The Town

NOVEMBER 2019

GAMES & GROWLERS BLIND PIG AND BAD EDDIE’S BRING OUT THE CHILD IN EVERYONE

A LITTLE TWANG MASON RAMSEY TALKS MUSIC AND MAKING MOVES

KEEP IT FRESH SOLA CHEF ERIKA LIPE SHARES HER NEW VISION FOR A CLASSIC EATERY

MODERN MERCANTILE NEILSON’S DRESSES THE MODERN SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

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TAB L E OF CON T E N TS 3 5 11 13 15 18 21 24 29 34 36 41 43

Letter from the Editor Football | 2019’s Freshman Stars Square Parking guide Game Day Parking & Shuttle Guide November Entertainment Guide Entertainment | Games & Growlers November Music Guide Music | A Little Twang Dining | SoLa Recipe | Landshark Cookie Tutorial Cocktail | Taariq David & Lost Pizza Co. Recipe | The Last Word Style | Neilson’s

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STAFF STAFF STAFF ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Delia Childers ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER PUBLISHER Delia Childers Rebecca Alexander MANAGING EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR Anna Guizerix MANAGING EDITOR AnnaGuizerix Guizerix Anna CONTRIBUTING EDITORS CONTRIBUTING EDITORS CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Jake Thompson JakeThompson Thompson Jake Nathanael Gabler NathanaelGabler Gabler Nathanael ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES ACCOUNT Rhes EXECUTIVES Low Rhes Low RhesJones Low Lauren LaurenJones Jones Lauren Delia Childers LAYOUT/DESIGN LAYOUT/DESIGN Jamie Dawkins Jamie Dawkins STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Kate Sullivan Green Kate Sullivan Green Bruce Newman Connor Martin-Lively Connor Martin-Lively CONTRIBUTORS STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Christina Steube Bruce Newman Bruce Newman Katie Livingston

CONTRIBUTING CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Brent Joey Brent THE TOWN is published THE TOWN is published THE TOWN is published

by Oxford Newsmedia LLC. AllAll material in in this

by Oxford Newsmedia LLC. material this

by Oxford Newsmedia LLC. All material in this publication is protected copyright. publication is protected by by copyright. publication is protected by copyright. located 4 Private Road 2050 We We are are located at 4atPrivate Road 2050 We are located at 4 Private Road 2050 Oxford, 38655.

Oxford, MSMS 38655.

Oxford, MS 38655.

ON COVER: ON ONCOVER: COVER: LAFAYETTE COUNTY ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL LAFAYETTE COUNTY COURTHOUSE CHURCH PUMPKIN PATCH COURTHOUSE PHOTO BY BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTO BRUCE NEWMAN PHOTO BYBY BRUCE NEWMAN

Football season in Oxford is the stuff of November inseason Oxford is Football in myths.

It’sis three months about than the Egg Oxfordmore the stuff of ofBowl. nonstop myths.

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Th e leaves are I amoursoreaders excited to present with fipresent nally changing, football is our readers with the latest incarnation of reaching its peak and it’s cool the Town, latest aincarnation of The enough to enjoyfield a dayguide out andfor fall in Oxford. This The we Town, a have field one guideissue for fall in Oxford.

This year, will for every month of about without ever breaking a sweat. year,beginning we will have one issue for every month of Fall, with and ending in Thankfully, there are September plenty of opportunities to do Fall,that. beginning with ending in November. just Whether it’ s oneSeptember of our manyand events, like oldNovember. fashioned nightout at thesome Blind Pig, Bad We’ve game scouted of sponsored Oxford’sbybestWe’ve scouted out laid-back some ofevening Oxford’s bestEddie’ s (p. 18), or a more of cocktails kept secrets, and provided some handy tips on keptgourmet secrets,pizza andwith provided somemanning handy tips on and Taariq the Lost navigating the busiest parts David of town. navigating the busiest parts oftime town.

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36), it’ s the perfect to try something Because the best fall weekends in the LOU are Because the best fall weekends in the LOU are in town. atnew least a three-day affair, we’ve provided plenty of at Since least awe’ve three-day affair, we’ve provided featured women’ s attire in twoplenty issues of of options for entertainment this month, including options entertainment month, including Th e Town,for I decided we should this hear it for the boys in our Michael Bolton atatethe Ford Center (p.and 24)there’ andsthe the Michael the (p.

24) and 2019 finaleBolton issue. Th suitFord makesCenter the man, no latest way to unwind and catch some new (and latestplace way for to the unwind and catch new (ands better well-heeled gent tosome go than Neilson’ not-so-new) tunes: The End of Happy Hour, Department Store (p. 43). if you’re shopping not-so-new) tunes: TheAnd Endladies, of All All Happy Hour, every atatSaint Leo (p. 18).

18). for theWednesday man in your life, Neilson’ s isLounge stocked with enough every Wednesday Saint Leo Lounge (p.

