to her newest team member, her son Ian McKenzie.

LICENSED IN MS AND TN, she has been a realtor over 18 years with Crye-Leike, Olive Branch, MS. She has been married for 41 years; she and her husband Freddie have 3 children and 1 grandchild. She is a life member with the CryeLeike Multi-Million Dollar Club and life member of the North Mississippi Association of Realtors Million Dollar Club and a member of the National Association of Realtors. She was appointed and served 11 years on the Olive Branch Planning Commission. She is knowledgeable in all areas of real estate, enjoys working with first-time homebuyers, new construction, and commercial. She is a member of Friendship Church of Christ in Olive Branch. For all your real estate needs, call Price for Priceless service.

“YOUR REALTOR FROM THE WOODS TO THE CITY” Licensed in TN & MS since 2007, Amy specializes in residential real estate working with buyers, sellers, investors, & relocating employees. Whether it’s a premier property or distressed sale, Amy treats each client with the utmost care. A member of CryeLeike’s Multi-Million Dollar Club since 2012, Amy credits her success to repeat clients and referrals from clients and other Realtors. As a native Memphian & University of Memphis alumnus, Amy takes pride in our city & utilizes her design background to make positive changes in Memphis real estate. She serves on the Member Services committee for the Memphis Area Association of Realtors, and enjoys volunteering at regional humane societies & participating in local cycling events.

SOWELL & COMPANY REALTORS

CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS

54 South Cooper, Memphis, TN 38104 901.278.4380 (o) 901.351.3877 (c)

901.335.8460 | 901.854.5050 joycemckenzie@crye-leike.com www.JoyceMcKenzie.com

6397 Goodman Rd, Olive Branch, MS 38654 901.521.9736 or 662.895.8300 (o) 901.238.7330 (c) http://bethprice.crye-leike.com

SHARP-SORO TEAM

Lisa LISA smith SMITH

JOSHUA SPOTTS Affiliate Broker

REALTORS, Multi-Million Dollar Club

NOBODY KNOWS MORE about the red hot downtown market than these three! They focus like laser beams on one of the best emerging Downtowns in the Nation! They LOVE the lifestyle that Downtown has to offer: The sense of community, the sense of fun and excitement and the interesting, diverse neighbors from all over the world that have drawn them here — and kept them here. Let them show you the antidote for the suburbs! From Harbor Town to South Bluffs, the South Main Arts District to the highly exciting Core we SELL it all! Call Karen or Tim Soro 901.338.4444 or Annette Sharp 901.210.6894

Smith oneofofthe thearea’s area’smost most respected LISALisa SMITH IS isone and sought-after real estate professionals. She attributes her past pastseventeen seventeenyears yearsofof success success to herher vastvast knowledge of all of the aspects to knowledge all different of the different of new construction, development,development, and lot and aspects of new construction, land lot sales wellsales as home resales. A secondand andasland as well as home resales. generation real estate professional she A second-generation real estate professional represents buyers and and sellers in Tennessee and she represents buyers sellers in Tennessee Mississippi. Her years of experience have taught and Mississippi. Her years of experience have her to stay of the fast-changing housing taught her abreast to stay abreast of the fast-changing industry in order toinbetter her clients. housing industry orderserve to better serve Lisa her has earned of Excellence clients. Lisa the has coveted earned Circle the coveted Circle certification, Premier Property Specialist of Excellence certification, Premier Property designation, and National Sales Award Specialist designation, and National Sales recognition. Award recognition.

AS A NATIVE MID-SOUTHERNER, I grew up with a love of all things Memphis. It is my pleasure to work with residential buyers and sellers, utilizing ground breaking technology, coupled with unparalleled customer service. Working with the Mid-South’s number one real estate firm, Crye-Leike, Realtors, I am thrilled to be able to offer start to finish real estate services that are truly exceptional. Please visit my website at JoshuaSpotts.com. I have an amazing mobile app for smart-phones that allows the user to search for all real estate listings in Shelby County for free. Call or text me any time at 901.361.4211 and let me help you “Find your spot”.

AS LIFELONG MEMPHIANS, we have a passion for our community and a commitment to work for the residents of our great city. We are a fulltime team working to make the home-buying and selling process easy and enjoyable for you. We believe that with three people working for you we are able to go the extra mile. We strive to provide our clients with extraordinary customer service. We aren’t satisfied unless you are satisfied!

Crye-leike CRYE-LEIKE realtors REALTORS

6525 Quail Hollow Rd, Memphis, TN 38120 901.361.4211(c) 901.756.8900 (o) josh@joshuaspotts.com www.JoshuaSpotts.com

Realtor

Downtown Realtors

HENRY TURLEY REALTORS 95 S. Main St. #104 Memphis, TN 38103 901.521.1593

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Realtor

Vice President

1320 Goodman Road Southaven, MS 38671 662.349.5550 (o) 662.349.5550 (o) | 901.351.7355 (c) Cardiac Electrophysiology

Realtor

CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS

Realtor

CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS

1715 Union Ave., Memphis, TN 38104 901.276.8800 (o) 901.485.7005 (c) woodsrealestate901@gmail.com amywoods.crye-leike.com

THE STOUT TEAM

Our motto: Living and Connecting Memphis We service Memphis and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today and let us work hard for you!

CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS

Carol O, Carol and Megan Stout.

CRYE-LEIKE REALTORS

901-766-9004 (o) 901-674-2960 (c) carol.o.stout@crye-leike.com (e-mail)

5/20/15 12:21 PM

real estate ALL-STARS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RICK TRAVERS

PETER RITTEN

B.J. WORTHY

GAY YOUNG

AS A REALTOR SINCE 1987, Rick’s clients love his Big Ads that bring Big Results. Prominent ads in the Commercial Appeal, RSVP and Memphis magazine confirm that Downtown Rocks, AND Rick really sells it! Yes, Rick’s expertise extends throughout Collierville, Germantown, East Memphis, Bartlett, in fact all of Shelby and DeSoto counties. Buyers as far away as Europe, New York City, and California have utilized Rick’s cutting-edge website to find their perfect piece of prime Mid-South real estate. For unsurpassed service call the Multi-MillionDollar Top Producer!

1,400 SUCCESSFUL TR A NSAC TIONS. SPECIALIZING IN BUYERS AND SELLERS AND RELOCATION

B.J. IS “AN AREA STAR,” committed to serving the Memphis community. Her background - Booker T. Washington High School, LeMoyneOwen 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, 28 yr. life member of MAAR’s multi-million-dollar club. She will forever provide unparalleled-trust, professionalism, real estate expertise, quality service, and communication.

GAY YOUNG IS one of the most well-respected and sought-after real estate agents in the Memphis and North Mississippi areas for both buying and selling homes. A resident of Collierville, Gay is involved in both community and church activities and is a Realtor resource for the many clients and contacts she calls “friends.” After a successful 20+ year career in the medical field in marketing, management and sales, Gay went to work fulltime in real estate with Keller Williams Realty, the largest real estate company in the World. Earning the Lifetime Member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club designation in record time, Gay works diligently to serve her clients’ best interests in their home purchase or sale. Energetic, professional and a top-notch negotiator with integrity are words to describe Gay’s style of taking care of clients.

Realtor

GRI, CRB, CRS, ABR

PLEASE CALL 901.508.3082 FOR A GREAT INTERVIEW

RE/MAX REAL ESTATE EXPERTS CRYE-LEIKE

901.754.0800 (o) 901.218.3961 (c) ricktravers.com

1930 Exeter Rd. Germantown,TN,38138 901.508.3082 peterritten@gmail.com peterritten.com

Memphis

REALTOR

RE/MAX REAL ESTATE EXPERTS 1930 Exeter Rd Germantown, TN 38138 901.685.6000 (o) 901.409.5605 (c) bjworthy@att.net

ABR, SFR, MMDC

KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

930 S White Station, Memphis, TN 38117 901.261.7900 (o) 901.581.6118 (c) www.gayyoungonline.com

The 2016 Memphis magazine HOME DESIGN AWARDS will honor excellence in architecture and the creative use of materials in new, remodeled, and historic residences in Memphis and the Mid-South.

THE CITY MAGAZINE’S

HOME DESIGN AWARDS 2016

Memphis magazine’s 2016 HOME DESIGN AWARDS will showcase winners in the following categories: NEW HOME | RENOVATION KITCHEN - TRADITIONAL KITCHEN - CONTEMPORARY LIVING ROOM | FAMILY ROOM OR DEN MASTER SUITE | DINING ROOM CHILDREN’S ROOM | BATHROOM OUTDOOR SPACE VACATION HOME | HOME OFFICE

We’re accepting entries now. Go to memphismagazine.com to find out more, plus details of each category and our entry rules!

SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH JUNE 30, 2015.

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ASK VANCE

Digger O’Dell Our trivia expert solves local mysteries of who, what, when, where, why, and why not. Well, sometimes.

DEAR VANCE: My parents remember a Memphian named Digger O’Dell who had himself buried alive here sometime in the 1960s as a promotional stunt. What can you tell me about this interesting fellow? — j.b., memphis.

As Bluff City Buick customers watched, Digger O’Dell (below) prepared to enter “the world’s smallest apartment,” where he planned to stay at least 57 days. Other photos show preparations for the publicity stunt.

DEAR J.B.: Well, for starters I can tell you that this “interesting fellow” (and I’m certainly not disputing that) was not a Memphian, and his name wasn’t really Digger O’Dell. He was Herbert O’Dell Smith, and he conducted this “buried alive” stunt, along with countless other feats of endurance, across the South. As far as I can tell, he performed it in Memphis only twice, but one of how on earth the man would use the bathroom during his 58 days (and maybe longer) underground. those events made the news because the police were summoned to dig up Digger. He didn’t come close to breaking his record. After Let me begin this strange tale by saying that minutes 13 days in his coffin, Memphis police showed up with and minutes of research failed to turn up many verifishovels to unearth Digger. The Press-Scimitar told why: “It able facts about Smith — oh, good grief, let’s just call seems the police got a warrant for one Herbert O’Dell him Digger here. I found an old newspaSmith, 46, wanted in Atlanta on a charge per article that said he was born in 1915 of non-support filed by his wife.” When “It’s 32 inches across, and called him a “professional endurance he finally crawled out his hole, Digger 32 inches high, and man.” Among other things, “back in the promised customers, “I’ve got to attend six feet long. So I’ve flagpole-sitting days, he stayed aloft 109 to some personal business, but I’ll be days. He has been buried in a concrete got only an inch to run back, folks, and will finish the job.” Later, he told reporters, “That’s the way the vault for 36 days, sealed in glass 33 days, around in.” cookie crumbles. I can’t even blame my and spent 26 days underwater.” wife too much. She just can’t help being But somewhere along the way, he de— Digger O’Dell money hungry.” cided to concentrate on burying himI can’t find any record that Digger ever returned to self in “the world’s smallest apartment,” as the various Bluff City Buick, or to the Bluff City for that matter, to promotions called it. And sure enough, he came to “finish the job.” Back in Atlanta, a judge allowed him Memphis in September 1961 to do this stunt for Bluff City Buick, located back then at 739 Union. Old newsto conduct his stunt for an Atlanta shopping center, paper photos show a crew digging a coffin-sized hole in the parking lot of the dealership, and then Digger, dressed rather casually in black slacks and a white shirt, clambered down into the hole. A cover was placed over his “apartment” and he was sealed in, with the intention being to break the personal record of 57 days that he had set here during his previous visit to Memphis, though that location wasn’t mentioned. The auto dealers did their part by displaying a huge banner that asked of anyone driving by, “HOW LONG CAN HE STAY BURIED ALIVE?” The local newspapers reported that an 18x24-inch plywood air shaft allowed Digger to receive air and food, and he had carefully stocked his tiny domicile with lights, reading glasses, even packs of cigarettes. Buick customers could view him through a periscope, or they could drop coins down a tube that urged them, “Can you ring the bell?” Nobody seemed to ask — and the newspapers weren’t telling —

DIGGER O’DELL PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, UNIVERSIT Y OF MEMPHIS LIBRARIES. VETERANS PLAZA AND MEMORY GROVE PLAQUE PHOTOS BY VANCE LAUDERDALE

by vance lauderdale

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but he had to turn the money he would be paid — only $2,250 — over to his family. Digger kept up his strange act for many years. Once he had to be pulled from his “apartment” after the dirt sides turned to mud and caved in after a thunderstorm. Another time, firefighters rescued him after he apparently suffered a heart attack underground. The last mention I can find of his exploits came from a 1979 newspaper published in the little town of Phenix City, Alabama, which reported that Digger was performing his 158th burial in the parking lot of Mack’s Mobile Homes there. In the early 1970s, he had apparently retired and had opened “World-Famous Digger O’Dell’s Farmers Market” somewhere in that state, but had returned to his old stunts after the death of his wife from a heart attack. When he heard the sad news about his wife, said a newspaper, “Digger’s own heart broke like a clod of dirt.” I know his nickname was Digger, but that’s just mean. At the mobile home park, a local reporter didn’t have a very high opinion of the aging stuntman, writing, “He has the flushed face and shaking hand of a man who has seen the sun rise over many an empty bottle.” Digger showed up at the park wearing only a bathrobe. When the publicity manager urged him to change into a dark suit (“so it would be more funeral-like”) Digger refused: “I’ve got to have my robe.” When the promoter begged him to change clothes once he was below ground, Digger explained the situation: “No room. It’s 32 inches across, 32 inches high, and six feet long. I’m five-footeleven. So I’ve got only one inch to run around in.” I admire entrepreneurs and performers as much as the next guy, but it was surely a miserable way to make a living. Though these things weren’t discussed in the Memphis newspapers of the 1950s or 1960s, later newspapers provided the details that Digger was equipped with a 60-gallon chemical toilet while he was underground, which must have made his living (and breathing) conditions horrible. What’s more, said one newspaper, “in his heyday, he could knock down $15,000 for a 60-day burial.” At the mobile home park, the only money he brought home came from contributions. I can’t say what finally happened to Digger. Searching for Herbert O’Dell Smith took me nowhere, and you’d be surprised how many people in America are named “Digger O’Dell.” Why, there’s Edwin “Digger” Odell of Abilene, Texas; Allen “Digger” O’Dell of Malvern, Iowa; Charles Wayne “Digger” O’Dell of Lebanon, Tennessee; Loren “Digger” O’Dell of Brookfield, Missouri — you get the picture. For that matter, a popular plant nursery just outside of town on Highway 64 is called Digger O’Dell’s, but that’s yet another Digger (real name: Dennis). It seems “Digger O’Dell” was a “friendly undertaker” character in The Life of Riley, a radio soap opera that aired back in the 1930s, but that still doesn’t explain the curious popularity of the name, if you ask me. Anyway, I presume the Digger O’Dell we’ve been discussing here was eventually buried one final time, and I hope his gravestone — wherever it is — pays tribute to one of this country’s unique stuntmen. I’d like to think that the cemetery installed a periscope so visitors could see him, or at least a tube where they could drop coins and see if they could “ring the bell” but I doubt it.

