Nfocus August 2020

AUGUST 2020

BY HAND

The Men’s Issue

Local artisans share their craft and what it means to them

Get to know some of the most fascinating gentlemen in the city

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LARRY LARRY LARRY LIPMAN LIPMAN LIPMAN

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Contents August 2020 | Vol. xxvii, No. 8

features 16

departments

Model Behavior

12

Honoring 10 of the city’s most dashing philanthropists 29

14

By Hand

49

In Our Words 67

Better Burgers

54

Best Behavior Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

Behind the Scenes NewsChannel 5’s Lelan Statom opens up about the life of a TV anchor and meteorologist

Sampling seven of the best burgers in town

Nstyle Tasteful trends for the modern man from local makers and boutiques

Unveiling our inaugural men’s issue

Local artisans share their craft and what it means to them 41

59

68

Nretrospect Looking back at the history of St. Luke’s Community House

Step Inside Leiper’s Fork Distillery picks up where former landowner left off 110 years ago

Game On 56

Getting to know a Tennessee Titans linebacker, Nashville Predators winger, Nashville SC defender and Senior PGA golfer

Local Flavor

41

Fable Lounge offers enticing cocktails and food in a surreal setting

49 56

29

54 16

ON THE COVER

Caleb Woodard of Caleb Woodard Furniture photographed at his studio by Daniel Meigs. For more on Caleb and other local craftsmen, check out our By Hand feature on page 29.

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We tell your stories.

Want to become part of ours?

Created by society insiders in 1993, Nfocus is the most trusted source for coverage of Nashville’s vibrant philanthropic and social scene. Throughout our 27-year history, we have covered thousands of charitable events and the nonprofits they support, in addition to highlighting the city’s culinary, retail and cultural offerings. We showcase the very best that Nashville has to offer in every single print issue, as well as on our website, in our emails and on social media.

Our original content, produced monthly by a staff of local contributors exclusively for our publication, covers the latest

trends in fashion, dining, interior design, health and beauty, arts and culture, travel, weddings, food and wine and more. With a desire to shine a light on Nashville’s thriving philanthropic and business communities, we focus on the individuals, organizations and artisans that make Nashville so unique.

Want to become a part of the Nfocus story? Please consider making a donation, whether it’s recurring or one time only, and help ensure that Nashville, its people and its nonprofits continue getting the spotlight they deserve.

WE HAVE THREE MEMBERSHIP LEVELS AVAILABLE, EACH WITH PERKS FOR JOINING OUR TEAM.

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V I S I T M E M B E R S H I P. N F O C U S N A S H V I L L E . C O M | TO B E C O M E A M E M B E R TO D AY !

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Home Sweet Home Residents and their families trust Clarendale care.

Editorial

Herbert Fox, Jr. Nancy Floyd managing editor Jonathan Sims associate editor Holly Hoffman social correspondent Gloria Houghland contributors Beth Alexander, John Bridges, Whitney Clay, Geert De Lombaerde, Carrington Fox, Laura Hutson Hunter, Sandy Nelson, Ellen Pryor, Jennifer Puryear, Megan Seling, Abby White, Varina Willse founding editor editor-in-chief

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Production

graphic designers

Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck Christie Passarello

graphic designer /production coordinator

Marketing

events and marketing director

Olivia Moye Caroline Poole

promotions and marketing coordinator

Advertising

publisher

Jennifer Trsinar

Maggie Bond, Debbie DeBoer, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, William Shutes, Mike Smith, Stevan Steinhart, Keith Wright sales operations manager Chelon Hasty advertising solutions associates Emma Benjamin, Price Waltman advertising solutions consultants

Circulation Business

Owner

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

president Frank Daniels III chief financial officer Todd Patton IT director John Schaeffer FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusnashville.com. First-class subscriptions are available for $99 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call JENNIFER TRSINAR at 615-844-9261. Copyright ©2020 FW Publishing, LLC.

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If you’re considering buying or selling a house, condominium or investment property, call me.

IN O UR WO RD S

Let’s Hear It for the Boys Unveiling our inaugural men’s issue After 27 years in print, this is a first.

We’re dedicating this entire issue of Nfocus to the guys. A year ago, when our editorial team hatched the idea for an inaugural men’s issue, we didn’t think we’d be producing it in a pandemic. Nevertheless, we had a blast putting together something special for our devoted male readers (and we know there are plenty).

Ladies, don’t fret! There’s plenty in these pages to entertain and delight you, as well. Go behind the scenes with everyone’s favorite weatherman, Lelan Statom, on page 14. Or get to know some of the city’s fascinating professional athletes on page 49.

One thing we’re especially excited about is our all-male Model Behavior feature. For 16 years,

Richard

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Nfocus has honored local charities and philanthropists with this annual initiative. We’ve let the boys in a couple times over the years, but this month, we’re focusing solely on the men behind some of the city’s most important causes.

(Don’t worry. We’ll still be running our all-female Model Behavior feature next month!) Find out which guys made the cut on page 16.

If you’re interested in art and artisans, check out our By Hand story (page 29), which profiles some of the city’s top craftsmen. If you’re feeling hungry, don’t miss our piece on the best burgers in town (page 41). And if you’re looking for some fashion inspiration, look no further than page 59 for timeless styles from area boutiques and designers. Here’s to the boys!

BY NANCY FLOYD

Nancy is a reader of books, rider of bikes and lover of all things local. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Kyle, and beagle, Gus. Email her at nfloyd@nfocusmagazine.com.

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1206 Boulevard 1206Belle BelleMeade Meade Boulevard

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BEHIND THE SCENES

In the Newsroom NewsChannel 5’s Lelan Statom opens up about the life of a TV anchor and meteorologist Emmy Award-winning meteorologist and Talk of the Town co-host Lelan Statom has been helping Middle Tennesseans plan their days since he joined NewsChannel5 This Morning in 1999. He has an undeniable gift for taking something that is complicated and relaying it in a way the rest of us can understand.

Since coming to the station in 1993, Lelan has The Basics been the trusted voice that guided us through Name: Lelan A. Statom multiple natural disasProfession/Title: Senior ters, and in 2019, he was meteorologist and co-host named Broadcaster of of Talk of the Town, the Year by the National NewsChannel 5 Weather Association for Hometown: Dyersburg, TN his accurate and timely Zip Code: 37075 forecasts and his passion Years in Nashville: 27 for giving back to the Number of schools community. Active in his visited in 2019: 80+ church, Lee Chapel AME, and the Nashville Association of Black Journalists, he currently serves on the executive council for the Boy Scouts Middle Tennessee Council and the board of the Tennessee 4-H Foundation. And somehow, he finds time to speak to thousands of students across the Mid-South each year, which he hopes to do again soon.

As a kid, Lelan wanted to be an actor first and a reporter/anchor second. He focused on the latter while at the University of Tennessee and moved to weather while at a Knoxville station.

The shift wasn’t difficult, because growing up, he loved tracking the weather with his backyard weather station. The acting bug never left Lelan, though, and he’s also known for cameo appearances in productions for the Nashville Ballet, Nashville Repertory and TPAC. Now that NewsChannel 5 This Morning is doing team weather, Lelan can “sleep in” until 3 a.m. and get to the station by 4:15. We caught up with him to hear his most memorable Talk of the Town guest, the challenges of reporting on a natural disaster and the best advice he’s ever received.

BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

Who’s the most fascinating guest you’ve met on Talk of the Town? Dame Julie Andrews is among the tops on that list. Ahead of time, we were told not to ask to take pictures with her.