You go anywhere signature inventory to allow to pick upwithout a happy for yourself – You can’t can’t go you anywhere without aa signature might as well, since you’re already there. look, of course.

Enter Rhode Resort, a clothing look, of course. Enter Rhode Resort, a clothing It’consisting s consisting not very oft enflowy we getsilhouettes, a visit fromtaken a viralto social line of taken to the line of flowy silhouettes, the media phenomenon, much less s retained some next with use of who’ color and pattern pattern nextlevel level withinventive inventive useone and staying since his 15 breathable minutes of fame firstdresses began. (p.

Rhode Resort’s cotton dresses (p.43).

43).power Rhode Resort’s breathable cotton But that’ s exactly what we’ll find on Nov. 7, when Mason make for the perfect perfect transition pieces, whether make for the transition pieces, whether “the Yodel Kid”them Ramsey takes stage to at Th e Lyric (p. you’re taking from thethe the Square, you’re taking them from the Grove the Square, 24). Ramsey’s warbling tenor and heartfelt lyrics hearken fromwarmer warmer to to cooler cooler weather. It takes ororfrom takes aa fair fair back to a time when his idol, Hank Williams, ruled amountofof confidence confidence to to rock rock these pieces, but amount pieces, but country music. However, I don’t think we’d ever hear nottotoworry worry –– anyone anyone leaving leaving JANE (Oxford’s not (Oxford’s Hank singing about being on Tik Tok.JANE But... the kid’s got purveyorofofthe the brand) with a Rhode piece in tow purveyor brand) talent, no doubt about that.with a Rhode piece in tow sureto tofeel feel likethe the star star they they are. isissure are.

Our issue – like and our perfect November evening – is Last but not least, we wanted to Last but wanted to sgive give readers rounded outnot withleast, a trip we to SoLa, Oxford’ latestreaders bistro. alittle littlesomething something they couldBar, enjoy home or known as they the Wine chefat aFormerly could enjoy atErica homeLipe or away.Enter Enter “The Tilly,””and an exclusive exclusive cocktail decided a change inTilly, name attitude wascraft just the ticket away.

“The an craft cocktail from Wonderbird Gin that’s that’s sure to become aaFall to revitalize her restaurant and stay true the good eats from Wonderbird Gin sure toto become Fall favorite.

Ifknown you’re for. looking to get awaythefrom the it’ s become (We recommend General favorite. If you’re looking to get away from the madness of game days, pick up a bottle– and sit for Kon Banhof Mi and the Passionfruit of madness game days, pick upSangria a bottle the andlatter sit for a spellisat the$5Taylor distillery (p. 37). which only on Tuesday and Saturday!) a spell at the Taylor distillery (p. 37).

No matterof how youyou spend Regardless the way spendyour yourSeptember November, No matter how youso spend your September it’Saturdays, s my hope Ithat youyou do do while incorporating new hope so with a spring inayour Saturdays, Ishared hope you dopeople soby with spring in your experience, the youalove. step and the bestwith of friends your side. After all, step andbethe best of friends your side. After all, We’ll back again next year,by Townies! football season only comes once a year. football season only comes once a year.

Anna Guizerix Anna AnnaGuizerix Guizerix

T H E TOW N 3 TTHE H E TOWN TOW N 33

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REBELS

GETTINGÂ FANTASTIC PRODUCTION FROM 2019 RECRUITING CLASS

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left Alabama back in September, they could look back on it with a strange Not many teams this past decade level of fondness.

Ole Miss lost to the Tide by 28 points have gone to Tuscaloosa and left with positive feelings, but when Ole Miss back in their September meeting.

BY NATHANAEL GABLER

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But the positives were how much they got out of their true freshman class, something that’s continued on through the rest of the season. There’s no way to know exactly where the future of the Rebel football program is going, but it’s starting to look pretty clear that this freshman class is going to make a huge impact.

Every single touchdown Ole Miss scored in that Alabama game came from a true freshman. Between John Rhys Plumlee and Matt Corral, much of the production at the most important position on the field is also coming from a true freshman in Plumlee, with Corral being just a year older himself. Add in Jerrion Ealy, Snoop Connor, Jonathan Mingo, Deantre Prince and others, and there’s a lot to be excited about in this class.

“We just have to go build on it. There’s too many seniors to say we’re just going to build (for the future),” head coach Matt Luke said.

“We have a fan base that wants to win, so that’s what we’re going to try to go do. We’re going to put our guys in the best position to go win. But these freshmen are just going to keep getting better.”

By now, Ole Miss has moved to a pretty unique two-quarterback rotation. John Rhys Plumlee is seeing essentially half those snaps.

The backfield is a four-man rotation; two of them (Ealy and Connor) are also from that class of 2019. Nick Broeker, from that same class, is seeing time at left tackle and another true freshman in Mingo is starting regularly at receiver.