Memory Grove

DEAR VANCE: What happened to the Memory Grove plaque — an old war memorial — that stood in Overton Park, in a stand of trees close to Poplar Avenue? — t.r., memphis.

DEAR T.R.: Commissioned in 1932 by Memphis Chapter 1

of the American War Mothers, this large bronze plaque carried the names of 27 Memphians who had lost their lives in World War I. For years, it was propped against a rugged concrete base, in a cluster of crepe myrtles on the southern edge of the park, close to the intersection of Poplar and Cooper. And then one year it disappeared, and I fretted that someone had stolen it for scrap metal. Not to worry, though. After roaming around the park a bit, I found the plaque has been carefully preserved and moved to a better (and more visible) location, bolted to a wall towards the rear of the new Veterans Plaza area of Overton Park. I guess you might quibble that the “Memory Grove” itself — the stand of trees that shaded it — has been left behind, but the plaque is in better company here, near the famous Doughboy Statue (also a tribute to those lost in the First World War), along with memorials to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Operation Desert Storm. If you haven’t visited this area of the park, you should. After all, the people whose names are on these markers don’t have that luxury.

The 1932 Memory Grove plaque found a new home in Overton Park’s Veterans Plaza, mounted to a brick wall in the background, close to the row of flags. The other monument to World War I, the famous Doughboy statue, stands guard at the right.

Got a question for vance? EMAIL: askvance@memphismagazine.com

MAIL: Vance Lauderdale, Memphis magazine,

460 Tennessee Street #200, Memphis, TN 38103 BLOG: www.memphismagazine.com/Blogs/Ask-Vance

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Key Scenes A comic memoir recalls a Mississippi childhood in the hands of an unforgettable “Pop.”

by leonard gill

Harrison Scott Key

rom Memphis to Mississippi: It isn’t that far to go. But back in the early 1980s and in the mind of a boy named Harrison Scott Key, it was too far — and too much. “We lived in Memphis, but Pop insisted we play baseball just over the state line in Mississippi, where the game retained its purer, more barbaric qualities,” Key recalls in his collection of autobiographical sketches, The World’s Largest Man (Harper). “My rural teammates had fascinating lives. Many of them lived in trailers and other sorts of homes capable of being rolled down a hill, which had a real sense of adventure to it, while others had metal teeth and chewed tobacco. Here we were, barely eight years old, and one of them was already an uncle, while another teammate came to practice one day carrying a giant dirty baby.”

Key took the infant to be his teammate’s sister. But Key was wrong. “I wish I had a little sister,” Key said. “Shoot, this here’s my aunt,” the teammate replied. Things went downhill from there, because shortly after this scene, the author’s family didn’t just visit Mississippi for little-league baseball. The family moved to rural Mississippi. The reason? “Pop” didn’t like Memphis, the city where Key was born. Memphis, for one thing, had sidewalks, and Key’s father didn’t care for sidewalks. The schools were too clean; the hospitals, too well-equipped. The city was no place to rear a son, the kind of son Pop wanted. According to Pop’s way of thinking: “And Godalmighty, all the boys did [in Memphis] was ride bikes and play video games and sit around getting sissified. If you wanted to toughen up your kid, teach him about knives and woods and whatnot, your only resource was the goddang Boy Scouts.” Pop didn’t care for the Boy “In Memphis, you Scouts either. Scouts wore neckerchiefs, which Pop likwent to church ened to a lady’s scarf. (“It ain’t to hear about right.”) They played “campout” in some city park. And the dangers of what was with this favorite premarital sex. In Scout pastime: a “pine-box Mississippi … you derby”? No, Pop moved his family could go to church — his third wife (who taught to have it.” grade school), a son named Bird (actually Mom’s son from a previous marriage to Pop’s sister’s former husband), and Key (with his fragile, “bookish bones”) to Mississippi, where Key would have a proper, manly upbringing. He’d learn, under Pop’s direction, about fistfights and the finer points of religious worship (“In Memphis, you went to church to hear about the dangers of premarital sex. In Mississippi … you could go to church to have it.”) He would learn to stop worrying over the live lobsters he saw for sale in grocery stores — the lobsters that Key felt sorry for, prayed for. In Mississippi, he’d be introduced to gunpowder and camouflage. He would, in short, become a son his formidable father could be proud of and not the kind of boy who knits pot holders, clips coupons, and decorates school bulletin boards (all of which Key enjoyed doing). The World’s Largest Man is Key’s story, from boyhood in Mississippi to adulthood in Georgia, where he teaches English at the Savannah College of Art and Design. But it’s Pop’s story too. Never mind that for heightened comic effect — Key writes regularly as a humor columnist for The Oxford American, in addition to being a travel writer and essayist — the author has got to be exaggerating here and there. Or at least let’s hope so. Several things, though, you can believe: Today, Key is married to an admirable woman (though the couple once talked of divorce), and he’s the kind father of three daughters. He’s also lived to tell the family tales, when in the pages of The World’s Largest Man, you’ll be surprised he survived at all, because when it came to beatings, Pop didn’t go in for simple spankings: “A man who merely spanked his children was proba-

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHIA CHONG

BOOKS

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bly a florist. No, Pop whipped us like a Mexican grandmother beats a rug, with stoic resolve, dispassionately, purposefully, constantly, and sometimes like a Mexican grandmother who smokes PCP and rules a cartel. It was [Pop’s] understanding that boys who were not beaten in a spirit of paternal affection ran the risk of growing up to become happy, overconfident handbag designers.” What was Key to do when he’d finally had enough of Pop’s spirit of paternal affection? He escaped — in one scene in The World’s Largest Man, to the top of the family’s clothes dryer. But by that time, he’d made another kind of escape: into books and a set of World Books. “I blame my mother,” Key writes, because it was Key’s mother who introduced him to “the perverse habit of reading through the gateway drug of encyclopedias.” Later chapters in Key’s According to Pop, memoir take place in Savannah, where we read of friends were “things his wife’s first pregnancy, meant for women which is scary enough, but her labor pains can’t hold a and children, as candle to the chaos creatwere holidays and ed by the couple’s redneck happiness. All a man neighbors — and “not the good kind who grow their needed was a gun own flowers and poison and a woodstove their weeds, but the kind who poison their f lowand maybe, if things ers and grow their own got bad, a towel weed.” for the blood.” Key’s Pop, though, is more than a pain. He’s a force of nature as mysterious to the boy as the boy was a mystery (and disappointment?) to his father. The author describes Pop as having the “emotional tenderness of a Soviet farm tractor,” of being a man whose only luxury was the “occasional heart attack,” and who once told his son that “being accidentally shot in the face was just a part of growing up in the country.” Pop was a “fortress,” a “volcano,” an “Everest” — with an oversized head and pair of big, meaty hands to match. Household chores? Yes, Pop would occasionally vacuum a rug, “although what he did wasn’t so much vacuuming as attempting to hurt the carpet’s feelings.” He wasn’t much for the company of other men either. According to Pop, friends were “things meant for women and children, as were holidays and happiness. All a man needed was a gun and a woodstove and maybe, if things got bad, a towel for the blood.” No wonder Key would hear from classmates: “Yo deddy [sic] crazy.” Did Key love Pop? For the longest time, no, and Key didn’t pretend to love him, though he did try to satisfy him by playing football and baseball and by participating in that rite of passage known in Mississippi as Doe Day. But in his father’s closing years, Key did his best to care for the old man, to understand him, to make peace with him, as he came to make peace with Mississippi too. “If there was anything I learned out in the country, it was that the things that can kill you can make you alive.”

Key’s father taught him that hard lesson. A boy named Tom taught Key another one. One day the two were doing farm work, and Tom needed Key’s help with a distressed cow that was ready to give birth. Tom had a hand (literally) in delivering the calf; Key, for his part, couldn’t even keep a gate closed. But the sight of the newborn has stayed with him over the decades. As he writes: “I fell more in love with Mississippi on that day, seeing what it could do, what could happen there, all the beauty and life that could come from nothing, so violently, suddenly. And I think it was on that day that I began to love its people, too, the Toms of this wild place, who could reach deep into God’s animals and pull forth wonders unbidden, such as other animals. I miss that.” What’s more but most importantly: “I miss those people.”

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DINING OUT

Winging It For Lafayette Williams, Ching’s Hot Wings and

taken every business course in the curriculum. “I always knew I would go into business, but I didn’t customer service cook up a winning combination. necessarily know what I wanted to do,” Williams explains. by eric bourgeois Over the next 20 years, he continued to work hard as a real estate broker, but he still felt that something was loud knock echoed over conversations from the missing. Then it dawned on him while eating in a local hungry horde of customers congregating at the South restaurant one day: He should serve people in another Memphis intersection. A savory sweet aroma wafted into way — through good food. “I thought to myself, I can do this,” Williams says the night as the truck’s cook cautiously opened the door. He with a smile. Although Memphis already had hot wing faced an irritated police officer. restaurants, Williams had an advantage: He knew the “You heard my partner yesterday,” barked the young officer. value of effective customer service. “He told you to leave… and never return.” So aided by close friends and inspired by his mother, Had Lafayette Williams, owner of Ching’s Hot Wings in East whom he regarded as the “greatest cook I’ve ever seen,” Memphis, heeded those orders and abandoned his passion 13 years Williams opened Ching’s in 2003. Over the restaurant’s next 12 years in an unasago, this popular eatery might not exist. Thankfully, Williams is no suming strip off Getwell Road, half a mile south of stranger to adversity. the University of Memphis campus, Williams has The founder and owner of Ching’s, a haunt for both witnessed a culture shift in the surrounding comprofessional and collegiate athletes, grew up in a “back munity. He says the neighborhood has declined, due alley” just a few blocks from the hislargely in part to people forgetting Beloved former Memphis toric Stax Records. the importance of helping others. “Stax was thriving,” Williams But even amid this attitude shift, Tiger DJ Stephens and rapper recalls. “It was right before Isaac Williams notes a common denomDrake make pilgrimages to inator: “People gotta eat.” Hayes won a Grammy, which was huge for the city.” Ching’s has carved out a unique the restaurant when they As a youngster, Williams had two niche in the Memphis community, touch down in Memphis. constants in his life — music and serving a variety of wings — rangfood — and managed to avoid the pitfalls that befell ing from Lemon Pepper to Hot to the most-popular many of his friends. By the age of 8, he had joined (and Honey Gold — along with ranch dressing, signature been kicked out of) the Black Panther Party. By 28, he Ramen-Noodle-seasoned French fries, and a seemingly Lafayette Williams had attended LeMoyne-Owen College for 10 years and endless list of loyal customers. “They know my order

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Ching’s employees Alex Pounders, Kayla Smith, Stacey Jackson, and Tammy Whitlow share a group hug.

Ching’s cook Cory Adams

CHING’S HOT WINGS

by voice,” says Matt Washburn, a U of M junior and longtime Ching’s devotee. “They’re friendly every time I go pick it up.” A rendezvous point with its own must-have food group, Ching’s also attracts local football and basketball teams who frequently pack the joint during the season, devouring the wings and specially seasoned fries between practices. But Ching’s doesn’t exclusively cater to the Bluff City. Ole Miss football players demand

that Williams’ wings be delivered to Oxford before their games. And beloved former Memphis Tiger DJ Stephens and rapper Drake make pilgrimages to the restaurant when they touch down in Memphis. Williams’ commitment to customers extends to his employees, many of whom study at nearby schools. When a Memphis ice storm left local roads littered with auto accidents earlier this winter, Williams personally called his cashiers and told them not to come in for the next few days. He cares both about their safety and their futures. “If it comes to exam time and we don’t have enough people, we can shut down,” he says confidently. “That’s just my philosophy. It should be education first for these girls.” Keniece Williams, a U of M student who has worked at Ching’s for over a year, appreciates the support of her boss. “He’s an understanding and smart guy who really cares about us on a personal level,” she says. Despite the restaurant’s success (the Ching’s team cooks a couple thousand wings for customers each day), Williams still isn’t satisfied. He doesn’t like how Ching’s wings can cool off by the time they are delivered, so he hopes to take his wings on the road within the next year. “I started this business out of a food truck,” he says. “I want to buy one so I can drive out in the community and give everyone hot wings that are as fresh as the ones coming out of our kitchen.” Eric Bourgeois is a freelance writer from Charleston, South Carolina, who is currently attending the University of Memphis.