She quickly tossed that out and took pictures with many of us. She was so down-to-earth. The show celebrated its 35th anniversary in March, and its history has given us the opportunity to have a host of stars come to the studio. Close second for me: Patti LaBelle.

What’s one of the most interesting places you’ve been or things you’ve done during your time at NewsChannel 5? Outside of weather and being on the air long hours in severe weather, it would be flying to Chicago to interview Stephen Colbert before he took over as host of The Late Show. I was impressed he had taken the time to research a little about me that he mentioned during the interview.

What gives you strength when reporting a major disaster like the March 3 tornadoes?

It’s our hope that the information we’re delivering will save lives. There was an unfortunate loss of life that night, but the fatalities may have been much higher without detailed reports on those storms that occurred in the middle of the night.

What advice would you give to someone who wants a career as a meteorologist or in

broadcasting? This is easier for youth today, but be adept at reporting on different platforms: over the air, over the top, on the web and social media. Also, make sure you do an internship to have an understanding of how a newsroom operates. For those wanting to be a journalist, be a good writer. In other words, be a good storyteller.

What’s your favorite locally made product?

The Cupcake Collection!! I love them all, but my favorite is Blackout: lots of chocolate, of course.

Yolanda loves wedding cake, while our children like red velvet. My wife shares the owner’s (Mignon Francois) story of devotion at the end of the semester for one of her classes she teaches at Trevecca. Then, she gives them all cupcakes from there.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Viewers are won one handshake at a time.

What’s your favorite local event? Tennessee State Fair. It’s fun to spend an evening there with the family, and it takes me back to fun childhood memories at the Dyer County Fair and my time in 4-H. What’s the one thing you hope never changes in Nashville? Friendly people

>>

For the full interview with Lelan, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

14 >> AUGUST 2020 | nfocusmagazine.com BTS_0820.indd 14

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Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. nfocusmagazine.com AUGUST 2020 << Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

To reach the Compass RE office, call 615.475.5616.

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For 16 years, we have celebrated the men and women in the community who exemplify model behavior through their selfless support and service to local nonprofits. Now, more than ever, charitable organizations are relying on dedicated advocates and volunteers to help accomplish their missions. We think there is no better place to recognize some of the city's most dashing philanthropists and the causes closest to their hearts than in our inaugural men's issue. We are thrilled to present our first all-male Model Behavior honorees: 10 gentlemen who give generously of their time and talent and remind us all of the importance of serving the community.

PHOTOGRAPHER: DANIEL MEIGS ART DIRECTOR: HEATHER PIERCE HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST: KIRSTEN ATKINSON, BBC NASHVILLE LOCATION: THE FAIRLANE HOTEL WRITER: HOLLY HOFFMAN

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Alex Jahangir

Adventure Science Center The Adventure Science Center’s mission is to open every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Long before Nashvillians came to know Alex Jahangir as chair of the county’s Metro Coronavirus Task Force, he was a familiar face to the staff and visitors at the Adventure Science Center. He started volunteering there at age 13 and worked the front desk through high school and college.

“My experiences and opportunities at the Adventure Science Center as a child allowed me to become the adult that I am now,” explains Alex, who is an orthopedic trauma surgeon at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “When I returned to Nashville, I wanted to be involved with the Adventure Science Center so that I could help the organization continue to positively impact the next generation.”

He has served on the board since 2010, most recently as its chair. During his years of giving back to the place that has been central to his successful career, he is grateful for working with people dedicated to community service. He also credits them with inspiring him to continue working with others and serving Nashville, now and in the future, to ensure its success.

He ended his term as board chair with a solid vision for the future of the Adventure Science Center. Alex says, “I cannot think of a more important time in our lives where a fundamental understanding of science is critical. No other place in Nashville can provide this foundation to people of all ages and backgrounds.”

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MODEL BEHAVIOR

David Edwards

American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society’s mission is to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

David Edwards is a rather extraordinary individual who spends nearly all of his time giving back to others. On weekdays — and some weeknights and weekends — he is the director of distinguished partners for the American Cancer Society (ACS) in Tennessee, working tirelessly to create and build relationships with major donors. At other times, he puts his doctorate in theology to use as a pastor to his congregation — in addition to being a husband and father to two active boys.

He has lost family members to cancer, but he was drawn to work for ACS because he wants to address the issue that “cancer has aggressively attacked the underserved and minority communities, and due to being uninsured or underinsured, millions of people across the country haven’t received the proper care they need to combat this vicious disease.”

In less than three years, David has been very successful at growing lasting partnerships for ACS across the state. But in addition to working with magnanimous donors and putting on high-end galas, he takes a hands-on approach to his job. “I’ve had the privilege of serving meals at our Nashville and Memphis Hope Lodges … and to sit down with cancer patients to hear their stories. I quickly realized that what I do every day is helping save lives,” he explains. “I’m better, because each day, I have the honor to fight for someone that may not have the strength to fight for themselves.”

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MODEL BEHAVIOR

Monroe Harding Monroe Harding’s mission is changing young people’s lives.

John Horst To say John Horst is passionate about the work of Monroe Harding would be an understatement. He has served in almost every capacity on the board — from intern to current board chair — and is well-versed on the challenges and needs of the foster care system when he advocates for the organization. He’s even received training in trauma-informed care, which is essential when working with vulnerable young people.

Since 1893, Monroe Harding has adapted to meet the needs of children, families, youth and young adults throughout Middle Tennessee. John used his professional skills as an engineer and project manager for Gresham Smith — problem-solving, logical thinking, creativity and leadership — for the most recent transitions, when the nonprofit sold its 23-acre property in 2017, searched for a new executive director in 2018 and instituted a new strategic plan last year.

With more than 9,000 young Tennesseans in foster care and another 10,000 more who are not connected to services, John stresses that, “The work that Monroe Harding does is absolutely fundamental to finding and helping put these young people on a path of self-determination, to a life of happiness and fulfillment that breaks the cycle of neglect, abuse and abandonment.” Monroe Harding is the only agency in Middle Tennessee providing a comprehensive continuum of services for current and former foster youth from birth to 26, as well as serving other vulnerable young adults.

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MODEL BEHAVIOR

Richard Casper

CreatiVets CreatiVets’ mission is to provide disabled veterans with the opportunity to use art, music and creative writing to address the psychological and emotional needs that arise from service-related trauma. Its goal is to empower veterans with tools they can use for the rest of their lives to combat stress, depression and other side effects of war.

Richard Casper was serving with the United States Marine Corps in Iraq when he was hit by improvised explosive devices in four separate incidents, suffered multiple concussions and lost a close friend while they were on patrol. He was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and sent home, where he suffered from both the TBI and post-traumatic stress disorder.

After unsuccessful efforts to seek relief through traditional methods, Richard explains, “I discovered songwriting and the arts, and it saved my life. I knew that other combat vets [might not] turn to art like I did, so I decided to make programs they would want to be a part of.” That’s why Richard co-founded and is executive director of CreatiVets: to bring combat veterans together with accomplished songwriters and artists to create music that not only heals the veteran but that people will also listen to.

“Nashville is what makes CreatiVets possible,” says Richard. The songwriting programs have grown exponentially, expanding into a traveling version, a “Warrior Week” with Zac Brown’s Camp Southern Ground, and an online songwriting program with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Despite this growth, veterans still incur no costs to attend any program.

“Art brought me almost all the way back to my pre-war self,” says Richard, “but helping other veterans is what gets me the closest to my old self.” Works of these brave soldiers can be heard on CreatiVets’ debut album, Veteran Songs, on most streaming services.

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Thank you for all of your incredible work, Dr. Alex Jahangir!