Defensively, there are three guys seeing playing time in the secondary from that 2019 T HE TOWN 7

class, two of which, Prince and Jay Stanley, have started in games.

“These guys, you’re talking about true freshmen who are playing for the first time in this kind of environment. They have a lot of work to do, but they’re eager and they’re great guys,” offensive coordinator Rich Rodriguez said. “We have some good young players and that’s exciting for the future. It’s disappointing right now, because we know we can play better. But when you see what the future holds for Ole Miss, Ole Miss football, 8 T H E TOWN

I think you can be excited when you look at those young guys.”

The new redshirting rules help with getting this many young guys on the field. Now, players are able to play in up to four games, as many snaps as the coaches would like to use them, and then still redshirt. That mostly affects guys like Grant Tisdale, who came in late against Alabama to get some work at quarterback. He threw a touchdown in that one, but there’s a good chance he could still redshirt based on the rule.

Coming into the summer, there was room for optimism from this class. Luke said recruiting these guys, you hope you can get an impact from them right away. That said, you never totally know what you have until they show up on campus.

But at least for now, this 2019 recruiting class that ranked 22nd in the nation is setting itself up to be a critical fixture in the attempt to turn the Ole Miss program around.

“We have a lot of talent, for sure,” Plumlee said. “If we can work on the little things, and get really good at the little things, I think we have the potential to be really special.”

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?

CITY OF OXFORD DOWNTOWN PARKING DISTRICT

Parking on the Square can be difficult, especially during Ole Miss football season. Refer to the Square Parking District map and these tips to find the best parking solution for you.

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PREMIUM, CURBSIDE PARKING:

TAXI & LIMO SERVICES

These are curbside spaces located along the main roads leading to the Oxford Square during the hours of 10 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturdays – Holidays, Sundays and Football Game Days excluded. Football Game Days are restricted to 3-hour limit.

RATES: $0.05 = 2 MINUTES OF PARKING $0.10 = 4 MINUTES OF PARKING $0.25 = 12 MINUTES OF PARKING $1.25 = 1 HOUR OF PARKING PRO TIP: USE THE PASSPORT PARKING APP TO FEED YOUR METER NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE ON THE SQUARE.

LONG-TERM PARKING LOTS:

For your convenience, the City has several off street surface lots, which have no time limits and provide free long-term parking. Consult the signs around the square or use the map to locate these lots.

Aside from public transportation, the city also has several taxi and limo services available to provide transportation around town and even to the Memphis International Airport.

J&A TAXI........................................................................... 662-715-9290 ANGEL TAXI.................................................................. 662-236-5557 REBEL TAXI...................................................................662-832-7433 ROCK STAR TAXI........................................................ 662-701-7019 OXFORD TAXI............................................................... 662-701-7310 AUSTIN TAXI................................................................ 662-832-9705 A-1 TAXI.............................................................................. 662-380-1581 HOME SAFE TAXI....................................................662-832-0205 DIXIE TAXI...................................................................... 662-550-0104 COLONEL TAXI...........................................................662-832-7325 NEED A RIDE................................................................662-607-2631 OXFORD YELLOW TAXI......................................662-701-7209 VARSITY TAXI................................................................662-832-2197 REBEL RICKSHAW.................................................662-816-9796 TAXI JACKSON...........................................................662-268-9969 COUNTY TAXI............................................................... 901-270-6138 RANDALL TAXI...........................................................662-816-3448 ZOE’S TAXI.....................................................................662-202-4681 MAGNOLIA TAXI...................................................... 662-400-5286 Q’S TAXI...........................................................................662-897-0975 FLYING TUK...................................................................662-205-6312 DANIELS TAXI AND SHUTTLE........................662-816-9626

LIMO SERVICE:

VARSITY TAXI............................................................... 662-832-2197 OXFORD LIMOUSINE SERVICE...................662-259-0508

LOCK OUT

CRIME 1

LOCK UP

2

SECURE BELONGINGS

3

REPORT CRIMES

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO THE OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

662-232-2400 12 T H E TOWN

GAME DAY PARKING Parking on Ole Miss game days can be tricky, but the University provides plenty of options for fans to get to the Grove and the game safely. Since last season, all game-day shuttle services have been complimentary. There are three off-campus parking lots and shuttle pickup locations: FNC Park, the Jackson Avenue Center and South Oxford Center, formerly the site of Baptist Memorial HospitalNorth Mississippi. Shuttles drop off at Paris-Yates Chapel on campus, a central location between tailgating festivities and Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Gameday shuttle service begins at least five hours prior to kickoff and ends two hours following the conclusion of the game. Fans are asked to be courteous to others around them. Please refrain from smoking and abusive or profane language. Alcohol, weapons and non-service animals are prohibited.

Fans are asked to please be respectful with coolers, strollers and other large items.