1264 Getwell Road (901-743-5545) STARS: e

eee

FOOD: Chicken wings (party and

whole) and tenders, ranging in flavor from Honey Gold to Suicide. Lemon-pepper seasoning is optional, but don’t skip it. PRICES: The popular eight-piece party wing combo includes seasoned fries and drink ($8.49). For catering or large groups, opt for 10 to 100-piece party wing platters ($7.49-$70.99). DRINKS: For a sweet fix, try Orange Mound Punch or G-Street Punch, a Memphis-blue concoction commonly known as Blue Drink. EXTRAS: Seasoned fries ($2.49) accompany combo meals, but also try crispy fried okra ($2.99) and smoked sausage ($2.75). ATMOSPHERE: Live games on flat screens and photos of Memphis athletes (past and present) shape a sports-centric vibe for casual dining. OPEN: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY JUSTIN FOX BURKS

CITY DINING OU R I N-DE P T H GU I DE T O M E M P H I S-A R E A R E STAU R A N T S TIDBITS

Another Broken Egg Cafe

by pamela denney

emphians who vacation on the Gulf coast likely know Another Broken Egg Cafe, a wildly popular brunch, lunch, and breakfast franchise that spread quickly into the Florida Panhandle from its original locations in Louisiana. Cookbook author Jennifer Chandler was so enthusiastic about the restaurant’s first Memphis location that she took her husband Paul on an opening day brunch date. “He is crazy about this place,” Chandler said, suggesting we try his much-loved scrambler: Popeye’s Favorite, a mix of scrambled eggs, bacon, onion, fresh spinach, and Monterey Jack plated with English muffins and country potatoes on a Brown Drip serving skillet. Although tempted by the recommendation, we veered instead toward excess, an easy detour to take after diving into signature biscuit beignets, deep-fried, doused with powdered sugar, and served with a small dipping bowl of honey marmalade. From there, we embraced our inner eating orgy: Smoked Salmon Benny, an elaborate stack of bagel, salmon, capers, diced onions, two poached eggs, and whipped cream cheese and a crispy Belgium waffle dressed up like bananas Foster. On a subsequent visit, we sat on the restaurant’s covered patio and tried to eat healthy, ordering kale and salmon salad with honey jalapeno vinaigrette. The salad was ample and well-prepared, as were our drinks: a Bloody Mary garnished with lime and pickled okra and a stunning sundae glass of chocolate milk, topped with three inches of whipped cream and made with Hershey’s syrup, just like home. “Since we opened, there have been only two days when we didn’t serve at least 200 people,” says general manager Beau Bates, who relocated to open the company’s 45th store. “The owners are already looking for another location in Memphis.” Every day is busy for server Howard Boxley (above) at Another Broken Egg Cafe’s Memphis location. Popular dishes include eggs Benedict prepared in six different ways, chocolate milk topped with whipped cream, lump crab cakes and shrimp stacked on grit cakes, and biscuit beignets sprinkled with powdered sugar.

6063 Park Ave. Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Sunday. (901-729-7020) $-$$

MEMPHIS STEW We celebrate our city’s community table and the people who grow, cook, and eat the best Memphis food. memphismagazine.com/Blogs/Memphis-Stew 86 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • J U N E 2 0 1 5

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emphis magazine offers this restaurant listing as a service to its readers. The directory is not intended as a recommendation of the establishments included, nor does it list every restaurant in town. It does, however, include most of the city’s finer restaurants, many specialty restaurants, and a representative sampling of other Bluff City eating establishments. No fast-food facilities or cafeterias are listed, nor have we included establishments that rely heavily on take-out business. Restaurants are included regardless of whether they advertise in Memphis magazine. The guide is updated regularly, but we recommend that you call ahead to check on hours, prices, and other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome; please contact us. Email dining@memphismagazine.com. 2150 W. Poplar at Houston Levee (Collierville). 854-8748; 715 ABUELO’S MEXICAN FOOD EMBASSY—Mejores de W. Brookhaven Cl. 590-2585. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ la casa — beef and stuffed shrimp — is a specialty here, along with tilapia Veracruz, quesadillas, chili rellenos, and chicken BAR DKDC— Features an ever-changing menu of medallions. 8274 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 672-0769. L, D X, international “street food,” from Thai to Mexican, Israeli to $-$$ Indian, along with specialty cocktails. Closed Sun.-Mon. 964 S. Cooper. 272-0830. D, X, $ ABYSSINIA RESTAURANT—Ethiopian/Mediterranean menu includes beef, chicken, lamb, fish entrees, and vegetarian BAR LOUIE—Serves small plates, flatbreads, sandwiches, dishes; also a lunch buffet. 2600 Poplar. 321-0082. L, D, X, $-$$ salads, and such large plate entrees as Tuscan chicken pasta. 2125 Madison. 207-1436. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ ACRE—Features seasonal modern American cuisine in a stylish setting using locally sourced products; also small-plates/bar. BAR-B-Q SHOP—Dishes up barbecued ribs, spaghetti, Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 690 S. Perkins. 818-2273. bologna; also pulled pork shoulder, Texas toast barbecue L, D, X, $$-$$$ sandwich, chicken sandwich, and salads. Closed Sun. 1782 Madison. 272-1277. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ ALCHEMY—Southern fusion, locally grown cuisine features small and large plates; among the offerings is the pan-seared BARDOG TAVERN—Classic American grill with Italian hanger steak with duck-fat-roasted fingerling potatoes; also influence, Bardog offers pasta specialties such as Grandma’s NJ handcrafted cocktails and local craft beers. Closed for dinner Meatballs, as well as salads, sliders, sandwiches, and daily Sun. 940 S. Cooper. 726-4444. D, SB, X, $-$$ specials. 73 Monroe. 275-8752. B (Mon.-Fri.), L, D, WB, X, $-$$ ALDO’S PIZZA PIES—Serving gourmet pizzas — including BARI RISTORANTE ENOTECA—Authentic Mr. T Rex — salads, and more in a chic downtown setting; also 30 Southeastern Italian cuisine (Puglia) emphasizes lighter entrees. beers, bottled or on tap. 100 S. Main. 577-7743; 752 S. Cooper. Serves fresh fish and beef dishes and a homemade soup of the 725-7437. L, D, X, $-$$ day. 22 S. Cooper. 722-2244. D, X, MRA, $-$$$ AMERIGO—Traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine BAYOU BAR & GRILL—Cajun fare at this Overton Square includes pasta, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and cedarwood-roasted eatery includes jambalaya, gumbo, catfish Acadian, shrimp fish. 1 239 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall. 761-4000. L, D, SB, X, dishes, red beans and rice, and muffalettas; also serves some MRA, $-$$$ favorites from the former Le Chardonnay. 2094 Madison. 278-8626. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN—Traditional Italian cuisine with a menu that changes seasonally with such BEAUTY SHOP—Modern American cuisine with entrees as Maw Maw’s ravioli. Closed Sun.-Mon. 7 12 W. international flair served in a former beauty shop. Serves steaks Brookhaven Cl. 347-3569. D, X, $$-$$$ salads, pasta, and seafood, including pecan-crusted golden sea bass. Closed for dinner Sunday. 966 S. Cooper. 272-7111. L, D, ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE—Offering several SB, X, $$-$$$ varieties of eggs benedict, waffles, omelets, pancakes, beignets, and other breakfast fare; also burgers,sandwiches, and salads. . 6063 BELLE-A SOUTHERN BISTRO—Brisket in a bourbon Park Ave. 729-7020. B, L, WB, X, $ brown sugar glaze, and chicken with basmati rice are among the specialties; also seafood entrees and such vegetables as blackened THE ARCADE—Possibly Memphis’ oldest cafe. Specialties green tomatoes. Closed for dinner Sun. and all day Mon. 117 include sweet potato pancakes, a fried peanut butter and banana Union Ave. 433-9851. L, D, WB, X, sandwich, and breakfast served all day. D I N I N G S Y MBOLS $-$$$ 540 S. Main. 526-5757. B, L, D (Thurs.-Sat.) X, $ BENIHANA—This Japanese steakhouse B — breakfast serves beef, chicken, and , and seafood AREPA & SALSA— Offering grilled at the table; some menu items Venezuelan dishes such as the namesake L — lunch change monthly; sushi bar also arepa (a corn-based dish with a variety D — dinner featured. 912 Ridge Lake. 767-8980. L, of fillings) and tostones with shredded SB — Sunday brunch D, X, $$-$$$ pork or black beans. Closed Sunday. 662 WB — weekend brunch Madison. 949-8537. L, D, X, $ BHAN THAI—Authentic Thai cuisine X — wheelchair accessible includes curries, pad Thai noodles, and ASIAN PALACE—Chinese eatery vegetarian dishes, as well as seafood, serves seafood, vegetarian items, dim sum, MRA — member, Memphis pork, and duck entrees. Closed for lunch and more. 5266 Summer Ave. 766-0831. L, Restaurant Association Sat.-Sun. and all day D, X, $-$$ $ — under $15 per person without Mon. 1324 Peabody. 272-1538. L, D, A-TAN—Serves Chinese and Japanese drinks or desserts X, MRA, $-$$ hibachi cuisine, complete with sushi bar. BLEU—This eclectic restaurant features A specialty is Four Treasures with garlic $$ — under $25 American food with global influences sauce. 3445 Poplar, Suite 17, $$$ — $26-$50 and local ingredients. Among the University Center. 452-4477. L, D, X, $$$$ — over $50 specialties are a 14-oz. bone-in rib-eye $-$$$ S HADED — new listing and several seafood dishes. 221 S. Third, AUTOMATIC SLIM’S— Longtime in the Westin Memphis Beale St. downtown favorite specializes in Hotel. 334-5950. B, L, D, X, $$-$$$ contemporary American cuisine emphasizing local ingredients; also BLUE DAZE BISTRO—Serving American cuisine with Cajun extensive martini list. 83 S. Second. 525-7948. L, D, WB, X, MRA, flair; lunch entrees include the Black & Bleu Salad and a crab cake $-$$$ sandwich; dinner entrees range from salmon to Cajun cream BABALU TACOS & TAPAS—This Overton Square eatery penne pasta. Closed for dinner Sun., and all day Mon.-Wed. 221 dishes up Spanish-style tapas with Southern flair; also taco and E. Commerce St. Hernando (MS). 662-469-9304. L, D, SB, X, enchilada of the day; specials change daily. 2115 Madison. 274$-$$$ 0100. L, D, X, $-$$ BLUEFIN RESTAURANT & SUSHI LOUNGE— BAHAMA BREEZE—Baby back ribs, Jamaican chicken Serves Japanese fusion cuisine featuring seafood, duck, and wings, and coconut shrimp are among the entrees at this steaks, with seasonally changing menu; also, a sushi bar and Caribbean-fusion restaurant. 2830 N. Germantown Pkwy. flatbread pizza. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 1 35 S. Main. 528(Cordova). 385-8744. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ 1010. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ BANGKOK ALLEY—Thai fusion cuisine includes noodle and BOMBAY HOUSE—Indian fare includes lamb korma and curry dishes, chef-specialty sushi rolls, coconut soup, and duck chicken tikka; also, a daily luncheon and seafood entrees. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. at buffet. 1727 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 755-4114. L, D, Brookhaven location; call for hours. 121 Union Ave. 522-2010; X, $-$$