Your work as Board Chair for the Adventure Science Center and Nashville’s COVID-19 task force is invaluable. We are better for knowing you and proud of your long relationship with the science center. a d ve n t u re s c i .o rg

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MODEL BEHAVIOR

Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s The Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s mission is to support and enhance lives of people with Parkinson’s, their care partners and their families to achieve their highest possible quality of life through awareness, education and programs within a caring community.

Brent Peterson When Nashville Predators former assistant head coach Brent Peterson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003, he and his wife, Tami, hid the fact for more than a year. Today, he leads Peterson Foundation for Parkinson’s in the continued fight to improve the lives of people with the disease.

Only after a long talk with Michael J. Fox did Brent and Tami decide to start the foundation, increase awareness about the disease and tell people exactly what Michael told him: “You need to live your life as you were. You have to get out, be social and stay active.”

Since 2009, the foundation has raised more than $1 million dedicated to research to find a cure. A significant portion of those funds come from Petey’s Preds Party — attended by about 1,000 people every year — and the Brent Peterson Golf Classic. The back-to-back events are hosted with the Nashville Predators, where Brent is still involved in community relations.

The foundation funds support groups in Franklin, Mt. Juliet and Cookeville, and Brent says, “Tami and I have established some wonderful friendships through the support groups. I get to witness how happy people are when they attend the meetings and events while sharing their experiences with each other.” Another support group helps those newly diagnosed, along with their families and care partners, and there’s also a choir, painting class and exercise programs, all designed to encourage people to get out, be social and stay active.

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Bill McClesky

Nashville Entrepreneur Center The Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s mission is to connect entrepreneurs to critical resources to create, launch and grow businesses.

Bill McClesky, founder of Mitech Partners, was initially drawn to the Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC) as a startup owner looking to cultivate and scale his business. While participating in its PreFlight program in 2014, he soon realized the relationships and resources he gained were truly invaluable.

More than six years later, Bill remains involved and is a go-to resource and exceptional mentor. “The EC is the best hub in Nashville for entrepreneurs, because they are connected with multiple organizations and individuals worldwide who fill any resource gap,” he says. “[It] bettered my insight on what it takes to be impactful as an entrepreneur.”

Bill currently serves as an entrepreneur-in-residence for Twende, an accelerator driving growth for Nashville’s entrepreneurs of color. With co-EIR Shani Dowell, he has helped shape this new program, which offers interactive classroom sessions and a world-class curriculum. Outside of the program, Bill connects founders to resources and advisors to help them grow their businesses and provides individualized advice and mentorship, both within the Twende program and with others at the EC. Bill considers the EC “the gateway to next-level progress and growth for Nashville businesses … [and] the ultimate navigator for those who are ready to thrive.” His success is one example of what makes the Nashville Entrepreneur Center such an asset to the community, and his selflessness and willingness to help others ensures that future entrepreneurs will realize their dreams.

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The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee The Community Foundation’s mission is to promote and facilitate giving in the 40 counties of Middle Tennessee and beyond.

Alan Young Alan Young sums up the work of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee in very simple terms. “It’s essentially the hub that connects donors to the organizations that need funds.” And he should know. He’s been a member of the nonprofit’s board of directors and served on its Sports Fund advisory committee for more than two years.

Alan, the chairman and chief protection officer of Armor Concepts and a former Vanderbilt and NFL player, is particularly well-suited for his position. “Sports were probably my only avenue to college, as it has been for so many,” he says. “Today, it seems that there are more and more kids who do not get the chance to experience all of the things that sports can teach you. The Sports Fund helps fund programs that make sports available to kids, who otherwise would not have the opportunity to play.”

His tenure on the board has also been an educational experience and one he’s genuinely enjoyed. Alan has learned about many organizations and causes across the state, and he is inspired by the numbers of people who are incredibly generous with both their time and resources. The key message he wants to share is that you don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference, because CFMT pools resources and effectively distributes them. “The bottom line is that you can make a difference if you really want to.”

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Nashville Wine Auction Nashville Wine Auction’s mission is to unite the wine community to fund the fight against cancer.

Eric Decker Retired NFL player and entrepreneur Eric Decker is no stranger to giving back. In addition to his involvement with many local charities, he runs a foundation with his wife, Jessie James Decker, to fund the rescue, care and training of service dogs for military veterans.

In recent years, he has dedicated a significant amount of his time and resources to Nashville Wine Auction (NWA). Like so many, Eric has lost family members and friends — as well as teammates and coaches — to cancer. Now, this father of three works to support families who are fighting the disease together.

Already an enthusiastic bidder at NWA events, Eric was familiar with the organization’s work. Since becoming a board member, he has devoted his energy to the sponsorship committee and to bringing additional needed funds for beneficiaries — local entities working to find treatments for cancer or supporting patients going through treatment. The professionals and volunteers who sit on the board with him give him the motivation to devote more of himself and his time to those in need.

“The NWA does an amazing job bringing people together with different levels of passion for wine for the greater good of raising funds,” he says. “My [newfound] love of wine, paired with camaraderie at five-star events throughout the year, is a cherry on top.”

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MODEL BEHAVIOR

Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to advance common business interests, economic growth and equality in the workplace and society for its LGBT members, businesses and allies by providing educational, networking and community building opportunities.

Ron Snitker Ron Snitker, executive director of business development at Waller, once feared that coming out as gay would be a career-limiting move, and it wasn’t until working at UBS and seeing LGBT professionals thrive did he feel comfortable bringing his whole self to the office. Today, he says, “I work to ensure that everybody can be their authentic self at work and beyond. Getting involved with the Nashville LGBT Chamber [of Commerce] was the best way for me to amplify this message.”

Since joining the board in 2015, Ron has been involved in nearly every aspect of the organization — finance, marketing, programming, strategic planning and more — and served as president for the past three years. “We have always been a hands-on board,” he says, adding that he’s taken out the trash following an event. He’s worked with Metro government and created a seat for the chamber at the table with businesses considering relocating here. He also led the nationwide CEO search and oversaw an award-winning rebranding of the chamber.

“No matter how inclusive you think you are, there is always room to grow and challenge yourself,” Ron says. It’s just one of many takeaways from his tenure and something for all to remember. It’s the work of people like Ron who have made the Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce a beacon in the community — not just for the LGBT and ally business community, but also for all of Nashville.

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Mental Health America of the MidSouth Mental Health America of the MidSouth’s mission is to connect the community with specialized mental health and wellness resources that improve the quality of life where mental health needs exist.

Matt Self Matt Self grew up in a family of mental health professionals — three generations of them, in fact — and he had personal experience with people living with mental health illnesses. However, he knew he could not work on those issues in a professional capacity and has pursued a career as a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual. He upholds that “there is no health without mental health,” and he found that his way to make an impact was at Mental Health America of the MidSouth (formerly the Mental Health Association of Middle Tennessee).

What started with a board internship in 2008 turned into more than 10 years of dedication to the nonprofit, and the positions Matt has held, including board chair, and commitment he’s shown have resulted in the local MHA affiliate becoming the largest in the South. He has written grants and developed services and programs that help other mental health nonprofits, as well as one to support staff in their jobs.

Even as immediate past chair, Matt remains active in MHA because he believes in the value of its work. “Until mental health parity is achieved, MHA is a critical safety net ... helping our community with referrals to providers, support for caregivers, education and crisis intervention,” he says. “MHA is the leader in our community advocating for mental health parity in our state legislature and a champion for the disenfranchised that desperately need services and don’t have access.”

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By Hand

Local artisans

ARTISANS

share their craft and what it means to them

Nashville’s arts scene is expanding and so is our understanding of what art can be. People across the city are applying their creative talents to crafts and trades with astonishing effect, whether it’s intricately designed furniture or thoughtfully constructed clothing.