Double Decker busses will also be offering free shuttle rides to and from campus and the Square. This shuttle will run during the game and for two hours afterward.

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All parking passes must be requested for $150 through the Ole Miss Ticket Office. The number of passes each Ole Miss Athletics Foundation member can purchase will be based on their annual gift to the football priority seating fund as follows: $50-$4,999 = one parking pass; $5,000$9,999 = two passes; $10,000 and up = three passes.

Passes can be purchased online or over the phone by calling 662-915-7159 and speaking with an Ole Miss Athletics representative.

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EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT NOVEMBER 21

M. RANDAL O’WAIN ON THACKER MOUNTAIN RADIO

6 P.M. THE LYRIC OXFORD

JOIN THACKER MOUNTAIN RADIO FOR A FUN TIME AT THE LYRIC THEATRE. THE SHOW ONLY TAKES THE LYRIC STAGE ONCE OR TWICE PER SEASON, SO IT’S A CAN’T-MISS EVENT FOR LITERATURE LOVERS EVERYWHERE.

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WHAT TO DO IN OXFORD

NOVEMBER 1

NOVEMBER 1-3 Christmas Open House 2019 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday & Sunday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday Discount Building Materials and Home Center NOVEMBER 1 Historical Halloween Carnival 5:30 p.m.

Magnolia Montessori School NOVEMBER 2 Oxford Maker’s Market 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Courthouse Lawn Pete the Cat, the Musical 10:30 a.m.

Ford Center NOVEMBER 3 Mississippi’s Walk for Diabetes 1 to 4 p.m.

Lyceum – University of Mississippi NOVEMBER 4 Cassandra King with “Tell Me a Story” 5:30 p.m.

Off Square Books Halloween Candy Buy-Back 8 a.m.

Lee Family Dentistry

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Ronzo: A Celebration 7 to 9 p.m.

The Powerhouse The Family and Friends of Ron ‘Ronzo’ Shapiro have invited everyone to an evening of food and drinks with stories and toasts and live music – maybe a surprise or two. You know, a Ronzo party. Give Ronzo one last toast, from the town he loved most.

NOVEMBER 19

3 Blind Wines 6 p.m.

The Powerhouse The 2019 3 Blind Wines event benefits the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and the Lafayette Literary Council. Find a team member, choose three bottles of wine and get ready to sample your favorites! Winners get to take home a cellar’s worth of wine!

WHAT TO DO IN OXFORD NOVEMBER 6 Brad Thomas Parsons in conversation with Joe Stinchcomb, John ‘Coonie’ Spreafico and John T. Edge 6 p.m.

Saint Leo Lounge 7th Annual Edith T. Baine Lecture Series for Scholars and Writers with Terrance Hayes 6 p.m.

David H. Nutt Auditorium NOVEMBER 7 Margaret Wilkerson Sexton on Thacker Mountain Radio 6 p.m.

Off Square Books

Saint Leo Lounge Ladies Night 7 p.m.

Saint Leo Lounge NOVEMBER 8 William H. Morris with “This Magic Moment” 5 p.m.

Off Square Books NOVEMBER 15 Marilyn Tinnin signs “Mae Mae’s Grandmother Book” 5 p.m.

Off Square Books

NOVEMBER 21 Frozen Sing-along 6 p.m.

Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library NOVEMBER 29 Record Store Day/Black Friday 2019 11 a.m.

End of All Music NOVEMBER 29-30 YAC Holiday Art Market The Powerhouse 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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GAMES &

GROWLERS BLIND PIG AND BAD EDDIE’S BRING OUT THE CHILD IN EVERYONE The Blind Pig Pub and Bad Eddie’s Hobbies and Collectibles partnered to host a weekly game night gathering What do sandwiches, Nintendo with video game consoles, cards and Switch, Cards Against Humanity and board games. draft beer all have in common?

Seth Waite, a bartender at the Blind You can find them all at The Blind Pig for four years, was a chief organizer Pig. of the event.

PHOTOS AND STORY BY CHRISTINA STEUBE

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“This is something that myself and another employee have thought about starting for a long time on a random weekday night,” he said.

Waite is also the tournament organizer at Bad Eddie’s for card games including Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons, and said he felt this was the perfect opportunity for a partnership.

Now, every Tuesday at 8 p.m., patrons can pay $5 and play Xbox, Playstation or Switch for the whole night with games including Madden, Fifa, Call of Duty and many others.

“It’s a nice collaboration between two local businesses,” Waite said.

The main focus is on video games, especially the Nintendo Switch’s popular game Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, but there are also games like Cards Against Humanity and Joking Hazard, which are guaranteed

to bring a few laughs to the night.

The game night started just a few months ago, but Waite said attendance has been consistent each week since it’s been up and running.

The Blind Pig has long been the place to go on the Square for darts and pool, but the new addition appeals to more broad interests, allows for more options and highlights Bad Eddie’s.