CIT Y DINING LIST BONEFISH GRILL—Serves wood-grilled fish,as well as steaks, chicken and pork entrees. 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 753-2220; 4680 Merchants Park Circle, Carriage Crossing (Collierville). 854-5822. L (Fri.-Sat.), D, SB, X, $-$$$ BONNE TERRE—This inn’s cafe features American cuisine with a Southern flair, and a seasonal menu that changes monthly. Offers Angus steaks, duck, pasta, and seafood. Closed Sun.Wed. 4715 Church Rd. W. (Nesbit, MS). 662-781-5100. D, X, $-$$$ BOOKSELLERS BISTRO—Serves soups, sandwiches, quiche, salads, pasta, and seafood, including shrimp polenta; a specialty is Alpine chicken salad. The Booksellers at Laurelwood, 387 Perkins Extd. 374-0881. B, L, D, WB, X, $-$$ BOSCOS SQUARED—Serves pasta, seafood, steaks, burgers. sandwiches, and pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven; also a variety of freshly brewed beers. 2120 Madison. 432-2222. L, D, SB (with live jazz), X, MRA, $-$$ BOUNTY ON BROAD—Offering family-style dining, Bounty serves small plates and family-sized platters, with such specialties as pork shank and stuffed quail. Closed Mon.Tues. 2519 Broad. 410-8131. D, SB, X, $-$$ BOZO’S HOT PIT BAR-B-Q— Barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and subs. 342 Hwy 70, Mason, TN. 901-2943400. L, D, $-$$ BRAZIL FLAVOR—Offers daily buffet with traditional Brazilian dishes. Closed Monday. 8014 Club Center Dr. 7469855. L, D, $ BRASS DOOR IRISH PUB—Irish and New-American cuisine includes such entrees as fish and chips burgers, sandwiches, salads, and daily specials. 152 Madison. 572-1813. L, D, SB, $ BROADWAY PIZZA HOUSE—Serving a variety of pizzas,including the Broadway Special, as well as sandwiches, salads, and wings; now offering homemade cakes. 2581 Broad. 454-7930; 627 S. Mendenhall. 207-1546. L, D, X, $-$$ BROOKLYN BRIDGE ITALIAN RESTAURANT— Specializing in such homemade entrees as spinach lasagna and lobster ravioli; a seafood specialty is horseradish-crusted salmon. Closed Sun. 1779 Kirby Pkwy. 755-7413. D, X, MRA, $-$$$ BROTHER JUNIPER’S—Breakfast is the focus here, with 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, MRA, $ THE BRUSHMARK—New American cuisine with a menu that changes seasonally; offers sandwiches, salads, soups, pastas, and crepes. Closed Mon. and Tues. Brooks Museum, Overton Park, 1934 Poplar. 544-6225. L, WB, X, $-$$ BRYANT’S BREAKFAST—Three-egg omelets, pancakes, and The Sampler Platter are among the popular entrees here. Closed Tuesday. 3965 Summer. 324-7494. B, L, X, $ BUCKLEY’S FINE FILET GRILL—Specializes in steaks, seafood, and pasta. (Lunchbox serves entree salads, burgers, and more.) 5355 Poplar. 683-4538; 919 S. Yates (Buckley’s Lunchbox), 682-0570. L (Yates only, M-F), D, X, MRA, $-$$ THE BUTCHER SHOP—Serves steaks ranging from 8-oz. fillets to a 20-oz. porterhouse; also chicken, pork chops, fresh seafood. 107 S. Germantown Rd. (Cordova). 757-4244. L (Fri. and Sun.), D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ CAFE 1912—French/American bistro serving such seafood entrees as grouper and steamed mussels: also crepes, salads, and French onion soup, 2 43 S. Cooper. 722-2700. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ CAFE ECLECTIC—Spanish omelets, and chicken and waffles are among menu items, along with sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. 603 N. McLean. 725-1718; 111 Harbor Town Square. 590-4645; 510 S. Highland. 410-0765. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $ CAFE FONTANA— Hearty Italian cuisine features pizzas, pasta, and several seafood dishes, including pesce al forno and fish of the day special. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Mon. 8556 Macon Rd. 529-7526. L, D, SB, $-$$ CAFE KEOUGH—European-style cafe serving quiche, paninis, salads, and more. 12 S. Main. 509-2469. B, L, D, X, $ CAFE OLE—Now under new ownership, this 23-year-old eatery specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine; one specialty is pan-seared grouper in mango salsa. 959 S. Cooper. 343-0103. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ CAFE PALLADIO—Serves gourmet salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts in a tea room inside the antiques shop. Closed Sun. 2169 Central. 278-0129. L, X, $ CAFE PIAZZA BY PAT LUCCHESI—Specializes in gourmet pizzas (including create-your-own), panini sandwiches, and pasta. Closed Sun. 139 S. Rowlett St. (Collierville). 8611999. L, D, X, $-$$ CAFE PONTOTOC—Serves a variety of internationally inspired small plates, as well as salads and sandwiches. Closed Mon. 314 S. Main. 249-7955. D, WB, X, $-$$ J U N E 2 0 1 5 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 87

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CIT Y DINING LIST 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, $$-$$$ CAPITAL GRILLE—Known for its dry-aged, hand-carved steaks; among the specialties are bone-in sirloin, and porcinirubbed Delmonico; also seafood entrees and seasonal lunch plates. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. Crescent Center, 6065 Poplar. 683-9291. L, D, X, $$$-$$$$ CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE— Offers prime steaks, fresh seafood (lobster tails, grouper, mahi mahi), pasta, and several northern Italian specialties. 149 Union, The Peabody. 529-4199. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $$-$$$$ CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL—Serves chicken Bryan, calamari, various pastas, and other “old-world” Italian entrees. 4600 Merchant’s Park Cl., Carriage Crossing (Collierville). 854-0200; 5110 Poplar. 685-9900. L (Sat.Sun.), D, X, $-$$$ 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. L, D, X, $-$$ CELTIC CROSSING—Specializes in Irish and American pub fare. Entrees include shepherd’s pie, shrimp and sausage coddle, and fish and chips. 903 S. Cooper. 274-5151. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ 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. 2729377; 4375 Summer Ave. 767-4672; 147 E. Butler. 672-7760. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ CHEZ PHILIPPE— Classical/contemporary French cuisine presented in a luxurious atmosphere with a seasonal menu focused on local/regional cuisine. Afternoon tea served Wed.-Sat, 1-3 p.m. (reservations required). Closed Sun.-Mon.-Tues. T he Peabody, 149 Union. 529-4188. D, X, MRA, $$$$ CHIWAWA—American-Mexican street food includes tacos made with hand-pressed tortillas, bacon-wrapped deep-fried hot dogs, and “Juan-tons” stuffed with smoked chorizo and cream cheese. 2 059 Madison. 207-1456. L, D, WB, X, $ CIAO BELLA—Among the Italian and Greek specialties are lasagna, seafood pasta, eggplant rolotini, gourmet pizzas, and vegetarian options. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 565 Erin Dr., Erinway Shopping Center. 205-2500. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ CITY GROCERY—Southern eclectic cuisine; shrimp and grits is a specialty. Closed for dinner Sunday. 152 Courthouse Square (Oxford, MS). 662-232-8080. L, D, SB, X, $$-$$$ COLETTA’S—Longtime eatery serves such specialties as homemade ravioli, lasagna, and pizza with barbecue or traditional toppings. 2850 Appling Rd. (Bartlett). 383-1122; 1063 S. Parkway E. 948-7652. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ CORKY’S—Popular barbecue emporium offers both wet and dry ribs, plus a full menu of other barbecue entrees. Wed. lunch buffets, Cordova and Collierville. 5259 Poplar. 685-9744; 1740 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 737-1911; 743 W. Poplar (Collierville). 405-4999; 6434 Goodman Rd., Olive Branch. 662-893-3663. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ COZY CORNER—Serving up ribs, pork sandwiches, chicken, spaghetti, and more. Closed Sun.-Mon. 7 45 N. Parkway. 5279158. 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, $ DEJAVU—Serves Creole, soul, and vegetarian cuisine. Closed Sat.-Sun. Florida St. location. 9 36 Florida St. 942-1400; 51 S. Main. 505-0212. L,D (S. Main), SB (S. Main), X, $-$$ DERAE RESTAURANT—Ethiopian and Mediterranean fare includes fuul, or fava beans in spices and yoghurt, goat meat and rice, and garlic chicken over basmati rice with cilantro chutney; also salmon and tilapia. Closed Monday. 923 S. Highland. 552-3992. B, L, D, $ ECCO—Mediterranean-inspired specialties range from rib-eye steak to seared scallops and to linguini with Kale pesto and a grilled vegetable plate; also wild Alaskan salmon. Closed Sun.Mon. 1585 Overton Park. 410-8200. L, D, X, $-$$ EDO—Traditional Japanese cuisine includes shrimp tempura, nagiri, and chicken teriyaki. Closed Mon. 4792 Summer. 7677096. D, X, $ EIGHTY3—Contemporary menu of steaks and seafood offers a variety of eclectic specialties; also weekly specials, small plates, and appetizers. 83 Madison Ave. 333-1224. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

LOCALITY GUIDE Jim N Nick’s Bar-B-Q BARTLETT Joe’s Crab Shack Abuelo’s Logan’s Roadhouse Applebee’s Moe’s Southwest Grill Cajun Catfish Company T.J. Mulligan’s Coletta’s O’Charley’s Colton’s Steakhouse Olive Garden Dixie Cafe On the Border El Porton Osaka Japanese Exlines’ Best Pizza Outback Steakhouse Firebirds Pasta Italia Gridley’s Pei Wei Asian Diner Hadley’s Pub The Presentation Room La Playita Mexicana Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza O’Charley’s Rafferty’s Ruby Tuesday Red Lobster Sekisui Romano’s Macaroni Grill Side Car Cafe Sekisui Side Porch Steakhouse Shogun Tops Bar B-Q CHICKASAW GARDENS/ Skimo’s Tannoor Grill UNIV. OF MEMPHIS Zaytos A-Tan DOWNTOWN Brother Juniper’s Aldo’s Pizza Pies Cheffie’s Alfred’s Derae The Arcade El Porton Automatic Slim’s The Farmer Bangkok Alley Just for Lunch Bardog Tavern La Baguette B.B. King’s Blues Club Los Compadres Belle — A Southern Bistro Lost Pizza Bleu Medallion Blind Bear Speakeasy Osaka Japanese Blue Monkey Pete & Sam’s Bluefin R.P. Tracks Blue Plate Cafe Woman’s Exchange COLLIERVILLE/WEST TN. Blues City Cafe Bon Ton Cafe (ARLINGTON, COVINGTON, Brass Door Irish Pub MILLINGTON, OAKLAND) Burrito Blues Mexican Grill Bangkok Alley Cafe Eclectic Bonefish Grill Cafe Keough Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar-B-Q Cafe Pontotoc Cafe Piazza Capriccio Cajun Catfish Company Central BBQ Carrabba’s Italian Grill Chez Philippe Chili’s City Market Corky’s Cozy Corner Crepe Maker Dejavu El Mezcal Double J Smokehouse & El Porton Saloon Firebirds Earnestine & Hazel’s Ronnie Grisanti’s Italian Eighty3 Restaurant Felicia Suzanne’s Gus’s Fried Chicken Ferraro’s Pizzeria Huey’s Flight Jim’s Place Grille Flying Fish Mulan Flying Saucer O’Charley’s T.G.I. Friday’s Osaka Japanese Grawemeyer’s Memphis Pizza Cafe Gus’s Pig-N-Whistle Happy Mexican Sekisui Hard Rock Cafe Silver Caboose Havana’s Pilon Stix Huey’s Vinegar Jim’s Itta Bena Wolf River Cafe King’s Palace Cafe CORDOVA Kooky Canuck Bahama Breeze Little Tea Shop Bombay House Local Bonefish Grill McEwen’s on Monroe Brazil Flavor The Majestic Butcher Shop Marmalade Cafe Fontana Mesquite Chop House Cheddar’s Mollie Fontaine Lounge Chili’s The Office@Uptown Corky’s Onix East End Grill Oshi Burger Bar El Mezcal Paulette’s El Porton Pearl’s Oyster House T.G.I. Friday’s Rendezvous Flying Saucer Rizzo’s Diner Green Bamboo Rum Boogie Cafe Gus’s Silky O’Sullivan’s Happy Mexican South of Beale Hunan Palace Spaghetti Warehouse Huey’s Spindini J. Alexander’s The Terrace Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafe Texas de Brazil & Honky Tonk Tugs

Twilight Sky Terrace Westy’s EAST MEMPHIS Acre Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen Asian Palace Bangkok Alley Belmont Grill Blue Plate Cafe Booksellers Bistro Broadway Pizza Brookhaven Pub & Grill Buckley’s Fine Filet Grill Carrabba’s Italian Grill Casablanca Central B B Q Chili’s Ciao Bella City East Corky’s Dixie Cafe El Mezcal El Porton Folk’s Folly Fox & Hound Fratelli’s The Grove Grill Half Shell Hog & Hominy Houston’s Huey’s Interim Erling Jensen Jim’s Place Las Delicias Lynchburg Legends Dan McGuinness Pub Marciano Mayuri Indian Cuisine Mellow Mushroom Memphis Pizza Cafe Mortimer’s Mosa Asian Bistro Napa Cafe Neil’s New Hunan Old Venice On the Border One & Only BBQ Patrick’s Porcellino’s Craft Butcher Rafferty’s Sekisui Pacific Rim Skewer Soul Fish Cafe Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe Three Little Pigs Whole Foods Market GERMANTOWN Belmont Grill Chili’s City East Elfo Grisanti‘s El Porton Exlines’ Best Pizza Germantown Comm. Maui Brick Oven Mellow Mushroom Memphis Pizza Cafe Mesquite Chop House New Asia Petra Cafe Royal Panda Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Wine Bar Sakura Soul Fish Cafe West Street Diner MEDICAL CENTER Arepa & Salsa The Cupboard Evelyn & Olive Kudzu’s Tops Bar-B-Q Trolley Stop Market MIDTOWN Abyssinia Alchemy

Aldo’s Pizza Pies Alex’s Applebee’s Babalu Tacos and Tapas Bar DKDC Bar Louie Bar-B-Q Shop Bari Barksdale Restaurant Bayou Bar & Grill Beauty Shop Belly Acres Bhan Thai Boscos Squared Bounty on Broad Broadway Pizza House The Brushmark Cafe 1912 Cafe Eclectic Cafe Ole Cafe Palladio Cafe Society Celtic Crossing Central B B Q Chiwawa The Cove Cozy Corner The Crazy Noodle The Cupboard Dino’s Ecco El Mezcal Evergreen Grill Fino’s from the Hill Frida’s Fuel Cafe Golden India Greencork Huey’s Imagine Vegan Cafe India Palace Jasmine Thai Java Cabana Lafayette’s Music Room LBOE Local Memphis Pizza Cafe Midtown Crossing Grille Molly’s La Casita Mulan Chinese Bistro Murphy’s Old Zinnie’s Otherlands Outback Steakhouse P & H Cafe Pei Wei Asian Diner Pho Binh Pho Saigon Restaurant Iris Robata Ramen & Yakitori Bar Saigon Le Schweinehaus The Second Line Sekisui The Slider Inn Soul Fish Cafe Stone Soup Strano Sicilian Kitchen Sweet Grass Tart Three Angels Diner Tsunami Young Avenue Deli NORTH MISSISSIPPI Ajax Diner Applebee’s Blue and White Blue Daze Bistro Bonne Terre Chili’s City Grocery Colton’s Steakhouse Como Steakhouse Corky’s Fox & Hound Huey’s Lee’s Family Restaurant Logan’s Roadhouse Lost Pizza McEwen’s