These five artisans work in a wide range of media, including wood, paper, clay and textiles. Some create masterpieces and send them out into the world, while others add meaningful touches to the spaces we love around Nashville. We offer you a glimpse into the stories of some of the area’s most talented men creating art with their trades today.

BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

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ARTISANS

Name: Caleb Woodard, Caleb Woodard Furniture Medium: Woodworking What is one project that you loved working on?

My favorite project is currently underway: a 13-footwide carved walnut wall sculpture for a private collector in Miami, thanks to interior designer Joe Nahem. Elements of the wall sculpture will flow onto the ceiling. In the end, the piece will have roughly one million hand-applied textures.

Caleb Woodard Caleb Woodard Furniture

Caleb Woodard’s woodwork is nothing short of astounding. Once you see his work, it’s impossible to look away. And that’s because Caleb is, first and foremost, a designer. The soft lines and gentle curves of his elaborate pieces interact with the light around them, and the intricate and concentric engravings reveal more detail the closer they’re examined. He brings furniture and wall panels to life in a way you didn’t think possible.

Caleb was raised in a woodshop in Springfield, Tennessee. His father made furniture and cabinets and taught him the trade. But every time his father said, “Here’s how you do this,” Caleb would reply, “But how can we shape it?” He learned the practical results of applying his tools to the wood, but he was more concerned with pushing the boundaries of what those practical pieces could look like.

He understood the function, but he wanted to manipulate and play with the form. He sought inspiration from the art world and began studying sculpture. And now, he combines the technical knowledge of woodworking

in his mind with the artistic longing in his soul to express himself through the skill of his hands.

In his 3,500-square-foot studio on the square in historic downtown Springfield, Caleb and three other woodworkers will spend hundreds of hours on a single piece for an architect or designer in New York, L.A., Switzerland, Paris and beyond, and no two pieces are alike. He mostly creates nonfunctional art pieces now, but he occasionally returns to practical furniture when he needs a break from his art.

Caleb’s biggest project at the moment is a large wall panel with roughly a million textures carved by hand, which could take nearly 800 hours to complete. He’s also working toward using only locally sourced wood, such as air-dried walnut, which takes a full three and a half years to properly dry.

And his patience will be worth it, because artwork like his deserves the best foundation. To see more of Caleb Woodard’s work, check him out on Instagram (@calebwoodardfurniture) or visit calebwoodardfurniture.com.

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ARTISANS

Name: Ethan Summers, Oil / Lumber Medium: Clothing and furniture What is one project that you loved working on? The one we are currently working on now: Sean Brock’s new restaurant venture concept. This project is pushing us to be more creative than ever and is also allowing us a lot of creative freedom. Clothing-wise, we have a new Japanese work jacket launching this fall that I’m super excited about.

Ethan Summers Oil / Lumber

Ethan Summers is a man of duality. Growing up in a half-Japanese Buddhist family in the heart of Utah, he now combines two passions into one business. Oil / Lumber is not solely a clothing company, nor is it focused exclusively on furniture. It is equally a clothing and furniture company. And to Ethan, that is harmony, rather than dissonance, and they inspire and influence each other.

From an early age, Ethan had an entrepreneurial spirit. His compulsion to learn drives him forward, making his path clearer.

When he became interested in designing and creating, he learned how to do just that. After several years in the insurance industry, he decided to do what makes him happy, and what started as an evening hobby working with wood and textiles became a career and life change. Working with a small team — including his little brother — in a two-story studio near Wedgewood-Houston, Ethan collaborates with a lot of creatives and designers to produce something entirely unique. He doesn’t shy away from projects others won’t take on, and he has the tools to do it properly with industrial sewing and woodworking equipment.

Most of Ethan’s work is inspired by his desire to connect to his Japanese roots. In his clothing, this translates to designs that are based on what he wore growing up and on the Japanese idea of fashionable workwear: clothing that can be worn in the studio while still looking stylish. And that’s just one aspect of his overall mission of creating economically and ecologically ethical pieces. Oil / Lumber uses only recycled and organic components for both the furniture and the clothing, and every piece is made to order so there’s no waste or unnecessary storage space. By doing so, Ethan can have a large impact in fashion and design while having a small impact on the environment.

The future for Oil / Lumber is bright, despite the challenges of the pandemic. You’ll be able to see Ethan's work in the furniture and staff uniforms at Sean Brock’s new restaurant, Audrey, and at Kinsei, a Japanese tea room opening soon in the L&L Market on Charlotte Avenue. Ethan is also partnering with Julia Jaksic of Cafe Roze to create a limited run of aprons to help raise funds for the Tennessee Action for Hospitality. To learn more about Ethan and his team, visit oilandlumber.com.

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Bryce McCloud Isle of Printing

Bryce McCloud wants to change Nashville and the world through public art. He is driven by the beliefs that art should create beautiful public spaces and that art should be accessible to everyone. Through Isle of Printing, Bryce’s letterpress shop and artist collective, he tries to find the pathways to people’s hearts, which, to him, is the way to change the world. He provides the space and equipment to other artists who come together for this common goal, and he sees his place in the world as facilitating this change by offering his knowledge and resources to create meaningful, communityminded art.

Bryce got his start in letterpress when his uncle, a letterpress historian at the Tennessee State Museum, passed away.

All of his personal letterpress equipment, of little monetary value at the time, was inherited by Bryce, who had just graduated with a degree in sculpture. Soon, Jim Sherraden at Hatch Show Print convinced him to pick it up and became his mentor. Bryce found an empty warehouse space in what is now Pie Town, with everything he needed — a paper and arts sup-

ply store, a photo shop, a hardware store and a printing ink manufacturer — all within a block of him. He moved in all of his uncle’s equipment and started Isle of Printing.

Since then, Bryce has explored many areas of creating art for the public. Some of the company’s most notable work includes the can wall at Pinewood Social, the branding and packaging for Barista Parlor, and the interior design patterns, wallpapers, mugs and even the giant robot at Chopper. And you may have seen his truck, the Communication Station, which is a mobile sign board that displays messages “to connect people to the communities and world of people we can’t see face to face.”

The team at Isle of Printing is constantly evolving, learning and growing to prepare for a socially improved future. As Bryce puts it, “We all have the opportunities to make positive changes, and you can be closer to the right thing tomorrow. I want to encourage people to be a better version of themselves every day.” To see more of what Bryce and the others at Isle of Printing are doing, visit isleofprinting.com.

Name: Bryce McCloud, Isle of Printing Medium: Letterpress and branding and space design What is one project that you loved working on?

My favorite project so far is the big one: getting to make art every day as a career. Making the world a better place through art is the reason Isle of Printing exists. The longer we’re here, the more I hope we can accomplish for Nashville and beyond. Excelsior!

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Manuel Delgado Delgado Guitars

Manuel Delgado is a storyteller. His stories are his family’s and his clients’, and his stage is his guitars. The Delgados’ history as luthiers goes back 92 years to Manuel’s grandfather and great uncle, who started Delgado Guitars in Los Angeles. They passed this knowledge down to Manuel’s father, who taught him. Manuel, however, decided to become a police officer, instead. But when the death of his father brought him back to the guitar shop, he realized his responsibility as a third-generation luthier and devoted his life to carrying on this legacy of making custom guitars for clients around the world.

When a client approaches Manuel to make a guitar for them, the first thing he wants to know is their story. “What is your name, and what does it mean? Who is your family?

Where do you come from? Where have you been? What is your passion? Who are you, and what do you stand for?