Bad Eddie’s just celebrated its one-year anniversary. The hobby and collectible store, located on Jackson Avenue, has comic books, old-school action figures, Pop Funko dolls, Manga and even TVs and game consoles in a lounge within the store.

“If it’s a nerdy hobby, we cater to it,” Waite said.

Each week, Bad Eddie’s also hosts different game events, like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, and

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others. Gamers can even reserve a private room each week for game play, and new members are welcome.

Additionally, Bad Eddie’s brings out the retro game consoles, like Nintendo

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Game Cube and Sega Dreamcast to host tournaments.

But for the latest games combined with food and drink, its game night at Blind Pig is the place to be.

TOWN TUNES NOVEMBER 1 BoomBox 9 p.m.

Proud Larry’s

Bishop Gunn 9 p.m.

Proud Larry’s NOVEMBER 16 George Porter, Jr. 9 p.m.

Proud Larry’s

NOVEMBER 4 UM Faculty Recital Series: Adam Estes 7:30 p.m.

David H. Nutt Auditorium

NOVEMBER 19 Windscape 7:30 p.m.

Ford Center

NOVEMBER 5 Pierce Edens 7 p.m.

Proud Larry’s

Sea Moya 7 p.m.

Proud Larry’s

NOVEMBER 6 Dee White 9 p.m.

Proud Larry’s NOVEMBER 7 Mason Ramsey 8 p.m.

The Lyric

NOVEMBER 9 Mungion 9 p.m.

Proud Larry’s

NOVEMBER 8 Live on the Lawn 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

University of Mississippi Museum

NOVEMBER 15 Live on the Lawn 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

University of Mississippi Museum

Boy Named Banjo 9 p.m.

Proud Larry’s

Riley Green 7p.m.

The Lyric

NOVEMBER 20 William Clark Green 9 p.m.

Proud Larry’s NOVEMBER 21 Liturgical Folk 7 to 9 p.m.

618 McLarty Rd., Oxford NOVEMBER 25 Cloud Nothings 9 p.m.

Proud Larry’s NOVEMBER 26 Hippo Campus 9 p.m.

The Lyric Oxford

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*Some promotions may be limited to select sets. Not responsible for errors in ad copy. Quantities and selections may vary by location. Mattress images are for illustration purposes only. Gifts with purchase (including gift cards and rebates) are not valid with any other promotions except special financing for 6 or 12 months. 0% for 72 months available with 20% down and not valid with any other offer and does not include sales tax. **Monthly payment is based on purchase price alone excluding tax and delivery charges. Credit purchases subject to credit approval. Other transactions may affect the monthly payment. ***The Nationwide Marketing Group credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 11/5/2019 and is subject to change. For current T HE 23 information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 12/3/2019. ****Free base offer applies to either queen base or one of two bases required for King size with set purchase. All sale pricesTOWN are factory rollbacks.

A LITTLE TWANG MASON RAMSEY IS TAKING THE LYRIC BY STORM 24 T H E TOWN

BY ANNA GUIZERIX PHOTOS COURTESY OF MASONRAMSEYOFFICIAL.COM

As the youngest major-label country artist signed in the genre in nearly two decades, Mason Ramsey continues his fast-track to stardom after being discovered singing in an aisle at his local Walmart. The Golconda, Ill.-bred phenomenon is taking his TWANG EP on the road this fall during HOW’S UR GIRL & HOW’S UR FAMILY PT. 2, following his first sold-out headline tour.

Named among Variety’s 2019 Young Hollywood list, Ramsey supported Florida Georgia Line during their FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS residency, as well as labelmate Chris Lane. He’s appeared at the famed Grand Ole Opry, in addition to high-profile

festivals: CMA Fest, iHeartCountry Festival, Stagecoach and Coachella.

Nominated for the Social Star Award at the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Ramsey has also made major television appearances on Good Morning America, Ellen, and Today.

Most recently, Ramsey received a standout feature on the remix of Lil Nas X’s record-breaking “Old Town Road” (with Billy Ray Cyrus and Young Thug), which exceeded over 20 million streams globally in the first week alone and catapulted Ramsey to Twitter’s No. 1 Worldwide Trending Topic. The blockbuster song’s remix was accompanied by two viral visuals including an emoji-filled lyric video and an Area 51-inspired visual, which have a combined total of over 25 million views on YouTube.

Mason spoke with The Town about his new tour, how his life has

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talk to my grandpa Ernie about being on the Grand Ole Opry stage one day, and now everyone there is like family to me. I’ve been growing up while traveling, and getting to see so Q: What are you most many places I never imagined looking forward to when it visiting. That performance in Walmart really made all my comes to playing Oxford? dreams come true.