Memphis Barbecue Company Memphis Pizza Cafe Mesquite Chop House Nagoya O’Charley’s Olive Garden Oska Japanese Cuisine Outback Steakhouse Ravine Red Lobster Sekisui Wadford’s Grill and Bar PARKWAY VILLAGE/ FOX MEADOWS Blue Shoe Bar & Grill Leonard’s Jack Pirtle’s Chicken Three Little Pigs Bar-B-Q POPLAR/I-240 Amerigo Benihana Blue Plate Cafe Brooklyn Bridge Capital Grille, The P.F. Chang’s Chipotle Exlines’ Best Pizza 4Dumplings Fleming’s Frank Grisanti’s Happy Mexican Mister B Olive Garden One & Only BBQ Owen Brennan’s Pyro’s Fire-Fresh Pizza Red Koi River Oaks Rock’n Dough Pizza Ruth’s Chris Salsa Seasons 52 Sekisui Wang’s Mandarin House RALEIGH Exline’s Best Pizza SOUTH MEMPHIS Coletta’s The Four Way Interstate Bar-B-Q Jack Pirtle’s Chicken SUMMER/BERCLAIR Bryant’s The Cottage Edo Elwood’s Shack High Pockets High Point Pizza La Taqueria Guadalupana Lotus Nagasaki Inn Orr Restaurant Pancho’s Panda Garden Tops Bar-B-Q WEST MEMPHIS/ EASTERN ARK. The Cupboard Pancho’s Sammy Hagar’s Red Rocker Bar & Grill WHITEHAVEN Hong Kong Marlowe’s WINCHESTER Cheddar’s East End Grill Formosa Half Shell Happy Mexican Huey’s Logan’s Roadhouse Olive Garden Red Lobster Ruby Tuesday T.G.I. Friday’s T J Mulligan’s Tops Bar-B-Q Tycoon

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CIT Y DINING LIST EL MEZCAL—Serves burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, and other Mexican cuisine, as well as shrimp dinners and steak. 402 Perkins Extd. 761-7710; 694 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 755-1447; 1492 Union. 274-4264; 11615 Airline Rd. (Arlington). 867-1883; 9045 Highway 64 (Lakeland). 3834219; 7164 Hacks Cross Rd. (Olive Branch). 662-890-3337; 8834 Hwy. 51 N. (Millington). 872-3220; 7424 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 417-6026; 9947 Wolf River (Collierville) 853-7922. L, D, X, $ 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; 65 S. Highland, Poplar Plaza. 452-7330; 1805 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 624-9358; 1016 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-5770. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ ELFO GRISANTI’S—Specializing in homemade northern Italian cuisine, including pasta, fish, beef and nightly specials. Closed Sun. 2285 S. Germantown Rd. 753-4017. D, X, $-$$$ ERLING JENSEN—Presents “globally inspired” cuisine: specialties are rack of lamb, big game entrees,and fresh fish dishes. 1044 S. Yates. 763-3700. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ EVELYN & OLIVE—Jamaican/Southern fusion cuisine includes such dishes as Kingston stew fish, Rasta Pasta, and Jamaican jerk wings. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun.Mon. 630 Madison. 748-5422. L, D, X, $ EXLINES’ BEST PIZZA—Serves pizza, Italian dinners, sandwiches, and salads. 2935 Austin Peay. 388-4711; 6250 Stage Rd.(Bartlett). 382-3433; 2801 Kirby Parkway. 7540202; 7730 Wolf River Blvd.(Germantown). 753-4545; 531 W. Stateline Rd. 662-342-4544 (check online for additional locations). L, D, X, $ 4DUMPLINGS—Chicken with celery and pork with Napa cabbage are among the hand-made dumpling varieties; also serves Asian tacos, and noodle and rice meals. Closed Sunday. 6515 Poplar. 762-4184. L, D, X, $ THE FARMER—Serving upscale Southern cuisine, with a focus on locally grown ingredients. Among the specialties are pan-seared catfish, slow-cooked pot roast, and braised greens. Closed for dinner Sun.-Mon. 262 S. Highland. 324-2221. L, D, X, $-$$$ FELICIA SUZANNE’S—Southern cuisine with lowcountry, Creole, and Delta influences, using regional fresh seafood, local beef, and locally grown foods. Entrees include shrimp and grits. Closed Sun. and Mon. Brinkley Plaza, 80 Monroe, Suite L1. 523-0877. L (Fri. only), D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ FERRARO’S PIZZERA & PUB—Rigatoni bolognese and capellini pomodoro are among the pasta entrees here, along with pizzas (whole or by the slice), with a variety of toppings. 111 Jackson. 522-2033. L, D, X, $-$$ FIREBIRDS—Specialties are hand-cut steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, and wood-grilled salmon and other seafood, as well as seasonal entrees. 8470 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 379-1300; 4600 Merchants Circle, Carriage Crossing (Collierville). 8501637. L, D, X, $-$$$ FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves wet-aged and dry-aged steaks, prime beef, chops, and seafood, including salmon, Australian lobster tails, and a catch of the day. 6245 Poplar. 761-6200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR—Serves steaks and seafood, along with such specialties as pork rib-eye and roasted duck, all matched with appropriate wines; also gourmet plate lunches. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 3 9 S. Main. 521-8005. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ 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, MRA, $-$$ FOLK’S FOLLY ORIGINAL PRIME STEAK HOUSE—Specializes in prime steaks, as well as lobster, grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, rack of lamb, and weekly specials. 551 S. Mendenhall. 762-8200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$ FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin cuisine, including broccoli beef, hot-and-sour soup, and spring rolls. Closed Monday. 6685 Quince. 753-9898. L, D, X, $-$$$ 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. Closed Monday. 998 Mississippi Blvd. 507-1519. L, D (call to check hours.), $ FRATELLI’S—Serves hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts, all with an Italian/Mediterranean flair. Closed Sunday. 750 Cherry Rd., Memphis Botanic Garden. 7669900. L, X, $ FRIDA’S—Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex standards, including chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas; seafood includes shrimp and tilapia. 1718 Madison. 244-6196. L, D, X, $-$$

CASUAL DINING

These establishments offer American cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. While some serve ethnic entrees, the emphasis is on steaks, salads, sandwiches, pasta, fish and seafood. Also some soulfood and homestyle cooking. J. ALEXANDER’S—2670 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 381-9670. APPLEBEE’S—2114 Union Ave. 7257136; 2890 Bartlett Blvd. (Bartlett). 2135034; 710 DeSoto Cove (Horn Lake, MS). 662-772-5914; 7515 Goodman Rd. (Olive Branch, MS). 662-893-7555. AJAX DINER— 188 Courthouse Sq., Oxford, MS. 662-232-8880. BELLY ACRES—2102 Trimble Pl, 529-7017.. BLUE AND WHITE RESTAURANT—1355 US 61. Tunica, MS. 662-363-1371. BLUE PLATE CAFE—5469 Poplar. 761-9696; 113 S. Court. 523-2050. BLUE SHOE BAR & GRILL—Hotel Memphis, 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd. 362-6200. BON TON CAFE—150 Monroe. 525-0883. CAJUN CATFISH COMPANY—1616 Sycamore View Rd. 383-8958; 336 New Byhalia Rd. Collierville. 861-0122 CHEDDAR’S—7684 Winchester. 624-8881; 2147 N. Germantown Pkwy. 380-1119. CHILI’S—7810 Poplar (Germantown). 756-5203; 4609 Poplar. 685-2257; 8100 Giacosa Pl. 372-3132; 287 W. Goodman

Rd. (Southaven). 662-349-7002; 237 Market Blvd. (Collierville). 853-7520; 1260 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 756-7771; 8526 Highway 51 (Millington). 872-0555. COLTON’S STEAKHOUSE—8030 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 383-8445; 8051 Goodman Rd. (Olive Branch). 662-8904142. COMO STEAKHOUSE—203 Main St. Como, MS. 662-526-9529. THE COVE—2559 Broad Ave. 7300719. THE CUPBOARD—1400 Union. 276-8015 ELWOOD’S SHACK— 4523 Summer. 761-9898. EVERGREEN GRILL—1545 Overton Park. 249-2393. T.G.I. FRIDAY’S—185 Union, Double Tree Hotel. 523-8500; 176 E. Goodman Rd. (Southaven). 662-349-4223; 7733 Winchester Rd. 752-1369; 8325 Highway 64. 372-2539.. KEM’S RESTAURANT—2751 New Brunswick Rd., Holiday Inn & Suites. 2661952. LBOE—2021 Madison Ave. 725-0770. LOGAN’S ROADHOUSE—2710 N. Germantown Parkway. 381-5254; 5901 Poplar. 684-2272; 7755 Winchester Rd. 759-1430; 6685 Airways Blvd. (Southaven). 662-772-5015. MIDTOWN CROSSING GRILLE—394 N. Watkins. 443-0502. O’CHARLEY’S—6045 Stage Rd., #74. 373-5602 (Bartlett); 1040 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 754-6201; 357 W. Goodman Rd. 662-349-6663

FUEL CAFE—Focus is on natural “Americana” dishes with such specialties as bison burgers, grass-fed beef dishes, and wild-caught fish; also vegan and gluten-free entrees. Closed Sun.-Mon. 1761 Madison. 725-9025. L, D, X, $-$$ GERMANTOWN COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches; Mon.-night all-you-can-eat ribs. 2290 S. Germantown Rd. S. (Germantown). 754-5540. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ GOLDEN INDIA—Northern Indian specialties include tandoori chicken as well as lamb, beef, shrimp, and vegetarian dishes. 2 097 Madison. 728-5111. L, D, X, $-$$ GREEN BAMBOO—Pineapple tilapia, pork vermicelli, and the soft egg noodle combo are Vietnamese specialties here. 990 N. Germantown Parkway, #104 (Cordova). 753-5488. L, D, $-$$ GREENCORK—Wine-on-tap bar serves seasonal menu of modern Southern cuisine. Specialty is the picnic basket, which includes cheese truffles and daily selections of premium meats. Closed Sun.-Mon. 2156 Young Ave. 207-5281. D, X, $-$$

(Southaven); 656 W. Poplar (Collierville). 861-5811. THE OLIVE GARDEN—7778 Winchester. 624-2003; 8405 Highway 64, Wolfchase Galleria (Cordova). 377-3437; 6615 Airways (Southaven). 662-536-3350; 5679 Poplar, #1. 761-5711. OSHI BURGER BAR—94 s. Main. 341-2091. OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE— 1110 N. Germantown Parkway. 751-9800; 2255 Union Ave. 7285100; 125 W. Goodman Rd. (Southaven). 662-349-7488. MRA. RAFFERTY’S—4542 Poplar. 374-0096; 505 N. Germantown Pkwy. 755-4799. RUBY TUESDAY—1653 Sycamore View. 382-9280;7535 Winchester. 7556570. SIDECAR CAFE—2194 Whitten. 388-0285. SILVER CABOOSE—132 E. Mulberry (Collierville). 853-0010. SKIMO’S—1166 N. Houston Levee. 756-5055. MRA. SOUL FISH CAFE—862 S. Cooper. 725-0722; 3160 Village Shops Dr.(Germantown). 755-6988. 4720 Poplar. 590-0323. MRA. SPAGHETTI WAREHOUSE ITALIAN GRILL—40 W. Huling. 521-0907. TUGS—River Inn, 51 Harbor Town Square. 260-3344. MRA. VINEGAR JIM’S—12062 Forrest (Arlington). 867-7568. WOLF RIVER CAFE—460 Main St. (Rossville). 853-2586.

GRIDLEY’S—Offers barbecued ribs, shrimp, pork plate, chicken, and hot tamales; also daily lunch specials. Closed Tues. 6842 Stage Rd. (Bartlett). 377-8055. L, D, X, $-$$ FRANK GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT— Northern Italian favorites include pasta with jumbo shrimp and mushrooms; also seafood, fillet mignon, and daily lunch specials. Closed for lunch Sunday. Embassy Suites Hotel, 1022 S. Shady Grove. 761-9462. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ RONNIE GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT— This Memphis institution serves some family classics such as Elfo’s Special and chicken ravioli, along with lighter fare and changing daily chef selection. Closed Sun. Sheffield Antiques Mall, 684 W. Poplar (Collierville). 850-0191. L (Mon.-Sat.), D (Thurs.Sat.), X, $-$$$ THE GROVE GRILL—Offers steaks, chops, seafood, and other American cuisine with Southern and global influences; entrees include crab cakes, and shrimp and grits. 4550 Poplar. 818-9951. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN—Serves chicken with signature spicy batter, along with homemade beans, slaw, and pies. 310 S. Front. 527-4877; 215 S. Center St. (Collierville). 853-6005; 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy.

COFFEEHOUSES/BOOKSTORE CAFES

In addition to gourmet coffees and drinks, these eateries generally serve pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads, and some have a wider range of menu items. AVENUE COFFEE—786 Echles. 454-3348. BARNES & NOBLE BOOKSELLERS— 2774 N. Germantown Pkwy. 386-2468; 4610 Merchants Park Cl. (Collierville). 853-3264. BELLA CAFFE—Pink Palace Museum, 3050 Central. 3206320 BLUFF CITY COFFEE—505 S. Main. 405-4399. THE BOOKSELLERS AT LAURELWOOD— 387 Perkins Extd. 683-9801. CARITAS VILLAGE COFFEE SHOP— 2509 Harvard. 327-5246. CENTER FOR SOUTHERN FOLKLORE— 123 S. Main at Peabody Trolley Stop. 525-3655.