What do you want your guitar to do for you?” And as Manuel listens to them and discovers who they are, he begins building their guitar in his mind. Everything, from the type of wood and the body shape to the inlays and the finish,

will represent a part of their story. The guitar will be wholly unique to them.

One such instrument with a unique story is the one Manuel called the Unity Guitar. Manuel built the guitar, with its American flag finish and star-shaped sound hole, soon after the September 11 terrorist attacks. A whole host of legendary artists, including Smokey Robinson, Emmylou Harris, Alanis Morissette, Sammy Hagar, David Lee Roth, Juan Gabriel and Mary J. Blige, all signed the guitar, which was then auctioned off for $40,000. Manuel donated the proceeds to the families of undocumented victims of the attacks.

Manuel’s generosity and heart for helping others continues in his studio and shop in East Nashville. Last year, he purchased the unit next to his and created the Music Makers Stage, a space that welcomes and supports artists. He has opened rooms for lessons and writing, and the main stage is used for writers’ rounds and release parties. Manuel hopes to use what he has to open doors for others. To learn more about Manuel Delgado and Delgado Guitars, visit delgadoguitars.com.

Name: Manuel Delgado, Delgado Guitars Medium: Guitars and other stringed instruments What is one project that you loved working on? I received a call in 2014 from Pixar. My family and I received a private tour of Pixar, and I was able to help in a small way with the development of the film Coco. I was honored by the work they did and how they honored Mexican culture.

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John Donovan Tenure Ceramics

The first time John Donovan of Tenure Ceramics stuck his 5-yearold hands into clay at Stonehaus Ceramics in Pensacola, Florida, owner Peter King asked him, “Do you wanna make something?” The question stuck with him and guided him in all of his pursuits since.

After an impressive amount of formal education, including a BFA, MFA and MA all in ceramics and a four-year apprenticeship, John focused on creating art and sculpture and on teaching others for 21 years. He never considered making functional dinnerware until Tandy Wilson of City House asked for custom crockery for their Sunday family-style service. From that moment on, he shifted gears to create simple, well-designed and skillfully crafted tableware for both home use and for some of Nashville’s favorite restaurants.

That simplicity is represented in the style of John’s work and in his process of creation. When he shifted his focus to the functional form, he started watching how efficiently the best chefs use a small workspace to be as productive as possible. Then, he went back to his tiny studio tucked behind his McFerrin Park home and organized

it so that every tool and device he needs is right where it should be for each step of the process. Nothing is ever more than two steps away. It’s with this newfound efficiency and with the encouragement and inspiration of his wife, Lisa, who was a pastry chef for City House for a time, that he is able to create such an impressive amount of dinnerware without sacrificing the quality and art of his pieces.

What sets John’s work apart is his relationship with the clay. He knows it and continues studying it, always chasing some new idea down a technical rabbit hole from which he emerges more knowledgeable and skilled than before.

And that passion makes him more able to capture and turn a chef ’s vision into a reality. The rest of us can experience these collaborative realizations at local favorites City House, Bastion, Humphreys Street Coffee, Southall Farms or 360 Bistro. He’s currently devoting most of his time to creating the tableware for Sean Brock’s new restaurant, Audrey. To see more of John’s work, including his sculpture work and that of his students, visit tenureceramics.com.

Name: John Donovan, Tenure Ceramics Medium: Ceramic dinnerware and sculpture What is one project that you loved working on? Working for chefs is always exciting. I had an outsider’s appreciation for their craft, intensity and work ethic when my wife was working in restaurants, and being invited into the kitchen was/is an amazing honor. The tableware for Bastion (Josh Habiger) continues to be exciting. Josh has a very unique vision and will entertain more unique options in color/form.

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ARTISANS

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L O C A L F L AV O R

Be t t e r Bu r g e r s Sampling seven of the best burgers in town

How do you like your burgers? Straightforward and simple or fancifully flourished? Regardless of your taste, there’s a burger for every craving in Nashville. From classic staples to fine-dining options, we’ve compiled a list of seven of the tastiest burgers in town for you to try. Bon appétit!

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

BY STEVE CAVENDISH

Hu

s k , $15 You can sit in the dining room at Husk and dine on heritage pork, heirloom beans and Zephyr squash and have a truly wonderful meal. Or you can skip the reservations and grab a seat at the bar and order the Husk Burger, a magnificent example of the species.

Right now, the tomatoes are fresh, the special sauce is tangy and the buttermilk buns that hold the charred beef patties are topped with benne seeds that pick up just a little hint of bitterness when toasted. nfocusmagazine.com

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L O C A L F L AV O R

G ERTI E’S, $23 Is any burger worth $23? Bite into the 404 Burger at Gertie’s Bar/404 Kitchen and you’ll stop asking the question. Two patties of dry-aged beef from Bear Creek Farms are topped with cheese, aioli, double-smoked bacon, lettuce and onion and come on an English muffin-inspired bun made from potato dough. Chef Matt Bolus has engineered a near-perfect bar burger to pair with one of the best whiskey collections in America.

The real question is “is this the best burger in the city?” Yes, it is.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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L O C A L F L AV O R

JO

SEP HI N E, $14

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

Andy Little is a hell of a chef. Combining Pennsylvania Dutch inspiration with his impeccable French technique, a meal at Josephine is surely one of the best in the city. But dip in for brunch on a weekend and you can find Andy letting his hair down with fried bologna sandwiches and a fantastic double cheeseburger topped with pickles, red onions and his own special sauce. As with any great burger, half of the battle is the wrapper and Andyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of potato buns is pure comfort.

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L O C A L F L AV O R

G A BBY ’ S, $7 . 49

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

You can have all of the fancy open kitchens in the city and watch chefs ply their trade, and I’ll take a bar seat at Gabby’s right in front of the flattop and close my eyes.

The smell of a dozen burgers developing a crust is intoxicating. The sizzle of the beef as it hits the metal is pure music. And the Seamus burger is the right blend of soft bun, griddled onions, beef, cheese and a little grease. To make the meal perfect, don’t forget the fries — with a little bit of “kickin’ ketchup” — and a shake.

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L O C A L F L AV O R

BA RE BO N ES BUTCHE R, $10 If you want great meat, go to the source, right? When the butcher shop is selling burgers, you stop and take notice. Bare Bones Butcher has been wowing Nations’ customers with their double patty cheeseburgers since opening two years ago. I think it’s the house-made pickles and a smear of Duke’s mayo that separates it from most, but their grass-fed beef is top-notch and sourced from local farms before being broken down and ground in-house. It’s the only place I know where you can pick up an amazing steak to cook later while enjoying your burger now.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MADDIE TEREN ADAMS

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L O C A L F L AV O R

HU G H-B A BY ’S, $5 . 4 9 Pat Martin’s empire of meat has two personalities. On one side is Martin’s Bar-B-Que, known for smoking whole hogs and racks of ribs. On the other side is HughBaby’s, an out-and-out fast-food chain built around delicious burgers, the best of which is the Shroom & Swiss. The secret is the smoked mushrooms, a mini flavor bomb on top of melted Swiss cheese, mustard and mayo. Don’t like mayo on your burger? Give this one a try, and it might change your life a little.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

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L O C A L F L AV O R

SUBCULTURE, $12

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

Sometimes, you crave a burger so rich that you’ll be reaching for the antacids. And when that time comes, head to a strip mall in South Nashville to find Subculture. The burger by itself is excellent, but it’s the accoutrements that put it over the top: thick strips of bacon, pickled red onions and creamy pimento cheese. And if that hasn’t stopped your heart yet, get a runny egg on top and let the yolk make a sauce for the entire thing. It is pure and complete decadence.