A: I came to town for the Q: What’s it like having first time last spring, and can’t forget the energy from that your first, and now crowd… it was amazing! I also second, headlining think (The Lyric) is cool – it’s tour before the age of really open and I get to see the 15? whole crowd when I sing. I A: It’s so cool! love that!

It’s a true honor to Q: How has your life have so many people changed since finding fame supporting me. I love in a Walmart at such a young meeting my fans at shows, and hearing how age? much they enjoy my A: Everything has changed. music. I am so grateful When I was little, I used to for everyone. changed and how excited he is to play the Lyric on November 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $17 and are available at http:// thelyricoxford.com.

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Q: Do you have any new music in the works?

A: I always have new music in the works. I think y’all will love it!

Q: What goals or aspirations do you have for your career?

What’s next for Mason Ramsey?

A: I want to keep bringing my music to everyone everywhere.

I’d love to someday do a world tour.

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28 T H E TOWN

KEEP IT FRESH SOLA CHEF ERIKA LIPE SHARES HER NEW VISION FOR A CLASSIC EATERY

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SoLa, short for South Lamar Boulevard, is the new face of the Within the realm of Oxford, there restaurant formerly known as The Wine Bar. When Chef Erika Lipe is no shortage of food choices.

But sometimes, going out to grab took over the Wine Bar kitchen, she a bite to eat can lead to the hardest explained that she and her fellow choice: where to go? An update on an cuisine developers had ample space established Square mainstay may be for creativity and evolution. Slowly, the supreme answer to that question. as their style and flavors continued to develop into the perfectly dubbed “Twisted Cuisine” they have today, Lipe and the team decided their overall branding needed to reflect the new heart and soul behind the delicious food.

Lipe began her journey in the cooking world when she was 14. Her mother owned a coffee shop and bistro that went by the name of Java Jive. By the age of 20, she had started her professional cooking career.

“Immediately, I knew it would be a lifelong relationship,” Lipe said.

Her personal love for specialty cuisine is apparent in the carefully

BY KATIE LIVINGSTON

30 T H E TOWN

and creatively crafted menu that SoLa gives their customers.

One of the taglines SoLa has adopted is “We like to keep it fresh.”

This mantra is clearly infused in the inception of every item on the menu. Lipe has partnered

with Home Place Pastures, a local farm found in Como, to provide sustainable and delicious ingredients that enable her food to stand out boldly. Despite having home grown ingredients, the stylistic choices behind each item goes far beyond just local. Chief Erika has a passion

Fabric • drapery • bedding custom sewing • upholstery Blinds • Shutters

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for the techniques and flavors from across all cultures. You will see anything from Erika’s Grandmother’s Spaghetti, withMammaw’s red sauce, to a Tumeric Glazed Pineapple Pork Loin, with spicy white bean masala, to a Veal Piccata, with a classic lemon-caper butter sauce.

Trust me, you need to experience every plate SoLa offers!

When asked what inspired the menu choices, Chief Erika shared with us that she mainly hopes to offer an original and delectable experience. “There are so many talented cooks and restaurant workers here doing their thing, and doing it right,” Erika shared. “A lot of what we offer are dishes you can’t get around town.

That’s how our Ramen night started!”

Moving forward, SoLa hopes to be a home and safe place for creatives to come and experience unique food and divine, refreshing drinks. Lipe hopes to continue providing work space for talented and honest young people who are cultivating their personal relationships with food. Not only does SoLa look to welcome people in,

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but they also are very involved with catering pick-up orders in the grove and offering private Christmas party reservation specials, if booked before Thanksgiving. If you are looking to host an event of any source, you would find a perfect environment with amazing food at SoLa!

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BALSAMIC-ROASTED

FINGERLING POTATOES WITH ASPARAGUS

Add a little flavor to your Thanksgiving table with this twist on two veggie mainstays. We love the ease of convenience that comes with a one-pan dish. Varying textures – the almost caramelized skin of the potatoes, the crispiness of the roasted asparagus – pair perfectly year-round with a variety of main dishes. The bite from the balsamic vinegar can be as mild or apparent as you’d prefer; it’s all a matter of taste. Plus, this is one dish that reheats beautifully.

If you’re not a turkey fan, or want to make this dish on a day besides Thanksgiving, we recommend serving it alongside a rosemary-roasted chicken or a Dijon-glazed pork loin.