CITY AND STATE—2625 Broad. 249-2406. JAVA CABANA—2170 Young. 272-7210. MUDDY’S GRIND HOUSE—585 S. Cooper. 683-8844. OTHERLANDS—641 S. Cooper. 278-4994. MRA. QAHWA COFFEE BAR—Claridge House, 109 N. Main.800-2227. REPUBLIC COFFEE—2924 Walnut Grove. 590-1578. SQUARE BEANS ESPRESSO + GELATO— 103 N. Center St. (Collierville). 854-8855. STARBUCKS—1850 Union Ave. 729-4288; 3388 Poplar. 320-1021; 5201 Poplar. 818-9954; 2955 Kirby Whitten (Bartlett), 266-2497; 180 Goodman Rd. E. (Southaven). 662-349-0342; 8140 Goodman Rd. (Olive Branch). 662-890-9507. For more listings, check online. TAMP & TAP—122 Gayoso. 207-1053 THE UGLY MUG— 4610 Poplar. 552-3165. J U N E 2 0 1 5 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 89

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CIT Y DINING LIST CLUBS/PUBS/SPORTS BARS

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2865 Kirby Pkwy (One Block North off of 385) · p901.756.1993 · f901.757.0275 Monday - Thursday · 9am-10pm · Friday - Saturday · 9am-11pm

From Beale Street night spots to neighborhood bars/grills, these places dish out a variety of food. Many offer live entertainment, and patrons can’t miss the large-screen TVs. ALEX’S TAVERN—1445 Jackson. 278-9086. ALFRED’S—197 Beale. 525-3711. MRA. B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB— 143 Beale. 524-5464. MRA. BEALE STREET TAP ROOM—168 Beale St. 576-2220. BELMONT GRILL—4970 Poplar. 767-0305; 9102 Poplar Pike (Germantown). 624-6001. MRA. BLIND BEAR SPEAKEASY— 119 S. Main, Pembroke Square. 417-8435. BLUE MONKEY—2012 Madison. 272-2583; 513 S. Front. 5276665. BLUES CITY CAFE—138 Beale at Second. 526-3637. MRA. BROOKHAVEN PUB & GRILL—695 W. Brookhaven Circle. 680-8118. MRA. BUFFALO WILD WINGS—3448 Poplar. 324-9225; 3770 Hacks Cross Rd. 737-9463; 7188 Airways (Southaven). 662-349-7776; 8385 Highway 64. 380-9294. DOUBLE J SMOKEHOUSE & SALOON—124 E. G.E. Patterson. 347-2648. EARNESTINE & HAZEL’S— 531 S. Main. 523-9754. MRA. EAST END GRILL—7547 Highway 64. 937-1392; 7956 Winchester Rd. 432-4256. MRA. FLYING SAUCER DRAUGHT EMPORIUM—130 Peabody Place. 523-7468; 1400 Germantown Pkwy. 755-5530. MRA. FLYNN’S RESTAURANT & BAR— 159 Beale St. 523-1940. FOX AND HOUND ENGLISH PUB & GRILL—847 Exocet Dr. 624-9060; 5101 Sanderlin Ave. 763-2013; 6565 Town Center Crossing (Southaven). 662-536-2200. GRAWEMEYER’S—520 S. Main. 800-1553. HADLEY’S PUB—2779 Whitten Rd. 266-5006. HARD ROCK CAFE— 126 Beale. 529-0007. HIGH POINT PUB—477 High Point Terrace. 452-9203. HUEY’S—1927 Madison. 726-4372; 1771 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 754-3885; 77 S. Second. 527-2700; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-4455; 7090 Malco Blvd. (Southaven). 662-3497097; 7825 Winchester. 624-8911; 4872 Poplar. 682-7729; 7677 Farmington Blvd. (Germantown). 318-3030. MRA. JERRY LEE LEWIS’ CAFE & HONKY TONK—310 Beale St. 654-5171. KING’S PALACE CAFE— 162 Beale. 521-1851. MRA. KUDZU’S—603 Monroe. 525-4924. MRA. MEMPHIS SPORTS PUB— 5012 Park Ave. 767-8632. MIDTOWN CROSSING GRILLE—394 N. Watkins. 443-0502. MURPHY’S—1589 Madison. 726-4193. MRA. NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM—5727 Quince Rd. 682-2300. OLD ZINNIE’S— 1688 Madison. 726-5004. PATRICK’S— 4972 Park Ave. 682-2852. MRA. P & H CAFE—1532 Madison. 726-0906. ROCKHOUSELIVE—2586 Poplar. 324-6300. 5709 Raleigh LaGrange. 386-7222. R.P. TRACKS— 3547 Walker. 327-1471. RUM BOOGIE CAFE— 182 Beale. 528-0150. SAMMY HAGAR’S RED ROCKER BAR & GRILL— Southland Park, 1550 North Ingram Blvd. (West Memphis). 872735-3670. SILKY O’SULLIVAN’S— 183 Beale St. 522-9596. MRA. THE SILLY GOOSE— 100 Peabody Place. 435-6915. THE SLIDER INN— 2117 Peabody. 725-1155. SOUTH OF BEALE— 361 S. Main. 526-0388. T J MULLIGAN’S—6534 Quince. 753-8056; 8071 Trinity Rd. (Cordova). 756-4480; 2821 N. Houston Levee Rd. 377-9997; 1817 Kirby Pkwy. 755-2481. UBEE’S—521 S. Highland. 323-0900 WADFORD’S GRILL & BAR—474 Church Rd. (Southaven). 662-510-5861. WESTY’S—346 N. Main. 543-3278 . THE WINDJAMMER— 786 E. Brookhaven Cl. 683-9044.

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CIT Y DINING LIST (Cordova). 373-9111; 730 S. Mendenhall. 767-2323; 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN. 901-294-2028. L, D, X, MRA, $ HALF SHELL—Specializes in seafood, such as King crab legs; also serves steaks, chicken, pastas, salads, sandwiches, a ”voodoo menu,” and weekend brunch; oyster bar at Winchester location. 688 S. Mendenhall. 682-3966; 7825 Winchester. 737-6755. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ HAPPY MEXICAN—Serves quesadillas, burritos, chimichangas, vegetable and seafood dishes, and more. 385 S. Second. 529-9991; 6080 Primacy Pkwy. 683-0000; 7935 Winchester. 751-5353. L, D, X, $ HAVANA’S PILON—Tiny eatery serving Cuban cuisine, including fried plantains in a pilon topped with shrimp, ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce), roasted pork, and a Cuban sandwich. Closed Sunday. 143 Madison. 527-2878. L, D, X, $ HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and sides. Closed Monday. 477 High Point Terrace. 452-3339. L, D, , X $-$$ HOG & HOMINY—The casual sister to Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen serves brick-oven-baked pizzas and small plates with everything from meatballs to beef and cheddar hotdogs; also offers house-made sausages, and local veggies. Closed for lunch Mon. 707 W. Brookhaven Cl. 207-7396. L, D, SB, X, $-$$ HONG KONG—Cantonese and Mandarin standards are sweet-and-sour chicken, and pepper beef. Closed Sunday. 3966 Elvis Presley. 396-0801. L, D, X, $ HOUSTON’S—Serves steaks, seafood, pork chops, chicken dishes, sandwiches, salads, and soups, 5000 Poplar. 683-0915. L, D, X $-$$$ IMAGINE VEGAN CAFE—Dishes range from salads and sandwiches to full dinners, breakfast items served all day. 2299 Young. 654-3455. L, D, SB, X, $ INDIA PALACE—Tandoori chicken, lamb shish kabobs, chicken tikka masala are among the entrees; also, vegetarian options and a daily lunch buffet. 1720 Poplar. 278-1199. L, D, X, $-$$ INTERIM—Offers American-seasonal cuisine with emphasis on local foods and fresh fish; macaroni and cheese is a house specialty. Closed for lunch Sat. 5040 Sanderlin, Suite 105. 818-0821. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ INTERSTATE BAR-B-Q—Specialties include chopped pork-shoulder sandwiches, ribs, hot wings, spaghetti, chicken, and turkey. 2 265 S. Third. 775-2304; 150 W. Stateline Rd. (Southaven). 662-393-5699. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ ITTA BENA—Southern and Cajun-American cuisine served here; specialties are filet Oscar and shrimp and grits, along with steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta. 145 Beale St. 578-3031. D, MRA, X, $$-$$$  JASMINE THAI AND VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT—Entrees include panang chicken, green curry shrimp,and pad thai (noodles, shrimp, and peanuts); also vegetarian dishes. Closed Mon.-Tues. 916 S. Cooper. 725-0223. L, D, X, $ JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q—Serves barbecued pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, and fish, along with other homemade Southern specialties. 2 359 N. Germantown Pkwy. 388-0998. L, D, X, $-$$ JIM’S PLACE/JIM’S PLACE GRILLE—Features American, Greek, and Continental cuisine with such entrees as pork tenderloin, several seafood specialties, and hand-cut charcoal-grilled steaks. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 518 Perkins Extd. 766-2030; 3660 Houston Levee (Collierville). 861-5000. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ JOE’S CRAB SHACK—Serves a variety of seafood, along with chicken, steak, and pasta. 7990 Horizon Center Blvd. 384-7478. L, D, X, $-$$$ JUST FOR LUNCH—Serves sandwiches, quiche, salads, fresh fish including fried oysters, daily specials, and homemade rolls. Closed Sunday. 3092 Poplar, Chickasaw Oaks Plaza. 3233287. L, D (Thurs. only), X, MRA, $-$$ KOOKY CANUCK— Offers prime rib, catfish, and burgers, including the 4-lb. “Kookamonga”; also late-night menu. 97 S. Second. 578-9800; 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy. 1-8002453 L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ 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, $ LA PLAYITA MEXICANA—Specializes in seafood and Mexican entrees, including red snapper, tilapia, oysters, chimichangas, tostados, and taco salad. 6194 Macon (Bartlett). 377-2282. L, D, X, $-$$ LA TAQUERIA GUADALUPANA—Fajitas and quesadillas are just a few of the authentic Mexican entrees offered here. 4 818 Summer. 685-6857. L, D, $

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CIT Y DINING LIST LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM—Popular in the 1970s for bringing name musical acts to Memphis (including Billy Joel), Lafayette’s reopens, serving such Southern cuisine as po boys and shrimp and grits, as well as wood-fired pizzas. 2119 Madison. 207-5097. L, D, X, $ LAS DELICIAS—Popular for its guacamole, house-made tortilla chips, and margaritas, this restaurant draws diners with its chicken enchiladas, meat-stuffed flautas, and Cuban torta with spicy pork. Closed Sunday. 4002 Park Ave. 458-9264; 5689 Quince. 800-2873. L, D, X, $ LAS TORTUGAS DELI MEXICANA—Authentic Mexican food prepared from local food sources; specializes in tortugas — grilled bread scooped out to hold such fillings as brisket, pork, and shrimp; also tingas tostados and such sides as steamed corn. Closed Sunday. 1215 S. Germantown Rd. 7511200. L, D, X, $-$$ LEONARD’S—Serves wet and dry ribs, barbecue sandwiches, spaghetti, and catfish; also a lunch and dinner buffet. 5465 Fox Plaza. 360-1963. L, D (Fri.-Sat.), X, MRA, $-$$ 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 GASTROPUB—Eclectic entrees with a focus on locally grown products include lobster mac-and-cheese and double-cut pork loin. 95 S. Main. 473-9573; 2126 Madison. 725-1845. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ LOS COMPADRES—Serves enchiladas, burritos, tamales, tacos, and vegetarian dishes; also Cuban entrees. 3295 Poplar. 458-5731. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, $-$$ LOTUS—Authentic Vietnamese-Asian fare, including lemongrass chicken and shrimp, egg rolls, Pho soup, and spicy Vietnamese vermicelli. 4970 Summer. 682-1151. D, X, $ LYNCHBURG LEGENDS—This restaurant with a Jack Daniels’ theme and Southern cuisine serves such entrees as Bourbon Street salmon, buttermilk-fried chicken, and grilled steak and wild mushroom salad. D ouble Tree Hotel, 5069 Sanderlin. 969-7777. B, L, D, X, $- $$$ THE MAJESTIC GRILLE—Housed in a former silentpicture house, features aged steaks, fresh seafood, and such specialties as roasted chicken and grilled pork tenderloin; offers a pre-theatre menu and classic cocktails. 145 S. Main. 522-8555. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ MARCIANO MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALIAN CUISINE—Rack of lamb with roasted potatoes and demiglaze is among the entrees; also steaks, seafood, and gourmet pizza. 780 Brookhaven Cl. 682-1660. D, X, $-$$  MARLOWE’S—In addition to its signature barbecue and ribs, Marlowe’s serves Southern-style steaks, chops, lasagne, and more. 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd. 332-4159. D, X, $-$$ MARMALADE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE— Southern homestyle entrees include catfish, honey-baked ham, steaks, and shrimp, all with a choice of three vegetables. Closed Sun. and Mon. 153 G.E. Patterson. 522-8800. D, X, $ MAUI BRICK OVEN— Serving an all-gluten-free menu with grain bowls, pizzas, and more. Among the specialties: the vegan Barefoot Bowl and the Paradise Pesto Pizza. 7850 Poplar. 505-2525. L, D, X, $-$$ 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, $-$$ MCEWEN’S ON MONROE—Southern/American cuisine with international flavors; specialties include steak and seafood, sweet potato-crusted catfish with macaroni and cheese, and more. Menus and hours vary at each location. 120 Monroe. 527-7085; 1110 Van Buren (Oxford). 662-234-7003. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $$-$$$ DAN MCGUINNESS PUB—Serves fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers, and other Irish and American fare; also lunch and dinner specials. 4698 Spottswood. 761-3711; 3964 Goodman Rd. 662-890-7611. L, D, WB (Spottswood), X, $ MEDALLION—Offers steaks, seafood, chicken, and pasta entrees. Closed for dinner Sunday. 3700 Central, Holiday Inn (Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality). 678-1030. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ MELLOW MUSHROOM—Large menu includes assortment of pizzas, salads, calzones, hoagies, vegetarian options, and 50 beers on tap. 9155 Poplar, Shops of Forest Hill (Germantown). 907-0243; 5138 Park Ave. 562-1211. L, D, X, $-$$