Just don’t consult your cardiologist first.

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VILLAGE REAL ESTATE | nfocusmagazine.com 48 >> AUGUST 2020

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ATHLETES

Tennessee Titans Linebacker

Rashaan Evans

The first-round draft pick opens up about his love of football, the hardest part about his job and giving back

What’s your favorite thing about your job? I would say the fun part about my job is that I can be literally as aggressive as I want to be, and it be legal. I can knock dudes out, and it be legal!

What’s the hardest part of your job? The hardest part would definitely be dealing with injury.

I feel like that’s the hardest part because it’s so unexpected, and it can really deter you from feeling the way that you want to feel in order for you to play at the best of your ability.

What is your proudest personal achievement? Simply the fact that I have the opportunity to give back to a lot of the community back in my hometown.

I had my own first camp in my hometown, where I was able to give book bags and stuff to little kids and be able to feed them, as well. It was a really good camp.

That would have been probably the biggest thing, because it was something that was very important to me. I was even nervous about it, because that’s how excited I was, but when it happened, we had a really good turnout, and that was something I’ll definitely remember for the rest of my life, for sure.

When you have out-of-town friends visiting Nashville, where do you take them?

There’s a soul food spot called Swett’s, there’s another place called Merengue Cafe, which is a Cuban spot, and then the third place is probably either Hattie B’s or STK in the Gulch.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

What local nonprofit is dearest to your heart? Last year, my foundation, the RAZOR Foundation, was able to partner with Backfield in Motion to host a holiday party for at-risk boys here in Nashville. We supported the kids with giveaways, and I had the opportunity to provide some needed mentorship.

Backfield works with kids in the Nashville school district and helps them develop their reading and math skills, as well as their athletics. They see a lot of success with the kids.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a coach? Coach Saban told me once, “Don’t look in the past, don’t look in the future, but be where your feet are.” Only handle what you can handle at that moment, and if you just take care of that, everything else will take care of itself.

>>

For the full interview with Rashaan, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

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ATHLETES

Nashville Predators Winger

Viktor Arvidsson

The Swedish hockey player reflects on the challenges of his job, his favorite nonprofit and the best advice he’s ever received

When did you first discover a love for hockey? When I was 3 years old, growing up in Skellefteå, Sweden.

What’s your favorite thing about your job? I love being around my teammates all the time.

What’s the hardest part of your job? The pressure and being away from my home for long periods of time!

What do you do to stay active? I love to go fishing as much as I can, whether it’s in Tennessee or back home in Sweden.

What is your proudest professional achievement? Winning back-to-back Swedish league titles with my hometown team (Skellefteå) in 2012-13 and 2013-14.

What is your proudest personal achievement? My proudest achievements are when I made my NHL debut (March 21, 2015) and scored my first NHL goal (October 8, 2015).

When you have out-of-town friends visiting Nashville, where do you take them?

I take them either out on Broadway or to some of my favorite restaurants so they can see what it’s like here.

What’s your favorite restaurant for dinner? Bourbon Steak inside the JW Marriott.

What annual fundraising event do you look forward to the most? Petey’s Preds Party!

It’s always a fun atmosphere at the arena and raises a lot of money for Parkinson’s research.

What local nonprofit is dearest to your heart? I support any cause that the Predators Foundation donates to.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a coach?

Consistent play will take you a long way and to control what you can control!

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ATHLETES

Nashville SC Defender

Jalil Anibaba

The soccer player opens up about the best part of his job, his proudest achievements and his nonprofit work

When did you first discover a love for soccer? I’ve loved the game of soccer for as long as I can remember, simply because it’s a shared family love. My father raised my brothers and me to learn life lessons through soccer, and those childhood experiences placed the game in a special place in my heart from an early age.

What’s your favorite thing about your job? My favorite thing about my job is that I get to do what I love, day in and day out. On top of that, I get to work toward perfecting my craft while being able to experience places around the country and the world that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to otherwise.

What’s the hardest part of your job? The hardest part of my job is the amount of time I have to sacrifice away from my family and loved ones.

What do you do to stay active?

When I’m not practicing or preparing for games or whatnot, I spend most of my time trying to rest and recover for the next training session or game.

What is your proudest professional achievement? My proudest professional achievement has been working with my brothers throughout the league to create Black Players for Change.

What is your proudest personal achievement? It’s hard to pick just one personal achievement.

Advancements in one’s life I would consider personal take many forms, but rolling out my youth camp back in my hometown of Davis, California, in 2017 was an important moment in my life. It started the official process that’s really allowed me to give back to my home community in more ways than just through soccer.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

What’s your favorite restaurant for dinner? My favorite restaurant for dinner is either Sunda or Chaatable.

What local nonprofit is dearest to your heart? The Community Resource Center here in Nashville is a local nonprofit that’s dearest to my heart. They hosted our entire team on Juneteenth and welcomed us in on such a special day. The work they do on a daily basis undoubtedly makes our Nashville community a better place.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a coach? The best advice I’ve received from a coach has been to always protect your love for the game. The love a player has for the game will always allow him/her to be able to appreciate the ups and downs while maintaining the perspective needed to preserve and constantly look for ways to improve. >>

For the full interview with Jalil, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

JULY 2020 <<

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ATHLETES

Senior PGA Golfer

Bill Breen

The professional golfer and PGA teaching pro shares his professional successes, best golfing advice and love of the game

When did you first discover a love for golf?

I was 7 years old when we were on a family vacation at the beach and my dad put a club in my hands. That’s how it started. We lived close to McCabe, so I would watch my dad play. And as I grew, I would walk over there by myself and chip and putt. Dad built a 30x50foot putting green in our side yard with the help of the maintenance crew at McCabe, and that’s what I did with my time.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I split my time 50/50 between playing competitively and teaching golf lessons. I think it’s important for golf instructors to also play competitively so they can stay connected to the wonderful aspects of the game and also feel the pain their students feel when they don’t perform well. Teaching and playing professionally work well together for me. Teaching helps keep me grounded. Competing brings personal satisfaction and also keeps students interested in me as an instructor.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

Balancing my schedule What is your proudest professional achievement? Playing well in tournaments is a big thrill. I’ve played in three senior majors: the U.S. Senior Open in 2014 and 2018 and the British Senior Open in 2018. Last year, I qualified for the 2020 Senior PGA Championship, but it was canceled due to COVID-19. But this summer, I have won four straight tournaments — all we’ve had so far this year — in the Tennessee Section PGA, including the big three: the Senior State Open (for the third time), the YAMAHA Players Championship and the Tennessee Senior PGA Professional Championship. My goal is to make it to two senior majors next year.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

What annual fundraising event do you look forward to the most? The YWCA Spring Breakfast. My wife has chaired the event for seven years. Through her, I’ve gotten to know the issues of domestic violence and how great the need is.

What local nonprofit is dearest to your heart? Room In The Inn. Homelessness is another systemic problem that our city needs to address.

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What’s your best piece of golfing advice?

One of my mentors told me, “You want your students to have gas so they don’t play like an ass. Grip. Aim. Setup.” So that’s what we focus on. >> JULY 2020

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For the full interview with Bill, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

nfocusmagazine.com

7/31/20 8:56 AM

Join us safety living room!

FRO M TH E

O F YOU R

Virtual classes available now for ages 2 to 102!

Visit our website to choose how YOU want to train with us and check out our FREE educational content!