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WHAT YOU NEED:

PUT IT ALL TOGETHER:

1 LB. FINGERLING POTATOES (WE RECOMMEND THE MULTICOLORED ONES AVAILABLE THIS TIME OF YEAR) 1 BUNDLE ASPARAGUS, CUT INTO 2-INCH PIECES OR HALVED 2 TBSP. GARLICINFUSED OLIVE OIL (STOP BY J. OLIVE ON THE SQUARE FOR A PREMIUM SELECTION) 4 TBSP. BALSAMIC VINEGAR A GENEROUS PINCH OF SALT AND PEPPER

1. PREHEAT OVEN TO 400 DEGREES. 2. IN A LARGE ROASTING TIN (OR A 9-BY-13INCH CASSEROLE DISH), ADD THE OLIVE OIL, BALSAMIC VINEGAR AND SALT. ADD THE POTATOES, TOSSING TO COAT FULLY, AND ROAST FOR 20 MINUTES. 3. AFTER 20 MINUTES, ADD THE ASPARAGUS AND A LITTLE EXTRA OLIVE OIL AS NEEDED – USE YOUR BEST JUDGMENT. 4. TOSS TO COAT ONCE MORE, AND COOK FOR ANOTHER 15 MINUTES UNTIL ASPARAGUS LOOKS CRISPY AND THE POTATOES ARE FORK-TENDER. 5. SEASON WITH SALT, PEPPER AND EXTRA BALSAMIC TO TASTE. YIELDS 4 SERVINGS.

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FROM ISLAND TIME TO

THE VELVET DITCH TAARIQ DAVID COMES FULL CIRCLE BEHIND THE BAR AT LOST PIZZA CO. And according to David, it’s only fair for a signature cocktail to pair well with Oxford is a foodie town, but it’s an open rooftop.

“You just can’t beat a drink on the becoming increasingly known for its patio,” David said. bar programs as well.

He’s been the bar manager at Lost Pizza Lost Pizza Co. may not be a place you immediately think of for hand-crafted for about a year, but brings along 10 years cocktails, but bar manager Taariq David of experience in the Oxford restaurant is changing that. Of its 16 locations, the industry. He’s been behind the bar or Oxford Lost Pizza is the one of only two managing it at premium cocktails spots like Bouré, Lamar Lounge, Saint Leo and Grit. with a full bar.

BY CHRISTINA STEUBE

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David said he aims to bring the craft to everyone, with a $5 classic cocktail special.

“Everybody deserves to have a great drink and it doesn’t have to be expensive,” David said. “I’m

definitely in the blue-collar middle-class, and I love to have a good cocktail. Lost Pizza had the opportunity to do something different, so now we’ve introduced a signature cocktail menu.”

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One of the newest signature drinks is the Mary, Queen of Scots, which placed in this year’s Iron Bartender competition. It includes Hendricks gin, rose syrup, cucumber, monkfruit, St. Germain and prosecco.

Another signature cocktail, “My Man, 50

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Grand,” features Bourbon, honey, lemon and averna, a liqueur that David has been experimenting with lately.

“Research is important, and playing around with different combinations is the best way to create something,” David said.

“You can have the talent, but you have to put in the work. I tell my bartenders that to be great at this, they have to invest time outside of their bar shifts for research and experimentation.”

He also said it’s important to know the audience. Oxford is definitely a bourbon town, so he’s always going to have a signature bourbon cocktail with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

“We try to create something different enough that it pushes the envelope, but also fits where we are,” David said. “It’s wild what all goes together.”

David’s journey to Lost Pizza has come full circle, in a way. He was born in Washington, D.C., but

his family moved to St. Croix when he was three years old, and stayed there for about a decade. He returned to St. Croix in his 20s and met his wife there.

But during that time, he frequented Lost Dog Pub and Pizza, a local eatery on the island.

Lost Pizza founder Brooks Roberts was living in St. Croix in 2007, when his former college roommate Preston Lott visited him. They were inspired by the design of Lost Dog Pub, and opened the first Lost Dog Pizza in Indianola, Miss. shortly after, eventually changing the name to Lost Pizza Co. “The décor and vibe is definitely modeled after the pub in St. Croix,” David said. “It’s a crazy thing for me to end up here, but it adds a special element to my job.”

Lost Pizza, located on College Hill, is open seven days a week 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

We have something for everyone

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THE LAST WORD Though David can create virtually any cocktail, his personal favorite is a classic – The Last Word. The gin-based drink was originally created in Detroit right after prohibition, and also includes green chartreuse liqueur.

“I love green chartreuse so much that myself and two friends got tattoos together of green chartreuse,” he said.

INGREDIENTS: ¾ OZ. GIN ¾ OZ. GREEN CHARTREUSE ¾ OZ. LUXARDO ¾ OZ. LIME JUICE POUR ALL INGREDIENTS IN A COCKTAIL SHAKER. SHAKE WITH ICE TO CHILL AND COMBINE. DOUBLE-STRAIN INTO A COUPE GLASS, AND GARNISH WITH LIME.

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137 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655 stashhome.com

IN STYLE

MODERN MERCANTILE NIELSON’S SERVES AS A ONESTOP SHOP FOR THE MODERN SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

BY KATIE LIVINGSTON

Anyone who’s seen Oxford’s famed Square has seen the bastion of the town’s history and culture known as Neilson’s Department Store.

Founded by William Smith Neilson, born in 1812 in the mountains of Green County in East Tennessee, Neilson’s store began in the pioneer days of Lafayette County.