MEMPHIS BARBECUE COMPANY—Offers spare ribs, baby backs, and pulled pork and brisket, along with such sides as mac and cheese, grits, and red beans. 709 Desoto Cove, Horn Lake (MS). 662-536-3762. L, D, X, $-$$ MEMPHIS PIZZA CAFE—Homemade pizzas are specialties; also serves sandwiches, calzones, and salads. 2087 Madison. 726-5343; 5061 Park Ave. 684-1306; 7604 W. Farmington (Germantown). 753-2218; 797 W. Poplar (Collierville). 861-7800; 5627 Getwell (Southaven). 662-5361364. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ 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). 662890-2467; 88 Union. 527-5337; 3165 Forest Hill-Irene (Germantown). 249-5661. D, SB (Germantown), X, $$-$$$ MISTER B—Features New Orleans-style seafood and steaks. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 6655 Poplar, #107. 7515262. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ MOLLIE FONTAINE LOUNGE—Specializes in tapas (small plates) featuring global cuisine. Closed Sun.-Tues. 679 Adams Ave. 524-1886. D, X, MRA, $ MOLLY’S LA CASITA—Homemade tamales, fish tacos, a vegetarian combo, and bacon-wrapped shrimp are a few of the specialties. 2006 Madison. 726-1873. L, D, X, MRA, $ MORTIMER’S—Contemporary American entrees include trout almondine, several chicken dishes, and hand-cut steaks; also sandwiches, salads, and daily/ nightly specials. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 590 N. Perkins. 761-9321. L, D, X, $-$$ MOSA ASIAN BISTRO—Specialties include sesame chicken, Thai calamari, rainbow panang curry with grouper fish, and other Pan Asian/fusion entrees. 850 S. White Station Rd. 683-8889. L, D, X, $ MULAN—Hunan Chicken, tofu dishes, and orange beef served here; some sushi, too. 2059 Houston Levee (Collierville). 850-5288; 2149 Young. 347-3965. L, D, X, $-$$ NAGASAKI INN—Chicken, steak, and lobster are among the main courses; meal is cooked at your table. 3951 Summer. 4540320. D, X, $$ NAGOYA—Offers traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi bar; specialties are teriyaki and tempura dishes. 7075 Malco Blvd., Suite 101 (Southaven). 662-349-8788. L, D, X, $-$$$  NAM KING—Offers luncheon and dinner buffets, dim sum, and such specialties as fried dumplings, pepper steak, and orange chicken. 4594 Yale. 373-4411. L, D, X, $  NAPA CAFE—Among the specialties are scallops with oxtail dumplings; focus on organic meat and seafood. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 5101 Sanderlin, Suite 122. 683-0441. L, D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ NEW ASIA—Specializing in authentic Chinese food, including roast Peking duck. 2075 Exeter, Suite 90. 758-8388. L, D, X, $ NEW HUNAN—Chinese eatery with more than 80 entrees;also lunch/dinner buffets. 5052 Park. 766-1622. L, D, X, $ THE OFFICE@UPTOWN— Offering sandwiches, wraps, pizza, soups, salads, and several vegetarian options. Closed Sunday. 594 N. Second St. 522-1905. B, L, D, X, $ OLD VENICE PIZZA CO.— Specializes in “eclectic Italian,” from pastas, including the “Godfather,” to hand-tossed pizzas, including the “John Wayne”; choose from 60 toppings. 368 Perkins Ext. 767-6872. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$ ON THE BORDER—Dishes out such Tex-Mex specialties as fajitas and Southwest chicken tacos; also fresh grilled seafood specials. 8101 Giacosa Pl. (Cordova).881-0808 ; 4552 Poplar. 763-0569; 6572 Airways (Southaven). 662-655-4750. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $ 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, and more. 1779 Kirby Pkwy. 751-3615; 567 Perkins Extd. 2494227. L, D, X, $ ONIX RESTAURANT—Serves American seafood and pasta dishes. Closed for lunch Sat., all day Sun., and for dinner Mon. 412 S. Main. 552-4609. L, D, X, $-$$ ORR RESTAURANT—Serves Mediterranean/African cuisine, such as lamb Kowzi flavored with raisins and roasted nuts and served with white bean soup. 661 N. Mendenhall, Suite 101. 275-8692. L, D, X, $-$$ OSAKA JAPANESE CUISINE— Featuring an extensive sushi menu as well as traditional Japanese and hibachi dining. Hours vary for lunch; call. 3670 Houston Levee (Collierville). 861-4309; 3402 Poplar. 249-4690; 7164 Hacks Cross. 662890-9312; 2200 N. Germantown Pkwy. 425-4901. L, D, X, $-$$$ OWEN BRENNAN’S—New Orleans-style menu of beef, chicken, pasta, and seafood; jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and

crawfish etouffee are specialties. Closed for dinner Sunday. The Regalia, 6150 Poplar. 761-0990. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ PANCHO’S—Serves up a variety of Mexican standards, including tacos, enchiladas, and mix-and-match platters; also lunch specials. 3600 E. Broadway (West Memphis). 870-7356466. 717 N. White Station. 685-5404. L, D, X, MRA, $ PANDA GARDEN—Sesame chicken and broccoli beef are among the Mandarin and Cantonese entrees; also seafood specials and fried rice. Closed for lunch Saturday. 3735 Summer. 3234819. L, D, X, $-$$ PASTA ITALIA—Northern Italian cuisine features homemade stuffed pastas; a specialty is rosetta al forno; also serves fish and steaks. Closed Sun.-Mon. 8130 Macon Station Dr., Suite 106. 751-0009. D, X, $$$-$$$$ PAULETTE’S—Presents fine dining with a Continental flair, including such entrees as filet Paulette with butter-pepper cream sauce and the famous K-pie; also changing daily specials. River Inn. 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3300. B, L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$ 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. 5229070. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$ PEI WEI ASIAN DINER—Serves a variety of Pan-Asian cuisine, including Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Thai. Noodle and rice bowls are specialties; a small plates menu also offered. 1680 Union Ave., #109. 722-3780; 2257 N. Germantown Pkwy. 382-1822. L, D, X, $-$$  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, $-$$$ PETRA CAFÉ—Serves Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern sandwiches, gyros, and entrees. Hours vary; call. 6641 Poplar Ave. (Germantown). 754-4440; 9155 Poplar (Germantown). 755-5440; 1560 Union. 505-2812. L, D, X, $-$$ PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO—Specialties are orange peel shrimp, Mongolian beef, and chicken in lettuce wraps; also vegetarian dishes, including spicy eggplant. 1181 Ridgeway Rd., Park Place Centre. 818-3889. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ PHO BINH—Vietnamese, vegetarian, and Cantonese specialties include lemon tofu and spring rolls. Closed Sunday. 1 615 Madison. 276-0006. L, D, $ PHO SAIGON—Vietnamese fare includes beef teriyaki, roasted quail, curry ginger chicken, vegetarian options, and a variety of soups. 2 946 Poplar. 458-1644. L, D, $ PIG-N-WHISTLE—Offers pork shoulder sandwiches, wet and dry ribs, catfish, nachos, and stuffed barbecue potatoes. 6084 Kerr-Rosemark Rd. 872-2455. L, D, X, $ PORCELLINO’S CRAFT BUTCHER—Small plates, charcuterie selections, house-made pastries, and innovative teas and coffees are offered at this combination butcher shop and restaurant featuring locally sourced menu items. 1711 W. Brookhaven Cl. 762-6656. B, L, X $-$$ PRESENTATION ROOM, THE—American bistro run by the students of L’Ecole Culinaire. Menu changes regularly; specialties may include such items as a filet with truffle mushroom ragu. Closed Fri.-Sun. 1245 N. Germantown Pkwy (Cordova). 754-7115. L, D, X, $-$$ PYRO’S FIRE-FRESH PIZZA—Serving gourmet pizzas cooked in an open-fire oven; wide choice of toppings; large local and craft beer selection. 1 199 Ridgeway. 379-8294; 2035 Union Ave. 208-8857; 2286 N. Germantown Pkwy. 207-1198. B, L, D, X, $ RAVINE—Serves contemporary Southern cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, locally grown foods and a menu that changes weekly. Closed Mon.-Tues. 53 Pea Ridge/County Rd. 321 (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, SB, X, $$-$$$ RED KOI—Classic Japanese cuisine offered at this family-run restaurant; hibachi steaks, sushi, seafood, chicken, and vegetables. 5847 Poplar. 767-3456. L, D, X $-$$ RED LOBSTER—Specializes in crab legs, lobster, and shrimp dishes; also pastas, salads, steaks, and chicken. 8161 Highway 64 (Cordova). 387-0056; 6535 Airways (Southaven). 662536-1960; 7750 Winchester. 759-9045. L, D, X, $-$$ RENDEZVOUS—Menu items include barbecued ribs, cheese plates, skillet shrimp, red beans and rice, and Greek salads. Closed Sun.-Mon. 52 S. Second. 523-2746. L (Fri.-Sat.), D, X, MRA, $-$$ RESTAURANT IRIS— French Creole cuisine includes shrimp and delta-grind grits, and New York strip stuffed with fried oysters and blue cheese. Closed Sun. 2146 Monroe. 590-2828. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ RIVER OAKS—A French-style bistro serving seafood and steaks, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Closed for

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CIT Y DINING LIST DELI DISH

Serving sandwiches and salads, burgers and bagels, wings and chicken, these are popular spots. BOGIE’S—715 S. Mendenhall. 761-5846. MRA; 2098 LaSalle Place. 272-0022. MRA; 80 Monroe. 525-6764; 2028 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-8555. CHEFFIE’S — 483 High Point Terrace. 343-0488. CHING’S HOT WINGS—1264 Getwell. 743-5545. CITY EAST BAGEL & GRILLE—6698 Poplar at Kirby. 754-2660. CITY MARKET— 66 S. Main. 729-6152. CORDELIA’S TABLE—737 Harbor Bend Rd. 526-4772. FINO’S FROM THE HILL—1853 Madison. 272-3466. MRA. HOLIDAY HAM—2087 Union. 881-6433; 585 Erin Dr. 7634499; 7652 Poplar (Germantown). 869-6650; 3750 Hacks Cross Rd. 624-4848 JASON’S DELI—1213 Ridgeway. 685-3333; 1585 Chickering (Cordova). 844-1840; 3473 Poplar. 324-3181. KWIK CHEK—2013 Madison. 274-9293. LENNY’S SUB SHOP—2893 Poplar. 320-0022; 7424 Stage Rd. 937-0800; 22 N. Front. 543-9230; 521 S. Highland. 454-7077; 2095 Exeter, Suite 30 (Germantown). 755-0750; 4970 Raleigh-LaGrange. 371-9979; 1016 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-8299; 4726 Spottswood. 202-4800; 4740 Showcase. 3684215; 8950 Hwy. 64 (Lakeland). 12 S. Cooper. 6300 Poplar, #111. 761-2403. MRA. LETTUCE EAT SALAD COMPANY—6641 Poplar, Suite 106. (Germantown), 552-5604. LUNCHBOX EATS—288 S. Fourth. 526-0820. LUCCHESI’S RAVIOLI—540 S. Mendenhall. 766-9922. MCALISTER’S DELI—3482 Plaza Ave. 452-6009; 7990 Trinity Rd. (Cordova). 737-7282; 7710 Poplar (Germantown). 753-1507; 975 580 S. Mendenhall. 763-2711; 3855 Hacks Cross. 881-6068; 6600 Stage Rd. (Bartlett). 213-3311. 9091 Poplar (Germantown) 756-5292. PANERA BREAD—714 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 754-5813; 4530 Poplar. 767-3116; 5865 Poplar, Ridgeway Trace. 683-9384; 7850 Poplar. 759-1439; 7501 Goodman Rd. (Olive Branch). 662-890-1985. PARADISE CAFE—6150 Poplar, Suite 120. 821-9600. JACK PIRTLE’S FRIED CHICKEN—3571 Lamar. 7941254; 2520 Mt. Moriah. 565-0203 SCHLOTZSKY’S DELI—4758 Poplar. 763-0741. UNCLE LOU’S FRIED CHICKEN—3633 Millbranch. 332-2367. WHOLE FOODS MARKET— 5014 Poplar. 685-2293. YOUNG AVENUE DELI—2119 Young. 278-0034. lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 5871 Poplar Ave. 683-9305. L, D, X, $$-$$$ RIVERFRONT BAR & GRILL—Beale Street Landing eatery serves Southern American specialties, including Tom Lee Catfish, and Tennessee Caviar, a fresh veggie salsa of black-eyed peas and cilantro with pimento cheese and toast points. Closed Monday. 251 Riverside Dr. 524-0817. L, X, $ RIZZO’S DINER—Chorizo meatloaf, lobster pronto puff, and brisket are menu items at this upscale diner, Closed for dinner Sun. and all day Mon. 492 S. Main. 304-6985. L, D, WB, X, $-$$ ROBATA RAMEN & YAKITORI BAR— Serves ramen noodle bowls and Yakitori skewers as well as rice and noodle dishes. 2116 Madison. 410-8290. D, WB, X, $-$$ ROCK’N DOUGH PIZZA CO.—Specialty and custom pizzas made from fresh ingredients; wide variety of toppings. 1243 Ridgeway. 435-6238. L, D, X, $$ ROMANO’S MACARONI GRILL—Serves Mediterranean-Italian cuisine, including hand-crafted pasta Milano and penne rustica, and create-your-own pasta; also steaks, seafood, and salads. 2859 N. Germantown Pk wy. (Cordova). 266-4565. L, D, X, $-$$ ROYAL PANDA—Hunan fish, Peking duck, Royal Panda chicken and shrimp, and a seafood combo are among the specialties. 3120 Village Shops Dr. (Germantown). 756-9697. L, D, X, $-$$ RUSSO’S NEW YORK PIZZERIA AND WINE BAR—Serves gourmet pizzas, calzones, and pasta, including lasagna, fettucine Alfredo, scampi, and more. 9087 Poplar, Suite 111. 755-0092. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE—Offers prime steaks cut and aged in-house, as well as lamb, chicken, and fresh