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53

Distill at It Leiper’s Fork Distillery picks up where former landowner left off 110 years ago Before the internet became the go-to resource for how-to instructions, 15-year-old Lee Kennedy was inspired to build his first whiskey still from a chapter in the Foxfire book Moonshining as a Fine Art. Now, nearly three decades later, Lee, the owner of Leiper’s Fork Distillery, largely credits that book for stoking a passion that has become a vocation. In the four years since it opened, the distillery has become a booming tourist attraction, offering tours and tastings and bringing in visitors from nearly 70 countries. That’s allowed the other side of the business to grow, as the whiskey ages in white oak barrels for four to seven years. Ultimately, the family business will sell its own Tennessee rye whiskey and bourbon. For now, the bourbon, Colonel Hunter’s, is outsourced, but Lee hand-selects each barrel.

The name of the bourbon is a nod to Colonel Henry Hunter, who owned the Leiper’s Fork property where the distillery now resides. The War of 1812 veteran was also a distiller, in keeping with a long-held Tennessee tradition. There were 322 distilleries in Tennessee before prohibition, which lasted in the state from 1910-33, says Lee. It wasn’t until 2009 that a law was passed allowing distilleries in Williamson County. Lee, who had been working in finance in Nashville since 2000 after graduating from Auburn University with a degree in business, saw his opportunity and began the process of getting his plans for a distillery approved.

Originally, he wasn’t planning on making Tennessee whiskey; although to some, that might have seemed an obvious choice. “I’m kind of a contrarian by nature,” says the affable Lee, laughing. But he realized that it only made sense, considering bourbon can be made in all 50 states and Tennessee whiskey in only one.

The 27 picturesque acres in Leiper’s Fork is home to a 5,000-square-foot stillhouse and a 2,500-square-foot 1820s log cabin Lee found in Vanleer, Tennessee, that he and his brother, Wes Kennedy, a general contractor, rebuilt. The cabin houses the gift shop, a tasting room and staff offices. When business was upended due to COVID-19, the distillery started making sanitizer, which could be used on both hands and hard surfaces. They donated to first responders and hospitals and sold 55-gallon barrels to companies and government agencies, including UPS, the USPS and even Homeland Security.

BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY HK PHOTOGRAPHY, CALEB CHANDLER AND ANTHONY SCARLATI

SPIRITS WITHIN The gift shop is full of tea towels with witty William Faulkner and Mark Twain sayings on them, signature baseball caps and T-shirts, sanitizer bottled in-house, local raw honey from nearby Foxhedge Farms and, of course, bottles of whiskey. Lee’s wife, Lynlee, oversees the retail side of the business. There’s a tasting room just across the hall, and it wouldn’t be Leiper’s Fork without a pickin’ corner with guitars and a banjo hanging on the wall for musicians who might come visit.

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STEP INSIDE

WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS The stillhouse, where the whiskey is actually made, is as picturesque as the distillery’s setting, with the focal point, a massive copper pot still, surrounded by white oak barrels, bins of grain and large cypress tanks of fermenting whiskey. One day recently, Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” fittingly blasted through the built-in speakers. Tours are held on the hour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. The cost is $18 per person.

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L O C A L F L AV O R

More Than a Tall Tale

Fable Lounge offers enticing cocktails and food in a surreal setting

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MANDY REID

Stepping inside this book-lined dwelling, with its low-lit Edison bulbs and wallpaper from another era, is like stepping into a fairy tale, as if there, on the fringe of Centennial Park, mystery and adventure are just waiting for cocktail hour to roll around. The brainchild of The Cheesecake Factory alumni John Dibble and Ben Powell, Fable infuses a food-forward speakeasy with dark hints of whimsy to delight the senses and the imagination.

Executive Chef Kraig Hansen, who migrated from Seattle’s restaurant scene, and Chef de Cuisine Chelsea Knight, who trained at the Culinary Institute of America, curate a succinct menu of bar snacks, small plates and elegant comfort food with enough heft to turn cocktails into a full-fledged dinner if the mood strikes. The kitchen team deftly balances nostalgia with innovation in items such as housemade pasta, Kobe beef burgers and slow-braised osso bucco. Meanwhile, lead bartender Ellen Talbot pens an Aesop-themed menu of artisanal cocktails with storied concoctions, such as Flight of the Fox, Raven’s Devilry and Leo’s Pride.

Located in the West End building that formerly housed Jed’s Sports Bar and Acorn restaurant, Fable offers two decadently designed floors of indoor and outdoor seating with cozy nooks and crannies, a horseshoe bar and a covered outdoor cigar lounge. It’s a generous setting to start at “once upon a time” with cheese and charcuterie boards, wander through the enchanted menu of diver scallops and black garlic short ribs, and conclude the adventure with dessert and port in overstuffed leather sofas or cigars and sidecars by a fire.

BY CARRINGTON FOX

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHY VISIT

WHAT TO ORDER

Don’t be surprised if your quick happy hour morphs into something longer. Once you settle into a comfy sofa or bar chair and wander down the path of thoughtful, elaborate cocktails, you’ll be tempted to see what lies just around the corner on the menu. And once you find the Kobe flank steak or lemon roast chicken, you’ll be tempted by the port cherry chocolate cake or the bourbon banana bread pudding. Fables and fairy tales are filled with such temptations. Fortunately, the story here ends happily ever after.

Treat yourself to an escape from the everyday into a world where a 14-point buck might wear a double-breasted suit and a rabbit would ride a bicycle. In this whimsical landscape, cocktails swirl with chocolate bitters and chile liqueur, and the mixology team uses every part of the fruit, infusing soda syrups with citrus rind and creating edible powders from dehydrated hulls to rim the glassware of innovative concoctions.

In addition to artisan cocktails, there’s a roster of beer, bubbles and wines. But there are no sour grapes in this Fable.

During the hiatus of quarantine, the nimble team at Fable treated loyal diners to virtual bedtime stories and cocktail hours. Posting recipes and photographs of dazzling drinks and dishes on Instagram whetted real-life appetites for showstopping desserts and cocktails strewn with edible flowers. Now that the doors are open again, start with a Ginflower Tini and turn the page to a charcuterie board, crispy Brussels sprouts and barbecue pork belly with housemade kimchi. Who knows where the story will lead from there?

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THANK YOU SPONSORS!

Athens Paper | Berry Farms Animal Hospital | Christine A. Moore Millinery | Coca-Cola Consolidated | CoreCivic Foundation | Do615 | FarmVet | Gus Mayer | The Houghland Foundation | Hyatt House Franklin Cool Springs | Lyft | Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. | The Nashville Sign | Nashville Sports Council | Mr. & Mrs. Alex Wade | Ms. DeeDee Wade | Mr. Lowry Watkins Jr. | Performance Food Group | Phillipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Toy Mart | Private Edition | Royal Restrooms | Signs First | Tennessee Equine Hospital | The Justin & Valere Blair Potter Foundation | Webb McQuiddy | Seabrook Island Real Estate

For more information visit IroquoisSteeplechase.org nfocusmagazine.com

| AUGUST 2020 <<

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NSTYLE

Sharp Dressed Man Tasteful trends for the modern man from local makers and boutiques PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS Suzie pocket square; Wish tie; Seasons mask; Last Kiss tie; Paris pocket square; Thelma bow tie; Delphi pocket square; Lilium tie; Hers pocket square; Golden mask; Tuscany pocket square; Jagger tie; Hollywood bow tie; Havana pocket square; Star Crossed bow tie; Gasoline pocket square >> Clifton + Leopold

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NSTYLE

Krewe x Billy Reid sunglasses; Citizens of Humanity jeans; Sol Angeles Catalina striped crew; Eleventy jacket; Golden Goose Superstar shoes; Billy Reid denim shirt >> Oak Hall

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7/31/20 9:01 AM

NSTYLE

Torino Leather Co. leather and linen belt; Atelier Munro suit jacket; Eton dress shirt; Nash pocket square; Scout sunglasses; Citizens of Humanity jeans; Moore & Giles bag; Alden suede chukka boots >> Oak Hall

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NSTYLE

G.Brown double monk strap shoes; Stenstrรถms cotton shirt; Ring Jacket silk and linen jacket; Seaward & Stearn silk pocket square; Martin Dingman leather belt; Citizens of Humanity Gage jeans >> Haymakers & Co.