In 1838, Neilson decided to migrate to new land being opened by the U. S.

government. He loaded his goods on two ox-wagons and set forth. He considered locating his store in Memphis, but decided to continue to Oxford, where the University of Mississippi would soon be established. His first store was a small log cabin on the North side of the Courthouse Square. He stocked groceries, hardware, drugs, even coffins – everything a pioneer family might need, in one store.

William Smith Neilson prospered along with the T HE TOWN 43

IN STYLE

CLOCKWISE, BEGINNING TOP LEFT: BRAX- COOPER TWO TONE PANT, $175; DEADSOXY POWDER BLUE SHARK SOCKS, $20; MIZZEN + MAIN RED & BLUE MINI CHECK BUTTON-UP, $125; MADISON CREEK REVERSIBLE MEMPHIS VEST, $425.

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IN STYLE

CLOCKWISE, BEGINNING TOP LEFT: RALPH LAUREN QUILTED JACKET, $268; PROPERLY TIED CLASSIC FLANNEL BUTTON UP, $74.50; MOUNTAIN KHAKI RANCH SHEARLING JACKET, $159; OXFORD SIGNATURE PERFORMANCE PANT, $125.

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“

town. He improved his store, moving it several times, always upgrading. He located first on the North side of the square, then on the South side, and finally on the West side.

The only time business came to a halt was when the store was burned by Union general AJ ‘Whiskey’ Smith in 1864. Thankfully, Neilson had the foresight to convert all his earnings to gold and bury it in - Lane Wilson, his back yard long before this.

General Manager at Neilson’s He was able to rebuild and restock, and Neilson’s became new and exciting pieces to be featured at the store we know and love this elite store. today.

Within the men’s department, Neilson’s Although it started out as a mercantile strives to provide great quality clothing shop more than 180 years ago, shoppers can go in and find amazing brands for the man of distinction, at great value. in women’s, men’s, children or gift They center their clothing lines around departments, and more. As we move into traditional Southern fashion, providing a new season, customers can expect many outfits that cater to all the different needs a Southern man may have for his clothing.

“As Menswear has become more casual,” shared Lane Wilson, the store’s General Manager, “We have worked hard to capture what our customer base desires.”

Due to the store’s long and prosperous career, a majority of the brands they feature have established strong relationships with Neilson’s and their clientele. Some of the more traditional brands they carry include Ralph Lauren, Oxford, Mizzen+Main, Madison Creek, Brax Cooper, Vineyard Vines, Southern Marsh and Southern Tide.

These brands are well-known across the country for their comfortable, yet versatile, style that provides men with clothes they can either dress up or wear casually. What may surprise shoppers is that Neilson’s also carries many wellknown and well-loved outdoor brands: Mountain Khaki, Kuhl, North Face, and Columbia. These brands allow men to find the perfect outfit to support them while they engage in activities they love, such as going to a sporting event, hiking with the family or going on a trip.

I continually challenge our staff to go above and beyond in providing an outstanding customer experience focusing on great customer service

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”

Neilson’s also features some more specialty brands that are owned by Ole Miss grads, including Properly Tied and Dead Soxy.

This wide variety offered provides the perfect stop for any man or anyone shopping for the man in their lives. In one stop, you can provide them clothes they will love, at a cost you will love. Along with these benefits, shoppers get to experience the widely known

amazing customer service that comes with a small town established business.

“I continually challenge our staff to go above and beyond in providing an outstanding customer experience focusing on great customer service,” Wilson said.

No matter if your style is casual, classic, or contemporary, the Neilson’s team is there to help you feel your best in everything you wear.

NEEL-SON’S

OR

NELSON’S?

WITHIN THE MEMORY OF EVERYONE NOW LIVING, THE FAMILY AND THE STORE HAVE BEEN CALLED “NELSON’S” BY LOCAL FOLKS. BUT BRANCHES OF THE NEILSON FAMILY PRONOUNCE THE NAME “NEEL-SON”. IN RECENT HISTORY, A STORE RADIO JINGLE PRONOUNCED THE NAME “NEEL-SON’S”, A STORM OF PROTEST WAS RAISED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS. THE FOLKS AT NEILSON’S ANSWER TO EITHER PRONUNCIATION, OF COURSE.

Cater your holiday parties in our house or yours!

Holiday sides and entrees available

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ï…­

@j a n e _ o x f o r d m s

Dedicated to your care.

Baptist North Mississippi is proud to offer exceptional care to Oxford and Lafayette County, with advanced services and premier technologies to provide high-quality care for generations to come.

• Acute and Outpatient

• Heartburn Treatment Center

• Sleep Disorders Center

Rehabilitation

• Cancer Center

• Weight Loss Center

• Chest Pain Center

• Women’s Pavilion

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baptistonline.org/northmiss

Get Better.

662-636-1000