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seafood, including lobster. 6120 Poplar. 761-0055. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$ SAIGON LE—Vietnamese/Chinese specialties include calamari with ginger, and pork chops with mushrooms; vegetarian options too. Closed Sunday. 51 N. Cleveland. 276-5326. L, D, X, $-$$ SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties here. 2060 West St. (Germantown). 758-8181. 4840 Poplar. 572-1002. L, D, X, $-$$ SALSA—Mexican-Southern California specialties include carnitas, enchiladas verde, and fajitas; also Southwestern seafood dishes such as snapper verde. Closed Sun. Regalia Shopping Center, 6150 Poplar, Suite 129. 683-6325. L, D, X, $-$$ SCHWEINEHAUS— Serving Bavarian-influenced fare with a Southern twist; includes wurst platters, pork schnitzel, sauerbraten, and more; also a wide variety of beers. 2110 Madison. 347-3060. L, D, X, $-$$ SEASONS 52—This elegant fresh grill and wine bar offers a seasonally changing menu using fresh ingredients, wood-fire grilling, and brick-oven cooking; also a large international wine list and nightly piano bar. C rescent Center, 6085 Poplar. 6829952. L, D, X, $$-$$$ THE SECOND LINE—Kelly English brings “relaxed Creole cuisine” to his new eatery; serves a variety of po-boys and such specialties as barbecue shrimp, and andouille, shrimp, and pimento cheese fries. 2144 Monroe. 590-2829. L (Sat.-Sun. only), D, WB, X, $-$$ 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. 2 5 Belvedere. 725-0005;1884 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 309-8800; 4724 Poplar (between Perkins & Colonial). 767-7770; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-0622; 1255 Goodman Rd. (Horn Lake). 662-536-4404; 2990 Kirby-Whitten (Bartlett). 377-2727; 6696 Poplar. 747-0001. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$ SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT—Entrees include tempura, teriyaki, and sushi, as well as grilled fish and chicken entrees. 2 324 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 384-4122. L, D, X, $-$$ 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. (Bartlett). 377-2484. D, X, $-$$ SKEWER—Japanese yaikitori cuisine features bite-sized meat and vegetables served with dipping sauce, along with sushi, ramen, and donburi — rice bowls topped with a variety of foods. Closed Monday. 5101 Sanderlin, #105. 682-9919. L, D, X, $-$$$ SPINDINI—Italian fusion cuisine with such entrees as woodfired pizzas, gorgonzola stuffed filet, and fresh seafood; pizza specials on Mon.; large domestic whiskey selection. 383 S. Main. 578-2767. D, 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 (Collierville). 8543399. L, D, X, $-$$ STONE SOUP CAFE— Cooper-Young eatery serving soups, salads, quiche, pizza, and daily specials such as Italian roast beef. Closed Monday. 993 S. Cooper. 922-5314. B, L, SB, X, $ STRANO SICILIAN KITCHEN & BAR—Presenting a Sicilian/Mediterranean mix of Arab, Spanish, Greek, and North African fare, Strano serves small plates, hand-tossed pizzas, wood-grilled fish, and other specialties. Closed Mon. 948 S. Cooper. 275-8986. L, D, SB, X, $$-$$$ SWEET GRASS—Low-country coastal cuisine includes such specialties as shrimp and grits. Closed Mon. The restaurant’s “sister,” Sweet Grass Next Door, open nightly, serves lunch Sat.Sun. 937 S. Cooper. 278-0278. D, SB, X, $-$$$ TANNOOR GRILL—Brazilian-style steakhouse with skewers served tableside, along with Middle Eastern specialties;

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CIT Y DINING LIST F A S T- C A S U A L

Fresh cuisine prepared while you wait and served in an upscale setting. Not your typical fast-food restaurants, most serve beer, wine, and liquor. BONEHEADS—555 Perkins Extd. 746-8867. BURRITO BLUES MEXICAN—156 Beale. 528-1055. CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL—5865 Poplar, Ridgeway Trace. 416-1944. CREPE MAKER—4630 Merchants Park Cir., #731 (Collierville). 861-1981. GENGHIS GRILL—2362 N. Germantown Parkway. 584-0412; 7706 Winchester. 522-5048; 5849 Poplar, #117, Ridgeway Trace. 308-4040. HUMDINGERS—6300 Poplar. 260-8292; 1134 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 271-2912. MOE’S SOUTHWEST GRILL— 465 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 737-5058. 6300 Poplar Ave., #108. 685-5685; 3660 S. Houston Levee (Collierville). 457-7227. SWANKY’S TACO SHOP—6641 Poplar (Germantown). 737-2088. 4770 Poplar. 730-0763. MRA. TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE— 540 S. Mendenhall. 290-1091.

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vegetarian options also available. 830 N. Germantown Pkwy. 443-5222. L, D, X, $-$$$ TART—Combination patisserie, coffeehouse, and restaurant serving rustic French specialties, including baked eggs in brioche, topped with Gruyere, and french breads and pastries. 820 S. Cooper. 725-0091. B, L, WB, X, $ TERRACE—Creative American and Continental cuisine includes such entrees as filet mignon, beef or lamb sliders, five-spice salmon, and grilled vegetarian eggplant; also small plates. Rooftop, River Inn of Harbor Town, 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3366. D, X, $-$$ TEXAS DE BRAZIL—Serves beef, pork, lamb, and chicken dishes, and Brazilian sausage; also a 60-item gourmet salad area. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 103. 526-7600. L (Wed.-Fri.), D, SB, X, $$-$$$ THREE ANGELS ON BROAD—Global cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients; menu includes sandwiches burgers, pastas, seafood, and steaks. Closed for dinner Sun. and all day Mon. 2617 Broad Ave. 452-1111. L, D, SB, X, $-$$ THREE LITTLE PIGS—Pork-shoulder-style barbecue with tangy mild or hot sauce, freshly made cole slaw, and baked beans. 5145 Quince Rd. 685-7094. B, L, D, X, $ TOPS BAR B-Q—Specializes in pork barbecue sandwiches and sandwich plates with beans and slaw; also serves ribs, beef brisket, and burgers. 1286 Union. 725-7527. 4183 Summer. 324-4325; 5391 Winchester. 794-7936; 3970 Rhodes. 3239865; 6130 Macon. 371-0580. For more locations, go online. L, D, X, $ TROLLEY STOP MARKET—Serves plate lunches/dinners as well as pizzas, salads, and vegan/vegetarian entrees; a specialty is the locally raised beef burger. Also sells fresh produce and goods from local farmers. Saturday brunch; closed Sunday. 704 Madison. 526-1361. L, D, X, $ TSUNAMI—Features Pacific Rim cuisine (Asia, Australia, South Pacific, etc.); also a changing “small plate” menu. Specialties include Asian nachos and roasted sea bass. Closed Sunday. 928 S. Cooper. 274-2556. D, X, $$-$$$ TWILIGHT SKY TERRACE—Offers small plates of tostados, nachos, flatbreads, paninis; also hand-crafted cocktails and sweeping rooftop views of the downtown Memphis skyline. Open, weather permitting. The Madison Hotel, 79 Madison. 333-1224. L (Sat.-Sun.), D, WB.X, $ TYCOON—Among the Asian entrees are spicy garlic shrimp, Thai gumbo, and special house noodle soup. 3307 Kirby Parkway. 362-8788. B, L, D, X, $ WANG’S MANDARIN HOUSE—Offers Mandarin, Cantonese, Szechuan, and spicy Hunan entrees, including the golden-sesame chicken; next door is East Tapas, serving small plates with an Asian twist. 6065 Park Ave, Park Place Mall. 763-0676. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$ 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, MRA, $ ZAYTOON—Serves such Mediterranean cuisine as shish kebabs, falafel, hummus, and gyros. 694 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 754-6366. L, D, X, $ J U N E 2 0 1 5 • M E M P H I S M A G A Z I N E . C O M • 95

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LAST STAND

Alternate Route This road less traveled is one I hold dear.

when she couldn’t get out. In more recent years I’ve met others who call Pontotoc home. One is Frances, a sweet-faced

they’re hurt, and gladly accepts food from those willing to help. Young men often join Frances, settling into chairs or leaning in the doorway; some of them she’s known all their lives. “She like a second mother to me,” one said softly. “She give me something to eat when I ain’t got nothing. She also tell me to clean up my mess, go get a job.” Just up the block is a sadly ironic sight, Clayborn Temple, once a thriving COGIC church and a civil rights hub where Martin Luther King Jr. planned meetings and marches. Now for sale and in sorrowful disrepair, the

“fool for animals,” as she describes herself, whose smile could light up downtown. For awhile I’d drive slowly past as she sat in front of her apartment building on sunny afternoons. Soon I was pausing to chat and she’d tell me about the cats lounging nearby. She feeds them, nurses them if

grand old structure still serves a purpose some would consider holy: During the past bitter winter, homeless cats — and possibly humans — found shelter within its stone presence. On that same block is St. Patrick Catholic Learning Center; on Sundays its namesake

drive it every day, a rough little thoroughfare between Vance and M.L. King Drive. It runs just a few blocks, from Front Street to Orleans, near a ZIP code that’s one of the poorest in town. Here and there stand bright spots — an old hotel, neat homes with well-kept lawns, a new condo complex — and it’s only a block from FedExForum. But most of the street, indeed the neighborhood, fell victim to “urban renewal” that never came. Yet despite the neglect and poverty, the litter and the potholes, this road less traveled holds rewards for those who open their eyes and maybe their hearts. What first drew me some 20 years ago to Pontotoc Avenue — besides the advantage of fewer cars — was a handful of houses that had survived the wrecking ball. The structures still bore traces of architectural grandeur that graced affluent homes more than a century ago. One, an Italianate beauty at Pontotoc and Lauderdale, was owned by a lady I knew as Miss Jenny. I’d see her clipping her hollies and would stop to admire her roses. I’d ask about her dog Buddy, a sad, scruff y stray she couldn’t ignore. Miss Jenny lived there all her life. “This is my family’s home,” she once told me. “Why should I move?” Sure, she looked

When I pass Miss Jenny’s old house on a summer day and see a cardinal perching in the holly tree, I think of other summers when this neighborhood bloomed with promise and pride. askance at some of her neighbors — the ones who shot hoops in the street as their radios blared; the ones (she swore) who sold drugs while police looked the other way. But she also spoke kindly of a young woman who took her grocery shopping and picked up medicines for her

church dishes out soup and sandwiches to the hungry. Among them some days is a man Frances calls “Black.” She said before the weather got severely cold, he would sleep on the ground near the school with the cats, one of whom he was particularly fond, a pretty gray tabby known as Lady. I learned about this fondness only after a friend and I gained Lady’s trust and placed her at House of Mews. “I’ll miss her,” a woebegone Black declared. “I called her Silver. But I’m glad she’s safe. Got plenty more around here to feed.” And feed them he often does, from the supply Frances keeps on-hand. Short, bewhiskered, with a jagged-toothed smile, he told me he grew up in north Memphis, and has a brother and sister who cry when they see him and worry about his life on the street. He makes a little cash doing jobs here and there, “and usually,” he adds with a shrug, “I just like being outside.” Some friends raise eyebrows when I tell them about this street and suggest I switch to a “safer” route. But I feel no real danger on Pontotoc. When I pass Miss Jenny’s old house on a summer day and see a cardinal perching in the holly tree, I think of other summers when this neighborhood bloomed with promise and pride. When I pass Frances’ apartment, regulars greet me with a wave and a nod. And when I see vacant lots f lowering with Queen Anne’s lace, I think worse uses could be made of the land. At some point I’ll retire and won’t make the daily trek downtown. Till then — and probably afterward — I’ll keep up with Frances and friends and the cats that loll in the sunshine. This street was deserted once long ago. I won’t desert it now.

PHOTOGRAPH BY BG

by marilyn sadler

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