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NSTYLE

Alden suede chukka boots; Brax Cooper pants; Torino Leather Co. crocodile belt; H.Goose Quinn work shirt; Strenstrรถms quilted vest; J. Michaels private label pocket square >> J. Michaels

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NSTYLE

Banks Journal army shirt; Loyal Stricklin leather belt; Red Wing Shoes Classic Moc Toe boots; Shwood Originals sunglasses; Edwin Cooper jeans; Jack Mason aviation watch >> Glenn Nash

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36 YEARS 4 0,0 0 0 D E S I G N S E X P E R I E N C E M AT T E R S

Find out why Nashville’s top designers, homebuilders, architects, and 40,000 of your neighbors continue to place their trust in us.

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BEST B E H AV I O R

Opening Nashville’s Finest Doors

Asking Too Much Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges MELANIE SHADOW BAKER 615.300.8155 melanie.baker@zeitlin.com

MUSCLED OUT I’m a personal trainer, and for the past six months, I’ve been dating another personal trainer. I guess I should say we were dating. I thought the relationship was good, but I guess I was wrong. We’d been seeing each other face-to-face, and I spent a lot of time at her place. She texted me about two weeks back saying she wanted to cut out any intimacy because of COVID-19.

I texted her back, saying that maybe we could work this out. Her response was that I’m trying to manipulate her, but it turns out that she’s seeing another guy now. She and I work at the same gym, so I’m likely to run into her.

I’ve arranged my clients so I can avoid seeing her, but that’s likely to stop.

I’m thinking that maybe I can talk to her in the parking lot, but I don’t want to ambush her. I just want a real explanation. Is that too much to ask? — Anonymous, The Nations

follow me on Instagram @LIVE.Nashville

She’s using coronavirus as a cover; now, that’s a novel idea. Who’s manipulating whom? It sounds as if you’ve rearranged your schedule and your life, either to make her happy or to avoid her. (Either reason sounds sensible.) It sounds as if this relationship was headed out the door before it began. What sort of explanation do you want? Any questions may be too many. Now that your gym has opened up a little, if she’s truly annoyed by the sight of you, she can rearrange her schedule. That’s the problem with having a relationship in close company; it’s probably time for you to spend a little time with your clients. Life goes on, you know, even during a pandemic. Keep your distance, social or unsocial.

There’s probably lots of space between the treadmills these days.

128 ACRES 1370 LEATHERWOOD ROAD 5 BR | 4.1 BA | 5,255 SQ FT

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UNSCHEDULED AUDITION We live in a great neighborhood with lots of musicians living close by. Every Friday evening around 6 o’clock, they put together a band and play on one of their porches. These shows aren’t just impromptu; they do a lot rehearsing, and it seems like they’re trying out new songs. It’s a lot of fun, something that can only happen in Music City. But now, a woman who lives down the street told me that she wants to sing with the group. She knows I’m friends with all the guys, so she’s asked me to make an introduction. I’ve heard her singing, and I’m ashamed that she’s asked me to help. What can I do? — Anonymous, East Nashville Stars are seldom born on the front steps. You can tell her the truth without getting into her singing. Just explain that you have no idea what goes on beyond the front porch. The musicians rehearse behind closed doors; there’s no reason you should know anything more. And those are the facts. Great musicians get approached by not-so-great musicians all the time. They’ll know how to handle this situation. She’s lucky to live in a neat neighborhood, but some wishful opportunities are better left ungrabbed. Just let her sit back and hum along — from her own stoop.

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BY JOHN BRIDGES

John is the author of How To Be a Gentleman and the co-author, with Bryan Curtis, of other books in the GentlemannersTM series. Send your Best Behavior questions to jbridges@nfocusmagazine.com, and check out his up-to-theminute advice on life’s puzzling problems every Friday at nfocusnashville.com.

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NRETROSPECT

PHOTOGRA

PHS COURT

ESY OF ST.

LUKE’S COM

MUNITY HO

USE

A Century of Service Looking back at the history of St. Luke’s Community House

In 1913, St. Luke’s was founded as The West Nashville Clinic by the Daughters of the King, an order of the Episcopal Church. In 1920, it opened the doors to its current campus on New York Avenue with the mission to serve families of inmates at the Tennessee State Penitentiary. Since that time, programs developed, expanded and adapted to meet the needs of low-income families, seniors and individuals.

This August marks 100 years of the beloved West Nashville staple that has opened the door to hope for thousands. The celebration kicks off with the placement of a commemorative cornerstone and culminates on Friday, August 28, with Cheers to 100 Years!, a virtual celebration. To learn more about the event and St. Luke’s Community House, visit stlch.org.

Clockwise, from top: Preschool class, 1949 Director Juliet Wood receiving an award, 1957 Members of Settlement Guild,1972

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FOLLOW YOUR DREAM, HOME.

Chateau Di Amore | Golf Club Lane $7,500,000

1075 Webb Ridge Rd. | Kingston Springs $4,495,000

4308 Esteswood Dr. | Green Hills $1,275,000

1315 Clifton Ln. | Green Hills SOLD

Amy Jackson Smith

Amy Jackson Smith

Sheila Reuther

Grace Clayton

615-300-1025

615-300-1025

615-485-0669

615-305-1426

606 Lynnbrook Rd. | Green Hills SOLD

Dunaway Hunting & Fishing Club | Dunlap $1,150,000

192 Carnavon Pkwy. | West Meade $879,900

6633 Ellesmere Rd. | West Meade $859,000

Grace Clayton

Neal Clayton

Sheila Reuther

Grace Clayton

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615-300-8585

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19 Washington Park | Sugartree, Belle Meade $750,000

200 Holmes Creek Rd. | Center Hill Lake $750,000

4502A Illinois Ave. | The Nations $575,000

416 Bramblewood Dr. | Crieve Hall Estates SOLD

Jodie Barringer

Jodie Barringer

Grace Clayton

Sheila Reuther

615-593-9854

615-593-9854

615-305-1426

615-485-0669

3708 Murphy Rd. | Sylvan Park $430,000

4215 Harding Pk. #506 | Windsor Tower SOLD

105 Leake Ave. #30 | Belle Meade Tower SOLD

4215 Harding Pk. # 610 | Windsor Tower $369,000

John Clayton

Murray Clayton

Murray Clayton

Murray Clayton

615-294-6065

615-812-1831

615-812-1831

615-812-1831

4215 Harding Pk. #612 | Windsor Tower SOLD

759 Harpeth Trace Dr . | Harpeth Knoll UNDER CONTRACT

105 Leake Ave. #67 | Belle Meade Tower $249,900

200 Holmes Creek Rd. | Center Hill Lake $245,000

Murray Clayton

Grace Clayton

Murray Clayton

Jodie Barringer

615-812-1831

615-305-1426

615-812-1831

615-593-9854

Engel & Völkers Nashville 20 Burton Hills Blvd. Suite #450 . Nashville . TN, 37215 . 615-297-8543 Learn more at nashville.evrealestate.com ©2020 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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| AUGUST 2020 <<

73

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